Connexus Church Audio Podcast

Our new series, Imagine Heaven, launches August 14th. In this interview, Carey interviews author John Burke and asks What can we learn from the thousands of near death experiences people have reported? Are they consistent with biblical depictions of heaven? John Burke shares years of research he's done comparing NDE's and scripture to bring us a vivid and fascinating account of what happens after people die.

What do you do when life hasn't gone in the direction you hoped or wanted it to go and there's nothing you can do to change your circumstances? What do you do when you're living in "the meantime"? If you've ever been In the meantime or if you're currently in the meantime, you can't help but conclude you'll never be happy again, nothing good can come from your circumstances, and there's no point in continuing. Can it really be true that God will make things right?

What do you do when there's nothing you can do? Relationally, financially, professionally, physically, or academically, It just is what it is. There's nothing you can do to change your situation. Challenging circumstances can make you jealous or resentful. They can make you angry with God. They can breed discontentment. But the problem with discontentment is that it can drive you in self-destructive directions that will eventually leave you with regret. So, what is the secret of finding contentment even when times are tough?

Every once in a while, we run into people stuck in unchangeable, unalterable, in-the-meantime circumstances who get to the place where they're able and willing to receive their circumstances, their afflictions, their illnesses, their losses, and their disabilities as coming from the hand of their heavenly Father. How do these people maintain extraordinary faith despite extraordinarily difficult circumstances? Where do they find the peace that characterizes their lives?

What do we do when our circumstances are so challenging there's no way forward and no way out? We have problems for which there seem to be no solutions. We have questions without answers. During times like these, we're tempted to run or give up. We're tempted to give in to jealousy, resentment, and anger . . . especially anger toward God. That's because when life gets hard, it feels like God is absent, apathetic, or angry. But what if he isn't? Is it possible to hang on to joy, hope, and patience in the meantime?

Of all the things that can confuse the human heart, money is among the most vexing. We all need it. Most of us want more. But even when we gain more, our appetite isn't satisfied. Why? Jesus identifies the heart of the problem, and this week, we'll show you an option that will help curb your longing for more.

Nothing touches us more deeply than the relationships we have with those closest to us. No human bond is stronger than the love for a family member or close friend. They are also the ones who can hurt and disappoint us the most. Why is it that these loving relationships fall apart? How can we love someone so much, only to have that love fade? How come families move from a place of love to disappointment so quickly?

Ever notice that what you think will satisfy doesn't? Money, success, homes, relationships and even family often promise more than the seem to deliver. You always want more. Why? This week, we'll introduce you to how idols–even sophisticated idols—work, and why elevating the gift God gives you above the Giver always disappoints.

In this special bonus podcast episode, Carey interviews Clay Scroggins about being a young leader. Clay will be teaching our upcoming series "Bad Blood" and is the lead pastor of the Alpharetta location of North Point Community Church.

If God is love, why do people often feel so hopeless? Perhaps it's because we tie our hope to circumstances and emotions. God invites us to tie our circumstances to something profoundly different. Even something unshakable.