FIRST Champaign-Urbana
324 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsPodcast by First Christian Church Champaign
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Episodes
Storytime With A Samaritan | I Am - Week 12
April 21, 2024 16:51 - 37 minutes - 70.3 MBThe Boy Who Cried Wolf is a fun fable about the importance of telling the truth so that people will always be willing to listen to what you have to say. For this weekend’s message, we pick up where we left of with the Samaritan woman at the well and see what - and how - she shares with her whole town over her interaction with Jesus.
Well, Well, Well… | I Am - Week 11
April 15, 2024 11:55 - 34 minutes - 64.9 MBWhat do you get when you mix a centuries-long blood feud, religious customs, and a local watering hole? One of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture! In this week’s journey through the Gospel of John, we examine the story where Jesus meets with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Divine Assignment Diagnostic | I Am - Week 10
April 07, 2024 16:46 - 42 minutes - 79.4 MBEvery year we need to go get some check-ups. From the doctor to the dentist to even our vehicles, these diagnostics help us to know if we’re on the right track or need to make adjustments. As we continue our series in the Gospel of John, we get a glimpse into the diagnostic of the life and ministry of John the Baptist.
Believe | I Am - Week 9
April 01, 2024 14:41 - 34 minutes - 64.2 MBIt’s the most famous verse of all time given to summarize the greatest message of all time! You’ve seen it on billboards, signs at ball games, and you might even know it by heart without even trying. This Easter, we celebrate by reminding ourselves of the greatest news ever given! The question is: Do you believe it?
Say What?!? Born Again?!? | I Am - Week 8
March 24, 2024 17:46 - 37 minutes - 70.3 MBWe’re not gonna lie, sometimes our faith comes with some odd-sounding terms that get thrown around. Lukewarm… In the world, but not of the world… born again… This week we look at the passage where one of those phrases comes from and see the true power behind its meaning!
Flip the Script | I Am - Week 7
March 18, 2024 14:17 - 34 minutes - 64.1 MBThe majority of depictions of Jesus show a meek and calm man. Why is He always holding a lamb with a big smile? The thing is, Jesus was raw, real, and not always the quiet type. For week seven of I Am, let’s discover what makes Jesus mad.
#PartyFoul | I am - Week 6
March 11, 2024 14:04 - 40 minutes - 74.6 MBThe number one rule of any party is to never run out of food or drink! Everyone knows that! Enter Jesus’ first miracle recorded in His ministry and let’s just say, no one was ‘wine-ing’ afterwards! As we continue in our series, I Am, we will see how this story is more than just saving a party from failing.
Follow the Leader | I Am - Week 5
March 04, 2024 14:43 - 42 minutes - 79.5 MBHow many people would you need to turn the world upside-down? And what would your standards be for those to make the so-called exclusive list? For this week in I Am, we see Jesus's peculiar choice to string together the start of His world-changing crew.
The Manifold Witness of Christ | I Am - Week 4
February 25, 2024 18:53 - 32 minutes - 61.2 MBWho gets the glory out of your life?
What’s The Big Deal About Jesus? | I Am - Week 3
February 18, 2024 17:17 - 33 minutes - 63.1 MBChoose two words to describe yourself… ready, go! Let me guess - smart and funny? Well, what if you were tasked to pick two words that would best describe who Jesus is? Join us for week 3 of I Am as we look at the words Jesus chose for himself.
Light or Death | I Am - Week 2
February 12, 2024 15:18 - 35 minutes - 65.1 MBDid you ever play flashlight tag as a kid? The key was to play in a dark place and have a strong light that would shine on others. In a similar manner, the Gospel of John talks about the power of Light and its intent to land on all running in darkness! But this time, the goal is for the Light to land on you!
Beginning with the End in Mind | I Am - Week 1
February 05, 2024 14:43 - 38 minutes - 71.3 MBDo you know someone who reads the end of a book first or looks up the end of a movie before watching it for the first time? For many of us, that seems strange! However, knowing how something ends helps paint the picture of the story that will unfold. So, as we kick off this series through the Gospel of John, we will begin with seeing what - more so Who - John wants us to believe when all is said and done.
Leaning Into My Purpose | You In Five Years - Week 4
January 28, 2024 19:54 - 41 minutes - 77.3 MBA study recently released that the number one thing that leads people to staying in a job they love is “knowing their job is making a difference.” We are hardwired to be people of purpose. Leaning into their purpose feels like a superpower that only some get to wield. However, we will share together how everyone can lean into their purpose for a life well lived.
Live More Free | You In Five Years - Week 3
January 21, 2024 20:43 - 43 minutes - 81.8 MBPicture Mel Gibson in a kilt with war-paint on his face… now, what comes to mind? Freedom!!!!! (Shoutout to Bravehart being one of the best movies of the 90s). We all want it and then usually more of it once we get a taste of it! Chances are the You In Five Years would crave more freedom - whether it’s financial, spiritual, emotional, relational. Well, let’s see how Scripture leads us to living with more freedom in life!
Closer to God | You In Five Years - Week 2
January 14, 2024 17:56 - 37 minutes - 70.3 MBWe’ve been praying for you! Specifically, we’ve been praying for you to desire to be closer to God this year more than ever before. If you’ve always wondered, “what does it take to be closer to God?” then don’t miss week 2 of You In Five Years!
Unstuck Yourself | You In Five Years - Week 1
January 08, 2024 11:54 - 37 minutes - 69 MBIt’s a new year! Congrats, you made it! And with the new year probably came some self-reflection. For almost all of us, the start of a new calendar grants us the natural pause to reflect on how to be ‘better’ for this trip around the sun. So, let’s learn how ‘unstuck ourselves’ and make the changes for the better!
Christmas Eve 2023
January 08, 2024 11:51 - 14 minutes - 26.7 MBNo one ever could have predicted the way in which the King of the Universe would arrive on the scene: as a baby in a manger. But he did! How does this unexpected arrival change us? How does this not only reshape our expectations for our lives, but give us real hope this Christmas? Through the miracle of the incarnation, we will discover the unexpected grace of God in our very midst.
Unexpected Presence | Unexpected Christmas - Week 5
January 02, 2024 10:09 - 34 minutes - 64.8 MBUnexpected Presence | Unexpected Christmas - Week 5 by First Christian Church Champaign
Unexpected Worship | December 17, 2023
December 18, 2023 16:35 - 34 minutes - 48 MBUnexpected Worship | December 17, 2023 by First Christian Church Champaign
Unexpected Doubt | December 10, 2023
December 11, 2023 16:05 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MBUnexpected Doubt | December 10, 2023 by First Christian Church Champaign
Unexpected Waiting | Christmas 2023 Week 1
December 04, 2023 21:26 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBUnexpected Waiting | Christmas 2023 Week 1 by First Christian Church Champaign
Waiting | Christmas 2023 Week 1
December 04, 2023 21:26 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBWaiting | Christmas 2023 Week 1 by First Christian Church Champaign
November 26, 2023 | True North Week 24
November 27, 2023 18:32 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MBNovember 26, 2023 | True North Week 24 by First Christian Church Champaign
The Victorious Life | True North Week 23
November 20, 2023 20:16 - 38 minutes - 53 MBIt’s always a good day to remember, reflect, and respond to the resurrection of King Jesus! It’s like Easter… just not on Easter! In the second to last chapter of the book of Corinthians, Paul will encourage the church to remember the resurrection and to remind them what he received and what he passed onto them. Only two more weeks in True North as we continue to reorient our lives around the work and person of Jesus!
Order! Order in the Church! | True North Week 22
November 13, 2023 17:10 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBWe’re aware that on occasion, a judge will demand ‘order!’ in his courtroom to coral unruly people. But, what about a passage of Scripture that demands the same thing for the church? In Week 22 of True North, we dive into a passage that has nothing—and everything—to do about what we tend to think it does!
Prepare and plant for the promised plentiful harvest!
November 05, 2023 19:25 - 38 minutes - 72 MBPrepare and plant for the promised plentiful harvest! First Christian Church's 70th Birthday!
What's love got to do with it?
October 29, 2023 16:59 - 35 minutes - 66.9 MBIn some ways, “love” has become a buzz-word in the church, hasn’t it? Well, we just need to ‘love on’ people better… the world first needs to know we love them… when in doubt - love! There is no shortage of wanting to feel, share and extend love. So, how do we go about love in a practical way?
What is Love? | True North - Week 20
October 23, 2023 13:29 - 39 minutes - 72.5 MBAt almost every wedding you can guess the “Love Chapter” is going to be read or referenced. 1 Corinthians 13 is arguably one of the most popular passages in the entire Bible - and for good reason! In this week of True North, we dive into this popular passage on love.
Someone is waiting for you to step into what God has called you to! | True North - Week 19
October 15, 2023 18:11 - 38 minutes - 71 MBFor this week in True North, we continue last week's message by looking at the roles we all play in the larger mission of Jesus’ church! We hope you lean in to help discern and discover the role you have been called to play for the sake of the mission of Jesus! Yeah, you read that right! Someone is waiting for you to step into what God has called you to!
You Have A Role to Play - Pt. 1 | True North - Week 18
October 08, 2023 23:54 - 40 minutes - 75.9 MBDo you know what a Rune Goldberg machine is? You probably do, just not by that name! (Think of the board game: Mousetrap!) The definition is simple: a complex machine to accomplish a clear and simple task. In many ways, we could say the same for the church! A complex group of individuals coming together to achieve a clear and simply mission - to make disciples! For two-weeks, we will unpack the role everyone is called to play in Jesus’ mission to seek, save, and restore the world!
The Lord's Supper | True North - Week 17
October 02, 2023 02:57 - 35 minutes - 65 MBEvery week we gather as a faith community, the same things happen: we sing songs in worship, we give financially, we serve in ministries, we hear a sermon and we take communion together. If you’ve ever wondered why we take communion in the first place or what it represents, then week 17 of True North is for you!
The Preferred Way of Approaching Our Preferences
September 24, 2023 19:00 - 38 minutes - 71.7 MBEveryone has a preference - on almost anything in life! From the type of salad dressing and what belongs on pizza to what songs should be sung in church or length of service, preferences are everywhere! In this week of True North, we will be challenged to see how to best approach our preferences in life and faith.
(American) Idols
September 17, 2023 18:19 - 40 minutes - 75 MB‘idol’ = a person or thing used as an object of worship; object that centers our priorities… If we were to ask you - what are your idol(s) in life? You might be inclined to say, “none.” But, is that really the case? This week in True North, we will learn how to identify, test, and challenge the potential idols in our lives.
Punching Passivity In the Face
September 10, 2023 16:24 - 41 minutes - 76.5 MBOne of the best-selling books in the past few years is entitled Atomic Habits. In that book, author James Clear talks about the importance, value and necessity of building good habits. So, what does the Bible have to say about self-discipline and the motives behind our habits in life? Let’s find out in week 14 of True North!
Who Cares About the Shepherds…
September 04, 2023 11:51 - 35 minutes - 65.3 MBWe love our church - and we hope you do, too! Every week our pastors, elders, and volunteers come together to serve so many people and families to help them grow closer to Jesus. This week, our True North series reminds us the importance of taking care of those who take care of us spiritually.
Who Is Your Master?
August 28, 2023 11:25 - 35 minutes - 65.9 MBFrom Mr. Miyagi to Master Yoda, we all learn the importance of who we follow and imitate in this life. Most studies will tell you that who or what you give your attention to is what you will, at least attempt, to become. So, if you had to answer the question - who or what gets most of your attention or desire? - would that answer line up with who you desire to become?
Christians & Divorce | True North - Week 11
August 21, 2023 02:13 - 40 minutes - 74.7 MBNobody ever gets married with the intention to see it end. Whether or not divorce is a part of your story, the rippling effects are noticeable. As disciples of Jesus, our faith is built on the foundations of grace, forgiveness, but also life change. For week 11 of True North, let’s see how those attributes play out in one of life’s more difficult choices.
Are We Salty Cookies? | We Are The Church - Week 5
August 14, 2023 13:04 - 36 minutes - 68.2 MBThis Sunday, we're excited to have Joel Williams speak. Joel and his wife, Rachel, are one of our global mission partners, dedicated to fostering disciple-making communities in Africa. They've made a significant impact—leading to 12,000+ baptisms and 7,000+ active groups over seven years. Their work is instrumental in spreading the teachings of Jesus to over 30,000 non-believers across Kenya and neighboring countries.
Christ-Centered Singleness | True North - Week 10
August 10, 2023 02:57 - 39 minutes - 72.8 MBBeyoncé captured a generation with her hit song, “All the Single Ladies.” As a culture, singleness is on the rise! And the question for all of us is not will you ever be single, rather - how do we steward our season(s) of singleness well, no matter how long it ends?
Christ-Centered Marriage | True North - Week 8
July 31, 2023 14:54 - 36 minutes - 66.9 MBWhat makes for a good marriage? While there are many pieces of advice that are helpful and true, there is one ‘central’ thing above them all. For week 9 of True North, let’s discover the encouragement for a Christ-Centered marriage!
Flee! | True North - Week 8
July 24, 2023 11:23 - 45 minutes - 84.5 MBImagine yourself sitting on a bench eating lunch and a fly is buzzing around you… you probably just swat it away, right? Now, imagine a flock of pigeons coming your way to help you eat… you probably run! When it comes to our spiritual lives, we are told to flee from sin - easier said than done! For week 8 of True North, we will see why this command is so serious!
Forward Together | We Are The Church - Week 4
July 17, 2023 03:36 - 36 minutes - 68.7 MBThe saying goes: If you want to go fast, go alone… if you want to go far, go together. As we move forward together as a church, we lean into the clear vision and direction from the Spirit! Join us as we wrap up We Are the Church!
12 Stone Stories | We Are The Church - Week 3
July 11, 2023 19:03 - 36 minutes - 67.6 MBWhenever the people of Israel wanted to commemorate a move of God, they built a 12 stone altar. Through the land, these altars would have been everywhere and served as constant reminders for the faithfulness and goodness of God! This Sunday is a 12 stone moment in the life of our church! Join us for week 3 of We Are the Church as we seek to immortalize the faithfulness of God!
Seasons, Wins, Losses, and Everything In-between | We Are The Church - Week 2
July 03, 2023 03:58 - 39 minutes - 73.4 MBSometimes things go according to plan and other times they most certainly do not. Ups and downs, peaks and valley, clarity and fog follow us wherever we go. While specific moments might be tough, we can always remember that (almost) everything is just for a season. As we continue our series, We Are the Church, we explore the many seasons many of us are in along with what the next season for our church might look like.
Defining Moments | We Are The Church - Week 1
June 25, 2023 16:58 - 47 minutes - 88.2 MBThroughout the life of an individual, business, or even a church, defining moments occur. The big question is not if they arise; rather, what will the response be? One of the best attributes of belonging to the family of God is that when these moments come, we have a God that goes before us! For week 1 of We Are the Church, we see how to navigate the defining moment we find ourselves in at this current moment.
Why So Serious? | True North: 1 Corinthians - Week 7
June 19, 2023 12:58 - 37 minutes - 70.8 MBEver heard the phrase, “it’s just water under the bridge” or “water off a duck’s back?” It’s pretty good advice on smaller qualms… but does it apply to recurring patterns or “bigger” issues? While the church is a place founded on grace and love, is there a line when people are out-of-line or over-the-line? As we continue our series in True North, we see direction on how Christians are to approach each other if the lines get blurred.
Spiritual Parenting | True North - Week 6
June 12, 2023 12:07 - 38 minutes - 72.6 MBEverybody reports to somebody. Throughout life, we all have some type of authority over us. From parents over children to bosses at our jobs to laws over our nation, avoiding authority is impossible. So, what makes for a good leader and someone worth following? Let’s find out together in week 6 of True North!
Apply Your Benefits | True North - Week 5
June 05, 2023 12:04 - 35 minutes - 66.1 MBAs a kid, you probably played the game ‘follow the leader.’ The rules were simple: you copy whatever the leader did. And whether we realize it or not, we are all following someone or something as our ‘leader’ with our lives. The question is: do you like where you’re headed?
Grown Adults, Spiritual Infants | True North - Week 4
May 28, 2023 16:48 - 37 minutes - 69.8 MBIn 2006, a movie called Failure to Launch was released and centered around grown men who were still living at home - who “failed to launch.” As we continue our study through 1 Corinthians, we see that we, too, sometimes fail to grow up and launch our faith. Let’s dig in together to discern how to have faith that continues to grow and thrive!
The Power of the (Simple) Gospel | True North - Week 3
May 22, 2023 11:05 - 40 minutes - 75.7 MBDo you know the most popular ice cream flavor in the world? Vanilla! Now, that might not be your favorite flavor - but the ease and simplicity is what raises it to the top. As a church and disciples, the same goes for our foundation message for all - The Gospel. Join us for week 3 of Truth North in discovering the power of the (simple) Gospel.