Grace Chapel: Recent Episodes
Grace Chapel Sermon Media
What holds us together when life feels divided, overwhelming, and uncertain?In the final message of our Summer Reading series, Pastor Rachel Keeler explores 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 and the life-changing promise that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. Through Jesus, we are reconciled to God, given a fresh start, and invited to become ambassadors of reconciliation in a fractured world.Drawing from the film Everything Everywhere All at Once, Pastor Rachel reflects on our longing for someone who understands everything we see and feel—someone who can bring meaning, unity, and healing to every part of life. Scripture points us to Jesus, the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together.As we grow closer to Christ, his life transforms us. We become people who carry the peace, love, and healing of God’s coming new creation into our relationships, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities.Big idea: Everything holds together in Christ.Where might God be calling you to take the first step toward reconciliation?Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Colossians 1:15–20Speaker: Pastor Rachel KeelerSeries: Summer ReadingMessage: Everything, EverywhereDate: August 9, 2026#GraceChapel #NewCreation #Reconciliation
Who is Jesus, and what does the cross reveal about God?In this message from Colossians 1:15–20, Dr. Mateus de Campos explores one of the New Testament’s most powerful descriptions of Christ. Jesus is the image of the invisible God—the One through whom all things were created, the One who holds all things together, and the One who brings reconciliation and peace through His sacrifice on the cross.The cross reveals the heart of God and a kingdom marked by humility, surrender, sacrificial love, and grace. This message invites us to see Jesus more clearly and consider what His life, death, and resurrection mean for the burdens we carry.Message: The Burden and the CrossSpeaker: Dr. Mateus de Campos, Senior Pastor CandidateScripture: Colossians 1:15–20Date: July 26, 2026Location: Grace Chapel | Lexington, MassachusettsLearn more about Grace Chapel:https://www.grace.orgLearn more about the Senior Pastor Search:https://www.grace.org/seniorpastorsearch2026/Subscribe for more messages, worship services, and stories from Grace Chapel.#GraceChapel #MateusDeCampos #TheBurdenAndTheCross #Colossians #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon
What does it mean to be chosen, redeemed, and adopted into God’s family?In Week 6 of our Summer Reading series, Pastor Tim Ghali explores Ephesians 1:3–14 and the incredible promise that we have been chosen by God the Father, redeemed through Jesus, and sealed by the Holy Spirit.Through his personal faith journey and his family’s powerful adoption story, Pastor Tim reminds us that adoption brings identity, security, love, and a new future. But God’s invitation doesn’t stop with receiving his grace. We are also called to adopt his mission and participate in the redemption of the world.Central idea: When you adopt God’s calling, you join in the redemption of all things.What burden, calling, or need might God be inviting you to bring into your life? Don’t let the call go to voicemail. Answer it, adopt the mission, and allow God to use your life to bring restoration, goodness, and love into the world.Scripture: Ephesians 1:3–14Speaker: Pastor Tim GhaliSeries: Summer ReadingDate: July 19, 2026Learn more about Grace Chapel: https://www.grace.orgJoin Grace Chapel Online: https://www.grace.org/online/Explore more messages: https://www.grace.org/be-curious/sermons/#GraceChapel #Redeemed #Ephesians1
n this week’s message, Pastor Jeanette teaches from Acts 8:26–40, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. This powerful passage reminds us that God pursues every person, removes every barrier through Jesus Christ, and calls all people home.Through this story, we see God’s heart for redemption. The Ethiopian eunuch was a person of influence, dignity, and deep spiritual hunger, yet he was also someone who had been kept at a distance. But on a desert road, God sent Philip to walk alongside him, open the Scriptures, point him to Jesus, and welcome him through baptism. The result was joy, belonging, and a witness sent home to the nations.As part of our Summer Reading series, this message invites us to see redemption not just as an idea, but as God’s active pursuit of people. God is still at work beyond our familiar circles, still preparing hearts, and still sending ordinary believers to share the good news of Jesus with humility, courage, and love.Scripture: Acts 8:26–40Speaker: Pastor JeanetteMessage Title: God Calls All People HomeDate: July 12, 2026Grace Chapel is a non-denominational Christian church in the Greater Boston area. Learn more at grace.org.#GraceChapel #PastorJeanette #Acts8 #PhilipAndTheEthiopianEunuch #ChristianSermon #OnlineWorship #Jesus #Redemption #Faith #BibleTeaching
In this week’s message, Pastor Tim continues our Summer Reading series with a look at Genesis 3 and the story of the Fall.Why is the world so broken? Why do even good things often become painful? And where do we find hope when sin, suffering, and death seem to touch everything?Genesis 3 shows us how humanity’s rebellion against God brought brokenness into creation, but it also gives us the first promise of redemption. Even in the middle of humanity’s worst moment, God points us toward the hope we have in Jesus.The Fall explains our brokenness, but God’s promise points us to our hope and coming redemption.We hope this message helps you understand the larger story of Scripture and encourages you to spend time with God in His Word.Subscribe to Grace Chapel for weekly sermons, worship, and stories of life change.#GraceChapel #PastorTimGhali #Genesis3 #TheFall #SummerReading #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #Jesus #Redemption #HopeInJesus
What does it mean to be made in the image of God?In this message, Pastor Ruthie explores the creation story in Genesis and reminds us that everything God created was good. As God’s image bearers, we are invited to partner with Him by caring for creation, loving our neighbors, and faithfully stewarding what He has entrusted to us.Discover how the opening pages of the Bible reveal God’s goodness, our identity, and the meaningful role each of us has in His creation.Subscribe for more messages and worship from Grace Chapel.Learn more: https://www.grace.org#Genesis #ImageOfGod #Creation #ChristianSermon #GraceChapel
What does it mean to be made in the image of God?In this opening message of our Summer Reading series, guest preacher Pat Batten teaches from Genesis 1:26–28 and explores one of the most foundational truths in Scripture: every human being is created as the image of God.Through Scripture, personal story, and reflection, Pat reminds us that our worth is not based on our work, achievements, relationships, abilities, or circumstances. Our value comes from who we are: God’s image-bearers, created by Him, known by Him, and deeply valuable to Him.Whether life has gone according to plan or taken an unexpected turn, knowing who we are helps us wherever we are.
What do you do when you find yourself standing at the edge of uncertainty, unsure how to move forward?In this Annual Celebration 2026 message, Pastor Tim Ghali teaches from 2 Kings 2:1–15, where Elijah and Elisha stand at the Jordan River and witness the power of God at work. Through this powerful story of transition, calling, and spiritual empowerment, we are reminded that the same God who parted waters for Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha is still on the move today.Pastor Tim reflects on a significant year in the life of Grace Chapel — a year marked by transition, challenge, faith, generosity, and God’s provision. Through it all, we are invited to trust that God sees us at the riverbank, empowers us for what is ahead, and calls us to join His ongoing work in the world.This message also includes the story of Colin, a reminder that God is still changing lives in unexpected ways through ordinary people who are centered on Jesus.
What does Pentecost teach us about being the church today?In this message, Pastor Dom Bronico explores the connection between the Tower of Babel and Pentecost, showing how the arrival of the Holy Spirit sends the church beyond the walls of a building and out into the world.Through Acts 2 and Genesis 11, we see that God’s vision for the church is not sameness, comfort, or simply gathering in one place. Instead, the Spirit empowers God’s people to go into neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, hospitals, coffee shops, and communities as living witnesses of Jesus.Pastor Dom reminds us that the church is not just a place we attend on Sundays. The church is a people sent by God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and called to embody the diverse, growing, multi-faceted Kingdom of Heaven.Key Scripture: Acts 2, Genesis 11Speaker: Pastor Dom BronicoTopic: Pentecost, Holy Spirit, Church Mission, Evangelism, Babel, Great CommissionIn this message:What Pentecost means for the church todayHow Pentecost reverses the story of BabelWhy the Holy Spirit sends us out into the worldHow Christians can live as “miniature temples” wherever they goWhat it means to serve, share Jesus, and be present in our communitiesThe arrival of the Holy Spirit means the church is called to go—not just into a building on Sundays, but out into the world with the love and presence of Jesus.#Pentecost #HolySpirit #Acts2 #TowerOfBabel #ChurchMission #GraceChapel #PastorDomBronico #ChristianMessage #GreatCommission #Jesus
What does biblical submission really mean and how does Jesus transform our relationships?In this message, “Submission’s Paradox,” Pastor Ruthie walks through Colossians 3:18–4:1 and explores one of the most challenging passages in the New Testament: the “household codes.”Rather than promoting control or inequality, this teaching uncovers the radical, Christ-centered vision behind mutual submission, sacrificial love, dignity, and service. From marriage and parenting to leadership and justice, Pastor Ruthie shows how Jesus reshapes every relationship through humility and love.This message also honestly addresses difficult topics including slavery in Scripture, racism in church history, modern human trafficking, and what it means to follow Jesus in a way that honors the image of God in every person.Key Topics:Biblical submission explainedMutual submission in marriageColossians 3 household codesChristian relationships and familyJesus’ view of women and childrenFaith, justice, and modern slaveryLiving like Christ in everyday lifeScripture: Colossians 3:18–4:1, Ephesians 5:21–33🙏 If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone and subscribe for more biblical teaching and conversations about faith.#Colossians #ChristianMarriage #BiblicalSubmission #FaithAndJustice #GraceChapel #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching
What does it really mean to live a new life in Christ?In this message, “Centering on What’s New”, PastorTim Ghali walks through Colossians 3:1–17 and explores what it looks like to leave behind the old self and fully step into the new life Jesus offers.This teaching challenges us to move beyond behavior modification and into true spiritual transformation setting our minds on things above, putting to death old patterns, and living with love, peace, and gratitude in community.Whether you’re new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, this message will help you refocus your life on what truly matters.Key Topics:New life in Christ (Colossians 3)Putting off the old selfLiving with love, peace, and gratitudeChristian transformation vs. behavior changeCommunity and forgivenessScripture: Colossians 3:1–17👉 If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a fresh start.#NewLifeInChrist #Colossians3 #ChristianLiving #FaithInJesus #GraceChapel #Sermon
Do you feel closer to God when you’re doing everything right… and farther when you’re not?Pastor Blaire Jenkins walks through Colossians 2 and exposes something we don’t always see:Whether you follow the rules or reject them… the rules might still be at the center.This message flips the script:You don’t earn a relationship with GodYou don’t lose it by failingYou receive it through JesusFreedom doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from trusting what Jesus has already done.📖 Scripture: Colossians 2:16–23📍 Grace Chapel
Pastor Tom continues our Centering on Jesus series with a powerful message from Colossians 1:15–23.In this passage, Paul gives us a breathtaking view of who Jesus truly is — the image of the invisible God, the creator of all things, the head of the church, and the one who reconciles all things through the cross.When we see Jesus more clearly, everything else comes into focus.
What would it feel like to hear Jesus call your name?In this Easter message, Pastor Ruthie Seiders (Central Ministries Pastor) shares the powerful story of Mary Magdalene in —a moment where grief turns to joy when the risen Jesus speaks her name.Easter isn’t just a story we retell every year—it’s a reminder that Jesus knows you personally, loves you deeply, and calls you by name. In a world where it’s easy to feel unseen or forgotten, this message invites you to rediscover the truth that you are fully known and truly loved by God.Whether you’re exploring faith or returning to a familiar story with fresh eyes, this message offers hope, identity, and a new beginning.📖 Scripture: John 20:11–18📍 Grace Chapel | Easter Sunday
Discipleship Pastor) walks through to unpack a powerful truth: our worth isn’t something we earn—it’s something Jesus gives.The church in Colossae struggled with identity, pressure, and competing voices—just like we do today. Through Paul’s words, we’re reminded that when we center our lives on Jesus, everything changes. We don’t strive for worth—we live from it.This message challenges us to refocus, realign, and rediscover our identity in Christ.📖 Scripture: Colossians 1:1–14
Have you ever felt like your life has lost the plot?On Palm Sunday, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp (Wilmington Campus Pastor) walks through to remind us that while the world—and often our own lives—can drift off course, Jesus never lost sight of the story.As crowds shout “Hosanna” (Save us!) and Jesus enters Jerusalem, we see a powerful contrast: a world confused about what matters most, and a Savior who knows exactly why He came—to rescue, restore, and invite us back into relationship with God.At the center of this message is a beautiful truth:Prayer is not just something we do—it’s an invitation to take a seat at the table with God.If you’ve felt distracted, off-track, or distant from God, this message is an invitation to return—to slow down, pull up a chair, and rediscover the heart of faith through prayer.📖 Scripture: Matthew 21:9–17
Student Ministry Pastor, Foxboro Campus) explores how prayer isn’t about getting the outcome we want—but about developing active dependence on who God is.Through Mark 9:14–29 and Matthew 26:36–46, we see how even the disciples struggled with prayer, often relying on what God had done before instead of depending on Him in the present. Jesus invites us into something deeper—not a formula, but a relationship.Whether you’ve felt frustrated in prayer, unsure how to pray, or distant from God, this message reminds us that prayer is not about control or performance—it’s about trust, surrender, and knowing God more fully.📖 Scripture: Mark 9:14–29, Matthew 26:36–46
Pastor Tim Ghali explores how fasting can strengthen our faith, deepen spiritual formation, and prepare us for mission. Looking at Jesus’ forty-day fast in Luke 4, we learn how fasting helps us resist temptation, grow stronger in God’s Word, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.📖 Scripture: Luke 4:1–15
Fasting is one of the most ancient spiritual practices in the Bible, yet many Christians today rarely talk about it or practice it. In this message, Pastor Jeanette explores what Jesus says about fasting in Matthew 6:16–18 and how fasting can help us slow down, create space for God, and deepen our spiritual hunger.Rather than being about legalism or self-denial alone, fasting is an invitation to focus our hearts on God and seek Him more intentionally in our daily lives.
Are you tired… of being tired?From “sleepcations” to burnout statistics, our culture is waving the white flag. Nearly 70% of workers report feeling burned out. We are more connected, more productive, and more informed than ever before — and yet we are exhausted.In this message, Pastor Dom Bronico explores what Jesus meant when He said:“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)Sabbath is not outdated religion.It is not laziness.It is not legalistic rule-following.It is a life-giving practice designed to restore our whole being.In Mark 2, Jesus confronts a rigid understanding of the Sabbath and reframes it entirely. The Pharisees focused on what Sabbath restricted. Jesus reveals what Sabbath gives. True Sabbath rest refreshes our bodies, reminds us of our identity as human beings made in God’s image, and centers us on the Lord of the Sabbath Himself.In a world of:• constant productivity• endless consumption• non-stop communication• pressure to achieve moreSabbath becomes an act of resistance and surrender.
What if Lent isn’t primarily about giving something up… but about accepting an invitation?In The Invitation, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp takes us to Exodus 33 and the powerful image of the Tent of Meeting—a place Moses set up outside the camp where he met with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”It’s a stunning picture of intimacy.In a noisy, hurried, performance-driven world, God extends a simple but profound invitation:Come away. Quiet the noise. Slow down. Meet with Me.Lent often feels heavy—ashes, repentance, reflection. But beneath it is something deeply hopeful. God delights in you. He knows you by name. And He longs to fill the canvas of these forty days with His presence, rest, and renewal.In this message, Pastor Tom explores three tensions we all feel:• A quiet spirituality in a noisy world• A slow spirituality in a hurried world• A relational spirituality in a transactional cultureSpiritual disciplines like Sabbath, fasting, and prayer are not about proving ourselves to God. They are about posturing ourselves to receive what He is already pouring out.And in the middle of Moses’ anxiety and unanswered questions, God makes this promise:“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)That promise still stands.This message is an invitation—into nearness, into delight, into relationship. The God of the universe is not asking for better performance. He is inviting you into friendship.
At the halfway point of the year, it’s easy to feel like we’re just trying to make it to the finish line. But this message is an invitation to do more than survive—to recenter.In Colossians 1:15–23, we’re reminded of who Jesus really is: the One who created all things, the One who holds all things together, and the One who leads His church. If Jesus is truly the center, everything else—our stress, our opinions, our fears, our responsibilities—finds a better place.Pastor Tim speaks honestly about the emotional weight of our cultural moment, and how easy it is for Christians to get pulled into anxiety, outrage, and division. But the church is called to something different: unity in Christ, a deeper story, and a kingdom mission that doesn’t rise and fall with the news cycle.This message also prepares us for Lent and the practices that form us: Sabbath, fasting, and prayer. Not as a way to earn God’s love—but as a way to become more aware of it, and more grounded in it.If you feel off-center right now, this message is for you.May Jesus become central again—steady, present, and supreme.
What does genuine faith look like when we leave church and step into the realities of everyday life? How does our Sunday worship shape the way we show up at work, at school, in our homes, and in our communities?In this message, Pastor Ruthie Seiders invites us to consider a powerful and challenging truth from the book of James: faith that does not move us to action is incomplete. A living, authentic faith is not something we simply believe—it is something we practice.Drawing from James 2, Pastor Ruthie explores what it means to live out a working faith—a faith that connects prayer, worship, and belief with tangible expressions of love, mercy, justice, and compassion in the places God has called us to serve each day. Using Scripture, real-life examples, and stories from Grace Chapel’s Faith and Work gathering, this message highlights how God is already at work through people across all ages, vocations, and life stages.This sermon wrestles honestly with questions like:Can faith be real if it doesn’t shape how we treat others?How do faith and works relate without turning obedience into performance?What does it look like to love our neighbors in the ordinary moments of work and responsibility?James reminds us that even belief alone is not enough—even the demons believe. What marks genuine faith is love in action. From the faith of Abraham to the courage of Rahab, Scripture shows us that faith comes alive when it is expressed through deeds shaped by trust in God and love for others.Pastor Ruthie challenges us to imagine what might change if we truly believed that every person we encounter is a child of God, an image bearer, and that our work as followers of Jesus is to treat them that way. When we close the gap between Sunday and Monday, faith becomes visible—not just in words, but in lives shaped by grace.This message is an invitation to reflect deeply on how your faith shows up in the small, everyday choices you make—and to live out a faith that works for the good of others and the glory of God.
In a world that celebrates constant productivity and relentless busyness, many of us find ourselves exhausted, distracted, and spiritually depleted. We don’t stop working because we hate the destination—we stop because we’ve run out of fuel.In this message, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp invites us to rediscover one of God’s most overlooked and life-giving gifts: the Sabbath.From the opening pages of Scripture, we see that rest is not an afterthought—it is woven into creation itself. God works, and then God rests. Not because He is tired, but because rest completes good work. And as people made in God’s image, we are invited to live into that same rhythm.This sermon explores how Sabbath is far more than taking a day off or catching up on sleep. True Sabbath is an intentional entering into the rest of God—a rest that restores our souls, realigns our priorities, and reshapes our understanding of who we are.In this message, you’ll reflect on:Why rest is essential to faithful and sustainable workThe biblical rhythm of work and rest (the 6–1 pattern)Why stopping work doesn’t always mean we are truly restedHow Sabbath helps us rediscover delight, trust “enough,” and remember God’s story over the world’s storiesHow Jesus Himself modeled rhythms of prayerful rest in the midst of demanding ministrySabbath reminds us that we are not defined by productivity, success, or output. We are image-bearers before we are workers. Loved before we are useful. Rested before we are sent.If you feel burned out…If life feels hurried and noisy…If your work has started shaping your identity more than God’s grace…This message is an invitation to slow down, trust God more deeply, and live your life—and your work—out of a place of rest.
Pain, frustration, and discouragement are unavoidable realities of life and work. From tedious tasks and unmet expectations to seasons of deep grief, loss, and hardship—pain has a way of shaping how we see ourselves, our work, and even God.In this message, Josiah Kish invites us to wrestle honestly with pain through the lens of Scripture. Drawing from Lamentations 3, written by the prophet Jeremiah in the aftermath of profound loss, we are reminded that pain is not a sign of God’s absence—but often the very place where God meets us most deeply.Jeremiah does not minimize suffering. He names it fully—describing it as wormwood and poison. Yet, remarkably, in the midst of devastation, he declares hope. Why? Because hope is not rooted in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God—His steadfast love, His mercies that are new every morning, and His enduring faithfulness.This message explores three powerful truths:Pain is the grim reality of a broken worldHope in pain flows from trusting God’s characterPain carries an invitation—to wait on God, to be formed, and to draw closer to HimUltimately, this sermon points us to the Gospel, where we see pain fully embodied in Christ Himself. Jesus enters our suffering, bears it on the cross, and transforms it into a place of redemption and hope. The Gospel empowers us not to escape pain, but to meet God within it.Whether your pain comes from work stress, disappointment, unemployment, caregiving, study, or seasons of deep personal loss, this message offers an invitation: to see pain not as the end of hope, but as the doorway through which God does His deepest work in us.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the workplace faster than any innovation in recent history. Jobs are changing. Technology is accelerating. Anxiety and excitement live side by side.So how should followers of Jesus respond?In this message, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp explores the future of work through the lens of Scripture, connecting today’s AI revolution with the ancient story of the Tower of Babel. Rather than rejecting technology or placing our trust in it, this sermon invites us to rediscover God’s calling for our work—and our humanity.In this message you’ll hear:Why new innovations often tempt us to replace trust in GodWhat the Tower of Babel teaches us about technology and prideHow AI can be a tool without becoming an idolWhy work remains deeply human, spiritual, and formativeHow God’s mercy continues to call us forward—even after failureAs technology evolves, one thing remains true: you are not replaceable, and God has a future for you and your work.
Work isn’t just something we do — it’s something that forms us.In this message, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp explores how our daily work shapes who we are becoming and how God uses ordinary labor to bring His kingdom into the world. Drawing from Romans 12, Genesis 1, and Jesus’ prayer that God’s will be done “on earth as it is in heaven,” this sermon invites us to see work not as a divide between sacred and secular, but as a primary place of spiritual formation.In this message you’ll hear:How work can either form or malform usWhy Scripture refuses to separate work from worshipHow God intends our workplaces to be places where heaven meets earthWhat it looks like to live an integrated Sunday-to-Monday faithYour kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Is work just a grind… or could it be worship?In this message we explore a powerful biblical idea rooted in the Hebrew word avodah — a word that can mean work, labor, worship, and service. From the opening chapter of Scripture, we see God creating with intention and calling His work “good.” And then He creates humanity in His image — not as an afterthought, but as co-workers invited to steward creation and reflect His character in the world.We’ll also confront the reality of thorns and thistles — how the Fall impacts our work — while recovering God’s design: that your work matters, carries dignity, and can be a meaningful part of your calling.In this sermon you’ll hear about:Why “God the Worker” changes how we view our MondayThe meaning of avodah (work + worship + service)Why there’s no “sacred vs. secular” divide in God’s eyesHow work gets broken — and how God can redeem itPractical next steps to close the Sunday-to-Monday gap
What do you do when life feels late?Late for the milestone.Late for the relationship.Late for the breakthrough you thought would already be here.In this message, we look at the Magi — travelers who arrived years after Christmas night, crossed borders as religious outsiders, faced delays, setbacks, and uncertainty… and yet still found joy, worship, and hope when they encountered Jesus.From Matthew 2 we discover:Why the Magi’s journey speaks to anyone stuck in a long season of waitingHow hope survives setbacks, silence, and apparent delaysWhy “late” is never the same as “too late” in God’s economyHow joy can appear before the destination, not just at the endWhether you feel behind, overlooked, delayed, or discouraged — this story reminds us that God’s timing is never late, and an encounter with Jesus is never diminished by when it happens.With God, there is no such thing as too late.
What do you do when you feel invisible—unnoticed, unimportant, or forgotten?In this message we look at the shepherds in Luke 2 and discover that the first people to hear the “good news of great joy” were people living outside the city, on the margins, spending long lonely nights under the stars.Through the shepherds’ story we explore:The bleak reality of our world and our own personal darknessHow God deliberately steps toward the unseen and overlookedWhy the angel’s message really is “good news that will cause great joy for all people”Two simple ways the shepherds model a life of hope:They go and see for themselvesThey spread the word even before they have everything figured outWherever you find yourself this Advent—hopeful, exhausted, anxious, or numb—this passage invites you to hear again:God sees you. God loves you. And in Christ, he has come to meet you right where you are.
It’s easy to have hope when the story feels like it’s on track. But what do we do when our expectations collapse… even when we’re holding onto real promises from a good God?In this message, Blaire walks through the whole arc of Mary’s story — not just the Christmas moment — and shows how hope gets tested, refined, and sometimes derailed by timing, misunderstanding, pressure, and pain. From the angel’s promise (“no word from God will ever fail”) to the wedding at Cana, to the moment Mary tries to “take charge” of Jesus, and finally to standing near the cross, we see a pattern:When hope gets shaky, go to Jesus… and keep going to Jesus.Big Idea:Biblical hope isn’t rooted in our preferred outcomes. It’s rooted in God’s character — the expectation that God will do something good because God is good.Key Scriptures: Luke 1:26–38, 42–55; Luke 2:41–51; John 2:1–11; Mark 3:21, 31–35
We live in a world that often feels grimdark—bleak news cycles, polarization, war, fear for the next generation, personal disappointments and unanswered prayers.In this Advent message, Pastor Bryan Wilkerson takes us from grimdark, hopepunk, and hopecore in pop culture to the quiet story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1. Their long season of delayed dreams and unfulfilled prayer becomes a powerful window into:What hope isWhy hope matters so muchWhere we ultimately find real hopeThrough their story, we discover:Hope sustains us – even when it’s feeble.Hope rewards us – even when it’s not what we expected.Hope inspires us – even when fulfillment is still in the distance.And ultimately, we learn that hope isn’t mainly about what, when, or how… hope is about Who.“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”Wherever life feels dark or uncertain—personally or globally—this message invites you to bring those longings to Jesus and ask Him to “do something good with them,” in His way and His time.Big IdeaHope is the expectation that God will do something good — and that hope is anchored in the person of Jesus.Key ScripturesLuke 1:5–25, 57–79Luke 1:79Hebrews 11–12 (referenced)Romans 8 (implied; God working for good)
Speaker: Pastor Ruthie Seiders, Central Ministries PastorMessage: Thanks + Giving: It’s Time for Thanksgiving AgainScripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10; 5:16–18 • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 • Proverbs 11:24–25 • Hebrews 12:1–3As the holiday season launches into full speed, Pastor Ruthie Seiders invites us to pause — to breathe in the goodness of God and remember the heart behind Thanksgiving.Looking at Paul’s earliest recorded letter, Ruthie explores how the Apostle begins not with updates about his own life, but with gratitude for the people he shepherds. This message calls us into that same rhythm:Thanks + Giving — Giving Thanks and Thankfully Giving.Through stories of the Thessalonian church, Grace Chapel’s own history, and the joyful legacy of generosity, Pastor Ruthie reminds us that:True faith is busy (Leon Morris)Love prompts laborHope produces enduranceGratitude fuels generosityAnd cheerful giving is a spiritual practice that shapes us into ChristlikenessAs we gather around tables and step into Advent, may our hearts echo Paul’s words:“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thess. 5:16–18)
Speaker: Pastor Tom VanAntwerp, Wilmington Campus PastorSeries: Cultivate – The Fruit of the Spirit-Filled LifeText: Romans 7:18–25, Galatians 5:22–23, Romans 8:5–6, Matthew 27:51Self-control is one of the most misunderstood fruits of the Spirit. It sounds like something we produce through sheer effort — but Scripture tells a very different story.In this message, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp explores the tension Paul exposes in Romans 7, the paradox of enkrateia (inner strength), and the cultural swing between self-indulgence and extreme self-discipline. Through biblical insight, spiritual formation wisdom, and memorable images (including Odysseus, the Sirens, and a better song), Pastor Tom shows us:Self-control isn’t willpower.Self-control comes from giving the Spirit control.This Cultivate series finale invites us to open more of our inner lives to God’s Spirit — the One who rearranges our desires, grows all the fruit together, and leads us into a life with God.
What does faithfulness look like in real life? Akash Ahuja (Lexington Director of High School Ministry) takes us from Acadia to the Grand Canyon—showing how a river’s slow, steady flow carved something breathtaking—and how the Spirit forms the fruit of faithfulness in us the same way.We trace God’s faithfulness through Scripture (Ex 34:6–7), see Jesus finish the work the Father gave Him (John 17; 19:30), explore the Bible’s two meanings of “faithfulness” (trustworthy and full of trust), and watch Jesus restore Peter to faithful service.Practical next steps land close to home: 1-minute prayers, consistent serving, small gifts—ordinary acts that add up over time.Speaker: Akash Ahuja, Lexington Director of High School MinistrySeries: Cultivate — The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)Key Texts: Galatians 5:22–23; Exodus 34:6–7; Hosea 6:3; John 17:1–5; John 21Artwork Mentioned: Under His Wings by Laura Wallace (Psalm 57:1)
We’re wired to celebrate what’s good—but we don’t agree on what “good” is. Pastor Josiah explores Jesus’ worldview-shifting claim that God alone is good (Matt. 19:16–22) and shows how that truth reframes evil, sin, and even hell. With a vivid “spring and river” picture, you’ll see why swimming toward the Source changes your life, how the Good Samaritan still captures our hearts, and why the invitation of Jesus is to come empty-handed and follow.Key Scriptures: Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 19:16–22; James 1:17; Romans 2:4Big Idea: Goodness happens in us when we respond to God’s call out of ourselves and into Him—the Source of all good.If you prayed with Dom or want to talk more about following Jesus, email: jkish@grace.org
Cultivate – Week 5: KindnessBig idea: God has been so kind to us, and he is working to make us just as kind as he is.We all want to live in a kinder world—so why is kindness so hard? Today we walk through Galatians 5:13–26 to see Paul’s “third way”: not slavery to law or flesh, but walking by the Spirit. We explore biblical ḥesed (God’s steadfast kindness), how Jesus embodies it, and how the Spirit grows that same kindness in us—then get practical about exercising the “kindness muscle” in daily life.Key Scriptures: Gal 5:1, 13–26; Rom 2:4; Titus 3:1–6; Isa 30:18; Ps 86:15; 2 Sam 9Art Feature: Photo by Dan Smith (Forsyth Dental Infirmary tile frieze) – a picture of a God who waits to show us kindness.Questions to take into the week“God, who in my life needs Your kindness today?”“Where is fear keeping me from being an upstander?”“Where is my certainty getting in the way of kindness?”Next step: Join our October Season of Prayer and ask God to both show and grow His kindness in you.
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming…” (James 5:7)In this message, we explore what it means to live a Spirit-filled life marked by patience. Unlike love, joy, and peace—which feel refreshing and desirable—patience is often harder to embrace because it means waiting, enduring, and long-suffering.Drawing from James 5, the story of Waiting for Godot, and practical spiritual practices, we discover that patience is not passive but an active partnership with God. Patience teaches us to embrace suffering, resist distraction, and experience God’s presence with us in the waiting.This sermon is part of our Cultivate series: The Fruit of a Spirit-Filled Life at Grace Chapel.👉 What helps you cultivate patience in your own life? Share in the comments below!
Generosity is a miracle. It’s not something we do for God—it’s something God does in us.Today, John Rinehart (Founder & CEO, Gospel Patrons) unpacks 2 Corinthians 8:1–9, showing how generosity flows from God’s grace. From the radical example of the Macedonian church to Paul’s charge to “excel in this act of grace”, and finally to Jesus’ own generosity—“though he was rich… he became poor”—this message invites us to give ourselves first to the Lord and join His Kingdom work with joy.📌 Message HighlightsGenerosity as a work of grace, not mere philanthropyThe Macedonians: affliction + poverty → overflowing generosityPaul’s coaching to the Corinthians: excel in givingJesus as the ultimate model of generosity (2 Cor. 8:9)Practicing generosity today: heart first, then resources📖 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1–9🙏 Takeaway: Generosity is Spirit-formed and joy-producing—evidence of God at work in us and through us.
In Week 3 of Cultivate, Pastor Tim Ghali unpacks the Peace of the Holy Spirit: what it is, what it isn’t, and how followers of Jesus both receive and give Christ’s peace in a noisy, polarized world. This message invites us to move beyond “peace and quiet” toward Spirit-formed shalom that frees our hearts, heals relationships, and witnesses to God’s Kingdom.📌 Message HighlightsWhy Jesus’ first words after the resurrection are “Peace be with you”The difference between the world’s peace and Jesus’ peace (John 14:27)Receive: freedom from shame, regret, and self-reliance through the SpiritGive: practicing peacemaking in families, church, and our public witnessGrowing in peace: participation with the Spirit, not passive spectatorship📖 ScriptureJohn 20:19–21; John 14:1, 15–27🕊 Next StepsMonth of Prayer (October): join us in daily prayer and spiritual practices as we seek renewal together.Group Connect: find a Life Group (in-person or online) and experience community that cultivates the fruit of the Spirit.We’re praying that today you experience the peace Jesus gives—and become a peacemaker in His name.
Grace Chapel’s Kickoff Sunday marks the beginning of a new ministry season! 🍂✨This year, our theme is “Centered on Jesus”—an invitation to allow the Spirit of God to transform our natural impulses into Spirit-led reflexes that lead to love and flourishing.In today’s digital sermon, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp, Wilmington Campus Pastor, unpacks Galatians 5 and the Fruit of the Spirit, beginning with Love. What would it look like if love became your first, instinctive response in every situation?📌 Message Highlights:Why our “natural reflexes” often lead us astrayHow the Spirit reshapes us from the inside outThe first fruit of the Spirit: LOVE—what it looks like in real life📖 Scripture: Galatians 5:16–25🙏 Prayer: “Holy Spirit, have more of me.”We’d love for you to subscribe, share this message, and join us on the journey of becoming a people truly centered on Jesus.
We all ask it: What can I do? Pastor Dom shares how that question drew him to Jesus and how the Holy Spirit equips every believer with gifts—given to be given—“for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). From children’s ministry memories to Paul’s vision of one body with many parts, this message calls us to steward our time and talents with humility and urgency, so others meet Christ through our service.Key ideasOne Giver, many gifts (1 Cor. 12:4–6)Gifts are for the common good—they’re received to be released (v.7)One body, many parts—we need each other; no part is expendable (vv.12–14, 21–22)Steward your time like any other gift—offer firstfruits to God and others
We all long to belong. Pastor Ruthie unpacks Scripture’s answer: in Christ, we belong to God and to one another. Drawing from Romans 12, Philippians 2, and 1 Corinthians 12, she shows how the family of God is an intergenerational, grace-filled community where every member is needed, gifted, and called to live at peace.Key Idea:“In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:5📖 ScripturesRomans 12:4–5, 9–18 • Philippians 2:1–5 • Matthew 5:23–24 • 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 • Deuteronomy 6:7 • Romans 1:6
What’s the purpose of my life? Pastor Jeanette explores Scripture and life stages to answer one of humanity’s biggest questions. Drawing on Jesus’ Great Commandment, Jeremiah’s promise to exiles, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism, she proposes a clear, hope-filled purpose:We are made to glorify God by knowing Him, becoming like Christ, loving people, and joining His mission.📖 Key ScripturesMatthew 22:36–40; Jeremiah 29:11–13; Micah 6:8; Philippians 2:3; Matthew 25:40; Romans 3:23
In the opening message of our summer series Questions Everyone Asks, Pastor Ruthie Seiders explores the foundational question: Who am I?Drawing from Genesis 1, Psalm 139, and other key Scriptures, Pastor Ruthie reminds us that we are:Created in God’s imageMade for relationshipsCalled His beloved childrenThrough stories, Scripture, and illustrations, we are invited to see ourselves and others through the lens of God’s truth — and to live out that identity in every relationship, community, and season of life.📖 Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139, John 10:10, 1 John 3:1, Mark 12:14-17
In Episode 2 of Questions God Asks 2.0, Dr. Mateus F. de Campos, Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, invites us to reflect on one of Jesus' most intimate and restorative questions: “Do you love me?”Drawing from John 21, Dr. de Campos walks us through Peter's moment of reckoning, restoration, and recommissioning—showing us how Christ meets us in our failures and still calls us forward.🙏 Watch and be reminded: even in our brokenness, Jesus still says, “Follow me.”🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to stay encouraged and connected.#GraceChapel #DoYouLoveMe #QuestionsGodAsks #MateusCampos #John21 #ChristianSermon #Restoration #JesusAsks #GraceAndTruth #FollowMe #GordonConwell #GraceChapelLexington
In this powerful and personal message—his final sermon as a pastor at Grace Chapel—Pastor Jon Kim unpacks Jesus’ piercing question: “Who do you say I am?” With vulnerability and humor, Jon reflects on his pastoral journey and invites us to go deeper in how we personally perceive and follow Jesus.Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or are just beginning to explore faith, this message challenges all of us to move beyond borrowed beliefs and into a real, lived relationship with Christ.🙏 Thank you, Pastor Jon, for the love, humility, and wisdom you've poured into this community.#GraceChapel #PastorJonKim #QuestionsGodAsks #ThisIBelieve #Mark8 #FinalMessage #FaithInAction #SacrificialLove
In a season of uncertainty—both personally and in the church—how do we respond when Jesus asks, “Do you also want to go?” (John 6:66–69)In this heartfelt and challenging message, Pastor Bryan Wilkerson returns to Grace Chapel to explore what it means to stay rooted in faith when others are walking away. Whether you're questioning, drifting, or standing firm, this message is an invitation to keep following Jesus—even when it’s hard—because He is always leading us to new and better things.🔔 Subscribe for more encouraging messages.📖 Scripture: John 6:66–69💬 Series: Questions God Asks 2.0🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Bryan Wilkerson📍Grace Chapel#GraceChapel #PastorBryanWilkerson #QuestionsGodAsks #DoYouAlsoWantToGo #FaithInUncertainty #John6 #ChristianFaith
Sometimes the loudest message from God comes in silence. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Ruthie Seiders unpacks the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 19—a prophet who faced fear, fatigue, and frustration after a dramatic spiritual victory.God’s question to Elijah—“What are you doing here?”—invites us to reflect on our own seasons of discouragement, transition, and spiritual weariness. Through story, scripture, and personal testimony, Pastor Ruthie reminds us that God meets us not just in the fire, wind, or earthquake, but in the sound of sheer silence.📖 Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1–18🌐 Explore more summer resources at: grace.org/jrl🙌 Join us as we listen, reflect, and take steps forward in faith.
In this powerful message, Dr. Mateus F. de Campos, Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, opens Grace Chapel’s sermon series “The Questions God Asks” by exploring the Fall in Genesis 3. Through vivid storytelling, theological insight, and deep compassion, Dr. Mateus shows how God’s question is not about location—but relationship, restoration, and grace.Whether you're hiding, searching, or unsure how to be found—this message is for you.🕊️ Series: The Questions God Asks🎙️ Speaker: Dr. Mateus F. de Campos📖 Scripture: Genesis 3:6–13#DrMateusdeCampos #GraceChapel #WhereAreYou #Genesis3 #QuestionsGodAsks #FallOfMan #GospelGrace #FoundByGod #SpiritualRestoration #ChristianSermon
Even in life’s most difficult seasons—when the soil is dry and the future feels uncertain—God can still bring fruit. In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Kish explores Jeremiah 17:5–8 and shows us how deep trust in God's unchanging character helps us thrive, even in spiritual drought.Whether you’re in a season of plenty or a season of pain, this sermon will remind you that God is still working—growing something good, even in the wasteland. 🌾🍉🔗 Learn more at grace.org/jrl📖 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5–8🎶 Anthem: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” by Mack Wilberg#PastorJosiahKish #WatermelonInTheWasteland #GraceChapel #TrustGod #Jeremiah17 #SpiritualDrought #DeeperRoots #FruitfulInDrought
n this powerful message, Pastor Tim Ghali concludes the Just Love series with a heartfelt sermon on 1 John 5 — calling us to live with bold faith, confront modern idols, and “love loud” in a world that deeply needs the love of Christ.Through moving stories—from U2's Songs of Surrender to his father’s heart attack—Pastor Tim weaves together personal testimony, biblical teaching, and a passionate challenge to live lives shaped by love, urgency, and spiritual integrity.💬 Featuring:• Reflections on Bono’s relationship with his father• A first-hand account of his own dad’s medical emergency• Rich exposition of 1 John 5 (love, belief, eternal life)• A call to reject idols and embrace revival• Final encouragement to live out genuine, loud love🎶 Anthem Music:"Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own" by U2Join us in praying for our church and world, and let’s go live and Love Loud.
On this Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Ruthie Seiders delivers a heartfelt and Spirit-filled message titled “Just Love and Live in God,” rooted in 1 John 4:7–21.Through personal stories—including her wedding 42 years ago in a seminary chapel—and deep biblical insight, Pastor Ruthie unpacks what it means to live in agape love: a love that originates with God, is revealed through Christ, and is made real in us by the Holy Spirit.📖 Scripture: 1 John 4:7–21🔥 Theme: Pentecost – Love like Jesus in the power of the Spirit💬 Key Verse: “We love because He first loved us.”This message reminds us that while God’s love is freely given, it calls us to respond—by loving one another, serving the Church, and trusting the Spirit in every season, including this one of pastoral transition.🕊️ “God is love… and His love is made complete in us.”👉 Subscribe for more messages from Grace Chapel🌐 Visit us at grace.org#GraceChapel #PastorRuthieSeiders #PentecostSunday #JustLove #AgapeLove #1John4
How do we know what voices to trust in a world overflowing with messages? In this week's Just Love series message, Pastor Tim Ghali explores 1 John 4:1–6, where the Apostle John urges us to "test the spirits"—to discern truth from deception.From AI-generated misinformation to subtle TikTok influencers, Pastor Tim challenges us to examine the voices shaping our beliefs and to hold them up against the teachings of Jesus. With wisdom, humor, and honesty, this sermon invites us to slow down, reflect, and re-center our lives on Christ through Scripture, community, and prayer.🕊️ "When we test the spirits, we not only overcome false teachings but hear the true voice of God more clearly and follow Jesus more deeply."📖 Scripture: 1 John 4:1–6👤 Speaker: Pastor Tim Ghali📅 Message Date: June 1, 2025🔎 Series: Just Love – Week 6#GraceChapel #TestTheSpirits #TimGhali #JustLoveSeries #1John4 #ChristianDiscernment #FaithAndCulture
“We become what we behold.” In this powerful message from 1 John 3:11–20, Pastor Josiah Kish unpacks how love—not hatred—is the true test of our spiritual vitality in Christ.From toddler questions to apple cider donuts, and from honest moments of road rage to stories of deep sacrifice, Pastor Josiah weaves humor, Scripture, and truth into a call to become people of loving action.📖 Passage: 1 John 3:11–20👤 Speaker: Pastor Josiah Kish📅 Message Date: May, 25 2025💬 Drop a comment with how this message challenged or encouraged you.#GraceChapel #JosiahKish #LovingAction #1John3 #ChristianLiving #Forgiveness #FaithInAction
What comes to mind when you hear the word family?For some, it’s comfort. For others, it’s pain.But what if family could be something bigger—more inclusive, more redemptive?This week, we explore how God’s lavish love redefines family and calls us to love like He does.💛 Just Love. Week 3: A Family Like No Other
In a world full of contradictions and cultural divides, how do we live with integrity, compassion, and faith? This message explores how love—real, sacrificial, and unconditional—can be our guide through relational tension and spiritual confusion. When we feel lost in the darkness, the light of Jesus leads us back to love. Always, just love.
The series concludes with an Easter message focused on the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Jesus, the Resurrected King, came to heal and transform hearts and lives, and the whole world. Then, he invited the disciples to go and do the same. Jesus’ resurrection brings about God’s kingdom and power and glory. Key Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 ; Matthew 28:1-10
Scripture: 1 Cor 1:9, Lamentations 3:22-23, Ephesians (Paul's goodbyes to the Ephesians),
We’ll look at the third line of the prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread.” There’s an important Greek word, epiousian, translated as “daily.” It’s a word that reminds us of what is essential. We’re praying in part for the bread that feeds our bodies, and even more, our souls. How does Christ satisfy our hungry souls?
We’ll focus on three sections of the first line, “Our Father,” then “who art in heaven,” and “hallowed be thy name.” What did Jesus mean by these phrases? Through us, people see God, our Father who is in heaven, holy and good, present and real. In your life, are you hallowing God’s name? What do others know of God by watching you?Key Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
We’ll begin this series with an introduction to the Lord’s Prayer and the disciple’s request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” How do we integrate prayer (including the Lord’s prayer) into our daily lives (consider ora et labora) to shape us and through us, the world. Provide tools for praying the Lord’s pray throughout Lent (see NT Wright). Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV/NLT)
Some people change the atmosphere just by walking into a room. But what happens when God walks in?In Ezekiel 43, after 20 years of silence, God's glory returns to the temple, bringing hope, renewal, and life—just like a river making a barren wasteland flourish. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to do the same.🌿 Are you bringing life to the spaces you enter?Want to make an impact? Join our foster care advocacy team—email jkim@grace.org.📩 Subscribe to The Thursday 3 at grace.org/online.
Vision makes us come alive. Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones coming to life symbolizes the power of God’s Spirit to bring new life to what seems dead and hopeless. God provides vision that revives us. And so what is the vision for our personal lives that we pursue? What about our community? Vision requires a compelling vision and then the need to inspire people to pursue it (Kotter).
Many have deconstructed their faith, left religion, or the church behind. To some, it feels irrelevant, outdated, and for some involves trauma and hurt. What if the problem isn’t belief, but how religion has been practiced. Most churches worry about budgets and growth; but Jesus influenced and cast compelling vision. What kind of faith would draw people to Jesus and to the church? This sermon will make best case for finding and following Jesus. Key Scripture: Matthew 23:1-7, 11-12 (Jesus criticizes the religious leaders who don’t practice what they preach, put unbearable demands on people); Matthew 22:36-37 (Love the Lord your God); Philippians 1:9-10 (love that we might become richer with knowledge and insight)
Modern science, advances in technology, and quality of life have enabled us to live longer. Many fear growing older, or worse, death. There’s a fascination with medical science that prolongs life. Still, every one of us will die. Caring for aging parents is also a challenge and worry that we’ll honor loved ones. C.S. Lewis said that what we believe about death and the afterlife will fundamentally change how we live this life. Key Scripture: Philippians 3:10-16, Psalm 92
Theme: Consider how generations view work/life balance. The question of meaning and purpose and how our work connects to our faith is something each generation must consider. For younger people, finding meaning and purpose in work is important. It’s also important mid-career and at retirement and after. Along the way, financial questions come up—do I have enough, will I ever get to retire, cost of living increases and debt is a concern. In God’s economy there are enough resources to go around. Quantity isn't the issue. It’s not that we must give everything away or don’t plan and prepare for retirement; but our relationship to our work is a matter of faith. Key Scripture: Matthew 16:26 (Jesus asks what profit is there to gain the whole world but lose soul); Luke 12:15 (Jesus also taught that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions).
Many agree that we’re in the middle of a mental health crisis. Today, people experience increasing loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. We shouldn’t dismiss anxiety, mental health is not due to a lack of faith, treatment and professionals provide helpful pathways. God understands our anxiety and wants to help. A less anxious life is the byproduct of having a mission in life greater than the self. Key Scripture: Matthew 6:25-31—Jesus teaches do not worry; Luke 10:41-42—Martha is anxious, same word as in Matthew; Matthew 26:36-39—Jesus experienced anxiety and anguish; shares with those close to him; mission and purpose beyond himself—a mission greater than self. Jesus says, do not be afraid more than 500 times.
Focus on the digital age and how different generations relate to the rapidly changing world of technology. This sermon will consider how screens and technology impact younger and older generations. While there exist amazing tools in technology, such as AI and our phone-based apps, these also apply unique pressures to our lives and feeds into an anxious age.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:1-5 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:11-13
[Paul and Barnabas] had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. Acts 15:39-40 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:2-6, 16 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21
Scripture Focus: Let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. Romans 14:19
Romans 10:9-13, 11:25-26, 28-29 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Paul writes some of the most beloved words of scripture, “Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.” In Paul’s day, their was tension between fulfilling the law and the freedom found in Christ’s love. Do we follow the law? How does Jesus fulfill the law? Paul describes how Christ fulfilled the law and sets a new covenant. We struggle with the desire to do what is right and good, but also temptation and sin, the question of suffering and evil is persistent. How are we to live? Paul reminds there is no condemnation in life with Jesus which enables us to live differently. We’ll incorporate the Grace Pathway: Grow with Practice. Deepening faith takes time, practice, recognition of God’s love.
How are we justified in faith? What does Jesus death on the cross mean for us. In this sermon we'll understand that Jesus made grace visible.
magine the next 25 years…what will Grace Chapel look like? Or, imagine the next year. We begin a new chapter at Grace. God wants to lead us on an adventure. The Apostle Paul’s life and ministry was filled with adventure because he was transformed by Christ. He invited others into the adventure. We’ll kick off the fall with Vision Weekend introducing Paul’s letter to the Romans. It’s a gritty, grace filled. Paul writes, “I am unashamed of the gospel.” He was determined to share the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth. But his focus on God’s righteousness through Christ, not our own—and grace—changed everything. To a diverse congregation(s) Paul writes, “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” We all share same human condition. Key theological theme to introduce views on prevenient/irresistible grace. It is God’s initiative through Jesus to heal, restore, and renew. Grace is for everyone. We live this out through the four Grace Pathways: be curious, grow in practice, find community, make an impact—the first step is to get started.
Jesus gave the command to love one another. This was harder than expected. As the Holy Spirit led them, the early followers of Jesus discovered the power of the one-another, irresistible church. Today, church seems all too resistible. But does it have to be? We’ll consider what makes Christian community compelling.
Each gospel includes Jesus’ invitation to the disciples to follow him or to come and see what he’s about. The invitation changed their lives as they chose to follow him. One invitation led to another invitation until someone invited you to follow Jesus, too. We’ll consider the power of invitation and how we invite others.
Looking into the Most-Googled Bible Versesby Dr. Pat Battem, (Associate Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
The Bible calls us to have the same mentality of Jesus that led him to the cross, which is self-emptying, and voluntarily sacrificial. To live a life shaped, informed, and influenced by the cross, for the sake of loving others.
A Conversation with Pastor Bryan, 40 Years of Ministry and the impact of God’s Story unfolding in one man’s life of faith and service. An open and honest hour-long sit-down with Pastor Bryan, who has faithfully served as a pastor for over 40 years, the last 25 right here at Grace Chapel. Hear stories from his early years, vulnerable reflections on pivotal moments that shaped his faith and ministry, wisdom from decades of following God, and candid insights into the dedication required to shepherd a church. Listen for how God's hand guided Pastor Bryan's journey, calling him to ministry, and shaping his path along the way.
“The broad, beautiful, expansive gospel. “Jesus as king” changes everything about the world, our work, our engagement in society, and our very reason for living - and we don’t live it or experience it alone! If it is what Paul suggests it is, then every moment/circumstance of life holds gospel potential.”
I still believe in the genius of the local church, as long as it continues to repent and reform
I still believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, not just for going to heaven, but for this life, and for the good of the world.
I still believe the Bible is inspired by God and worthy of our trust, engagement, and re-discovery.
Praying "Thy will be done" means surrendering our power, our privileges, and our preferences in the service of others.
Praying "Thy will be done" means surrendering our future to the power, the purpose, and the promises of God.
Throughout Mark's Gospel, we see Jesus performing miracles of healing. Yet, our own experiences of praying for healing have often yielded the outcomes we were hoping against. How do we keep praying for healing in a world that has false claims of miracles, exaggerations, outright lies, in addition to disease, suffering and tragedy? What is Jesus telling us in the healing miracles in Scripture?
When God does something new, it's always grounded in the life-changing message of Jesus
When we recognize the victory that has "already" been won, we are able to navigate life in the "not yet" of a future hope.
From Monologue Sunday Dec, 17th, 2023Based on Luke 2:25-35Bryan Wilkerson, Senior Pastor / Script by Meghan Blosser
If there's ever going to be peace on earth, it's going to have to come from somewhere and someone beyond ourselves
Pastor Jon discusses the mission of God and our role in it. He quotes verses from Genesis and John, highlighting that God is inherently sending and that we are called to participate in His mission alongside Jesus Christ. Jon encourages us to embrace our mission with faith, peace, and joy, living out our purpose in various contexts such as work, relationships, and community. This message reminds us that even in the turbulent seasons of our lives, we can find confidence and peace knowing that Jesus has overcome death and empowers us for His mission.
Sam George GAW guest speaker discusses the scattering and gathering of the first Christians and draws lessons from this passage for the church in North America today. They emphasize the unprecedented shift in the center of gravity of Christianity, with most Christians now residing in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The speaker explores the implications of this shift and the global reach of the Gospel, highlighting the mission from everywhere to everywhere. They also discuss the diversity and unity within the church, the importance of welcoming and embracing people from different backgrounds, and the role of migration in the growth and revival of Christianity. The speaker encourages the viewers to have a global vision, celebrate diversity, and engage in mission with God.
From the beginning, God has been calling people into personal, conversational relationship with Him, based on faith alone.
From the beginning, God designed human beings for intimate, honorable, and life-giving relationships that lead us closer to each other and to God.
Ed Stetzer, dean of Talbot school of theology delves into the theme of God's mission and our role in it. He begins by highlighting how God is on a mission, drawing from the stories of Abraham and Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that just as God sent Abraham and Jesus, he also sends us to be a blessing in the world. He encourages us to embrace their calling with faith, peace, joy, and confidence in the resurrection of Jesus.
In every new beginning, we have the opportunity to choose life instead of death, good instead of evil, and trust instead of fear.
In this conversation, the senior pastor of Grace Chapel, Brian Wilkerson, discusses his 24-year tenure at the church and his journey from pastoring in New York to Boston. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of embracing new beginnings, both in his personal life and in his role as a pastor. He shares his experiences of navigating difficult times, such as the transition to online ministry during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his hopes for the future. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's ability to bring about new things and encourages the congregation to lean into the new things God is doing. The conversation concludes with a prayer for the online community and the upcoming year of ministry.
We don't have to fear change, because with Christ, every change is an opportunity to be changed, and to become the person God is calling us to be.
When we embrace change with courage and faith, we discover God to be the same here, there, and everywhere in between.
How can we experience more joy in our lives? How can we be people who embody the joy of God in our lives? Well maybe we all just need to eat a little more ice-cream
After defeating the false prophets of Baal, Elijah is on the run from the Queen who has vowed to kill him. He's exhausted, burned out, and just wants to quit. God sends an angel to him and the first thing Elijah does is take a nap. Similarly, after a long year, summer is finally here but you might find yourself exhausted, burned out, and maybe wanting to quit. Taking some naps this summer may be the first step in saving your soul and your sanity.
Our hope for the world is that one day evil will be no more, good will be even more, and God will be with us like never before, forevermore.
Church can be an easy place to visit once a week, but what if the community of the church was meant for something more? When we love Jesus, love like Jesus, and point people to Jesus with the way we live our lives TOGETHER, one thing can lead to another. What impact could we have on the next generation?
Spirit-empowered witnesses walk with God, love like Jesus loves, and serve as a kingdom of priests declaring the marvelous deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Pastor Bryan shares his decision to transition out of the senior pastor role, and offers a challenging vision for Grace Chapel's future
Revelation tells the story of God's final victory over evil through Christ, and invites us to play our part in that story.
Forgiveness and Peacemaking in Quiet-Quitting Cancel Culture by Grace Chapel Sermon Media
When we take the time to understand another person's experience, we, and they, become more open to God's work in our lives.
There’s a lot of work we have to do on our journey toward racial justice. Empathy may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but empathy is a vital step on that journey. And it’s more powerful than we may think you. Real empathy is hard work, and it’s a risk, because we’re opening ourselves up to other people’s experiences, seeing what they see, hearing what they hear, and feeling what they feel. But through it we gain a deeper understanding of the issues the world is facing… and ourselves. A few years ago Grace Chapel invited a handful of people to join Pastor Jeanette Yep on a Racial Justice Team, with the goal of helping our congregation understand and address the challenges facing the church and society today. In this podcast a few of those team members come together to share a bit about their life experiences and the role that empathy has played in their journeys and their efforts.
New Years' Day is a day we think about what could be. The year is new. Mark's gospel begins with Jesus entering the world stage as an adult and proclaiming that the time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Jesus calls his first disciples, and even though they do not understand what he is calling them to, they follow. Will we take the next step even if we don't know what the future holds?What is my next step in following Jesus?How do I move confidently into an unknown future?When Jesus calls, how should I respond?call, respond, repent, believe, commitment, trust
With God, failure doesn't have to be final.Sin isn't ultimately about breaking rules, but about breaking relationship.
A With-God life thrives on and is sustained by honest, searching, conversation with God.
Through Moses strange encounter at a burning bush, we learn that there are moments on our journey when God draws near to us, and invites us to draw near to Him.
From the beginning, God has been forming your for life with and with others, for the good of the world around you.
Words are powerful. They can change people's lives. They can change the world around us. But do they also hold the keys to changing our hearts to prepare us for the challenges inevitable in every relationship? Ancient wisdom from the book of James tells us they do.
When we come crashing into a difficult situation, is there some sage advice to help us adapt and change to come through it better on the other end?
Wisdom teaches us to wait with expectancy and grit, knowing we will see the goodness of God on the other side.
If you want to know what you believe, look at what you do. We can say all kinds of things about the things we believe to be true, but the proof is in the doing. What kind of faith saves? or Does salvation come when we simply believing the right things? or Sola Fide or something more?
faith, works, hypocrisy, integrity
Wisdom tells us to do whatever it takes to restore, renew, or rediscover our life with God.
When mercy rules, the Kingdom comes to our hearts, our homes, our church, and the world.
We all know that listening, reading, or hearing someone’s words is not the same thing as DOING what someone says. So why is it that so many of us in the church think that coming to church to hear the word of God is the same thing as doing the word of God? Why have we confused listening to the word of God with doing the word of God. Because just like it is in the world, hearing and doing are 2 fundamentally different things according to our passage today.
Wisdom considers the joy and embraces the endurance it takes to become more fully alive.
One of the greatest gifts we can offer a person is to listen to them, with care. Jesus, and a man named Philip, show us how it's done. Why is listening so powerful? How can I become a better listener? How can I bless people?
Listening Bless Jesus Philip Ethiopian
Life can often feel overwhelming. Like faithful disciples trying to find a meal solution for thousands of people with no practical resources in sight, may we always consider this moment – whether it be in the face of national tragedy or a profound personal need, that in the crux of the moment where a Jesus type of miracle is needed, we must pray as Jesus did.What do we do in times of stress, crisis, even opportunity? Does prayer really make a difference? Isn't prayer just religious superstition? Why does Jesus pray (If anyone would get a pass, it would be him)? Why is Jesus described as constantly praying?
Prayer, Jesus Feeds the 5000, Buffalo Shooting, Racism, White supremacy, racism, Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods, California, AAPI
Whatever else people might want to say about Jesus, the one thing everybody seems to agree on, is that he lived a good and beautiful life. But as remarkable as Jesus’ life was, the more remarkable thing might be that he expected his followers to live equally good and beautiful lives. How is that possible?
What is a good and beautiful life? Why was Jesus such a compelling figure? How can we be the kind of Christians who make a difference in the world? What does the world need from the church today?
Bless Beauty Good and Beautiful Life Jesus Deaf Church
This message offers three Biblical principles for finding more joy, freedom, and meaning when it comes to money - no matter how much or how little you have.
How can I handle my anxiety over money? What is stewardship? What does the Bible teach about tithing? How much should i give?
Money Stewardship Generosity Tithing Giving
grace.org/events grace.org/benevolence
Real change flows out of a relationship with God marked by love.
How do I have a relationship with God? How does God change me and our world?
Jesus, love, church, community, change, relationship, doctrine, Alpha, Holy Spirit, vine, branch, fruit
John 15:1-5; John 14:16-17, 25-26; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:2, 4
John 13: 1-17 (NIV) We have all been through change, and while looking at the world around us we often think change is needed. But why? Why do we feel the need for change? And how do we go about working for change? However we feel about Jesus, he changed the world. Jesus was a changemaker. What can we learn from Jesus about bringing about good change that lasts?
How to change? How to bring change? How to be a changemaker? How did Jesus bring change? How to serve? What to do with my status or privileges?
Change, changemaker, Jesus, status, service, humility
Pastor Leah Knight Breton
Isaiah 65:17-25
It seems everyone is having a hard time envisioning what our future holds, or at least envisioning a future that is realistically hopeful. We have a tendency to turn toward a nostalgic past in the face of uncertainty, but does the past hold everything we need to build our future? Or is there something more? Is a better future really possible?
superbowl, nostalgia, halftime show, past, future, hope, freedom, delight, harmony, joy, black church, contemplation
https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Contemplative-Practices-Church/dp/150642161X https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/14/arts/television/super-bowl-nostalgia.html
The Rev. Christopher W. Haydon
Hearing Christ's call out of the wilderness of our brokenness into forgiveness, redemption, and new life.
What is our wilderness/brokenness? What is God's promise/healing for us?
wilderness, brokenness, suffering servant, healing
Pastor Leah Knight Breton
Life these days feels like a game of chutes and ladders. Up and down. Some days feeling like we get a boost, get ahead and climb up a ladder. And other days, like we’ve slid far back down the proverbial chute. Is God still with us when we are at the bottom of the chute? Can God really meet us in our deepest longings?
Is God still with us when we are at the bottom of the chutes of life? Can God really meet us in our deepest longings? How does God promise to fill us?
longing, idolatry, idols, worship, remember, God, restless, spirituality, antidote, soul
When we're in a time of trouble, God promises to be with us, to be for us, and to see us through.
Where is God when life is hard? What does God really promise us? Where is God during the pandemic?
Trouble Hardship Danger Promises Deliverance Isaiah COVID
We can’t be the people who attend services in-person or online, read our Bibles, read a devotion, and ignore the pain and needs around us. We can’t pray for God’s will and turn a blind eye to injustice and not show love to others – that is literally what Isaiah 58 is calling out. When we read the gospels, Jesus took issue with the hypocrites and the self-righteous and it was the sinners that he showed mercy and invited them to know his Kingdom. May we show that same mercy and love to those around us!
What if we could confront our empty religiosity, our false piety, and our self-righteousness and undergo the type of heart-change that would worship God fully with our full being, that would show a Christ-rooted justice, a Kingdom-informed kindness and Jesus-gospel shaped love to our neighbor, and to the stranger, to the foe, to all others?
I bet if we were that kind of Jesus-followers for the long haul that the perception of Christianity in the West would change. I bet years from now our children will be at their own backyard bbqs and when the big questions of life came up, or when the topic of religion came up, the conversation might shift from, “I gave up on the church a long time ago” to “I think the way of Jesus is truly good for the world …”
My friends, right now, we are making decisions that are going to determine what type of church our children and grandchildren will not only receive from us, but will create for themselves, God-willing. May we pursue lives, not of self-righteousness but of true heart-change that gets to live fully in the promises of God – that we experience his nearness, his guidance, and his joy.
A two-part message from Isaiah that explores justice: what it is, why it matters, and how we can join God in working toward it.
When we're stuck in an in-between time, the promises of God give us strength for today, and hope for tomorrow
If you had been there when Jesus died and was reported to have risen, would you have believed it? This dramatic, imaginative, first-hand account of the life and times of Jesus will challenge you with a fresh look at Jesus and his invitation to follow Him. Performed by Genevieve Lefevre.
What would it take to turn a graveyard into a garden? Join us on a trip to the cemetery that could change everything for you and your world!
Right in the middle of the celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry, a strange thing happens - Jesus starts weeping for the people of Jerusalem. His love and longing for them reminds us of another story called the "Prodigal Son." By the end of the story, we understand an important lesson from Jesus - it's in repentance that we can truly celebrate.
As we emerge from this pandemic, how can we prepare ouselves and the church for the new normal that's coming?
We grieve losing the things we love. And grief is healthy because certain kinds of attachments are healthy. But what's the difference between grieving the loss of what we love and being held captive by what we love?
With so many voices commanding our attention - social media, podcasts, newsfeeds, etc. - how cad we pay attention to things that really matter, like the words of God?
God doesn’t want us to pray with contrived words and manufactured emotions. He wants honest words and authentic emotions. He doesn’t want us to hide. He desires raw, bold, audacious, unconventional prayers because THOSE are from the heart. But a lot of us think that God desires proper prayers over shameless prayers. We think that God cares more about the act of praying rather than the posture of our prayers. But to pray with shameless audacity is to pray not to fulfill a religious duty but to satisfy a desire to be met and heard by God.
What's the secret behind actually doing what Jesus did? In his showdown with Satan in the wilderness, Jesus shows us how to overcome the tests and temptations that are sure to come our way.
How do we handle disappointment...with ourselves? When a notoriously sinful woman crashes a respectable dinner party, Jesus surprises everyone with his response.
We are all made for relational connection, but are feeling more lonely and disconnected than ever. What do we do about that? How can the promises, practices, and people of God help to bring about lasting change in our lives?
Justice for all, or the lack of it, became a national conversation in the year 2020. How do the words of Jesus give us reasons to be hopeful?
How can we overcome chronic, debilitating worry when there are so many things to worry about these days? With beautiful words and imagery, Jesus offers three simple truths that give us hope in the face of anxiety.
When Jesus encounters a desperately sick woman, he gives us reasons to be hopeful and to look for healing.
So many stories end with the characters living "happily ever after." But what about the Christmas story? What happens to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the untidy aftermath of Christmas?
We all have expectations for how our life or days or Christmas will go. But what do we do when things turn out to be less than perfect?
How do we find comfort and joy in a season that is quieter and more isolating then ever?
How we can find Christmas comfort and joy at Christmas, even in the middle of a pandemic.
The political system in Jesus' day was a mess. It was worse than a mess, it was horrific. And yet Jesus and his followers changed the world. How? By building a different kingdom.
A man named Zacchaeus was living in a pretty comfortable box, until a disruptive encounter with Jesus led him to discover life better than he ever imagined
Two women encounter Jesus in a decisive moment that leads them to do things differently, following Jesus out of the box they become disciples, a role usually reserved for only men.
When disruption happens, the proper response isn't to fix it, or escape it, or try to get back to normal as quickly as possibe. The proper response to disruption, is to stop in our tracks, and turn to God.
How did Jesus handle a politically-charged question in a way that amazed every one, and points us all in a better direction?
Jesus often meets us in the middle of our trouble. What it takes of us is to lean in, to look and listen, and maybe invite a few friends to join us along the way.
Jesus couldn't seem to resist shaking things up - like when he returned to his hometown for a visit. Why is disruption so pivotal, and how can it lead us to better things?
When life gets disrupted - like by a pandemic - how do we find a way through to a new a better normal?
Forgiving someone who has wronged us, and receiving forgiveness when we have been in the wrong, can be one of the most difficult things to do. How is God "with us" in times like that?
It's comforting to know that God is with us in the hard times. But He wants to be with us in the good times, as well; when we have opportunities to do something good or important with our lives. What does God expect from us, and what can we expect from God, when opportunity knocks?
To run the race of life we focus on Jesus who clears the path ahead of us gave us examples to follow along the way, and meets us at the finish line with living water to drink.
We often look for and experience God's presence in the hard and dramatic experiences of life, but how can we experience His presence in the mundane moments, like in the daily grind of our working lives?
During a season of increasing uncertainty how do we make decisions about morally complex issues? Especially when we are tempted to take a short cut that has significant short term gain and saying no has significant risk. Join us as we look to the life of Joseph for answers.
Fewer things shape us more than our family of origin and fewer things unsettle us like family trouble. Joseph’s family was a case study in family disfunction, yet in his circumstance, he chose to live with confidence that God was with him - and it made all the difference!
I don’t know what your experience with God has been like lately, but I’m sure we’ve all had moments and seasons when we’ve wanted to put a question mark at the end of that declaration: God with us? Really? How would I know?
What Now? Now that our world has been turned upside down. What should we be thinking now, about the end of the world, and Christ’s return? And just as important, what should we be doing now?
It turns out the most important question isn’t What is truth? Or even, Where is truth? But rather, Who is truth?
When we suffer we have the opportunity to know Christ, Peter says. But we also have an opportunity and to show Christ.
Pastor Bryan and Pastor Tim team up to show you how your home can be sacred space - even in quarantine. Maybe especially in quarantine!
We overcome fear through faith in Someone stronger. Stronger than ourselves. Stronger than whatever it is we’re facing.
Can we stay connected in a time of social distancing? Jesus used meals as a way to see, love, and elevate those around him who needed it most. We can and must continue to live this way. We just need to be creative!
We find peace when we turn to God because He is present, because He is powerful, and because he is purposeful. He is always working to accomplish His good and eternal purposes.
Why are we such poor listeners? Listening is often more difficult that we realize. It's not just about not talking, it's about listening with care and this means we must listen with our heart to the heart of another.
Jesus models this for us in his conversation with the Canaanite woman who had a daughter who was demon-possessed. At first, it looks like Jesus isn't interested ... but at closer examination, we might realize that Jesus was listening. And from there, the whole story changed.
What if we can bless others by listening with care?
In the next 5 weeks, we are going to uncover some very practical ways to be a blessing to people that God brings into our lives.
Can you believe in God without Jesus? God reveals himself to the world in the person of Jesus.
Does God hate me? As I said at the beginning of the series, this one caught us by surprise. It was the third most Googled question about God.
Of all the questions we’ve asked in this series, this one may be the most uncomfortable.
The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, and a primary source of people's ideas about God. But can we trust it?
. The evidence is compelling, but in the end, you’ll have to decide and discover for yourself if God is real.
Today, we will read how wonder was on the run when the holy family was told to flee to Egypt. And interestingly, a literal translation of the word for flee was the phrase, “to take safety in flight.” I’m sorry but that seems like an oxymoron to me. Safety in flight?
Have you ever felt as though Christmas has lost its wonder? The Christmas story teaches us that we need to embrace our childlike wonder to experience the unexpected ways God shows up in the world.
Life isn’t always wonderful. God never promised that it would be. What He did promise was to be with us, and do something good, even with our disappointments and heartaches. When life isn’t wonderful, God still works wonders.
Most Christ-followers aspire to live faith-filled and Spirit-led lives but in the everyday battles and stress, we often trip in doing almost the opposite of what we intended. We struggle in showing grace to ourselves, in our relationships, even across our generations. We need help and this passage in Galatians shows us how to grace in a Spirit-filled community.
As children we experience wonder constantly and that wonder leads to growth and vitality. But can that sense of wonder survive adulthood?
The work of the Spirit begins with a decision: a decision to die to that old way of living – trying in your own strength to be good, and relying instead on the Holy Spirit to produce the life of God within you.
So Grace sets us free……from the world’s judgments; …from religion’s requirments And finally, grace sets us free…from our own failures
We live by grace when we allow the life of Christ to flow freely into and out of our lives.
We experience grace when we…Serve on a team and get to see, hear, and feel God at work.
In the midst of the cultural frenzy, loneliness and its effects are on the rise. What does the grace experienced in community say to this?
We experience grace when we gather for worship, because it reminds us of God’s goodness to us and the world.
We experience grace when we gather for worship, because it reminds us of God’s goodness to us and the world
as we enter into a new season of work we are going to try and answer the question, How do we discover God’s purpose in the work that we do? I think we can begin to find the answer to this question by looking at the life of Joseph. Someone who was so sure and secure in the purpose of his labor.
Your season of home life may call for an extra measure of gentleness, or patience, or forgiveness. It certainly calls for love * Christ can help you with that. Your church can support you in that. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our family is to pray, being watchful and thankful.
The start of a new school year offers a fresh start for all of us. What will you do to gain wisdom this year, and why is it so important?
Today we will journey through the life of Naomi and see how she was Bitter Yet Blessed.
Can one person really make a difference in this world? The story of Deborah shows us how we can be difference-makers in the world, and also helps us how to read and interpret some of the difficult passages of the Old Testament.
All of us know what it's like to feel caught in the middle of a complicated situation. Whether be caught in between family or friends in conflict or caught in the middle of the competing narratives in our polarized world.
In our Humans of the Bible Series, we've been look at fascinating and unsung characters in Scripture and in this message, we want to look at an amazing character who was caught in the middle of two powerful men. And that character is Abigail.
We all want to be great, but the way of Jesus leads to greatness by a different and better path.
We often gravitate more towards people who are like us. But Jesus offers us a better way to expand our relational connections and as we begin to see "them" as "us".
When we choose to praise God in the midst of our circumstances, it is then we become who we are truly meant to be, wanted and beloved children of God.
The Bible is full of overlooked and underestimated people. What might happen if we were to begin to notice them?
70% of our family in Christ live in Africa, Asia and Latin America. They live lives that can encourage and challenge us. Let's meet them and hear what they have to say to us.
The church is the one place on earth where anyone and everyone can find true belonging in Christ.
Human beings have always been intrigued by the notion of life beyond death - eternal life. What reason do we have for believing such life is possible and worth looking forward to?
Life beyond the ordinary is not what we expect, because life beyond the ordinary starts right now.
Americans are all about living "the good life," whether that means money or health or family or all of the above. But what happens when we find those things are not enough? Is there something better than "the good life?"
A creative telling of the story of Matthew, one of Jesus's disciple and an author of Gospel. Matthew encounter's Jesus, and his life is forever changed.
Is the expression, "thoughts and prayers are with you" a meaningless cliche, or a powerful promise? This message explores why and how we pray for others.
We all battle storms of life at some point, and when we do, we can turn to a God who hears us.
Prayer can be intimidating. We don't want to get it wrong when we're talking to the King of the Universe. But what if the best prayers are the ones we pray from the heart, in the moment, unfiltered?
Hospitality is a fading value in our culture, but it's one of the most important things we can offer to the world.
If someone attempted to boil your life, thoughts, and pursuits down to one thing, what might that "one thing" be? Your "one thing" shapes everything.
How can single and married people experience intimate relationships with the most important people in their lives?
How do we become the people we are, and how can we help our family members become the people God designed them to be?
It’s revealing that we’re given only one story from Jesus’ home life, and it’s a story of conflict.
The story of Jesus is for more than just the holiday season. It is a story of hope to the world, grounded in history, and living today in the person of Jesus. In Christ alone my hope, and the hope of the world, is found.
Christmas can be thrilling. Candlelight services, unwrapping gifts, seeing old friends, celebrating with distant relatives. But by the time we reach January, the adrenaline rush of the holiday season wears off and we settle in for a dark, cold stretch of New England winter. It’s easy to live with hope leading up until Christmas, but how can we do so afterwards? Is it possible to live a life of hope in our daily, all-too-ordinary feeling lives?
Hope is believing that God can and will do something good, even if it’s not what you expected
We all experience five barriers to authentic community. Here's how to break through all of them and find the true belonging you crave.
In a world that's more lonely than ever, where do we find the courage and grace to offer True Belonging to the world?
We truly belong to each other when we accept each other as Christ accepts us – as flawed and fallen people on our way to wholeness in Christ
Have we reached the limits of human love? In a world that has divided itself into endless subgroups, how do we find our way back to one another?
The intersection of faith and politics has never been more challenging and contentious. How do we navigate it with civility, integrity, and beauty?
The more you prioritize WE, the less you will be held captive to the empty promises of living simply for ME.
The problem with belonging is that we always mess it up. Or someone messes it up for us, and we never quite get over it. Why will it be any different in church?
What makes Christian community any more special than the community found in a travel sports team or any consistent gathering of people? Throughout Romans, Paul gives perspective on the beauty, power and distinctions of Christian community. And It begins with sacrifice.
Everybody wants to belong. But what does true belonging look like, and can i find it in church?
We gain the greatest ground as we unite as a whole to bring the whole gospel to the whole city.
To gain ground for what matters most, self-awareness is essential. It enables us to become more like what Jesus describes as “the good soil.” What makes soil good also makes souls our souls strong.
We read in the Bible about people having remarkable encounters with God, like Moses and the burning bush. When, and where, and how are those kinds of experiences available to us?
God made us to multiply for good what he's given us by grace. Discover what steps you might take to gain ground in the areas of life that matter most.
Psalm 16 says that God’s portion is enough. But our human nature can’t help but wonder if that’s really true. In this message, we want to contrast the “portions” we chase after versus the portion God has for us.
God is at the center of our good and good is at the heart of our God. Our lives are full when we see them as an expression of the goodness of God. The Chase ends when we love God first and best.
We live in a world obsessed with trying to be great. To break the grip of great on our lives, we must learn to trust that God's vision of greatness is greater than the world's.
Many of us chase after security and end up being overly attached to things that don't last. Jesus invites us to pursue "treasure in heaven"; things like being generous as we care for our neighbors near and far, sharing our time and material wealth and even being willing to suffer for Christ.
Contentment is the inward, gracious, quiet spirit that joyfully rests in the providence of God.
Neighboring can be hard. And time-consuming. And scary. What does Jesus really expect from us? And can we really trust Him with the outcome?
What's Fatherhood all about, and how do we handle joys, challenges, and heartbreak of it all? In this message, Pastor Bryan looks back over 35 years of raising children, and offers words of encouragement, comfort, and hope.
Social scientist Sherry Turkle says that talking to each other is "the most human - and humanizing - thing we can do." But in this digitally-driven age we seem to be losing our ability to do that. What can Jesus teach us about reclaiming the lost art, and power, of conversation?
Why is it that people seem so drawn to Jesus, but not always to us? What if living like Jesus is actually easier and more fun than we ever imagined?
They say that 3 out of 4 Americans don't know their neighbors names. How can love them, if we don't even know them?
Neighbors Week 2
Jesus says that loving our neighbor is the most important thing we could ever do. So why don't we do it?
How can we be fully reconciled to God while having a small view of the Lord. This message aims to help us see where we’ve underestimated God and how our commitment to Jesus often falls short
We've all got them - weaknesses. We just don't like to admit them, and we'd rather not have to deal with them. But what if your greatest weakness could become your greatest strength?
They tell us that loneliness has reached epidemic proportions in America. Why do we find it so hard to make the kind of connections we long for and were made for? 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
How can we ever overcome the flaws and failures of our lives, and become the people we were meant to be and want to be? The answer is as simple, and profound, as turning our eyes upon Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:6-18
Suffering often feels simply pointless. But what if there was an unexpected invitation to our unwanted pain? 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Human beings should come with sign saying: FRAGILE! We are easily broken. But what if that break-ability could actually become a force for good in our lives and the world? 2 Corinthians 4:5-15
48 hours after Jesus' death, a room full of Jesus followers were feeling the brokenness of their lives and the world. Suddenly Jesus appeared, and what he said, and did, that evening changed everything for them. And it can do the same for us.
It's one of the most stinging attacks against Christianity. "The church is full of hypocrites!" Is it true? And if so, what can be done about it?
Don’t be dismayed by the size of the task. Don’t be discouraged by the sin of your past. Don’t give up, don’t give over, and don’t give in. And don’t let indifference keep you from making a difference.
The exiles of Israel have returned home to rebuild Jerusalem, rebuild the Temple, worship their God and restart their society, and start their lives all over again.
They get back to work, and a funny thing happens on the road to fulfilling their life-long dreams - they lose heart and interest in rebuilding. God sends the prophet Haggai to intercept this pivotal moment in their history and in doing so, gives us an essential message as well.
This sermon starts with a short film that depicts injustice. We do justice and righteousness when we seek God's heart and pursue his priorities for others and the world.
How do we deal with all the corruption that we find throughout our world and the corruption within our hearts? The prophet Micah helps us understand what's broken and how to live in response.
There's so much that seems to be broken in our world, and so much confusion about how to address it. How can we process all of it, and what might God be saying about our own brokenness and need for Him?
Is there something bigger going on here? And if so, do I have a part in it? They are two of the most important questions a person can ever ask and answer. We believe the answer is an emphatic, "Yes," and this message will explain why.
As we continue to seek our understanding of calling and vocation, one of the crucial points to appreciate is our context. Where is our mission to be focused? It's more than just one or two places. Where are your wheres'?
How do we bridge the great divide between Sunday and Monday; between church life and work life?
Comparing ourselves to others keeps us from discovering and enjoying God's call on our lives. Following the call means knowing who you are, and who your not.
What has God called you to do? The best way to discover your place in God's world is to strive to be faithful to what God has called you to today.
Why are you here - on planet Earth? In greater Boston? If there's no answer to that question, we're just marking time. There is an answer to that question, and it will take everything you do to a new level of meaning and impact.
We discover peace in the moments of our lives when we are attentive to what God is doing. Luke 2:21-39
What prompted the magi to make their long journey to Bethlehem, and what might we learn from them about science, faith, and the search for peace?
If we can be certain of anything, it's that life is uncertain! What do you do when life catches you by surprise? Do we just "let it be?" Go with the flow and hope it all works out? Or is there a better, stronger way to find peace in the unexpected moments of life?
We find peace in the tumult when we invite the Prince of Peace to rule our hearts, our homes, and our world.
This fall we’ve been considering The Divine Invitation – the invitation to join hands with God as He goes about His saving, healing, restoring work in this world. We’ve been tagging along with Jesus as he trains the Twelve for their mission – carrying on his work after he’s gone, which turns out to be our mission, as well.
We are invited…to set aside our comfort, our preferences, and even our security, for a greater good and a greater joy.
The message of Psalm 121 is simple but profound. And it is a message that we see throughout the Bible. Our safety and security is in God and in God alone. But to remember that and to put it into practice calls for spiritual exercise.
Every 500 years the church goes through a major period of transformation. As we remember the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, discover how the breakthroughs of the 16th century can still have a revolutionary effect on our lives and churches today.
We are often caught up in our tribes and traditions that we miss the mission of people. Jesus shows the Pharisees and us what is truly essential when heals a man on the Sabbath. GC@Nite
Is it possible that church sometimes gets in the way of mission? Could it be that our church activities, services, and relationships sometimes keep us from fulfilling God’s call on our lives and our church?
Sooner or later, we all have to respond to the divine invitation. So what will you do with Jesus?
Discover how the gospel is about more than just life after death. It's an invitation to live in the kingdom of God now.
We’re all invited into the adventure of following Christ, sharing our faith, building his church, and living by the Spirit. But how can we do these things in our lives?
We often feel overwhelmed when we engage in the atrocities like human trafficking and the aftermath of natural disasters. And then, there are our own problems.
What perspectives and what actions does Jesus teach his disciples? We turn to Matthew 6.
It's no secret that Christians are increasingly viewed "unfavorably" by many in our society. What's gone wrong, and how can we become people who truly are "good news" everywhere we go?
You and I have received a divine invitation to follow Jesus into a life of intimate relationship and incredible impact; to Grow as we Go with Jesus. It doesn’t get any sweeter, or scarier, than that. All that’s left for us to do, is accept the invitation.
If we are looking for eternal meaning from temporary things, we will find ourselves deeply dissatisfied in life.
Human Wisdom is good, but limited. Only a foundation of fearing God is the beginning of all & true wisdom.
Sometimes when we are young we can easily develop misconceptions about what is important in life and put off getting serious about our relationship with God. Wisdom is the God given ability to see life from his perspective. If you could see life, all of life God’s way and handle life with this lens --that is wisdom. When we choose to GROW in our sense of awe and wonder for who God is, and what He's done for us; and choose to live responsibly that is wisdom.
When things are not in their proper place, they can’t benefit us the way they were meant to. Discover how fearing God, or keeping him in his proper place, frees us from meaninglessness and fear, and frees us for abundant life.
We all have hopes and dreams for our lives, and most of us work hard to achieve those dreams. Is that a good thing? Is ambition something to celebrate, or repent of?
How can we maintain control of our lives when so many things in life are uncontrollable? Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
We can relate to the trap of believing that leisure and fun can accomplish more than they actually are able to provide. But the promise is that genuine pleasure – in all the fullness that God intended -- will make you come alive.
Series: Meaningless - Part 1
The promise of transcendence is that it inspires us to pursue meaning, and ultimately God. The trap of transcendence is that we conclude there is no ultimate meaning to be found; that ALL of life and human experience is a mystery, so it’s futile to try to figure it out.
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:14
August 6, 2017
Great is the art of beginning but greater is the art of ending—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. How do we live these words so that we recognize both as a necessary part of life?
From Adam Rowe, Wilmington Campus Pastor of Student Ministries
Have you ever wondered if the author of your story has anything to say about where your story is going, what part you have to play, and who you really are?Romans 4:1-3, 6-8, 20-25
Have you ever wondered if your life was headed in any particular direction at all? Ever looked back over the events of your life and wondered how, or IF, they all fit together? Ruth 1-4
A life well punctuated life is courageously curious about God, oneself, and others. John 4:6-15
God didn’t give us the exclamation point. That’s a human invention. But he did give us emotion. He designed us to live with passion. I Samuel 13-20
A well punctuated life embraces seasons of uncertainty – recognizing them as opportunities for God to shape us for the next chapter in our story.
Is Christianity really good for the world? How can it be when it seems to be so narrow and exclusive? Discover why and how the gospel is good news for every nation and every person! Revelation 21-22:6
Pastor Tim Ghali There is a wide spectrum of belief when it comes to climate change, sustainability, conservation and creation care. Is there a Christian response to it all and what has God called all believers to? We’re going to take a look in Genesis for a calling we may have missed.
Many Christians have been slow to embrace Creation Care as central to our mission in this world. What does the Bible really have to say about the earth, and our responsibility for it?
We're good for the world when we "go" in the name of Jesus, the power of the Spirit, and hearts that are right with God.
Our lonely world desperately needs good neighbors. Discover how Jesus is calling you to bring good news to your neighborhood. Luke 9:1-6, 10-17 Pastor Dave Ripper
Faithful presence to our spiritual neighbors (believers), our literal neighbors (next door), all neighbors esp. the least of these (poor). Luke 10:25-37, Matt 25:37-40 Pastor Tom Lee
Luke 10:25-37 Being good for our neighborhood means making room in our lives for people. Pastor Tom VanAntwerp
The children of Israel are about to enter the Promised Land. And Moses tells them the one thing that predicates everything else. As we seek the goodness for our loved ones, for our community and our world, what can we learn from what Moses says on the hills of Moab? Deuteronomy 6:1-12 Preaching Pastor: Tim Ghali
Deuteronomy 6:1-9 We are good for our family, and our family is good for the world, when we authentically walk and talk our faith.
Discover why the best thing the church can do for the world is for the church to be the church.
Discovering Life with God for the Good of the World. It’s a reminder that we are all on a journey to find life in all its fullness, but that we are also about living that life not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of those around us, both near and far. John 15:1-17
Nothing is as begun as the day after the Resurrection. 1 Tim 6:7-12 Pastor Tom VanAntwerp
Watertown Sermon 4-23-17 Pastor Stephen Nyakairu God can transform our pain and disappointment to engage with others in order to lead them to Jesus.
Invitation to expand our self-centered salvation to join God's Kingdom work in reversing the curse. East Lexington Sermon - Pastor Tom Lee
John 12:24-25 We're all dying for something. For happiness. For belonging. For significance. We're dying to live. We just need someone to show us how. Turns out, someone did.
The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. How do we keep going for the long haul, and when times get tough?
Is it possible our gospel has a hole in it? What does God expect of me when it comes to social justice? And what difference can one person make, anyway?
There’s what we know about holiness in worship services, and there’s what we know about holiness beyond Sunday. It’s in this gap where misconceptions are created. And when we don’t pursue the holiness of Jesus, our selfish attitudes and behaviors creeps in, like weeds our worldliness takes over and they compromise our growing roots.
Today we want to call out the misconceptions of holiness - we can be holy without being “holier than thou. We can only be holy with the help of God. And we can be holy and still enjoy life. In fact, when we understand what holiness is actually about, we’ll actually want to pursue it.
How does life with God compare to life without God? And why is life with God better? Psalm 1
We were voyagers once; we can be voyagers again. We were witnesses once; we can be witnesses again. We were "go-ers" once; we can be go-ers again.
"As the Wilmington Campus expands, we're committed to Growing Big and Growing Small." Matthew 16:13-18
Watertown's call to change the spiritual landscape of our part of Greater Boston is.... To Be a community that Spreads the Fragrance of Christ Everywhere We GO!
"Would you rather give or receive? What do you think will lead to an abundant life? Discover how we live abundantly as we give abundantly. Philippians 2:5-11
They say that generous people are the happiest people. Why is that, and what's my next step on the journey to a more generous life?
The gifts of the Magi implicitly reveal the identity of this child born in Bethlehem. Generosity added to love lead to the unexpected.
Jesus' Presence Blesses our homes by transforming our natural homes, by expanding our spiritual homes, by missionalizing our purpose of home
The message of Christmas is that home has come to us in the person of Jesus Christ – the child born to us all that night.
What does Christ's coming mean for families that are far from perfect, and for people with a checkered past? Matthew 1:1-17
"Home is Here" is Grace Chapel's first original Christmas song. We all long for home, not just as a place but a place to belong, be known, and be loved. This Christmas, why not let home find you?
Often Christ-followers find it difficult to share their faith with their friends. No one wants to risk hurting their friends or come across judgmental. Yet, we know there is a beautiful story of redemption in the midst of this broken world that needs to be told. How do we share the hope and love of Jesus without scaring our friends?
Thriving isn't just about our own flourishing, it's about inviting others into that space, too. But how do we do that without being obnoxious, or weird? How can we share our faith graciously and freely?
Who is my neighbor, and how do I neighbor "well" in the wake of a contentious election season?
Who is my neighbor, and how do I neighbor "well" in the wake of a contentious election season?
Week one of Global Awareness Week 2016 How can you be the light, the aroma, and the salt with your neighbor?
Thrive Week #6 Family relationships may be the most challenging and promising of all. How can we find our way to relationships that thrive?
Defining Moments from the Leadership Summit with Patrick Lencioni (excerpt) by Grace Chapel Sermon Media