Evergreen Church - Bloomington Messages

Sermon in a sentence: "Jesus heals hearts and homes."Application:1. How can you apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to my situation?2. Would you be willing to see people through the eyes of Jesus?

This week Pastor Jeff Groen joins to talk about the practice of Sabbath and how he has implemented the practice into his life.

Sermon in a sentence: "God came near to us so we could be near to him." Application:1. Identify what distracts you from Jesus.2. Take a step toward Jesus.

Luis Camacho joins to talk about fasting as we continue our series talking about spiritual disciplines to end the year.

Sermon in a sentence: "We are not identified by what we DO, but we DO out of how se see ourselves." Action step: View yourself as an ambassador: represent Christ well over the holidays. Verses used in this message:2 Corinthians 5:20, NLT1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27 NLT1 Peter 2:5, NLT1 Peter 2:9, NLT Revelation 1:6, NLTHebrews 10:19-22, NLT1 Timothy 2:1, NLT

As we look ahead to the new year, many people have New Years resolutions on the mind and are setting goals for the year. These goals are often centered around self-improvement, achieving new fitness or financial goals. But we wanted to take out some time on this podcast and encourage you to think about ways that you can improve your spiritual life and get closer to God this year. So, over the last few weeks of the year here we are going to be looking at different spiritual formation habits and talking with different people who have implemented these practices into their routines to hopefully inspire you to implement these practices into your life and take your relationship with Jesus to the next level. This week Pastor Brent Knox joins to talk about the practice of silence and solitude.

Sermon in a sentence: “When we see ourselves as a NEW citizen with a NEW allegiance then we experience a NEW freedom."Action Step: Pray the Lord’s Prayer. 

This week we wrap up our series on Apologetics with a conversation about what makes Christianity unique from every other world view. Why can there only be one true religion? What is the difference between objective and subjective truth? Why should someone choose Christianity?

Sermon in a sentence: 'Freedom flows when we feel we are passionately loved despite what we see in the mirror."Action Steps:1. Sing. 2. Pray the Psalms. More verse references:Job 38:4–7Psalm 33:1Psalm 98:4Colossians 3:16

This week the team dives into the question of whether faith and science contradict each other. The idea that faith and science oppose each other has grown in popularity, but is that really true? Do we have to choose between faith and science or can they be compatible? How do we address popular scientific theories such as evolution and the age of the earth? How do we engage with people who disagree on these subjects?

As I transition into “repurposing” (retirement), I have been reflecting on my greatest spiritual lessons over the past 50 years as a Christian. There have been many lessons with many “ups” and “downs.” But perhaps the greatest lessons have resulted in feeling very comfortable with myself--free from others’ opinions and free from my own worst thoughts about myself. I invite you to share in my journey as we explore our identity in Christ and how it results in total freedom. – Brent Knox

Sermon in a Sentence: "To live free means accepting that we are innocent no matter how much we fail."Application:1. Call yourself a “saint.”2. Make the choice to worship. Additional verses used: John 11:43-44, NLTRomans 1:7, NIV

This week we circle back to a question that was briefly touched on a few weeks ago. For many, the problem of evil is the biggest issue preventing them from believing in God. How can an all-good and all-powerful God allow evil and suffering in the world? What does the Christian faith say about the origin and purpose of evil and suffering? How does Christianity provide hope and comfort for those who are suffering?

Sermon in a Sentence: "Get involved, persevere, be a light."

This week we continue our examination of Jesus of Nazareth by looking at the evidence for the resurrection. What is the significance of a physical resurrection? What are the basic facts of the pre and post resurrection scene? What are the alternative theories of Jesus rising from the dead?Contact:podcast@hometownchurch.com

SERMON IN A SENTENCE: "If God is BIG in our mind, we are driven by hope. If God is SMALL in our mind, we are driven by fear."

Did Jesus actually exist? This week the team looks into the evidence for the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth, as well as the claims he made about himself and the prophesies he fulfilled. Contact: podcast@hometownchurch.com00:00 Introduction02:06 Did Jesus exist?22:52 Did Jesus claim to be God?32:16 Jesus: Liar, Lunatic or Lord?47:44 Jesus Fulfills Old Testament Prophesy01:03:19 Call to Action

Sermon in a sentence: "Either God’s wisdom leads, or the world’s foolishness will mislead."Also verse: Proverbs 18:17

This week we examine the Bible. How do we know that the books of the Bible have been accurately preserved? How do we know what books should be included and what books should be left out? All that and more on this week's dive into apologetics.Contact us at:podcast@hometownchurch.com

Sermon in a sentence: "Humility wins hearts where pride loses influence."Action steps:1. Be aware of the flaws2. Identify the virtue on the other side.