Encounter at Illinois State University / ISU

God becoming human and living among us is arguably the greatest miracle of human history.  As Jesus came to love us closely and personally, so we are to imitate that incarnation in our world as well.

(John 1:1-16, Gen 3:8, Ex 3:7-8a, Is 7:14, Luke 2:6-7, Rev 21:3-4, Jer 29:14, Matt 5:14-16)

We all live stories punctuated by miracles. Through the miracles in Moses’ life, we can learn how perspective helps shape us and helps us find our calling.

(Ex 4:13, Ex 14:6, 21-31, Eph 4:1)

In our Jesus following journey, it’s helpful to have examples that go before us.  Join us as we dissect the Jesus-following life with Dr. Cedric Williams.

God has a sense of humor.  Through the miracles in Peter’s life, we learn that following Jesus is a winding journey and growth in Him isn’t always linear.

(Luke 5:1-11, Jn 21:4-11, Jn 1:42, Matt 14:28, Matt 14:19, Mk 4:39, Mk 9:4, Mk 5:42, Matt 16:15-22, Mark 14:66-72, Acts 2:41, Acts 4:13, Gal 2:11-13, Prov 24:16, Heb 12:14, Eph 4:24, Rom 12:2, I Thess 4:7, I Peter 3:11, I Thess 5:23-24)

When Jesus heals 10 lepers and sends them on their way, only one returns to give thanks.  This miracle prods us to remember our own rhythms of gratitude.

(Luke 17:11-19, I Thess 5:16-18, Mk 10:52, Lk 7:10, Matt 8:15, Lk 8:44, Mk 8:23, Jn 9:6, Ex 16:2-3, Matt 16:9-10, Ps 116:1-2)

In the middle of an incredible story of resurrection, we find a tender moment where Jesus refuses to let a suffering woman remain anonymous.

(Luke 8:40-56, I Cor 15:14, Lev 15:25, Lev 15:27, Phil 3:10, Matt 5:45b, I Peter 5:10, Rev 21:4, Jn 16:33, Is 53:3, Gen 16, Jer 1:5, Jn 10:27, Luke 12:6-7, Matt 6:25-32, Is 41:10, Josh 1:9, Ps 23:4, Matt 28:20, Rom 8:28, I Cor 10:13, James 1:3, 2 Cor 12:9)

In the feeding of the 5000, we see God miraculously fulfill the promise Jesus told us in Matthew 6:25-34. God knows what we need and provides it. And one step further, he often uses and multiplies our meager gifts to feed the masses around us. Do we trust that God will take care of us? 

Luke 9:10-17

The Centurion trusted that Jesus’ words were true even when circumstances had yet to say otherwise.  Can we exercise the same kind of faith when we haven’t yet received our answer?

(Matt 8:5-10,13, Mk 10:17, Ps 56:3-4, Is 12:2, Is 41:10, Is 26:3, Rom 15:13, Ps 9:10, Ps 28:7, Ps 32:10, Ps 143:8, Jer 17:7-8, I Jn 5:14-15, James 5:16, Matt 21:22, Jn 15:7, Matt 7:11, Mk 9:22-24, Eph 6:10, Matt 16:4, 2 Cor 12:7)

In his interaction with a paralyzed man, Jesus shows his ability to bring both spiritual and physical healing.  As we experience healing in Christ, our scars allow us to point others to the true source of our healing.

(Luke 5:17-26, Luke 4:17-21, John 10:30, Luke 12:4, John 4:13-15, Rom 3:23, Rom 3:10, Rom 5:8, Rom 8:28, Rom 1:20, I Peter 5:10, Jn 20:27, Rev 21:1-5a)