The Midweek

Cherry Hills Church
  • 5.0 (35)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    Women in Ministry (Part 1) — Complementarianism and Egalitarianism Explained

    After receiving multiple questions on this topic, Pastor Steve and Jenny Elliott finally tackle one of the most discussed and debated issues in the modern church: the role of women in ministry. With grace, humility, and rigorous study, they begin a multi-part series by laying out where all Christians agree (Genesis 1:26-27 — men and women are equally created in God's image) and then walk through the first two of three theological views: complementarianism and egalitarianism. They unpack the key biblical texts each view rests on — including the Hebrew word "Ezer" (helper), the Genesis creation order, 1 Timothy 2, Galatians 3:28, and the role of women like Priscilla, Deborah, and Junia. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Steve and Jenny Tackle Women in Ministry •       [00:50] The Three Listener Questions (Melinda, Scott, and Tess) •       [01:51] Wrestling With This Topic — A Word About Unity and Grace •       [03:42] Roadmap: Three Views, Their Counters, and Where Cherry Hills Lands •       [04:36] Where All Orthodox Christians Agree — Genesis 1:26-27 •       [05:13] The Real Disagreement: Authority and Responsibility, Not Worth •       [06:01] Introducing the Three Views: Complementarianism, Egalitarianism, and Soft Views •       [06:59] View 1: Complementarianism Explained •       [07:27] The Hebrew Word "Ezer" — A Strong Helper, Not a Subordinate •       [09:05] The Created Order and the Concept of Headship •       [09:44] Ephesians 5 — Headship as Servanthood, Not Domination •       [11:03] Headship Rooted in the Trinity — 1 Corinthians 15:28 •       [12:11] 1 Timothy 2:12-13 — Teaching, Authority, and Creation Order •       [12:56] Eldership Reserved for Men — 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 •       [14:22] View 2: Egalitarianism Explained •       [14:38] Galatians 3:28 — "Neither Male nor Female" •       [14:52] Acts 2 and Joel's Prophecy — "Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy" •       [15:30] Women Leaders Throughout Scripture — Deborah, Huldah, Junia, Mary Magdalene, Esther, Miriam, Anna •       [16:06] Priscilla and Aquila — Acts 18:26 and the Word "Explained" •       [17:25] Egalitarian Response to 1 Timothy 2 — Cultural Context •      [18:22] Closing — Continuing Next Week with View 3 and Where We Land People's Questions Answered From Melinda: "Why can't women be in leadership positions in the church?" From Scott: "What is the belief of Cherry Hills Church regarding women serving in the role of pastor and/or deacon? What is thechurch doctrine and what does Scripture say about these issues?" From Tess: "Is it okay for churches to have women pastors? What about elders or deacons? I've heard both support for women pastors and discouragement depending on one'sdenomination. As a woman who has both female and male pastors in my family, this is a major question I have always wrestled with." Key Scripture References Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 2:18-251 Corinthians 11:31 Corinthians 15:28Ephesians 5:22-331 Timothy 2:12-131 Timothy 3Titus 1:5-9Galatians 3:28Acts 2:17-18Acts 18:26Joel 2:28-29Romans 16:7 (Junia)Judges 4-5 (Deborah)2 Kings 22 (Huldah)John 20:17 (Mary Magdalene)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!

    20 min

  2. APR 29

    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!

    15 min

  3. 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!

    18 min

  4. 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!

    25 min

  5. 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!

    22 min

  6. APR 1

    Near-Death Experiences and What Happens When We Die — Your Final Questions About Heaven

    In the finale of the heaven series, Pastors Steve and Luke tackle two more questions from Chris. First: how should Christians process near-death experiences (NDEs)? Luke explains what NDEs are, how they differ from "heaven tourism" books, and what they might (or might not) reveal about the afterlife. Then they walk through the order of events after death — from the intermediate state to the resurrection, from the Great White Throne Judgment to the Bema Seat of Christ, and finally tothe new heavens and new earth. Plus: a Saint Peter joke to close it out. People's Questions Answered From Chris: "How should we process stories fromthose who have death experiences but come back to life and describe brightlight, interaction with past loved ones, etc.?" From Chris: "How does passage into heaven happen? Is there a passageway where God is judging whether we pass — or is it Peter, or Jesus?" Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction •       [00:47] How Should We Process Near-Death Experiences? (Chris's Question) •       [01:14] What Is an NDE? — Definition and Common Features •       [03:52] John Burke's Books: Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven •       [04:28] Does the Bible Record Any NDEs? •       [05:06] Paul's Third Heaven Experience — 2 Corinthians 12 •       [07:37] Heaven Tourism vs. NDEs — The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven •       [08:45] Should NDEs Shape Our Theology? •       [10:07] NDEs Are Transcultural — Hindus, Catholics, and Others •       [10:43] Resource: Ross Douthat's "The Myth of Disenchantment" •       [12:19] How Does Passage Into Heaven Happen? (Chris's Question) •       [12:40] The Big Question First: How Do We Get to Heaven? •       [13:49] Dallas Willard: Grace vs. Earning, Not Grace vs. Effort •       [14:30] Step-by-Step: What Happens After We Die •       [17:05] The Two Judgments: Great White Throne and Bema Seat •       [18:25] The New Heavens and New Earth — Our Final Home •       [19:16] Why Is Peter at the Pearly Gates? — Matthew 16 and the Keys •       [20:26] The Obligatory Saint Peter Joke •      [21:51] Preview: Next Week — Questions About Israel Key Scripture 2 Corinthians 12 (Paul's third heaven)John 3:16Acts 16:31Romans 10:9Philippians 2:12Luke 23:432 Corinthians 5:8Matthew 251 Thessalonians 4:16Revelation 20:14-152 Thessalonians 1:9Matthew 16:19 (keys to thekingdom)References Mentioned •       Imagine Heaven by John Burke •       Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke •       Ross Douthat — Chapter 3: "The Myth of Disenchantment" (on NDEs and secularism) 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 with others!

    23 min

  7. 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!

    19 min

  8. 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!

    19 min
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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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cherry Hills Church
  • Show Website
    The Midweek
  • Provider
    Cherry Hills Church

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