The books of 1 and 2 Samuel relay Israel’s transition from being ruled by judges, of whom Samuel was the last, to being led by kings. The people of Israel demanded this change although it didn’t follow God’s desire for the nation (1 Samuel 8-1-9) Samuel was a godly leader who wanted Israel to remember that God was their king and called them to faithfulness to Him. The people, on the other hand, wanted a king like the other nations had. Someone they could look to as their leader. Someone who would lead them in battle. God gave them the desire of their heart and set up Saul as the first king of Israel. Saul was timid leader who had times of success and spiritual leadership along with times of fear and spiritual failure. His failure reaches a climax in 1 Samuel 15 when God tells him that his legacy would not endure on the throne and that another would take his place. From that point on, a new king comes on the scene--a young man by the name of David. Pastor Eric has created a Bible study guide that will parallel The King sermon series. ...
Financial giving is part of our worship to God. It is an expression of our gratitude to God for his gracious provision in our lives. It’s also a recognition that all we have truly belongs to God....
David writes a Spoken Word about the name El Roi...
In addition to providing the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus, our God also meets us in our times of emotional, relational, and tangible need. Listen to Jehovah Jireh's Provision for Tito and Maribel: ...
Listen to the way the name of Yahweh fired up the faith of Lazerrick and Lynnette Franklin....
Oh LORD God, I come to you with weak faith but not blind faith. You are the God who has provided parted seas, demolished walls, healing for the sick, life to the dead, and food for the sparrows. I believe you can also take care of me because you are Jehovah Jireh, the LORD who provides......
Oh LORD, in the midst of the battles I am facing today, I lift my hands to you. I believe that you are Jehovah Nissi, my banner of victory on life’s battlefields... ...
How God's name Jehovah Nissi brought comfort to the Molina's...
It was about 60 degrees on Sunday, October 6, 2013. The sun shone brightly over us, as the Son shone brightly among us. Here we are, 5 years later, still on the mission God called us to, and still experiencing God's goodness over his church. Each year we will celebrate God's faithfulness, from 5 until forever because God is El Olam, the Everlasting God! ...
Men, mark your calendars for September 7-9 to be in Lake Geneva, WI for the Men's retreat. We'll be encouraged, refined, and challenged as we live out God's calling over our lives as men. We refuse to be kept down by fear and failure even in the midst of defeat. At The Comeback, we'll learn to find our strength in God and lock arms as men to advance God's agenda in our homes, community, city, and world. ...
God, you are everlasting and your reign is timeless. You are Yahweh, the self-existent God of the universe. And just as the fire in the bush didn't need the bush to continue burning, you need nothing to sustain you. You are constant, never having to improve or grow because you are the I AM. I humbly come before you calling upon your name. Thank you for coming down to my level to rescue me through Jesus. Thank you that I belong to you. Help me to be mastered by nothing but you alone. Amen....
As a parent, you are the number one influence on your children in every area of their life. For many busy parents and stepparents, it is common to treat raising children and practicing your own faith as two separate parts of life, yet they can be beautifully intertwined....
At The Brook we want to call a remnant of men to rise up to the kind of biblical manhood that infuses men with a God-glorifying and Gospel-informed purpose that will rock the lives of youth, single men, and married men. ...
At The Brook, the word WATER functions as an acronym that expresses what we want to be about....
Who should I date? What are qualities I should look for in a spouse? How do I protect my heart and yet feel the passions that I feel? How do I rekindle love, resolve conflict, and communicate better?...
Whenever we turn the page on our calendar into a new year, we're all confronted with the many unknowns before us. We're also pressed to consider goals for the future and things we would like to see in the year ahead. With these same burdens in mind, we're calling The Brook family to fast and pray together from January 7-14, 2018. Our prayer burden is to see God glorified ...
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Sexual assault and harassment is never okay. It’s heartbreaking (but sadly no longer surprising) that so many women have experienced this evil and injustice. As several women have noted, soon the #metoo hashtag will leave the headlines but the scars and sorrows of their abuse won’t leave in the same way....
Keep ReadingWe have a new President: For some, today is a day of relief, victory and celebration, while for others it's a day of disappointment, sorrow, and hurt. Jesus’ Church has the great opportunity to be a voice of calm and healing especially where anxieties abound. Jesus gave His Church the Holy Spirit to indwell us and empower us to be a voice of love in the mist of hate, cou...
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On October 6, 2013 The Brook officially launched. 3 years ago today!! Reflecting on that day and season of life brings back so many memories. Here are 3 “snapshots” I’ve been reflecting on. Ready? 3…2…1… here we go: ...
Keep Reading Who should I date? What are qualities I should look for in a spouse? How do I protect my heart and yet feel the passions that I feel? How do I rekindle love, resolve conflict, and communicate better?...
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What is a good Bible or resource to use when teaching kids about Jesus? Here's a list of some of Pastor Eric and Erikah's favorites. ...
Keep ReadingUnderstanding “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” ...
Keep ReadingMany of us have precious memories of Thanksgiving's past, when life was easy, bellies were full, and laughter sounded the room. Those memories, for some, may feel all too distant this time of the year. Perhaps instead of "thanks" your heart is warring to fight off the pain of loss, unmet desires, and suffering. These feelings leave you asking, "Can I be thankful this Thank...
Keep Reading10 Days of prayer and fasting. But what exactly is fasting and how do I do it? ...
Keep ReadingWith our 100th Sunday approaching on August 30th, we're setting a goal as a church of connecting with 100 people who are far from God or not a part of a local church. We envision this taking place over a cup of coffee in the evening with an old friend, on your lunch break with a coworker, an intentional invite to The Brook while on the bus with someone you started a conve...
Keep ReadingHow God’s Omnipresence Moves us to Resist Temptation: God’s Omnipresence The Bible teaches that God is everywhere present at all times. In theological terms, we say that God is omnipresent (everywhere present). In other words, there is no place where God is not. Consider these words from the Psalmist: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Yo...
Keep ReadingAs we approach our 100th worship service at The Brook on August 30, 2015, we begin our 100 Campaign on July 19 revisiting what it means to see Jesus exalted in our lives, our marriages, our friendships, our singleness, our trials, our joys and our community Join us for the journey! www.thebrookchi.com ...
Keep ReadingThe God of the Bible is a good God, who is infinite in his worth, supreme in his love, and breathtaking in his compassion. He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart and supply us with lasting joy, forgiveness, and eternal hope. With him as the hope for humanity and the delight of the Church, we are faced with a historic day in our nation as it pertains t...
Keep ReadingI was in Jr. High the first time my eyes saw pornography. In God’s grace, he’s rooted out the image from my mind but the scenario is still there. I wasn’t looking for it, but it found me. I was heading into my classroom at school when a classmate had a picture in his hand and literally put it right in front of my face and then ran off. One of the most sobering lesson...
Keep ReadingOn April 5 we will celebrate the glorious fact that Jesus is alive! If Jesus didn't raise from the dead, then our faith is in vain. "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead," writes Paul, and because he lives, we want to tell the world around us about our great hope in Jesus. This Easter, we are having two Easter services at 9am and 11am to double our praise and s...
Keep ReadingAt The Brook, we are grateful for the many ways God used Martin Luther King, Jr. to advance racial equality through peaceful and yet sacrificial means. He was a courageous man who, among other things, cared deeply about something that God cares deeply about, Christ-Exalting Diversity. ...
Keep ReadingThe tree with weak and shallow roots will crash in the storm. The tree that is properly rooted is unshakeable. Beginning this Sunday, at The Brook we'llsink deeply into the riches of who God is, what He's done, and why that matters for your life. If you're without a church home or exploring the Christianfaith, or you know of someone who is, we would love to get know...
Keep ReadingThoughtfully read the words of this great hymn and you'll see a heartfelt cry to God that the Savior of the world would come. ...
Keep ReadingChristians throughout the world still face daily threat of violence and pressure from local authorities and governments. Here is one way to stand with your brothers and sisters....
Keep ReadingThe book of Acts reminds us that the church is nothin' normal, made up of ordinary people who do extraordinary things because of the mighty and gracious hand of God!...
Keep ReadingThis summer we're going to refocus our eyes, minds, hearts, hands, and feet on the life-transforming mission He's empowered His followers to be on....
Keep ReadingThis Sunday we're celebrating God's faithfulness over the last 6 months since The Brook opened. You'll hear stories from the journey, answered prayers, and our vision for The Brook as we move forward this 2014. You are a part of the story and a part of the family, so you won't want to miss out. See you Sunday! ...
Keep ReadingThe Bible is powerful! It is the Word of God through which He speaks to us. Let's together work through the Gospel of John between now and Easter and see the kinds of things God does in our lives. Join the ride!...
Keep ReadingGod's at work in the northwest side of Chicago! We at The Brook are glad to be a part of this work and to lock arms with other churches in the same Gospel-centered mission in our neighborhood. Childcare will be provided! So, join us on Friday, January 24 at 7:00pm to worship and intercede in prayer for our community at: Victory Worship Center www.victorychicago.com 3750...
Keep ReadingThe Magi called Jesus, ‘King of the Jews,’ the same title that hung over his head while he was crucified. ...
Keep ReadingIt indeed was a “Holy Night.”...
Keep ReadingIn the midst of the busyness of the Christmas season, we’re going Vintage looking at the true meaning of Christmas....
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