Christ Church IL

Grow In Faith

Religion EN ↓ 532 episodes

Life giving devotionals in under 5 minutes.  Pastor Mike Woodruff, Christ Church pastors, and others will guide you through the Bible and help provide insights into scripture and practical takeaways for your daily walk with God.

Author

Christ Church IL

Category

Religion

Podcast website

christchurchil.org

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Jonah Pt. 3: Running from God: Lessons from Jonah's Escape 09.07.2025

In Part 3 of our Jonah devotional series, we examine Jonah 1:3 , where the prophet does the unthinkable—he runs away from God’s call. Instead of going to Nineveh, Jonah boards a ship headed in the opposite direction. This passage raises challenging questions: 🔹 Why do we resist God’s direction in our lives? 🔹 What does it look like to "flee from the Lord" today? 🔹 How does avoidance c...

Jonah Pt. 2: Jonah’s Impossible Mission 08.07.2025

In Part 2 of our Jonah devotional series, we dive into Jonah 1:2 , where God calls Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh—the ruthless capital of Assyria, Israel’s greatest enemy. For Jonah, this mission isn’t just difficult—it’s unthinkable. Why would God send a prophet to warn a nation known for its cruelty? And what does this reveal about God’s heart for all people—even those we consider enemies...

Jonah Pt. 1: More Than Just a Fish Story 07.07.2025

Welcome to our new devotional series on the Book of Jonah! While many remember Jonah for being swallowed by a fish, this book is about so much more—judgment and mercy, misguided nationalism, running from God, and even foreshadowing Christ’s resurrection. In this first installment, we explore Jonah 1:1 and introduce Jonah as a prophet—a reluctant messenger with a difficult calling. We’ll also touch...

Don't Grow Weary in Doing Good Galatians Pt. 32 12.06.2025

As we conclude our study in Galatians, Paul leaves us with a powerful challenge: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). These words speak to two kinds of people: 1️⃣ Those who are coasting —living for themselves and underestimating the eternal impact of their choices ( "A man reaps what he sows&quo...

Bearing Burdens & Reaping What We Sow Galatians Pt. 31 11.06.2025

As we near the end of our study in Galatians, Paul’s message becomes intensely practical: "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). In this passage, we’re reminded that Christian community isn’t just about encouragement—it’s about willingly entering into the struggles of others, even when it costs us something. But Paul doesn’t stop there. He deliver...

Gentle Correction & Guarding Against Pride Galatians Pt. 30 10.06.2025

In this final stretch of our Galatians study, Paul gets intensely practical about how we live out our faith in community. One of the hardest—yet most necessary—parts of Christian relationships is gentle correction : helping one another see blind spots and grow in holiness. But Paul warns us to approach this carefully. There are two dangerous extremes : 1️⃣ Self-righteous judgment – Acting like the...

Living Out the Gospel Galatians Pt. 29 09.06.2025

This week, we conclude our devotional series on Galatians, focusing on the practical applications of the gospel in our daily lives. We’ll explore the final verse of Galatians 5 and all of chapter 6, where Paul offers wisdom on humility, restoration, and bearing one another’s burdens. In this passage, Paul reminds us that if we’ve been transformed by the gospel, our lives should reflect care, gentl...

The Purpose of Freedom Pt. 28 05.06.2025

In this continuation of our Galatians study, we delve deeper into the biblical understanding of freedom—not as license to do whatever we want, but as the God-given capacity to live as we were meant to live . When God liberated Israel from Egypt, His first act wasn’t to remove all boundaries but to give His people His law at Mount Sinai. Similarly, Christ sets us free not for self-indulgence, but f...

The Paradox of True Freedom Pt. 26 04.06.2025

In this episode of our Galatians series, we explore one of Scripture’s most profound and countercultural truths: "For freedom Christ has set you free" (Galatians 5:1). But what does biblical freedom really mean? Contrary to modern misconceptions, Christian freedom isn’t license to do whatever we want—it’s the liberation to live as we were designed to live . True freedom flourishes within...

True Freedom vs. Legalism Galatians Pt. 26 03.06.2025

In this installment of our Galatians devotional series, we dive into Galatians 5:2-12, where Paul confronts the dangerous temptation to trade gospel freedom for religious legalism. The issue? Circumcision—not just as a physical act, but as a symbol of surrendering to a false gospel of works. Paul’s warning is stark: "If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at a...

Freedom in Christ Galatians Pt. 25 02.06.2025

This week, we continue our study of Galatians, focusing on the profound implications of freedom in Christ. In Galatians 5:1, Paul declares, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free," urging believers not to return to the bondage of legalism or false gospels. Paul’s message is clear: salvation comes by grace alone, not by works. Yet, the Galatians were tempted to abandon this truth,...

The Fruit of the Spirit Galatians Pt. 24 29.05.2025

In this week's study of Galatians 5:22-26 , we examine the beautiful fruit of the Spirit —the evidence of God's transformative work in our lives. Unlike the "acts of the flesh," these qualities reflect Christ's character growing within us. 📖 Key Passage: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self...

The Spirit vs. The Flesh Galatians Pt. 23 28.05.2025

In this week’s study of Galatians 5 , we examine the ongoing battle between the Spirit and the flesh —and what true spiritual growth looks like in the Christian life. Paul makes it clear: following Jesus isn’t about perfection, but it does involve transformation. 📖 Key Passage: "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in co...

Walking in the Spirit Galatians Pt. 22 27.05.2025

In this week’s study of Galatians 5 , we explore what it means to grow spiritually —why it’s often harder than we expect and how God transforms us through His Spirit. Many of us struggle with impatience in our faith, looking for quick fixes rather than embracing the slow, deep work of sanctification. 📖 Key Passage: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."...

Faith vs. Religion: Understanding True Christian Growth Galatians Pt. 21 26.05.2025

Are you growing in Christ's likeness? In this episode of our Galatians devotional series, we explore the crucial difference between faith and religion, and examine what genuine spiritual growth looks like. We dive into four distinct groups of people and their relationship with faith: Those who don't believe in God or see value in religion Non-believers who recognize religion's cultu...

The Profound Mystery of the Trinity Galatians Pt. 20 22.05.2025

In this concluding reflection on Galatians 4 , we explore the philosophical depth of the Trinity —why this doctrine matters not just theologically, but for how we understand God's love, justice, and very nature . 📖 Key Insights: Love precedes creation : Before the world existed, perfect love flowed between Father, Son, and Spirit (John 17). Community reflects God’s image : The Trinity shows...

The Trinity & Church History Galatians Pt. 19 21.05.2025

In this continuation of our Galatians study, we explore Galatians 4 while diving deeper into the historical development of the Trinity doctrine . The early church carefully articulated this foundational truth through creeds—not just to summarize biblical teaching, but to guard against dangerous errors that threatened the gospel. 📖 Key Focus: Why the early church developed creeds (like the Apostle...

The Trinity in History Galatians Pt. 18 20.05.2025

In this week’s installment of our Galatians devotional series, we dive into Galatians 4 to explore the profound mystery of the Trinity . Though the word "Trinity" isn’t found in Scripture, the Bible reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit —one God in three persons. Today, we’ll examine this truth through the lens of history , helping us better grasp its significance for the gospel an...

Understanding the Trinity Galatians Pt. 17 19.05.2025

Join us for Week 5 of our Galatians devotional series as we explore the profound truth of the Trinity. While the term "Trinity" isn’t found in Scripture, the concept is woven throughout the Bible—including in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In this study, we’ll see how God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and why this matters for our faith. 📖 Key Passage: "Because y...

The Law & Grace: How Christians Relate to God's Commands Galatians Pt. 16 15.05.2025

In this continuation of our Galatians study, we tackle a crucial question: If we're saved by grace alone, what role does God's law play in our lives? Paul makes it clear that while the law cannot save us, it remains a vital gift for believers. Key Points Covered: Why moral law still matters for Christians (even if civil/ceremonial laws don't) The difference between obeying as worshi...

Faith vs. Works Galatians Pt. 15 14.05.2025

In this powerful section of our Galatians devotional series, Paul confronts the churches in Galatia with startling directness—even calling them "foolish" and "bewitched" for abandoning the gospel of grace. As we study Galatians 3:1-14, we see Paul's urgent defense of salvation by faith alone, rooted in God's promise to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ. Key Themes Explo...

Understanding the Law Galatians Pt. 14 13.05.2025

In this installment of our Galatians devotional series, we dive into chapter 3, where Paul clarifies the role of the law in light of the gospel. If you’ve ever wondered how Old Testament laws apply to Christians today—or why grace doesn’t mean we ignore God’s commands—this study is for you. We’ll break down: The three types of biblical law (civil, ceremonial, and moral) and which still matter for...

Grace vs. Law: Lessons from Les Mis Galatians Pt. 13 12.05.2025

In this fourth week of our Galatians devotional series, we explore the powerful contrast between grace and the law—both in Scripture and in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables . Just as Jean Valjean encounters radical grace from the bishop and faces the unrelenting law through Javert, Paul confronts the Judaizers in Galatians 3, reminding us that salvation comes through faith alone, not works. Join us as...

The Revealed Truth of the Gospel Galatians Pt. 12 08.05.2025

In today's study of Galatians 1:11-12 , we explore three foundational truths about the gospel that Paul passionately defends: 1️⃣ Truth Exists - Not as an abstract concept, but as a person: Jesus Christ 2️⃣ Truth is Revealed - The gospel comes by divine revelation, not human wisdom 3️⃣ Truth Must Be Shared - This good news is too precious to keep to ourselves Paul's boldness challenges o...

Standing for Truth in a Confused World Galatians Pt. 11 07.05.2025

In today's passage from Galatians 2:11-14 , we witness a dramatic confrontation between Paul and Peter over a critical gospel issue. When Peter compromises the truth by separating from Gentile believers to please Jewish legalists, Paul publicly challenges him—reminding us that the gospel of grace must never be diluted by cultural preferences or human traditions. Key Insights from Today's...

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