First Christian Church Champaign

At some point when we were all younger, we were introduced to the power of compound interest. Whether through the original Indian parable or the “magic penny,” there’s a power behind investing early, and often. The same goes with our finances as disciples of Jesus because we can steward God’s resources for a purpose that lasts.

What’s bigger - 9 or 10? No, this isn’t a trick question or start of a joke… sort of. While we know 10 is bigger than 9, in the Kingdom of God - 9 reigns over 10. There is something about a tenth that matches the heart of God we are all called to emulate. So, let’s see where this idea of a tenth comes from and what to do with it.

Did you ever butt your way into a conversation that didn’t involve you and you were met with - “Hey! Mind your own business!” Well, when it comes to talking about God and money, almost all of us feel that way. Yet, God and the Bible understand that money is important and a very big part of our lives. In week 1 of this series, we look to see how God sees money, our hearts, and how they connect.

From The Bachelor to Love Is Blind, our society is infatuated with people chasing after “the one.” However, marriage is so much more than just finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, right? What if the focus was less on hoping to not fall out of love, and more about choosing the things for a strong relationship?

We know children are a gift. However, they don’t come with a manual; and not to mention they’re all different! If you’re a parent, new parent, soon-to-be parent, or hope-to-be one, knowing how to parent well is a daunting role. We know it requires a lot of pre-decision - but in what ways is best?

It’s one of the most Googled questions of all time: What should I have for dinner? Vitally important, right? It’s researched closely with questions about love, the meaning of life, and knowing God’s will. When it comes to pre-deciding to live as a disciple, it’s not just a good question, rather foundation to know and follow.

Whether those habits are good, bad, or somewhere in-between, our habits are what we consistently do - usually without thinking. So, looking at what you consistently do, what would you say is the trajectory of your life? health? Marriage? And most importantly, spiritual growth?

Time for a reality check: Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church can win or lose based on our behavior between now and then. While your vote on a ballot matters, how we act as disciples matters even more.

Sams or Costco? Coke or Pepsi? Cubs or Cardinals? There are a lot of opinions out. And despite most of them, we still live at peace with one another. So, why is it as soon as the conversation turns Red or Blue, does all that seem to go out the window? For Week 1 of United, we look at the one thing to keep in mind that should help all disciples remain focused on the main thing.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a sheep? Well, look out because Jesus is calling us out as sheep in this one! Do we share any common characteristics with sheep - and, if so, what does that mean for us and how we live our lives?

Of your five senses - which would you least want to lose? Statistically, 70% of people say the ability to see would be the worst sense to lose. For this week’s passage, we look at a fairly popular story where someone gets the ability to see for the first time and the transformation(s) that happen as a result.

It’s one thing to get a nickname… it’s another thing to dub yourself! So, what if someone you knew labeled themself as the GOAT? You’d probably think they're either delusional or completely full of themselves, right?!?! But - what if they were right?

As we go through school, we learn new things all the time. From new equations to new historical figures, our minds are adjusting to fresh information. However, what does it take to change your mind? In fact, when was the last time someone changed your mind about something important? In our series through the Gospel of John, we look at how Jesus went about changing people’s minds - and hearts - abo...

Riddle: I can only live where light is, but I die if the light touches me - what am I?... A shadow! The power of light is known to us on a daily basis. It regulates our sleep, provides food for our food, keeps us warm, allows us to see, and more. So, if someone claimed to be able to do all that - would you believe them?

From microwaves to plumbing to the internet, just because we don’t *exactly* know how something works doesn’t mean we don't benefit from it. The same can be said of grace in our faith journey. We might be able to give a definition, but how it exactly works is somewhat of a mystery to us. This week, we see how grace works over our lives.

Who is Jesus? At this point in John's gospel, people are starting to make decisions about who they think Jesus is, and dividing lines are being drawn. "Is He just a prophet?" "Is He the Savior?" "Is He just a normal person making bold claims?" So, who is He to you? Join us this Sunday as we continue studying the Gospel of John together.

As we have journeyed through the Book of John, one thing has been clear—everyone has an opinion about who Jesus is. But who does Jesus say that he is? As we come to “the last and greatest day” of the Festival of Booths in John chapter 7, we get an answer, where Jesus takes a stand, literally, and declares something that changes everything. What does he say? And how does it impact us? Join us this...

Have you ever wondered why people argue about who Jesus really is? As we continue in Chapter 7 of the Gospel of John, opinions fly, debates heat up, and confusion reigns. This week, we dive into the chaos and discover the reasons behind the divided reactions to Jesus. Get ready to explore the powerful truth that challenges perceptions and calls us to decide: Who is Jesus to you?

Just because something’s true, doesn’t mean everyone accepts it. In fact, sometimes the truth is the hardest thing for us to hear. This week we look at one of the truths where dividing lines were drawn.

Everyone’s got one and it usually stinks… that’s right, an opinion! They are everywhere about everything and everyone - especially about Jesus. As we turn the page to chapter 7, we will see what these opinions are and what we should do about them.

What was your favorite costume or play-pretend growing up? Even though we looked the part or put on the mask, we know we weren't *actually* a magician or princess. As we wrap up John 6 this week, we will see the truth that there's a major difference between someone who looks like a disciple versus a true believer of Jesus.

In the middle of a chapter on bread, fish, provision, and Jesus’ self-proclamation as the Bread of Life comes an odd turn of events—rough seas and a midnight stroll… on the water. This week we tackle one of the more amazing—and baffling—signs that Jesus does in the Gospels. What is the significance of this watery wonder? Let’s wrestle with the text and find out.

The Gospel of John is all about understanding who Jesus truly is. John gives us 7 signs (or miracles) to experience His power and authority. He also gives us 7 “I Am” statements to believe in Jesus in His own words! Today, we look at the first “I Am” statement in John’s gospel.

A wise missionary once said, “You can’t preach over the sound of a grumbling stomach!” As we continue our study through the Gospel of John, it’s not the fact that Jesus feeds thousands of people - it’s how He does it! And perhaps there’s a more filling meaning beyond the food in the tummy.

Do you love a good courtroom movie or show? There’s always those tense scenes about witnesses being called to the stand. So, what kind of witness testimony would Jesus give about Himself? Let’s find out!