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Having laid the foundation last week with the three Christian views on creation (Young Earth, Old Earth, and Evolutionary Creation), Steve and Luke now tackle the specific questions listeners have sent in: Where do dinosaurs fit? Were they on Noah's Ark? How do we respond when scientists say "millions of years"? Where does the Ice Age fit? How do we reconcile Adam and Eve with modern science? Along the way, they talk about the "two books" of general and special revelation, how to read biblical genealogies, and why — whatever view you hold — Adam remains theologically central to the gospel story. Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction & Recap of Part 1 • [01:33] Dinosaurs — How Do They Fit the Biblical Timeline? • [04:26] How Christians Respond to "Millions of Years Ago" • [06:17] The Two Books: Scripture and Nature • [08:45] Where Does the Ice Age Fit? • [10:11] Adam, Eve, and the Genesis Genealogies • [12:12] Macro vs. Micro Evolution — Clarifying the Terms • [14:48] Genealogies as Literary Devices with Theological Intent • [17:19] Steve's Big Concern: What About the Historical Adam? • [19:03] Can You Have Common Ancestry AND a Historical Adam? • [21:35] Living in Mystery — Jesus as Creator and Redeemer • [22:40] Closing & Preview: Next Week on the Trinity People's Questions Answered • How do dinosaurs fit into the biblical timeline? • Were dinosaurs some of the animals Adam named? Were they on Noah's Ark? • How do Christians respond when scientists say events happened millions of years ago? • Where does the Ice Age fit into the biblical timeline? • How do you reconcile Adam and Eve and the Genesis genealogies with today's understanding of history? Luke's Key Insight "It's not the Bible versus science — it's my interpretation of the Bible versus my interpretation of science. And my interpretation of either of those is always subject to revision and new learning." Steve's Bottom Line "Christians can disagree on the age of the earth, the length of creation days, or how much time is represented in genealogies — but at some point we have to explain how Adam, human sin, death, and Christ's redemptive work fit in the biblical story. The only answer that really matters is that Jesus Christ is my creator and my redeemer, and I live my life for Him." Resources Mentioned • Bible Project — video series and podcast on Behemoth and Leviathan • James K. Smith's hypothetical sketch of origins (from the book Evolution and the Fall) — Luke's class handout, link in show notes • Four Views on the Historical Adam — available in the Resource Center • Previous Midweek episode on lifespans in Genesis (Steve and Brian — see Episode 16) Key Scripture References Genesis 1-11Job (Behemoth and Leviathan)Matthew 19 (Jesus on creation and marriage)Romans 5 (Adam and Christ)1 Corinthians 15 (Adam and the resurrection) Coming Next Week Pastor Steve is taking a well-earned week off. Pastor Luke and Pastor Chuck will tackle every possible question about the Trinity. (They promise to "resolve all the mystery" — Steve's words, tongue firmly in cheek.) Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text "podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

Steve and Luke have received more questions on creation and science than almost any other topic — dinosaurs, Noah's flood, the age of the earth, the Ice Age, Adam and Eve's historicity. Before diving into those specifics next week, they step back to ask what Genesis 1-11 is actually trying to teach us. They walk through why these opening chapters function as prologue (asking the big "why" questions, not the modern "what" questions), survey the three major Christian views on creation (Young Earth, Old Earth, and Evolutionary Creation), and most importantly, name the non-negotiable building blocks of a Christian doctrine of creation that unite believers across these different positions. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction •       [01:34] The Listener Questions We'll Address •       [02:52] Why Genesis 1-11 Is Special — The Bible's "Prequel" •       [04:35] Modern "What" Questions vs. Ancient "Why" Questions •       [06:14] The Meta-Narrative of Scripture Begins Here •       [07:07] 30,000-Foot Flyover of Genesis 1-11 •       [08:20] Why the Age of the Earth Matters for Interpretation •       [09:47] View 1: Young Earth Creationism •       [12:05] View 2: Old Earth Creationism •       [13:48] View 3: Evolutionary Creation (Theistic Evolution) •       [16:05] Can Christians Disagree on These Views? •       [18:10] The Non-Negotiables of a Christian Doctrine of Creation •       [21:30] Summary of the Essentials •       [22:36] Preview of Next Week's Specific Questions People's Questions (To Be Answered Next Week) • How do dinosaurs fit into the biblical timeline? • Were dinosaurs some of the animals that Adam named? Were they on Noah's Ark? • How do Christians respond when scientists say events happened millions of years ago? • Where does the Ice Age fit into the biblical timeline? • Given the evidence that the earth and human civilization may be far older than a strict 6,000-year timeline, how do you reconcile Adam and Eve and the Genesis genealogies with today's understanding of history? The Three Views on Creation Young Earth Creationism: The days of Genesis are literal 24-hour days; earth is 6,000-10,000 years old; Noah's flood was global; Adam and Eve lived alongside dinosaurs. Old Earth Creationism: God is Creator and Adam and Eve were historical, but the "days" are long periods or a literary framework; earth and universe are billions of years old; allows micro-evolution within created kinds. Evolutionary Creation (Theistic Evolution): God created all things through evolutionary processes over long periods; accepts common ancestry; views Genesis 1-11 as theological history using figurative language; varied views on Adam and Eve. The Non-Negotiables (Luke's Starter Kit) Whichever view you hold, a faithful Christian doctrine of creation must affirm: (1) God alone is eternal and the sovereign Creator; (2) Creation is ex nihilo — from nothing; (3) Creation is good — evil is not part of the original design but an invasive species; (4) Humans are uniquely created as divine image-bearers with a special role and relationship to the Creator. Steve's Bottom Line Genesis 1-11 is primarily answering the big theological questions — Who made the world? What does it mean to be human? Why is there evil and suffering? What is God going to do about it? Christians can disagree about the details of HOW God created, while standing united on these foundational truths. Key Scripture References Genesis 1-2 (creation)Genesis 3 (the fall)Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)Genesis 6-10 (Noah and the flood)Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel)Genesis 12 (Abraham — the hinge) Coming Next Week Part 2 will apply these three frameworks to answer the specific listener questions on dinosaurs, Noah's flood, the Ice Age, Adam and Eve, and the age of the earth. 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!

A listener named Jennifer wrote in asking Pastor Steve to break down speaking in tongues after witnessing a relative's church baptize people, cast out evil spirits, and start screaming in tongues. Steve tackles this confusing but important topic by walking through what tongues actually is in Scripture (Acts 2 vs. 1 Corinthians 12-14), whether the gift still exists today, whether every Christian should expect to speak in tongues, and what we should do when we encounter dramatic spiritual experiences. He also shares two personal experiences and lands on a balanced position: openness with discernment, boundaries with freedom. Episode Timestamps • [00:00] Introduction & Jenny's Grandbaby Announcement • [00:55] Jennifer's Question & Episode Roadmap • [02:35] What Is Speaking in Tongues? — Defining the Gift • [03:35] Tongues in Acts 2 — A Recognizable Human Language • [06:18] Tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14 — A Heavenly Prayer Language • [10:35] Do These Gifts Still Exist Today? Cessationists vs. Continuationists • [12:01] Where Cherry Hills Lands on This • [13:12] Is Speaking in Tongues Evidence of the Holy Spirit? • [14:45] What Should Happen in Worship? Testing Dramatic Experiences • [17:10] Pastor Steve's Personal Experiences with Tongues • [18:15] What Would Happen If Someone Spoke in Tongues at Cherry Hills? • [20:33] What We Can Affirm — Even When We Disagree on Details • [22:19] Closing & Resources People's Question Answered From Jennifer: "Please break down speaking in tongues. I have a relative who is part of a group that baptizes people, then evil spirits come out of them and they start screaming in tongues. Speaking in tongues is very confusing." Where Cherry Hills Lands Cherry Hills is NOT cessationist — we believe tongues can still be active today, as there is no clear text that says the gifts have ceased. HOWEVER, we strongly reject the teaching that all Christians MUST speak in tongues, or that tongues are the primary evidence of the Holy Spirit in someone's life (1 Corinthians 12 is clear not everyone will have that gift). Our posture: open, but discerning. Steve's Bottom Line "Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that should be received with humility, tested by Scripture, and practiced in love for the good of the church." What We Can Affirm Speaking in tongues is a biblical gift. Not every Christian receives it. It is not evidence of having the Holy Spirit. Love is greater than every spiritual gift. Public worship should build the church through intelligibility, self-control, peace, and order. Every claimed spiritual experience should be tested — not blindly accepted or rejected because it is dramatic. Resources Mentioned • Pastor Steve's 2018 sermon on 1 Corinthians 14 (tongues and prophecy in the church) • Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Four Views edited by Wayne Grudem — presents four perspectives on the miraculous gifts with the authors interacting with each other Key Scripture References Acts 2 (Pentecost)Acts 10Acts 19Joel 2:28-291 Corinthians 12-14 (especially 12:30, chapter 13, and chapter 14 on order)1 Corinthians 13:8 ("where there are tongues, they will be stilled") Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text "podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

In Part 2 of the women in ministry conversation, Steve and Jenny introduce the third theological view — soft complementarianism — and explore how each view objects to the others. They unpack hermeneutics (the rules we use to interpret Scripture) and slippery slope arguments. Then Steve shares where Cherry Hills Church lands as a body, and the episode turns deeply personal as Jenny shares her journey as a woman with leadership gifts and Steve reflects on how his perspective has been shaped over the years. They close with a powerful word about unity, focusing on Jesus, and not letting "passing lane issues" divide the church. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Continuing the Conversation •       [00:35] Recap of Last Week's Two Views •       [00:48] View 3: Soft Complementarianism Explained •       [01:43] Headship as Office-Specific, Not Universal •       [02:40] Objections: How Egalitarians Critique Complementarianism •       [03:50] The Slippery Slope Fallacy — Inevitability vs. Causation •       [04:39] Hermeneutics 101 — How We Interpret Scripture •       [05:32] Fixed Meaning vs. Changing Application — The Head Coverings Example •       [07:03] Objections to Soft Complementarianism — Is It Inconsistent? •       [07:38] Where Cherry Hills Lands: Soft Complementarianism •       [08:55] Jenny's Personal Story — From Volunteer to Staff Leader •       [10:24] "Too Much and Not Enough at the Same Time" •       [10:58] Jesus as the Ultimate Servant Leader •       [11:46] Steve's Personal Reflection on Women in Leadership •       [13:32] Final Word: To the Men and Women in the Church •       [14:40] Steve on "Passing Lane Issues" and Unity (Romans 14) •       [16:32] Closing & How to Submit Questions Where Cherry Hills Church Lands Cherry Hills Church holds the position of soft complementarianism. They believe this best honors the Genesis2 vision of biblical headship while also celebrating that women and men are equally gifted. They joyfully affirm women's calling to leadership and teaching — including the title of "pastor" — while still holding that the office of elder is reserved for qualified men. Key Scripture References Genesis 2 (Ezer/helper) 1 Corinthians 11:5 (women prophesying) 1 Timothy 2 Acts 18:26 (Priscilla and Aquila) Romans 16 (women co-laborers) Philippians 2:5-8 (Christ as servant) Romans 14 (disputable matters) 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!

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!

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!

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!