Cherry Hills Church

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Channel • 2 Shows

Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly

APR 22

Long Life Spans, Resurrection Differences, and Seats in Heaven

Steve and Brian tackle three shorter questions in this rapid-fire episode. Why did people in the early Old Testament live for hundreds of years? Why do the four Gospels describe theresurrection morning differently? And who is Jesus referring to in Mark 10:40 when he talks about sitting at his right and left hands? Along the way, Steve introduces his "Tinkerbell Theory" of declining lifespans, and they unpack what it really means to be great in the kingdom of God. Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction — Steve Is Back! • [01:14] Why Did Early OT People Live So Long? (Amber & Diana's Question) • [02:00] Theory 1: The Canopy/Environmental Theory • [03:08] Theory 2: Ages as Symbolic/Theological • [04:10] Theory 3: The "Tinkerbell Theory" — Gradual Decline After the Fall • [05:52] Genesis 6:3 — The 120-Year Limit • [07:14] Why Do the Gospels Describe the Resurrection Differently? (Chris's Question) • [07:30] The Illinois Basketball Game Analogy • [08:10] Four Gospels, Four Audiences: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John • [09:00] What All Four Gospels Agree On • [10:31] Who Sits at Jesus' Right and Left? (Daniel's Question) • [10:58] Mark 10 — The Request of James and John • [12:06] Context: Jesus Blesses Children and Meets the Rich Young Ruler • [14:17] The Upside-Down Kingdom — Greatness Through Servanthood • [16:00] The Real Meaning: Humility, Surrender, Service • [16:41] Closing & How to Submit Questions People's Questions Answered From Amber & Diana: "Why did the early OldTestament people live so long (hundreds of years), and now we don't live aslong?" From Chris: "The Gospels describe theresurrection morning differently. How do you explain this?" From Daniel: "Whowas Jesus referring to in Mark 10:40 when it talks about sitting at Jesus'right and left hands on the throne? Who belongs in those seats?" Three Theories on Long Old Testament Life Spans • The Canopy/Environmental Theory: A pre-flood water "canopy" blocked radiation and created ideal conditions. Most creationists have abandoned this view due to lack of scientific evidence. • The Symbolic/Theological Theory: The ages aren't literal but emphasize humanity's fall, God's patience, and the weight of early covenant history. • The "Tinkerbell Theory" (Steve's view): Humanitywas created without death. After the Fall, the effects of sin and genetic corruption gradually wore off the original perfection, like fading pixie dust. Genesis 6:3 sets the 120-year limit — only Moses and Jehoiada the priest lived that long afterward. Key Scripture References · Genesis 1:7 (the vault and the waters) · Genesis 6:3 (120-year limit) · Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus blesses children) · Mark 10:17-31 (rich young ruler) · Mark 10:35-45 (James and John's request) Connect With Us Submit your questions at https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

Apr 22

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18 min
4D AGO

Quick Questions Part 2 — Weekly Communion and the Messianic Secret

Steve and Brian wrap up their two-week run of shorter questions. First: why does Cherry Hills take communion every week instead of monthly? Brian shares fascinating church history about the American frontier, circuit-riding preachers, and how monthly communion became the norm — and why Cherry Hills shifted to weekly five years ago. Then they tackle one of the strangest patterns in the Gospels: why does Jesus tell some healed people to share their story while telling others to keep quiet? The answer comes down to the "Messianic Secret" and the very different expectations of Jews and Gentiles. Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction • [00:54] Why Do We Take Communion Weekly Instead of Monthly? (Anonymous Question) • [01:12] Brian's Childhood — Communion Sunday and Grape Juice Shots • [02:10] What the Bible Says About Frequency: "As Often As You Do This" • [03:10]Not a Black-and-White Issue — Different Churches, Different Rhythms • [03:52]The Surprising History — Frontier Circuit-Riding Preachers • [04:51]Only Ordained Ministers Could Preside — How Monthly Communion Became Standard • [05:43] Why Cherry Hills Made the Switch 5 Years Ago • [06:08] The Heart Behind It — Posture Matters More Than Frequency • [07:30] Why Did Jesus Tell Some to Speak and Others to Stay Silent? (Anonymous Question) • [08:01] Mark 5 — The Demon-Possessed Man in Gentile Territory • [09:13] Mark 5 — Jairus's Daughter in Jewish Territory • [09:53] The "Messianic Secret" Explained • [10:33] Jewish vs. Gentile Expectations of the Messiah • [11:24] Peter Rebukes Jesus — Mark 8 and the Suffering Messiah • [12:02] Philippians 2 — The Upside-Down Kingdom • [13:22] The Samaritan Woman at the Well — Same Strategy • [13:46] Closing & How to Submit Questions People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "Why do we partake in communion everyweek instead of once a month?" Anonymous: "In Mark5, Jesus heals a man who had been possessed by demons. Why does Jesus tell him to go and tell his family all that happened? And later in the same chapter, Jesus heals a 12-year-old girl and tells her not to tell anyone. Why the two different commands?" Key Scripture References Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22 (Last Supper) 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ("as often as you do this")Acts 2:42 (breaking of bread)Mark 5:1-20 (demon-possessed man)Mark 5:21-43 (Jairus's daughter)Mark 8:31-33 (Peter's rebuke)Philippians 2:5-8 (Christ's humility)John 4 (Samaritan woman)John 6 (crowds want to crown Jesus)Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

4d ago

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15 min
6D AGO

Origin Story (Judah and Tamar) Genesis 38

This Sunday, we continue our series in Genesis called Origin Story. As we look at the life of Joseph, we will discover that God's plans are bigger than our perspectives. This week Brian is teaching on Genesis 38 and the story of Judah and Tamar.

6d ago

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35 min
APR 15

If God Already Knows the Plan, Why Should I Pray? — On Formation, Relationship, and Power

If God already knows the plan for our lives, why should we bother praying? Can prayer actually change God's mind? Chuck and Jenny tackle this deeply relatable question by exploring prayer through three lenses: prayer as formational (it shapes us into certain kinds of people), prayer as relational (God as Father invites us to come to Him), and prayer as powerful (our God is a miracle-working God). Along the way, they share vulnerable personal stories. Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction — Chuck and Jenny Fill In for Steve • [01:24] The Question: If God Knows the Plan, How Can Prayer Change His Mind? • [02:06] Three Lenses: Prayer as Formational, Relational, and Powerful • [02:20] Prayer as Formational — Becoming a Certain Kind of Person • [03:03] Moses in Exodus 32 — Audacious Enough to Ask God to Relent • [05:22] The Mystery: God Is Immutable, Yet Moved by Prayer • [06:18] Prayer as Relational — Francis Chan on Coming Before the Father • [07:23] Matthew 7:7 — Ask, Seek, Knock • [08:51] Chuck's Story • [11:57] When God Doesn't Answer the Way We Hoped • [12:05] Jenny's Story • [15:00] How Loss Reshaped Jenny's Prayer Life — From Safe Prayers to Bold Prayers • [16:21] Watching a Friend Wake Up from Death — God's Reminder of His Power • [17:00] David Praying for His Baby — Biblical Evidence for Babies in Heaven • [17:31] Paul's Thorn — Three Times He Asked, and God's Grace Was Sufficient • [18:02] Sarah Laughing — The Danger of Cynicism in Prayer • [19:36] Mother Teresa on Prayer Enlarging the Heart • [20:16] Prayer as Powerful — Stories from Ethiopia (1,300 Baptisms) • [21:51] We Serve a Resurrected Savior Who Can Do Anything • [22:23] Cynicism Quenches the Spirit — The Kingdom of God Is Feisty • [23:53] Closing & How to Submit Questions People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "If God knows the plan He has for our life, how can prayer change His mind?" Three Ways to Think About Prayer • Prayer as Formational: Prayer is less about getting God to do what we want and more about becoming the kind of person who is dependent, humble, and bears the image of Jesus. • Prayer as Relational: God is our Father, and He invites — even instructs — us to come to Him. He wants to give good gifts to His children. • Prayer as Powerful: We serve a resurrected Savior who has conquered sin and death. He is not limited by our lack of understanding. Key Scripture References Exodus 32:11-14 (Moses asks God to relent) • Malachi 3:6 (God does not change)Matthew 7:7-11 (Ask, Seek,Knock) • 2 Samuel 12 (David praying for his baby)2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (Paul's thorn) • Genesis 18:12 (Sarah laughs)Mother Teresa: "Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God's gift of Himself. Ask and seek, and your heart will grow big enough to receive Him and keep Him as your own." Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Apr 15

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25 min
APR 8

Should Christians Support Israel? — Covenant, the Church, and the Modern State

With war in the Middle East dominating headlines, Diana asks a timely question: should American Christians feel obligated to support the modern state of Israel? Pastors Brian and Luke dig into the theology behind this issue — specifically the relationship between Israel and the Church, the meaning of covenant, and how to interpret key passages like Genesis 12:3, Romans 9-11, and Galatians 3. This is one of those issues where mature Christians can disagree, but Brian and Luke share their perspective with humility and point to the broader church tradition. Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction — Brian Fills In for Steve • [00:52] Diana's Question: Should Christians Support Israel? • [02:22] This Is an Issue Christians Can Disagree On • [03:28] Non-Negotiables: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Arab Prejudice, and Loving Enemies • [04:45] The Theological Heart of the Issue: Covenant • [06:02] Genesis 12 — God's Covenant with Abraham • [07:04] The New Testament and the New Covenant in Jesus • [07:34] The Key Question: Are the Old Covenants Still Binding? • [08:25] This Issue Goes Back to Acts 15 and the Apostolic Church • [09:47] Romans 9-11 — What Does "All Israel Will Be Saved" Mean? • [12:42] Genesis 12:3 — "I Will Bless Those Who Bless You" • [13:32] Galatians 3 — The Church as Children of Abraham • [14:46] One Covenant People or Two? • [17:17] Consult the Broader Church Tradition • [19:05] Bringing It Home: How Should Christians View Israel Today? • [19:39] Millard Erickson on Israel and the Church • [21:18] Closing & How to Submit Questions People's Questions Answered From Diana: "With Israel's government turning ever more secular, how should the Christian view of supporting the nation of Israel balance with the Bible's teachings, specifically from an American Christian perspective?" Key Scripture References · Genesis 12:2-3 · Genesis 32:28 (Jacob renamed Israel) · Romans 9:6 · Romans 11:26 · Galatians 3:7-9, 26-29 · Ephesians 2 · Acts 15 (Jerusalem Council) · Jeremiah 31 (New Covenant) Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text "podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe, leave a review, and share!

Apr 8

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22 min
APR 20

Origin Story: A Study in Genesis When Dreams Die (Genesis 37)

This Sunday, we pick back up our series in Genesis called Origin Story. As we look at the life of Joseph, we will discover that God's plans are bigger than our perspectives. This week Steve is teaching on Genesis 37.

Apr 20

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34 min
FEB 18

How Did the Serpent Get Into the Garden? (Part 1) — The Heavenly Host & the Unseen Realm

How did the serpent get into the Garden of Eden? It seems like a simple question—but the answer opens up much bigger questions about evil, suffering, and the spiritual world. In Part 1, Pastors Steve and Luke lay the groundwork by exploring what existed before creation: the Heavenly Host, the "sons of God" (Bene Elohim), and the unseen realm of divine beings. Drawing heavily from Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm, they examine what Scripture says about the hierarchy of the spiritual world and why God created beings with free will—setting the stage for the serpent's appearance in Genesis 3. People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "How did the serpent get into the garden?" (Genesis 3) — Continued in Episode 8 Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction • [01:00] How Did the Serpent Get Into the Garden? (Anonymous) • [01:52] What Existed Before Creation? — The Heavenly Host • [02:19] The Sons of God (Bene Elohim) — Job 38:4-7 • [05:44] How God and the Sons of God Relate — Psalm 82 • [07:02] Are These "Divine Beings" Polytheism? Clarifying the Hebrew • [10:06] How Novel Is This Interpretation? On Michael Heiser • [11:24] Humans as "Middle Creatures" — The Symmetry Between Heavenly and Earthly Sons of God • [14:27]Free Will: The Key to the Serpent Question • [15:47] Cliffhanger — Continued in Episode 8 Resources Mentioned The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser — A deep dive into the spiritual world and divine beings as described in Scripture Practicing Christian Doctrine by Beth Felker Jones — Includes the description of humans as "middle creatures" between the purely spiritual and purely physical The Liberating Image by J. Richard Middleton — On humans bearing the divine image as vocation Key Scripture References Job 38:4-7Psalm 82:1Psalm 89Psalm 29Psalm 2Genesis 1 & 3Genesis 6Judges 10:6Colossians 1:16Jude2 PeterSubmit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Feb 18

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17 min
FEB 25

How Did the Serpent Get Into the Garden? (Part 2) — The Satan, Free Will, and the Problem of Evil

Continuing the deep dive into "How did the serpent get into the garden?", Pastors Steve and Luke explore the figure of "the Satan" in the book of Job—not as a proper name, but as a title meaning "the adversary" or "the accuser." They examine how the Hebrew word is used throughout the Old Testament, discuss whether divine beings can sin, and tackle the big question: why does God allow evil? The answer, they argue, comes down to love—because love cannot be coerced or programmed. They also debate whether natural disasters like tornadoes can be traced back to the Fall in Genesis 3. People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "How did the serpent get into the garden?" — Continued from Episode 7; to be continued in Episode 9 Episode Timestamps • [00:50] Recap of Episode 7 — The Sons of God and the Heavenly Host • [02:44] The Satan in Job 1:6 — "The Adversary" Appears • [03:18] Word Study: How "Satan" Is Used in the Old Testament • [05:45] Satan in the New Testament — From Title to Proper Name • [08:33] Job 1:7 — The Satan Roaming the Earth • [09:15] Can Divine Beings Sin? — Eliphaz's Observations (Job 4 & 15) • [11:06] Why Does God Allow Evil? — Free Will and Love • [13:00] Does Free Will Explain Natural Evil? — Romans 8 and the Curse • [15:35] Philosophical Tensions — Can We Connect Specific Disasters to the Fall? • [16:32] Cliffhanger — Continued in Episode 9 Word Study: "Satan" in the Old Testament The Hebrew word "Satan" appears 27 times in the Old Testament: • 4 times as a verb meaning "to oppose" or "to accuse" • 5 times referring to a human adversary (e.g., an enemy of King Solomon in 1 Kings11) • 18 times referring to a spiritual being—14 of those are in the book of Job • In Job, it always appears with an article ("the Satan")—a title/role,not a personal name • The Greek translation (Septuagint) uses "Diabolos" (devil)—also a title meaning adversary Key Scripture References Job 1:6-7 Job 4:17-19 Job 15:14-15 1 Kings 11 Genesis 3:17 ("cursed is the ground") Romans 8:19-22Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Feb 25

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18 min
MAR 25

Who Goes to Heaven? — Questions About Salvation, Disability, and Relationships in Eternity

This week Pastors Steve and Luke tackle two deeply personal questions about heaven. First: what happens to people who can't understand or express faith — those with cognitiveimpairments, infants, or people who've never heard the gospel? Luke walks through four theological approaches to this question. Then they address whether we'll recognize our loved ones in heaven and what happens to marriage in eternity.Spoiler: heaven isn't less than what we have here — it's more. People's Questions Answered From Amber: "How do we know mentally handicapped individuals go to heaven?" From Chris: "Inheaven, how will we interact with our parents and spouses and children? Will we even know them?" Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction • [00:57] Do Mentally Handicapped Individuals Go to Heaven? (Amber's Question) • [01:14] Expanding the Question: Who Can't Comprehend the Gospel? • [03:03] Four Theological Approaches (The Four-Quadrant Matrix) • [03:28] View 1: Everyone in This Class Goes to Heaven • [04:37] View 2: Everyone in This Class Goes to Hell (Minority View) • [05:05] View 3: Election Determines Outcome (Reformed View) • [07:07] View 4: God Judges Each Person by What They Know • [08:38] Romans 1 and General Revelation • [09:19] Pastoral Word: Trust the Character of God • [12:47] Will We Know Our Loved Ones in Heaven? (Chris's Question) • [13:12] Biblical Evidence: Transfiguration and the Resurrected Jesus • [14:24] What About Marriage? — Matthew 22:30 • [14:50] Marriage as a Signpost — Ephesians 5:31-32 • [16:26] Heaven Is Better: Work, Purpose, and Restored Relationships • [18:18] Closing & How to Submit Questions Four Views on Salvation for Those Who Cannot Comprehend the Gospel This applies to: infants, people with cognitive impairments, the unreached, and those born before Christ. View the chart: Salvation Views Chart (PDF) 1. Everyone Goes to Heaven: Appeals to God's mercy; supported by 2 Samuel 12:23 (David's son) 2. Everyone Goes to Hell: Minority view; requires baptism and belief with no exceptions 3. Election Determines Outcome: Reformed view; the elect go to heaven regardless of capacity 4. God Judges by What They Know: Each person judgedby what they do with what they're given (Parable of Talents, Romans 1) Key Scripture References · 2 Samuel 12:23 · Matthew 25 (Parable of Talents) · Romans 1 (General Revelation) · Matthew 22:30 · Ephesians 5:31-32 · Revelation 22 Resources Mentioned Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe and share!

Mar 25

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19 min
MAR 18

Guardian Angels and Pets in Heaven — Your Questions About the Spiritual Realm

Following up on the serpent series, Pastors Steve and Luke tackle two popular questions about angels and the afterlife. First, do we each have a guardian angel? They examine Matthew 18:10, Daniel, and Acts 12 to explore what Scripture actually says. Then they address a question many of us have wondered: will our pets be in heaven? They look at this scripturally, theologically, and pastorally — and while they can't promise your dog will be there, the answer may be more hopeful than you'd expect. People's Questions Answered From Scott: "What does Matthew 18:10 mean whenit refers to 'their angels in heaven' in reference to the little ones(presumably children)?" From Ronda: "In regards to our pets/animals here on earth, will they be with us in heaven?" Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction • [01:09] Do We Have Guardian Angels? (Scott's Question) • [01:27] Matthew 18:10 — "Their Angels in Heaven" • [02:00] Old Testament Background: Daniel 7 & 10, Esther 1 • [03:04] Acts 12:15 — "It Must Be His Angel" • [03:47] Hebrews 1:14 — Angels as Ministering Spirits • [04:28] The Greek in Matthew 18:10 — A Collective Pronoun • [05:54] Church History on Guardian Angels • [07:27] Will Our Pets Be in Heaven? (Ronda's Question) • [07:49] Scripturally: Animals in God's Creation and Covenant • [09:27] Romans 8:19-23 — All Creation Groans for Redemption • [10:13] Theologically: Aquinas, Immortal Souls, and Animal Nature • [13:08] Jesus on Marriage in the Resurrection — Things Will Be Different • [15:46] Pastorally: Joni Eareckson Tada on God's Generous Character • [17:35] Closing & How to Submit Questions Key Scripture References · Matthew 18:10 · Daniel 7, 10 · Esther 1:14 · Acts 12:15 · Hebrews 1:14 · Genesis 1 (animals called "good") · Genesis 9 (covenant with Noah) · Psalm 36:6 · Matthew 10:29 · Isaiah 11 · Romans 8:19-23 · Matthew 10:28 Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe and share on social media!

Mar 18

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19 min

Welcome to the podcast home of Cherry Hills Church in Springfield, IL. We're an intergenerational church pursuing life together with Jesus, with one another, and with our community. In this channel you'll find: Cherry Hills Sunday Sermon – Join us each week for Bible-based teaching to help you grow in your faith and follow Jesus more closely. The Midweek – Your questions, answered. A pastor responds to real questions submitted by our congregation, bringing practical wisdom and biblical insight to the things you're wondering about. Whether you're new to faith or deepening your walk with Christ, you're welcome here.

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