Willow Creek Weekend Podcast

The earliest conflict between people in the Bible occurs between two brothers, Cain and Abel. All the way back in the beginning of humanity, rivalry and dissension were present—everything from sibling rivalry, failed marriages, broken friendships, arguments in the workplace, conflicts in neighborhoods, wars, and much more. Pastor Dave Dummitt uses 2 Samuel 6 to bring understanding to the cause of conflict around us and to teach different strategies that help move us toward healing in those relationships.

We want to eat healthy, but we grab the donut. We want to stay focused, but we grab the phone and mindlessly scroll. We commit to prioritizing our friends and family, yet work obligations continuously win out. We experience trauma or grief, but avoid it instead of healing from it. We pictured our life one way, but we’re living another reality. Our lives are filled with internal conflicts. Megan Marshman teaches out of 1 Samuel and Psalm 13 to remind us that when we’re faced with conflict in our hearts and minds, we can find healing by surrendering to Jesus.

What is worship? We often think of singing, the worship band, or worship artists that lead us through songs praising God. That is a part of worship–but not all of it! Worship can be a much larger part of our lives than we might think. It can be extended into our prayers, our service, and even through Christian meditation. Put simply, worship is a way to remember what God has done for us, to thank Him for it, and to demonstrate to those around us what a relationship with God looks like; all while acknowledging His power and help. Pastor Thomas explores Romans 12 as he explains how worship extends into every part of our lives—from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep again—and how we can live our lives in worship.

Christmas might not always be “the most wonderful time of the year.” For some, it really is wonderful. But for others, it can be the hardest time of the year. Mourning of the life we thought we’d have or experiencing the first holiday without a loved one—Christmas can be filled with more anxiety than joy. In the midst of the challenge, Luke 1:46–55 points us to Jesus—the Prince of Peace—who is making all things right. Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, reminds us that this is only a glimpse of the goodness He ushered in at His birth and continues to unfold.

We learn through imitation well into childhood. We acquire so much from our parents—for better or worse—and often view God through the lenses of those experiences. In Matthew 19:13–14, we see Jesus rebuking His disciples as they turn away eager parents longing for Jesus to pray for their children. Pastor Dave Dummitt reminds us that no matter our earthly experience, our Everlasting Father is the unchanging Father we all long for.

When we think of the Christmas narrative, we don’t typically think of John the Apostle. Open to Chapter 1 of John’s Gospel; you won’t find any details about Mary and Joseph, shepherds, innkeepers, or a manger. Instead, John reminds us of God’s mighty power that brought the world into existence. This is a very different Christmas narrative, but it’s a powerful one! Pastor Shawn Williams dives into John 1:1–14, reflecting on the Christmas story, and focuses on Jesus as the Mighty God who walked among His creation to free us from what holds us back.

Where do you turn for advice? To your friends? Your family? Do you turn to the Internet or your therapist? There is a source greater than the sum of all the people and search engines we may turn to: Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor! Psalm 119:105 tells us how Jesus is the word and the lamp unto our feet. Megan Marshman focuses on Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor and reminds us that we have full access to His presence, His wisdom, and His wonder-filled counsel!

Have you ever experienced moments that have made you think, “Nothing will ever be the same again”? The greatest “nothing will ever be the same again” moment in history began with the most mundane of events—the cry of a newborn baby, delivered in an obscure setting to two ordinary humans. And yet, the announcement of Jesus’ arrival was anything but mundane. Pastor Dave Dummitt dives into Luke 2:8-14 and addresses how this announcement was indeed and is still good news for us as it continues to bring joy to all people!

Have you ever struggled to love someone who was different from you? What about loving someone who is in opposition with your really important beliefs and values? Luke 10:25–37 tells the story of a very unlikely stranger loving another very unlikely neighbor in need. Pastor Dave Dummit and Pastor Fabian Garza dive into the story of the Good Samaritan and remind us that God not only loves our enemies, but calls us to love our enemies, too!

We often think we have to go somewhere far to help those in need, but what about those facing challenges in our own communities? Matthew 25:31–46 shows us how much God cares for the vulnerable and calls us to love them, too. This week Megan Marshman reminds us that the opportunity to love the vulnerable is closer than we think!