Willow Creek Weekend Podcast

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!