Essentials of Faith Part 1: “What Is A Christian?”

Ask any group what it means to be a Christian, and we will hear different answers.
But what unifies us? What are the basic characteristics of our faith that every Christian affirms?
In this six-session series, Francis Chan will lead us in an exploration of key concepts common to all Christians through the centuries. No matter what divides us, we are united by these truths about the God we worship
and our relationship with him. Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “What Is A Christian?”

Essentials of Faith Part 2:
“Why Does Jesus Matter?”

What makes Jesus such an important person? In this six-session series, pastor and author J.D. Greear will answer the question, “Why does Jesus matter?” He’ll explore who Jesus is, why he came, and what he said and did, to help us understand the life-changing effect Jesus had—and continues to have—on the world. Join J.D. and see the difference that Jesus can make in your life. Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “Why Does Jesus Matter?”

Essentials of Faith Part 3:
“Why Do We Need the Bible?”

The Bible is a wonderful book filled with poetry, historical events, exciting narratives, and stories from the life of Jesus. But because it is an ancient text, it can also be intimidating and confusing. Its complexity makes many people wonder if we even need the Bible—can’t we experience God without it? In this six-session series, author and Bible teacher Lisa Harper unpacks the value and importance of the Bible for everyday believers. In this series, we will learn about what the Bible is, how God communicates with us through it, and why we should read it.

Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “Why Do We Need the Bible?”

Essentials of Faith Part 4: “What Is the Church?”

Everyone seems to have something to say about the church. But what is the church, exactly? Is it a nice building with a steeple? An experience on a Sunday morning? A group of people aligned around certain issues?

In this series, author and pastor Derwin Gray examines Acts and Paul’s letters to explain what the church is, how it began, what it does, and its mission. This series will inspire you to learn from the rich history of the church and will motivate you to act as an empowered member of the family of God.

Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “What Is the Church?”

Essentials of Faith Part 5:
“How Are We Changed?”

Christians believe Jesus changes everything. But what exactly happens when we trust him with our lives? How we think about the far-reaching implications of God’s work for us will inevitably affect how we live out our faith.

In this six-session series, author and pastor Eric Mason explains the doctrine of salvation—God’s work for us that changes our past, present, and future. With God the Father, Son, and Spirit each working to change us in unique ways, we can be confident that one day, we’ll enjoy the total transformation we now experience in part.

Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “How Are We Changed?”

Essentials of Faith Part 6:
“What Does the Bible Say?”

The Bible has a lot to say about life, relationships, and how to commune with God. But it’s also an epic story of how God, in his love, created the world, sustained it through the evil of sin, and sent his Son to save it. In this six-session series, speaker and author Sharon Hodde Miller will answer the question, “What does the Bible say?” From original creation to new creation, we will learn how God’s covenant faithfulness is ultimately displayed in the work of Jesus and the mission of the church.

Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “What Does the Bible Say?”

Essentials of Faith Part 7:
“Why Do We Go To Church?”

We know that church is important, but why do we need to go to church? With online access to any sermon anywhere in the world with a click of a button, why does it matter that we are connected to a local body of believers? In this five-session series, author and pastor Ben Stuart explores what the church is, the significance of reading the Bible together, the value and purpose of the sacraments, and what genuine and faithful community looks like.

Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “Why Do We Go To Church?”

Essentials of Faith Part 8:
“How Do We Live As Christians?”

Life as a Christian seems simple enough. After all, “Follow me” (Matt 4:19) is one of the foundational commands we’ve been given. But follow who? And follow where? Surely there’s more to it than that, right? In this six-session series, pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman will help us answer the question, “How do we live as Christians?” While following Jesus is our first and most important marching order, Kyle will help us answer some of the other questions that follow and that are essential to living faithfully as Christians. Regardless of where we’re at on our faith journey, Kyle will teach us what it looks like to live a Christian life.

Below is a preview video for Essentials of Faith: “How Do We Live As Christians?”