The Midweek

Cherry Hills Church
Cherry Hills Church
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

In The Midweek, we seek to move beyond Sunday sermons into answering your questions from a Biblical perspective as we seek to live the way of Jesus from Monday to Sunday.

  1. 5d ago

    Sexuality and the Church (Part 2) — Loving People When You Disagree

    Having laid the biblical foundation last week, Steve and Luke now tackle the hard, real-life questions listeners sent in: how to lovingly confront a gay family member who is a church elder, how to love a gay friend without trying to "fix" their sexuality, and whether to attend a gay family member's wedding. Along the way, they talk about relational credibility, the difference between ulterior and ultimate motives, Romans 14 and conscience, and what to do when a loved one says, "If you don't support me in this, you don't love me." Their consistent heart throughout: build bridges, not walls — and trust the Holy Spirit to do the transforming. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction & Recap of Part 1 •       [00:46] The Three Listener Questions •       [02:00] First Question to Ask: Do I Have Relational Credibility? •       [05:14] Question 1: The Gay Family Member Who Is a Church Elder •       [08:12] Question 2: The Gay Friend You Can't Convince to Change •       [10:52] Same-Sex Attraction May Not Disappear After Coming to Christ •       [13:00] Ulterior Motives vs. Ultimate Motives (Art of Neighboring) •       [14:54]Question 3: Should We Attend a Gay Family Member's Wedding? •       [16:52] Romans 14 & Conscience — Don't Go Against Your Convictions •       [18:23] Getting Creative with How to Show Love •       [19:41] What If They Say, "If You Don't Support Me, You Don't Love Me"? •       [21:52] Build Bridges, Not Walls •      [22:55] Closing & Preview: Next Week on Speaking in Tongues People's Questions Answered "I have a family member who is gay, married, and an elder in a church where they live. How can I best lovingly confront without alienating?" "I have a friend who is gay. I like him a lot. I think he would be an excellent member of the church, but I don't think I can convince him to change his sexuality. What should I do?" "My brother-in-law is gay. What should we do if he gets married? How should we respond as Christians and as his loving family? Do we attend the wedding? How can we remain loving family members and still recognize this as a sinful lifestyle?" Steve's Bottom Line "I never want to put up a wall — I want to build a bridge. And if somebody else is going to say, 'I'm not walking across that bridge,' well, okay. But I'm not going to blow up the bridge. I want to be there so we can hopefully reconnect." Key Quote Henri Nouwen: "Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, butto offer them space where change can take place." Resource Mentioned The Art of Neighboring —on the distinction between ulterior motives ("I will love you so I canchange you") and ultimate motives ("I will love you because Christhas loved me") Same sex relationships - Undeceptions Key Scripture References 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 ("What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?")Romans 1Genesis 1-2Galatians 2:20 ("I have been crucified with Christ")Romans 14:22-23 (conscience and conviction) Coming Next Week Pastor Steve and Jenny Elliott will discuss the topic of speaking in tongues. 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!

  2. Sep 30

    Sexuality and the Church (Part 1) — Laying the Biblical Foundation

    Pastor Steve and Pastor Luke tackle one of the most personal and pastoral questions the church wrestles with today: how do we maintain biblical convictions about sexuality and marriagewhile genuinely loving people in our lives who are gay? Before answering the specific relational questions listeners have sent in (a gay family member, a gay friend at church, attending a gay wedding), Steve and Luke slow down to lay the theological foundation — starting with a "people-first hermeneutic," walking through what Scripture teaches about sexuality andmarriage, distinguishing desire from action, and reminding us that all of us are sexual sinners in need of grace. Clarity is kindness — and compassion andconviction can be held together. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00]Introduction & PG-13 Content Warning •       [00:47] The Three Listener Questions •       [02:48] Why We Need a Foundation Before Answering Situations •       [03:36] A People-First Hermeneutic •       [05:09] Cherry Hills' Position on Sexuality and Marriage •       [06:26] What Scripture Says — Genesis 1-2 and Beyond •       [07:27] Desire vs. Action — Distinguishing Attraction from Sin •       [09:40] We Are All Sexual Sinners — 1 Corinthians 6 •       [12:02] Holding Compassion and Conviction Together •       [13:04] Resources for Further Thinking •       [16:33] Summary & Preview of Next Week People's Questions Answered "I have a family member who is gay, married, and anelder in a church where they live. How can I best lovingly confront withoutalienating?"   "I have a friend who is gay. I like him a lot. I thinkhe would be an excellent member of the church, but I don't think I can convincehim to change his sexuality. What should I do?"   “My brother-in-law isgay. What should we do if he gets married? How should we respond as Christians and as his loving family? Do we attend the wedding? How can we remain loving family members and still recognize this as a sinful lifestyle?" Cherry Hills' Position "As a church, we believe that God made humanity male and female, that marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenantal union between one man and one woman, and that marriage isthe only biblically permissible context for a sexual relationship." This is sometimes called the historical, traditional, or non-affirming view — the normative view throughout most of church history until recently. Steve's Bottom Line "Clarity is kindness. Ambiguity is inhospitable to LGBT people who may look at our church and wonder what we think. We want to be upfront about what we believe — and be able to graciously explain why." Resources Mentioned •       Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey •       Undeceptions Podcast by John Dickson (Wheaton professor) — two-part episode on this topic •       Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill •       Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry •       Anything by Mark Yarhouse (Wheaton psychologist) •       Preston Sprinkle — The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender (resources for parents, teens, and pastors) •       Pastor Luke's doctrinal statement on sexual ethics in the Bible Key Scripture References Genesis 1-2 (creation of humanity male and female; marriage defined)Matthew 19 (Jesus affirms Genesis)Romans 1:18-321 Corinthians 6:9-11 ("and such were some of you")Luke 10 (neighbor) Coming Next Week Part 2 will answer the specific relational questions listeners have asked — how to lovingly engage with a gay family member, a gay friend, or the question of attending a gay wedding, all while holding onto biblical conviction. 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!

  3. Sep 23

    Pain, Suffering, and the Character of God (Part 2) — How to Walk With Someone Who Is Grieving

    Last week Steve and Brian tackled the big theological questions about suffering. This week they turn to the pastoral question: what do you actually DO when suffering shows up as a phone call, a hospital room, a funeral, or a friend saying "I'm angry with God"? Steve and Brian walk through six practical suggestions for supporting someone in grief — and Brian shares vulnerably about losing his twin daughters Hannah and Olivia at 30 weeks, contrasting what was helpful with what was not. As Steve says up front: "If I could pick one episode for everybody to listen to, I would pick this one." Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction • [01:24] The Question: How Do We Support a Grieving Friend? • [04:02] #1: You Don't Need to Defend God From a Grieving Person • [07:37] #2: Avoid Cliché Explanations • [09:38] #3: Ask Permission Before Praying or Sharing • [10:42] #4: If You Want to Help, Be Specific • [12:19] #5: When Someone Asks "Why?" — Discern What They're Really Asking • [13:40] #6: Remember the Anniversary — Grief Gets Lonely Later • [14:10] Brian's Story: Hannah and Olivia • [17:33] Closing People's Questions Answered "What is the best way to help a friend through a tragedy when they are asking, 'Why would God allow this?' or 'I'm so angry with God.' How do we support them without making them feel like we are pushing Jesus on them?" Key Scripture References Psalms of Lament ("How long, O Lord?")JeremiahJobHabakkukJesus's cry from the crossRomans 8 (creation groans and God works for good)Mary and Martha at Lazarus's tomb (John 11)Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text "podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. The Midweek is also on YouTube! Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

  4. Sep 16

    Pain, Suffering, and the Character of God (Part 1) — Wrestling With the Big Questions

    Pastor Steve and Pastor Brian tackle one of the biggest topics anyone can bring to the Christian faith: pain, suffering, and the character of God. Grouping four listener questions together, they wrestle with why God allows suffering, whether all afflictions are ordained by God, whether the Old Testament God is really a violent dictator, and how to reconcile God's character with the conquest passages in Joshua. Their honest, humble answers point back over and over again to the same truth: what you believe about suffering ultimately depends on what you believe about the character of God — and that character is most clearly revealed at the cross. Episode Timestamps [00:00] Introduction[02:02] Q1: How Can We Follow a God Who Allows So Much Suffering?[06:13] Q2: Are All Afflictions Ordained by God?[12:20] Q3: Is the Old Testament God a Dictator?[15:57] Q4: How Do We Reconcile the Violence in Joshua?[21:00] Summary of All Four Questions[22:52] Closing — Coming Next Week: The Pastoral Side of Suffering People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "How can we follow a God who allows so much suffering?" Anonymous: "Are all afflictions ordained by God?" Anonymous: "Is God in the Old Testament a dictator who punishes people when they refuse to follow Him?" Anonymous: "How should we understand divine wrath and violence in Joshua?" Key Scripture References John 11 (Jesus weeps)Romans 8:19-28 (creation groans; God works for good)John 9 (man born blind)Job 1-42Lamentations 3:33 (God does not afflict from His heart)Hebrews 5:8 (Jesus learned obedience)Hebrews 4:15 (great high priest)Genesis 15:16 (iniquity of the Amorites)Deuteronomy 9:4-5Leviticus 182 Peter 3:9 (God is patient) Coming Next Week Part 2 will focus on the emotional and pastoral side of suffering — how to be present with people in pain, what NOT to say to someone grieving, and how to walk through suffering when it comes to us personally. As Steve says: "None of what we just talked about should be said to somebody who is in the middle of suffering." 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!

  5. Sep 9

    Cremation vs. Burial — What Does the Bible Actually Say?

    Welcome back to Season 2! Pastors Steve and Luke kick things off by tackling the number-one question Steve was asked in 2025: what does the Bible say about cremation versus burial?While Scripture never explicitly commands one or the other, it does offer clear patterns and rich theology about the human body. Steve walks through four biblical statements on the topic, and Luke and Steve discuss why the theology of the body may be the most compelling reason Christians have historicallypreferred burial. Bottom line: this is a passing-lane issue where Christians have real freedom — but the biblical logic and beautiful symbolism of burial are worth understanding. Episode Timestamps [00:00] Introduction — Welcome Back to Season 2![01:00] Reminder: Passing Lane Issues vs. Double Yellow Lines[01:34] The Question: Cremation vs. Burial (Multiple People Asked)[01:44] The #1 Question Steve Was Asked in 2025[02:27] Why This Question Feels Weightier as We Get Older[03:26] Statement 1: There Is No Commandment Against Cremation[04:33] Statement 2: Burial Is the Overwhelming Biblical Pattern[05:30] Custom Doesn't Establish Command — Room for Diversity[06:14] Statement 3: The Few Cremation References in the Bible[07:16] What's the Biblical Logic Behind the Burial Tradition?[07:45] Statement 4: The Human Body Is Valuable in the Bible[08:53] Burial as a Seed Being Planted — 1 Corinthians 15[09:18] Can God Still Resurrect a Cremated Body?[10:40] Resurrection Depends on God's Power, Not Body Condition[10:56] So What Should Christians Do?[11:40] Steve's Two-Question Framework[12:05] Luke's Personal Perspective — Grandpa Cremated, Others Buried[12:57] Could Cremation Actually Be a Testimony to God's Power?[14:11] Freedom, Discernment, and Hope — Bottom Line[14:37] Closing & How to Submit Questions (Backlog Note)People's Questions Answered From several listeners: "What does the Bible say about cremation versus burial?" Key Takeaways Cremation is NOT a sin — Christians who choose cremation are not jeopardizing their resurrection or receiving a lesser eternityFinancial cost is a legitimate reason to choose cremation, and God understands thatThe strongest argument for burial isn't a specific verse — it's the theology of the human bodyBurial powerfully pictures a seed being planted in anticipation of future life (1 Corinthians 15)Resurrection does not depend on the condition of the body — it depends on the power of GodIf God can create Adam from dust, He can resurrect any body — cremated, decomposed, lost at sea, or destroyed in disasterLuke's insight: Cremation might actually be a testimonyto belief in God's power to raise the dead despite any circumstanceKey Scripture References Genesis 2:7 (Adam formed from dust)John 19:40 (Jewish burial custom)John 12:24 (seed planted)1 Corinthians 6:19 (body as temple)1 Corinthians 15 (resurrection body)1 Samuel 31 (Saul's body)Amos 2:1 (Moab burning bones)Note About Questions There is a backlog of questions from listeners. If you submit a question now, it may not be answered this season — but rest assured, they're not being ignored! The pastors will get to them in future seasons. 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!

  6. Jun 3

    What Is Christian Nationalism? — Defining the Term and Where It Goes Wrong

    In the Season 1 finale, Pastors Steve and Luke tackle one of the most controversial and confusing terms in American Christianity today: Christian nationalism. What does it actually mean? How is it different from being a patriotic Christian? They define the term carefully, walk through PRRI's five-question diagnostic, identify where Christian nationalists have common ground with most Christians, and then unpack four key areas where it goes wrong — the myth about American history, false binary thinking, ethnic bias, and most importantly, a misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom. This episode pairs perfectly with the upcoming summer book club. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Luke Is Back! •       [00:39] Season 1 Finale — Summer Break Announcement •       [01:01] Summer Book Club Plug — Jesus and John Wayne, June 23 •       [01:33] The Question: What Is Christian Nationalism? •       [01:55] Where the Term Came From — 2016 and Beyond •       [02:54] A Label Usually Applied, Not Adopted •       [03:23] Steve's Working Definition of Christian Nationalism •       [04:32] What Does NOT Make You a Christian Nationalist •       [05:23] Where It Crosses the Line — Fusing Christian and National Identity •       [06:05] Paul Miller's Expert Definition •       [06:49] Defining "Anglo-Protestant" Culture •       [07:28] Christian Nationalism's "Deep Story" •       [08:20] Why the Deep Story Is Compelling — And Where It Goes Wrong •       [08:49] PRRI's Five-Question Diagnostic •       [09:40] The Common Ground With Most Christians •       [10:33] Four Areas Where Christian Nationalism Goes Wrong •       [11:35] Wrong Area 1: The Myth About American History •       [13:30] Wrong Area 2: Binary Thinking — "Christian Nation" vs. "Secular State" •       [15:30] Wrong Area 3: Ethnic Bias •       [17:28] Wrong Area 4: Misunderstanding the Kingdom of Jesus •       [19:00] Matthew 20 — Jesus' Upside-Down Kingdom •       [19:42] The Kingdom of Jesus Comes From the Inside Out •       [20:23] Exile, Not Domination — Our True Identity •       [20:59] Summer Book Club Announcement Recap •       [21:26] Sneak Peek: Season 2 Topics •       [22:55] Closing People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "What is Christian nationalism?" Key Scripture References Matthew 20:25-26 ("Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant")John 18:36 ("My kingdom is not of this world")Resources Mentioned Mapping Christian Nationalism — Research by PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute)American Christian Nationalism by Michael W. AustinTaking Back America for God by Samuel Whitehead and Andrew PerryDisarming Leviathan by Caleb Campbell"Christian Nationalism Misrepresents Jesus, So We ShouldReject It" by Jonathan LeemanFirst meeting: June 23. Pastor Steve leads a bookclub this summer wrestling with big ideas and hot topics in culture. Summer Book Club Book 1: Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Coming in Season 2 A preview of topics they're already planning: •       How should Christians engage in culture? •       Cremation versus burial •       Does God hate people? •       Why does God allow so much pain and suffering? •       Questions about sexuality •       Where do dinosaurs fit in the creation timeline? •       Speaking in tongues, and more! Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. We'd also love to hear stories of what God is doing in the lives of people in our church — send us names and let us know! Subscribe and share — see you in Season 2!

  7. May 27

    Three Years Later — Tammy's Reflections on Her Near-Death Experience

    In the conclusion of Tammy Manheim's interview, Pastor Steve and Tammy explore what happened after her near-death experience — both spiritually and practically. Now three years out, Tammy shares why she waited to speak about her experience, how her family helped her test it against Scripture, and the surprising spiritual challenge that followed: her prayer life completely tanked for almost a year. They discuss what people misunderstand about NDEs, how to encounter God without needing a mystical experience, and the simple truth that runs through it all: God is real, He is active, and He's already speaking — if we'll take the time to look and listen. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Recap of Episode 20 •       [01:09] Waking Up — Overwhelmed With Thankfulness •       [02:24] Seeing Life With Thankful Eyes •       [02:54] The Recovery — Slow, Painful, Necessary •       [03:00] Why Tammy Didn't Share the Experience Right Away •       [04:18] The First People She Told — Family and Staff •       [05:14] Testing It Against Scripture With Her Family •       [05:38] Three Years Later — How the Experience Has Shaped Her •       [07:02] Why an NDE? — Sharing God's Plan With Others •       [07:55] The Gift of Faith — And the Year Her Prayer Life Tanked •       [09:19] A Humbling Mountaintop — Surrendering Control •       [09:39] "I Held Your Heart in My Hands" — A Doctor's Words •       [10:43] Tammy's Beliefs About NDEs Before This Happened •       [11:15] The Problem With Sensationalized Faith •       [12:07] Hebrews 11 — Faith Given Sight •       [13:41] What People Most Misunderstand About NDEs •       [15:30] To Those Who Feel Left Out — God Is Still at Work •       [17:08] Moses and the Burning Bush — The Bush Is Always Burning •       [17:40] Tammy's One Takeaway: God Is Real and Active •       [18:26] Announcement: Upcoming Book Club on NDEs •       [18:45] Closing & How to Submit Questions For Those Who Feel Left Out "You don't have to die in order to encounter God. God is doing something in your life — you just need to see it, hear it, listen for Him." Pastor Steve adds the image of Moses and the burning bush: the bush was always burning. Moses just had to stop, look, and take off his sandals. Tammy's One Takeaway "God is real. He is active. Take the time to stop and look for Him, to listen for Him. He'll meet you there. He always does." Key Scripture References Hebrews 11 (Hall of Faith)Exodus 3 (Moses and the burningbush)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!

  8. May 20

    A Real Near-Death Experience — Tammy Manheim Shares Her Story

    In Episode 13, Pastor Steve and Pastor Luke discussed near-death experiences (NDEs) and mentioned a friend of the church who had one. This week, that friend — Tammy Manheim — shares her remarkable story firsthand. What began as a routine outpatient surgery turned into 19 days in the hospital, including a week of unconsciousness and two times when she coded. During that time, Tammy experienced perfect peace and pure light, was shown her life as a "tangled pile of string," and was asked three times if she wanted to go back. This is her account in her own words. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Meeting Tammy Manheim •       [00:50] Why This Episode? — Following Up on Episode 13's NDE Discussion •       [01:34] The Before: A Routine Surgery That Wasn't •       [02:11] 19 Days in the Hospital, One Week Unconscious •       [02:26] The Conversation About Pulling the Plug •       [03:48] Coding Twice — The Experience Begins •       [03:55] Perfect Peace, Perfect Clarity, Pure Light •       [04:49] No Sense of Time, No Sense of Body •       [05:09] Asked Three Times: "Do You Want to Go Back?" •       [06:08] No Fear, Just Peace and Joy — Holiness and Love Together •       [07:23] The Tangled Pile of String — Tammy's Life Reviewed •       [08:42] Three Times Around — The Choice to Stay or Return •       [09:39] "Then I Had Grandkids" — Told She Had to Go Back •       [10:53] The Miracle — Jenny's Visit and the Turning Point •       [11:15] Waking Up — Telling Her Son Brandon He'd Be a Father •       [12:40] Robert — A Shout-Out to Her "Son-in-Love" •       [15:30] Closing & How to Submit Questions Connection to Episode 13 In Episode 13, Pastor Luke explained common features of NDEs based on John Burke's research: peace, altered time, encounter with light, life review, a boundary point, and a return. Tammy's experience touches on nearly every one of these — yet sheemphasizes that she didn't share her story for years and only learned about NDE research after the fact. 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!

See All (29)

5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

In The Midweek, we seek to move beyond Sunday sermons into answering your questions from a Biblical perspective as we seek to live the way of Jesus from Monday to Sunday.

Information

  • Channel
    Cherry Hills Church
  • Creator
    Cherry Hills Church
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cherry Hills Church
  • Show Website
    The Midweek
  • Provider
    Cherry Hills Church

More From Cherry Hills Church

You Might Also Like