Encounter At Illinois State University / Isu

Fall Retreat – Session 2 – Saturday AM

Fall Retreat – Session 1 – Friday PM

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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)

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,...

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...

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...

Winter Retreat 2023 – Session 4 – Sunday AM

Winter Retreat 2023 – Session 3 – Saturday PM

Winter Retreat – Women’s Session – Saturday PM

Winter Retreat 2023 – Men’s Session – Saturday AM