Sunday Morning Podcast | The Moody Church

If God exists, can I know Him? What would that relationship look like? In this sermon, Pastor Ed describes how we were created by God to know Him personally, but separated from God by sin. Yet God provided a way for us to be adopted by God into a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus. By grace we can be changed from orphans into heirs of God. We can know God personally, but perhaps even more incredible, God knows us and cares for us.   Various Passages   Additional resources on this question are available at https://www.moodychurch.org/explore-god/can-i-know-god-personally/.

Is the Bible filled with inaccuracies, or can it be trusted? Is it merely a guidebook, or the inspired Word of God? In this sermon, Pastor Erwin Lutzer addresses whether the Bible is a human book or a divine book. He argues that it is both human and divine, with dual authorship. Directly or indirectly the Bible claims divine inspiration about 1,500 times. Seven other witnesses attest that this claim is true: the testimony of consistency, history, prophecy, Christ, science, canon, and its power. The bottom line: the Bible is a special book with a special savior.   Additional resources on this question are available at https://www.moodychurch.org/explore-god/is-jesus-really-god/.

Was Jesus just a good man, a respected teacher? Was he a lunatic? Or was he something far more? In this message, Pastor Bertsche lays out the case for Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Three reasons to believe Jesus is God: the clear teaching about Jesus in the Bible, the changed lives of Jesus’ followers, and the character and ministry of Jesus.   Various Passages   Additional resources on this question are available at https://www.moodychurch.org/explore-god/is-jesus-really-god/.

Why does God allow pain and suffering? In this sermon, we learn the reasons God allows suffering, the rewards He gives for those that endure, and the response we should have during difficult times.   James 1:2-4   Additional resources on this question are available here.  

Is there evidence outside of the Bible that help us answer the question of the existence of God? Has science disproven God? The evidence supports a finely tuned intelligent design behind the universe that was geared towards life on our planet. Not only does this support the existence of God, but it also tells us that God cares about His creation.   Pslam 19:1-6 | Psalm 30:4-5   More resources on this question are available at: https://www.moodychurch.org/explore-god/is-there-a-god/

What’s the meaning of life? Why are we here? Everyone wrestles with these questions. In this passage, we hear from King Solomon, a revered man of wisdom. He cautions us to avoid the vanities of this world and to focus our pursuit of purpose on things of eternal significance.   Ecclesiastes 1:1–16   More resources on this question are available at: https://www.moodychurch.org/explore-god/does-life-have-a-purpose/

At the start of a new year, don't get overwhelmed by all the possibilities for resolutions. This passage encourages us to keep it simple. As Christians, we have one goal: to love God and love others.   Matthew 22:34–40

As we wrap up 2018 and begin a new year, it’s prudent to remind ourselves of the Biblical basics for ordering our plans in the new year.  In this passage, we are provided with three steps to enable us to be wise.  When we hold to these truths, God promises to guide us. Proverbs 3:5-6

Where do we find lasting peace? Does it even exist? People can spend a lifetime searching for peace in all of the wrong places. As we reflect on the final advent candle of the season, Christmas reminds us that there is ultimately no lasting peace apart from Jesus. Only in Jesus do we find peace that surpasses all understanding.   Isaiah 9:1-7

What's Christmas really about? Watch as our Children's Chorus shares the true meaning of Christmas.

Where does our hope come from? On this Sunday of Advent, we learn about the hope of world foretold in Isaiah 40, a great comforter, the glory of God revealed. As Christians, our hope is forever tied to the revelation of God's glory through His son, Jesus. With God's help, let's live in that hope, and share it joyfully with others.   Isaiah 40:1-5

Our instinct is to protect the things we love. Do you love the church enough to protect it? In this passage, Paul discusses the need for Christians to take an active role in protecting the church from internal and external threats. As the bride of Christ, God will defend and protect His Church. But it's also our responsibility to join in that mission by conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.   Acts 20:28–32

Diversity is something to be celebrated within the church, whether it's generational, ethnic, socio-economic, or preferential. But what happens when diversity in the congregation leads to disunity? When the church exhibits disunity, it dishonors Christ. In this passage, we find three keys to unity within the body of Christ: embracing God's grace, realizing our identity in Christ, and practicing sacrificial love.   Acts 15:1-21

Human nature tends towards exclusion, a mindset of "us" and "them". This disposition existed in the time of the early church, where the gospel of Jesus first came to the Jews and was yet to be communicated to the gentiles (non-Jews). In this passage, we see Peter struggling with prejudice towards gentiles; but God miraculously revealed to him that the message of Jesus was meant for all people, even them.   Acts 10:1-48

Is anyone beyond saving? The gospel is the power of God to save anyone. In this passage, we see Paul converted from a persecutor of Christ's Church to its champion. If God can change the heart of Paul, He can change anyone. Paul's story illustrates three important lessons: God can save anyone, God can use anyone, and God desires to save everyone.   Acts 9:1-22

How did Christianity spread in the early church? In this passage in Acts, we see that for the church to grow, God's people must go. The message highlighted three essentials for our approach to evangelism: we must rely on the Spirit, we must discern the core needs and struggles in our listeners, and we must guide our conversations towards the Savior.   Acts 8:26-39

When push comes to shove, would you stand up for Jesus? Is He worth the cost you may have to bear, even to the point of death? In this passage, we see the martyrdom of Stephen. We learn three important points about how to respond to persecution: Jesus is the message, Jesus is the model, and Jesus is the motivation.   Acts 6:8-7:60

Throughout the ages, the early church met incredible resistance and persecution, yet it prevailed. What was responsible for its success? In this passage, we learn how the modern church can maintain unshakable commitment to advancing the gospel, no matter the circumstances, all the while experiencing a joy that can only be found in God. If the Church was something built by man, it would've failed a long time ago. The Church will not fail because Jesus will not fail us.   Acts 5:17-42

Where does our boldness for Christ come from, and how do we get it? No true follower of Jesus wants to be a coward for their faith. While we may need to develop our courage over time, every true believer has a growing desire to boldly share the gospel. Boldness comes from yielding to the Holy Spirit, not giving in to our fear. In this passage, we find three keys to our our boldness: resting in the sovereignty of God, resolving to put the gospel first, and requesting God's help.   Acts 4:23-31

Why do we need to commit to corporate worship in a local church? In this passage, we learn about the value of community to the early church.  We see that we don’t need another sermon podcast or Spotify playlist, both common signs of modern church-goers. We need community; it's not just an optional thing for us, it’s essential if we are going to grow in our relationship with God. Solo Christianity leads to stagnant Christianity.   Acts 2:42-47