First Champaign-urbana

From microwaves to plumbing to the internet, just because we don’t *exactly* know how something works doesn’t mean we don't benefit from it. The same can be said of grace in our faith journey. We might be able to give a definition, but how it exactly works is somewhat of a mystery to us. This week, we see how grace works over our lives.

Who is Jesus? At this point in John's gospel, people are starting to make decisions about who they think Jesus is, and dividing lines are being drawn. "Is He just a prophet?" "Is He the Savior?" "Is He just a normal person making bold claims?" So, who is He to you? Join us this Sunday as we continue studying the Gospel of John together.

As we have journeyed through the Book of John, one thing has been clear—everyone has an opinion about who Jesus is. But who does Jesus say that he is? As we come to “the last and greatest day” of the Festival of Booths in John chapter 7, we get an answer, where Jesus takes a stand, literally, and declares something that changes everything. What does he say? And how does it impact us? Join us this week to find out!

Have you ever wondered why people argue about who Jesus really is? As we continue in Chapter 7 of the Gospel of John, opinions fly, debates heat up, and confusion reigns. This week, we dive into the chaos and discover the reasons behind the divided reactions to Jesus. Get ready to explore the powerful truth that challenges perceptions and calls us to decide: Who is Jesus to you?

Just because something’s true, doesn’t mean everyone accepts it. In fact, sometimes the truth is the hardest thing for us to hear. This week we look at one of the truths where dividing lines were drawn.

Everyone’s got one and it usually stinks… that’s right, an opinion! They are everywhere about everything and everyone - especially about Jesus. As we turn the page to chapter 7, we will see what these opinions are and what we should do about them.

What was your favorite costume or play-pretend growing up? Even though we looked the part or put on the mask, we know we weren't *actually* a magician or princess. As we wrap up John 6 this week, we will see the truth that there's a major difference between someone who looks like a disciple versus a true believer of Jesus.

In the middle of a chapter on bread, fish, provision, and Jesus’ self-proclamation as the Bread of Life comes an odd turn of events—rough seas and a midnight stroll… on the water. This week we tackle one of the more amazing—and baffling—signs that Jesus does in the Gospels. What is the significance of this watery wonder? Let’s wrestle with the text and find out.

The Gospel of John is all about understanding who Jesus truly is. John gives us 7 signs (or miracles) to experience His power and authority. He also gives us 7 “I Am” statements to believe in Jesus in His own words! Today, we look at the first “I Am” statement in John’s gospel.

A wise missionary once said, “You can’t preach over the sound of a grumbling stomach!” As we continue our study through the Gospel of John, it’s not the fact that Jesus feeds thousands of people - it’s how He does it! And perhaps there’s a more filling meaning beyond the food in the tummy.

Do you love a good courtroom movie or show? There’s always those tense scenes about witnesses being called to the stand. So, what kind of witness testimony would Jesus give about Himself? Let’s find out!

Imagine your dad was the President of the United States. What type of attitude would you walk around with? Probably with some type of authority yourself! As we pick up on the story from last week, we will see how the healing of an invalid man becomes a deeper show and conversation of what the authority of Jesus truly means!

Jesus is the master of questions. This week, we hear the penetrating, grace-filled question: Do you want to get well? Of course, wouldn’t all of us respond with a resounding, ‘yes!’? But what does it mean to truly be ‘well’? We will wrestle through all of this and more as we encounter the story of the healing of a paralyzed man on the Sabbath.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a fun fable about the importance of telling the truth so that people will always be willing to listen to what you have to say. For this weekend’s message, we pick up where we left of with the Samaritan woman at the well and see what - and how - she shares with her whole town over her interaction with Jesus.

What do you get when you mix a centuries-long blood feud, religious customs, and a local watering hole? One of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture! In this week’s journey through the Gospel of John, we examine the story where Jesus meets with the Samaritan woman at the well.

Every year we need to go get some check-ups. From the doctor to the dentist to even our vehicles, these diagnostics help us to know if we’re on the right track or need to make adjustments. As we continue our series in the Gospel of John, we get a glimpse into the diagnostic of the life and ministry of John the Baptist.

It’s the most famous verse of all time given to summarize the greatest message of all time! You’ve seen it on billboards, signs at ball games, and you might even know it by heart without even trying. This Easter, we celebrate by reminding ourselves of the greatest news ever given! The question is: Do you believe it?

We’re not gonna lie, sometimes our faith comes with some odd-sounding terms that get thrown around. Lukewarm… In the world, but not of the world… born again… This week we look at the passage where one of those phrases comes from and see the true power behind its meaning!

The majority of depictions of Jesus show a meek and calm man. Why is He always holding a lamb with a big smile? The thing is, Jesus was raw, real, and not always the quiet type. For week seven of I Am, let’s discover what makes Jesus mad.

The number one rule of any party is to never run out of food or drink! Everyone knows that! Enter Jesus’ first miracle recorded in His ministry and let’s just say, no one was ‘wine-ing’ afterwards! As we continue in our series, I Am, we will see how this story is more than just saving a party from failing.