Cru Chatts

The Parable of the Weeds concludes our teaching series of parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God. In this severe parable, Jesus points His followers to the reality of a coming judgement at the end of the age. At that time, God will separate out all causes of sin and all lawbreakers from the world and gather His people together who He has saved by grace. This parable challenges us to live more in light of the coming judgement by being teachable, trusting in Jesus for forgiveness, and telling others how they can also be saved by grace through faith.

EVERYONE on campus is looking forward to Winter Break! But have you ever had a break that was so filled with doing nothing or so much holiday craziness that you didn't come back to campus feeling rested or refreshed? Isaiah 40 tells us that "those who wait on the Lord" renew their strength--over breaks or a busy semester. On this episode Cru staff Sarah and Hanna share ideas for making your break one that is truly refreshing to the soul.

Paul continues our series on the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. This parable reminds us of the depth of God's mercy and grace towards us, and how God's mercy should move us to be merciful and forgiving towards others as well.

"Who am I?" is a nagging question of identity that all of us are seeking to answer. When we try to find our identity in anything other than in what Jesus has done for us, we lack a stable sense of identity and tend to fall into pride or shame. On this episode, staff member Katie shares her journey in embracing her identity in Christ, and various Cru students share Bible verses to remind believers of their secure identity in Christ!

Jason continues our series on the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God. When Jesus is at a dinner party, one man comments about how great it will be for everyone who gets to eat in the Kingdom of God, and Jesus responds with this surprising parable about who will actually be present at the Great Banquet at the end of time.

We all go through conflict in our relationships, and when we are able to lovingly resolve our conflict, it can actually serve to deepen our relationships. But dealing with conflict is HARD! On this episode, Jason and Peyton share great insight on how to have authentic communication and resolve conflict so that we can experience harmony and honor God in our relationships.

Jesus used the Parable of the Persistent Widow to teach His followers that they should always pray and should not give up going to their Heavenly Father in prayer. 2015 Cru alumnus AJ Davis helps us better understand what it means to persist in prayer.

Paul continues our series on the parables by teaching from the parable of the Prodigal Son. In this message, Paul takes a closer look at how the Older Son, usually seen as the better and more responsible son, is also missing out on loving his father for who he is.

This semester we're learning from the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God. What does is mean to steward your time, talents, treasure, relationships, and the Gospel itself? How does God want us to use those things? Tim shares perspective in this episode from the Parable of the Dishonest Manager.

Jesus commanded, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship is crucial in following Christ. How can we be a part of that as college students? Special guest Roger Hershey shares about why we participate in discipleship as well as the right attitudes and content for discipleship. Roger has been involved in discipling men for 50 years now, and shared so much great insight on this episode! If you want to learn more or get involved in discipleship, email chattanoogacru@gmail.com.

Our series through the parables continues with Sam Greer teaching us valuable lessons from the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Parables were important tools that Jesus Christ used to teach about the Kingdom of God. Sam Greer is the pastor of Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga.

"Discipleship" means "learning" in a broad context, and in this episode, Paul, Derek and Lauren discuss how the culture around us is discipling all people--including Christians--more than we would like to think. Digital marketing experts estimate that most Americans are exposed to around 6,000 to 10,000 persuasive messages each day. In this episode we share some of the effects of this as well as practical tips and questions you can ask to avoid passively adopting beliefs and values that are not biblical.

Jason continues our series on the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God. In this parable, there are four responses that people have to the Word of God, which Jason explains, and helps us examine what our response is to God's Word.

A lot of us miss out on knowing God and His ways deeply because we either don't prioritize the Bible or we just don't know how to stick with reading and studying it. On this episode, Cru Staff Jennifer and seniors Matt and Sarah share their experiences and how you can grow a love for God's Word that could change your life! Helpful books and resources Jennifer suggests are "How to Study a Passage of Scripture", Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin, Joshua: A Focus on the Bible Commentary by Dale Ralph Davis, The Bible Recap Podcast & Plan, and "Hearing the Music of the Gospel".   

Continuing in the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God, guest speaker Dylan Young from Longhollow Baptist Church teaches us about prayer as God intended it--connecting with our Heavenly Father constantly and boldly asking for the help we need. He also talks about God may be accomplishing when we think our prayers are "unanswered."

The word "Gospel" is used in churches and at Cru all the time because it is the heart of true Christianity. But do we understand it enough to explain it? On this episode, Cru staff Jason, Peyton and Lauren discuss the Gospel in the Bible's entire storyline of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. Jason and Peyton also do a "Rapid Fire" round explaining what words like God, Sin, Judgement, Grace, Works, Atonement, Repentance, Faith, Adoption, and Eternal Life mean in Christian context. How To Know God: www.thefour.com

What does it mean to be "rich towards God"? Paul continues our series on the Parables Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God with the parable of the Rich Fool teaching us to live for what matters most.

None of us is a stranger to anxiety. On this episode Cru staff members Jason and Savannah share their very real experiences with anxiety, and Jason shares ways that we can address the "soul issues" underlying much of our anxiety. Jason references Psalm 46 in his story. Email chattanoogacru@gmail.com for more resources or to talk to someone about anxiety.

Jason continues our series through the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God with "The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector" from Luke 18:9-14.

On this episode six Cru Bible Study leaders share their advice and how to avoid common "freshman mistakes" in six areas of life: Academics, Physical Health, Relationships, Finances, and Spiritual Life.  

Paul continues our teaching series through the parables that Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37.

In March, pastor and author John Piper released a book, "Coronavirus and Christ" where he shares six possible answers to the question, "What is God doing through the coronavirus?"  Staff members Jason, Derek, and Lauren discuss the book and these six central thoughts. 6:11 - 1. A physical picture of sin 9:39 - 2. Calling God's people to do good 11:53 - 3. Calling people to be ready for the second coming of Christ 15:31 - 4. Calling people to repent and realign our lives with Christ 19:13 - 5. Some people infected as a specific judgment 22:03 - 6. Shaking Christians to take the Gospel to the unreached parts of the world

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46 In our first teaching episode, Jason will be teaching on how what we treasure impacts every part of our lives, and why God in Jesus Christ is the ultimate treasure our hearts need.

Team Leaders Paul and Jason share about the history, vision, and current reality of Cru. Cru is an interdenominational Christian campus ministry that is committed to connecting the campus to Christ that started in 1951 and came to Chattanooga in 2007. In this episode you'll also meet staff members Lauren, Savannah, Peyton, Katie, Derek, Sarah and Sydney. 

COVID-19 has altered the way we do everything. Previously with Cru at UTC and Chatt State, we enjoyed meeting together as 150+ people on Thursday nights. It was like one big weekly family gathering! Because we cannot be physically present together like that for the foreseeable future, we're bringing Chatt Cru a weekly podcast to connect you to others involved in Cru, equip and establish believers in the Christian faith, and make you aware of everything happening in Cru. We are trusting the Lord in this season and so eager to start Cru Chatts in the Fall 2020 semester!