Living The Message

We've heard that we're children of God, but why is it so hard to live as a child of God? Why can that identity feel elusive? In this final conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric wrap up our series on Identity Traps and look to what's next for the podcast. They also address key questions from the sermon, including: Can you define orphan-heartedness again? (0:40) Question from the audience—Deborah asks: “I am an educational psychologist/therapist, and I can tell you 95% of the cases I see boil down to an identity issue. Even when we know this information in our head, why is it so difficult to get it in our hearts? Is it the conflicting messages of the world just so loud that it drowns out the truth? It just seems we have such trouble applying this spiritual reality in our lives.” (3:54) Have you known anyone who truly lives like a child of God? (17:15) Are there any practices that you would recommend for developing that “child of God heart”? (20:39) As we wrap up our series, what changes are we looking forward to in the future? (25:18) Sermon for this episode: https://youtu.be/uXJlc0k2gpU For more info about The Moody Church, visit https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new  

We all want happiness, but it always seems to be just around the corner. How can we ever find the satisfaction our hearts long for? In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss Solomon's identity trap, seeking satisfaction through possessions. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What was King Solomon's identity trap? (1:10) David was preparing for the temple, so did that help with lead time for Solomon? Should we make a big deal about it taking so long? (2:24) Do you have to be wealthy to be consumed by your possessions? Or is this an identity trap that can apply to all economic demographics? (7:14) If you are wealthy, how should you steward that? How should Solomon have stewarded his wealth? (9:44) What does it look like to live with open hands? (15:20) Solomon seems to be making people into possessions. Can you comment on how we might commodify people today? (20:36) What resources in the gospel help us with this deep identity need for satisfaction? (24:16) Sermon video is available here: https://youtu.be/5YAN8W5X9bw  Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org  

Are you a control freak? Is your greatest fear being out of control? In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss the identity trap of seeking satisfaction through power. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What is Naomi's core identity trap? (3:30) Are there other ways we look for satisfaction through power? (6:58) How do we know if we've fallen into this identity trap? (10:19) Question from the audience: How does Levirate marriage work in practice, and does the relationship between Ruth and Boaz follow that pattern? (14:21) What resources in the Gospel help us with this deep identity need for satisfaction? (23:10) Watch the sermon for this episode here: https://youtu.be/VV5A1MnwKl8 Questions for Living The Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org  

When will you be happy? We're all looking for happiness, but where do we find it? In this episode, we explore a how to find a happiness that satisfies. In this conversation Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss the identity trap of the Samaritan woman at the well. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What was her identity trap? 0:39 Remarkably, the Samaritan woman seems glad that Jesus knows her past. Why does she respond with gladness to Jesus when her sins are exposed? 1:30 Are there other ways we look for satisfaction through people? 7:47 How do we know if we've fallen into this identity trap? 9:08 The disciples were probably caught off guard seeing Jesus talk to a woman alone, let alone a Samaritan woman! But v27 says they held back their questions, what do you think the trap they're avoiding is? 12:48 What resources in the Gospel help us with our deep identity need for satisfaction? 16:00 What practical advice would you give someone who are struggling with finding satisfaction through people? 19:57 Sermon for this episode: https://youtu.be/MaEPHfIBbT0 Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org  

Where do you turn when you're in a bind? Naaman was a wealthy general who turned to his possessions to get him out of difficult situations. But in the end, he found that true security must be provided by God. In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss how we can fall into the identity trap of seeking security through possessions. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What is Naaman's identity trap? (1:10) Are there other ways we look to possessions for security? (4:35) How do we know if we've fallen into this identity trap? (7:50) In Naaman's story, God works in some very strange ways, some of which seem like amazing coincidences that work out perfectly. What should we make of this? (11:05) Why did Naaman want to buy-out his healing? (16:26) How can our hearts become resistant to grace? (21:49) What resources in the Gospel help us with our need for security? (25:36) Sermon for this episode: https://youtu.be/N9qLdSDDJRo Questions can be submitted to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org  

What security blankets are you holding onto? Stay tuned as we learn how to let go of our security blankets and take hold of our security in Jesus. In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss Gideon's identity trap: seeking security through power. They address key questions from the sermon including: What is Gideon's identity trap? (1:20) What common ways do we look to power for security? (5:40) How do we know if we've fallen into this identity trap? (11:35) How are the fleeces in Gideon's story about power? (14:20) What would you say to the person putting out fleeces to get an answer from God? (17:16) How do we get out of the trap? (21:45) What resources in the gospel help us with our deep identity need for security? (25:55) The sermon for this episode is available at: https://youtu.be/7WqutXKK6YY Questions for living the message can be emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.  

Do you struggle to be yourself around others? If so, you may have fallen into the identity of trap seeking security through people. In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss Esther's identity trap. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What is Esther's identity trap? (3:58) Esther was looking to the king for security. Are there other common ways we look to people for security? (7:50) How do we know if we've fallen into this identity trap? (11:05) How do we get out of the trap? (15:25) What resources in the Gospel help us with our deep identity need for security? (19:45) The sermon for this episode is available at: https://youtu.be/cyauelwzMsI Questions for living the message can be emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org  

In this episode, we discuss how Zacchaeus pursued significance through possessions. We addressed key questions from the sermon, including: What identity trap does Zacchaeus struggle with? What are the signs in our lives that possessions have a hold of us? What does this story say to those who have wealth and are pursuing generosity? Why are we prone to take God's intimate knowledge of us for granted? What resources in the Gospel help us with our need for significance through possessions? The sermon for this episode can be found at https://youtu.be/eBlXsvO6IHs. Questions about Living the Message can be emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org. 

Are you a control freak, or do you know one? In this episode, we discuss Jacob's disposition to seeking significance through power. We addressed key questions from the sermon, including: What is Jacob's identity trap? (0:40) How do we define power? (2:58) How does Jacob get out of this trap? (3:37) Are there other ways we can seek significance through power? (7:52) Is it OK to make things happen? How do we know if we're falling into a power identity trap or if we're just working hard to make a difference? (10:06) What are some practical ways to move out of the trap? (14:55) What resources in the gospel can we apply to this identity trap? (17:58) The sermon for this episode can be found at: https://youtu.be/Gz-UTb94qnc Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.  

Does approval from others give you a sense of importance? What are some practical ways we can avoid this identity trap? In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss the identity trap of finding significance through other people. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What is Joseph's primary identity trap? (1:05) How does Joseph get out of the trap? (2:17) Is Joseph's actions towards his brothers born out of sinfulness or shrewdness? (6:00) Why does Benjamin receive a greater share when Joseph knows his brothers are prone to jealousy? (11:11) What other ways can we seek significance and approval from others? (14:24) Our culture is dominated by platforms designed to pursue the approval of others. For those of us who struggle with this area of significance, how can we diagnose if we've fallen into this identity trap? (16:13) How do we get out of this identity trap? (18:46) What resources in the Gospel are helpful for us to apply? (22:04) What are some practical ways we can rid ourselves of things that get in the way of God's approval? (25:35) The sermon for this episode is available here: https://youtu.be/8UZohML9_qo Questions for the podcast can be emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Who are you, and where do you get your identity? In this episode, we'll find where we can get the greatest identity we can ever have.    In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss how to diagnose our own identity traps by mapping our hearts. We'll discover a way to determine who we are, how we're wired, and how we can stay on track with our God-given identity.    They address key questions from the sermon, including:    1) How would you define identity?  (1:39)   2) Why is talking about an identity important? Can't we just repent, believe, and move on? (4:30)   3) Is it wrong to want significance, security, and satisfaction? (9:50)    4) What is the right way to pursue them? (11:45)   5) Is there hope for getting these three things in the right way while on earth? (15:23)   6) What's the first step we can take for moving towards our true identity? (21:05)   A graphic map of our hearts used in the sermon is available at: https://moodyaudiobucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/audios/2023/01/05143926/Mapping-Our-Hearts-scaled.jpg   To watch the sermon for this episode, visit https://youtu.be/brEuXtdLO4I   Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org. 

Away from the manger...our little Lord fled. The Christmas holiday holds such incredible beauty, but the original story is also filled with deep brokenness. How can we reconcile these two competing themes?   In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss the Holy Family's flight to Egypt and how that event can help us deal with post-Christmas letdown. They address key questions from the sermon, including:    1) What does Jesus' exile to Egypt teach us today? (5:11)   2) How should this truth affect us who may live a life of relative ease? (9:13)   3) Jesus was despised. How we think of family and friends who think we're backwards and simple for being a Christian? (15:20)   4) How does this passage help us to cope with Christmas letdown? (20:14)   Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org   For more information about The Moody Church, visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new

Who are the wise men, and how do we seek and follow God without a star to guide us? In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss the lessons of the three kings from Matthew 2. We also discuss important questions from the sermon including: Why is cultural context so important? (1:45) Is God still working today like that He was in the prophecies of the Old Testament? (8:45) How should we be seeking an invisible God today? (12:50) How should we follow God's leading in our lives? (17:14) How do we live a life of listening, welcoming, and seeking? (22:30) For people who are seeking God, what does it mean if God appears to remain hidden to them? (26:00) Is Jesus seeking the lost, even if He knows their hearts aren't open? (28:47) How should God's character—knowable, findable, receivable—impact how we approach evangelism? (30:40) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/99Zj1iI6nLA Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org  

When your dreams are shattered, how do you pick them up and give them to God? Joseph is a Bible character that doesn't get a lot of attention in the Christmas story, but his courageous choices deserve high honor. In this conversation, we discuss how Joseph and Mary gave God their shattered dreams and found new hope for their future. We also discuss questions from the sermon, including: How would Joseph have understood the reference to the Holy Spirit in verse 20? (3:57) How do we give God our mess? (7:32) What's the difference between trust, apathy, and avoidance? (11:30) How would Mary and Joseph been treated by their community? (16:10) What steps should someone take if their dreams are shattered? How do we give God our unknowns? (20:58) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/Cj7wsdHaefw Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org For more information about The Moody Church, visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new

What do Taylor Swift, Herod, Spider Man, and the genealogy of Jesus all have in common? In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss Matthew's genealogy of Jesus and how to live out lessons from this unique historical time line. They address key questions from the sermon, including: How accurate is the genealogy timeline? Were any generations skipped over? (2:52) Who is your favorite super hero? And why do we love super heroes so much? (8:29) We all want to be the hero in our story, but always come up short of expectations. What should we do when we realize that we're not super heroes? (12:00) Why does our culture root for the anti-hero? (15:55) In an anti-hero culture, how do we help people to see the beauty of a real hero? (20:25) Would Jesus be a better hero if he didn't have to die? (25:10) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/D9hXivAT_j8 Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org For more information about The Moody Church, visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new

Just like Jonah, God has sent you to your city. How do you share the heart of God for your city? In this conversation, Pastor Philip and Pastor Eric discuss big takeaways from the Book of Jonah. The core message of Jonah is about cultivating a heart for people who are far from God. God showed Jonah His love for the city of Nineveh, and he wanted Jonah to have a heart like that too. There are six major takeaways (3 Do's and 3 Don'ts) for us to develop a heart for our own city: Don't run the other way. (5:40) Don't call down condemnation. (10:16) Don't make it “Us vs Them.” (16:04) Do serve with sacrificial love. (19:54) Do speak grace and truth. (23:35) Do keep the Gospel central. (26:43) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/WRNPG5CW0BU Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org For more information about The Moody Church, visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new

Nineveh greatly needed God's forgiveness. What if we're more like Nineveh than we realize? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss Jonah 3 and the topic of repentance. They answer important questions from the sermon, including: In what ways are we like Nineveh? (2:45) What's the difference between repentance, sorrow, and fear? (9:02) Why would the king of Nineveh have herds/beasts also wear sackcloth and fast? Is it because the image of such creatures also represented their other (false) gods? (13:48) What's the difference between an individual's and a community's repentance? (17:34) What lies do we tell ourselves that keep us from repenting? (27:10) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/2WMJengDPoQ Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

Have you ever felt far from God, distressed and overwhelmed? The story of Jonah teaches us how we can find our way back to God. In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric relate Jonah's distress in the belly of the fish to our need for redemption today. Key questions include: How can distress feed our faith? (1:42) How does scripture help us anchor our soul? (5:23) Why does Jonah say that he expect to see God in the temple? (8:38) How do we make idols out of good things? (12:22) How do we know if we've put our idols above God? (18:12) How can we pray, like Jonah, that "Thanksgiving, sacrifice, and salvation belongs to the Lord"? (20:10) If we've been running away from God, how do we yield and rededicate ourselves to the Lord? (22:44) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/MWJ89RtNgGA Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org For more information about The Moody Church, visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new

Like Jonah, we all experience storms in our lives. How do we know if the storm is God trying to get our attention? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric continue the discussion of our series through the Book of Jonah. We'll see that grace is holding out hope in God's call to come home. They cover key questions from the most recent sermon, including: Why was Jonah sleeping in the boat during the storm? (1:00) How do we know if we are ignoring God like Jonah did in this passage? (4:03) How do we know if a storm is intended to get our attention, or if it's just a part of normal life? (7:18) How do we avoid a karma-like mindset? (10:30) What if the sin in your life doesn't lead to a storm? (13:53) How do you help others see the storm in their lives? (19:56) Watch the sermon for this episode at: https://youtu.be/_5Z8p7kYvMQ Questions for Living the Message can be emailed to: livingthemessage@moodychurch.org For more information about The Moody Church, visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Jonah was sent by God to a a nation that didn't deserve a second chance. Jonah is a story that is often misunderstood and misread, but it holds some incredible truths for our lives today. In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss our new series, Relentless, where we explore God's unrelenting grace for undeserving people. They address some important questions from the sermon, including: Why would God send Jonah to Nineveh? And why then? (1:45) Is the culture today irredeemable? (5:45) How can we grow in awareness of our prejudices? (9:35) Jonah's a prophet. How did he think he could run from God? Do we do this and not realize it? (13:30) How do we know if God is calling us to something and we're running away? (20:33) Watch the sermon for this episode: https://youtu.be/0vPeiNRNv6Q For more information about The Moody Church visit, https://www.moodychurch.org/im-new. Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Changing the world seems like an impossible endeavor, but what if Jesus is simply calling you to change your world? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss what it means to change your world through mission as an ambassador for Christ. They address key questions from the sermon, including: What does it means to be an ambassador? (0:45) Why do we build a divide between the sacred and secular callings? (4:19) What do you say to someone who says “preach the gospel always and if necessary use words”? Do we have to speak the Gospel in order to be ambassadors? (8:24) Is this something we can opt-out of? (15:10) Why is it so important we get this right? (19:35) How do we start? (22:45) Watch the sermon for this episode here: https://youtu.be/xAhhE_agYoA To learn more about The Journey of a Lifetime visit: https://www.moodychurch.org/journey. Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

Jesus tells the disciples to wash each other's feet. What's the modern day equivalent of this act of service? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric talk about Jesus modeling service through washing the disciples feet. They address key questions from the recent sermon that apply to our lives today, including: What is Jesus trying to tell us by washing the disciples' feet, and should we do it today? (1:30) What do you think Jesus would do today to model “washing feet”? (5:58) What are some examples of serving people who are hard to love? (8:10) How do we battle our ego when it tells us not to serve others? (11:45) How do we know if our ego is misguided towards towards service? (15:49) Who are the “one another's” that we are supposed to be loving? (19:36) What are some ways we can take the next step to serve? (24:40) Watch the sermon from this episode here: https://youtu.be/ZAUquAYCUjY To learn more about our series, The Journey of a Lifetime, including a link to download the weekly devotional, visit https://www.moodychurch.org/journey If you'd like to take the next step into service at our church, you can find a list of opportunities on our website: https://www.moodychurch.org/opportunity-finder. Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

What is so important about in-person community? Can online community accomplish the same thing? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss what it means to feed our souls through community. The root of the word community is communion, which has a horizontal and vertical component. While we abide in Jesus vertically, we also connect with the Body of Christ horizontally. Our souls are starving not just for an abiding relationship with God but also for relationship with others. Key questions from this episode include: How do we feed our soul in community? (0:45) Is online community an acceptable replacement for in-person community? (5:06) Does the physical distance of online community affect our souls? (8:55) For those who feel that church isn't a safe place for them to engage in relationships, what's their path to healing? (14:40) For those who want to take a next step towards community, where should they start? (21:39) To learn more about our series, The Journey of a Lifetime, including a link to download the weekly devotional, visit https://www.moodychurch.org/journey. If you'd like to join one of our Communities at The Moody Church, you can find a list of them here: https://www.moodychurch.org/community Questions for Living the Message can be sent to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

What does it mean to come alive in worship? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss our new series, The Journey of a Lifetime, exploring what it means to answer Jesus' invitation to follow Him. And today's topic is about what it means to know God through worship: What does it mean to “come alive in worship?” (1:54) How do we avoid worshipping a god made making in our image rather than knowing God as He really is? (5:12) What should a person do if they feel stuck in knowing God and haven't experienced a breakthrough moment in their pursuit of Him? (8:15) In the parable of the Prodigal Son, which brother are we supposed to relate to? (14:59) How do we go from knowledge of God to true worship of God? (22:12) To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here https://youtu.be/b4yDtbdIuOw For more information about "The Journey of a Lifetime," visit https://www.moodychurch.org/journey/ Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric hosted a special LIVE event following the Sunday morning service. They wrapped up our sermon series, The Upside-Down Kingdom, and took questions from the audience about the entire Sermon on the Mount. Check it out! To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here https://youtu.be/SUwMvNnFwK0 If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe and give us a like! Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org. Living The Message can be listened to on Apple Podcast and Spotify, and can be watched on our The Moody Church YouTube channel. 

What if there is a different road Jesus is calling us to? In this episode, Pastors Eric and Philip discuss both the wide and narrow roads, and you may be surprised by their answer. They also address important questions from the sermon sent in by our listeners: People have typically thought of the wide road (as opposed to the narrow roads) as referring to the worldliness, but you interpret it as pharisaical religious moralism, why? Why have people so often thought of the wide road as worldly? The wide road is supposedly easy but being moral and religious is not easy. How is the pharisaical life easy? How do you know if you're living a life of surrender versus a life of moralism? Jesus tells us to be hearers and doers of His word (Matt. 7:24), but how is this statement not moralistic/works-based? How can we disciple people toward the Way of Jesus as opposed to the moral way? How can I know if I'm really saved? To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here https://youtu.be/hcVcrD3fDxo Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

What is love, what does love do, and how can we pursue a virtuous life of love? Join Pastors Philip and Eric as they discuss Jesus' message on love from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:12). To love like Jesus is to willingly lay down our rights for the sake of someone else. They'll address key questions from the sermon, including: What is love and what does love do? (2:49) Is it possible to love too much? (10:02) Does love need to be reciprocal? (14:42) Why is it so unhelpful to say “love the sinner, hate the sin?” (21:30) How should we love the unlovable? (27:28) Special Announcement! (32:36) To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/iDVrIidB_hI Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Jesus said "judge not lest you be judged." But how can we gently rebuke other people without being judgmental? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss a matter of the heart and how we treat other people. Jesus contrasts two kinds of hearts: the graceless, self-righteous heart of the Pharisees, and the grace-filled, righteous heart of a child of God. The kind of heart you have affects how you treat other people. They also address key questions from the sermon: How do we rebuke others without being judgmental? (3:35) If we shouldn't judge others, how are we supposed to discern good/bad people? (5:44) Why is Matthew 7:7 (ask, seek, knock) often taken out of context? (9:15) Does God override our will by changing our heart? (13:12) Is the way we treat others a reflection of how much grace we receive from God? (16:17) How does one receive grace from God on a daily basis? (18:30) Are there any practical steps someone can do to become more grace-filled? (23:23) If we are more sensitive to the sins of others instead of our own, how do we change our perspective? (27:40) To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/LcT6Pb7bkRw. Questions for Living The Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Is anxiety always a sin? Or can it be good in other circumstances? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric talk about cultivating a life free from worry in the Kingdom of Heaven. They address specific questions from the sermon: Can anxiety become sin? (1:48) Under what circumstances can anxiety be OK? (5:23) Why are food and clothing the focus of Jesus' teaching on worry? (10:08) How does this passage apply to people with anxiety disorders? (14:30) What are some practical approaches to tackling anxiety? (18:22)   Takeaway: To overcome anxiety in our life, we need to get closer to the heart of God. To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/ulOev1dR9T4 Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

How do we change our desire for money so that we want to invest in the things of heaven? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss the passage from Matthew 6:19-24 about investing in the treasures of heaven and the importance of refocusing how we think about our money, energy, and time. At our core, everyone wants security, significance, and satisfaction. The problem is that we try to satisfy these core needs with money and not God. Giving trains our souls by releasing our earthly treasures in a way that demonstrates our heart's desire for God. Through generosity, we gain freedom over money and train our appetites for the things of heaven. They address important questions from the sermon, including: Why does Jesus talk about money instead of a topic like our time? Why is money the focus? 2:40 Why does money have such a tight hold on our hearts? 4:48 What does it look like to be devoted to God instead of money? 11:32 How do we balance investing in the things of heaven, while caring for our responsibilities here on earth? 14:38 How do we train our heart to the right kind of treasures? 18:08 How do we lessen our desire for money and live for heavenly treasure? 28:04   To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/pQS_YyOFYQw Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org. 

In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss the topic of fasting. What is the purpose of fasting? Is it about changing Gods mind, or your own? And can we manipulate God through fasting? These are just some of the questions we'll be dealing with on this episode. Fasting is a tool in the tool chest of spiritual formation bringing us into closer conformity to the image of God. At its core, fasting is about self-denial, which is a very counter cultural concept. It helps to sharpen our earnestness in prayer as we bring our spiritual needs before God. Questions from the sermon: Does fasting make our prayers more effective? (4:41) Is fasting manipulative of God? (7:08) How do you fast well as an individual in a communal spiritual family? (9:16) How can people use their lunch hour during a day of fasting? (12:21) What allowances can we make for ourselves during a fast? (14:30) How should people who struggle with negative associations with food approach fasting in a healthy way? (17:54) Should we implement a regular fast from non-food items in our spiritual walk? (22:33) How can we train our kids to learn to fast? (27:03)   To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/ACh_kR1I7EE If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe and give us a like! Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

As we've been going line by line through The Lords's Prayer for the past six weeks, it's possible to miss the forest for the trees. So, in this convo, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss the most life changing surprises from this prayer. The Father's Heart (2:46): How can we feel close to our Heavenly Father in prayer when He can seem so distant at times? Remember that we're not spiritually immature if we don't always feel close to God. Jesus is retooling our approach to speaking to God the Father, reminding us that He's for us and desires to hear from us. Prayer Change Us (12:36): How do we live in the balance of praying for something and allowing prayer to also change our hearts? If you feel like your prayers aren't working, God may in fact be working on you. When we pray, we are processing the world in a way that is really beneficial to us. So, if your world isn't changing because of your prayers, remember that that isn't the ultimate goal. God intends for prayer to work its transformation first and foremost on us. A Greater Story (22:03): The Lord's Prayer teaches us to lose ourselves in the grandeur of God, where our stories become a part of God's greater story. And the most amazing part is that we're invited to join Him on mission, to be a part of His kingdom story. To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/CrzZ3EUEEQM Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

What is temptation, how do we pray against evil, and what resources do we have pursue victory over spiritual warfare? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric explore the confusing phrase “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” We'll learn what the original text means and how to apply it in a variety of cases. They also address important questions from the sermon: Did the devil make me do it? Or should we blame God? 2:45 What is temptation, and how do we understand that term? 6:25 Can testing ever be a good thing? 9:45 Why do we pray to be delivered from evil? 15:40 Are we praying against evil in general, or against the "Evil One"? 18:45 How much should Christians be thinking about spiritual warfare? 20:50 What are practical ways to pray against spiritual warfare? 26:07 What does a model prayer of deliverance look like? 32:25 To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/3XMQJwlZfKk Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

Forgiveness is hard for all of us. Can you forgive someone when they haven't yet repented? How do you forgive someone who hasn't repented? And how do you begin the process of forgiveness when your wounds feel too deep? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss what it looks like in practice to pray "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" from The Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:12. True forgiveness means to pay a debt in full and be done with it. But applying that to our lives can be a complicated endeavor. To unpack this topic, they address important questions from the sermon: How can we forgive someone and still leave room for justice? 1:37 Is repentance necessary for forgiveness? 9:06 Why is pride a root issue for forgiveness? 14:29 What approach should someone take if they feel unable to forgive someone due to deep hurt? 20:47 Why do some version of the Lord's Prayer use "trespasses" instead of "debts"? 23:13 What do we gain by forgiving others? What are the costs of not forgiving? 27:57   To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/n-FVq5uZvzw Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org 

Jesus tells us to pray “give us this day our daily bread,” but how does that work? Does it mean that we don't have to work at all, just pray? And how do we make sense of the fact that sometimes the prayers of Christians for basic needs are not answered? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss what it means to pray for “our daily bread” and why it is important for us to have the right context for this passage. When Jesus shared this prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, He was attempting to reorient our hearts to a bigger reality than our basic daily needs. He wanted us to see that we are beings created to be tethered to God, dependent on Him for our physical and spiritual nourishment. And so, praying for our daily needs is a natural extension of our created order. We can lift up our physical and spiritual needs to God with confidence that He cares. They also took questions from the audience: How would Jesus' original audience have understood the term “daily bread?” 4:22 How do we pray this prayer in practice? 7:29 Where is the line between praying for our daily bread and working for our daily bread? 9:07 How much should we emphasize praying for the needs of others? 11:45 Can we become overly concerned with the prayer needs of others? 14:57 How do we make sense about the issue of Christians who pray for daily needs that aren't met? 18:45 To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/rEns4q6ZYBs  Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

Do you come to God in prayer with an agenda of your own? Or do you pray for God's will to be done in your life and in the lives of those around you? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric explore how to reform our prayers to a Kingdom mindset. This simple shift that can have profound effects on our prayer life. In this conversation, they discuss what it means to pray for "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" from Matthew 6:10. When we pray this phrase, we're attempting to sync up our agenda on earth with the Heavenly agenda. They also answer important questions from listeners about the sermon: What reason do we have to engage in social and political action on earth as we await Jesus' return? 6:48 What is the "Kingdom" that we are praying for? 13:47 How should a person submit their life to God in prayer? 16:31 What if we feel like submission to God makes our prayers weaker? 19:10 What are Pastor Philip's biggest takeaways from this passage? 21:20   To watch the sermon for this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/kbUtoCskJN0 Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Are you praying the right way? Many of us wonder if we're using the right words, or if God is even hearing us. The good news: Jesus gave us the perfect model, which if followed produces prayers that God loves to hear and loves to answer. Over the next six weeks, we're looking at The Lord's Prayer and applying the model Jesus gave us to everyday prayers. In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss that first line of the Lord's Prayer and unpack what it means to "hallow" God's name. 1:19 They answer important questions from the sermon: Why do we pray to "Our Father in Heaven," and what can a person do if they have a difficult or painful relationship with their earthly father? 5:18 Why do some Bible translations use the phrase "in the heavens" when other translations don't? 11:56 What is meant by the "spiritual heaven" and "third heaven analogy" in Scripture? 17:49 What does it mean to "hallow" someone? 19:50 How do we live out hallowing God's name on a daily basis? 20:36 What does it look like to pray hallowing prayers? 23:53 Featured Resource: What If Jesus Was Serious About Prayer by Skye Jethani To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cQtxKBwjBEA  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Prayer that uses God to look good or uses God as a vending machine doesn't work. So what kind of prayers get His attention? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss how to pray in a way that pleases God. How we orient our hearts to God matters to the outcome of our prayers. Our heart orientation should be to genuinely spend time with God, not to manipulate God for our personal gain. God honors prayer that primarily seeks relationship with Him. They also answer important questions from the sermon: How do we know if we're trying to manipulate God? 5:11 What's the right and wrong way to pray for a blessing? 9:00 Is public prayer a form of social platforming? 11:30 Who should we direct our prayers to? The Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? 16:20 Do structural prayers have their place in our spiritual life? 21:49 What resources do you recommend on prayer? 25:38 To watch the sermon for this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/Oi31q8a0wVo Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Barna Research found that 85% of those who left church did so because they felt that church people are hypocrites. That'a a big problem! Are you guilty of hypocrisy? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss hypocrisy and how to avoid "virtue signaling" tendencies. Jesus hated hypocrisy too, calling out those who fake religiosity as "actors" who aren't living rightly before God. Essentially, hypocrites are doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons, and that breaks the heart of God. They also address questions that you submitted to the show: Is it ok to give or do something good when you don't intend for it to be kept fully secret? If you can do something in private and be OK without publicity, then you know that your heart is in the right place. (3:16) When is it ok to put your good works on display without "virtue signaling"? Always ask yourself, "who is getting the glory?" (10:52) How do you properly share your accomplishments and let your light shine before others? Assess your motivations. (13:14) How should we balance a self-promotion culture to "get ahead" with Jesus' teaching on hypocrisy? Awards and accolades are OK and can be celebrated, but don't confuse your performance and your identity in Christ. (17:43) How do you call out hypocrisy in another? Be careful to manage your own heart first before calling sin out in another. (23:39) To watch the sermon for this episode on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/Q2mZEfvll0c Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Jesus says to turn the other cheek. But how many times are we supposed to turn it and allow ourselves to be hit? In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss practical steps to loving our enemies. While the redemptive heart of God is for non-violence and non-retaliation, living that out is complicated and requires understanding of the biblical context. Important topics include how to set boundaries, the Christian definition of pacifism, how to navigate disagreements in-person and online, and steps to cultivating a heart for our enemies. They also address questions that you submitted to the show: How should you respond to people who continually take advantage of you? 2:10 How often should we forgive someone? 6:51 Is self-defense OK if you're attacked? 8:52 What is the heart of God if someone breaks into your house? 12:20 Is it ok to serve in the military? 14:59 How should we conduct ourselves in the metaverse? 20:24 How should we respond to online criticism? 24:50 Three steps to cultivating a heart of love for those who are our enemies: 27:11 Pray for our enemies Preach to yourself Say “hello” and love them If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe and give us a like!   To watch the sermon for this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/ouiNK23BV7Q Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Is it OK to tell white lies or speak in a way that's “truth-y” without being fully honest?  In this conversation, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss how to become people with hearts full of integrity. When Jesus speaks about avoiding oaths and simply saying “yes” or “no,” He's really getting at the issue of our hearts. We are naturally people who seek to manipulate others for our own self-interest. If we are to become people of integrity, we need a new heart that only Jesus can give us.   Pastor Philip also answers several of your questions from the sermon:  How do should you respond to questions like, "does this outfit make me look fat?"  What do you do when a work environment asks you to manipulate the truth for advantage?  Is there ever a time when you shouldn't tell someone the truth?  Does everyone deserve the truth? These kinds of situations are complex and nuanced, but ultimately they reveal something about the orientation of our hearts. When facing these difficult questions, ask yourself: what is the price you're willing to pay for your integrity? To watch the sermon for this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/v96P3E_b9jw  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Marriage difficulties are common inside and outside the church. How do we heal a hurting message? In this two-part discussion, Pastors Philip and Eric address your questions on marriage and then lay out the steps you can take to heal a broken marriage. Section 1--Questions from listeners Can you leave an abusive marriage? (5:40) Under what circumstances can a marriage be annulled? (13:40) Is it permissible to divorce your spouse if they have a disease like Alzheimer's? (15:45) When could you remarry if you are previously divorced? (17:55) Section 2--Steps to healing a hurting marriage (20:48) What if you come from a family where divorce is common? How do you break the cycle? Get a new marriage template. If you and your spouse are constantly fighting, what should you do? Seek to understand your partner's needs and develop a curiosity for your spouse. Is there any coming back from infidelity? How can a person learn to trust their spouse again? Work to rebuild trust. What is some advice you might give for those who want a healthier marriage? Put Christ at the center of your marriage. Tend your heart before the Lord Prioritize communication skills and listen well to one another Serve one another in love Additional recommended resources: "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Marriage-Facing-Complexities-Commitment/dp/1594631875/ "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Marriage-What-Designed-Happy/dp/0310337372/ "The Mingling of Souls" by Matt Chandler: https://www.amazon.com/Mingling-Souls-Design-Marriage-Redemption/dp/1434706869/ "You and Me Forever" by Francis Chan: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Forever-Marriage-Eternity/dp/0990351408/  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

Our world is saturated with avenues to lust. The prevalence of pornography usage and sex addiction are major problems for men and women both inside and outside the church. Is there a way out? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss how we can be freed from the constant struggle of lust. Have you ever felt trapped in an endless cycle of sin that you cannot break? When we lust, we're trying to meet deep spiritual needs for security, significance, and satisfaction. The righteousness that God requires in this area is something that we cannot manufacture on our own. We need a new heart through the gospel message, which is that Jesus is our righteousness and the only one who can produce true heart transformation. So how do we get there? There are 5 steps along the path to cultivating a heart of purity: Grieve it Get distance from it Confess it Get underneath it Replace it Additional recommended resources: "Purity is Possible" by Helen Thorn: https://www.amazon.com/Purity-Possible-Helen-Thorne/dp/1909919845/ "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Porn-Integrity-Building-Nobility/dp/1433576694/ To watch the sermon for this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/wxWkdctiJGo

Are you angry? The world gives us plenty to be angry about. So is there a biblical way we can process our anger and deal with conflict in a healthy way? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss why anger in our hearts is destructive to the image of God in us and in others. Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5 offers us a way to have a new Kingdom heart that allows us to reconcile with others. Through this discussion we'll see that forgiveness stops the cycle of sin in our lives and in the lives of others. Ultimately, this cascade of grace changes the world. If you've ever struggled with forgiving yourself or others, this is a great conversation to listen to. Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org. To watch the sermon from this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/iY1v35JZcG0 Additional recommended resources: "Christ Centered Conflict Resolution" by Tony Merida: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1087733499/ "A Small Book About A Big Problem" by Edward Welch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945270136/

How do Christians relate to the Old Testament law? Are we picking and choosing, or has Christ set us free from it all? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss the tension between adherence to the law and spiritual freedom that Jesus preaches in the Sermon on the Mount. They also unpack why behavior modification will never change your heart, but heart transformation always changes your behavior. If you've ever struggled with a sinful behavior that you just can't seem to shake, this is a great conversation. Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

What is Jesus calling us to when He says to be salt and light? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss how everyone can fulfill the call of Jesus to change our world by focusing on the little things every day. The choices we make, the habits we form, and the influence we wield help shape and mold our corner of the world for better or worse.   Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

What does Jesus' upside-down kingdom tell us about living a truly blessed life? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. If you want to know the most important teachings of Jesus, and how they relate to you life, this is the Bible passage you want to read.  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

What does it mean to live the sermon on the mount? This famous sermon shook the world two millenia ago and continues to challenge us today. As we start a new sermon series titled, The Upside-Down Kingdom, join us next episode as Pastors Philip and Eric answer your questions and discuss what Jesus is asking of our lives.  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

What you wait for shapes how you live. So, what are you waiting for? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric look at two unusual characters from the Christmas story who give us some incredibly practical steps for learning to cultivate a hopeful mindset. We are all living in the in-between space waiting for the promises of God to be delivered. The key to waiting well is in the discipline of doing the little things, opening our hearts to God and others, and holding onto the promises of God. Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org.

How can the manger inform our personal application of the Christmas message this season?  In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss how a little piece of stable furniture was something that made the baby Jesus accessible to shabby shepherds. Are our lives making Christ accessible to others? We too can come to Jesus, battered and dirty like a manger, and be vessels that exalts the King of Glory.  Watch the sermon from this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/pvW5_f6uwNE.  Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

Does Christmas feel too good to be true? Is Christmas something that doesn't connect with you on a personal level? In this episode, Pastors Philip and Eric explore four tendencies that get in the way of Christmas becoming personal to each of us: distraction, disbelief, discounting, and disassociation. It takes genuine courage to let the message of Christmas all the way in to our lives; here's how to do it! Watch the sermon from this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8N3neEugMMQ. Questions for Living the Message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or by email to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org