http://www.charischurch.com Charis Community Church Podcasts en Charis Community Church Podcasts Charis Community Church no Charis Community Church jd.bridges@charischurch.com ℗ & © 2008 Charis Community Church 720 People often determine their worth and identity through identifying themselves with a particular skill or trait they possess that other people deem valuable. As Christians, we find our identity and worth through identifying ourselves with Jesus and His gospel. In this message, we examine how Christian suffering and persecution is rooted in the Christian's identification with Christ. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/identifying-with-jesus http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-identifying-with-jesus.mp3 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:40:09 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew charis_community_church,jesus,identity,identifying,gospel-centered,matthew,gospel_of_matthew,jon_bricker,charis_church 42:39 http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/abiding-in-christ http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/abiding-in-christ.mp3 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:35:25 CDT Bryce Hansen bryce_hansen,charis_community_church,abiding_in_christ 47:47 How can one message be both the Greatest News and the Worst News? This week we are reminded that each person's response to the Gospel, which is ultimately responding to God, becomes the greatest salvation imaginable or the greatest condemnation imaginable. For those who accept the Gospel, there are instructions for how it is to be shared with others. For those who reject the Gospel, there is a serious punishment, which can only be avoided through faith in Jesus. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/receiving-the-message http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-receiving-the-message.mp3 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:20:01 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew gospel_of_matthew,gospel-centered,jon_bricker,charis_community_church,charis_church,normal_il,message 46:04 In this week's message we see Jesus refer to an oncoming crowd full of harassed and hopeless people, as a "harvest". Join us as we learn how the Gospel forces us to both identify with people who are harassed and hopeless, and at the same time gives us the ability to take part in the harvest Jesus describes in this passage of the Bible. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/lord-of-the-harvest http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-lord-of-the-harvest.mp3 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:04:41 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew gospel,gospel-centered,harvesting,gospel_of_matthew,matthew,jon_bricker,normal,charis_community_church,charis_church,fields_are_white,lord_of_the_harvest 48:14 On any given day, there are numerous events, situations, and encounters we witness and perceive. What we often fail to recognize is how much our view of ourself actually changes our perception of the rest of the world. As sinners, do we come to Jesus with an understanding of our own need to be healed? Or like the religious people of Jesus' day, do we treat his healing power with contempt and deny our own need to be continually healed by God? http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/understanding-our-need http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-understanding-our-need.mp3 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:20:08 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew healing,miracles,reconciled,reconciliation,gospel-centered,charis_community_church,charis_church,jon_bricker,normal,bloomington,gospel_of_matthew,matthew 44:37 Christians often emphacize doing things, rather than becoming things. Focusing on outward actions wrongly takes precedence over inward transformation. This mindset becomes an obstacle to Jesus, because we falsely associate salvation and a relationship with Jesus with our own sense of "goodness". In turn, this is communicated to our neighbors, our friends, and the rest of the world by both our actions and words. Thankfully, the Gospel stands in complete opposition to this obstacle and tears down the walls we often build. Join us as we re-learn the gospel of grace, which we've been called to live and share. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/obstacles-to-jesus http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-obstacles-to-jesus.mp3 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:16:41 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew gospel-centered,jesus_christ,charis_church,charis_community_church,jon_bricker,obstacles,gospel,gospel_of_matthew,sinners,tax_collectors,legalism 45:42 Is Jesus good? Is Jesus powerful? Is Jesus fully satisfying? Is the Gospel true? The answer to each of these questions becomes a basis for either denying or embracing the authority of Jesus. If the answer to all of these questions is "Yes", then there is compelling reason to both embrace and respond to His authority. But, what are the obstacles we face? http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/embracing-authority http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-embracing-authority.mp3 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:39:51 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew jesus,gospel-centered,apologetics,apologetic,jon_bricker,charis_church,charis_community_church,truth,gospel 40:38 Why were physical healings an important part of Jesus' ministry? Was it just an opportunity to relieve an individual from their pain? This week we examine a passage from Matthew, Chapter 8 and discover a Healer whose primary purpose wasn't to heal. Instead, Jesus was pointing us towards something far more 'Ultimate' than physical recovery. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/pointing-towards-the-ultimate http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-pointing-towards-the-ultimate.mp3 Sun, 18 May 2008 09:08:38 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew healing,miracles,jesus,gospel-centered,jon_bricker,charis_church,charis_community_church,gospel_of_matthew,redemption,restoration 38:46 Join us this week as we identify distinct characteristics of authentic faith from the final passage of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. We are challenged to reflect on what authentic faith looks like and to answer 4 tough questions. 1) Am I on the broad or narrow road? 2) Am I listening to and following the right teaching/teachers? 3) Am I truly in a relationship with Jesus? 4) Am I obediently following Jesus, or do I simply admire His teachings? http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/authentic-faith http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-authentic-faith.mp3 Sun, 11 May 2008 08:16:22 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew 45:59 We celebrate the baptism of 4 individuals at Charis. In a short message, we learn about God's saving grace through faith in His Son, Jesus, and what it means to be baptized as one of His followers as an obedient response to the Gospel. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/baptism-sunday-at-charis http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/baptism-sunday-at-charis.mp3 Sun, 04 May 2008 17:39:20 CDT Jon Bricker We celebrate the baptism of 4 individuals at Charis. In a short message, we learn about God's saving grace through faith in His Son, Jesus, and what it means to be baptized as one of His followers as an obedient response to the Gospel. baptism,charis_community_church,charis_church,jesus,gospel-centered,gospel,jon_bricker 17:12 There may be no title for God in the Bible that describes His personal, intimate, and loving nature better than "Father". In fact, Jesus describes God to His disciples as "your heavenly father", revealing the intimate context of the relationship Christians are to share with God. In this message, we continue studying Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and learn what kind of father God really is. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/what-kind-of-father-is-god http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-what-kind-of-father-is-god.mp3 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:28:39 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew what_kind_of_father_is_god?,charis_church,charis_community_church,matthew,parenting,father,gospel_of_matthew,gospel-centered,sermon_on_the_mount,jesus,jon_bricker 44:27 "Judge not..." was a command given by Jesus to each and every Christian in regards to the way they view other people. At the heart of Jesus's command was something far deeper than simply making external changes in the way we view or treat others. We find Jesus consistently wants us to look inward to see where the problem really lies. This week we examine an often-quoted passage of Scripture that is sure to devastate egos and self-views, yet provides the only solution available for addressing our hypocrisy in the Gospel. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/judging-others http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-judging-others.mp3 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:14:15 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew judging_others,judgement,judging,jesus,charis_community_church,charis_church,jon_bricker,hypocrisy,hypocrit,gospel,gospel-centered 30:05 Some statistics show that anxiety-related illnesses attack almost 18% of our US population. So, what causes you to be anxious? How do you currently handle the anxiety you have? How did Jesus handle the times of anxiety He suffered? Join us as we answer these questions and more as we return to our series on the Gospel of Matthew. We'll examine God's plan for dealing with anxiety versus the empty strategies we often pursue. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/do-not-be-anxious http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-do-not-be-anxious.mp3 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:03:47 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew anxiety,anxious,therefore,charis_community_church,jon_bricker,do_not_be_anxious,gospel_of_matthew,gospel-centered,grace 51:17 The topic of church growth often assumes a horizontal or vertical focus. Horizontal growth usually involves the number of people coming to your church. And, it's assumed bigger is better. Vertical growth tends to focus on each individual and their relationship with God to the exclusion of the rest of the church. In our second message of a 2-part series on life at Charis, we explore what it means to grow as a community and the impact that can have on both horizontal and vertical growth. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/charis-life-growth-part-2-of-2 http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/charis-life-growth-part-2-of-2.mp3 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:28:02 CDT Jon Bricker The topic of church growth often assumes a horizontal or vertical focus. Horizontal growth usually involves the number of people coming to your church. And, it's assumed bigger is better. Vertical growth tends to focus on each individual and their ... charis_community_church,charis_church,church_growth,ephesians_4,jon_bricker,gospel-centered 52:53 We are encouraged in the first part of a 2-part series to understand the depth and transforming power of the unity God has called us to as individuals and a church. This unity impacts our view of ourselves, our fellow members, and the community around us. By God's grace, through faith in Jesus, we learn what it means to "live a life worthy of the calling" as a church. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/charis-life-unity-part-1-of-2 http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/charis-life-unity-part-1-of-2.mp3 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:28:39 CDT Jon Bricker We are encouraged in the first part of a 2-part series to understand the depth and transforming power of the unity God has called us to as individuals and a church. This unity impacts our view of ourselves, our fellow members, and the community ... charis_community_church,church_unity,membership,missional,gospel,exclusivity,inclusivity 41:24 http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/resurrection-sunday http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/resurrection-sunday-2008.mp3 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:57:02 CDT Jon Bricker gospel,easter,resurrection 41:20 What do you treasure above all else? What things in your life are non-negotiable for your happiness? For some, the answers to these questions might be their careers, checking account balances, comfort, size of their home, their families, and the list goes on and on. Each of us are guilty to some degree of giving these things, which ultimately fade away, a priority in our hearts that God meant only for Him. Join us this week as we evaluate how dangerous these "treasures" can be and how God shines His light for us to see. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/heart-treasure http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-heart-treasure.mp3 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:06:48 CDT Jon Bricker Matthew light,darkness,treasure,charis_community_church,charis_church 49:12 http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/discipline-defined http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/discipline-defined.mp3 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:05:55 CDT Bryce Hansen 36:31 http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/beware-of-hypocrisy http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-beware-of-hypocrisy.mp3 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:48:32 CST Jon Bricker Matthew fasting,tithing,grace,charis_community_church,hypocrisy,charis_church 37:24 http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/boundless-grace http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-boundless-grace.mp3 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:21:11 CST Jon Bricker Matthew grace,charis_community_church,charis_church,gospel-centered 47:39 Why are fewer families attending church together? Why are divorce rates at an all time high? Why do average congregations have 61% female and 39% male attendance? Is there a connection? In this message, we see take a hard look at the role of the man in marriage, preparing for marriage and leading like Jesus. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/the-mans-role-marriage-and-lust http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-the-mans-role-marriage-and-lust.mp3 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:32:41 CST Jon Bricker Matthew lust,charis_community_church,husbands,marriage 43:17 Many people often associate a relationship with Jesus as simply a different "set of rules" they must follow to stay in good standing with God. In order to follow Jesus, they wrongly believe they must trade one set of rules in for another. However, Jesus doesn't offer new rules: He offers new life in Him. This new life is examined in the context of how we deal with anger. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/beyond-rule-keeping-anger http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-beyond-rule-keeping-anger.mp3 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:07:30 CST Jon Bricker Matthew anger,new_life_in_jesus,jesus,gospel-centered_living,charis_community_church 32:52 There are a lot of ways we can live our lives. One way to live is an "irreligious" life - no regard for God or His commandments. Another way to live is a "religious" life - trying to uphold all or a self-picked assortment of God's commandments and considering yourself to be "good enough". But, Jesus offers a third way to live through the Gospel... http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/a-third-way http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-a-third-way.mp3 Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:29:06 CST Jon Bricker Matthew matthew,gospel-centered_living,how_to_live,a_third_way 32:52 Can we truly engage our culture and community, yet still be "not of this world"? This message will challenge you to go deeper into the lives of those around you and still be distinct as a believer in Jesus. http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/going-deep-staying-distinct http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-going-deep-staying-distinct.mp3 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 22:34:20 CST Jon Bricker Matthew matthew,matthew_5,city_on_a_hill,engaging_culture,staying_distinct 40:50 "Blessing" through our eyes is often not consistent with the blessings Jesus describes in the Sermon on the Mount. This message will challenge you to apply the Gospel and re-evaluate your definition of "blessedness". http://www.charischurch.com/sermon/blessing-wins http://www.charischurch.com/mediafiles/gospel-of-matthew-blessing-wins.mp3 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:27:31 CST Jon Bricker Matthew matthew_5,sermon_on_the_mount,blessed 43:12