Christ Community Church (formerly ECC): Recent Episodes
Bob Whitaker
The second in our three-part series, "Good News, Good Works, for the Good of the Nations," where we stop and take a look at who we are as a church.
In this new three-part series, "Good News, Good Works, for the Good of the Nations," we'll stop and take a look at who we are as a church.
This Sunday, we began a new summer series, "Deep Cuts," considering stories and characters that don't get much airplay.
James wants us to consider what Jesus' return will mean, from the vantage points of both the rich and the brothers and sisters in Christ.
James turns on a figurative check engine light to prompt a self-examination into the root of problems among believers.
Today we took a walkthrough of The Day of Atonement, looking for how it points ahead to God's ultimate redemptive work.
Pastor Dan kicks off our Lenten series, which will take us through some key events in the Old Testament that demonstrate that the Crucifixion and Resurrection weren't just accidents of history; they were part of God's plan to restore and redeem.
A wake-up call from James exhorting believers to not only hear the word of God but do what it says.
We're always trying to manage our expectations. Advent reminds us of a sure foundation for hope.
This Sunday we hosted a guest speaker, bringing the sermon "Building the Walls in Exile" from Nehemiah 1-4 and Acts 18.
Pastor Bob takes us through the overall story of Paul's letter to the Galatians so that we can better understand his meaning in the passage we're focusing on today: Galatians 2:15-21 (The Message).
What can we learn from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus the Pharisee about faith and the kingdom of God?
Some questions and answers to help us connect the dots from Communion and baptism to the gospel.
As Abraham walked in faith, God put a serious curve in his road. We can expect him to do the same with us to grow our faith.
A Psalm of Ascent meant to be sung on the way to Jerusalem, Psalm 120 can help us on our own journey to reach the "place of peace".
Pastor Bob highlights persons in the Bible who exhibit a practiced endurance to their faith.
This Sunday, we begin a new series, "Faith as a Journey". In week one, we look at "The Nature of Faith" from Hebrews 11:1-3.
Pastor Dan brings our series "Learning to Walk: Discipleship in the In-Between" to a close.
In Ephesians Ch. 4, Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to fellowship with Christ and the Church. Yesterday, Pastor Dan gave us some practical notes to help us continue looking at discipleship between the time of Christ's ascension and return.
Today Pastor Dan began our series "Learning to Walk: Discipleship in the In-Between". Our reading came from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (ESV).
God is silent through most of the Book of Job, but in chapter 38 he responds to Job and his counselors.
Denial. Isolation. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. The stages of grief seem applicable to Job, who feels cornered in his suffering. How does he respond to God and to those who try to offer him counsel?
Job is struggling, and friends come to visit. Join us in taking a look at responses to his suffering: this Sunday, his friends' response; next Sunday, his response; and the following Sunday, God's response.(Reminder: If you haven't listened to the first two sermons in this 5-part series, start at the beginning and listen to them in order.)
A look at different reactions to Job's pain. (Reminder: If you haven't listened to the first sermon in this series, please do so before listening to this one.)
On Youth Sunday, Aaron Brown presented a message to our teens and our congregation for those times when we find ourselves in situations other than what we expected.
A look at perhaps the most surprising appearance of Jesus after his resurrection: when he appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus.
In the time between the Crucifixion and Ascension, Jesus appeared to different groups of people.
Jesus quoted Psalm 22 on the Cross. Let's take a look at the connections between this Psalm, Matthew 27, and Mark 15.
If we ignore history, we are destined to repeat its mistakes. The Israelites were admonished not to do this in Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3:7-13.
Psalm 89 was penned in the midst of a national crisis. How does this psalmist's experience help us when we suffer? How do we piece together God's sovereign faithfulness with what we experience at times? Additional reading: Luke 1:26-33.
Before looking for Christ in Psalm 45, we explore what this wedding song meant in the life of the Israelites.
Join us and the writer of Hebrews in looking for Christ in the text of Psalm 40. Readings: Psalm 40:1-8 and Hebrews 10:1-10.
Who can enter into the presence of God? Let's turn to Psalm 15 and Hebrews 9:22-28 for the answer.
How do we keep from seeing too much of ourselves in the Psalms? The safeguard is to look at what Jesus and the apostles said about the Psalms. Readings: Psalm 8, Hebrews 2:5-9.
This Sunday, we kicked off a new series, "Echoes of Christ in the Psalms". Readings were from Psalm 1 and Matthew 5:1-10.
This Sunday, we lit the Advent candle of Love and reflected on its significance in this season.
This first Sunday of Advent, a Sunday of Hope, we lean into our longing for a Savior to come and set things right.
This Sunday, Outreach Sunday, we consider the long history of Christian ministry to the disadvantaged as an outworking of genuine faith.
We finish up our series "Faith, Hope, and Love" with a final sermon on love, "Love Supreme," from 1 Corinthians 13.
How many songs do you know about love? Do they even all agree on the definition? We invite you to continue looking at the meaning of this word with us as we look at rightly ordered and disordered love. Reading: Colossians 3:1-3 and 1 John 2:15-17.
An expert in the Mosaic Law once asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Let's take a look at the uncomfortable answer.
In our passage this morning, the Apostle John uses the word "love" 15 times in five verses. John desired that all would know the love of God which was made known in Jesus Christ.
It's easy for the present to become all-consuming. The Apostle Paul helps us to navigate this by looking back and then ahead in order to give perspective to our present.
Our good friend Dr. David Mensah encouraged and challenged us with a message from John 21:1-9.
The first part of the sermon was cut off, but there's still plenty to hear as Pastor Bob unpacks the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1-3.
This message opens our fall series on faith, hope, and love. A look at the apostle Paul's writings gives us much to think about regarding the wrath and love of God.
Our Youth Pastor, Deontè Moses, gives a message on how culture disrupts systems. Paul's freeing a slave girl from a fortune-telling spirit certainly disrupted her owner's income stream in Acts 16:16-31.
Today we looked at an unexpected turn of events in Paul's plan as seeds of the gospel message spread.
We continue our series, Acts: Scattering, looking at the story of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to Christianity.
We continue our series in Acts considering the most famous conversion story of all time, Saul's.
Pastor Bob Whitaker moves us into a miniseries Scattering within our larger series on Acts.
We continue our series in Acts: Foundations, looking at how the ministry of the church was distributed among the members.
Continuing our summer study of Acts, we consider a key them from Acts 2, 3, &4 - Bold Witness!
Our youth led the service today and Pastor Bob gave a short homily to wrap up our series after promising that Deonte will preach at some point!
Today we look at what John is inviting the church to live in and believe in 1 John 2:18-27.
Reflect on the hope of Palm Sunday before turning next week to the tragedy and triumph of the Cross.
What can we take away from Mary's selfless act of worship, and how do we translate that into our contemporary world?
Today we kicked off a new sermon series on the Gospel of John. (Note: Three minutes towards the end of the recording were silent and have been cut out.)
This Sunday, we consider together Luke 2:22-38 and the presentation of Jesus at the temple.
On the 2nd Sunday of Advent, we focus on the love we were shown at the coming of Christ. Reading: Isaiah 40:9-11.
A sermon tying the previous miniseries on Identity into the current series on Community.
Today we opened a 3-part miniseries on "Identity" with a question: In our quest for self-understanding, are we asking the right question from the wrong starting point?
Last week we talked about the importance of grace in our lives; this week, we talk about giving it to others.
This wraps up our miniseries on truth within our fall sermon series Adjusting Our Focus.
This Sunday, Pastor Bob begins a new mini-series on Truth within our larger series, "Adjusting our Focus".
Pastor Bob begins the first 3-part miniseries on authority within our fall sermon series, Adjusting Our Focus.
A friend of CCC looks at a challenge the Israelites faced in the desert and how it relates to faith in Jesus.
How often do you think of Jesus as being joyful? Pastor Dan helps us focus on sharing in the joy of Christ.
Freedom in Christ is a wonderful theme of the New Testament. Over the ages, the church has learned that this freedom is something that must be chosen again and again.
Today we reflect on Revelation 21:1-6 and the promise of "a new heaven and a new earth".
The Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation as a message of hope to a persecuted minority, but it's also for us.
We're beginning a new series on how God has accomplished, but will still bring to completion, his redemptive work.
Today we wrap up our study of Nehemiah, recapping the main themes and how they connect to Christ.
We're in Nehemiah once again (8:1-12), looking in on the Israelites as they set aside time to rejoice.
Our friend Pastor Curtis Whittaker from Gary, IN encourages us with the power of prayer.
Nehemiah maintains his singular focus on building the wall. "Adversity is sometimes hard on a man, but for a man who can stand prosperity there are 100 who will stand adversity." -Thomas Carlyle
We're learning from Nehemiah as he addresses an unfortunate situation in Nehemiah 5:1-13.
Nehemiah had to navigate different kinds of opposition to the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Our middle school and high school students led us in worship today. Ken Edge, one of our middle school directors, spoke from Genesis 1:1-2 to help us meditate on the character of God.
We're following Nehemiah as he journeys back to Jerusalem to assess the scope of the work before him.
Palm Sunday. This Sunday we reflect on Jesus' Triumphal Entry and the Kingship of our Lord.
This Sunday, we wrap up our series on community by contemplating the church's mission as a sending body.
This Sunday, we contemplate what it means to be a worshipping community acknowledging that God is worthy of worship.
This Sunday, we consider what it means to share with the Community of Christ our time, treasure and talents.
We continue our series, considering what it means to listen to the Spirit as the Community of Christ.
We continue our new series on The Community of Christ, focusing on what it means to learn from and steward "the Tradition."
We continue our new series on The Community of Christ consider the church as a community shaped by the Word of God.
This fourth Sunday of advent we light the candle of peace and focus on the peace God offers his people.
Today we wrap up our New Testament Survey series with the book of Jude. (To finish out the New Testament with Revelation, check out our fall 2020 message series on the Book of Revelation at cccbloomington.org/revelation-of-jesus-christ.)
We continue our journey through the New Testament, looking at the letters from the apostle Peter.
We continue our journey through the New Testament, taking one week for an overview of the book of Hebrews.
The Apostle Paul speaks to Timothy, Titus, and us through his pastoral epistles about being good stewards of the gospel message.
Philemon, the third-smallest book of the Bible, is a big gift from Paul in a tiny package.
Ptolemy had a reasonable perspective on the movement of the stars and planets for his point in time, but a more accurate perspective was to come. Can we find a similar analogy when it comes to perspective on Christ?
Right in the middle of the "epistle of joy," Paul uses some harsh language to call people out. What's going on here?
What is it?
We are hard-wired with it at birth. It's natural, yet it's destructive. It's not an outside enemy--it's a necessary evil that is internal to our human disposition. What makes it insidious is that it seems necessary, and it is. Without it we can't survive, but with it we carry the seeds of our own misery and destruction, harmful to us and to others. We are at one and the same time completely aware of it and unaware of it, and absolutely overwhelmed by its presence. It is the most basic of all realities.
It is the self.
In our passage today, Paul gives us some extreme images about walking with Christ that relate to the devil.
“Whatever else is true about man, it is certainly true that man is not what he was meant to be.” –G.K. Chesterton This quote seems to summarize Paul’s idea of grace–that we all need it.
Paul is writing to defend himself as a minister of the gospel, but what he lays forth is not a typical defense.
The Apostle Paul lays out his thoughts very directly. Let's take a look at his thoughts on the resurrection.
Our faith is not a self-contained unit; it is a system with components that work together.
Paul tried to help the church in Corinth adjust their thinking as they navigated their familiar culture and their growing faith.
Encouragement from the Apostle Paul: Nothing--NOTHING--can separate us from God's love!
Our youth wrapped up another school year with Youth Sunday, celebrating our imperishable inheritance in Christ.
In this chapter, the gospel is coming to what we now know as Europe for the first time. We'll take a look at Paul and Silas's encounters with three individuals as they sought out believers.
Last week, we looked at one of the turning points in the history of the church. Today, we look at another.
Stephen's encounter before the Sanhedrin was a skirmish, a battle within the ongoing march of the gospel.
When we look at the past, we often look through rose-colored glasses. What was true about the early church, and how can this encourage us?
In Ch. 1 of Acts, the disciples are told, "You will be my witnesses." Peter's "sermon" on Pentecost launches the proclamation of the gospel to the whole world.
We begin a new series focused on the New Testament Church (Book of Acts).
The disciples were finally grasping what Jesus had told them…and were asked to wait.
Inexplicably, the Lord of Glory become the Man of Sorrows and goes to the cross for his people.
The Messiah has come, he has triumphed unexpectedly through a cross and empty tomb. Now ascended, Christ's kingdom advances through the church.
As Jesus makes his way to Calvary, we find some significant turning points in the conversation. What can we make of those?
Jesus knows he's going to leave the disciples soon. How does he prepare them to continue on in the kingdom work without him in this prayer in John 17:1-19?
The Beatitudes indirectly acknowledge the existence of two kingdoms. How do we live as subjects of both?
Stories are powerful, memorable, and profound. Jesus used story to capture our imagination and instruct us.
There is a lot of activity in the kingdom of God, but this activity may be most visible in the miracles of Jesus.
Even at age 12, Jesus knew that he was on his Father's mission. What did he model for us as he sat at the feet of teachers in the temple while his family searched for him frantically?
How did people take the news of Christ's birth? We'll look at a few instances in the Gospels.
We're breaking from our Revelation series for a week for a message from Pastor John from Colossians 4:2-18.
The Bible is often very puzzling. What can we glean from digging into Revelation 10-11?
Moving right along in Revelation, we'll look at chapters 8 and 9 in Pastor Bob's message on judgment.
We'll break from our Revelation series for a message from Pastor John on feeling alone, reading from Psalm 142.
We're pressing on in the book of Revelation, using chapter 4 to help us look at worship.
Looking at the last of the letters to the churches, we find that the self-sufficiency of the church in Laodicea was dangerous.
The church in Philadelphia may have been shut out of the synagogue, but an open door lay before them. What does this letter mean to the church, both the believers in Philadelphia and we the church today?
The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus calls them out for having a dead faith. Reading from Revelation 3:1-6.
Scripture tells us, "Fear not." Isaiah and the Israelites had many reasons to fear internal turmoil and external threats. How were they, and how are we, to move forward?
The church at Thyatira was called out for allowing someone to lead the people into idolatry. What are some things that coax us to turn to contemporary idols today?
The church at Pergamum was building with a crooked plumb line. How can we be sure to follow the truth of the word of God and not get off-track?
The Christ-followers in Smyrna were to know much of suffering. What perspective can we gain from the experience of suffering of those who have gone before?
A look at some admonitions to the people and church at Ephesus and the role of radical love.
Without Jesus death and resurrection, Jesus' teachings have no meaning. This sermon wraps up our series "The Gospel According to Jesus".
What is it that Jesus is trying to convey in his answer to the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-31?
John continues our series on 'The Gospel According to Jesus,' thinking about traditions, laws, and God's desire for our hearts.
Dan continues our series "The Gospel According to Jesus" by looking at the temptation narrative in Matthew 4.
Bob continues the series "The Good News According to Jesus," eavesdropping on Jesus' conversation with his Heavenly Father.
Bob continues our series on 'The Gospel According to Jesus', going back to John 15 for a bit more good truth!
Pastor John continues the series 'The Gospel According to Jesus', diving into a story of healing from demonic oppression and the role of faith.
Pastor Bob continues our series The Gospel According to Jesus by reflecting on the incredible story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet.
Bob begins our new series, "The Gospel According to Jesus," with the sermon "The Law of Love."
Pastor John Mangrum reflects on the meaning of delighting, even boasting, in our weaknesses.
Pastor Bob explores what it means to pray 'lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'
Dan Waugh continues the series on the Lord's Prayer contemplating God's forgiveness and ours.
In our first ever live stream, Pastor John continues our series on the Lord's Prayer, considering the petition "give us our daily bread, today."
A look at Jesus' first petition in the Lord's Prayer, through the lens of our Ghana team's recent experience with our brothers and sisters in Carpenter, Ghana.
The disciples walked with Jesus, and even they asked him to teach them more about prayer. In this sermon series, we will explore Jesus' response to their question.
Contentment is not found in wealth, poverty or a stoical attitude on the circumstances of life. So how do we find contentment according to the Apostle Paul? Let's think about that together.
Bob continues the series on Philippians, urging with Paul that we refuse to look behind us and strain on to the goal, maintaining our singular focus on Christ.
Pastor Bob continues the series on Philippians, considering Paul's rejections of all the things he could boast about in exchange for the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus.
The Christ Hymn of Philippians 2 is a beautiful text describing Jesus' humility and exaltation. It also provides the pattern for us to pursue as we strive for unity in his church.
We're kicking off a sermon series in Philippians, the "book of joy." Let's start by considering some of the challenges and contributors to joy.
4th Sunday of Advent. Our hurts and sorrows are part of us, and hiding from them doesn't help. But God has come, God is with us, and therefore joy can still be found.
The 3rd Sunday in Advent. The angels came and announced peace to the shepherds. What would these shepherds have discovered about that peace?
The biblical instruction to give thanks is both a command and a blessing. Let's consider that together.
Every week of this series, a video has played to introduce the sermon. This video includes a quote by Einstein: "Imagination is more important than knowledge...imagination embraces the entire world and all there ever will be to know and understand." For the Christian, this imagination (I think "faith" is a better word) includes eternity and all we know of God's eternal blessings. Adopting a perspective that includes eternity is the key to true wisdom.
How do we find divine guidance for our lives? It seems that the Proverbs give us a way forward. Let’s think about what divine guidance means.
Pastor Bob Whitaker explores what the wisdom literature has to saw about wealth and poverty.
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord...an honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips." Obviously, God values honesty and integrity.
Friends and neighbors can be life-giving, troubling, annoying, and necessary for a full and happy life. Scripture has some words of wisdom on this, so let's study it together.
Work does not equal life. Americans take the fewest vacation days of countries in the developed world. But, the opposite of work is also dangerous. What does Proverbs have to teach us about holding work in a proper light?
For the Christian, the ultimate authority is God. The practical question is, "How should we follow God when we have authority or live under it?"
Here is a message from Proverbs: "Choose your words carefully and don't use too many of them."
The advice of Proverbs 4 is straightforward. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get it! Pursue it! Spend everything you have to find it! It is life to you.
The amount of raw knowledge that is available to us is amazing. The amount of wisdom in our society is paltry. That's why Proverbs is so important.
How can we truly become what our middle name suggests: Evangelical COMMUNITY Church? Come and let's think about it.
Receiving, Equipping, Sending. This has been true of ECC since the beginning. We receive folks in fellowship, equip them for service, and send them out. Let's keep it up!
What is the DNA of our church, and how does it connect us to the grander, larger Church of Jesus Christ?
Sharing can involve gain but also sometimes sacrifice. Do we gain or sacrifice, or both, when we share the gospel?
In this message we look at Jesus' call to give. Two separate and very different stories are recorded in Mark 12 and both deserve some serious reflection. What does it mean to give "to God the things that are God's"? If everything truly belongs to him as the creator of all things, how do we give it to him and meet our worldly obligations? What does "giving to God" look like? We'll explore these questions and more.
We seem designed to depend upon one another, and we certainly depend on our God. But trusting another is risky; how do we know who we can trust? How do we know we can trust God?
Jesus gave the church a model prayer to teach us how to pray. The Lord's Prayer isn't just six petitions we should repeat vainly, but instead teaches us something about the proper perspectives or postures in prayer. This Sunday we'll consider how we, individually and corporately, can faithfully respond to Jesus' call to pray.
The action verb for this week is LOVE. According to Jesus we must even love our enemies. Is this a realistic command? If so, how can we do it?
According to Jesus, we are the light of the world. We are instructed to live in such a way that our lives point to God.
In the gospel stories, most of the encounters with Jesus include a call to action. This week, the focus is one word: Follow!
We want to life the life that Scripture calls us to life, but it's hard. Is simply putting your head down and trying harder the answer?
Our high school and middle school students lead us in worship and covered all aspects of the service today.
The good news concerning Jesus Christ was first announced by angels, then by Jesus himself and later by the disciples. Now it's our turn!
Continuing our series "Just the Essentials," we turn to consider the role of Scripture in the life of the believer. Paul's second letter to Timothy reminds us why we keep the Bible at the center of our corporate and personal spiritual lives, allowing it to inform, nourish, and make demands of us. This letter also gives us a tremendous model to follow, a model of passing on a love and respect for Scripture to the next generations.
There is nothing more central to the Christian faith than the cross of Christ. Ironically, this Roman symbol of death is the source of life.
This morning we heard from David Mensah, who directs the ministry of GRID-NEA in northern Ghana. The Israelites gathered around Ezra as the Law was read and worshiped the Lord for his goodness. God has given us who gather today in his Name much reason to follow their example.
This morning we heard from David Mensah, who directs the ministry of GRID-NEA in northern Ghana. The Israelites gathered around Ezra as the Law was read and worshiped the Lord for his goodness. God has given us who gather today in his Name much reason to follow their example.
This Sunday we begin Holy Week and our journey to Jerusalem and ultimately the cross. The road into Jerusalem is lined with an adoring crowd, paved with palm branches, and teaches us weighty truths about the Jesus we love and serve.
We live in a democracy where images of monarchy do not always bring to mind positive memories, mostly because of bad kings. But suppose the king was perfect...
Christ came to fulfill the law of the prophets. Arguably his most significant role was to be the priest of a new covenant. His sacrifice is final and the covenant is eternal.
Old Testament prophets spoke the word of the Lord. When Jesus came he stepped into the prophetic tradition, but he did more than speak the word of the Lord--he was the word of the Lord.
This week we bring our series Cultivate to a close, considering the fruit of self-control. Self-control isn't a flashy virtue; it seems common and almost mundane. But, allowing the Spirit to teach us self-control may be one of the most important things we can do to protect our own well being and the well being of those around us. Exercising self-control is actually an incredible expression of love.
There are few characteristics that are more often referred to in a description of God than the word "faithfulness." As a result, it is predictable that such a characteristic ought to mark the lives of Christ-followers. Why is it important, and how are we doing?
Mark Twain said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." As Christians, we are called to speak this language in increasing measure and in so doing, to reflect our kind God. Join us Sunday as we explore how God's kindness gives us a pattern to follow this week.
"God please give me patience and hurry up because I need it now." That might be a humorous and contradictory request, but it sounds like me sometimes. Patience is certainly a difficult fruit to cultivate.
Joy is definitely part of the Christian life. It is both promised and on some occasions it seems like a command. Let's think about this together.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart." What is the peace of Christ, and how does it affect how we view our interactions with others, even with other believers?
The fruit of Spirit and any other Christian virtues rise to their highest level when they are accompanied by love. Otherwise, as the Apostle Paul says, "they are a clanging cymbal."
The Apostle Paul provides a simple but profound message to the Galatians: Don't be a slave to the law or a slave to sin; instead, live in the Spirit. The message is still good today.
On this third Sunday of Advent, we look at the situation of the shepherds and the wise men in the story of Christ's birth.
2nd Sunday of Advent. When we think of the Incarnation, perhaps the best way to put it is, "When Love came down."
We begin the Advent season with a reminder to hope in what we know, even if we can't see it.
We encounter thousands of random facts every day - things pop up on our phones, we read them in newspapers, we hear talking heads report them on TV. Most of these facts have little relevancy to our daily life. "The Lord is near" is not one of those irrelevant facts. It's a truth that sends ripples through our being and behaving - it inspires us to rejoice, calls for prayer, and so much more.
It is so easy to stay focused on things in this world--after all, we live here. But we are challenged by the Apostle Paul to keep our hearts and minds on things above. Let's try to understand how to apply this advice.
Sin is the ultimate slavery. We were made for freedom, not for slavery. In Jesus Christ we have been set free to live the life God designed for us.
It would be nice if our salvation/redemption made us perfect, but it is not that simple. However, even though we are not perfect we are also not condemned because Christ is perfect on our behalf.
Early in the Book of Acts the mission of the church became evident to all the apostles. It was a simple and profound mission. The church was and still is sent into the whole world. Let's think about how we at ECC embrace this sending mission.
A position of power and influence is not usually associated with humility. However, in the kingdom of God we are called to emulate Jesus' attitude of humility - that is living right-side up.
Not only is forgiveness difficult, it is complicated. Does forgiveness make us a victim? Is forgiveness incompatible with justice?
Forgiveness is not easy, especially when the offense is large. However, the alternative is worse - holding a grudge. When we make a deliberate and sometimes painful choice to forgive, there is a weight that is lifted from our hearts. Let's think about the nature of forgiveness.
Bottom line: we serve someone or something. So who is your master? And, what are the results of serving who you serve? Paul invites us to consider the options and to offer ourselves as slaves to God. We'll consider what this means and what the consequences of serving God or choosing to serve another truly are.
The Gospel is true - truth is a constant. However, your view of the truth might be different from someone else's. The way you view reality is a matter of perspective. The cross is foolishness if you do not believe, but it is wisdom if you do believe.
The search for meaning has always been part of the human condition. In our contemporary American culture we have more than ever before. Still, the longing for a deeply meaningful existence produces a quest that is perhaps more intense than ever. The ancient wisdom of Solomon might be able to help us.
The most meaningful kind of life begins NOT when we focus on "our story" but when we enter into a bigger story that begins with creation and continues today. Our story takes on deep meaning when we enter into God's story.
As Christians we are instructed by the Bible to be "in the world but not of the world." Let's be honest, living that way is not an easy balancing act. Sometimes it seems like up is down and down is up. So how do we live right side up?
Last Sunday we wrapped up our summer series, "Who Are You?" As newcomers flocked into town for the start of IU classes this week, Pastor Bob turned to the question, "Who are WE as the church at ECC?"
This week we bring our "Who are You?" series to a close, considering the truth that we've all been called into the "foreign service corps" and serve as ambassadors of the kingdom.
“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” This famous quote from Augustine is often used to remind us that all human beings are created for relationship with God. That is certainly true. However, a relationship with God on this earth is only the beginning. We were actually made for an eternal relationship. As Christians we believe that the journey to eternity is our ultimate destiny.
What if gratitude for God's grace reframed our view of the people and situations we encounter from day to day?
God is a relational, and he views us as his children. What does this mean for how we relate to him?
What images stir in your mind when you hear the word "saints"? A football team? Religious iconography? A jazz band playing, "Oh When the Saints"? This week we continue our month-long series, "Who Are You?" contemplating what it means to say that we are saints. It's both a key statement of who we are and lofty vision for who we're supposed to be.
As we continue to explore core aspects of our identity, two aspects readily emerge: we are sinners, and we are forgiven. That incredible forgiveness of sin comes from one source, as we see in Matthew 9:1-8. Let us, too, praise the one to whom such authority to forgive was given.
This message begins a new series, "Who Are You?" It's easy to forget who we are, so each week we will remind ourselves of a core aspect of our true identity.
In this message, we'll contemplate what it means to be "Image Bearers," reading from Genesis 1:1-2:3. So much in our world is dehumanizing and attempts to strip us of our unique dignity and worth. We need to understand and affirm that all men and women are created in and continue to bear the indelible image of God.
Pastor Bob wraps up our message series with the image of the church as the Bride of Christ. We are really loved like that? What a thought! Let’s reflect on the meaning of that image and give thanks.
When the Apostle Peter was describing the church, he used the following images: living stones, a spiritual house, a chosen people, a royal priesthood. Today we consider this description and focus primarily on what it means for the church to be a royal priesthood.
Brandon York with Cru shares how the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:16-20 are motivating the work of God through campus ministry at IU.
The Executive Director of Southern Hills Youth for Christ shares about the impact of YFC and the Gospel on teens.
The book of Hebrews paints a picture of life for those who are Christ-followers. We are sojourners, aliens, exiles, foreigners, strangers traveling toward home. Though we live here now, this world is not our home because God has prepared a city for us – we are constantly on our way home.
Jesus says, “I am the vine and you are the branches…No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” Let’s explore the image of the vine as it relates to the church.
Jesus said to Peter, “On this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” That statement was both a promise and a prediction. No matter what happens, the church of Jesus Christ will not be destroyed. Kingdoms come and go but the church will endure forever!
In the first chapter of Revelation, John sees "seven golden lampstands," which are the church. What makes a lampstand a good image for the church? What is being communicated about the nature and task of the church with this image?
What is the church? Why is it important? Do we need it? These are questions we will consider in the new sermon series "Images of the Church". Here are just some of those images: body, building, community, household, vineyard. Please consider with us these fascinating images.
After Jesus appeared to the women at the tomb, they told the disciples and Peter came running. He looked into the tomb and went away "wondering to himself what had happened" (Luke 24:12). So what does all this mean? What is the basis of our celebration on Easter?
The kingdom of God was a favorite theme for Jesus. Naturally, the disciples had some questions about it. Where is it? What does it look like? Who is in it? Let's be disciples and ask the same questions.
When Jesus is approached by a rich man who is interested in following God, an interesting thing happens. When the young man realizes the cost of discipleship, he turns away. The reason is simple – he loved money more than anything else. It is easy to condemn him, but we would do better to ask ourselves a question. What is our greatest treasure?
Peter has a question for Jesus. “How many times should I forgive the one who sins against me?” Jesus' answer is quite unnerving: forgiveness should never end – forgive always. Now that's a tall order!
In Mark 9:33-37, Jesus is moving toward the cross, close to the time of his departure. A three-year training program for the disciples is about to end. So what is the chief concern of his disciples? They want to know which one of them is the greatest. Really? Have they learned nothing? Or, are we just like them?
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” With these simple words, the Apostle Peter provides the central truth of our Christian faith. As we consider the “Lessons on the Way to the Cross,” we begin with this central truth.
The previous Sunday, Pastor John talked about the privilege of praying for one another. This week, we shift our focus to contemplate the beauty and blessing of praying with one another
Pastor John continues our prayer series this Sunday, helping us consider the act of praying for others as an expression of love and thankfulness.
Join us as we look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians and consider his instruction about prayer as a way that God can transform our hearts and minds when it comes to our worries.
When the disciples were with Jesus they asked him many things. One of their most important questions was about prayer. On one occasion they simply said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” That is when Jesus gave them what we now call The Lord’s Prayer.
This sermon is the beginning of a five-week series on prayer. This week our focus will be on the purpose of prayer. We will consider some basic questions: What is prayer? Why pray? What happens when we pray?
The prophet Isaiah gives his people a wonderful promise: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” This promise is the source of their/our joy because that child is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.
Today we lit the Advent candle of Love as we continue to reflect on our Savior's birth.
It is by grace that we were offered the free gift of eternal life. It is by grace that we have been called into relationship with Jesus Christ. It is by grace that we have been provided a pattern for living. It is by grace that we are empowered to live in the Spirit. Let’s think about what it means to live in the Spirit.
Most of us have a favorite phrase that we use over and over. We might not even know how often we repeat it until someone tells us about it. The Apostle Paul had a favorite prepositional phrase that he used many times – in Christ. Why did he use it so often? What did it mean to him? What should it mean to us?
Jesus gave his disciples a promise before leaving this earth. He promised not to leave them alone, instead sending a Counselor to be their guide. His role will be to convict the world of sin and to guide them into all truth. On Sunday we will consider how this is a statement of both grace and truth.
We are told that Jesus came "full of grace and truth." If that weren't the case - that he was full of grace AND truth - he wouldn't be the complete savior we so desperately need.
What is the sovereign Lord? Who is our sovereign Lord? This message kicks off our next series, Grace and Truth.
ECC-sponsored missionary Chuck Broughton with The Navigators speaks to us about reaching those in prison by training them as Bible storytellers.
Deuteronomy lays out some safeguards that were meant to protect the economically vulnerable from exploitation. How might these still apply today?
This week we begin a three-part series on missions, which will conclude with our “Missions Weekend Emphasis” on October 22nd. Please listen along as we consider the themes of "Ministry to the Stranger" (10-8), "Ministry to the Poor" (10-15), and "Ministry to the Imprisoned" (10-22).
There are few words in the English language that represent the idea of “rest” as much as the word "home." Ideally, it is the place where you can experience the ultimate form of relaxation, protection, and peace. The psalmist must have known how important this idea was when he said, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” It is the ultimate image of eternal rest.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17). The ultimate gift from above is the blessing of the Lord’s presence. The author of the 23rd Psalm is certainly confident that the Lord is with him, and as a result his cup is overflowing.
Join us in considering how Paul's words here to the church in Corinth challenge us to live out our faith with intention as followers of Christ today.
Trusting God whenever everything is going well? That’s easy. Trusting God when the shadow of death is looming large? That’s difficult. How can trust be consistent in spite of our circumstances? That is the question we ask.
Life is not static! It moves at a fast pace, and for some of us the word “frenetic” is an apt description. The phrase “paths of righteousness…” in Psalm 23 is very interesting. At least two things are implied: 1) The shepherd leads us; 2) the shepherd’s path is the correct one. Whatever else is true about paths of righteousness, it seems that these paths should not be frenetic.
There is a difference between what I want and what I need. In theory, we all embrace this idea. The difficulty comes when we begin to define the words. What is the difference between a desire and a need? Are unfulfilled desires actually needs? If so, which ones? The Good Shepherd promises to supply all our needs. Let’s think about what that means.
This week we begin a series on the 23rd Psalm. This is perhaps the most well-known passage in the entire Bible. Each week we will read the Psalm together and focus on just one verse. Our focus this Sunday is simple – our shepherd will always provide for our needs. This is a repeated theme in the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the Epistles. May we learn to rest in this eternal promise from God.
We usually think in terms of contrast – right or wrong, good and evil, righteous vs. unrighteous. However, we are also aware that life is more nuanced than those simple categories. This is also true of faith because faithfulness and unfaithfulness reside in the same people. Individuals are both righteous and unrighteous. This is especially true in the life of King David, “a man after God’s own heart” according to the Bible. How can we hold these “contradictions” in tension? Let’s think about it using the life of David as our example.
Our passage describes a story of the young boy Samuel, who was surprised to hear the voice of God. Listening for the voice of God is an important part of walking by faith, and Samuel is an example of a person who listened to God. Of course, his historical situation and his prophetic role were different than ours but surely we can learn from his example.
God liberated the people of Israel from Philistine oppressors through the feats of strength of the well-known Judge Samson, but Samson’s story includes not only displays of his divinely-given strength but also his self-destructive sin. Consider with us on Sunday all that his story means for us as we seek to live faithfully before God as his people today.
Barak was reluctant to obey God's command to rally troops and attack Sisera's well-fortified army, but he did step out in faith.
What does a group of escaping slaves, a conquering army, and a prostitute have in common? According to Hebrews, faith. Not only faith, but faith that allowed them to experience the deliverance God had prepared for them. This week we look at these three episodes and the distinct qualities of the faith on display, praying to have our faith in God's promised deliverance, in all its dimensions, strengthened.
Moses found his faith living in the hostile land of Egypt, and his faith led him to make some remarkable choices. While we don't worry about Pharaohs and crocodiles in the Nile, we have a lot to learn from Moses and his faith-based calculations regarding what is truly valuable.
"Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). Surely this statement is true, but it also prompts more questions about faith. What is the nature of faith? What are the essentials of Christian faith? How can our faith unite us? How might it divide us?
Most people don’t like adversity. We usually prefer ease and tranquility. We all know it is not realistic to expect this all the time, so it’s important to ask questions about how to deal with adversity. If there was ever an expert on living with adversity, it was Joseph.
Hebrews 11:1-2, 20-22. This week’s message explores the life of Jacob – the self-reliant deceiver who eventually becomes the namesake of God’s family of faith. Join us as we explore how God worked blessing into Jacob’s life in the midst of his sin and shaped him into a person who depended on Him amidst the struggles of his life.
Each time a Christian looks at the Scripture, he or she is encountering Jesus. No matter what the passage, the larger narrative of the Bible is always about the Word. Sometimes Christ is hidden deeply within the story, but he is always there. Come encounter the story within the story as we look at the life of Isaac.
Faith doesn't come to us all at once, it is a growth process. Let's look at the stages of faith in the life of Abraham.
What does it mean to walk in the faith-steps of Noah? Noah believed God and acted accordingly. What does this look like today?
“He walked with God and then he was no more because God took him.” This summary of the life of Enoch is the ultimate description of walking with God by faith. Enoch had such a deep relationship with God that the Lord decided to walk him right on to his eternal reward without ever experiencing death. Wow! Let’s think about that.
This begins a new series on Hebrews 11, a passage that describes those who have walked by faith. Some of the characters are not the people we might have picked as the best examples of Christian faith. However, the author of Hebrews picked them for a reason. Why these folks, and what can we learn from them?
When we trust Christ for salvation, we are given a new life today and the promise of an eternal life with God. That is the personal good news, but according to the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:18-25 the good news also includes a promise for all of creation. Let's consider the enormous breadth of the gospel and the ways we might participate in the coming of God’s kingdom.
Pastor John opens our two-week spring missions focus. How are you reaching out with Christ's love? Contact the church office for a booklet on what people in our congregation are already doing and get some ideas!
Like the people who shouted "Hosannah!" at Jesus arrival to Jerusalem and later chanted "crucify him," we, along with generations before us, have also misunderstood our King. At Easter, we stop to remember our need for the grace of God. We remember, too, that he stands ever ready to give us that grace.
"Ready to Rumble." This week's message in our Words to Live By series (1&2 Timothy) explores the Apostle Paul's comparison of the life of faith to a battle. We'll think about the importance of recognizing that faith is something believer's must contend for, consider strategies for fighting the battle well, and reflect on the goal we're chasing after in all of this as we follow after Christ .
Josiah's sermon, "The Gospel Example," starts a 4-message series that will take Connexion to the end of the semester called Words to Live By. This series will look at key insights from Paul's letters to Timothy and consider how they impact the way we live today as followers of Christ.
A look at the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem as their one and only true king, foretold in Zechariah 9:9-10. We oftentimes try to reign over our own lives instead of acknowledging the sovereignty of Jesus.
The Bible is honest enough to describe the weakness and failings of the New Testament disciples. However, few of the disciples seem more human than Peter. At one moment he claims that Jesus is the Son of God. At another, he denies that he ever knew Jesus. Between those two stories Jesus rebukes him for being a stumbling block on the way to the cross. Peter is both sinner and saint, a person who is remarkably similar to us.
When Jesus came to announce the Kingdom of God, he declared his lordship through miracles. Some of those miracles included specific encounters with the forces of darkness – a war with Satan and his demons. Some modern people are skeptical of the very idea of supernatural power. However, the life and teachings of Jesus include numerous direct encounters with spiritual darkness. What does this mean for us today?
Mark 9:2-13 recounts the events on the Mount of Transfiguration and highlights the uniqueness of God's one and only Son. The passage isn't difficult to understand, but how are we supposed to respond to it? Why did the Gospel writers, three of them at least, think these events needed to be included in the story of Jesus and his path to the cross?
According to the parables in Mt. 13:24-35, there are three things we know: 1) The kingdom of God is invincible; 2) the kingdom of God is often invisible; and 3) we are not always capable of identifying how God is establishing his kingdom. Let’s consider the beautiful mystery of the visible and invisible kingdom of God.
Pastor John Mangrum brings his wisdom and Scripture to the question of cohabitation before marriage.
In Mark’s gospel Jesus’ call to discipleship is radical, immediate, and abbreviated. Simply, come and follow. Such a call to discipleship could be terrifying, liberating, or both. How does it seem to you?
Jesus knows death, both the grief of others and the experience of it himself. The ancient Jews had customs of walking through a period of mourning that involved the community. Jesus' sacrifice provides the ultimate comfort for our grief; his death has brought us eternal life both now and in the life to come.
The Gospel writer John shows us that God's love came first and is not dependent on our ability to earn it.
"Does God really understand me? We're so different – God is God and I am human." This is a legitimate question with a real life answer: God understands me because in the person of Jesus Christ he walked in my shoes. The reality of God experiencing our humanity is especially evident in Matthew 4:1-11. The temptation of Jesus has much to teach us about the nature of God and humanity.
This week's message focuses on the baptism of Jesus – the moment his earthly ministry began. Jesus’ baptism shows us His submission to the Father, the Father’s love for His Son, and the central role of the Spirit in empowering Him for ministry. Join us as we explore this story and consider its profound implications on how we can walk through life as followers of Christ today!
Josiah considers the story of Sampson and what it teaches us about God's faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness.
Connexion is meeting in a new space! Josiah brings a message from the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan into the promised land, and Aaron Brown shares what steps of faith look like in real life.
In the legendary Bible story of Luke 2:41-52, the parents lost track of their son Jesus. When they found him in the Temple, they were just as exasperated as any parents would be. His response to their scolding was, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” Hmmm…how would you have responded if your child had said that? It must have been tough raising the son of God. And besides, what does it mean to be about your Father’s business?
When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the Temple, those who were onlookers did not realize that they were witnessing a presentation of God in the flesh. The hymn writer put it best: “Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail incarnate deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.” Let’s consider how the visible/invisible deity might change our human reality.
We started the Spring semester off right this Sunday as we came together for worship and begin our new Epic Stories of the Old Testament series. Josiah preached this week on the story of Joseph. Listen to the amazing story of God's providence in Joseph's life and consider the lessons we can gain from it in living our own lives of faith.
John begins his story of Jesus in a way unlike the other gospel writers--not at Jesus' human birth but before time. As John tells us, the Word has no beginning and has no end–the Word is eternally God. The implications for this are massive. It sets the Christian religion apart from every other and has very practical consequences.
It's vital that we in the church continually remember the Good News as our basis for relationship with God and power for ministry. When we live in light of the grace that is in Christ Jesus, we become people who desire to take the Good News to wherever it is not known and work fervently towards that end.
Peace is difficult to maintain. It eludes us. So, let us remind ourselves of the foundations for our peace and consider strategies to fight for this peace.
The angels come to the shepherds and announce news of a birth that causes joy. Consider with us the reasons for that joy.
The Israelites waited a long time before Christ's advent. What are we waiting for this Advent season?
Maybe you missed Connexion because you were on the road still...well, listen as Josiah helps students think about how they can begin to prepare for Christmas spiritually.
Today we trace "The Progress of Hope" from the time of Isaiah to the first advent of Christ, to us in the church, and into the future to Christ's second advent. This isn't a hope we keep in our back pocket and pull out when times are glum--it's a hope we live by daily!
Here are some words of the Apostle Paul: “Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ…consider others better than yourselves. Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." These are lofty words, but this is how we are supposed to live.
The Apostle Paul made a radical statement in Romans 13, “all authority that exists has been established by God.” How can that be true? Suppose this is applied to a dictator whose primary vision for a nation is to wipe out an ethnic minority. Was Adolph Hitler established by God? Should Christians have followed the authority of the Third Reich? These are the kinds of questions that emerge from Paul’s advice and these are the kinds of questions we will address.
Josiah helps us dig into this important topic in scripture and think about what it means for our life now and in the future!
Often, the idea of “surrender” has a negative connotation of defeat: surrender to an enemy, surrender to “the inevitable” life circumstance. However, when we surrender to God we actually find freedom, love, and even power. The hymn writer George Matheson put it this way:
Make me a captive, Lord, And then I shall be free. Force me to render up my sword, And I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms When by myself I stand; Imprison me within Thine arms, And strong shall be my hand.
Paul gives us many statements on love. How are we to see others and respond with this love?
If God is truly sovereign, then he is completely in control of everything. If God chooses his own course for the future, using his own carefully selected people, then how do we fit into the picture? Is choice on our part even possible? Are the sovereignty of God and human free will in conflict with one another? Apparently, the Apostle Paul doesn’t think so.
The Apostle Paul says that there is power in the gospel. How is the gospel the power of God? Consider these words: salvation, redemption, deliverance, resurrection, eternal life. Those are powerful words! Let’s think together about why Paul makes this declaration and what it means for us today.
The mission of God in this world is inseparably linked with the mission of God’s people. When God blessed Abraham, the purpose of that individual blessing was instrumental – the world would be blessed through Abraham. In the same way the mission of God in our world flows through individuals--in this case, the church.
This week at Connexion we considered how the grace we've received in Jesus Christ leads us to be people who care for those in need. How can we reflect God's heart for the poor and oppressed in our lives? Josiah leads the teaching time with special interviews of two members of the Connexion community.
This Sunday kicks off our month-long focus on missions! We heard from both Pastor Bob, who spoke on Romans 8:18-27, and from Dr. Jennifer Wilson, the spearhead of the hospital project being planned to serve impoverished communities in northern Ghana as part of the ministry of GRID-NEA and David and Brenda Mensah.
Josiah asks us to consider how the good news of Jesus Christ leads Christians to be people who live by faith in our daily lives. What does it mean to live by faith? What practices can we implement on a daily basis to grow in our ability to do so? Josiah will preach - "Daily Essentials for Living By Faith," focusing on Jeremiah 17:5-8.
This week Pastor Dan continues our series Identity Reconstructed, considering the believer's past, present, and future. Romans 7 & 8 combined are two of the most encouraging chapters in the New Testament. These chapters remind us we aren't alone in the struggle against sin--it's the lot of all followers of Christ--and despite our (sometimes losing) struggle, we have been pardoned and liberated through Christ!
In this message Josiah wrestles with faith and our goals in life. How does Christian faith impact the way followers of Christ approach the things in our lives that God has given us passion, ability, and opportunities to do? What does the Bible have to say about our ambitions, the pursuit of excellence, and our definition of success?
In Romans 6:1-11 Paul reminds us of what happened when we trusted in Christ. In our baptism a transformation occurred, a death and resurrection. Since we died in Christ we have also been raised in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin and death. Instead, we now have a new master, Jesus Christ our redeemer.
Senior Pastor Bob Whitaker discusses what the interaction between our faith and learning on campus looks like. There was a time of Q&A also.
Join us as we unfold the ultimate surprise of human existence – God’s provision of grace for sinners who look to Christ in faith - and consider it's impact on our lives and future.
Paul's statement, "None of us is righteous, not even one” is clear and could be depressing apart from the good news: the only human being who was sinless, Jesus Christ, has become the righteousness of God for us. Through Jesus Christ we have been declared righteous by God himself. Let’s remember this and rejoice!
Josiah Leuenberger helps students think together about how Christian faith comes to bear on the way we relate to the people God has placed in our lives in the midst of the unique opportunities and challenges of our context.
The context and continued relevance of Paul's words on homosexuality are a topic of much debate. This subject is not all that Paul is talking about here, however. In this message, Pastor Bob addresses homosexuality and helps us look at Paul's broader message.
We seem to be born with it--the notion of God’s existence. Perhaps this is why the Bible assumes or declares the existence of God rather than spilling ink to prove it, then continues to teach us how to respond to that reality. Certainly we could all use more knowledge of God but as for knowledge essential for accountability, we have enough. The challenge is love and obedience.
Josiah Leuenberger kicks off the new school year with a sermon entitled "Your Ultimate Goal".
Paul is in prison and the end of his life is near. In the midst of these circumstances he writes some powerful words: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” That is a remarkable perspective on life but not an easy one to embrace. Let’s consider together what it means to adopt that point of view and how it might transform our lives.
Paul's arrest in Jerusalem began a period of imprisonment that lasted about 5 years. What can we take from Paul's view of God in this situation to help us the next time we find our life in pieces?
This message explores several things that accompany the gospel when it comes to town (or into a person's life).
In Acts 18:1-17, a lot of people feel God's "frowning providence." They face suffering, sometimes for Christ's sake; other times they're just caught up in evil that is being perpetrated in general. But, in this chapter we see God's purposes ripening as he sovereignly works through their distress to build his kingdom.
"Strange Ideas," by Pastor John from Acts 17:22-32. Join us as we take a look at how Paul sought to communicate the gospel to a well-educated, biblically illiterate audience.
John Mangrum preaches from Acts 16:16-34. A continuation of the message series Follow Jesus into the World.
Theology is a quest for knowledge about God and a parallel inquiry concerning how to follow God. Theology is not boring ideas; it is life in action. Theology is developed in a community with real-life situations full of human conflict, passion, and conviction. This passage is an example of theology which is shaped in conflict, guided by the Spirit, and crafted in community. This is a story that continues to happen today.
Paul's story comes at us fast in the book of Acts--he’s miraculously converted on the road to Damascus in Chapter 9; two pages later he’s being sent by the Antioch church on his first missionary journey to take the gospel to the Gentiles. In this message, we'll reflect on God's work in forming Paul for his missionary calling and consider together how we might trust God in faith as we seek to serve His mission in our own lives.
The believers in the early church had seen numerous miracles performed following Jesus’ death. It seems that they shouldn’t have been surprised by another, but they were. Some suggest that this indicates a lack of faith, but is that the best interpretation of the story? Maybe they were surprised by the grace of God because they did not possess a sense of entitlement. Maybe to them, God’s grace was new every morning.
The church at Antioch was a sending church, sending Barnabas and Saul off to missionary work. After all, the church is not for itself; it's for the world. God uses this human, and also eternal, institution to accomplish his eternal purposes.
When we look back in hindsight at the promises of God in the Old Testament, we identify the mission of God in Jesus Christ. God’s mission of redemption was always for the whole world, but that wasn’t always obvious to everyone. This week we'll look at another development in the creative mission of God, which is frequently and dramatically played out in the Book of Acts.
We long to find meaning and significance in being part of something greater than ourselves. What if participating in the ordinary is something extraordinary?
The church of Jesus Christ cannot be stopped or destroyed; the more it is suppressed, the more it grows. This phenomenon has always baffled its enemies. Jesus put it this way, “The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The apostle Paul said, “If God is for us who can be against us?” What an honor to be associated with the only human institution that is also eternal.
In the Book of Acts, the community of Jesus Christ started from nearly nothing and grew so fast that it seems the Apostles were always scrambling to keep up. Signs and wonders, organizational challenges and martyrdom – that’s a lot to handle. Whenever the Spirit of God is at work there is always action. The Apostles certainly could not have predicted these dramatic developments but with God’s help they were up to the task.
When the early followers of Jesus shared their faith it often produced persecution, but in spite of the circumstances their attitude was remarkable: "No matter what happens, we will trust you." This Sunday we look at Acts 4:23-31 to consider how their remarkable faith might be implemented in our lives.
ECC's founding pastor returned today to give the message on our 40th anniversary! He encouraged us to remember God’s faithfulness in the past and to embrace those memories that will enrich our future.
They were the same characters--the ones who didn’t understand, who deserted Jesus at the cross...but now things had changed. Though the disciples possessed the same faults and failures from the past, God decided to use them in a mighty way. Is it still true today that God can use us to accomplish his purposes, not because of us but in spite of us? I hope so, don’t you?
Connexion this past Sunday evening featured a panel discussion with 4 members of our congregation: Rick and Melissa Hullinger, Ed Ackerman, Brenda Whitaker. Josiah will host a conversation with these individuals on how God has worked in their lives in leading them to serve in the places they are today and how their faith in Christ impacts the way they approach their work on a daily basis. Join us in learning from these individual's experiences of walking in faith in Christ in their respective vocational fields (college professor, medical doctor, school principal, and CEO)!
This week’s message continues our April emphasis on missions and begins our journey through the Book of Acts with the story of Jesus commissioning his disciples to the ultimate mission – to be his witnesses in all the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit. Josiah explores the impact of this passage on our identity and purpose as the community of Christ today.
We wrapped up our Life in the Kingdom series this past Sunday with a message from Josiah titled "Faith and Finances" (or, "Everything I wish I knew about money when I was in college."). Listen as we dig into Christ's teachings on possessions and wealth and consider their implications for this phase of your life.
As part of our April missions focus on ministry to those in extreme poverty, our speaker Jack Larson comes to us from Mission Emmanuel, a cross-cultural, relational, Christian ministry in the Dominican Republic. Sound familiar? Some of our youth and college students have helped them out!
Connexion is back this Sunday evening @ 6:00 as Pastor Bob joins us to share a message titled "Life in the Holy Spirit: Thinking Beyond Sensationalism." Bob will share insight from scripture on the Holy Spirit and will focus on the role of the Spirit, the nature and practice of spiritual gifts, and the concept of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
William Larkin wrote, "The most important event in human history, apart from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, is the conversion to Christianity of Saul of Tarsus." Okay, so that's probably a bit of an overstatement (but not by much). Paul's Damascus Road experience changed his life; in fact, it changed the world and the whole course of human history, making it one epic road trip! Come discover with us what Paul discovered two millennia ago - these truths still have power!
Can you relate to Peter, Thomas, and Paul in their interaction with Jesus? Their stories offer encouragement as we seek to follow our risen Lord.
Journey with us on Sunday as we follow Jesus and the disciples on the last leg of the road to the cross.
We often ask others to pray for us and it is always encouraging to hear that they do. However, the reality that Jesus Christ is praying for us...now that takes encouragement to another level! Take heart friends, Jesus is praying for you.
We are glad to have had Pastor Dale Beaver of Christian Fellowship Church in Evansville, IN as our special guest this week. Pastor Beaver has served at CFC for the past 10 years and prior to that was a chaplain on the NASCAR race circuit. He will share with us insight from scripture and his own life experiences on living in faith in Christ during your young adult years.
While on their final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus reassured the disciples by saying, "You will not be alone because I am sending the Holy Spirit." Sometimes our circumstances leave us feeling worried, confused, or even alone. But Jesus still speaks – you are never alone. The Spirit of God is always present with the people of God, comforting and guiding us.
We resumed our Life in the Kingdom series with a message from Josiah called "The Lost Sons" on the parable Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson called "the greatest story ever told." Join us as we consider the transforming truth that Jesus' Prodigal Son parable displays about our basis for relationship with God.
Food and water are absolutely essential ingredients for physical life. However, when it comes to spiritual life, there is another essential ingredient. Jesus teaches in John 15 that in order to "stay alive" you must "remain in the vine," because "I am the vine and you are the branches."
We've assembled a great panel of couples to discuss love and marriage, respond to questions and give their insights into relationships.
Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus to come and help their brother, Lazarus, but Jesus did not come until it seemed there was no hope left. Do we trust Jesus when he doesn't come through as we expect?
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree when it wasn't the season for figs? Why did Jesus clear the temple of the moneylenders, dove sellers, and those who used these services--services which were necessary for some to worship at the temple? To what does Jesus point us in these stories?
Jesus' introduction of the Passover meal was an epic moment--he was about to predict his death and provide the definitive explanation of his earthly existence. The disciples did not understand this moment, but the rest of the New Testament (written by the disciples) provides us with the meaning behind this remarkable episode. Let's consider the eternal consequences of this one moment in time.
Have you ever struggled with uncertainty, fear, or worry when thinking about the future? Sunday evening Josiah helped us consider Jesus' teaching on what we are to do with those concerns in light of the Good News of God's reign. Josiah shared this message as part of our Life in the Kingdom series from Matthew 6:25-34 titled "Trusting in God's Provision."
“In order to be great you must be a servant. Those who are first will be last…” This was the consistent message of Jesus, but the disciples didn’t understand. Everything about their environment suggested that greatness was associated with power, wealth, and fame. Isn’t this still the problem? As we consider Crossroads on the journey to the cross, let’s refocus on Jesus’ teaching about servanthood.
How are followers of Jesus Christ called to live in the world in light of the way God has worked in our lives? Listen as Josiah considers that question in a message in our new “Life in the Kingdom” series titled City on a Hill. We'll focus on Matthew 5:13-16.
Here is a picture of a woman who expressed extravagant love for Jesus without regard for cultural protocol or what people around her might think. Her gaze was upon Jesus and nothing else mattered. Because of her passionate love, Jesus predicted that her story would be told to the whole world. Here we are 2,000 years later, on the other side of the world, learning from her story.
Josiah begins a new series on life in the kingdom of God. We will be studying the Beatitudes as we consider together the transforming nature of God's rule over creation and the impact of that reality on the way we live.
Here are some important words from Jesus: “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Wow, Jesus doesn’t make it easy!
Josiah kicked off the New Year and a new semester at Connexion with a sermon from Psalm 63 with encouragement on how we can pursue growth in Christ in 2016.
In this new series, we will consider New Testament passages that lead Jesus and his disciples to Calvary. There are many poignant moments in the journey to the cross which allow us to reflect on the meaning of discipleship. We'll begin by looking at Jesus’ own description of himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
The beginning of a new year seems like a good time to consider what it means to be "new creations in Christ." What's new about us? How does our 'newness' change how we view others?
Around the world, people acknowledge the special birth of the Christ child even if they have no desire to submit to him. Jesus is more than the average king. What do we have to give this King?
Reorient your heart around the miracle at the center of the Christmas season. Josiah speaks on the magnitude and mystery of what God has done in the birth of Jesus Christ.
Josiah continues the series on our Read ID, drawing our attention on our security in Christ.
Sometimes we get gifts that are meant just for us - a bottle of cologne, a new tie, etc. Other times, gifts are for the whole family - like a board game, or a basketball hoop. Imagine a gift that was for you, your family, the neighborhood, the whole town...now think bigger. A gift for the nations. That's the kind of gift that was given in Christ, and Mary reflects on this in the song known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).
When Jesus encountered 10 people who had leprosy on the way to Jerusalem he healed all of them. After all of them were healed only one returned to give thanks. I want to be like the leper who returned. I want my life to be a thanksgiving offering to Jesus. Join me in giving thanks to the one who gave us life.
This past Sunday at Connexion Josiah taught on how the Holy Spirit empowers us to be transformed to Christ's likeness and for service to others. Listen as we consider together how the Spirit helps us in our walks of faith and how we can walk in step with the Spirit in our lives!
This story of Jesus' delivering a man from a host of demons may be one of the most bizarre in the Gospels, and yet, bizarre though it is, it's filled with theological truths that cross centuries and cultures and speak into our lives even today. This account shows us something important regarding the nature of evil and also the nature of the One who takes it on and conquers it.
Dan Waugh helps us explore the topic of personal holiness. The caricatures of holiness that masquerade as the real thing make it hard for us to conceive of holiness as beautiful, but through the Word we can see how essential and attractive holiness is.
We can become so busy with work and other important details that it can eclipse what is most essential. Are you too busy to pray? Are you too busy to read the Bible? Are you too busy for worship? These are important questions that Jesus wants us to consider. Let’s do that by looking at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 – unless you’re too busy!
Our Real ID series will continues as we consider together what it means for us to be people who find our fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Join us as we dig into truth from scripture that offers us hope and direction in navigating the challenges of life.
When a man named Bartimaeus encountered Jesus his life was changed forever – he was healed of blindness. His words, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,” are the starting point for any meaningful relationship with God.
When the rich young man encountered Jesus he asked a sincere question from the heart. Jesus gave him an honest answer. Certainly this is a story about the power of wealth, but there is much more to this encounter with Jesus. It’s not really about money; it’s about the heart.
We jumped back into our Real ID series as Josiah shares a message from Ephesians 1:7-8 on Redemption & Forgiveness. Listen as we consider together the way in which these immense blessings God has given us in Christ make us who we are!
This is Missions Conference weekend at ECC! In addition to special programs on Saturday evening and Sunday morning (see below for details), Josiah will share a message at Connexion called "Thinking BIG about Missions."
Ryan O'Dowd of Cornell University's Chesterton House Christian Study Center is our fall missions conference speaker and will help us consider the ways in which wisdom can be spoken into the university context. This week's Scripture passage is 1 Cor. 1:18-24.
Jesus' openness to sinners has always made the self-righteous cringe. At the same time, it moves sinners to faith, opens the door to forgiveness, and engenders beautifully extravagant acts of love and devotion. Come see what God has for us in the heart-stirring gospel story.
This paralyzed man was brought to Jesus and as such was completely dependent on the persistent faith of his friends. They loved their friend, they believed in Jesus, and the paralyzed man was the beneficiary of their faith. It is often true that we serve as the "faith link" between others and Jesus.
Josiah Leuenberger takes a look at the doctrine of election and its connection to mission, going all the way back to Abraham who was chosen and blesses so that he would be a blessing to the nations.
This is the first message in our new fall series - Real ID. This series will explore the blessings followers of Jesus Christ have in Him and how these spiritual realities transform who we really are. Ephesians 1:1-14 will serve as our framework for this series. Josiah will kick things off this Sunday with a message on what it means for followers of Christ to be blessed in Him with "Every Spiritual Blessing."
This centurion "outsider" was bold (perhaps desperate) enough to approach Jesus and humble enough to ask for help. Some might call it an opportunistic faith, but Jesus saw a simple, confident faith and called it remarkable faith. Consider with us this story and how it might reshape our ideas about faith.
Pastor Bob Whitaker speaks about the unique challenges and opportunities a Christian faces in the university.
This week’s passage lays out Jesus’ call to Peter to step into the middle of the greatest story ever told by trusting Him in faith and joining Him in the mission of proclaiming the Good News. Join us as we explore Peter’s call and the implications of this defining moment on our lives as followers of Christ today.
In this passage we see a man named Zacchaeus who had a planned but yet unexpected encounter with Jesus. Zacchaeus might have wished to be anonymous but upon encountering Jesus he dropped his guard and became totally honest with the Lord. It changed his life forever – honesty with God always produces change.
Several members of our Cx ministry team and upperclassmen share one thing they wish they would have known about their faith in Christ and a specific topic when they were in college (or earlier in their college career). Topics include: career, dating, personal identity, "Living the College Dream," and more.
Surely forgiveness is the most remarkable divine demonstration of grace that anyone can imagine or experience. John 8 tells a story of this remarkable gift from God, a gift that is the epitome of Jesus’ life and teaching. Divine forgiveness is wonderful, but to be fully appreciated it must be fully embraced – it requires both offer and acceptance.
Listen to Josiah as he leads us in thinking together about what it means for us to go "all in" in the way we approach our faith in Christ this year.
At least one thing is clear from Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus – knowing about God is not the same thing as knowing God. Being religious is not the same thing as having a relationship with God. We've heard Jesus' words, "you must be born again" so many times, but sometimes familiarity eclipses the meaning of words. Let’s go back to that encounter and try to understand it again.
Josiah Leuenberger gets the new school year kicked off with the first message in the series "This Year in Your Faith".
John the Baptist has several encounters with Jesus, the first coming while he is still in the womb of his mother. All these various encounters with Jesus tell a story of faith. As we consider John’s encounters with Jesus we realize that faith is not a static reality but a life-long experience.
This week we will return to our theme passage and consider how the good news is about justice. In the words of the prophet Amos, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”
This week we return to our theme passage and consider how the good news is about compassion. Scripture teaches that God is the protector of the poor and needy. So, how are we called to participate in this particular activity of God?
The good news about Jesus Christ is massive. Not only is it for everyone, it is about everything. As Christ followers, it is our responsibility to discover how to apply the good news to all of life. For the next three Sundays, we are going consider the expansive nature of the good news concerning Jesus Christ.
The series "Songs in the Night" comes to a close with Psalm 44, which recounts the experience and prayer of the people of God as a whole after a bewildering defeat leaves them feeling abandoned by God. This Psalm has a lot to say to us, not only as individuals but as the church corporate.
Mankind has struggled with depression through the ages. Even notable theologians and historical figures were not exempt from its effects. There are no easy answers as to its causes or its cures. What can we learn from the psalmist's struggle in Psalms 42-43 that will encourage us or those we know who are currently in this struggle?
The Psalmist Asaph finds himself comparing his circumstances with the success of people who were not following God's ways. How do we keep from letting this comparison game consume us?
This is the start of a four-week series, called "Songs in the Night" - a study of several psalms that prepare us for long, dark nights of the soul, periods of soul anguish. This week we'll look at Psalm 55 and the pain caused by deep betrayal. Where do we find comfort when we've been wounded by a close friend?
We usually consider prophecy to be words which predict future events. However, prophecy is more often about the present – a word from God concerning how we should live now. Such instructions are always connected to the past and the future. This is especially true in the book of Revelation, which quite literally is “The revelation of Jesus Christ…the Alpha and Omega…the Lord of heaven and earth.”
The final words of the Epistle of Jude summarize its message. There are many things that could distract us from following “the way, the truth and the life,” but God is faithful. If we keep ourselves in God’s love and wait for the mercy of Jesus Christ we will inherit eternal life. In the midst of the struggles in this world that is a promise worth hearing and believing.
We were pleased to have David and Brenda Mensah with us this weekend. This morning, David took us through Scripture to remind us that Jesus is the Lamb of God. He challenged us to share this exciting news with those around us and encouraged us with stories of God's work in Ghana.
We were pleased to have David and Brenda Mensah with us this weekend. This morning, David took us through Scripture to remind us that Jesus is the Lamb of God. He challenged us to share this exciting news with those around us and encouraged us with stories of God's work in Ghana.
The Epistles of John make it clear that not everyone who claims to be a Christian is actually a Christ-follower. According to the Apostle John there are three distinguishing characteristics of a Christian – belief, obedience and love. Those three words might sound like the title for a popular book but before we use them as a catch-phrase we should understand what John meant by those words.
In his letters, Peter reminds the church of two essential aspects of her identity. First, in relation to God, she is his chosen people, a holy nation. Second, in relation to the world, the church is a sojourning, pilgrim people – a people in exile longing for home. Both aspects of our identity have bearing on how we are called to live today.
This letter was written from the heart of a pastor deeply concerned with the hearts and minds of the people of his congregation and their ability to live authentically in light of what God has accomplished through Christ. James offers encouragement, through both empathy and tough love, to people who desperately need it.
When Jesus met two disciples on the way to Emmaus, “he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” We don’t know who wrote the Book of Hebrews but whoever it was took a page from the teaching of Jesus on that day. The writer of Hebrews essentially says the whole story of the Bible is a story about Jesus. Let’s consider the wisdom of his words.
Listen in as we take a closer look at what Paul is asking of Philemon and company when he requests that they receive Onesimus back into their community.
I & II Timothy and Titus have been called the Pastoral Epistles because they were written to individuals in pastoral ministry rather than to a church. Despite the differences between these and Paul's other letters, there is still much to be learned here for the Christian community. We could all use some practical wisdom from God, so let’s think about the themes in these three letters.
Josiah will wrap up our year together with a message on engaging God's mission in the places to which He leads us with a message from John 20 called "You are Sent!"
Josiah will conclude our Spring series, "Home and Away," with a message on the book of Nehemiah called "Leading by Faith." Join us in looking at the fascinating story of the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem and how God used a humble man of extraordinary faith to facilitate that project!
Today was Youth Sunday--Rob Girvin, our Director of Student Ministries, gave the message and the youth lead us in worship. The desire to "get it right" can lead us to reach for a point of arrival, but God is not done with us.
Pastor Bob gives an overview of missions at ECC and a glimpse of a few things possibly to come.
A look at Jesus' interaction with the disciples when he appears to them after the resurrection. How do the ways he encourages them relate to our situation?
Bob, Dan and Josiah field some great questions in the panel discussion about how to read and interpret the Bible.
Christ is risen! This is the source of the hope and the life we celebrate on Easter Sunday.
The disciples and those who accompanied Jesus to Jerusalem didn't have a complete understanding of the journey they were taking, but they walked along with purpose and in hope. Pastor Bob helps us look at their journey and ours.
Last Sunday Josiah began a new series exploring the fascinating books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Catch up as Josiah shares a message titled "Ezra: Where to Begin?!" that looks at the unlikely return of the first Israelite exiles from Babylon and the beginning of their rebuilding efforts in Israel.
Pastor John Mangrum comes to visit with Connexion and share God's word and his wisdom. If you missed it because you weren't back from Spring Break yet, you can listen here!
Paul's letters to the Thessalonians are probably the first letters he ever wrote. The return of Christ wasn't a doctrine to be dissected and debated, but was a central truth for Paul. It's also one he treats pastorally, using it to address real concerns the church had then...and still has now.
“All things were created by [Jesus Christ]…in him all things are held together.” What does this enormous statement mean? To what extent are our lives shaped by this reality?
Picture this: A stooped old man wasting away in a prison with a glowing smile on his face. He is writing a letter that will later be known around the world as “The Letter of Joy.” Why is he so joyful? Let’s learn the secret of his joyful perspective.
Pastor Dan takes us through Paul's reflections on the Gospel and its implications in the life of the believer and the life of God’s people, the church.
Following up on Pastor Bob's sermon 'Shaped by the Other', three couples sit on a panel about marriage, sharing their experience, wisdom, mistakes and answering questions about marriage.
In the Epistle to the Galatians Paul addresses the problem of legalism with very severe language, but he also reminds the believers that they are supposed to live in the Spirit. Paul is trying to "reset the table" so to speak by reminding them of what is essential – simply the good news about Jesus Christ. Has the Good News become lost in our agenda?
Pastor Bob draws out some of the major themes from this letter as we press on through Paul's letters to the churches in the New Testament.
Pastor Bob draws out the main themes of Paul's letter to the Romans in this encouraging message, the first in a message series that will focus on a book of the New Testament each week.
Pastor John leads us through this passage as we look to the new heaven and new earth, considering the hope and longings we feel for the time when God will establish his dwelling with men.
The Apostle Paul claims that God loves those who cheerfully give to others and blesses those who give – sow sparingly, reap sparingly, but sow generously and you will reap generously. What is the connection between cheerful generosity and the blessing of God?
Pastor Bob unpacks the truth that the gifts of God are not give merely for our own personal satisfaction, but for the purpose of serving the Kingdom of God.
When Jesus called people to follow him, he did not make it easy. Are we really capable of that kind of commitment? As we look forward to a new year, it is a good time for a personal inventory, one that re-evaluates life and discipleship in light of Jesus' invitation to follow.
Message from the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, protects us, guides us, leads us, and carries us when we cannot walk ourselves. Have you made a personal commitment to follow the Good Shepherd? If so, are you living out that commitment?
This passage reminds us that the gospel is disturbing: It disrupts and radically changes lives and societies. It calls us to costly repentance, requires us to forsake our idols, and exposes societies' sin.
In every circumstance, we have the same choice: how to respond. Will we believe that God is good, that his sovereign grace is present with us even in the difficulties of life? Are we willing to believe this in spite of our circumstance, or will our circumstances determine what we believe? Don’t answer this question too quickly--let it trouble you for several days as you consider your response.
A defining characteristic of the church in the book of Acts was that they were a community of Christ-followers who were led by the Spirit. How often do we think of ourselves that way? Shouldn’t this be true of us today as much as it was for the church in the first century?
This message is a look at Peter's situation in prison and the people praying for him. Do we really have faith that our prayers matter?
Diversity in the body of Christ (mentioned even in ECC's Values Statement) is not something we created--it is something we inherited from Scripture and the history of the church. It all started in Acts 10, our text for this Sunday morning.
The dramatic growth of the church early in Acts led to the appointing of assistants who would take care of physical needs and help others “find their place” in the body of Christ. Are you on that path of spiritual formation, contributing to life in the body of Christ? What is your role?
Josiah delves into the book of Ecclesiastes in the ongoing series on wisdom in the Bible.
Joe Farrell, our guest speaker for ECC's 2014 Missions Conference, spoke to us about the work of International Justice Mission around the world to fight sex trafficking, slavery, sexual violence, property grabbing, police abuse of power, and citizenship rights abuse through rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors, and strengthening justice systems. He challenged us to make a difference, corporately and individually.
Guest speaker Joseph Farrell speaks about the importance of doing justice and the work of IJM.
The universal truth concerning Jesus Christ does not change, but perhaps the message is different when it is delivered in a variety of contexts. For instance, the evangelistic message of Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2) was different than the message of Paul at Mars Hill (Acts 17). Please think with us about how the Gospel is both universally true and culturally diverse.
The good news about Jesus Christ is for everyone but the proclamation of the good news is always delivered in a particular context. Does this affect the message or just the delivery of the message? Surely the universal truth concerning Jesus Christ does not change but perhaps the message is different when it is delivered in a variety of contexts. How is the Gospel both universally true and culturally diverse? For the next two weeks, leading up to the ECC Missions Conference on October 19th, we will consider the idea of contextual evangelism – the good news in multiple settings.
Join us in exploring the story of Paul's conversion from chief persecutor of the church to champion of the church, and consider with us the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and the lives of the people around us.
Jesus' disciples embraced a partnership with Jesus while he was with them, and after his death this partnership not only survived but grew at Pentecost into a new awareness of their mission. Their focus on the Gospel was singular, enthusiastic, and fearless because they realized that the mission of God on earth was absolutely indestructible. That gave them incredible courage and it should do the same for us.
Miracles were a prominent feature of the early church, and they still exist today. What is the purpose of miracles and how are they connected to the mission of God in the world?
Dan Waugh discusses the 'why' and the 'how' of justice, exploring the connection between wisdom and justice.
Together, in community, we are called by God to care for each other and our community. Don't stay on the fringe--you were made for community! Our lives together, our bearing of each others burdens, communal worship, and our witness to the world are all part of God's purpose for us. Let us be good stewards of this community and God's call to be missional people.
The message explores the topic of how we are are to approach our lives and circumstances when the path before us is unclear or difficult.
Josiah explored the nature and value of Godly wisdom and looked at the process through which followers of Christ can pursue growth in wisdom.
We all have a longing to connect with something bigger than ourselves, and there is nothing bigger than God’s mission in this world. Our primary source for understanding how we can connect to God’s mission is to look at the early church in the Book of Acts. Come explore with us how God connects us to something bigger and more eternal than our best life now.
Josiah kicks off the new school year and a new series called The Path to Life: Explorations in Wisdom from the Old and New Testaments.
One of the descriptions the Apostle John gives us of Jesus is that he was "full of grace and truth." These two words could be opposites, but Jesus demonstrated their complementary relationship by bringing them together in perfect harmony. Let's consider how Jesus established his kingdom through grace and truth and how we might reflect them to our world.
Sometimes, we experience opposition when we are doing the wrong thing...or even when we're doing the right thing! Nehemiah faced serious opposition simply because he was doing what God had called him to do. What is the proper approach to handling opposition and what can we learn from it?
The phrase "live in the moment" is often associated with impulsive or even thoughtless behavior; in the context of this passage, it speaks of Nehemiah's spiritual alertness and readiness to act when God provides an opportunity. Are you ready to live that way – in the moment?
Pastor Bob is back in the pulpit this week to begin a three-part series, "Lessons from the Exile," that will wrap up our summer series, Characters of the Bible. Consider with us how important it was for Nehemiah to prepare for a mission through an honest prayer and what we can take away from this as we together wait for the coming of the new age.
A look at the wisdom and faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the power of God to save, from Daniel 3:1-18. As provincial officials over Babylon, they faced daily choices between faith and compromise. Where in your life are your faith and courage being tested?
Our own Jim Goodson took the pulpit this week to touch on themes of grace, identification, and the humility of Christ
God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but he seems to be weaving in his story, nevertheless. Esther and her people were in the lowest social class of this era of the Persian empire, yet she was eventually chosen to be queen. Esther's access to the king, whom she approaches with the request to save her people, may have been the last part in God's plan to redeem his people from impending annihilation by Haman. Whether or not we choose to play our part, God is writing his story. Find the YouTube video summary of the book of Esther here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGQ3oSJ_xbc.
King Hezekiah of Judah chose to dismantle the idol worship that Ahaz, his father, had set up. Hezekiah's son, Manasseh, undid what his father had done and led the people of Judah astray into idol worship again, leading to their overthrow by the Assyrians. Both of these kings forgot for a time to humble themselves before the Lord, and that sin had consequences. Neither king was perfect, but they point to the One who was.
Rob Girvin, ECC's Youth Director, carries forward our summer message series with the story of Deborah. It's easy in times of trial to forget God's promises and trust our own abilities and resources. This story gives us encouragement and instruction in trusting God amidst the chaos of life.
Pastor Bob reminds us that the challenge to ancient Israel wasn't an easy one - let go of the gods you can see and touch and follow in faith the invisible God.
Bob looks into the great story of Ruth and Naomi, looking at three key characters: Ruth, Naomi, and God.
A look at the story of Joseph and the way God used the tragic and winding events of his life to bless Israel and the nations, fulfilling the promises of the Abrahamic covenant.
Statements like “patiently wait on the Lord” and “we live by faith, not by sight” are good advice, but may lead us to believe that faith is essentially passive. The biblical narrative, however, demonstrates that faith is active, diligent, and obedient. In this message, Pastor Bob helps us consider the theme of proactive faith by looking at the lives of two people – Jochebed and Miriam.
Pastor Bob begins a new sermon series on "Characters of the Bible". This week, we'll look at the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, noting not only Abraham's remarkable faith but also God's faithfulness to his promises in spite of Abraham.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus began his ministry with an invitation to be part of the Kingdom of God, to see and live differently. Following his resurrection, the invitation is to join the mission of God to all people. Let’s consider the largeness of God’s mission in the world and how we are part of it in this summary of the Rediscovering God message series.
What is community, and how are we a part of it? Are you even open to community? How have others been part of your community?
John Mangrum steps into the series on True Community, helping us understand how community has been shaped by our mission and how we are being shaped for our mission.
Matthew 20:20-34 The mother of James and John tries to call dibs on positions of prestige for her sons, believing Jesus' reign will be as an earthly king of Israel. Jesus asks if she understands what she is asking--he has just told them that he will suffer and be crucified. To be "first" in Jesus' kingdom is to lead in humility and service. Is this your mindset? Do you know some of the opportunities to partner with ECC in serving the Bloomington community?
We know Thomas as the doubter, but have you also looked at him as a believer and a worshiper of Jesus? Join us as Pastor Dan helps us take a look at Thomas' response to encountering the Risen Lord.
Jesus' death was much more than a resuscitation or a near-death experience. He was dead, but God brought him back to life. Because of this, death is not the last chapter in the book of our lives, but the introduction to the next book--the book of eternal life. Jesus, who leads his people like a good shepherd, has made an end to sin and death for those who will follow him. Will you follow the Good Shepherd?
Luke 22:66-23:49 Jesus was very alone on the cross: the people had turned against him, his followers had deserted and even denied knowing him, and God himself turned his back on him as Jesus suffered the consequences of our sin. Jesus' response to rejection and betrayal is remarkable. How great is his love!
On what we now call "Palm Sunday," Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king, but not the kind of king the people thought. Jerusalem was the stage for the final battle against sin and death, with Jesus emerging the victor and establishing his kingdom of peace and salvation.
As Christians, we often say, “I’ll be praying for you.” Sometimes this promise is encouraging and other times it sounds like a polite Christian cliché. But suppose Jesus promised to pray for you--would that impact the way you think about life? It seems like it ought to be encouraging, even empowering to know that the Son of God is praying for us.
When Jesus instructed the disciples to love one another, he knew it was a difficult assignment that would involve complicated choices. When he said that God was a loving heavenly father who would provide only good gifts to his children, he really meant it but his definition of ‘good’ and our idea of ‘the good life’ are often quite dissimilar. He did not promise that loving one another and being loved by God would solve the problem of suffering. When Jesus was about to leave this earth he told the disciples that their life would not be a rose garden. Here is the stark reality: loving God and loving people actually produces suffering. How is that good news? The words of Jesus are always good news but they are not always easy.
Jesus talks to the disciples about coming difficulties, his leaving, and his sending the Spirit. How was it a good thing that Jesus was leaving? What were the benefits of the coming Spirit?
Jesus' admonition to his disciples to “remain in me” was both a mystical spiritual reality that defies precise definition and a practical directive to abide in him (the vine) and bear fruit. Discipleship is a combination of at least three things: it is a way of thinking, a way of living, and a mystical supernatural experience.
Christ-followers past and present experience tension and a sense of mystery in living with two worlds in view--this world and the next. The way Jesus addressed the disciples' questions about the future didn't give them all the answers, but it provided them with perspective for a journey that is not aimless but includes an ultimate destination.
How do we reconcile the seemly harsh, judging God of the Old Testament with the emphasis on Jesus' love and kindness in the New Testament? Dr. Paul Copan is Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University and the author or editor of numerous books.
Jesus brings the Sermon on the Mount to conclusion in this "here's the takeaway" passage. The parable of the wise and foolish builders might seem foreboding, like a prediction of calamity for those who don’t build properly, but it is also a description of what it means to follow Jesus’ teachings. He tells his audience the pathway to the good life and reminds them that if they live according to his teachings they will be like the wise builder, inheriting the solid, substantial, good life of God’s kingdom.
In this passage, we see Jesus performing another healing miracle, this time healing a paralytic man. But the healing goes beyond that - Jesus offers the man a "deep healing," and the great news is that He offers it to us, too!
Josiah continues the series on True Community moving us to consider Jesus' lesson on love.
Jesus steps into the normal order of things in the synagogue and does something out of the ordinary, even shocking, that deepens their understanding of God. Jesus' audience consisted of people committed to the word of God, and so are we, but sometimes our human interpretation of how things are or ought to be leads us to set this view up as a tradition that we simply accept as reality. Are you willing to let Jesus challenge your interpretations?
Bob looks are the community of God's people in the Old Testament and what it means for us today.
Luke 9:51-62 "The Gospel Has No 'Easy Button' " When Jesus called his disciples to “come and follow,” he did not suggest that their life would become easy. He actually suggested that discipleship came at a great cost but that the investment paid eternal dividends. There are many famous authors who have addressed the cost of discipleship and many more who have lived the reality without writing about the experience. One thing is certain, following Christ does not mean that our life becomes easy but the life of a disciple includes remarkable rewards. This week we will consider with Pastor Bob the challenges and blessings of following Jesus.
Matthew 7:7-12. Jesus describes God as a most loving father. In fact, it appears he believes that God will give us whatever we want. “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find…” On the surface, these seem like open-ended promises...but are they? Suppose you asked for what was not in your best interest. Would a good parent give it to you anyway? Is it possible that a good parent would deny a request to their children? Giving a child anything that he/she asks for is not exactly good parenting, is it? Surely we ought to evaluate the promises of Jesus in light of these experiences, shouldn’t we? How are we to understand this teaching of Jesus?
Josiah reminds us that the need for community existed since creation, even prior to the fall into sin, and reflects our being made in the image of God who exists in eternal community.
“Judge not or you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) These words of Jesus are quoted often and they are frequently invoked when someone is feeling protective of another, insulted or personally threatened. As usual, we tend to use the words as if we know their exact meaning, but do we? Is Jesus suggesting that words of judgment should never be used? Does he mean that we should not be discerning about what is good or bad, moral or immoral? Is Jesus suggesting that we ought not make judgments in court, enforce laws or punish criminals? Some claim that this is exactly what Jesus is teaching. This Sunday we will renew our study of the life and teaching of Jesus – rediscovering his teachings.
A look at the epiphanies of the wise men, the woman at the well, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Paul's conversion.
Heading into the New Year, it's a good time to ask some probing questions and make course corrections where necessary.
Pastor John reminds us that the message of Jesus' birth was one of great joy for all peoples.
Bob wraps up the semester and our series 'Rediscovering Jesus' by helping us reflect on the biblical truth that Jesus is our King (not our President).
A look at "peace": practical, personal, and complete peace. Is peace possible? Where does this peace come from?
Dan explains what it means that Jesus is our Great High Priest and explores exactly what that means for us as believers today.
When 10 men who were afflicted with leprosy called out to Jesus, he was gracious enough to heal all of them. However, only one came back to Jesus in order to give thanks – the man was a Samaritan. In most areas of life, a sense of entitlement is unbecoming, but as it relates to faith it is deadly. Is it even possible for ingratitude or a sense of entitlement to coexist with salvation? It is certainly something worth thinking about. Today we remember the importance of thanksgiving for all God’s good gifts, especially the gift of salvation.
A look at Jesus' teaching on treasure through four questions: Where is your heart? Who owns your soul? How is your faith? What are your priorities?
The topic of forgiveness is a difficult one. An improper understanding of forgiveness can be damaging. Sometimes the notion of forgiveness can be used as a tool for abusive relationships. When Jesus spoke about forgiveness he was not suggesting that the abused should go back to the abuser and suffer in silence. However, Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness was radical and revolutionary. So what did he mean when he told his disciples to forgive? Why should I forgive? What does it mean to forgive? What are the consequences of forgiveness?
What is the main message of the very familiar parable of the Good Samaritan? It may be different than you think!
In Mark 9:33-41, Jesus interrupted a dispute between the disciples. They were so embarrassed by their own dispute that they did not want to respond to Jesus when he asked why they were arguing. No wonder they didn’t want to answer--they were disputing about which one of them was the greatest. Is this a dispute between children or adult Christ-followers? Well, actually it is both, something that if we are honest we have seen or been involved in many times. As usual, Jesus “turns the tables” on them by redefining greatness. If you want to be great you need to get to the back of the line – humility is a prerequisite for greatness and leadership in the Kingdom of God. How does your resume look?
Our guest speaker this Sunday was Liam Atchison from Global Scholars, an organization that places Christian professors in universities around the world. His message challenged us to think outside the box as it relates to foreign missions. His message, "Living Missions: Come Sail the Blue Ocean," focuses on Acts 19:8-10. In this passage we see Paul presenting the Gospel at Ephesus, but in doing so he took the path less traveled and it made all the difference. Yet, this was not the first time Paul had an apparently risky strategy. Could this have implications for how we spread the Good News today?
After feeding the 5,000, Jesus again turns to solitude and instructs his disciples to do the same. He sends them on ahead in a boat, and they are sailing across the lake when a storm forms and threatens the boat. The picture that the writer gives us is this: that all this time Jesus is walking in the hills around the lake, praying. When the disciples run into trouble in the boat, he appears out of the storm, walking on the water. In this message, Pastor Bob helps us to consider how Jesus is always present in our lives.
In Mark 6:30-44, Jesus feeds the crowd of 5,000. The root of this story is that Jesus is the Bread of Life, but perhaps it also concerns our calling to partner in ministry with Jesus. Noting the difficulty of the situation, the disciples turn to Jesus for the answer. His response? "You feed them." They, of course, cannot. Only after they acknowledge their inadequacies does Jesus step in. Let us look at this story, noting aspects of service, solitude, and sacrament.
Bob looks at Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well and discusses how he leads her with questions to faith.
It wasn’t John the Baptist's finest hour. He had bravely called Herod into account for his immorality and was languishing in prison. In his cell he begins to doubt. This man who had pointed his finger to Jesus and said, "There he is; he’s the one," now sends messengers to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one?" He has [reasonable] doubts. How Jesus handles these doubts is helpful for us as we minister to people with doubts and wrestle with our own doubts.
Josiah looks at the healing of the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda and helps us see the true nature of grace.
Peter, a simple fisherman, probably had no idea what he was getting into when Jesus got into his boat to speak to a crowd. After he had finished Jesus decided to perform an unexpected miracle, nearly turning the boat over by bringing in a miraculous catch of fish at an unexpected time of the day. Then he called Peter to leave everything behind (nets, boats, fish, and livelihood) and follow him. Peter didn’t see that coming and it changed his life forever. Jesus is a selfless, loving redeemer, a good shepherd, a friend of sinners, and a radically dangerous individual. If you invite him into your boat he will turn it upside down – are you ready for that?
Jesus stood up in the synagogue and declared he was the one who was anointed to proclaim good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4:16-30). How will he back up this claim? Teaching. And casting out demons. That's how. This is a story that shapes our understanding of the world and of Jesus. What does it means to participate with him in the mission of God?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Are other people struggling with the same things that I am facing? Does anyone (including God) understand the difficulties that I encounter on a daily basis? Since he is God and I am a sinful human being, how could he truly understand?" These are questions that are answered in the real-life circumstances of Jesus.
Josiah helps us think about what it means not only to head Jesus' call to come and follow, but to ask other to 'come and see' Jesus and follow him with us.
What did Jesus mean when he said, "The kingdom of God is among you"? When you look around at our world does it seem to you that the kingdom of God is really present among us? Is God’s kingdom actually here, right now, or is it coming in the future? The answer to that question is one word: both. When embracing that paradoxical reality, how should we live today?
Listen as Dan Waugh explains the beauty, the relevance, and the importance of the infleshedness (incarnation) of Jesus from John 1:14.
A look at the incarnation--both the divinity and humanity of Christ. If we want to know what God is like, we cannot find a better example than Jesus Christ...yet he was much more than an example. The perfect image of God is reflected in him because he was God in the flesh. He is embedded in time and space but he also transcends time and space. This mysterious reality is the very thing which makes Jesus more significant than any other teacher in the history of humanity.
Bob starts our new Connexion series with a look at why we believe and the lack of compelling evidence to disbelieve the gospel accounts of Jesus' life and work.
"There Is Hope." This word of God came through the prophets and is for every nation of people throughout history. Those who follow God can depend upon him to keep his promises. Join us as we look at the "already, but not yet" in Isaiah 11: the promised restoration to the exiled of Israel, the promises fulfilled in the coming of Christ, and the promises to be fulfilled when Christ returns and establishes his eternal kingdom.
The theme of redemption is not only central to the life of God’s people in the Old Testament, it continues like a scarlet thread of truth throughout the New Testament. The final and continuous theme of the Bible is that the ultimate redemption is accomplished through the work of Jesus Christ. When the theme of redemption is understood and accepted it is inevitably expressed in rejoicing.
God disciplines those he loves through punishment, but his purpose is restoration and he will not allow the punishment to last forever. God loved Israel enough to restore them. God loves us enough to draw us back when we wander into sin. The ultimate expression of God's love for us is the person of Jesus Christ, who took our deserved punishment upon himself.
A look at Ezra and his faith in the word of the Lord over the protection of kings. His study of God's word, application of that word to his life, and teaching it to others prepared him to be someone who stepped to the front and led well at a time when Israel had choices to make--to follow God or not.
The fall of Jerusalem and Israel is a pivotal story in redemptive history. Israel and Judah's sin reaches the tipping point and God sends his people into exile. How does this speak to God's faithfulness to his promises and ultimately point us to Christ?
A look at two stories from the ministry of Elisha. Both stories display God's power, his grace, and his sovereignty - three attributes of God we can take great comfort in.
The story of Naboth's vineyard reminds us that God desires justice and stands ready to punish those who deny or pervert justice. As we think about this narrative, it both convicts and brings comfort to God's people.
A look at Elijah's complaint from 1 Kings 19:1-18. Even the heroic prophets were real people and sometimes found themselves at their limit. God patiently provided for Elijah, as he provides for us.
The story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:16-39. The story is fascinating, the themes are varied, but the main lesson is simple. There is only one God. Will you follow the false gods created by human desires or will you follow the one true God, the king of the universe, the only God who is worthy of worship?
A side note in the sermon series "Ancient Stories, Contemporary Truth" that will inform our view of stories to come.
1 Kings 17:1-24 will introduce the prophet Elijah as he confronts King Ahab, calling down the covenant curse for the Israelites' unfaithfulness in worshiping other gods. Josiah will lead us on "The Puzzling Path of the Living God" as we explore God's sovereignty and role of sole provider for life and living.
Can foolish human decisions be part of God's divinely sovereign plan? The story of Rehoboam's first decision as leader of Israel, from 1 Kings 12:1-15, is an example of God's directing the affairs of humanity and even guiding a human choice in order to bring about his will. His will, which he had already made known through prophecy. What we can learn about ourselves and God from this type of story ?
In 1 Kings 9:1-9, we will consider the legacy of Solomon, including the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Living as if we believed God is real--that those who have accepted Jesus are always in a state of being "in Him," yet we must continuously seek to live this out day by day.
A look at the start of Solomon's reign as king. We'll consider different descriptions of wisdom, Solomon's answer to God's open-ended offer of anything he wanted. Though he did not always apply his wisdom well over the course of his life, this early awareness of his greatest need was in itself a demonstration of wisdom. How would we respond if God made us the same offer?
In 2 Samuel 7:1-17, David expresses a noble desire to build a temple for God. God responds that it is not his place to do so--that task will be given to one of his sons (Solomon, son of Bathsheba!) This passage comes before last week's about David's moral lapse--God already had a legacy in mind for David and sin didn't alter the plan. Join us in considering God's higher plans and mysterious ways, with encouragement to embrace these in our own lives.
Bob brings the semester to a close with a overview of the Songs of Ascent, encouraging us to a realistic view of the world, an appreciation for God's sovereignty, and an understanding of the central role of worship in our lives.
The story of David and Bathsheba. We'll touch on some of the moral admonishments to be gleaned from the story, but the main focus will be on the better kingdom and the better King to come in fulfillment of God's promises to David in 2 Samuel 7.
Josiah teaches on Psalm 91; its the psalm the devil quoted when tempting Jesus in the wilderness! Great Q& A too.
A look at David's uninhibited praise of God in 2 Samuel 6:1-15. God is worthy of our praise in all its various human expressions. Our faith is solemn as we look at Christ on the cross, but well-rounded faith also includes great delight in the presence of God.
Dan looks at a couple of psalms in the category 'wisdom psalms', looking at the two ways laid out before us - the way of righteousness and the way of the wicked.
An overview of David's earthly kingdom as a reflection of God's heavenly kingdom. We will explore the themes of righteousness and sin, considering how God has taken sinful human beings and created a story through them that is a divine tapestry of grace.
Pastor Bob begins a short series on the book of Psalms at Connexion, starting out by looking at several psalms of praise. Why should we praise? What happens when we do?
Dr. John Walton leads us to consider a different interpretation of Genesis 1; namely, that it's not the story of material origins (the house story), but the story of functional origins (the home story).
Satan's end was God's means, and the resurrection life that God gave to Jesus opened the door for all to receive that same life through faith.
Christ suffered on the cross, refusing to save himself in order to save us, knowing his Father would vindicate him three days later as He carried out His plan of redemption.
Bob and Brenda, Josiah and Brittany, and Dan and Lynn offer their wisdom on relationships.
A fresh look at the familiar story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before the Passion. Setting aside our own lens of perspective, what did those who were there see?
Dan explains two key pieces of a biblical framework for relationships: the universal mark we bear and the universal mandate we must obey.
While fleeing from Saul, David has the opportunity to take Saul’s life. He refuses to do so, claiming that he cannot kill God’s anointed one. Even though Saul is pursuing him for evil intent, David is determined to let God deal with the injustice. This is a theme that we see in the Psalms of David, “Lord please rain down justice or vengeance upon my enemies…” David clearly sees (experiences) the injustice and cries out to God for justice but at least on this occasion is unwilling to take justice into his own hands. What does this teach us about dealing with our enemies?
The story of David, Nabal, and Abigail. The courage and desire for justice that served David so well against Goliath almost leads to a great sin, if not for Abigail's humble intervention with the truth.
Armor offers protection. Who wouldn't want this when going into battle? Yet, David in 1 Samuel 17 declines Saul's offer of armor, choosing instead the protection God has already given him: his faith and his instruments of shepherding.
A look at God's grace and mercy despite our sin, confession, and the foolishness of trusting in our own strength.
The people reject God as their judge by asking Samuel for a king, "such as all the other nations have." (v. 5) God's intention was not for them to be like the other nations! In spite of their rejection, God is faithful and eventually sends them a King like no other.
In 1 Samuel 3:1-21, timid Samuel receives a word from the Lord, which was rare at that time, and speaks the difficult word of truth he has received to the leader of Israel. What are the conditions through which the Lord speaks to us? How should we live in order to hear from the Lord? Are we willing to listen? Are we listening?
In looking at the life of Hannah, what can we learn about living with the blessing of God? Equally important, how should we live when the blessing we request has not been received?
Pastor Bob draws out the theme of community as Ruth and Naomi return to Naomi's people and act in desperate faith.
Josiah speaks about what it means to live in light of the ultimate end of the story - the victory of God and the establishment of the New Heavens and New Earth
In God's economy, having less can mean your rich, a small army is triumphant over a large one, and more.
Continuing to investigate how the ancient stories of the Old Testament come to life for us today in our contemporary world.
Christmas cheer...and school shootings. What does God's word have to say to us this advent Sunday in light of the tragedy in Connecticut.
Continuing our advent series Pastor Bob Whitaker reminds us of the glory in the Christmas story - God becomes man!
Moving into Judges, we focus our attention on the downward spiral of sin, spiritual compromise, and God's deliverance.
An exploration of the ways that we might respond to hardship, either with an attitude of faith or without faith. References to Matthew 6:27-43 and Philippians 4:19 will be included in the sermon.
A look at the stories of the Passover and the parting of the Red Sea in terms of God's judgment, redemption, and lordship.
A look at the life of Moses, considering his initial ineffective boldness, his discomfort at God's call, and the patience required as he waited for God's promise of deliverance from Egypt to be fulfilled.
Pastor Dan leads us to consider the older churchly and sacramental views of spirituality.
Dr. Brown explores the unique contribution of charismatic spirituality to the evangelical world.
Dr. Doug Webster of Beeson Divinity School leads us in a deep exploration of the book of Ephesians.
Dr. John Erickson helps us understand the whole scope of the NT and how it fits together into a comprehensive narrative of redemption.
Dr. Webster of Beeson Divinity School leads us on a deep exploration of the book of Ephesians.
Dr. Doug Webster of Beeson Divinity School leads us in a deep exploration of the book of Ephesians.