Show Notes
What do Christians and Catholics have in common, and where do they fundamentally differ? In this episode, Pastor Chris Hilken continues the conversation by exploring the central question at the heart of the Protestant Reformation: What is the final authority for the Christian life? Together, we examine where Protestants and Catholics share common ground, where they diverge on Scripture, church tradition, and authority, and why those differences shape beliefs about repentance, salvation, and the gospel itself. Whether you're exploring Christianity, coming from a Catholic background, or simply seeking to better understand these important distinctions, this conversation aims to bring biblical clarity with both conviction and grace. Resources Watch the full sermon series Connect With Us Instagram • Facebook • collegeave.church
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Why is it so difficult to hear the truth about ourselves, even when it comes from someone who loves us? Pastor Chris Hilken builds on Sunday's sermon from Ecclesiastes 6 and 7, exploring the contrast between wisdom and foolishness and why genuine spiritual growth often requires uncomfortable conversations. Join us as we examine how our culture's pursuit of comfort has influenced the way we receive correction, why our instinct is to defend ourselves against criticism, and what it really means to "fire the lawyer" living inside our heads. This conversation challenges us to move beyond defensiveness and embrace godly mentorship and correction. Resources Watch the full sermon series Connect With Us Instagram • Facebook • collegeave.church
Pastor Chris Hilken tackles one of the most avoided and misunderstood topics in the church: money. Continuing in our study of Ecclesiastes, this conversation unpacks why Scripture ties the love of money to "all kinds of evil," what it means to hold our finances with an open hand, and how to know how much is truly "enough." We explore the difference between owning our money and seeing ourselves as stewards of what belongs to God, while pushing back against both the prosperity gospel and the idea that enjoying what God has given you is somehow unspiritual. Join us as we take a thoughtful and honest look at faith and finances. Resources Watch the full sermon series Connect With Us Instagram • Facebook • collegeave.church
Is fearing the Lord simply another way of saying we should revere Him, or is there something deeper that Christians have missed? Pastor Chris Hilken breaks down the different kinds of fear found throughout Scripture and explains how Christians can simultaneously know God as a loving Father while still trembling at His power and holiness. As part of our ongoing study of Ecclesiastes, this conversation looks at what is at stake when the fear of God fades from our faith, how it shapes obedience and evangelism, and why so many churches shy away from the topic today. If you've wrestled with what it means to rightly fear God, or just want to go deeper on this often-overlooked command, check out this episode! Resources Watch the full sermon series Connect With Us Instagram • Facebook • collegeave.church
What really happens the moment you die? In this episode, Pastor Chris Hilken breaks down what the Bible actually says about life after death; what it means to be "with the Lord" without a physical body, and why heaven looks less like harps and clouds and more like a renewed, physical earth. Walking though Hebrews 10 verse-by-verse, Chris explains why the Catholic doctrine of purgatory doesn't hold up under biblical scrutiny and what Scripture says happens to the soul immediately after death. The episode closes with one of Christianity's toughest questions: how can a loving God send anyone to hell? Resources Watch the full sermon series Connect With Us Instagram • Facebook • collegeave.church
Ever wonder how to make decisions the Bible doesn't spell out? In this episode of the College Ave Podcast, Pastor Chris Hilken breaks down a practical framework for navigating gray areas as Christians: green light issues (clear biblical commands), red light issues (clear biblical prohibitions), and yellow light issues - the gray areas scripture doesn't directly address, like technology use, dating, or business decisions. Pastor Chris walks through how personal conviction, mentorship, and concern for others' faith should shape decisions in that yellow-light space. Resources Watch the full sermon series Connect With Us Instagram • Facebook • collegeave.church