https://thegrovechurchcu.com/ The Grove Church CU social@thegrovechurchcu.com The Grove Church CU Week to week sermons from The Grove Church Champaign-Urbana, from Pastor Josh Loomis. Week to week sermons from The Grove Church Champaign-Urbana, from Pastor Josh Loomis. en © 2026 The Grove Church CU no Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Shannon Caughey <p>The Lord commands the people of God to pass on the laws of the Lord onto their sons and their son's sons. We are also called to serve the Lord as parents and invest in the next generations, whether as parents or as those who disciple.</p> <p>The Lord commands the people of God to pass on the laws of the Lord onto their sons and their son's sons. We are also called to serve the Lord as parents and invest in the next generations, whether as parents or as those who disciple.</p> The Lord commands the people of God to pass on the laws of the Lord onto their sons and their son's sons. We are also called to serve the Lord as parents and invest in the next generations, whether as parents or as those who disciple.

]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2409 1 fe2a7ce07e623785e9d3fdef72635641 no Ephesians 5:22-33 Josh Loomis <p>To serve the Lord with our marriages and our singleness we look to the letters of Paul, specifically Ephesians 5, to learn the distinct roles that God has given men and women and how we can fulfill those roles.</p> <p>To serve the Lord with our marriages and our singleness we look to the letters of Paul, specifically Ephesians 5, to learn the distinct roles that God has given men and women and how we can fulfill those roles.</p> To serve the Lord with our marriages and our singleness we look to the letters of Paul, specifically Ephesians 5, to learn the distinct roles that God has given men and women and how we can fulfill those roles.

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2242 2 04bdb0f6f16ba0e36104e411c3036031 no Joshua 1:9 Josh Loomis <p>Be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you. Become more like Christ through reading the word this year.</p> <p>Be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you. Become more like Christ through reading the word this year.</p> Be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you. Become more like Christ through reading the word this year.

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1515 3 e6118f292187f1a0eed9b2f30f0fc24d no Isaiah 7:10-17; 9:1-7 Doug Olexa <p>700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah foretold a child to be born that would provide security for all of mankind.</p> <p>700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah foretold a child to be born that would provide security for all of mankind.</p> 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah foretold a child to be born that would provide security for all of mankind.

]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2291 4 fcdf731abd64eece1b2b951fc81e7048 no Mark 13:1-13 Josh Loomis <p>When one of Jesus' disciples draws his attention toward the beauty of the temple, Jesus declares that in the future all the stones will be thrown down. When asked about the specifics, Jesus instead commands his disciples to be on guard and to not be anxious about the troubles that are to come.</p> <p>When one of Jesus' disciples draws his attention toward the beauty of the temple, Jesus declares that in the future all the stones will be thrown down. When asked about the specifics, Jesus instead commands his disciples to be on guard and to not be anxious about the troubles that are to come.</p> When one of Jesus' disciples draws his attention toward the beauty of the temple, Jesus declares that in the future all the stones will be thrown down. When asked about the specifics, Jesus instead commands his disciples to be on guard and to not be anxious about the troubles that are to come.

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2148 5 10454c310d83cfc9c036145129584962 no Mark 12:38-44 Josh Loomis <p>Shortly after Jesus teaches about loving the Lord with all heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself, Jesus gives a warning about the scribes who oppress widows and then points to the example of a widow who gives out of her poverty. The Lord calls us to give of our financial resources in our abundance and our poverty.</p> <p>Shortly after Jesus teaches about loving the Lord with all heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself, Jesus gives a warning about the scribes who oppress widows and then points to the example of a widow who gives out of her poverty. The Lord calls us to give of our financial resources in our abundance and our poverty.</p> Shortly after Jesus teaches about loving the Lord with all heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself, Jesus gives a warning about the scribes who oppress widows and then points to the example of a widow who gives out of her poverty. The Lord calls us to give of our financial resources in our abundance and our poverty.

]]> Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1900 6 330c5924c76f82522b58550fc1b93b4f no Mark 12:13-37 Josh Loomis <p>In a series of four teachings, where Jesus responds to questions in the temple, Jesus lays out the rendering, the reward, the requirements, and the ruler of the Kingdom of God.</p> <p>In a series of four teachings, where Jesus responds to questions in the temple, Jesus lays out the rendering, the reward, the requirements, and the ruler of the Kingdom of God.</p> In a series of four teachings, where Jesus responds to questions in the temple, Jesus lays out the rendering, the reward, the requirements, and the ruler of the Kingdom of God.

]]> Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2070 7 1e59c28f5cbffc0599e9ca8ecc72ac6b no Mark 12:1-12 Josh Loomis <p>Jesus addresses the chief priests and the scribes in a parable about a vineyard left in charge of tenants, who mistreat the servants sent to collect fruit. In this rebuke of the Pharisees, we're called to examine our own hearts and ask if we are more concerned with the blessings of the Lord or a relationship with God himself.</p> <p>Jesus addresses the chief priests and the scribes in a parable about a vineyard left in charge of tenants, who mistreat the servants sent to collect fruit. In this rebuke of the Pharisees, we're called to examine our own hearts and ask if we are more concerned with the blessings of the Lord or a relationship with God himself.</p> Jesus addresses the chief priests and the scribes in a parable about a vineyard left in charge of tenants, who mistreat the servants sent to collect fruit. In this rebuke of the Pharisees, we're called to examine our own hearts and ask if we are more concerned with the blessings of the Lord or a relationship with God himself.

]]> Sun, 03 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1630 8 223a99cd5be42f3d9393c775aeb1ee0b no Mark 11:27-33 Josh Loomis <p>In the temple, Jesus has a confrontation with the chief priests and challenges them to choose between a fear of God and a fear of man. As Christians, we also have to choose which fear drives our lives.</p> <p>In the temple, Jesus has a confrontation with the chief priests and challenges them to choose between a fear of God and a fear of man. As Christians, we also have to choose which fear drives our lives.</p> In the temple, Jesus has a confrontation with the chief priests and challenges them to choose between a fear of God and a fear of man. As Christians, we also have to choose which fear drives our lives.

]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2316 9 bfc9f35277054b10fcb5da70d0ce49d8 no Mark 11:1-25 Doug Olexa <p>As Jesus enters Jerusalem, Jesus addresses inauthentic followers who praise Him as He enters but fail to follow Him. Jesus curses a fig tree, pointing us to beware of follows who look like they are producing fruit but lack actual fruit. Jesus also cleanses the temple, condemning those who are not sharing the mission of God.</p> <p>As Jesus enters Jerusalem, Jesus addresses inauthentic followers who praise Him as He enters but fail to follow Him. Jesus curses a fig tree, pointing us to beware of follows who look like they are producing fruit but lack actual fruit. Jesus also cleanses the temple, condemning those who are not sharing the mission of God.</p> As Jesus enters Jerusalem, Jesus addresses inauthentic followers who praise Him as He enters but fail to follow Him. Jesus curses a fig tree, pointing us to beware of follows who look like they are producing fruit but lack actual fruit. Jesus also cleanses the temple, condemning those who are not sharing the mission of God.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2352 10 6a2240b264e340e59cb8bc7dc6d8a6a0 no Mark 10:46-52 Josh Loomis <p>Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus as he's leaving Jericho, highlighting the fact that Jesus can restore the sight of the blind. Contrasting with the spiritual blindness of the disciples, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus can heal our blind spots.</p> <p>Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus as he's leaving Jericho, highlighting the fact that Jesus can restore the sight of the blind. Contrasting with the spiritual blindness of the disciples, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus can heal our blind spots.</p> Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus as he's leaving Jericho, highlighting the fact that Jesus can restore the sight of the blind. Contrasting with the spiritual blindness of the disciples, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus can heal our blind spots.

]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2270 11 a30b1721b89391fb664a0ca66c871cbc no Mark 16:1-8 Josh Loomis <p>The events of Easter Sunday changed the entire world. But can we trust the words of the gospels? Did Jesus Christ actually rise from the dead? The earliest gospel has an abrupt end that can reassure us that Jesus is alive and well, still working today.</p> <p>The events of Easter Sunday changed the entire world. But can we trust the words of the gospels? Did Jesus Christ actually rise from the dead? The earliest gospel has an abrupt end that can reassure us that Jesus is alive and well, still working today.</p> The events of Easter Sunday changed the entire world. But can we trust the words of the gospels? Did Jesus Christ actually rise from the dead? The earliest gospel has an abrupt end that can reassure us that Jesus is alive and well, still working today.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2320 12 fc3209ec60db27d0cd69809d53df9523 no Mark 10:32-45 Josh Loomis <p>As Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem, James and John ask Jesus for places at his right hand and his left, revealing a deep desire for position in our hearts. But Jesus responds by showing the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.</p> <p>As Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem, James and John ask Jesus for places at his right hand and his left, revealing a deep desire for position in our hearts. But Jesus responds by showing the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.</p> As Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem, James and John ask Jesus for places at his right hand and his left, revealing a deep desire for position in our hearts. But Jesus responds by showing the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2160 13 27d1cc72f3ce92d5794698cd9186194f no Mark 10:17-31 Greg Loomis <p>When a rich young ruler comes up to Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus points him to the gospel, reminding all of us that there's nothing we can do to earn our salvation.</p> <p>When a rich young ruler comes up to Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus points him to the gospel, reminding all of us that there's nothing we can do to earn our salvation.</p> When a rich young ruler comes up to Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus points him to the gospel, reminding all of us that there's nothing we can do to earn our salvation.

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1940 14 fd5107f9b6606b6eaa390fea52d765c1 no Mark 10:1-16 Josh Loomis <p>When Jesus enters Judea, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about divorce. But as Jesus responds, he points to the heart of the Lord that marriages are meant to be eternal and that children are meant to be cherished.</p> <p>When Jesus enters Judea, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about divorce. But as Jesus responds, he points to the heart of the Lord that marriages are meant to be eternal and that children are meant to be cherished.</p> When Jesus enters Judea, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about divorce. But as Jesus responds, he points to the heart of the Lord that marriages are meant to be eternal and that children are meant to be cherished.

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2260 15 e7516c0dc95b55c0b23bb6b0fe576329 no Mark 9:33-50 Pearce Durst <p>As the disciples walk, they discuss who is the greatest among them, and then Jesus redefines what greatness truly means.</p> <p>As the disciples walk, they discuss who is the greatest among them, and then Jesus redefines what greatness truly means.</p> As the disciples walk, they discuss who is the greatest among them, and then Jesus redefines what greatness truly means.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2376 16 605999914f6b9609826958d37086013d no Mark 9:14-32 Josh Loomis <p>While Jesus is being transfigured on the mountain, nine of his disciples fail to cast out a demon from an afflicted boy. When asked why they could not cast the demon out, Jesus tells him that it's from a lack of prayer. Prayer is our source of power and our method of reliance on God.</p> <p>While Jesus is being transfigured on the mountain, nine of his disciples fail to cast out a demon from an afflicted boy. When asked why they could not cast the demon out, Jesus tells him that it's from a lack of prayer. Prayer is our source of power and our method of reliance on God.</p> While Jesus is being transfigured on the mountain, nine of his disciples fail to cast out a demon from an afflicted boy. When asked why they could not cast the demon out, Jesus tells him that it's from a lack of prayer. Prayer is our source of power and our method of reliance on God.

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2400 17 a45c0f98c0d3bfaf7cf7d61baf57a8cb no Mark 9:2-13 Josh Loomis <p>After Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. However, most of us live in the valleys of life instead of on the mountaintops, revealing that we need to be constantly reminded of the mountaintops while we're in the valley.</p> <p>After Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. However, most of us live in the valleys of life instead of on the mountaintops, revealing that we need to be constantly reminded of the mountaintops while we're in the valley.</p> After Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. However, most of us live in the valleys of life instead of on the mountaintops, revealing that we need to be constantly reminded of the mountaintops while we're in the valley.

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2453 18 7da5c7585d690cd23d6c5324866b0ccd no Mark 8:27-9:1 Josh Loomis <p>Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but Jesus makes it clear that the disciples' image of the Christ is one that reigns but does not suffer, and this is an incorrect understanding of who the Christ was called to be. Then Jesus calls all of his followers to take up their crosses and follow him.</p> <p>Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but Jesus makes it clear that the disciples' image of the Christ is one that reigns but does not suffer, and this is an incorrect understanding of who the Christ was called to be. Then Jesus calls all of his followers to take up their crosses and follow him.</p> Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but Jesus makes it clear that the disciples' image of the Christ is one that reigns but does not suffer, and this is an incorrect understanding of who the Christ was called to be. Then Jesus calls all of his followers to take up their crosses and follow him.

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2340 19 a84f7fbbe029bf8714f02ac7daa38e69 no Mark 7:24-37 Josh Loomis <p>After his confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus goes to the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon and heals a woman who is a Gentile and heals a deaf man, demonstrating that the Messiah came to save Jews and Gentiles.</p> <p>After his confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus goes to the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon and heals a woman who is a Gentile and heals a deaf man, demonstrating that the Messiah came to save Jews and Gentiles.</p> After his confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus goes to the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon and heals a woman who is a Gentile and heals a deaf man, demonstrating that the Messiah came to save Jews and Gentiles.

]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2296 20 dfd07b2cd2f4f2d4a0ed96362933df06 no Mark 7:1-23 Josh Loomis <p>In one of the first confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus reveals that God cares more about our hearts than our external actions.</p> <p>In one of the first confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus reveals that God cares more about our hearts than our external actions.</p> In one of the first confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus reveals that God cares more about our hearts than our external actions.

]]> Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2310 21 e9aa5b639428be36c7fdcd1066226f5a no Mark 6:30-56 Josh Loomis <p>As Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water, He reveals that He is sustainer, sovereign, and shepherd. Knowing all of these things, we can be confident that Jesus is our true source of rest.</p> <p>As Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water, He reveals that He is sustainer, sovereign, and shepherd. Knowing all of these things, we can be confident that Jesus is our true source of rest.</p> As Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water, He reveals that He is sustainer, sovereign, and shepherd. Knowing all of these things, we can be confident that Jesus is our true source of rest.

]]> Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2250 22 8600f6539e5cdcf22f2bb0bb6f31d2ea no Mark 6:7-29 Josh Loomis <p>Expanding his ministry, Jesus sends out the 12 disciples two by two to call people to repentance. Just after this, Mark shares the story of John the Baptist's death, demonstrating the cost of following Jesus.</p> <p>Expanding his ministry, Jesus sends out the 12 disciples two by two to call people to repentance. Just after this, Mark shares the story of John the Baptist's death, demonstrating the cost of following Jesus.</p> Expanding his ministry, Jesus sends out the 12 disciples two by two to call people to repentance. Just after this, Mark shares the story of John the Baptist's death, demonstrating the cost of following Jesus.

]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2480 23 809c4845138e53f6b5e2d3cb8e2feaaf no Mark 5:21-6:6 Josh Loomis <p>As Jesus crosses back over to Capernaum, he demonstrates his ability to heal and proves that He has power over death itself, making a stark contrast with those who believe and are amazed and those who cannot believe He has power.</p> <p>As Jesus crosses back over to Capernaum, he demonstrates his ability to heal and proves that He has power over death itself, making a stark contrast with those who believe and are amazed and those who cannot believe He has power.</p> As Jesus crosses back over to Capernaum, he demonstrates his ability to heal and proves that He has power over death itself, making a stark contrast with those who believe and are amazed and those who cannot believe He has power.

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1590 24 558a680babd0852d8dfab36007be5235 no Mark 4:35-41 Josh Loomis <p>When a storm arises and threatens the lives of the disciples, they call upon Jesus in their fear. The contrast between the scared and the sleeper illustrates how we can best rely on Jesus through the storms of our lives.</p> <p>When a storm arises and threatens the lives of the disciples, they call upon Jesus in their fear. The contrast between the scared and the sleeper illustrates how we can best rely on Jesus through the storms of our lives.</p> When a storm arises and threatens the lives of the disciples, they call upon Jesus in their fear. The contrast between the scared and the sleeper illustrates how we can best rely on Jesus through the storms of our lives.

]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2180 25 11b9296c292b19cc03e8facbe476f7e9 no Mark 4:1-20 Josh Loomis <p>In Jesus' first parable in Mark, He tells the disciples that the secret to understanding parables is that God changes hearts. He then encourages them to sow broadly because we do not know what soil people fall into.</p> <p>In Jesus' first parable in Mark, He tells the disciples that the secret to understanding parables is that God changes hearts. He then encourages them to sow broadly because we do not know what soil people fall into.</p> In Jesus' first parable in Mark, He tells the disciples that the secret to understanding parables is that God changes hearts. He then encourages them to sow broadly because we do not know what soil people fall into.

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2094 26 5411a3c0620e6437a7140857d85d685e no Mark 2:18-3:6 <p>Following Jesus is good for all. Jesus introduces a new personal message that replaces the old religious system. The positive nature of Jesus is not burdensome but instead uplifting. Following Jesus is powerful and life changing.</p> <p>Following Jesus is good for all. Jesus introduces a new personal message that replaces the old religious system. The positive nature of Jesus is not burdensome but instead uplifting. Following Jesus is powerful and life changing.</p> Following Jesus is good for all. Jesus introduces a new personal message that replaces the old religious system. The positive nature of Jesus is not burdensome but instead uplifting. Following Jesus is powerful and life changing.

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2288 27 9bab2ef375c4b830a8f33a835ab976e0 no Mark 2:13-17 Josh Loomis <p>As Jesus continues his ministry, he calls a fifth disciple, Levi, who is a tax collector. As he calls Levi, also named Matthew, to follow Him, the pharisees question Jesus when he eats with sinners. Jesus then corrects them, making it clear that he came to call sinners and not the righteous.</p> <p>As Jesus continues his ministry, he calls a fifth disciple, Levi, who is a tax collector. As he calls Levi, also named Matthew, to follow Him, the pharisees question Jesus when he eats with sinners. Jesus then corrects them, making it clear that he came to call sinners and not the righteous.</p> As Jesus continues his ministry, he calls a fifth disciple, Levi, who is a tax collector. As he calls Levi, also named Matthew, to follow Him, the pharisees question Jesus when he eats with sinners. Jesus then corrects them, making it clear that he came to call sinners and not the righteous.

]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2168 28 70daae9ce0aed858f6cbcefd5b6bdba7 no Mark 2:1-12 <p>Jesus claims to be the Son of Man and that he has authority to forgive sins. There are two groups that respond to him, one with healing faith and one with hindering faith.</p> <p>Jesus claims to be the Son of Man and that he has authority to forgive sins. There are two groups that respond to him, one with healing faith and one with hindering faith.</p> Jesus claims to be the Son of Man and that he has authority to forgive sins. There are two groups that respond to him, one with healing faith and one with hindering faith.

]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2220 29 541e8e9fa4ac8aead8b9fc364c31ff5c no Mark 1:40-45 <p>When Jesus heals a leper, we see a dramatic transformation of the man from unclean, to clean, to evangelist. A transformation that represents the process for all of us going from inwardly unclean to washed white as snow.</p> <p>When Jesus heals a leper, we see a dramatic transformation of the man from unclean, to clean, to evangelist. A transformation that represents the process for all of us going from inwardly unclean to washed white as snow.</p> When Jesus heals a leper, we see a dramatic transformation of the man from unclean, to clean, to evangelist. A transformation that represents the process for all of us going from inwardly unclean to washed white as snow.

]]> Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1691 30 95ab72fae6196d82cc50764f02443264 no Mark 1:21-39 Josh Loomis <p>Jesus begins his public ministry by teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus demonstrates that he has authority to teach, authority over demons, and authority to heal. Jesus also shows us that his agenda is to heal all people and restore them to wholeness.</p> <p>Jesus begins his public ministry by teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus demonstrates that he has authority to teach, authority over demons, and authority to heal. Jesus also shows us that his agenda is to heal all people and restore them to wholeness.</p> Jesus begins his public ministry by teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus demonstrates that he has authority to teach, authority over demons, and authority to heal. Jesus also shows us that his agenda is to heal all people and restore them to wholeness.

]]> Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2183 31 acf56898997d1c51b1962e4d7ab001fd no Mark 1:16-20 <p>Mark 1:16-20 details the call of the first four disciples and how the disciples respond to Jesus's call.</p> <p>Mark 1:16-20 details the call of the first four disciples and how the disciples respond to Jesus's call.</p> Mark 1:16-20 details the call of the first four disciples and how the disciples respond to Jesus's call.

]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2150 32 020c0873cffafaf309d6ca2527ae19fe no Mark 1:1-15 <p>Jesus is the Son of God, our replacement, and has come to restore all things.</p> <p>Jesus is the Son of God, our replacement, and has come to restore all things.</p> Jesus is the Son of God, our replacement, and has come to restore all things.

]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2135 33 6f9f2ed2524f56a1e62584fede89c2e6 no