Illumine Church

Some people call Jonah's prayer exemplary, a joy to read, absolutely wonderful...but is it actually all those things? This sermon dives deep into Jonah's prayer and looks at the heart of the issue. Text: Jonah 2:1-10 Date: September 12th, 2021

Jonah was running. Away from his callings, but also away from the Lord. It is easy for us to do the exact same thing. The big question is: how will the Lord respond? Text: Jonah 1:1-17 Date: September 5th, 2021

The 10 Commandments plane has landed, and we finished where we started...with the heart. The fact is: we'll never climb the ladder of the 10 Commandments. Fact is, they're more of a brick wall. But that doesn't mean there's no good news today. There certainly is. Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 (and Ephesians 1) Date: August 29th, 2021

When it comes to self-esteem, the problem is that you're always on trial. You're always in the courtroom of SELF-esteem. But because God is the true guardian of your reputation (with him, others, and yourself), there's a third way. A better way. Text: 1 Samuel 19:1-6 Date: August 22nd, 2021

It's all about the stuff. Not just the stuff you possess, but all the stuff of life: people, experiences, dreams...and your attitude towards it all. Text: Acts 5 (Ananias & Sapphire) Date: August 15th, 2021

How do you fill in the blank? How should you fill in the blank? Is there only one right answer? We don't all that often just straight up talk about sex--but here we are. God bless your listening. Text: Matthew 5:27-28

Ever murdered someone before? Jesus would say...yes. Because in Jesus' eyes, anger = murder. So what's the antidote to anger?

The 4th Commandment exposes our real struggle to honor leaders and those in authority in all aspects of our life. But don't worry: there's also good news. A lot of it. Date: July 25th, 2021

Are you good at resting? And how's your relationship with work? And I don't just mean employment; I mean all the work you do. Most importantly, what does God say about work and rest? Find out as we dive into the 3rd Commandment. Date: July 18th, 2021

There’s never a time when you’re not speaking words. Sometimes they’ll be literal words, audibly exiting your mouth. Or you might speak by what doesn’t come out of your mouth. And you speak in your actions (or non-actions) and in what you think (or what you don’t think) as well. So…what words are you saying? Exodus 20:7 | "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God." Date: July 11th, 2021

Are the 10 Commandments something you "should" do? Are they something you "can" do? The answers to those questions are different. Yes, and no. And those different answers points us to the ultimate purpose of the Commandments, and as we understand them better and better in this series, they'll fulfill their purpose: drive us back to the God who gave them and fulfilled, and drive us out to serve our...

How to defeat a walled city? God's got a plan, and it's...well, it's a lot of things. Text: Joshua 6:1-21 Date: June 27th, 2021

John Mark's story, that is. In so many ways. And his status and purpose is also yours. Texts: Acts 13:4-5, 13; Acts 15:36-41 Date: June 13th, 2021

Some would say Moses had an identity crisis. If so...good! And he would have been so blessed. He would have been somebody. He would have had pleasures, treasures, power, honor, prestige, security, and more.  Except he turned it down—all of it, because for Moses, there was a better identity. And there is a better identity for each and every one of us, too. Date: June 6th, 2021 Text: Hebrews 11...

We asked 70+ people the question, "What would you say is the purpose of the Bible?" How do you think they responded? And what's the answer to the question, anyways? Is there one right answer? And what in the world is life in Jesus' name, and how do we get it? Check it all out in the conclusion to our Gospel of John series. Text: John 20:30-31 Date: May 30th, 2021

…when he said, “I will not leave you?” How does the world give, actually? What’s the deal with the Holy Spirit? Just some of the questions that will be answered when you listen to this sermon on John 14. Date: May 23rd, 2021 Illumine Church, Rock Hill, SC Pastor Nathan Loersch

Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” The question is: what is the truth he was talking about, and what does it look like to be free? What is true freedom? It might not be what you think it is. Also: listen for the “sermon after the sermon” (in other words, sometimes pastors forget to say things that they can’t leave unsaid). Text: John 8:31-36 Date: May 16th, 2021 Location: Illumine Church,...

After a couple week hiatus, we’re back with another conversation! Enjoy listening in on this dive into Jesus’ promise, “I AM the Bread of Life.”

That’s what C.S. Lewis said—don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose. And Jesus said the same thing, only his words were: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” So the question is: what are you eating? Text: John 6:25-35 Date: May 9th, 2021

Fear is powerful. It causes you to make bad decisions, even do destructive things. It diverts your attention and it sucks the joy out of your life. But there's an answer to fear, and he says, "Don't be afraid. It is I." Text: John 6:16-21 Date: May 2nd, 2021

Jesus clapped back at the Jewish leaders. Not in a bad way, and not even in an aggressive way. He just told the truth. That he is God, and he is right. And...he's the judge. Which is soooooo good. Text: John 5:16-30 Date: April 25th, 2021 Place: Illumine Church, Rock Hill, SC

Are you in the middle of a tough day or week? It happens. All the time. Even to pastors. This conversation is what you need (okay--what you actually need are Jesus' promises, and that's what we talk about). Enjoy!

You know the feeling: you pour your heart and soul into something, you spend a ton of energy and time, and you come up empty. Turns out there's a man on the shore with your breakfast all ready. Text: John 21:1-14 Illumine Church, April 18th, 2021

Where were the disciples at that first Easter evening? Peace & The Keys Does Thomas get the short end of the stick?

THREE times in 2 appearances, Jesus says, "Peace be with you." What is he saying, and what does he mean when he says "peace"? Text: John 20:19-29 Date: April 11th, 2021