Willow Creek Community Church Weekend Podcast

We’re diving into a new series focussed on short books of the Bible, and we kick it off with Jude! The Book of Jude is a one-chapter, short book of the Bible that’s really not a book at all, but a letter written by Jude, a half-brother of Jesus. But while the Book of Jude is short, it is packed with spiritual nutrition to strengthen our faith. He talks about fake teachers and leaders; to be wary of them leading people astray, and encourages Christ-followers to stand firm in their faith. Pastor Dave takes us through the small but mighty Book of Jude and how we can apply it’s teachings to our lives now.

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to pray. Whether you’re just starting to learn, need a refresher on how prayer works, or just a boost in your prayer life, we can all turn to Jesus for guidance. Because Jesus gave us the best prayer template: The Lord’s Prayer. Otherwise known as the “Our Father Prayer”, the Lord’s Prayer, from Matthew 6, tells us exactly how to pray, straight from Jesus’ own lips! This week, Pastor Dave leads us through the Lord’s Prayer and why our own prayers can–and should be–a simple conversation between us and God.

We’re continuing to explore the red letters in the Bible; the things Jesus actually said, with a couple of His most famous, and perhaps most misunderstood, quotes: “Love thy neighbor” and “love your enemies”. Pastor Thomas dives into Matthew 5 43-48 to discover why Jesus gave us this important task and what it means to reflect the radical love of God onto those we may find it hard to love.

So, you’ve heard of the infamous “unforgivable sin” and want to know exactly what that is and if you’ve done it. We all do! There is a lot of forgiveness in the Bible but perhaps you are wondering if there really are sins God will not forgive.  Pastor Megan Marshman fills us in on what the unforgivable sin could be and if we need to get doused in holy water immediately. We joke, of course, but there is a way to walk confidently in Christ by understanding this ‘unforgivable sin’. Looking at Matthew 12 30-32.

Who am I? How do I find my worth? How can I feel valued?—Do you ever ask yourself these questions? We can find our identity in work, or our value in money, but how sustainable are these? This week in our series exploring the things that Jesus actually said, the red letters in the Bible; Pastor Shawn looks at Matthew 16, verses 24-25, and shows how we can know our true value and worth in something that will never go away.

Continuing our series about red letters and the things Jesus actually said, we look at Matthew 23. Did you know the phrase “practice what you preach” comes from the Bible and from something Jesus Himself said? We explore the passage from which this phrase began, learn the proper phrase and Jesus’ intention in saying it. HINT: Jesus doesn’t want or need you to perfect to be loved by Him.

We kick off a new series all about the red letters: the things Jesus said that are typically highlighted in Bibles using red ink. Red letters in the Bible tell us the words Jesus spoke Himself—and all too often Jesus is misquoted. So let’s look at those red letters and how they help us today. You’ve probably heard the phrase “judge not lest ye be judged”, but what did Jesus mean? Pastor Dave takes us into Matthew 7 and what exactly Jesus was saying.

When was the last time you did something just because it was fun? We wear badges of exhaustion, efficiency, and productivity, having lost the wonder and benefit of simply playing. In Luke 18:16, Jesus says the Kingdom of God belongs to children, so what does it look like to live with childlike faith and wonder? Rediscover the goodness of play with a message centered around laughter.

How do we invite God into our work life? Whether you are a student, a server, doctor, lawyer, teacher, caretaker, or at home with kids. Whatever your daily work looks like, God has a greater purpose for the everyday moments. This week Pastor Dave looks at what happens when we invite God’s kingdom into the places we spend so much time. When we realize that any place we engage with other people can become sacred space, God energizes our work.

Often, when we think of ‘family’ we think of the traditional nuclear family. Early followers of Jesus had a much broader definition, opening their doors to strangers, orphans, and widows. We will dive into Deuteronomy 6 to learn more about how to intentionally invite Jesus to be the center of our inner circles and to infuse more joy into these families.

We go to church, but how often do you experience God in your church? How do you worship when you’re disappointed with God—when that prayer doesn’t get answered or you find yourself waiting? Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are all fundamentally longing for God, but who and what are we actually reaching for and serving? Pastor Albert Tate looks at the book of Exodus and shares content from his new book, Disobedient God, to help you reframe your view of God so that you can experience His presence in every moment, even the ones when He feels most distant.

God is able to do more than we think or imagine according to His power at work within us—and He makes His full power and presence available to us. But how? Pastor Megan Marshman concludes Celebration of Hope and unpacks Ephesians 3:14–21 to show how when we grow in accepting and being strengthened by God’s love, we see Him use us to do immeasurably more to change the world.

What happens to our minds, hearts, and even our bodies when we begin to grasp the love of God for us? How does being rooted in the knowledge of God’s love, power, and community transform us? What is the effect of being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God?  Pastor Oscar Muriu from Nairobi Chapel kicks off Celebration of Hope and unpacks Ephesians 3:14–21 to show how it leads to a movement of people fighting poverty and injustice so that lives are transformed and Jesus is known.

The story did not end with Jesus rising from the dead. Shortly after, in Luke 24, the resurrected Jesus met up with some travelers on their way home from Jerusalem. The conversation proved to be life-changing, not only for them but also for others around them. Join us as we experience the story of transformation.

Each Easter we celebrate the truth that Jesus defeated death—but it begins with Him facing betrayal, beatings, and the brutality of the cross. The three days before He rose were filled with questions and doubts, but then new life broke forth, ushering in a Kingdom of hope for the here and now. Dave Dummitt and Shawn Williams dive into the final days of Jesus’ life on earth to learn what the truth of His resurrection means for you today!

We’ve all experienced it: The pain of someone breaking a promise, not following through, or worse, abandoning or betraying you. And yet, Jesus tells us to not only love those who love us, but to love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us. Easier said than done! Albert Tate and Dave Dummitt break down the betrayal of Jesus that led to His death in Matthew 26 and unpack what the reality of His response means for you today.

We are conditioned to desire approval—from gold stars and minor-league trophies, to good grades and performance-based raises. But what happens when the pressure of approval becomes your main pursuit? Dave Dummitt and Shawn Williams explore Matthew 21 to see how Jesus remained anchored in who God said He was as he approached Jerusalem. Discover how reorienting our perspective to see how God views us frees us from seeking approval from others.

Loss of any kind can leave you feeling hopeless, sitting in grief. When the person or thing you relied on is gone, how do you move forward? This weekend, Megan Marshman will share her story of loss and grief. Together, we’ll learn how to honor loss, discover hope for a new reality, and honestly and helpfully walk alongside others in their grief journey.

Depression comes in all forms and fashions, ranging from feeling sad or not feeling anything at all, to  life-threatening despair. Depression is real and often hidden, which is why it’s so important to talk about it and create space for others to, as well. We’ll learn about the clinical side of depression from Steve Cuss, then see how Scripture is filled with people who were utterly hopeless.  If you’re experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts, please know your life is valuable beyond measure. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 for immediate help. 

Have you ever felt anxious? Whether your worry comes from setting healthy boundaries or having a panic attack, we believe true self care is possible.  This week, Pastor & Anxiety Management Expert Steve Cuss unpacks anxiety, then Pastor Dave Dummit explores 2 Chronicles 20, Philippians 4, and Matthew 6 to discover how God can meet us in the midst.