Messiah St. Charles Weekly Messages

We're at the point in Judges where the leaders haven't yet gone off the rails. In this message we meet Deborah and Jael, two women who lead Israel to victory with God’s guidance. It's a great lesson in trusting God's promises and making the most of the spiritual gifts He blesses us all with.

What if God used your weakness for His glory? Those traits that we think hold us back can actually be used for good if we let go and let God fight our battles.

The time of the Judges is a period in Israel's history that is marked by cycles of sin, repentance, deliverance, and peace. Over and over, God's people stray from Him, but God never gives up on them. A series of leader (i.e., the "Judges") brings His people back to Him, until they ultimately fail. Behind these broken heroes is a God who is faithful even when they are faithless.

Ever feel like you're searching for meaning that you can't find? It's an age-old quest. The Book of Ecclesiastes is all about the journey of finding meaning in what matters—and what doesn't. We're finishing out this series with a lesser known song that speaks to the real questions in life—and the answers found in Jesus.

It's time for a class in Grace 101. We talk a lot about grace around here. It's such an important part of being a follower of Jesus. But what  is  grace? And what is it  not ? This message takes a close look at this concept that is so foundational to our faith. Watch and see if your understanding lines up with what the Bible teaches—and how it relates to this U2 song about relationships, &...

This message addresses some weighty topics through the song “Pride (In the Name of Love).” Did you know it was inspired by civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr.? It deals with issues of loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you. Dr. King had a lot of first-hand experience in that area. We can learn a lot from how he lived out Jesus’s words in his own words and actions.

Do you ever find yourself asking questions you have no answer to or longing for an answer to the question, "Why am I here?" Existential questioning is a universal experience, and U2 has captured that feeling in the very aptly named song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." The good news, though, is that while you chase the things of this world that lead you far...

The Faith of the Next Generation Matters Now. It's one of Messiah's five core values, and in this teaching Hannah Lang, our Director of Kid's Ministry, joins Pastor Jim to issue a challenge. It's not enough to learn about our faith, we must also put our beliefs into action if we're serious about passing them on to our kids, grandkids—and all the generations after them.

Heard the news today? War is all around us. Even though we live in nation at (relative) peace, we cannot escape the conflict that defines our lives—the internal struggle to do what is right when it's so easy to do what it wrong. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is a song about a particular place and time, but Bono sings of an issue that we all can recognize.

Could you use some encouragement and hope right about now? U2’s songs have maintained their relevancy decade after decade because they speak to our longings and needs. Whether its the words or just the melody, there is something timeless about them. This Sunday, their 1987 classic “Where the Streets Have No Name” is the song we’ll be looking at more closely to address the universal desire to make...

Rainbows symbolize the promise God made with His people to never send another flood. Pastor Jim notes that a rainbow reminds us that all storms eventually end.

Of all the bad boys we've looked at, the crowd of people calling for Jesus's crucifixion is the one most of us would have been a part of. It's too easy for us to be persuaded into action by others with an agenda, but there is a way to guard our minds and not be tempted to go against our own conscience. Seminary student Ryan Pfendler helps us avoid conforming to the norms of the world w...

We don’t know much about the Centurion in charge of Jesus’s crucifixion, but we do know that he saw what others didn’t—that Jesus was the Son of God. In the course of doing his job, he was able to come that realization and be forever changed by what he saw.

Jesus offers salvation to all! Even at the end of his life, the repentant thief recognized Jesus as the Savior and asked for His forgiveness. It’s really that easy.

Pontius Pilate has gone down in history as the person responsible for sending Jesus to the cross. Though he knew Jesus was innocent of the charges against Him, he gave into the crowd demanding blood. He ceremoniously washed his hands and absolved himself of guilt, but going against his conscience was his fatal flaw that cost him his reputation.

Our faith tradition doesn't emphasize giving anything up for Lent (though it's certainly a great spiritual exercise!), but being a follower of Jesus does require that we loosen our grip on our worldly idols to grow closer to our Savior. Being "all in" for Jesus involves sacrifice and walking by faith (not by sight). We're not saying it's easy, but it is certainly worth it...

Caiaphas was the high priest during Jesus's ministry. He refused to see Jesus for who He really was in order to keep his grip on power. He had so many chances to recognize the Messiah, but Caiaphas couldn't contain the chaos around him. Where do you see yourself in Caiaphas's story?1 SeenLike

Our God is the God of abundance, not scarcity. He has a purpose for that abundance, and in this message we're looking at the many ways God is blessing Messiah to be a light to others in our community. It's a day of celebration!

When it comes to giving your treasure to God, who do is your role model? In the Bible, there is some guidance, and this message looks closely at one particular example. Watch and learn what living out the spiritual discipline of generosity looks like for Jesus followers.

Do you often wish that life was just a bit more simple? We can all envision a life of leisurely downtimes that don't involve checking things off a "to-do" list, but it feels so out of reach. On Sunday, Pastor Jim will demonstrate that a slower pace of life is possible if we look to Jesus as our model for an unhurried lifestyle.

Prayer is a spiritual discipline you may feel like you've got a good handle on. Jesus constantly models prayer and even gives us the words to pray to our heavenly Father. This Sunday, we're going to challenge you to relearn what you know about prayer. Your soul longs for this practice, so let's discover how and what to say when you're going to Jesus in prayer.

Think you know what it means to "sabbath"? You might be surprised to discover what you don't know about this spiritual discipline. In Exodus, God commands it of His people—for our own good! Learn more in this message and discover practical ways to incorporate it into your life.

How great would it be if values like rest, prayer, simplicity, and generosity defined our life today? Unfortunately, we're more than likely living with feelings of busyness, loneliness, overwhelm, and a mindset of scarcity. But it doesn't have to be this way! Jesus models a life of abundance, and it can be ours too if we seek to live like He lived. Over the next six weeks Messiah invites y...

It's kind of crazy to think that a lowly baby in a manger would inspire the frenzy that characterizes the Christmas season. From a town of no consequence came a man who changed the course of history and gives us everlasting life in His name. In this message, Pastor Chuck Schlie explores the way God works through the humble and establishes a kingdom in which less is truly more.

Less can certainly be more when it comes to celebrating Christmas. In a culture of "more," we should stop and consider the impact of our actions on others who might not share the same beliefs—or find Christmas a day of joy. In this time of excess, guest pastor Maxx Fisher reminds us to pause and reflect on those not caught up in merriment and consider why they are that way and how we can...