Podcasts by Encounter at Illinois State University / ISU

ALL THINGS NEW {turning point series}- Ben Miller from 2023-12-05T14:00:11

In our current age, we see through a glass, darkly.  But God has promised that there is a time coming where he will remake and restore our world.  And He’s...

JUST A DREAM {turning point series}- Ben Miller from 2023-11-28T14:00:02

Joseph seems to attract favor and trouble everywhere he goes.  God gives him a unique gift that becomes a turning point in one of his darkest moments.  What gifts has...

Rushing God’s Timing {turning point series}- Jo Miller from 2023-11-07T14:00:39

Abraham and Sarah decide they have waited long enough, and have a child with their maidservant Hagar. They twist God’s promise to the point of justifying sin to make it...

I CAN’T DO THIS {turning point series}- Ben Miller from 2023-10-31T13:00:09

Moses looks at his own resources and knows they don’t equal the task at hand.  If Moses would dare to lift his eyes up, he’d realize his human limitations are...

THE SELF-HARM OF SIN {turning point series}- Ben Miller from 2023-10-24T13:00:08

In a desperate moment, Moses lets his anger get the better of him and murders a man.  This turning point may teach us some things about sin that we allow...

GOD IS A GOOD AUTHOR {turning point series}- Phil Lopez from 2023-10-17T13:00:51

Good stories have sad chapters, good stories change you, good stories challenge you. And we know God is a good author of your story. (John 9)

IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE {turning point series}- Ben Miller from 2023-10-10T13:00:11

We see a picture of a perfect Garden in Genesis and in Revelation, but in between those gardens is another garden, one of suffering.  What does it mean to live...

OPPORTUNITIES OR OBSTACLES {turning point series}- Ben Miller from 2023-10-03T13:00:56

Jesus loves to provide invitations that beckon us beyond our barriers.  But when we ignore too many of his invitations, the opportunities God provides may start to look more like...

When He Sees You {turning point series}- Robbie Osenga from 2023-09-26T13:00

We are all holding tight. Jesus challenges us to let go of what we are holding onto and follow Him. {Mark 10:17-27}

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS {turning point series}–Ben Miller from 2023-09-19T13:00:56

In the life of Peter, we watch the power of a submitted, struggling-toward-the-Lord, kind of life. And through Peter’s journey, we hear whispers of what Jesus desires to accomplish in...

SOWER&SOILS 4 {fall retreat 2023} — John McLain from 2023-09-17T13:00:36

Fall Retreat – Session 4 – Sunday AM

SOWER&SOILS 3 {fall retreat 2023} — John McLain from 2023-09-16T14:00:07

Fall Retreat – Session 3 – Saturday PM

SOWER&SOILS 2 {fall retreat 2023} — John McLain from 2023-09-16T13:00:07

Fall Retreat – Session 2 – Saturday AM

SOWER&SOILS 1 {fall retreat 2023} — John McLain from 2023-09-15T13:00:45

Fall Retreat – Session 1 – Friday PM

A NEW NAME {turning point series}–Ben Miller from 2023-09-12T13:00:21

In one of their first interactions, Jesus decides to give Simon an entirely new name.  Jesus doesn’t just see the man in front of him; he sees what that man...

TEMPTATION {turning point series}–Dave Jane from 2023-09-05T13:00:50

Jesus’ Temptation – In Luke 4, we see Jesus “led” into the wilderness where he’ll be tempted. What do we learn about the nature of temptation in this passage, and...

AWKWARD DINNER PARTY  {turning point series}–Ben Miller from 2023-08-29T13:00:20

A bizarre moment with Jesus at a dinner party with Simon the Pharisee rewrites our understanding of love and grace.  Knowing we are loved and forgiven allows us to respond...

SAY YES {turning point series}–Ben Miller from 2023-08-23T01:00:35

What do the prophet Isaiah and Mary, mother of Jesus, have in common? They both respond to a huge interruption with a resounding yes. How do we respond when God...

THINE IS THE KINGDOM, POWER, GLORY {lord’s prayer series} from 2023-05-02T01:00:33

At the end of the Lord’s prayer, we find a short section that comes from I Chronicles.  We are reminded that focusing on God’s kingdom and character puts our prayer...

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION {lord’s prayer series}–Alex Musselman from 2023-04-25T01:00:35

Satan plays a large role in our temptation, so what can we do about it? God gives us all we need to stand under grace when facing temptation.   (Matthew...

TURNING POINT–Ben Miller from 2023-04-18T01:00:40

Every day offers us new invitations from the Lord.  Will we take them?   (Acts 2:36-47)

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS {lord’s prayer series}–Austin Jones from 2023-04-11T01:00:35

As we understand how much we are forgiven, it compels us to forgive others.   (Mat 18:21-35, Matt 6:12, 1 Jn 1:8-9, Eph 4:32, Mrk 11:25, Col 3:13, 1 Cor...

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD {lord’s prayer series}–Arnold Pasion from 2023-04-04T01:00:13

God’s provision often looks different than what we expect, but it changes us and draws us closer in relationship to Him.

HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME {lord’s prayer series}–Ben Miller from 2023-03-20T15:50:02

Acknowledging the holiness of God comes early in Jesus’ pattern of prayer.  How can it be that our God is both holy and familiar?   (Matt 6:9, Jn 8:12, Jn...

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN {lord’s prayer series}–Phil Lopez from 2023-03-07T02:00:36

God as family – Jesus teaches us to pray intimately. We pray to one who knows us, loves us, and calls us family.   (Matt 6:9)

PRAY LIKE THIS {lord’s prayer series}–Ben Miller from 2023-02-28T02:00:32

For millenia, Jesus’ followers have followed his example of prayer in Matthew 6.  What are the promises and boundaries that Jesus gives us for the prayer-filled life?   (Matt 6:5-13,...

TO HIS MISSION {grace leads series}–Ben Miller from 2023-02-21T02:00:04

Jesus knew what His mission was on this earth and invites us into that same work.  Our God is painting a beautiful picture of redemption and has handed us the...

TO HIS COMMUNITY {grace leads series}–Ben Miller from 2023-02-14T02:00:49

Grace leads us into authentic community with others who follow Jesus.  When struggling, our tendency to avoid vulnerability with others is often the very thing that keeps us from finding...

LOVE REFRAMED 4 {winter retreat 2023}–Randy Gariss from 2023-02-12T16:00:39

Winter Retreat 2023 – Session 4 – Sunday AM

LOVE REFRAMED 3 {winter retreat 2023}–Randy Gariss from 2023-02-12T01:00:44

Winter Retreat 2023 – Session 3 – Saturday PM

LOVE REFRAMED WOMEN’S SESSION {winter retreat 2023}–Randy Gariss from 2023-02-11T18:00:12

Winter Retreat – Women’s Session – Saturday PM

LOVE REFRAMED MEN’S SESSION {winter retreat 2023}–Randy Gariss from 2023-02-11T17:00:07

Winter Retreat 2023 – Men’s Session – Saturday AM

LOVE REFRAMED 2 {winter retreat 2023}–Randy Gariss from 2023-02-11T16:00:19

Winter Retreat 2023 – Session 2 – Saturday AM

LOVE REFRAMED 1 {winter retreat 2023}–Randy Gariss from 2023-02-11T01:00:26

Winter Retreat 2023 – Session 1 – Friday PM

TO HIS VOICE {grace leads series}–Ben Miller from 2023-02-07T02:00:48

God calls us sons and daughters.  He calls us His spouse and friend.  Our God desires to intimately know us, and grace urges us to seek that out. The Christian...

TO HIS TRUTH {grace leads series}–Ben Miller from 2023-01-31T02:00:15

Grace, our great motive in the Christian life, will always lead us toward God’s truth.  Because God created us and knows us, He also knows what’s best for us.  A...

GRACE, OUR GREAT MOTIVE {grace leads series}–Ben Miller from 2023-01-24T02:00:52

God is not trying to hide the path that leads us closer to Him.  In fact, He has left many great landmarks for us to follow, and we therefore must...

LIKE A TREE {grace leads series}–Ben Miller from 2023-01-17T02:00:20

In the Christian life, our growth in Christ is beautifully mysterious.  Despite that mystery, we’re given many markers along that path to lead us toward growth and maturity.  What does...

AMONG US {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-12-06T02:30:40

God becoming human and living among us is arguably the greatest miracle of human history.  As Jesus came to love us closely and personally, so we are to imitate that...

LEAVING A LEGACY from 2022-11-29T02:30:08

A life worshiping our own pleasure is like chasing the wind.  A life spent loving God and others creates a legacy that is hard for us to imagine.  Join us...

RED SEA DEAD END {miraculous series}–Robbie Osenga from 2022-11-15T19:59:17

We all live stories punctuated by miracles. Through the miraclesin Moses’ life, we can learn how perspective helps shape us and helps us find our calling.   (Ex 4:13,...

Q&A WITH DR. CEDRIC WILLIAMS from 2022-11-08T02:30:09

In our Jesus following journey, it’s helpful to have examples that go before us.  Join us as we dissect the Jesus-following life with Dr. Cedric Williams.

FISH, REDEMPTION,&GROWTH {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-11-01T01:30:49

God has a sense of humor.  Through the miracles in Peter’s life, we learn that following Jesus is a winding journey and growth in Him isn’t always linear.   (Luke...

JOYFUL. PRAYERFUL. THANKFUL. {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-10-25T01:30:47

When Jesus heals 10 lepers and sends them on their way, only one returns to give thanks.  This miracle prods us to remember our own rhythms of gratitude.   (Luke...

A BETTER THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-10-18T01:30:20

In the middle of an incredible story of resurrection, we find a tender moment where Jesus refuses to let a suffering woman remain anonymous.   (Luke 8:40-56, I Cor 15:14,...

GENEROSITY MULTIPLIED {miraculous series}–Phil Tatum from 2022-10-11T01:30:02

In the feeding of the 5000, we see God miraculously fulfill the promise Jesus told us in Matthew 6:25-34. God knows what we need and provides it. And one step...

AUTHORITY&TRUST {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-10-04T01:30:21

The Centurion trusted that Jesus’ words were true even when circumstances had yet to say otherwise.  Can we exercise the same kind of faith when we haven’t yet received our...

A DEEPER HEALING {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-09-27T01:30:05

In his interaction with a paralyzed man, Jesus shows his ability to bring both spiritual and physical healing.  As we experience healing in Christ, our scars allow us to point...

WINE AND WAVES {miraculous series}–Ben Miller from 2022-09-20T01:30:33

Jesus lived in the reality that His Father divinely interrupts and intervenes in the natural world.  Do we believe this?   (Jn 2:1-11, Mk 4:35-41, Jn 8:58, Jn 1:1, Jn...

LOVING YOUR CITY 4 {fall retreat 2022}–Dave Jane from 2022-09-18T15:00:30

Fall Retreat 2022 – Session 4 – Sunday AM

LOVING YOUR CITY 3 {fall retreat 2022}–Dave Jane from 2022-09-18T01:00:22

Fall Retreat 2022 – Session 3 – Saturday PM

THE BIG STORY 4 {winter retreat 2022} – Dave Shockey from 2022-02-13T17:27:11

Winter Retreat 2022 – Session 4 – Sunday AM

THE BIG STORY 3 {winter retreat 2022} – Dave Shockey from 2022-02-12T17:24:17

Winter Retreat 2022 – Session 3 – Saturday PM

THE BIG STORY 2 {winter retreat 2022} – Dave Shockey from 2022-02-12T15:12:20

Winter Retreat 2022 – Session 2 – Saturday AM

THE BIG STORY 1 {winter retreat 2022} – Dave Shockey from 2022-02-11T17:06:56

Winter Retreat 2022 – Session 1 – Friday PM

DAVID & GOLIATH {life of David series} – Josh Jacobs from 2022-02-07T20:03:14

God uses David’s meager giftings to defeat a giant. What do we have to offer the Lord?

I Sam 17:20-49 –

DELAYS {life of David series} – Ben Miller from 2022-01-31T17:08:58

God reveals to David that he will be King of Israel, a calling that won’t be fully realized for another 22 years.  What do we do in seasons of waiting?

(Ps 51:1-4, 2 Peter 3:8-9, I Sam 1,...

David: An Unlikely Anointing {life of David series} – Ben Miller from 2022-01-24T17:00:13

David became a larger than life hero in Scripture and cultural icon, but that wasn’t always the case.  His story begins in small spaces with an anointing from the Lord, and teaches us important les...

A NEW AND DIFFERENT WAY {I AM series} – Ben Miller from 2021-11-29T21:48:05

God knew that we would be unable to save ourselves, and gave us a new path back to Him.  When we embrace Christ, we are freed from managing our own righteousness.

(Jn 14:1-7, Jn 10:6, Jn ...

ABIDE {I AM series} – Jo Miller from 2021-11-16T17:57:08

How do we know when we are abiding in Christ? John 15 beckons us to look at our fruit to understand if we are truly dependent on our creator.

John 15:1-11

HOLDING GRIEF AND JOY {I AM series} – Ben Miller & Tonya Bassett from 2021-11-09T20:40:26

Our future glory gives us hope, but does not erase our current pain.  How, as followers of Jesus, do we live with grief and joy at the same time?

(Jn 11:17-44, I Cor 15:14, Jn 14:3, I Jn ...

LOVING OTHERS OR USING THEM {I AM Series} – Ben Miller from 2021-11-01T16:00:03

When we see others as sheep that are entrusted to us by the Great Shepherd, we align ourselves with the heart of God.  When we see people only as resources, we are no longer seeing with shepherd ey...

LIFE WITH GOD {I AM Series} – Robbie Osenga from 2021-10-25T18:19:33

Matthew 11:28-30

John 15:5-8

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD {I AM series} – Phil Lopez from 2021-10-18T20:23:01

Jesus has come as light into the world so that people will not live in darkness. We, then, reflect that light to others.

John 8:12, 9:5, 12:46

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE {I AM series} – Jo Miller from 2021-10-13T20:29:15

This “I AM” statement follows after the miraculous feeding of the 5000 in early John 6.  Jesus knows that stomachs are driving the crowds more than their hearts.  We can connect the man...

I AM NOT {I AM series} – Ben Miller from 2021-10-05T15:45:43

John the Baptist gives us a great primer on the Christian life. To learn who we are, we must learn who we’re not. We aren’t the Messiah, even though we’re often great at pretendin...

DEPUTIZED {awake series} – Ben Miller from 2021-09-30T17:44:45

All authority belongs to Jesus, who then turns around and gives authority to us. What are we supposed to do with this calling on our lives? What does it mean to live as a commissioned follower of J...

BEHOLD, A FRIEND’S FAITH {awake series} – Josh Jacobs from 2021-09-20T18:44:01

And behold, there was a paralyzed man brought by his friends to Jesus. This “interruption” in Jesus’ teaching reveals a powerful lesson on community. When Jesus saw “their&#...

AWAKE 6 – BEHOLD, A FRIEND’S FAITH {awake series} – Josh Jacobs from 2021-09-20T18:44:01

And behold, there was a paralyzed man brought by his friends to Jesus. This “interruption” in Jesus’ teaching reveals a powerful lesson on community. When Jesus saw “their&#...

RESTORATION {fall retreat 2021} – Ben Miller from 2021-09-19T17:35:31

Sunday AM – Rev 21:2-6 – God is painting a picture for our future where everything leads back to perfection.  What’s more, He’s letting you paint with him.

RESCUE {fall retreat 2021} – Phil Lopez from 2021-09-18T17:31:39

Saturday PM – Galatians 1:4 – Jesus died instead of me.

THE FALL {fall retreat 2021} – Jo Miller from 2021-09-18T16:01:58

Saturday AM – Our sin and obstacles are real, but our God is faithful.  Romans 3:23

CREATION {fall retreat 2021} – Ben Miller from 2021-09-17T15:58

Friday PM – Gen 1:1 – In the beginning, God chose to create an object for His love.

PRESENCE & POWER {awake series} – Ben Miller from 2021-09-13T18:32:34

Behold, the veil was torn.  Many supernatural events happened when Jesus died.  Why all the fuss about a torn curtain?

(Matt 27:45-54, Gen 2:17, Gen 9:11, Gen 17:4, Ex 19:5-6, Ex 26:31-33...

UNHINDERED WORSHIP {awake series} – Ben Miller from 2021-09-06T16:01:58

In Luke 7, a tender interaction with Jesus invites us deeper into worship.

(Luke 7:36-50, Rom 3:23, I Jn 1:8, Is 64:6, Matt 22:26-40, Heb 4:16, Ez 36:26, I Jn 3:1)

BEHOLD, OUR GIFTS {awake series} – Phil Lopez from 2021-08-30T19:46:16

Behold, Our GiftsZacchaeus’ meeting with Jesus creates a desire to right the wrongs of his life, to become a giver instead of a taker. Proximity to Christ results in us laying down our money, our t...

INFUSED {awake series} – Ben Miller from 2021-08-24T03:05:04

Lambs and baptisms apparently have something in common.  God knew we needed familiar landmarks to help us see, understand, and participate in the spiritual world. But when we remove God from that e...

PAY ATTENTION {awake series} – Ben Miller from 2021-08-16T19:28:03

Elisha’s servant gets a rude awakening when his eyes are opened by God, revealing a reality unknown to him before.  If we accept that God is real and Jesus is who he said he was, then our eye...

IF YOU’RE GONNA BOAST… {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2021-05-04T16:27:42

When we boast about ourselves, we broadcast our own foolishness.  But there is a kind of boasting that is Scripturally approved.

(2 Cor 10:17-18, James 4:16, Ps 10:3, Prov 25:27, James 4:...

OUR EARTHLY TENT {lessons from a broken body series} – Phil Lopez from 2021-04-14T21:05:33

When we understand that our earthly bodies, or “tents” aren’t meant to be permanent homes, it changes the way we view both the beauty and the brokenness present in our world. Grac...

METAMORPHOSIS {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2021-04-01T14:15:01

When we accept the love and forgiveness of Christ, He transforms us.  If we are being changed by Christ, what does the end product look like?

(2 Cor 5:14-17, 2 Cor 3:18b, I Thess 5:23-24,...

GODLY SORROW {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2021-03-16T14:06:54

The word religious has become synonymous with judgement.  People see Christians and the Church as morality police, chasing people around and slapping sinners’ hands.  This misconception of sin, gra...

FOR THE CITY – Ben Miller from 2021-03-10T15:22:48

The people of the southern kingdom have been beaten, captured, and relocated.  In that new setting, Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, gives surprising instructions on how to live in a place that isn’t...

VEILS {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2021-03-03T20:50:22

We are prone to worship things and people, but God alone deserves our devotion.   When we remove the veils in our lives and set our gaze on Him, we are naturally transformed into His likeness.
Listen

YOU SMELL {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2021-02-18T17:29:45

Throughout the Bible, offerings have a particular “aroma” to God.  Our lives, likewise, when given to God become a fragrant offering.  As our lives become a pleasing aroma to the Lord, others begin...

ABUNDANT GIVING {lessons from a broken body series} – Phil Lopez from 2021-02-05T20:15:15

We are called to a life of abundance and overflow, not scarcity. Cheerful giving springs from our understanding of a generous God and His gift...

SPLINTERS & STRENGTH {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2021-01-26T19:20:30

As followers of Jesus, we are not exempt from pain.  God may not promise its automatic removal, but he does promise to make much of it.  Dealing with the pain of this world helps us recognize the p...

WHEN WE DISAGREE {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2020-11-05T20:17:36

When followers of Jesus disagree on how to live, chaos and pain can be the result.  In I Corinthians 8, Paul helps us navigate these difficult waters.

(I Cor 8, Rom 13:1-2, Eph 5:18, I Th...

CELEBRATING SIN {lessons from a broken body} – Phil Lopez from 2020-10-21T18:10:14

The people of Corinth were not just stuck in sin; they were celebrating it. Repentance is a key part of the beginning of our walk with God, and it continues to be every day after that. We must neve...

FALL BREAKAWAY 2020 – Ben Miller from 2020-10-17T17:57:19

LIFE AND DEATH AND LIFE {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2020-10-07T20:16:14

Jesus’ claim to be “The Resurrection” is the hinge-point of our faith.  If his claim is fake, Christianity implodes.  If his claim is true, all eternity hangs in the balance.

(I Cor 15:3-...

MENDING WHAT IS TORN {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2020-09-28T17:37:05

In our relationships with each other, we are commanded to bring peace and healing, to be diligent about not allowing division, the tearing away of our relationships.  How do we live out that kind o...

THE WAY OF LOVE {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2020-09-15T16:29:20

The body of Corinth was broken and bleeding, and Paul reveals the only tool that can possibly surgically repair the damage that has been done.  The teaching he gives is I Corinthians 13, the way of...

NOT ALONE {lessons from a broken body series} – Ben Miller from 2020-08-31T19:53:09

When we are rescued by the grace of Jesus, we are brought in and connected to the greater body of Christ.  We are given community with God Himself and with each other, leading us back to God’s grea...

BREAD OF LIFE {reframed series} – Phil Lopez from 2020-04-30T16:03:28

Jesus shows us that as the Bread of Life, he alone sustains and fulfills us.

John 6:25

Last Encounter of the semester – We love you, Seniors!

I WANT YOUR HEART {reframed series} – Ben Miller from 2020-04-22T16:02:29

Unpacking what God means when he says: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Matt 9:9-13, Matt 12:7 Matt 15:8-9

Hos 6:6, Is 29:13

WHERE ARE YOU GOD? {reframed series} – Dr. Cedric Williams from 2020-04-14T14:29:37

Dr. Cedric Williams from Illinois State explores two questions that come up in Matthew 27 that are especially relevant during these unprecedented times – Where is God during suffering? What r...

JESUS FLIPS TABLES {reframed series} – Phil Lopez from 2020-04-07T16:27:22

Jesus came to change everything. When we are faced with change in our own lives, what do we put our trust in?

...

FORGETTING THE MIRACLES {reframed series} – Ben Miller from 2020-03-30T17:40:49

Shortly after Jesus feeds the 4,000, his disciples start complaining.  Their complaints of hunger aren’t received well by Jesus, who has already told them that He is the bread of life and has alrea...

AN OLD GOD WHO IS ALWAYS NEW {reframed series} – Ben Miller from 2020-03-23T20:55:22

Using three quick mini-parables, Jesus helps us understand that God cannot easily be contained in our preconceived expectations or structures.  When we get too comfortable, he has a habit of breaki...

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE {reframed series} – Ben Miller from 2020-03-03T04:20:03

Jesus tells us that the Christian Life is as simple as loving God and loving people. But what does that mean in our daily lives? Let’s paint a portrait of a fully-formed follower of Jesus. (Matt 22...

CHURCH FIGHT CLUB {reframed series} – Phil Lopez from 2020-02-25T04:22:52

Jesus pulls from Deut 19 when he helps his followers understand how to handle conflict with others. The promise of 2 or 3 believers comes into sharper focus in this passage. How do we live out the ...

REDEFINING LOVE – SESSION 6 {winter retreat 2020} – Randy Gariss from 2020-02-18T23:04:11

REDEFINING LOVE – SESSION 5 {winter retreat 2020} – Randy Gariss from 2020-02-18T22:56:52

REDEFINING LOVE – SESSION 4 (LADIES) {winter retreat 2020} – Randy Gariss from 2020-02-18T22:48:29

REDEFINING LOVE – SESSION 3 (GENTLEMEN) {winter retreat 2020} – Randy Gariss from 2020-02-18T22:40:19

REDEFINING LOVE – SESSION 2 {winter retreat 2020} – Randy Gariss from 2020-02-18T21:47:37

REDEFINING LOVE – SESSION 1 {winter retreat 2020} – Randy Gariss from 2020-02-18T21:37:53

WORDS, WHITE LIES, AND PINKY SWEARS {reframed series} – Ben Miller from 2020-02-18T04:08:56

In Jesus’ most famous sermon, he connects our words to our actions, reminding us that our words have meaning and carry power. (Matt 5:33-37, Num 30:2, Ex 5:4, Deut 23:21-23, Ps 76:11, Ps 50:14, Jam...

CHILD-LIKE FAITH {reframed series} – Jo Miller from 2020-02-10T20:38:02

Jesus taught in parables so those of us who choose to follow Him would have a deeper and simpler way of understanding of the life that He is leading us through. The Bible also calls us as believers...

SPIRIT VS. THE LETTER {reframed series} – Ben Miller from 2020-02-05T19:56:48

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus breaks our preconceived notions of God and His rules. In doing so, He moves us from the comfortable land of the law into the complex inner workings of grace.
...

HIS MISSION, OUR MISSION {reframed series} – Phil Lopez from 2020-01-21T04:15:03

Jesus lets people in on his mission early on – to proclaim good news, liberty to the oppressed, the Lord’s favor. (show how Isaiah predicted Christ’s mission and his suffering lon...

REMEMBER THE GOOD NEWS {homesick series} – Robbie Osenga from 2019-11-19T04:19:57

1 Peter 4:10-11

Knowing how God has uniquely gifted you is crucial to living out your purpose

SUFFERING FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST {homesick series} – Phil Lopez from 2019-11-12T20:24:11

1 Peter 4:12-19

How do we accept suffering and face it head on in a culture that does everything it can to avoid pain? There will be things in our lives that happen to us as believers tha...

LADDER CLIMBERS {homesick series} – Ben Miller from 2019-11-04T20:12:45

Peter gives us Christ as the ultimate example of lowering ourselves on behalf of others. When everything in us wants to climb the ladder, Jesus sends us the opposite way.

(I Peter 2:21-24...

ALL KINDS OF UNFAIR {homesick series} – Ben Miller from 2019-10-29T03:20

We live in a broken and unfair world, where race, gender, and economic oppression are everyday headlines. As exiles, how do followers of Jesus live inside that brokenness? (I Peter 2:13-3:12, Gal 3...

CAMPUS PRIESTS {homesick series} – Phil Lopez from 2019-10-15T03:13:49

What does it look like for us to step into the role of “royal priests” in our temporary campus homes?

Christmas Story Video Clip:

HOLINESS, GRACE, GLADYS, AND MR. KIT {homesick series} – Ben Miller from 2019-10-08T03:02:14

In one swift move Peter connects our identity to our actions. Being named as God’s sons and daughters gives us a beautiful motive, and that motive helps turn our eyes toward Him and away from sin. ...

TESTED {homesick series} – Zach Thompson from 2019-10-01T03:15:50

For exiles, trials are an expectation. Peter paints these painful moments to be temporary in light of eternity, but that doesn’t ease the sting of them in the moment. A sovereign God can use ...

HEY EXILES, DON’T FORGET… {homesick series} – Ben Miller from 2019-09-24T03:10:41

For those who have accepted Christ’s incredible invitation, our home address has changed. Peter begins his letter with two crucial things that every exile must remember. (I Peter 1:1-5, Rev 2:17b, ...

NAMED WHAT YOU WILL BECOME {dwell series} – Ben Miller from 2019-09-23T14:39:11

The prevailing wisdom of our day tells us to look inward to find our true self. In the life of Peter, we see that it is Jesus who is the giver of identity. On his own, Peter flailed. He babbled. He...

GREAT COMMISSION & GREAT COMMANDMENT {fall retreat 2019} – Tommy Nika from 2019-09-16T18:16:03

Matthew 22:36-40 & 28:18-20 // Commissioning back unto our campuses on mission.

(part 4 of 4)

KINGDOM OF CROSS-BEARING {fall retreat 2019} – Tommy Nika from 2019-09-16T18:06:43

Matthew 16:24 // Jesus is about intentional sacrifice & confi...

KINGDOM OF SERVICE {fall retreat 2019} – Tommy Nika from 2019-09-16T17:59:30

John 13:15-17 // Finishing our lives w/ a filthy towel rather tha...

KINGDOM COMMUNITY {fall retreat 2019} – Tommy Nika from 2019-09-16T17:20:11

Matthew 8:23-27 // Individualism is the way of our culture. Community is the way of the Kingdom.

(part 1 of 4)

HERE AND THERE {dwell series} – Phil Lopez from 2019-09-10T03:13:20

Our dream is big. It’s for every college student to know freedom because of the gospel. Sometimes, it takes investing outside of ourselves in order to be fully equipped for what God is doing ...

WHERE YOU PUT YOUR TENT MATTERS {dwell series} – Ben Miller from 2019-09-10T03:00:08

In John 15, we’re told to dwell in Christ, to abide in Him. As rich as this language is, it’s a foreign practice to many followers of Jesus. How do we dwell richly in Christ, as He does in us? (Joh...

WE ARE THE CHURCH, WE ARE THE STEEPLE {dwell series} – Ben Miller from 2019-08-27T03:10:28

WE ARE THE CHURCH, WE ARE THE STEEPLE {dwell series} In the teachings of Jesus, loving God and loving people are both woven into one fabric. The power of the Church is unlocked and released when it...

A “WITH-US” KIND OF GOD {dwell series} – Ben Miller from 2019-08-20T21:49:19

A NEW GOD IN ATHENS {launch series} – Ben Miller from 2019-04-23T05:07:22

When Paul arrives in Athens, he is in the heart of a very different culture. And while his message of Jesus remains the same, how he tells the story of Jesus chang...

FAKE NEWS {stay free series} – Ben Miller from 2019-04-17T21:45:48

We live in a noisy age, where all of the voices claiming truth yell at the same volume. What do Paul and the Bereans have to teach us about finding truth amidst the noise? (Acts 17:1-15, Jn 14:6, J...

COVENANT LOVE – Jo Miller from 2019-04-09T05:16:39

God didn’t create use to live in isolation. How do some of our most important relationships throughout our lives (family, friendship, dating/marriage) affect the way that we understand God an...

GENTLENESS & STRENGTH – {stay free series} – Phil Lopez from 2019-04-02T04:56:24

Paul & Silas in prison – Part 2.

Gentleness is not weak – how we react in tough situations indicates the condition of our hearts.

Acts 16:25-39 NLT

JOY, EVEN IN THE PAIN {stay free series} – Ben Miller from 2019-03-26T04:24:25

Paul and Silas find themselves in a prison in Philippi. After being publicly stripped, beaten, and imprisoned, their response is midnight prayer and worship. Joy, apparently, is not bound by our ci...