Just as Christ welcomed people, so should we. Christ gave us the perfect example when he became servant to show God's truthfulness.
Stay Strong in the Church: Welcome One Another
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April 18, 2021
April 11, 2021
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Stay Strong in the Church: Live in Unity with Each Other
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April 4, 2021
Our Savior has Risen! Watch the special Easter Service here.
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March 28, 2021
March 21, 2021
It’s one of those things we can see so easily in others, while we are often blind to it in ourselves. Simply put, we want things to go our way. Because our way is, of course, the right way! The problem is that other people see things the same way and we end up running up against each other. Even in the church it’s so natural to look out for ourselves, our needs and our perspectives. Yet Jesus shows us another way, a better way, the way of properly pleasing others. As we follow the way of Jesus, it will keep us strong in the church. Especially in these times of transition we need to be looking to please each other. Find out in this message "Staying Strong in the Church".
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March 14, 2021
We often try to do
things on our own. We’re self-made, self-reliant and independent people. That
mindset can lead us to disregard others, minimize their value or even summarily
reject their perspectives. So, it can be hard when we come to the Bible and find
this counter-cultural message: following Christ is something we do together.
At times that approach can seem so inefficient, so impractical, so….stretching.
But God’s called us to have a patient understanding with each other. It’s for
our good and it’s for his glory!
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March 7, 2021
In this time of transition between pastors, let us remember to live a life worthy of the gospel and stand firm in one spirit and one mind together for the faith of the gospel.
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February 28, 2021
Paul’s letter to the church of Ephesus has not been a particularly personal letter to this point. But this all changes in the final four verses of the epistle. Done with significant theological truths and then the practical application of those truths, he now shares his heart, and his hope for those he dearly loves as we will find out in this message, “The Final Words.”
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February 14, 2021
Paul gives us vital instructions in spiritual warfare here in Ephesians 6:10-20.
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February 7, 2021
We have seen in the past few weeks how the Apostle Paul has revolutionized the way husband/wife and parent/child relationships are to work in his teaching on mutual submission. Now he concludes his take on domestic relationships in teaching on the relationship between workers and their bosses—specifically “doulos” with their masters.
Discover what the Bible has to say about this in the message “How to Glorify Christ in the Workplace.”
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January 31, 2021
The apostle Paul challenges us as parents to better understand our relationship to, and our nurture of, the children He blesses us with. "Instructions for the Christian Home-- Regarding Children"
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January 24, 2021
Our church family grieves deeply as one of our church families lost their daughter in a tragic swimming accident this past week.
More questions than answers. More hurt than peace, at least for the moment. Yet we as a church family are praying, and God is working!
Paul shares a thought in his letter of Philippians that is fairly well known, but frequently misunderstood: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
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January 17, 2021
Having challenged the Ephesian church to live in a manner that reflects their new relationship with their Heavenly Father, the apostle Paul now tells them—and us—what a biblical marriage should look like. Hint: Our culture has no idea what to make of what God has designed and purposed in the marriage covenant.
Find out more in the message “Instructions for the Christian Home—Regarding Marriage.”
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January 10, 2021
Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
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January 3, 2021
So we are now members of God’s family, the church. We are now God’s children, Paul is telling us in his letter to the Ephesians. How should those children live—what dictates their heart, their behavior?
“Like Father, Like Son.” Ephesians 5:1-8
December 27, 2020
December 20, 2020
December 13, 2020
Paul has laid out in the first 3 chapters of Ephesians the theology of what the Church is within the purposes of God. But now, he moves into the practical--how do we actually do this? By living in unity, for one thing. "Walking in Unity." Ephesians 4:1-16
December 6, 2020
Why is it that we so often struggle in our spiritual life? Why do we more often identify with Paul’s words in Romans 7:19 “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” than with a growing relationship with Jesus?
There is an answer to this dilemma in the Christian life, and we find it in Ephesians 3:14-21. “Strengthening Your Inner Man.”
November 29, 2020
In Old Testament times the Jews believed that only they were heirs of Christ. Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 3:1-13 opens up the mystery of the gospel. Paul tells us that Jews and Gentiles alike are one in Christ, in that we are all heirs of Jesus. The gospel of grace tells us that we do not have to be a Jew to enter the kingdom of Heaven. We are all given the same opportunity to believe and become one in Christ. Find out about the gospel of grace in this message "The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed."
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November 22, 2020
There is so much hostility in the world today.
We our experience unrest, hatred, and division with in our country right
now. This unrest and division is sadly also becoming more and more common place
in our churches as well. Is this how God designed the body of Christ?
Find out what God’s word tells
us in this message on Ephesians 2:11-22 "Hostility and Division"
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November 15, 2020
In Ephesians 2:1-10 Paul tells us of the condition we as humans are in. That is, that we are dead in our transgressions/sins apart from Christ. Yet, we have something to look forward to when we believe in Him. Knowing that we are dead, apart from Christ, yet, the work of God allows us to have life and that we are raised in Christ. God loved us so much that we were made alive in Him when we believe in Him. Find out in this message "Dead, yet Alive"
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November 8, 2020
In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul has just shared the blessings that every born-again person is the recipient of:
• being chosen, predestined, and adopted by God,
• having redemption and forgiveness because of Christ’s finished work,
• being sealed by the Spirit as a guarantee of our future inheritance.
The apostle now offers up in vv. 15-23 an amazing prayer on behalf of those people, a prayer that is vital for you and me today! “You are not a Tadpole in Christ.”
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November 1, 2020
The national election is only a few days away, and the political as well as personal tension is palatable. First and foremost, believers are citizens of heaven. Yet, at the same time, in America, we have the opportunity as well as the responsibility of making our voices heard in the political process. So, what does that actually look like in this season of turmoil and uncertainty? Find out this Sunday in the message “How You Should Vote in 2020.”
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October 11, 2020
October 4, 2020
How do we come to grips with, come to terms with the Biblical concepts of Election and Predestination? By understanding the origin and reality of what God's Word has to say about them.
September 27, 2020
We begin a new expositional study. In the coming months, we will explore the amazing book of Ephesians, verse by verse. This week, we will look at the introduction, the first two verses of chapter one. Paul says a lot in two short verses; things you and I as children of God need to be aware of. "How to Recognize a Saint"
September 20, 2020
We often can feel like the Bible is so intimidating due to its mass volume of content. However, I think we all just want to know how can we simplify all the Bible has to say in one sentence or two as it relates to us and our daily living. We aren’t alone or unique in the search for that answer. Jesus answers this very question. Mark 12:28-37 is where are main text will be from. The title is The “expert’s” question is answered expertly by the expert.
September 13, 2020
Introducing our Pastoral Search Team to the church family, and walking through the process the church will follow as we officially begin our search for a new Lead Pastor as Wes steps down in March of next year.
September 6, 2020
Three steps we can take now to help bring about a successful transition in Lead Pastor here at CBF.
August 23, 2020
The issue of slavery in the U.S. has always been a deep blemish on our country’s history. Further, some have actually used God’s Word to justify the enslavement of others made in the image of God.
There were, and still are, a number of misconceptions out there regarding what Scripture actually says and how we should respond in this day and age to the injustices of the past. Find out just that in this sermon, “What the Bible Actually Says about Slavery."
August 16, 2020
The two topics that generated more queries than any other this summer were homosexuality and slavery. Both have held prominent places in the consciousness of our culture over the past year.
While each is quite different from the other, the issues do in fact share some commonality. We will take two weeks to tackle some of the critical issues that are key to understanding the heart of God in these matters, and we will start with the message “What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality.”
August 9, 2020
"If we are to build up treasures in heaven and receive different crowns (righteousness, life, etc.), what are we going to do with these in heaven?? Do we lay them at Jesus' feet as soon as we get to heaven? Do we wait until the second coming??? If so, do they just sit on a shelf until we do??? Do people that have more treasures have a higher standing than others??"
A lot of questions on future rewards in heaven; but they must be understood in the context of future judgement. "The Judgement Seat of Christ."
August 2, 2020
The story of David and Goliath is without question the most universally recognized underdog story in history. We know who the villain is that puts fear into the hearts of God’s people. We also know who the unlikely character is who will face this terrifying enemy. David while cloaked in virtue, courage, and loyalty offers no reasonable hope for victory for God's people. The rise to action in this story in what would seem to be insurmountable odds makes for a great story. The outcome for the Israelites is amazing. David a true underdog is victorious. He will live in history as a reminder that no one should ever be overlooked and anything is possible for anyone. We tend to believe the same thing about this story. However, is there a different “hope” that should bring inspiration from this account. “The Message from an Underdog: The David and Goliath Story.” 1 Samuel 17.
July 26, 2020
"Every time I read this passage, I don't quite get it. Genesis 4:1-7 - why was Cain's offering not considered good by the Lord--. If it was his heart, I understand that, but the passage doesn't say that. How does that apply to today and what kind of offerings may I be giving the are not good?"
Discover what Cain's problem was, and how we can avoid it today in this message "The Callousness of Cain."
July 19, 2020
“One thing I’ve always wondered about is “what does Biblical JOY look like?” How does one remain joyful when life is tough?”
This is the question we tackle this morning at CBF.
July 12, 2020
“In the beginning of the Bible, it is very clear that God wanted monogamous marriages but then polygamy is rampant in the Old Testament, even in God’s chosen—David, Solomon, etc. Why did it start, why did God allow it, and why do some cults still practice it?” Find out in this message, "The Problem of Polygamy."
July 5, 2020
Sermon Notes
“Who is the ‘Son of Man’—Jesus or Ezekiel?”
“I am reading Ezekiel. When God addresses Ezekiel, he calls him ‘Son of Man.’ I thought that title was exclusively for Jesus. Can you comment on this?”
Son of Man references:
Ezekiel 2:1 (NET) “He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet and I will speak with you.”
Daniel 8:17 (NLT) “As Gabriel approached the place where I was standing, I became so terrified that I fell with my face to the ground. “Son of man,” he said, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.”
Matthew 12:40 (NLT) “For just as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish for three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.”
The Son of Man—a name that became a title.
Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV) “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.” 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
Mission Moment
Missionaries Joel and Sally Kaufmann and JJ Mburu sharing.
June 28, 2020 Part 1
“Body, Soul and Spirit”
“How and when is the soul of a man actually created? Has it always existed, or is there a specific point in time when it comes into existence? If so, when is that time? And is there a difference between the soul of a man, and the spirit of a man?”
Question: "How are human souls created?"
Traducianism: the view that a soul is generated by the physical parents along with the physical body. Genesis 2:3, 7
Creationism: the view that God creates a new soul when a human being is conceived. Ecclesiastes 12:7
Pre-existence: the view that God created all human souls at the same time, and “attaches” a soul to a human being at the moment of conception.
Question: Is man a dichotomy or a trichotomy?
Dichotomy: body and spirit
Trichotomy: body, soul and spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Hebrews 4:12
June 28, 2020 Part 2
“Body, Soul and Spirit”
“How and when is the soul of a man actually created? Has it always existed, or is there a specific point in time when it comes into existence? If so, when is that time? And is there a difference between the soul of a man, and the spirit of a man?”
Question: "How are human souls created?"
Traducianism: the view that a soul is generated by the physical parents along with the physical body. Genesis 2:3, 7
Creationism: the view that God creates a new soul when a human being is conceived. Ecclesiastes 12:7
Pre-existence: the view that God created all human souls at the same time, and “attaches” a soul to a human being at the moment of conception.
Question: Is man a dichotomy or a trichotomy?
Dichotomy: body and spirit
Trichotomy: body, soul and spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Hebrews 4:12
June 21, 2020 Part 1
Being a dad today is a challenge. Our progressive culture pushes hard against the value a father brings to the family unit. Yet all of this doesn’t change the responsibilities which God places upon the role a dad has regarding his children.
As the Apostle Paul answers an accusation made by his enemies against him about ministering to the church in Thessalonica “for the money,” he shares three ways how a godly father is to interact with his children—three ways that are just as vital to our own children today. Discover those three key characteristics we should employ as fathers this coming Sunday in the message “The Godly Way of a Dad.”
June 21, 2020 Part 2
June 7, 2020
"I Always Wanted to Know About..."
Our first question for our summer series “I Always Wanted to Know About…” is a timely one, and one we cannot as God’s people ignore:
Over the last couple weeks, in the midst of COVID-19, stories have come out of senseless murders of black people. It is troubling my soul. Every time I hear of these atrocities, I’m troubled and feel helpless. This narrative of treating people of color as second-class citizens has been around for decades, and people even used the Bible to condone and support enslaving other humans. I know social injustice was around even in biblical times. How can we do better? How can, and should the church respond to this?”
“The Problem and the Path to Racial Reconciliation.”
Finding Peace in a Pandemic - Part 3
May 3, 2020
But there is another quality the Bible speaks of—Joy. Joy in a Pandemic.
Seriously though, isn’t this a “bridge too far?” Well, God doesn’t think so; in fact He commands it! Listen to the message as we discover how we can find just that—Joy in a Pandemic!
Finding Peace in a Pandemic - Part 2
April 26, 2020
Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker announced a few days ago that his “shelter in place” order has now been extended until June 1st. When this pandemic first struck us in early March, I was quietly hoping that our lives would be back to normal by Mother’s Day. That’s not going to happen now.
Graduating seniors had hoped to enjoy their final semester of high school. Prom and normal graduation plans have now evaporated. The hope of getting back to work soon is being displaced by the growing concern of even having a job to go back to when this is all over.
This pandemic has not only attacked our health, it has attacked our hope. The news has been bleak, and our disappointment grows each day. So what about hope? Is it simply wishful thinking or is it something more substantial, something that can truly get us through difficult times like this?
God’s Word has much to say on the topic, which we will explore in the message “Finding Hope in a Pandemic.” Join us, and invite a friend to watch as well!
Finding Peace in a Pandemic - Part 1
April 19, 2020
Our lives are vastly different from what they were just a month ago. Schools are no longer in session. Employees now work from home in many cases or wonder if they will still have a job to go back to in the future. Store shelves don’t look the same—quantities may be limited on items we never thought about in the past. Face masks. Six feet. Pandemic updates. Things are vastly different from what they were just a month ago.
We are uneasy. Many are worried, depressed, even fearful. There is cause for this uneasiness—we have never encountered anything like this before. The cracks of vulnerability in our formerly seamless American culture are growing by the day.
So what happened to peace, to hope, to joy in all of this? Are they likewise victims in this pandemic? I don’t think so. They are still here; perhaps we are just looking in the wrong place. For the next three Sundays, we are going to find peace, find hope, and even joy in the pandemic we face.