Connexus Church Audio Podcast

How can you tell what's right and what's wrong? Fortunately, many would say, we live in an age where objective truth has disappeared. What's true for you isn't true for others, and what's wrong for you isn't wrong for others. But is it truly good for us when morals change from generation to generation and you can write your own? Or, are we missing something?

So what exactly is the purpose of your life? Well, you've heard it. Live your best life. Become the best version of yourself. You do you. But is self-fulfillment really all it's cracked up to be? You might be surprised.

Why would anyone living today trust the Bible? After all, it's so full of terrible instances of violence and oppression that it has to be both barbaric and outdated. Besides, you can't really rely on a document that's over 2000 years old. It's been translated so often there's very little likelihood that what we're reading is what was written. Right?

Religion is basically how ancients understood the world, but science has taken us so far beyond that. Between what we know about evolution, astronomy, genetics, biology and so many other sciences, we've explained what we used to attribute to God. If science explains or will explain everything, why do we really need God?

We celebrated the incredible hope of the resurrection of Jesus at our Easter services and it was a powerful morning! Tune in for to catch our online experience of this service.

We've hosted a meaningful Good Friday services across all locations that included a reflection on the death of Christ and an opportunity to mark the moment with communion. These services are a little different and are always a special time.

Most of people either feel not very good about themselves or too good about themselves. Both are problems. And both are rooted in something sinister that Jesus would love to root out of your life. Once it's gone, a much better understanding of what true success is can emerge.

So how do you know you're good with God? How deeply do you have to obey? How often can you mess up? If you blow it, will God give up on you? Will he be mad at you? Will he punish you? These are good questions...but only religious people ask them. Christians ask a whole other set of questions, and Jesus shows us why.

It's so easy to worry, and if you're honest, it probably seems a little annoying when Jesus tells you to simply stop worrying (which he does). The real questions is how? We'll look at what Jesus says the chief causes of worry are, and what to do about them.

In this interview, Carey talks with author and pastor John Ortberg about what's wrong with how we define salvation, how a better understanding can change lives (including yours), and why you may not need to wait for heaven to experience more of God or the life you long for.

Family life comes with decisions and challenges every day. How we see and approach our families is important, but there's also some everyday practical stuff. How do you tackle screen time, bedtime, dating, when do they get a phone, how do you manage their behaviour - this list could go on! On this week we had a panel of parents at different phases to answer the tough questions and have a conversation about the everyday challenges, opportunities, and rhythms of family.

Statistics say that the three biggest factors in building a faith that lasts in the life of a child are the spiritual investment of a parent, the outside voices of other adults, and the opportunity for that child to find a personal mission. That's why having a family rhythm of faith and having outside voices speaking into your family are so important. That's why a partnership with a church is so important for every family. This week, we're looking at exactly what that could look like for you.

The honest truth is that every family fights. Some fight hot and others fight cold. Conflict is a part of family life. Is it possible to fight in a way that honours our family and our God? What if we started to think about fighting for our family instead of with our family? What if we started to fight for the heart of our family by inspiring them by living out a faith of adventure? What would that look like?

No matter what phase your family is in, you've discovered one thing...though the days can feel long, the years really are short. From sleepless nights to managing screen time to an empty nest, figuring out family life isn't easy and the truth is that every phase seems to be different. How do you thrive in the phase you are in today and be sure that you are headed in the right direction in the long-term? In this series, we'll be talking about strategies to navigate the pressures of family, timeless principles that apply to parenting, and discover the hope that, no matter your phase of life, God may be writing a bigger story in your family than you think.

It's easy to love your friends, but it's almost impossible to love your enemies. Which is exactly why Jesus tells you to do just that. One of the defining characteristics of people who follow Jesus should be love for their enemies. If you think it's impossible to do that, think again.

If you really want to get countercultural, just look at Jesus' teachings on sex, marriage and adultery. Almost nobody believes that stuff anymore. Except for Jesus. When it comes to Jesus' alternative teachings on sex and relationships, maybe it's not just a question of what he's longing to save you from. Maybe it's a question of what Jesus is trying to save you for.

Well known. Poorly applied. That's an accurate way of describing so many of Jesus' teachings, including his teachings on anger. Some people think Jesus was just spouting hyperbole. Actually, he was ushering in His Alt Kingdom. We'll start this journey with Jesus' teachings on anger. If you think you have a right to be angry, think again.

It's one thing to know how everything turns out and to decide for the side of good and the side of God, but it's another thing to make it until then. In the meantime, suffering remains—cancer, addictions, broken relationships, conflict, tragedy. Is personal anxiety, stress and fear always bound to be on the rise? In this final week of the series, we'll share a critical key to navigating the personal suffering that seems inevitable in this world.

In this interview, Carey talks with author John Burke and asks, "What can we learn from the thousands of near death experiences people have reported? Are they consistent with biblical depictions of heaven? John Burke shares years of research he's done comparing NDEs and Scripture to bring us a vivid and fascinating account of what happens after people die.

In this interview, Carey and Jeff discuss some of the more complex sections from biblical passages about the end of the world. Join Jeff and Carey as they do a deeper dive into the Antichrist, the rapture, and so much more of what Scripture says (and doesn't say) about the final days.

It's great to know how things end, but in the meantime, what's with evil? So often evil seems to be winning, and so many people are angry at God for letting that happens. It's a good point. If God is so loving, why does he allow so much evil and suffering? While that question is difficult to answer convincingly, God does something more spectacular and powerful with evil. Eventually, evil self-destructs. And when evil throws itself at God, he does something unbelievable with it.

So what exactly will happen next? Will we blow ourselves up? Will AI take over and turn us into a sub-species? Will climate change wipe us out? Will God allow any of this, or will he protect the people he loves and we'll magically work it all out? Jesus has a lot to say about what's coming, and with it, extends a powerful invitation.

Most of us hold the idea that the future will always get better...that somehow we will figure this out. But the question is, can we? Is this even true? We'll look at two ancient stories that tell us more about ourselves than most of us want to admit, and realize why the struggle apart from God is more futile than we think. Are people inherently good, or a mixed bag? Is there a limit to human progress? And if we're so enlightened, why do we keep almost destroying ourselves again and again?

The New Year is full of possibilities that fuel the potential for a better future. That's why we make resolutions . . . even though those resolutions often fall by the wayside. But there's something simple you can do to make the most of this year. It begins by looking past what you think is possible in your life to what God thinks is possible.

You never know what hangs in the balance of your willingness to extend an invitation.You never know what hangs in the balance of your willingness to extend an invitation.

At Christmas, you can expect to see God, just not the God you expected. Maybe you've written off Jesus, Christianity or even Christmas, thinking it can't possibly help you. Think again. Join us as Connexus Church hosts Christmas Eve In The City 2018, an evening of music, cheer and a message the whole family will love.

We all wonder. When we fix our eyes somewhere other than on God, wonder leads to wander. If you've wandered from the faith or are looking for the door, it's not because of Jesus. It's probably because you've fixed your eyes on people, institutions, or a religion based on following rules. You may think Christianity requires mind-numbing, experience-denying faith, but what if that's not true?

We wonder because our frame of reference doesn't provide us with all of the answers. Every version of religion works for children. But then life happens. We experience challenging circumstances that sow doubt in our childhood faith. Tragedy causes us to question if God is good and loving. Sin leads to guilt and shame. We wonder if God can really love us. Is there such a thing as a frame of reference that can accommodate a grown-up faith?

We all have a framework that helps us make sense out of life. It helps us make decisions that make sense. But we wonder about some things because our frame of reference doesn't provide all the answers.

And then there's parenting. You're a parent forever, but believe it or not, no matter how young your kids are now, there's a day when your kids WILL leave home. The question is, what do you focus on to make sure your kids have what they need to launch into life? There are so many things competing for your attention and their attention, but there's one thing that matters most.

Dating is more complicated than it's ever been, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Whether you're single by choice or wishing you weren't, what does God have to say to about navigating life without a partner? Surprisingly, the scripture has a very positive view of being single.

Your life was going just fine...until you saw someone else's. Funny how that happens. A little more than a decade into smartphones and social media feels more like social misery. You look at someone else's life/marriage/relationships/kids/job and it makes you...miserable. This week we'll look at why comparison is the thief of joy, and the path Jesus shows you to find much more contentment.

You may not have it all together, but at least pastors have it all together, right? In this message, Carey and Toni Nieuwhof talk openly about the struggles and tough seasons they've come through in their marriage. Things haven't been nearly as easy as they thought they would be, but they've been worth it. Carey and Toni will talk about how they got through the hard times to find the love they worried had been lost.

Generosity requires a plan. But how do you make a plan? These two simple gauges will help you decide where and how much to give.

Loving the Crazy Like Us Series and looking to get practical? In this bonus episode Carey Nieuwhof interviews Rachel Cruze, daughter of Dave Ramsey, about financial hacks like why going on commission is a much better system for your kids than allowance, how to help your kids through college without going into debt, and the top financial issues people struggle with.

We all worry about money. What if we don't have enough? What if we lose what we have? This simple shift in perspective can free you from financial worries.

Everyone gives something somewhere. But there's a difference between random acts of giving and true generosity. The good news is, it's possible to learn how to be generous.

In a candid, personal and powerful conversation, Brian Houston talks about how Hillsong attracts and keeps great leaders, how he stays healthy as a leader, how he battled back from burnout a few years ago.

Burnout seems to almost be an epidemic these days. And a surprising number of people who perhaps haven't fully burned out still test positive for the signs of burnout. We'll look at what causes burnout, how to know you're in it and how to get back. Plus we'll touch on suicide and why the voices you may be hearing are lying.

So many people get surprised by something that generation after generation of successful people encounter: success is emptier than they ever dreamed. Even when all your dreams come true, you may feel grateful. But feeling grateful doesn't leave you full? Why does success feel so empty? We'll look at why that is, and what to do about it.

Most people think pride is a problem narcissists struggle with. What if they're wrong? What if pride is bigger than that? What if most pride springs not from narcissism, but from insecurity. As strange as it might sound, your insecurity may be driving your pride and causing you all kind of problems that you can easily solve if you overcome your insecurity. We'll show you how.

We've never been more connected as a culture, and we've never felt more alone. Many experts are beginning to call loneliness a cultural epidemic. Why is it that we can have 500 friends on social media and feel so utterly alone? A devious disconnect is underway in our culture, and it's not just a tech problem...it's a human problem.

What happens when you surrender to cynicism? We had an incredible start to the series "Didn't See It Coming", and are thrilled to release this bonus episode for Part 1 - Cynicism. In this especial episode, Tony Morgan, CEO of the Unstuck Group, interviews Carey on leadership setbacks, ministry burnout, and a wonderful aspect of our lives we give up when we let ourselves become cynical.

You never thought you'd be a cynic, did you? Nobody wants to be cynical, but so many people end up there. Why? Cynicism starts not because you don't care, but because you do. Surprisingly, most cynics are former optimists. We'll look at how cynicism starts, how to recognize it and how to stop it.

This week we flip the mic, as multiple New York Times best-selling author Ann Voskamp does an in depth and personal interview with Carey Nieuwhof. Ann talks to Carey about what led him to write the series and book, "Didn't See It Coming", and together they talk about the seven things Carey believes everyone needs to overcome to thrive.

Jesus had double vision. He has the ability to see God's image in us and our brokenness at the same time. Seeing people this way is what moved his heart to reach out to people every day and he was ridiculed for it. But what about other people through scripture? How did they see people with double vision and how did they respond?

Jesus had double vision. He has the ability to see God's image in us and our brokenness at the same time. Seeing people this way is what moved Jesus' heart to reach out to people every day and he was consequently ridiculed for it. But he saw us and loved us to the point that his rescue mission took Him to the cross. What would happen in our hearts and lives if we had that same double vision?

So is fear always bad? Actually there's one kind of fear you should have. We'll look at a powerful scriptural teaching that shows you how flipping your fear can increase your confidence and reduce your worry.

What do you do when you start worrying? Is there anyway to quell the anxiety and find peace? Surprisingly there is. Thousands of years ago, the ancients adopted a practice that still works today. This Sunday, Carey will share how to talk to your soul...and settle it down.

Don't miss this special bonus interview with Jon Gordon and Carey Nieuwhof. In it, Jon shares an incredible example of how to "talk to your soul".