Christmas brings out such beautiful and ancient texts.  One of these is from Isaiah 9 with lines such as "For unto us a child is born" and "his name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…" You may recognize these lines from Handel's "Messiah" or seen them on a Christmas greeting card. If we only think of the Christmas card version of these verses, we easily miss that these passages are overwhelmingly about the power of a conquering King. In this message, Pastor Brian shares how THIS Jesus brings true peace!

This is the time of year we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus--the long awaited one. As we do, it's important to be reminded that this birth was not the warm and cozy event you might see pictured on a Christmas card. This long awaited one would indeed change the world--He would be the one who bridges the gap that mankind desperately needs. 

Yet a natural outcome of His message is division. In this sermon, Pastor Skyler shares a fresh look at the events of the birth of Christ, from Luke 2 and Matthew 10. We're reminded that the gospel, not the church, is what should be offensive to the world. The Good News of the gospel is the Christmas story that a divided world desperately needs to hear.

Do you remember when you were a kid and you knew that Christmas was coming? That waiting period was always so hard. This year our Christmas series is all about how Jesus was the awaited one. He was the one the entire world was waiting for. Waiting for Christmas presents is nothing compared to the long awaited Messiah.

In this message, Pastor Brian shares how God doesn't measure time like we do. And He isn't forgetful like we are. God makes plans that do not fail, and God can be trusted in the wait.

Sharing the story of Christ's transforming power is a true privilege and responsibility that we have as followers of Christ. In this message, Pastor Carlos walks us through Colossians 4:2-6, unpacking the critical ingredient to experiencing the power of Christ in our lives and sharing a powerful witness to those around us. "You cannot effectively talk about God if you're not talking to God."

"Lovelessness is godlessness." As we continue our Big Conference, talking about Heritage Church's vision for mission in Lake County, in Chicagoland, and around the world, we're joined by Pastor Charlie Dates. Dr. Dates is the Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, located near the White Sox's home field US Cellular Park. In this message, Dr. Dates unpacks 1 John 4 so help us understand what it really means to love, from God's perspective. He shows how it marks our identity as well motivates our actions. 

In this final message in our Kings & Prophets series, we meet an interesting king who could genuinely be called one of the best kings of Israel. But even though he was the best, he still left one of the worst legacies. Listen to the warnings Pastor Brian shares from a king who found out that it's possible to mess up kingdom work at the very end of a faithful life!

Live long enough and you can find your tank empty. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually you feel empty, and darkness can descend on us. It can start by embracing fear, followed by isolation and retreat. We were never meant to live this life alone, yet in the face of fear, that's an easy and dangerous path to follow. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness that makes us want to give up as we repeat the lies that wrap us in the despair of darkness.

Can you relate? If so, this message Pastor Kip shares from the life of Elijah in 1 Kings. Watch this message and share it with your friends who are hurting. This season of darkness may leave a mark but does not need to define you. God draws near to hurting hearts.

We continue our Kings & Prophets series where we ask, "If some of the great Old Testament characters could say one thing to our generation, what would it be?" In this message, Pastor Skyler shares lessons from the life of the prophet Elisha. We learn that we were never designed to do life alone--we were created for relationship. We see from Elisha's relationship with Elijah that everyone needs a mentor.