The Midweek

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 LandPeople's Questions AnsweredFrom 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 ReferencesGenesis 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 UsSubmit 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 QuestionsPeople's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: "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 ReferencesMatthew 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 UsSubmit 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 QuestionsPeople's Questions AnsweredFrom 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 UsSubmit 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 QuestionsPeople's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: "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 ReferencesExodus 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 UsSubmit 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 QuestionsPeople's Questions AnsweredFrom 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 UsSubmit 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 AnsweredFrom 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 Scripture2 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 UsSubmit 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 AnsweredFrom 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 QuestionsFour Views on Salvation for Those Who Cannot Comprehend the GospelThis 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 exceptions3.    Election Determines Outcome: Reformed view; the elect go to heaven regardless of capacity4.    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 22Resources MentionedEvangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. PackerConnect With UsSubmit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe and share!

Following up on the serpent series, Pastors Steve and Luke tackle two popular questions about angels and the afterlife. First, do we each have a guardian angel? They examine Matthew 18:10, Daniel, and Acts 12 to explore what Scripture actually says. Then they address a question many of us have wondered: will our pets be in heaven? They look at this scripturally, theologically, and pastorally — and while they can't promise your dog will be there, the answer may be more hopeful than you'd expect.People's Questions AnsweredFrom Scott: "What does Matthew 18:10 mean whenit refers to 'their angels in heaven' in reference to the little ones(presumably children)?"From Ronda: "In regards to our pets/animals here on earth, will they be with us in heaven?"Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction•       [01:09] Do We Have Guardian Angels? (Scott's Question)•       [01:27] Matthew 18:10 — "Their Angels in Heaven"•       [02:00] Old Testament Background: Daniel 7 & 10, Esther 1•       [03:04] Acts 12:15 — "It Must Be His Angel"•       [03:47] Hebrews 1:14 — Angels as Ministering Spirits•       [04:28] The Greek in Matthew 18:10 — A Collective Pronoun•       [05:54] Church History on Guardian Angels•       [07:27] Will Our Pets Be in Heaven? (Ronda's Question)•       [07:49] Scripturally: Animals in God's Creation and Covenant•       [09:27] Romans 8:19-23 — All Creation Groans for Redemption•       [10:13] Theologically: Aquinas, Immortal Souls, and Animal Nature•       [13:08] Jesus on Marriage in the Resurrection — Things Will Be Different•       [15:46] Pastorally: Joni Eareckson Tada on God's Generous Character•      [17:35] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsKey Scripture References·     Matthew 18:10 ·     Daniel 7, 10 ·     Esther 1:14 ·     Acts 12:15 ·     Hebrews 1:14 ·     Genesis 1 (animals called "good") ·     Genesis 9 (covenant with Noah) ·     Psalm 36:6 ·     Matthew 10:29 ·     Isaiah 11 ·     Romans 8:19-23 ·     Matthew 10:28Connect With UsSubmit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes.Subscribe and share on social media!

After four episodes of groundwork, we finally answer the question: How did the serpent get into the garden? Pastors Steve and Luke reveal that the serpent was no ordinary snake—it was a fallen divine being, a cherub who rebelled against God. Using Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14, and Revelation 12:9, they show how this "shining one" was cast down from the divine council and sought to do to humanity what had been done to him. The Hebrew word for serpent (nachash) itself contains hidden layers of meaning that point to this being's true identity.People's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: "How did the serpent get into the garden?" — ANSWERED (Episodes 7-10)Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction — Episode 10!•       [01:18] Recap of the Series So Far•       [02:15] Why Was Eve Not Afraid of a Talking Snake?•       [03:39] New Testament Texts Identifying the Serpent•       [06:06] Revelation 12:9 — The Key Verse•       [07:22] Ezekiel 28 — The Anointed Cherub in Eden•       [09:41] Isaiah 14 — The Morning Star Cast Down•       [12:22] The Hebrew Word "Nachash" — Snake, Diviner, or Shining One?•       [14:14] The Curse — Made Most Low•       [16:15] Conclusion: How the Serpent Got Into the Garden•       [16:35] Preview: Bonus Episode on the Spiritual RealmThe Hebrew Word "Nachash"•       As a noun: Snake or serpent•       As a verb: Diviner — one who gives out divine information•       As an adjective: Copper, shining bronze, or "shiny thing"Key Scripture References·     Genesis 3·     Ezekiel 28:12-17 ·     Isaiah 14:4-15·     Revelation 12:9·     2 Corinthians 11:3·     Romans 16:20Connect With UsSubmit 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!

If God gave us free will, and the Fall was a result of that free choice, was the Fall predestined? In Part 3 of the serpent series, Pastors Steve and Luke tackle one of theology's trickiest questions: the relationship between God's foreknowledge and predestination. Using 1 Samuel 23 as a key text, they show that God can know what will happen without necessarily predetermining it—meaning foreknowledge and predestination are separable. This has huge implications for understanding evil, human responsibility, and God's character.People's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: How did the serpent get into the garden? — Continued from Episodes 7-8; to be concluded in Episode 10Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction•       [00:44] Recap: The Satan, the Divine Council, and Free Will•       [02:02] Was the Fall Predestined?•       [02:45] Key Text: 1 Samuel 23 — David at Keilah•       [04:07] God Knows Counterfactuals — Things That May Happen•       [06:04] God Is Not Evil — Foreknowledge Does Not Equal Predestination of Evil•       [06:27] A Note on Calvinism and Determinism•       [07:15] Romans 8:29 — Those He Foreknew, He Also Predestined•      [08:32] Preview: The Serpent — Finally! (Episode 10)Key Scripture References·     1 Samuel 23:10-14 ·     Romans 8:29 ·     Isaiah 55:8-9Connect With UsSubmit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes.Subscribe and leave a review!

Continuing the deep dive into "How did the serpent get into the garden?", Pastors Steve and Luke explore the figure of "the Satan" in the book of Job—not as a proper name, but as a title meaning "the adversary" or "the accuser." They examine how the Hebrew word is used throughout the Old Testament, discuss whether divine beings can sin, and tackle the big question: why does God allow evil? The answer, they argue, comes down to love—because love cannot be coerced or programmed. They also debate whether natural disasters like tornadoes can be traced back to the Fall in Genesis 3.People's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: "How did the serpent get into the garden?" — Continued from Episode 7; to be continued in Episode 9Episode Timestamps•       [00:50] Recap of Episode 7 — The Sons of God and the Heavenly Host•       [02:44] The Satan in Job 1:6 — "The Adversary" Appears•       [03:18] Word Study: How "Satan" Is Used in the Old Testament•       [05:45] Satan in the New Testament — From Title to Proper Name•       [08:33] Job 1:7 — The Satan Roaming the Earth•       [09:15] Can Divine Beings Sin? — Eliphaz's Observations (Job 4 & 15)•       [11:06] Why Does God Allow Evil? — Free Will and Love•       [13:00] Does Free Will Explain Natural Evil? — Romans 8 and the Curse•       [15:35] Philosophical Tensions — Can We Connect Specific Disasters to the Fall?•      [16:32] Cliffhanger — Continued in Episode 9Word Study: "Satan" in the Old TestamentThe Hebrew word "Satan" appears 27 times in the Old Testament:•       4 times as a verb meaning "to oppose" or "to accuse"•       5 times referring to a human adversary (e.g., an enemy of King Solomon in 1 Kings11)•       18 times referring to a spiritual being—14 of those are in the book of Job•       In Job, it always appears with an article ("the Satan")—a title/role,not a personal name•      The Greek translation (Septuagint) uses "Diabolos" (devil)—also a title meaning adversaryKey Scripture ReferencesJob 1:6-7 Job 4:17-19 Job 15:14-15 1 Kings 11 Genesis 3:17 ("cursed is the ground") Romans 8:19-22Connect With UsSubmit 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!

How did the serpent get into the Garden of Eden? It seems like a simple question—but the answer opens up much bigger questions about evil, suffering, and the spiritual world. In Part 1, Pastors Steve and Luke lay the groundwork by exploring what existed before creation: the Heavenly Host, the "sons of God" (Bene Elohim), and the unseen realm of divine beings. Drawing heavily from Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm, they examine what Scripture says about the hierarchy of the spiritual world and why God created beings with free will—setting the stage for the serpent's appearance in Genesis 3.People's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: "How did the serpent get into the garden?" (Genesis 3) — Continued in Episode 8Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction•       [01:00] How Did the Serpent Get Into the Garden? (Anonymous)•       [01:52] What Existed Before Creation? — The Heavenly Host•       [02:19] The Sons of God (Bene Elohim) — Job 38:4-7•       [05:44] How God and the Sons of God Relate — Psalm 82•       [07:02] Are These "Divine Beings" Polytheism? Clarifying the Hebrew•       [10:06] How Novel Is This Interpretation? On Michael Heiser•       [11:24] Humans as "Middle Creatures" — The Symmetry Between Heavenly and Earthly Sons of God•       [14:27]Free Will: The Key to the Serpent Question•      [15:47] Cliffhanger — Continued in Episode 8Resources MentionedThe Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser — A deep dive into the spiritual world and divine beings as described in ScripturePracticing Christian Doctrine by Beth Felker Jones — Includes the description of humans as "middle creatures" between the purely spiritual and purely physical   The Liberating Image by J. Richard Middleton — On humans bearing the divine image as vocationKey Scripture ReferencesJob 38:4-7Psalm 82:1Psalm 89Psalm 29Psalm 2Genesis 1 & 3Genesis 6Judges 10:6Colossians 1:16Jude2 PeterSubmit 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!

Raising hands, kneeling, dancing like David—is expressive worship something all Christians should do? In this episode, Pastor Steve and Pastor Chuck explore what worship really means (hint: it's more than singing!), dig into Hebrew words for praise from the Psalms, and discuss the story of David dancing before the Lord while his wife Michal watched in disgust. If you've ever felt self-conscious about being expressive in worship, this episode offers both biblical grounding and practical encouragement.People's Questions AnsweredFrom Cindy: "Growing up in church, I didn't see physical outward signs of worship (for example, raising of hands or dancing like David). Am I missing out in my worship? What scriptural guidance can you suggest?"Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction•       [00:56] Am I Missing Out in Worship? (Cindy's Question)•       [01:24] What Is Worship? — Romans 12:1-2•       [03:29] Worship in Spirit and Truth — John 4:23-24•       [06:46] Hebrew Words for Worship in the Psalms•       [10:50] David Dancing Before the Lord — 2 Samuel 6•       [14:08] What's Keeping You From Being More Expressive?•      [16:25] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsHebrew Words for Worship•       Halal — To brag, boast, celebrate, or "act clamorously foolish" (Psalm 150). This is where we get "Hallelujah."•       Barak — To kneel; to recognize one's position in relation to God (Psalm 95:6)•       Zamar — To sing praises (Psalm 7:17)•      Nephesh — Often translated "soul," but means the whole self— everything that I am (Psalm 103:1)Key Scripture ReferencesRomans 12:1-2John 4:23-24Hebrews 12:28Psalm 103:1Psalm 150Psalm 95:6Psalm 134:2Psalm 143:6Psalm 7:172 Samuel 6:14-221 Timothy 2:8Connect With UsSubmit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes.

You know Jesus has forgiven you—so why is it so hard to forgive yourself? In this episode, Pastor Steve and Jenny Elliott explore the roots of guilt and shame all the way back to the Garden of Eden, and offer practical tools for breaking free. They unpack the difference between conviction (from God) and condemnation (from the enemy), share four steps for overcoming shame, and remind us that Jesus literally "shamed shame" on the cross.People's Questions AnsweredFrom Josh: "Once you are saved and you sin, what are some ways that can help you forgive yourself? Understanding that Jesus has forgiven you, but you can't or have a hard time forgiving yourself."Episode Timestamps• [00:00] Introduction• [00:51] How Do You Forgive Yourself? (Josh's Question)• [01:16] Back to the Garden: Where Guilt and Shame Began• [03:51] Conviction vs. Condemnation• [06:14] Practical Steps for Overcoming Shame• [09:55] Seek Forgiveness from Others• [12:14] Jesus Shamed Shame — Hebrews 12:2• [13:29] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsFour Steps for Overcoming Shame1. Name it and normalize it — Bring shame into the light (Ephesians 5:13). Be vulnerable with safe people in your life.2. Practice self-compassion — Ask yourself, "Would Jesus be speaking to me the same way I'm speaking to myself?"3. Seek forgiveness — If your shame is tied to something you did to someone else, go to that person and ask for forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24).4. Remember that Jesus shamed shame — On the cross, Jesus scorned shame once and for all (Hebrews 12:2). Shame has no power over you.Resources Mentioned• The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson — Explores how shame affects our identity and how the gospel frees us from itKey Scripture ReferencesGenesis 3 (the Fall)Romans 2:4 • Ephesians 5:13John 8 (woman caught in adultery) • Ephesians 1-2 (identity in Christ)Matthew 5:23-24Romans 12:18Hebrews 12:2Connect With UsSubmit 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!

Episode 4Your Questions About the ChurchWhat is the church, really? Is it for believers only or for everyone? How is it different from a community organization? In this episode, Pastors Steve and Brian answer multiple listener questions about the nature of the church. They discuss the biblical definition of "church" (hint: it's not a building!), how to handle conflict and criticism, and give a brief history of how Christian denominations developed and when ordinary people first got access to the Bible.Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction•       [01:07] Is the Church for Believers or Unbelievers? (Greg's Question)•       [01:27] Defining "Church" — It's Not a Building•       [02:46] Ephesians 4 and Equipping the Saints•       [04:16] The Danger of "Believers Only" — Jesus Tore Down Walls•       [07:43] How Is the Church Different from a Community Organization? (Anonymous)•       [11:13] How Do You Handle Criticism and Conflict in the Church? (Anonymous)•       [14:10] When Did Denominations Develop & When Did People Get the Bible? (Josh's Question)•      [16:43] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsResources MentionedTurning Points: Decisive Moments in the History ofChristianity by Mark A. Noll — A bestselling introduction to church history organized around 14 key moments (4th Edition, Baker Academic)Key Scripture ReferencesEphesians 4:11-13 • 1 Corinthians 14:23 • Matthew 18 • Ephesians 2 (the dividing wall)People's Questions AnsweredFrom Greg: "Is the church in worship for the regenerate or the unregenerate?"Anonymous: "How can the local church attain its calling to be a spiritual community... rather than being merely a human community such as fraternal organizations?"Anonymous: "How do you handle criticism or conflict in the church body? Is this frequent in a church our size?"From Josh: "When did different denominations start developing? And when did people roughly start having access to the Bible?"Connect With UsSubmit 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!

When is saving for the future wise, and when does it become selfish? Is it okay to buy nice things for yourself? In this episode, Pastors Steve and Jeff tackle a thoughtful questionabout stewardship, exploring the tension between scarcity and greed. They discuss what the Bible says about enjoying God's blessings while also being generous, and why there's no simple "level" that makes you right with God—it's a matter of the heart and listening to the Holy Spirit.Episode Timestamps•       [00:00] Introduction•       [00:53] Why Money Is an Important Topic•       [02:36] The Question: Wise vs. Selfish Stewardship (Anonymous)•       [03:50] Two Extremes: Scarcity vs. Greed•       [05:43] 1 Timothy 6:17-19 — Enjoying and Sharing•       [07:16] Answering Part 1: How Do We Know If We're Being Wise?•       [11:06] Answering Part 2: Is There a "Level" That Displeases God?•       [12:23] 2 Corinthians 8-9 — The Generosity of Jesus•      [14:22] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsResources MentionedThe Treasure Principle by Randy AlcornKey Scripture ReferencesMatthew 6:25-27 Proverbs 6(the ant) 1 Timothy 6:17-19 • 2 Corinthians 8-9People's Questions AnsweredAnonymous: "When wepurchase anything that is beyond a necessity or save for retirement, how do we know if we are being wise or selfish stewards of the money God has entrusted to us? I'm wondering if there is a level of buying things for ourselves or saving for ourselves that would be displeasing to God."Connect With UsSubmit your questions at https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text "podcast" to 217-546-4818.Subscribe and leave a review!

If God doesn't change (Malachi 3:6), why don't Christians celebrate the feasts described in Leviticus 23? In this episode, Pastors Steve and Luke walk through all seven Old Testament feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Booths—and explain how Jesus fulfilled (or will fulfill) each one. Learn what "typology" means and discover why these ancient festivals point directly to Christ's life, death, resurrection, and return.Episode Timestamps• [00:00] Introduction• [00:32] The Question: Why Don't Christians Celebrate the Feasts?• [01:12] What Are the Feasts? (Leviticus 23)• [03:16] Jesus Fulfills the Feasts — Typology Explained• [04:49] How Each Feast Points to Christ• [11:25] Why You Can't Celebrate These Feasts Biblically Today• [13:34] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsResources Mentioned• Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord by L. Michael Morales — A deep dive into Leviticus and the Day of AtonementKey Scripture ReferencesLeviticus 23 • Malachi 3:6 • Colossians 2:16-17 • 1 Corinthians 5:7 • 1 Corinthians 15:20 • Hebrews 9:11-12 • Matthew 24:31 • John 1:14 • Revelation 21:3 • Galatians 3 & 5Connect With UsSubmit your questions at https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text "podcast" to 217-546-4818.

Welcome to the very firstepisode of The Midweek! In this inaugural episode, Pastors Steve and Lukeanswer questions from Amber, Michelle, and April. They share their favoriteresources for biblical study, then dive into one of the most perplexing passagesin 1 John: "the sin that leads to death." What does John mean? Is ita specific sin like murder? The unpardonable sin? Apostasy? Join us as weexplore five different scholarly interpretations and discover what thischallenging text means for believers today.•       [00:00]Introduction•       [00:43]Bible Study Resources & Recommendations (Amber's Question)•       [04:04]What Is "The Sin That Leads to Death"? (Michelle's Question)•       [08:55]Once Saved, Always Saved? (April's Question)•      [20:26] Closing & How to Submit QuestionsBest Commentaries — Rankings and reviews of biblical commentaries•       The Bible Project — Videos, podcasts,articles, and curriculum on Scripture•       Zondervan IllustratedBible Dictionary (available at the church's Resource Center)•       The Drama of Scripture (available at thechurch's Resource Center)•       Pocket Dictionary ofBiblical StudiesHave a question for a future episode? Submit it through thelink in the show notes!Find us on Spotify and ApplePodcasts.Episode TimestampsResources MentionedConnect With Us

In The Midweek, we seek to move beyond Sunday sermons into answering your questions from a Biblical perspective as we seek to live the way of Jesus from Monday to Sunday. In this Preview episode, Pastors Steve and Luke discuss what the podcast is about and how to submit questions for future The Midweek podcast episodes.