Cru Chatts

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 [email protected] 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.