Willow Creek Weekend Podcast

We welcome special guest pastor Andy Stanley!  Jesus modeled how it is possible to disagree politically and still love unconditionally. Pastor Andy Stanley shows us how, instead of being "in it to win it," Jesus came to lose intentionally. On purpose, but with a purpose. How can we become more Christlike by seeking to understand and love across the divide?

Is Jesus the Only Way?

We will never be able to fully love like Jesus if we don’t choose to walk humbly with God. Jesus Himself, who was fully God, humbled himself to become man and face death on a cross. What would it look like if you set aside your position or pride and chose humility instead?

It can be easy to see the way others are “sinning” or falling short, but when faced with the opportunity to shame a woman caught in adultery, Jesus instead challenged the onlookers by saying, “He who is without sin can cast the first stone.” Showing mercy is central to the Gospel—discover ways you can better love like Jesus by choosing a posture of mercy.

Justice is at the heart of God; it’s central to loving like Jesus. Learn from Micah 6:8 and the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) to discover what it means to seek justice in a world plagued with injustice.

This week we look at 1 John 4 and the importance placed here on “abiding” with God. When we ‘abide’ with God, we become closer to Him. To abide means to sit, dwell, be near, or make our home with God. That sounds pretty good. Right? Join us as we  learn about abiding with God and why we should do this consistently.

We know about God's love for us, but did you know that God is love itself? And to believe in God is to love others too? All Christians have a responsibility to love others as ourselves. What does that look like in actuality? It means showing God's love in practical ways to others, with no strings attached. Pastor Dave takes us through 1 John 2 to explore this idea and why it's important to love God, love people, and change the world.

Explore the depths of God's love and the assurance it brings through belief in Jesus. Delve into the importance of prayer and rekindling faith as a loving journey. Discover the transformative power of walking in divine light and the necessity of genuine fellowship for spiritual growth. Learn how to embody Christ's character in daily life, even amidst challenges, and see how positivity and kindness can shine brightly in the darkest environments.

In our new series, This is The Way, we're studying some of the foundations of Christianity–namely, spiritual disciplines and why they're important. Jesus taught the disciples all about spiritual practices that would keep them close to God. Things like; how to pray, live generously, give time to others who need it, and Bible study. And these spiritual disciplines help us today to stay close to God, too. Pastor Dave tells us how these practices are still relevant to our lives as he teaches from 1 John 2.

God designed us to be in community with others. It's not healthy for us to be alone. Isolation is dangerous to our mental health. But how many of us have felt like outsiders, misfits, or 'other' at some point in our lives? This week Pastor Megan Marshman talks about the distinction between sameness and belonging. Every person has a place in the Kingdom of God to belong and contribute to the community. As the community of Christ, we are to care for the parts that are hurting. We are to offer belonging to one another, combating loneliness and isolation, even if all some of us can do is be present.