Anchor Church IL: Recent Episodes
Anchor Church IL
Truly great teams require effort from all players and the same is true with a healthy church. This week, Hannah shares the five practices for Launch Team Members and how these reflect the miracle of the early church!
Experts believe that a major contributing factor to violent domestic terrorists’ actions has to do with their need for significance and belonging. These needs are so foundational to human vitality that people will do unspeakable things to get them. This week, we talk about how joining Anchor’s Launch Team will fill up two indispensable tanks in your soul.
Very soon, Anchor will be embarking on the biggest changes since first starting. Discover the big moves, hopes, and dreams for years of impacting lives!
What were Jesus’s final words before ascending to heaven? “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Christianity was meant to be a multiethnic movement from the very start!
Frederick Douglas once wrote: “Revivals in religion and revivals in the slave trade go hand in hand.” He was commenting on the money from the slave trade funding works like churches. This week, we take an honest look at our racist past and explore a way forward.
What does God say about race? Should we see everyone as humans and not worry about the color of their skin? Not exactly! In fact, the Bible is bursting with mentions of ethnicity and healing divides. It is a big deal to God! In this 3-part series, based on the book How to Heal Our Racial Divide, we will explore how racial diversity is a part of Jesus’ prayer that we would experience heaven, now. Because as Derwin Gray says, “We are color-blessed, not color-blind.”
The Bible didn’t fall from the sky. It was written in space and time. So, that means culture and ethnicities play a role. In fact, bridging the ethnic divide is a major theme throughout God’s plan.
Men eat 57% more meat than women. If men eat meat, is it a cultural phenomenon or a natural instinct? It can be confusing to know what it looks like to be a man. This Father’s Day, we base on sermon on The Five Masculine Instincts by Pastor Chase to explore what it could look like for men (and women) to grow in character.
For more about Anchor, go to anchorchurchil.com!
At the “Door of No Return,” millions were taken from their homes, their families, their lives and sold as slaves. Our Juneteenth speaker, Eben, who gave tours of that very place in Ghana, will be asking: how did humanity get to that point and what can we learn from it?
I grew up hearing: “If you are not giving 10% of your pre-tax income to your local church, you are robbing from God.” There are a million opinions for how we should spend our money. This week, we work to help create a meaningful vision for a generous life.
Imagine your income increasing from $3640 per month to $200,000 per month. That happened to John Wesley, and he did nothing to change his standard of living! This week, we explore the opportunities and obstacles of saving.
“Make as much money as you can.” That sounds more like the words of some get-rich-quick scheme than Jesus.
Life seems to move at the speed of light. But, focusing on fast, your life might fly by. In this sermon, discover five tips to a slowed-down life.
Need a vacation? Does lying on the beach, sipping an ice cold lemonade sound right? What about room service and breakfast in bed? This kind of luxury is not only possible, but God actually requires it from you. This week’s message, we explore the one spiritual discipline that made it in God’s Top Ten List (10 Commandments): Sabbath.
For more about Anchor, check out anchorchurchil.com!
There are two gospels competing for your devotion: the Gospel of America, which says the more you get (new purse, bigger house, nicer car), the happier you will be; and the Gospel of the Kingdom, which tells you that the life you’ve always wanted is fully available to you through Jesus.
CS Lewis called the devil’s realm The Kingdom of Noise. If we are to escape hurry, become our true selves and receive God’s joy, we must learn the first and most important practice: silence and solitude.
Did you know, most people can read 200 books in one year with just 417 hours? Most people also spend 705 hours on social media and 2,737.5 on TV a year. Jesus’ invitation to an easy yoke might take time, but it’s time you might already have!
Could hurry be the one enemy stealing the life out of you? In the sermon today, we survey the history of speed and discover what hurry is doing to our souls.
We live in a world full of injustices. People endure disadvantages and attacks for their race or gender. All too often, the bad guy gets away unscathed. This Easter Sunday, we explore Jesus’ solution to evil and injustice that no one was expecting.
Does loving people ever mean rejecting the Bible? When Jesus was presented with the puzzle (obey the Bible or show mercy), he broke the rules. If that’s what Jesus does, why should we even care about the Bible? This week, special guest preacher, Eben, shows how the Bible is a builder of love, not a barrier to it.
If Jesus’ ministry was dominated by miraculous acts of healing, what does that mean for you? How might God be calling you to transform lives as Jesus did?
Discover an overlooked act of love! Join us this week as we delve into the depths of prayer through the longest prayer recorded in the New Testament.
Obey. The word itself might make you cringe. It might conjure up images of corrupt politicians, legalistic churches or abusive parents. So, what do we do with Jesus who said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will obey me.” Explore with us a text where Jesus raises the bar while revealing mysteries of the divine.
Imagine this. A national leader killed your former teacher while doing a party stunt. Now, full of grief, you and tens of thousands of others are looking for someone to retaliate. The question is: Will Jesus be that person? This week, we tell the next story of Jesus surprising everyone, this time with miraculous resourcefulness.
For more about Anchor Church, go to anchorchurchil.com.
Who is someone unlike you? Who would you consider “other” or “them”? Who has hurt you? Who doesn’t want your good? In this sermon, we will address one of Jesus’ most difficult challenges yet. Loving like Jesus loves means praying for persecutors, embracing enemies and breaking barriers.
Want to know more about Anchor? Go to anchorchurchil.com
Alan McGinnis once said that believing in someone is like giving them a platform on which to stand. From there, they can reach heights they never imagined. This week, we will discover four ways Jesus was a platform provider.
For more about Anchor Church, go to anchorchurchil.com.
What would you do if the one time you invited your boss over, she pulled out her own toilet brush and went around cleaning every bathroom in the house? Loving like Jesus loves demands we break social norms and sacrifice status.
In this episode, Hannah reveals what you didn’t know about Jesus’ washing his disciples’ feet.
Are you looking for a church in Champaign-Urbana, IL? To find out more about Anchor Church, go to anchorchurchil.com.
What can a toddler, a painting and an Egyptian slave woman tell you about Anchor Church? Find out this week, as we celebrate another birthday.
To find out more about Anchor, go to anchorchurchil.com.
What if your doctor told you that you would not make it to your birthday in two weeks? This Sunday, Matt shares about his health journey and what kept him holding onto trust through one devastating trial after another.
If you are interested in finding out more about Anchor, go to anchorchurchil.com.
What does it mean to be human? Most anthropologists wouldn’t begin a discussion on the nature of humanity by comparing us with the Evergreen, but that is exactly what we find in the first page of the Bible. Like trees, people are meant to grow and multiply and create abundance and life for others. This week, Sherena will show how bearing fruit is what it means to be human.
For more on Anchor, go to anchorchurchil.com
What is the good life? Would you know if you had it? How is it that with all the knowledge and technology, we don’t seem to be much happier? How do you explain why people living in global poverty still have joy? The Bible uses a tree to represent life. Life is within reach. It is available for consumption — except if we are exiled from the garden!
For more on Anchor, go to anchorchurchil.com
Why do people join cults? Why do so many successful pastors end up being moral failures? Why is it that there are so many people living paycheck to paycheck in the riches nation in history? How do we make sense of all the wars and violence and sex trafficking and murder today?
Surprisingly, trees offer us some insight into human failure. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil looked good and tasted good. Its consequences weren’t immediate, but its fruit did indeed bring death.
To find out more about Anchor, go to anchorchurchil.com.
Imagine moving to a new country where no one spoke English. Even if you had the time and discipline to learn the local language, you would still miss hearing words in your native tongue. The tongue may be the most overlooked tool in our lives. And few people understand the power of words quite like Willie who is a literal expert in language! You won’t want to miss this week.
What do you do when the relationship is over? How do you rebuild your life? This week, Martha details the biggest challenges she faced after her divorce and how she emerged on the other side with a new path in life.
Interested in coming in person? Plan your visit here: https://forms.wix.com/f/7114681531825652430
30-60% of marriages will involve at least one affair. Over half of men who commit affairs consider their marriage to be happy. So, why do people cheat? And should you stay in the relationship? And how can you find healing after infidelity? This week, we explored the pain of betrayal and bruised love.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? You can check out our website here.
Fighting is a part of being in love. It’s a bummer but it’s true. But how do you love someone through the conflict? This week, Hannah shares the tools to help with tension in your relationship - whether that be with your spouse, partner, or even friends and family.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Check out our website here.
If you are a parent who loves your kids, but wonders if you are parenting the right way, you won't want to miss this week's service. This week, discover tips from experts in parenting.
Case Studies mentioned into today’s episode:
- Your eight year old daughter is taking more interest in her faith. And she is asking you really complicated questions about God that you don’t understand yourself.
- You are suspicious that your six-year-old son is lying to you. But, you aren’t sure.
- You discover that your 13-year-old is smoking pot.
- Your seven-year-old is such a picky eater, you are worried about their health.
- Your 12-year-old son was just diagnosed with ADHD. You and your spouse both have opposing views on whether or not to have him take medication. You both feel very strong about your positions.
- Your four-year-old has been exceptionally badly behaved. He doesn’t listen, no matter what you do. You have always wanted to avoid spanking, but are now out of alternative ideas.
- You come to discover that your eleven-year-old daughter, Sarah, has been going by the name Connor all year without telling you.
- Your ten-year-old son has been getting bullied a lot in school. You come to find out that he has been self-harming for the last year because of it.
Most of us have felt the extra pinch from inflation these days. When basic expenses for food and housing go up, your relationship might be crumbling under the pressure. In this sermon, discover practical ways to stop worrying and start working together.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Plan your visit here!
We all know that love matters in relationships, but could we be downplaying the significance of liking your partner? This week, we will uncover the four areas of your relationship's Level of Like.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Check out www.anchorchurchil.com to plan your visit!
Some of the most iconic songs of recent history explore the powerful force of breakups.
In this episode, we will explore why breakups hurt so deeply and what we can discover from Jesus' response to divorce. Plus, Nick attempts to sing Whitney Houston and Beyonce!
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Please go to: www.anchorchurchil.com
Welcome to Anchor Church’s podcast. Today, Pastor Nick talks about the woman at the well and how this interaction with Jesus includes all of our “Big Three” values here at Anchor. What are those big three? They are being: people first, multi-ethnic and women empowering.
Thank you for listening to Anchor Church’s Podcast. Every month, we upload new episodes to help you grow in your faith and relationship with God. If you’d like to get involved further or give into the mission of Anchor or are looking for a church in Champaign-Urbana, IL, please check out anchorchurchil.com
Welcome to Anchor Church’s podcast. Today, Sherena Small talks about Ugly Prayers. In this message, you’ll learn how God can handle our mess and how he encourages us to be really honest with him while we pray.
Thank you for listening to Anchor Church’s Podcast. Every month, we upload new episodes to help you grow in your faith and relationship with God. If you’d like to get involved further or give into the mission of Anchor, please check out anchorchurchil.com
On a list of geniuses throughout history, why is it that Jesus doesn't seem to make the cut? If anyone had exception intelligence, brilliant creativity, and who taught us to see the world differently, that would be the 30 year old rabbi from Nazareth. In the sermon this month, we will discover Jesus' unique contributions have shaped our world.
Find out more about Anchor Church at www.anchorchurchil.com
Welcome to Anchor Church’s podcast. Today, Reverend Lawrence Kirby talks about how God’s church is meant to be unified and free during Anchor’s annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Thank you for listening to Anchor Church’s Podcast. Every month, we upload new episodes to help you grow in your faith and relationship with God. If you’d like to get involved further or give into the mission of Anchor, please check out anchorchurchil.com
Welcome to Anchor Church’s podcast. Today, Hannah talks about the importance of Therapy and how God handled a mental health crisis with Elijah. She preaches out of 1 Kings 19.
Thank you for listening to Anchor Church’s Podcast. Every month, we upload new episodes to help you grow in your faith and relationship with God. If you’d like to get involved further or give into the mission of Anchor, please check out anchorchurchil.com
Welcome to Anchor Church’s podcast. Today, Nick talks about the resurrection of Jesus and why it gives us hope for today. This was recorded on Easter Sunday 2023.
Thank you for listening to Anchor Church’s Podcast. Every month, we upload new episodes to help you grow in your faith and relationship with God. If you’d like to get involved further or give into the mission of Anchor, please check out anchorchurchil.com
On this episode, Nick talks about Money Matters. He takes a more casual approach and engages the audience a bit, while diving into the parable of the Rich Fool from Luke 12.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Check out www.anchorchurchil.com
In this message, Nick shares about How To Be A Good Boyfriend. Instead of the typical 20 things you need to fix about yourself, he offers two tips that could help you be a better partner in your relationship.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Check out www.anchorchurchil.com
Today, Nick talks about why belonging, acceptance, and warmth mean so much in the Christian life. Nick references Philippians 2:3-4 & Ephesians 2:12-13.
Thank you for listening to Anchor Church’s Podcast. Every month, we upload new episodes to help you grow in your faith and relationship with God. If you’d like to get involved further or give into the mission of Anchor, please check out anchorchurchil.com
Welcome to Anchor Church’s podcast. Today, Nick talks about being of good cheer and 5 gifts that humor brings us. We had some technical difficulties at the beginning so we had to cut off the beginning story. Sorry about that!
To find out more about Anchor Church, please check out our website: www.anchorchurchil.com
In this episode, Nick talks about Modern Day Miracles and how we can see miracles all around us, If we just learn to look for them.
Want to know more about Anchor Church? Check out www.anchorchurchil.com
In the darkness, you’ll find pain, fear, and uncertainty. But, could that really be a place where you find God? In this episode, Jaasiah will be delivering his very first sermon where you will discover why you should hold onto faith in the dark. This may be the message of hope that your soul has been looking for.
Wnat to know more about Anchor Church? Check out www.anchorchurchil.com
Did you know that only 1% of sons describe only good relations with their fathers? Yes, you read that right - 1%.
No matter who you are, your relationship with your dad affects you - good or bad. During this message, Nick will be sharing his own story of finding out who his father was and how that has shaped him as a pastor.
Maybe you've heard the fire and brimstone preaching before or your Sunday School teacher terrified you into saying a prayer using the threat of eternal torment. If that's you, hell might not be your favorite topic.
What if we told you that hell had a lot more to do with compassion than fear and shame?
Check out this episode from our August 2022 service.
To find out more about Anchor Church, please go to www.anchorchurchil.com
Today, we’re asking the question: what are the ethical ramifications for artificial intelligence? Nick talks about the Tower of Babel and the very first telegraph in this unique message.
Verses mentioned: Genesis 11, Genesis 12, and Proverbs 31:8-9
If you'd like to find out more about Anchor Church, please check out www.anchorchurchil.com
During this episode, Nick interviews LaShendria, Toneka, Matt and Jaasiah.
The questions asked are:
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Who is a Black person in your life that you admire?
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Who is a Black person in history who inspires you?
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How have you experienced racism in your life?
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What do you think should be done?
If you'd like to get involved at Anchor Church, please check out our website: www.anchorchurchil.com
How can an ancient text that is so primitive and regressive and honestly, strange, continue to have such a massive influence in our world today? In this episode, we hope to convince you why you have already wanted to read the Bible by showing you what makes it the Good Book! If you've ever been interested in the most popular book in human history, then this is for you.
Want to get connected at Anchor Church? Check out our website: www.anchorchurchil.com and let us know how we can help you.
In this episode, Hannah talks about three stories of God's anger that many of us heard as children. But, she takes them from a different viewpoint. We dive deep into the anger of God and the possible reasons behind it. She also speaks about how anger and love come together on the cross. This was given on Easter Sunday 2022.
Note: We had some technical problems as the beginning so the first part of the episode had to be re-recorded.
Scientists estimate that 3 species become extinct every single day. So then, why does it seem like Christians are more eager to protest than to recycle a can of soda? In this message, we are going to explore Christianity’s resistance to environmentalism and discover why loving God means going green.
Check out more about Anchor Church at www.anchorchurchil.com
Maybe you’ve thanked God for your family. Maybe for your health. Maybe for your job. But, have you ever thanked God for sex? Face it: without sex, you wouldn’t be here!
You might remember growing up in Sunday School, where the only thing you learned about sex was “Don’t.” But, God created it as a gift. In this series, we are going to explore the purpose of sex along with its misuses and abuses.
Today, Nick talks about sex in a positive way and shares how we have believed 3 different myths about sex.
There are times that God changes things up for us. Our plans get messed up and sometimes that can send us into a downward spiral. Today, Pastor Nick shares about Jesus' encounter with Jarius and the woman who was bleeding for 12 years.
Christmas can be stressful. A time of year that is supposed to be peaceful and fun, can turn quickly into a list of "To Do's" with December 25th being the deadline. In the talk, you will discover that there are actually two kinds of rest to experience.
Colonialism, racism, homophobia, nationalism, chauvinism and anti-intellectualism. Christianity seems to have been a source of evil in the world and throughout history. Has the movement launched by everybody’s favorite Jewish carpenter, done more harm than good?
In this message, we will take an honest look at three of the most devastating charges made against Christianity, followed by some shocking discoveries.
Your mind is no neutral zone. It is a battlefield of lies and negativity and doubts and fears and worries and apathy. Most people concentrate on outside problems and fail to realize that it is actually the war in the mind keeping them from moving forward. In this episode, Nick shares the seven strategies to win the war in your mind, taken primarily from both one of Craig Groeschel’s and the Apostle Paul’s later books.
Fear 😱 We all have it. Some fears can be small and iritating, while others can be debilitating. In this episode, Hannah will share how you can fight your fear, no matter how long you have had it. When Jesus looked fear in the eyes, he deliberately took four steps, which you can take as well!
When you're dealing with a difficult person, sometimes it feels like there are only two options: "forgive and forget" or "cancel them". Neither choice seems adequate. Dealing with toxic people can be exhausting, devastating and heart wrenching, leaving you feeling powerless. Today, Nick wants to give you some tools and ideas of how to love people, without neglecting your own needs.
The discovery of aliens 👽 would be detrimental to Christianity 💥 Or would it? 🤔 In this episode, we will consider if aliens and Jesus mix 🧪 By the end of this unconventional topic, you will be able to say whether or not the Bible leaves room for the existence of intelligent life on other planets.
Do you like the way you look? According to one study, four out of five of you would say “no.” Body image issues can hurt your confidence, fill you with shame, and keep you in fear. In this service, you will discover three truths to break the chains that hold us down.
One of the most serious threats you are facing is one that doesn’t get enough attention. We live in a time when it is not clear who to trust, what to believe and if you can ever be sure about anything.
During this episode, you will discover why you should search for truth despite the circumstances.
Feel like quitting your job? Can't take your diet any more? Can't go one more day with that person in your life?
If you give up now, would you regret it?
In this episode, you will discover the three powerful words that will help you decide if you need to keep moving forward. In addition, these words could also fill you with strength when you are on E!
Shame is public enemy #1.
Right now, shame is seeking to destroy your confidence, ruin your sleep, sabatoge your relationships, burn your dreams, distract you from your goals, and rob you of joy. It is contributing to addiction, violence, depression, aggression, bullying, eating disorders and suicide.
In this episode, you will discover three new names that will help you overcome shame in your life.
If there was one thing you could do to further your career, infuse meaning into your life, and figure out how to get along with your opinionated uncle during the holidays, would you be interested?
In this video, you are going to discover what we are considering the very starting point for nearly everything that matters in your life.
Sometimes you just need some encouragement and today’s episode is just that.
This was originally recorded for Anchor Church’s grand opening January of 2021
When it comes to poverty, there are two major questions. The question of responsibility (the “should” question) and the question of possibility (the “could” question). As we go about our lives, let’s remember those who are less fortunate and explore what we can actually do to make a meaningful difference.
Amidst the unknown of this week and even the rest of 2020, many of us are wondering - what’s the point of pain?
In this talk, Nick tackles the topic of politics. People are hurt. People are angry. Our country is divided. Both sides are convinced that the other will not only hurt our country but be the death of our country. How are you supposed to understand these current political issues? What can you do to bring a better future?
You are capable of far more than you realize. You were made to impact lives, to bring change, to serve others. Now, if you were to be really honest, you would admit that it is far more comfortable staying where you are at and doing what feels safe. But, if you take a risk to pursue your purpose, you have no idea what that could mean for you. In this episode., we will explore the three things we miss when we miss our purpose.
If we’re honest, we’ve all felt alone at one point or another. During this episode, we'll explain why we can’t live without connection and the one thing that you can’t truly connect without.
In this episode, Anchor Church talks about racial reconciliation and what it means for you. This is obviously impossible to cover in a short message but this is a start to the conversation.
Join us for Anchor's first message! With all that we have been facing this year, it can feel like an army is heading toward us. In our first episode, we wanted to help bring hope to you at a time when you might need it most!