More Than Chemicals
we’ve been subtly trained to believe that the physical world is the only world. Even though research is showing that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are increasingly more open to spiritual realities, our overarching culture is still build on the assumed naturalism of the modern world. We’re told that our consciousness is just a series of chemical reactions in our brain, that our mind is just a biological fluke, and that when the body stops, the story ends.
Is Your Mind a Bad Neighborhood?
There’s a famous quote that seems to have originated author Anne Lamott. It’s developed a life of its own and has made its way through recovery circles and even into a now famous interviews with the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park shortly before his death. It goes like this: “My mind is like a bad neighborhood. I try not to go there alone.”
Beyond the Bone Mech
In our world of instant information and digital hyper-connectivity, a strange paradox has emerged: we have never been more connected, yet many of us have never felt more lost. Think about it, we are living through a mental health crisis, particularly among the young people. Suicide rates for young adults have climbed to levels never before imagined.
Discussion Questions for 09/28/25
Thinking of this series as a whole, what are some ways the Nicene Creed can help us distinguish between primary and secondary doctrines within Christianity? Why do you suppose that’s important?
Making Sense of End-Times Passages (Without the Panic)
Let's be honest… when most of us hear "end times" or flip to texts like Revelation, Daniel, or Matthew 24, we feel a mix of confusion and anxiety. These passages often conjure images of dramatic signs, perplexing beasts, and cosmic upheaval. It's easy to get lost in the details and feel like you need a secret decoder ring to understand what Jesus (or John, or Daniel) is really talking about.
Embracing Kingdom Religion
In a world where appearances often take precedence over authenticity, the concept of "kingdom religion" offers a refreshing and challenging perspective on what it means to truly follow Jesus. This last Sunday at IFC we finished out a series called “Jesus vs Religion” with a look at Matthew 23. In this text, we are invited to examine our own religious practices and discern whether they align with the values of the kingdom of God or the trappings of worldly religion.
Redefining Love in Light of the Gospel
In our current cultural climate, the concepts of inclusivity and love are at the forefront of many societal discussions. As Christians, we are called to engage with these ideas through the lens of the gospel, which offers a profound and challenging perspective on what it means to be truly inclusive and loving.
Jesus is Enough
Do you ever feel like you're chasing happiness, but never quite catching it? You’re not alone. Many of us spend our lives pursuing things we believe will make us happy—wealth, relationships, success—only to find they fall short. But the reality is that true fulfillment isn’t found in these things. We know this is true. In our bones, we know we’re made for more than the pleasures of this world. So how do we get there?
Finding Fulfillment in God's Kingdom
In Matthew 19, we encounter a rich young man who seems to have it all—wealth, spirituality, and a genuine desire for eternal life. When he asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The young man walks away grieving.
Embracing a New Year with Jesus: Setting Spiritual Goals
If you're like many of us, you've probably set New Year's resolutions before, only to see them fade away by February. But what if this year could be different? What if you could set goals that not only stick but also transform your life? This isn't just about self-improvement; it's about spiritual growth and letting Jesus overflow into every part of your life. Let's explore how you can make this year a turning point in your faith journey.
Advent 2024: The Christ of Christmas
Who is Jesus? Over the last 2000 years, many people have tried to answer this question: historians, authors, skeptics, teachers, rockstars, celebrities, kings, and more. This question drives seekers to find the answer in many different places and ways. Each of us has been faced with this same question, and we need to have an answer. It’s important. Who is Jesus?
Embracing the Love of Jesus This Christmas
Do you ever pause to consider the true essence of Christmas? Beyond the twinkling lights, the festive gatherings, and the joy of giving and receiving gifts, lies a profound truth that can transform your life. This season, as we light the Love Candle on our Advent wreath, we're reminded of the incredible gift of Jesus' incarnation—a gift that not only leads to our salvation but also empowers us to love the world around us.
Finding Joy in the Unexpected
Have you ever felt like you were at the end of your rope, only to find hope in the most unexpected place? Imagine being a shepherd on a cold night, just doing your job, when suddenly the sky lights up with angels proclaiming the birth of a Savior. This is the heart of the Christmas story—a story of unexpected joy and hope.
Why Is Matthew 18:11 Missing in Most Bibles?
If you’ve ever opened your Bible to Matthew 18, you might have noticed something strange: verse 11 is missing. If you’re using a modern translation like the NIV, ESV, or NASB, you simply won’t find it. But if you’re using a King James Version (KJV) you’ll see that Matthew 18:11 is still included.
Embracing Discipline as an Act of Love
In Matthew 18, Jesus gives us a roadmap for dealing with sin in the church. He uses the image of "little ones" to describe us—weak, needy, and prone to conflict. We need Jesus, and we need each other. The main point of this teaching is clear: The church disciplines sin because it is an act of love that Christ has empowered us to enact.
Chasing After the Wanderers
Have you ever felt like you're just not good at being a Christian? Like you're stumbling through your spiritual journey, unsure of your footing? You're not alone. In fact, Jesus himself described his followers as "little ones," vulnerable and needy, much like children. This isn't a criticism but a profound truth about our spiritual lives. We are all weak and in need of guidance, and that's exactly where Jesus meets us.