Richwoods Christian Church Sermons

What if the peace you're pursuing is actually a subtle counterfeit that trades the call of Christ for a life of ease?

In this episode, Richwoods Christian Church Campus Pastor Alyssa Wier continues a four-week series, Counterfeit Gospels, by unmasking the cultural lie that Jesus came to make our lives easy, safe, and comfortable. From trusting our feelings over God's character to choosing convenience over faithful obedience, Alyssa examines why self-protection leaves us spiritually empty — and how embracing discomfort is essential to following Jesus.

Key Scripture: James 1:2-4, John 16:33, Luke 9:57-62, Matthew 16:24-26, Book of Esther (4:13-14, 16)

In this episode, we unpack:

• The counterfeit trap of protecting your life at all costs vs. surrendering to Christ [Matthew 16:24-26]
• How to trust God's unchanging character when your feelings tell you otherwise
• Moving from convenience to faithful, courageous obedience [Esther 4:14]
• Why growing through trials — not avoiding discomfort — produces true spiritual maturity [James 1:2-4]

Get the Week 2 Handout & Notes: Download the official class discussion guide and scripture references at richwoods.org/podcasts.

About Midweek at Richwoods: Midweek is a Wednesday evening rhythm at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois, where all ages gather to open scripture, build community, and practice following Jesus together in everyday life.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode, share this teaching with a friend, and learn more about taking your next step at richwoods.org.

What if the greatest threat to your faith isn't an opposing worldview, but your own self-interest?

In this episode, Richwoods Christian Church Lead Pastor Chad Manbeck kicks off a four-week series, Counterfeit Gospels, by unmasking the subtle cultural lie that life is ultimately about us. From the demand to always be right to the insistence that our preferences must prevail, Chad explores how living for self promises freedom but leaves us restless — and why Jesus calls us to a radically different path of humble self-emptying.

Key scriptures: Philippians 2:3-5, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 1:6-9, Jude 3-4

In this episode, we unpack:

• The hidden danger of arranging your life around yourself [Philippians 2:20-21]
• What it practically means to "empty yourself" in everyday relationships
• Augustine's timeless insight: "Our heart is restless until it rests in You."
• How forfeiting self-rule is the only way to experience true life in Christ [Luke 9:24]

Get the Week 1 Handout & Notes: Download the official class discussion guide and scripture references at richwoods.org/podcasts.

About Midweek at Richwoods: Midweek is a Wednesday evening rhythm at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois, where all ages gather to open scripture, build community, and practice following Jesus together in everyday life.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode, share this teaching with a friend, and learn more about taking your next step at richwoods.org.

What does it look like for scripture to shape not just what we believe, but the kind of people we become?

In the final week of Sola Scriptura: Restoring Scripture to Its Rightful Place, Pastor Chad looks at the church's calling to be formed by God's word in a culture that may not honor, trust, understand, or believe it. Scripture shapes our minds, our character, and the way we bear witness to Jesus.

The goal isn't simply to know the Bible—or to convince the culture to value it. It's to become a people who love God's word enough to live by it, allowing biblical truth to move beyond our Bibles and notes and into the way we live as salt and light in the world.

Follow along with the week 5 handout.

Explore more teaching from Richwoods Christian Church at richwoods.org/podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen for future teaching.