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What if the peace you're pursuing is actually a subtle counterfeit that trades the call of Christ for a life of ease? In this episode, Richwoods Christian Church Campus Pastor Alyssa Wier continues a four-week series, Counterfeit Gospels, by unmasking the cultural lie that Jesus came to make our lives easy, safe, and comfortable. From trusting our feelings over God's character to choosing convenience over faithful obedience, Alyssa examines why self-protection leaves us spiritually empty — and how embracing discomfort is essential to following Jesus. Key Scripture: James 1:2-4, John 16:33, Luke 9:57-62, Matthew 16:24-26, Book of Esther (4:13-14, 16) In this episode, we unpack: The counterfeit trap of protecting your life at all costs vs. surrendering to Christ [Matthew 16:24-26] How to trust God's unchanging character when your feelings tell you otherwise Moving from convenience to faithful, courageous obedience [Esther 4:14] Why growing through trials — not avoiding discomfort — produces true spiritual maturity [James 1:2-4] Get the Week 2 Handout & Notes: Download the official class discussion guide and scripture references at richwoods.org/podcasts. About Midweek at Richwoods: Midweek is a Wednesday evening rhythm at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois, where all ages gather to open scripture, build community, and practice following Jesus together in everyday life.  Subscribe so you don't miss an episode, share this teaching with a friend, and learn more about taking your next step at richwoods.org.

What if the greatest threat to your faith isn't an opposing worldview, but your own self-interest?  In this episode, Richwoods Christian Church Lead Pastor Chad Manbeck kicks off a four-week series, Counterfeit Gospels, by unmasking the subtle cultural lie that life is ultimately about us. From the demand to always be right to the insistence that our preferences must prevail, Chad explores how living for self promises freedom but leaves us restless — and why Jesus calls us to a radically different path of humble self-emptying. Key scriptures: Philippians 2:3-5, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 1:6-9, Jude 3-4 In this episode, we unpack: The hidden danger of arranging your life around yourself [Philippians 2:20-21] What it practically means to "empty yourself" in everyday relationships Augustine's timeless insight: "Our heart is restless until it rests in You." How forfeiting self-rule is the only way to experience true life in Christ [Luke 9:24] Get the Week 1 Handout & Notes: Download the official class discussion guide and scripture references at richwoods.org/podcasts. About Midweek at Richwoods: Midweek is a Wednesday evening rhythm at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois, where all ages gather to open scripture, build community, and practice following Jesus together in everyday life.  Subscribe so you don't miss an episode, share this teaching with a friend, and learn more about taking your next step at richwoods.org.

What does it look like for scripture to shape not just what we believe, but the kind of people we become? In the final week of Sola Scriptura: Restoring Scripture to Its Rightful Place, Pastor Chad looks at the church's calling to be formed by God's word in a culture that may not honor, trust, understand, or believe it. Scripture shapes our minds, our character, and the way we bear witness to Jesus.  The goal isn't simply to know the Bible—or to convince the culture to value it. It's to become a people who love God's word enough to live by it, allowing biblical truth to move beyond our Bibles and notes and into the way we live as salt and light in the world.  Follow along with the week 5 handout. Explore more teaching from Richwoods Christian Church at richwoods.org/podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen for future teaching.

It's one thing to believe the Bible is true. It's another to let that truth have authority over your life. In Week 4 of Sola Scriptura: Restoring Scripture to Its Rightful Place, Pastor Chad Manbeck explores what it means to move from simply hearing God's word to actually obeying it—building our lives on scripture, carrying it with us into temptation, and allowing it to renew the way we think and live.  This week presses on a deeply personal question: Will I obey scripture when scripture contradicts my preferences? Because the clearest evidence that God's word holds its rightful place isn't how often we quote it—it's what we do when it challenges us.  Follow along with the week 4 handout. Explore more teaching from Richwoods Christian Church at richwoods.org/podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen so you don't miss the rest of the Sola Scriptura series or future teaching.

The Bible can feel intimidating — but was it ever meant to be? In Week 3 of Sola Scriptura: Restoring Scripture to Its Rightful Place, Pastor Brian Russell explores why God gave us His Word not simply to inform us, but to reveal Himself to us. Scripture invites us to hear, understand, believe, and obey a God who desires to be known. Along the way, we'll consider whether our biggest obstacle is always understanding what scripture says — or sometimes being willing to let it change us. Because the greatest gift of scripture isn't simply what we learn. It's who we come to know. Follow along with the week 3 handout. Explore more teaching from Richwoods Christian Church at richwoods.org/podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen so you don't miss the rest of the Sola Scriptura series or future teaching.

Is the Bible enough? We're constantly tempted to look for something more — more direction, more certainty, more satisfaction, more answers. In Week 2 of Sola Scriptura: Restoring Scripture to Its Rightful Place, Pastor Chad Manbeck explores the sufficiency of scripture and what it means to trust that God has given His people what they need for salvation, godliness, and faithful obedience. This week asks us to consider not just whether we believe scripture is enough, but whether we actually live like it is. Where in your life are you looking for an answer, identity, direction, satisfaction, or authority that God has already addressed in His Word? Explore more teaching from Richwoods Christian Church at richwoods.org/podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen so you don't miss the rest of the Sola Scriptura series or future teaching. 📖 Follow along with the week 2 handout.