Grow In Faith

In this enlightening episode of our afterlife devotional series, we explore the complex relationship between God's grace and the final judgment for Christians. Join us as we unpack biblical teachings on how believers will be judged and what this means for our faith and actions. Key points: The apparent tension between salvation by grace and final judgment Paul's teachings on judgment in...

In this thought-provoking episode of our afterlife devotional series, we delve into the challenging topic of God's judgment and the possibility of a second chance after death. Join us as we examine biblical perspectives on this crucial question. Key points: Introduction to the concept of divine judgment in the afterlife The fear and significance of having our lives judged by God Historical co...

In this intriguing final episode of our death-focused week, Pastor Mike addresses a question that has fascinated humans for centuries: Are ghosts real? Join us as we explore this topic from a biblical standpoint and uncover what Scripture says about spiritual beings. Key points: The prevalence of ghost beliefs throughout history and popular culture Different cultural perspectives on ghosts and anc...

In this enlightening episode of our afterlife devotional series, Pastor Mike tackles the age-old question: What happens when we die? He explores three common beliefs and shares his perspective on the immediate afterlife experience for believers. Key points: Three main views on what happens after death:  Believers go immediately into God's presence Purgatory Soul sleep until resurrection Pasto...

In this thought-provoking episode of our afterlife devotional series, Pastor Mike addresses a question many of us have wondered but few dare to ask: What does it feel like to die? Drawing from personal experiences and pastoral insights, he offers a compassionate exploration of this sensitive topic. Key points: Pastor Mike's honest admission of not knowing firsthand what dying feels like Brief...

In this episode of our afterlife devotional series, Pastor Mike tackles the complex topic of death from a biblical standpoint. He explores various perspectives on death and explains how Christians can reconcile seemingly contradictory views. Key points: Pastor Mike addressing the fundamental question: What is death? Exploring different views on death:  Death as natural and neutral Death as evil an...

In this fourth episode of our afterlife devotional series, Pastor [Name] shifts focus to discuss the importance of practical preparations for end-of-life situations. Drawing from years of pastoral experience, he explains how planning ahead can be a tremendous gift to your family during difficult times. Key points: Introduction to a new resource being created by Christ Church for end-of-life planni...

In this third episode of our devotional series on the afterlife, Pastor Mike addresses a common critique of Christianity and explains how focusing on eternity actually motivates us to engage more deeply with present-day issues. Key points: Continuation of our series on eternity, heaven, hell, and judgment Addressing the critique that Christians are "too heavenly minded to be of any earthly go...

Welcome to the second episode of our devotional series on eternity and the afterlife. In this video, Pastor Mike explores the various sources people turn to for information about life after death and explains why we should prioritize Biblical teachings, especially those of Jesus Christ. Key points: Continuation of our series on the afterlife, death, and eternity The importance of asking where we g...

Join us for the first episode of our new devotional series on eternity, heaven, hell, and judgment. Pastor Mike explores why it's crucial for Christians to contemplate these often-avoided topics. Key points: Introducing a new sermon series focused on the afterlife and eternity The importance of addressing challenging topics like death, judgment, and hell How understanding eternity transforms...

Join us for another insightful episode in our Psalms devotional series as we focus on the rich promises found in Psalm 103:2-5. This powerful reflection encourages us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and remember God's countless blessings. In this episode, we explore: The importance of acknowledging and remembering God's benefits in our lives A call to worship based on God's go...

Join us in our Psalms devotional series as we dive deep into Psalm 103, a timeless proclamation of praise, gratitude, and awe at God's boundless love and mercy. In this enlightening episode, we explore: The psalmist's call to personal worship and self-encouragement God's forgiveness, healing, redemption, and steadfast love The profound metaphor of God removing our sins "as far...

Join us for our Psalms devotional series as we explore Psalm 103 and its profound message of God's grace. In this episode, we dive deep into: The apparent contradiction between Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103 How Jesus and the Gospel bridge the gap between justice and mercy The three key aspects of the Gospel message Understanding grace vs. justice vs. mercy The concept of justification and its i...

Join us for our latest episode in the "Psalms" devotional series as we explore Psalm 103, often referred to as David's Alleluia Chorus. This powerful psalm teaches us how to direct our hearts towards praising God in all circumstances. Key points: Understanding the Psalms as a collection of prayers and meditations The importance of driving God's word deep into our hearts Psalm 1...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler for the final day of our study on Psalm 90. In this episode of our "Psalms" devotional series, we summarize Moses' profound reflection and draw parallels between the Israelites' journey and our own spiritual walk. Key points: Recap of God as the infinite creator and human sinfulness (Psalm 90:1-6) God's anger as a response to our personal sin (Psalm...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler for the third day of our study on Psalm 90. In this episode of our "Psalms" devotional series, we explore Moses' heartfelt plea for God's compassion and how it relates to the gospel message. Key points: Recap of God as the infinite creator and human sinfulness (Psalm 90:1-12) Moses' appeal for God's compassion and relenting (Psalm 90:13) The re...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler as he continues our exploration of Psalm 90, delving deeper into Moses' profound reflection on God's anger, human mortality, and the path to true wisdom. In this second episode of our "Psalms" devotional series, we examine how acknowledging our finite existence can lead to a deeper understanding of God's infinite nature. Key points: God's anger...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler as he explores Psalm 90, a powerful prayer attributed to Moses. In this episode of our "Psalms" devotional series, we dive into the contrast between God's eternal nature and human mortality. Key points: Introduction to Psalm 90 and its authorship by Moses Brief overview of Moses' life in three 40-year periods God as the infinite Creator (Psalm 90:1-2) Hu...

In this episode of our "Psalms" devotional series, we explore the final verses of Psalm 98 and tackle the challenging concept of God's judgment. Discover why the psalmist presents God's coming judgment as a reason for celebration and how it fits into the grand narrative of God's love and justice. Key Points: Psalm 98 concludes with the promise of God coming to judge the ea...

In this episode of our "Psalms" devotional series, we explore the unexpected conclusion of Psalm 98 and its implications for our understanding of divine judgment. Join us as we delve into the biblical perspective on judgment and how it relates to our faith and actions. Key Points: Psalm 98 ends with a celebration of God's coming judgment The concept of judgment is a significant them...

Join us for another insightful episode in our "Psalms" devotional series as we explore the majestic Psalm 98. This powerful psalm paints a vivid picture of all creation joining in a chorus of praise to celebrate God's faithfulness and coming judgment. Key Points: Psalm 98 is an enthronement psalm building to a crescendo of praise The psalm is divided into three main parts:  A call t...

Join us for another episode in our "Psalms" devotional series as we explore the intriguing Psalm 98. This enthronement psalm takes an unexpected turn, leaving us with a thought-provoking message about God's reign and judgment. Key Points: Psalm 98 is one of six enthronement psalms celebrating God's majesty It calls for joyful noise and singing to celebrate God's reign The...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler for the final day of our study on Psalm 89 in our "Psalms" devotional series. Today, we explore the raw honesty of the psalmist Ethan as he grapples with David's trials and questions God's faithfulness, ultimately reaffirming his trust in the Lord. Key points: Recap of earlier themes: God's love, faithfulness, and the Davidic covenant Introduction t...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler for day three of our study on Psalm 89 in our "Psalms" devotional series. Today, we explore the beautiful connection between Psalm 89 and 2 Samuel 7, highlighting God's covenant with David and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Key points: Comparison between Psalm 89 and 2 Samuel 7, showing parallels in language and themes Exploration of God's pro...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler from our Lake Forest campus as he continues our "Psalms" devotional series with day two of Psalm 89. Dive deeper into the psalmist's exploration of God's incomparable nature, His power over creation, and the blessings that come from acknowledging His greatness. Key points: Recap of day one: God's love, faithfulness, and the Davidic covenant The psal...