Everyday Insights from Christ Community Church

Simplicity | Luke 12:13-34 | Justin Wilke

In a culture that constantly tells us that more is better, Jesus offers a radically different vision of the good life. Through His teaching in Luke 12, we discover that greed and worry are often two sides of the same coin, both rooted in the belief that our security and happiness can be found in possessions. This week we’ll examine how consumer culture shapes our desires, why Jesus warns us to be on guard against all kinds of greed, and how the spiritual practice of simplicity frees us to live with greater contentment, generosity, and trust in God.

Giving | Mark 12:1-17, 41-44 | Chad De Jager

Suburban life in Chicago comes with plenty of perks. We have the conveniences of amble parking, green spaces, quality schools and every chain restaurant you could want. But the suburban life has challenges too - it's often busy, transient, expensive and surprisingly divisive. This spring we are studying 5 teachings of Christianity that can unlock the power of the gospel in your suburban life. Today we will study Mark 12 and the three consecutive teachings Jesus gave on giving.

Stability | Luke 8:26-39 | Chad De Jager

Suburban life in Chicago comes with plenty of perks. We have the conveniences of amble parking, green spaces, quality schools and every chain restaurant you could want. But the suburban life has challenges too - it's often busy, transient, expensive and surprisingly divisive. This spring we are studying 5 teachings of Christianity that can unlock the power of the gospel in your suburban life. Join us in being challenged to a better suburban life.

Slowing | Luke 10:30-37 | Justin Wilke

Most of us are tired, over-scheduled, and stretched thin, but we’ve learned to call it normal. We say we’re “good, but busy,” while our souls quietly grow restless, irritable, numb, and disconnected. In Luke 10, Jesus tells a story about a man left for dead on the side of the road, two religious leaders who pass by, and a Samaritan who stops long enough to love. The question isn’t only whether we know we should love God and love our neighbor. The question is whether the pace of our lives leaves us enough room to actually do it.

Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone) | Ephesians 2:1-10 / Psalm 67:1-4 | Chad De Jager

The good news of Jesus had immediate impacts among the early followers, but it also came with immediate consequences, threats and trials. Those challenges would become the refining fires of the early church that focused the church on a few key concepts. 1500 years later, in a dark time in the history of the church, a few courageous followers came back to those key concepts and began what we now call the reformation. This spring we are looking at 5 distinctive beliefs of Christianity that are essential. This week we look at the final sola and how it all ties together. When we realize what Christ has done for us - there is one appropriate response - glory!