First Christian Church Champaign

Have you ever gone on a hike without a map? That could be a recipe for disaster! You would end up taking quite a few steps, but maybe not in the right direction. Our goal as a church is for us all to take steps of faith in the right direction of fulfilling our mission. This week we unpack the new vision of FIRST: 5,000 Next Steps of Discipleship.

With the turn of every new year comes the chance to set the pace for where God will take our church in the coming year. So for us, that means reminding all of us of the greater mission God has set before us. While God sets the mission, we set the pace. Are you ready to see what God will do this year?

The Christmas season is over, but the New Year isn’t quite here yet. So, now what? What if we saw giving as something that’s always in season? Let’s wrap up the Christmas Gift Exchange by keeping the heart of giving for all seasons of the year.

Knowing the giver of the gift can dramatically change its value and meaning. A macaroni necklace from your boss is a fake smile and half-hearted, “thanks.” But, the same gift from your child is truly something to be cherished. In week 3, Christmas Eve, we remember who the greatest gift in this life is from.

It’s the thought that counts. Perhaps you’ve heard - or used! - that phrase in regards to a gift. What that really means is the heart behind the gift is what matters most. In week 2 of Christmas Gift Exchange, we look at how Jesus exchanges our hearts for His.

Giving gifts is somewhat of an art form, isn’t it? Whether it’s what they want or need, the better you know the other person, the easier gift-giving is. As we kick-off this Christmas series, we see that God knows the greatest gift we need.

“Anything worth living for is worth dying for…” comes from the iconic novel Catch-22. The pithy statement may beat strong in our minds, but does it pump the blood through our veins? As we finish our Upside Down series, we look at the final Beatitude that may be the greatest challenge of all.

Would you say peace is harder to make or maintain? Either way, both require quite a bit of effort. Yet, living at peace with everyone is always harder than it sounds. In week 8 of Upside Down, we unpack the challenge of Jesus to be peacemakers.

There’s a big difference between water that’s filtered and unfiltered. What if we told you it was also possible to filter the tugs of heart? In week 7 of Upside Down, we see how Jesus challenges us with a heart-filter in following Him.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “you get what you deserve?” If we’re honest, not one of the best things to hear. So, why does it sound like that’s what Jesus is saying in this next Beatitude? In week 6 of Upside Down, we unpack what Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

From cheddar bay biscuits to peanut butter and chili, everyone has a craving or two. The truth is, we crave more than just food every week of our life. So, what does Jesus have to say about what we crave out of life?

In a cut-throat-get-ahead-by-your-bootstraps world, what does it take to get ahead? Because let’s be honest, we all wish we were a little further ahead. In week 4 of Upside Down, Jesus gives us the uncommon trait for those with the whole world in their hands.

I thought God just wanted me to be happy?... so then why is Jesus talking about mourning? Good question! Let’s find out how spiritual sorrow leads to heavenly happiness.

Throughout history, there has always been a struggle between the haves and have-nots. Perhaps there’s a chance you feel like your own personal life mirrors that struggle internally. In week 2 of Upside Down, we look at Jesus’ first uncommon characteristic of those who live in the Kingdom of God.

One of the most common tidbits of advice thrown around in our world today is, “Do what makes you happy.” But what if you’ve tried those things only to need *more* happiness down the road. In week 1 of our new teaching series, Upside-Down, we see how Jesus lays the foundation for lasting happiness.

United We Stand. We hear and see this everywhere in our country. Yet, most would agree that true unity evades us consistently. As the church, what brings us together is not how we vote, but something different entirely. In week 4, we wrap up the series Separation of Church and Hate and discover the strength of unity in the Kingdom of God.

They say there’s one thing that looks good on everyone—no, not a fedora—humility! Ironically, it’s also the one thing you can’t talk about having without losing it. In week 3 of this series, we see why humility, especially in tense conversations, looks good on everyone - even you.

Do you want to think the best of others? Chances are, you do! But without dignity for all, it’s not as easy as we think. In week 2 of Separation of Church and Hate, we look at how the Gospel compels us to confront all injustices.

Everyone’s got an opinion on everything, right? But let me ask you this: when was the last time someone actually changed your mind? As we start our new series, Separation of Church and Hate, let’s see how civility with one another is about something other than agreement.

While Jesus meets us where we are, the journey doesn’t stop there. As individuals and as a church body, our discipleship journey is more than one’s personal faith. There is a call for everyone to ask the question, “who’s next?” As we close out our FIRST Things First series, we look at our final value of Active Multiplication.

Every one of us has resources at our disposal. From our time to our talents to our treasures, all of it is a gift from God. As a church, we believe part of being a disciple means using our gifts to breathe life into others. This week, we look at our Life-Giving Generosity value as we continue in our FIRST Things First teaching series.

Healthy things grow, and growing things change. The saying goes for plants and disciples! It is the heart of Jesus for us to continually mature and be transformed into His image. Join us for week 4 of our FIRST Things First series as we look at our value of Growing Faith.

Throughout history, the church has stood out for many reasons. One thing about churches on mission that sticks out from the world is their love for others. Whether that was the development of hospitals, schools, food pantries, or other forms of good—the church makes a difference. This week we look at our value of Outward Compassion.

The great sitcom Cheers has an iconic line of being a place “where everyone knows your name.” We believe that churches are to be places filled with people who not just know each other by name but go beyond to show genuine love for each other. This week, we look at our first value of being A Loving Community.

How do you know if you've arrived if you don't know where you're going? This goes for a road trip, the trajectory of your life… and for the Church. While the mission and message of the Church haven't changed for centuries—the methods may. In week one of FIRST Things First, we roll out FIRST's new mission statement!