Sinopsis
Connecting You with God and Others
Episodios
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Keep It Simple
06/01/2019At the start of a new year, don't get overwhelmed by all the possibilities for resolutions. This passage encourages us to keep it simple. As Christians, we have one goal: to love God and love others. Matthew 22:34–40
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Learning to Lean
30/12/2018As we wrap up 2018 and begin a new year, it’s prudent to remind ourselves of the Biblical basics for ordering our plans in the new year. In this passage, we are provided with three steps to enable us to be wise. When we hold to these truths, God promises to guide us. Proverbs 3:5-6
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The Prince of Peace
23/12/2018Where do we find lasting peace? Does it even exist? People can spend a lifetime searching for peace in all of the wrong places. As we reflect on the final advent candle of the season, Christmas reminds us that there is ultimately no lasting peace apart from Jesus. Only in Jesus do we find peace that surpasses all understanding. Isaiah 9:1-7
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All About That Baby
16/12/2018What's Christmas really about? Watch as our Children's Chorus shares the true meaning of Christmas.
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The Hope Of The World
02/12/2018Where does our hope come from? On this Sunday of Advent, we learn about the hope of world foretold in Isaiah 40, a great comforter, the glory of God revealed. As Christians, our hope is forever tied to the revelation of God's glory through His son, Jesus. With God's help, let's live in that hope, and share it joyfully with others. Isaiah 40:1-5
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How To Protect The Church
25/11/2018Our instinct is to protect the things we love. Do you love the church enough to protect it? In this passage, Paul discusses the need for Christians to take an active role in protecting the church from internal and external threats. As the bride of Christ, God will defend and protect His Church. But it's also our responsibility to join in that mission by conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. Acts 20:28–32
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Achieving Gospel Unity
18/11/2018Diversity is something to be celebrated within the church, whether it's generational, ethnic, socio-economic, or preferential. But what happens when diversity in the congregation leads to disunity? When the church exhibits disunity, it dishonors Christ. In this passage, we find three keys to unity within the body of Christ: embracing God's grace, realizing our identity in Christ, and practicing sacrificial love. Acts 15:1-21
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Even Them
11/11/2018Human nature tends towards exclusion, a mindset of "us" and "them". This disposition existed in the time of the early church, where the gospel of Jesus first came to the Jews and was yet to be communicated to the gentiles (non-Jews). In this passage, we see Peter struggling with prejudice towards gentiles; but God miraculously revealed to him that the message of Jesus was meant for all people, even them. Acts 10:1-48
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God Can Save Anyone
04/11/2018Is anyone beyond saving? The gospel is the power of God to save anyone. In this passage, we see Paul converted from a persecutor of Christ's Church to its champion. If God can change the heart of Paul, He can change anyone. Paul's story illustrates three important lessons: God can save anyone, God can use anyone, and God desires to save everyone. Acts 9:1-22
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Contagious Christianity
28/10/2018How did Christianity spread in the early church? In this passage in Acts, we see that for the church to grow, God's people must go. The message highlighted three essentials for our approach to evangelism: we must rely on the Spirit, we must discern the core needs and struggles in our listeners, and we must guide our conversations towards the Savior. Acts 8:26-39
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Jesus Is Worth It
21/10/2018When push comes to shove, would you stand up for Jesus? Is He worth the cost you may have to bear, even to the point of death? In this passage, we see the martyrdom of Stephen. We learn three important points about how to respond to persecution: Jesus is the message, Jesus is the model, and Jesus is the motivation. Acts 6:8-7:60
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The Unstoppable Church
14/10/2018Throughout the ages, the early church met incredible resistance and persecution, yet it prevailed. What was responsible for its success? In this passage, we learn how the modern church can maintain unshakable commitment to advancing the gospel, no matter the circumstances, all the while experiencing a joy that can only be found in God. If the Church was something built by man, it would've failed a long time ago. The Church will not fail because Jesus will not fail us. Acts 5:17-42
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Prayer for Boldness
07/10/2018Where does our boldness for Christ come from, and how do we get it? No true follower of Jesus wants to be a coward for their faith. While we may need to develop our courage over time, every true believer has a growing desire to boldly share the gospel. Boldness comes from yielding to the Holy Spirit, not giving in to our fear. In this passage, we find three keys to our our boldness: resting in the sovereignty of God, resolving to put the gospel first, and requesting God's help. Acts 4:23-31
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Stop Flying Solo
30/09/2018Why do we need to commit to corporate worship in a local church? In this passage, we learn about the value of community to the early church. We see that we don’t need another sermon podcast or Spotify playlist, both common signs of modern church-goers. We need community; it's not just an optional thing for us, it’s essential if we are going to grow in our relationship with God. Solo Christianity leads to stagnant Christianity. Acts 2:42-47
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The Spirit Empowered Church
23/09/2018What powerful gift did God give the church? In this passage, we see 4 ways that God empowers the church through the Holy Spirit to carry out His mission. The result is an unstoppable church fully equipped to build the Kingdom of God. Acts 2:1-41
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Back To The Basics
16/09/2018How can our church be a catalyst for change in Chicago? In this new series, we’re getting back to the basics as we explore how our message, mission, and motivation can contribute to meaningful change in our city. As we seek to effectively represent Jesus, may the mission of our lives be the mission of the church. Acts 1:1-11
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Healer, Master, and Savior
02/09/2018Human authority is an interesting thing, isn't it? It's easily attained and easily lost. Jesus' authority contrasts significantly with human authority. In this passage, we see a Savior with authority over sickness, over Satan, and ultimately over sin. When Jesus healed the sick man, the miracle validated Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrated God's love for us, proved God's opposition to sin, revealed Jesus' authority, and foreshadowed God's coming Kingdom. Matthew 8:14-17
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Kingdom Warnings
05/08/2018What warning signs should we consider on our faith journey? In this passage, Jesus paints the picture of two gates -- one wide, one narrow -- on the road to eternity. He warns of false paths, false teachers, and false followers. Just because everyone is doing something doesn't make it right. Are you on the right path? Matthew 7:13-23
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Don’t Stop Now
29/07/2018We are all pursuing the same thing: life to the fullest. Jesus speaks to this core human desire, describing the "race" of life as something that must be pursued with perseverance. What are the key Christian commitments that we need to have to experience life to the fullest? In this passage, we learn that in order to run the race well, we must never stop praying, trusting, and loving. Matthew 7: 7-12
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The Dangers of a Critical Spirit
22/07/2018What are the dangers of a critical spirit? This passage reminds us of the hypocrisy and destructiveness of being judgmental of others. Although it is wise to discern good from evil, when we compare ourselves to others, we are far more likely to err on the side of sin. Being critical of others is destructive not only to our own hearts but also to our relationships with others. Matthew 7:1-6