The Local Church

Tearing the roof off, farmers in Southern Illinois ask why faith requires risk. One of the greatest stories in the New Testament and modern day story that both end with a twist. The first invite is for you! Luke 5:17-26

Fishing with Jesus, Trivial Pursuit pie-pieces, and why obedience to Christ matters. Christ calls us to be instruments of obedience and use whatever blessings we have been given for the sake of others. (Luke 5:1-11)

Undocumented immigrants, unexpected generosity, and why many people that encounter Jesus want to throw him off a cliff. Jesus is dangerous and being his disciple is will take you to places you never thought you'd go (but are so glad you did). Join us as Dr. Burge teaches us the "curtain raiser on Jesus ministry" from Luke 4.

Nintendo 64's for Christmas, temptations and why God brings us into the wilderness. There is great clarity when our self made salvations no longer save and we are stripped to the core. We find that there is only Savior and He knows what we need even better than we do. Luke 4, Exodus 17, Hebrews 3.

Caesar Salad, the Harvard Test of Inflected Acquisition, and the kingly rule of God. Join us as we look at Luke 4:5-8 and the temptation for Jesus to receive and rule all of the kingdoms of the earth. This temptation forces Jesus to answer two questions that all of us must answer nearly every day. Who does God say that I am? And who or what are you worshipping?

Chocolate chip cookies, temptation and the hardest thing you'll ever need to do (trust God's love). Join us as we look at Luke 4 and the temptation for Jesus to turn stones into bread. The temptation may not be what we think and it's still very much in play for us today.

Does God still speak today and if so, how do we know it's him? Join us as we discuss how God speaks and how to begin to discern what His voice sounds like. The Holy Spirit is a person, who has a voice that you can learn to recognize. There is nothing God wants more than to have a lifelong relationship with you and the best relationships always have the best conversations.

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and should we seek it today? Join as we work through the most controversial topic in our series on the Holy Spirit. Some things we die for, some we divide for but this is neither. This is something in the debate for category, we can disagree but should still love one another and worship together. Let's do our best to gain some context and then engage in scrip...

For the last 60 years the church has talked about things the Spirit does and gifts He gives in a way that may not be as helpful as we'd like to believe. Join us as we ask if there is such a thing as spiritual gifts and try to understand what the Holy Spirit wants to do among us today as we dig into 1 Corinthians 12 as we continue our Holy Spirit series.

Talking and not talking, Brother Lawrence and the great lengths God has gone to be with His people. The Holy Spirit is Gods empowering presence in us, with us, for us. Join us as we trace the arch of Gods presence throughout the Bible to understand what an amazing gift the Holy Spirit is to anyone who believes in Jesus.

Mechanical abilities, jet skis and the equation for power. Jesus said his followers would do what he did and even greater things... is that even possible? Join us as we dive deeper into the Holy Spirit as Gods empowering presence.

Is the Holy Spirit a force to learn how to wield in our lives or a person to get to know? Join us as we walk through the Atacama desert, a not so amazing first kiss and the biblical history of the Holy Spirit. Are you thirsty?

Well water, plumbing issues, and water tests. You can't choose what water sources are close to your house, but you can choose which ones to hook up to and how you'll filter them. God has three spiritual "water tests" He'd like us to take as we head into this new year. The Headphones Test, The Stream or Swamp Test, and the Sunday Brunch Test. Join us as we give space for the Spirit to help us ident...

The Nintendo Gamecube, a little town in southern Indiana, and Elijah the prophet. Sometimes it's right after moments of intense joy and relief that we are confronted with our own weariness and exhaustion. Join us as we unpack the ways that God provided comfort and rest for Elijah, and discern the ways that God wants to do the same for us today. (1 Kings 19:1-8)

The Sewelo Diamond, sweaters from JC Penny and ruining your American nativity. When it comes to gifts, bigger isn’t always better, better is always better. Jesus arrived in the world with little fanfare and with a surprisingly humble birth. Why celebrating Christs birth on the wrong day every year is a needed reminder to not miss the best gift ever given. localchurchgr.org

Date: December 13, 2020 Series: Weary World Rejoices Teacher: Toran Scott

Early Christmas decorations, the Appalachian Trail, and how a poem from Isaiah written many years ago still speaks to us today. In the season of Advent, we have the opportunity to retell and reimagine the story of our year, and the story of our lives in light of the hope of the coming Jesus. (Isaiah 40:1-5; Mark 1:1-3)

Taking my wife for granted, gratitude, and why Israel is a cautionary tale of faith vs. works. We have the greatest news ever announced, we want to proclaim it with excitement! Join us as we look at Romans 9-11 and listen for what God wants to say to us today.

Bad days, Stephen Fry, and the reality of suffering in our world. We tackle the hot topic of suffering and the problem of evil, how we approach it as followers of Jesus and what Scripture has to say about HOPE.

Date: November 15, 2020 Teacher: Toran Scott Series: Romans

Monty Python, missing the mark and why being "in Christ" brings three dramatic changes that rescue us from shame. Romans 6-7 teaches us that we move from slavery to freedom, from defeated to victorious, and from alone to accompanied.

How to get bragging rights, what you should do if you could go back in time and why hope in the bible is not wishful thinking but a promise based on a revealed future. Faith that saves comes with three powerful benefits, join us as we discuss Romans 5 and why you should bet your life on this hope... especially during the week of an election.

The Great Blondin, the little blue pill and why Abraham's faith is the template to change your life. Faith is not an option for anyone, what we choose to put our faith in though is. Whose back are you clinging to?

An honest conversation about a polarizing topic. LGBTQ+ is not an issue to be solved, they are friends and neighbors and family to be loved. We will honor God and love each other when we hold grace and truth firmly together as Jesus modeled for us. Join Pastor Toran and Author Laurie Krieg as  they dive deeply into this important conversation.

Date: October 11, 2020 Teacher: Toran Scott Series: Romans