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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!

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!

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!

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!

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!