Evangelical Community Church (ecc)

One of the descriptions the Apostle John gives us of Jesus is that he was "full of grace and truth." These two words could be opposites, but Jesus demonstrated their complementary relationship by bringing them together in perfect harmony. Let's consider how Jesus established his kingdom through grace and truth and how we might reflect them to our world.

Sometimes, we experience opposition when we are doing the wrong thing...or even when we're doing the right thing! Nehemiah faced serious opposition simply because he was doing what God had called him to do. What is the proper approach to handling opposition and what can we learn from it?

The phrase "live in the moment" is often associated with impulsive or even thoughtless behavior; in the context of this passage, it speaks of Nehemiah's spiritual alertness and readiness to act when God provides an opportunity. Are you ready to live that way – in the moment?

Pastor Bob is back in the pulpit this week to begin a three-part series, "Lessons from the Exile," that will wrap up our summer series, Characters of the Bible. Consider with us how important it was for Nehemiah to prepare for a mission through an honest prayer and what we can take away from this as we together wait for the coming of the new age.

A look at the wisdom and faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the power of God to save, from Daniel 3:1-18. As provincial officials over Babylon, they faced daily choices between faith and compromise. Where in your life are your faith and courage being tested?

Our own Jim Goodson took the pulpit this week to touch on themes of grace, identification, and the humility of Christ

God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but he seems to be weaving in his story, nevertheless. Esther and her people were in the lowest social class of this era of the Persian empire, yet she was eventually chosen to be queen. Esther's access to the king, whom she approaches with the request to save her people, may have been the last part in God's plan to redeem his people from impending annihilation by Haman. Whether or not we choose to play our part, God is writing his story. Find the YouTube video summary of the book of Esther here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGQ3oSJ_xbc.

King Hezekiah of Judah chose to dismantle the idol worship that Ahaz, his father, had set up. Hezekiah's son, Manasseh, undid what his father had done and led the people of Judah astray into idol worship again, leading to their overthrow by the Assyrians. Both of these kings forgot for a time to humble themselves before the Lord, and that sin had consequences. Neither king was perfect, but they point to the One who was.

Rob Girvin, ECC's Youth Director, carries forward our summer message series with the story of Deborah. It's easy in times of trial to forget God's promises and trust our own abilities and resources. This story gives us encouragement and instruction in trusting God amidst the chaos of life.

Pastor Bob reminds us that the challenge to ancient Israel wasn't an easy one - let go of the gods you can see and touch and follow in faith the invisible God.

Bob looks into the great story of Ruth and Naomi, looking at three key characters: Ruth, Naomi, and God.

A look at the story of Joseph and the way God used the tragic and winding events of his life to bless Israel and the nations, fulfilling the promises of the Abrahamic covenant.

Statements like “patiently wait on the Lord” and “we live by faith, not by sight” are good advice, but may lead us to believe that faith is essentially passive. The biblical narrative, however, demonstrates that faith is active, diligent, and obedient. In this message, Pastor Bob helps us consider the theme of proactive faith by looking at the lives of two people – Jochebed and Miriam.

Pastor Bob begins a new sermon series on "Characters of the Bible". This week, we'll look at the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, noting not only Abraham's remarkable faith but also God's faithfulness to his promises in spite of Abraham.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus began his ministry with an invitation to be part of the Kingdom of God, to see and live differently. Following his resurrection, the invitation is to join the mission of God to all people. Let’s consider the largeness of God’s mission in the world and how we are part of it in this summary of the Rediscovering God message series.

What is community, and how are we a part of it? Are you even open to community? How have others been part of your community?

John Mangrum steps into the series on True Community, helping us understand how community has been shaped by our mission and how we are being shaped for our mission.

Matthew 20:20-34 The mother of James and John tries to call dibs on positions of prestige for her sons, believing Jesus' reign will be as an earthly king of Israel. Jesus asks if she understands what she is asking--he has just told them that he will suffer and be crucified. To be "first" in Jesus' kingdom is to lead in humility and service. Is this your mindset? Do you know some of the opportunities to partner with ECC in serving the Bloomington community?

We know Thomas as the doubter, but have you also looked at him as a believer and a worshiper of Jesus? Join us as Pastor Dan helps us take a look at Thomas' response to encountering the Risen Lord.

Jesus' death was much more than a resuscitation or a near-death experience. He was dead, but God brought him back to life. Because of this, death is not the last chapter in the book of our lives, but the introduction to the next book--the book of eternal life. Jesus, who leads his people like a good shepherd, has made an end to sin and death for those who will follow him. Will you follow the Good Shepherd?