Grace City Church: Recent Episodes
Grace City Church
Grace City Church is a new church plant in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, MA. We exist to proclaim the way of Jesus for the good of the city.
What barriers do we face in accepting the leadership of God? What do we really want from him?
How does our faith inspire us to higher levels of obedience? Using King David and Psalm 132, we discuss true faith, obedience, and how our obedience can grow on the road of discipleship.
How do we persevere well? What keeps us from persevering? What does it even look like to persevere?
Why exactly does the church gather every week? What happens in the gathering that can’t happen throughout the week?
Listen as special guest Michael Distefano introduces Amirah’s mission to help end human trafficking.
How did Jesus fulfill the threefold office of the Old Testament? Why does it matter to us?
What did the resurrection of Jesus secure for those who follow him? What other resurrections does the Bible speak about?
What do we learn about Jesus' interaction with those being crucified with him? Why should we be careful to condemn or mimic them?
On Jesus’ road to the cross, we find threads that reveal he is totally in control. Though he is betrayed by his disciple Judas and led through an unjust trial led by Pilate, the Roman Governor, we see Jesus fix his eyes on his purpose: to seek and save the lost.
What was going through Jesus mind when he experienced the anxiety and stress that produced blood? What does this scene teach us about Jesus?
Why was the upper room discussion so shocking to Jesus’ earliest followers? What exactly happens each week when we take the bread and cup?
Why is this such an important event in the life of Jesus and the church? What do we learn about the essence of who Jesus is in his entry into Jerusalem? What are the implications of this event for us?
What does it mean that we all have a personal ministry? What can we learn from Paul’s time and speech in Athens? What barriers keep us from embracing our personal ministry?
Our vision for becoming a praying church. What does it look like to become a praying church? What three core elements are nessecary to become a praying church?
How do we orientate our lives around a constant dependence on Jesus? What decisions are you making, and what faith is required in them? What does it look like to ask Jesus not for what is easy, but rather what will bring you closer to Him?
What do we do when it seems as if God isn’t answering our prayers? What do we do with the silence? How do we make sense of times when God doesn’t seem to care?
What will give us boldness in the upcoming year? What areas do we as a church what to practice boldness in in 2024?
What exactly is hope? What makes Christian hope so unique? How do we battle hopelessness?
Why does this part of the prayer have a caveat? What’s the importance in asking God to forgive? Can you withhold forgiveness and be a Christian?
Do we pray for parking spots? Why is it important to pray big and small prayers? If God knows everything, why pray?
"What is prayer? Why do we pray persistently? What does praying to God as "Father" teach us? David walks through Luke 11:1-13 as Jesus answers these questions."
What does it mean to speak blessings over others? How do we refrain from speaking curses over others? How do we escape curses spoken over us?
What can learn about submission through the ancient “household codes”? What is our relationship to the state and to one another? Why is submission something we must embrace?
What was the significance of the early church being called priests? How does this distinction influence how we live? What exactly are the “spiritual sacrifices” we are to offer?
What does it mean to have a mind ready for action? How do we do that? What’s the difference between God’s holiness and our holiness?
What does it mean to live in exile? What makes us distinct? How do we move forward in a culturally difficult environment?
What are the principles we find in church revivals? How can we as a church position ourselves to experience a movement of God?
Why do we center our church around Jesus? What danger is there when thinking about Jesus?
Why is lamenting so misunderstood? How do we do it well? Why is it essential to our Christian formation?
Why is developing and practicing a spirit of thanksgiving vital to our Christian faith? What are ways to practice thanksgiving?
What two choices do we have before us? What is the key to experiencing a life of ‘blessing’?
Why is the shepherd metaphor such a helpful Biblical picture of God’s leadership in our life? What does it mean that we are his sheep?
What are the practical implications to Jesus being the light? What does light offer us that makes it so attractive and beautiful?
Where do we struggle with self control? How do we cultivate a life of self control? How does focusing on the life of Jesus help us in our self control?
What does gentleness look like? In what ways do we misunderstand gentleness? How can gentleness help us in our current cultural climate?
How can each of us be more faithful? What does it mean to be faithful? What keeps us from being faithful with has been entrusted to us?
What areas are we called to practice patience in? What does it mean to be patient with God?
What makes Christian joy unique? What are the enemies to our joy? How do we cultivate joy?
What does it mean to have fruit from the Spirit? What is the danger in elevating “gifts” over “fruit”?
Peter denies Jesus on the same night he is betrayed, however failure doesn’t characterize him. Instead, he is restored and recommissioned. Restoration is also available to us.
What does the resurrection tell us about God? Why is the resurrection so important? How does it influence our everyday life?
How did Jesus’ vision of the kingdom defer from his earliest followers? How did they miss it?
Why would Mary spend such an expensive and extravagant amount on Jesus’ feet? What did Mary understand about herself and Jesus that should inform how we live?
What was Nicodemus hoping to get from Jesus? Why was Jesus’ response to him so surprising? What does this teach us about the Kingdom of God?
What does the wedding feast at Cana teach us about Jesus? Why was this first “sign” so important to Jesus’ ministry?
What is the significance of the word “logos” and John’s use of it? Why does John start his Gospel account the way that he does?
What should we do when we feel powerless to bring about change? What gives us courage to move forward. What specific lies keep us from embracing the power we have in Christ?
How do we recognize and address the lie that we should see ourselves as self-sufficient people?
How do we know if God loves us? What are the practical implications of being loved by God?
What is it about Christianity that makes our culture so nervous? Why do some consider Christians dangerous people?
How is it possible that Daniel can withstand the cultural pressure of his day? What keeps us moving forward?
Our God cares more for our peace than we do. David preaches about Peace from the Prophecy of Zechariah, and how we can know Peace with God, Peace with ourselves, and Peace with one another.
What really is joy? How do we have it in difficulty? What role does joy play in the biblical story and in our life in particular?
Luke 10:25-37 (CSB)
Jesus shows us how the Kingdom of Heaven is reaching beyond dividing lines by telling us this parable of the Good Samaritan. David teaches about Context and Cognitive Bias, Priests and Pain, and Love beyond Enemy Lines.
What does Jesus want people to know about the kingdom through this hypothetical scenario of the two sons?
Why did Jesus use parables? What do they teach us about the kingdom of God? What can we learn from the parable of the sower and the seed? How does this parable propel us forward?
What is the role of justice in our life with God? What is biblical justice? What are the central elements to biblical justice.
Tim Keller article Brian references: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
What does it mean to be holy as God is Holy? How can an unholy people exist in the presence of a holy God? And what can we expect in life as a people called to pursue holiness?
Why is it impossible to be spiritually mature and emotionally immature? How do we experience emotionally healthy spirituality? What role do our emotions play?
Why are we so exhausted? King Solomon calls us to realize we are limited, and God calls us to enjoy Sabbath rest.
Why did our current political climate turn hostile? What role does politics play in the life of a believer? Three suggestions to help navigate our unique political climate.
Why did our current political climate turn hostile? What role does politics play in the life of a believer? Three suggestions to help navigate our unique political climate.
What are we to do about the rampant ideologies of our day? How have these influenced the church? What is the way forward?
What are we to do about the rampant ideologies of our day? How have these influenced the church? What is the way forward?
How did our culture move from valuing, “we” to valuing “me”? Why do we not embrace being involved in a loving community? In what ways do we isolate ourselves? How are we suppose to be a loving community?
How did our culture move from valuing, “we” to valuing “me”? Why do we not embrace being involved in a loving community? In what ways do we isolate ourselves? How are we suppose to be a loving community?
What is the correct Christian approach to our cultural moment? What is our role and responsibility?
What does the Christian journey really look like? What keeps us moving forward in the complexity and difficulty of life?
What does it mean to have a life that is integrated? Why is this life the one God has called us into?
Why is friendship such a transformative force? Why should we not give up hope when it feels as if all things are falling a part?
Joseph’s story teaches us about contentment, God’s will, and reconciliation. Jesus teaches the same, but with power.
How was the call on Abrahams life similar to Jesus’? What can we learn about the call on our lives from God?
What does the first Adam and Jesus have in common? Why is Jesus considered a “better Adam”?
Why would Paul’s household codes create such tension in his cultural moment? What does Christianity have to say to women and slaves in Paul’s day?
Why is seeing Colossians three as simply a list of dos and do nots so dangerous? How does lasting change in the life of a believer actually happen?
This week we continue in our series through the book of Colossians, as our Church Planting Resident, David, reads Colossians 2:4-23 and teaches about Christian questions, debt, and the salvation of Jesus.
What does Paul mean when he says that Christ’s afflictions are lacking? How does that influence how we live? What is the mystery that has now been revealed?
What did the early church really believe about Jesus? What does this early church hymn teach us about Jesus and what should we do about it?
What two things is Paul thankful for that should encourage us? What does Paul's opening prayer to the Colossians reveal about our current reality?
Why the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. What are the implications of the resurrection for God’s people?
What do my concentric circles of influence have to do with the mission of God in my life? What keeps me from missioning to those closest to me? Who do I start with?
What does it mean to be a citizen in the kingdom of God? How does being a citizen change how we relate to one another and to God?
Why is the family such a powerful metaphor for the type of community we should have as Christians? How does your biological family shape your understanding of your Christian community? What does a healthy church family look like?
Why is the metaphor Body of Christ so important? How does being a unique member of the body influence how we live? What role does community play in our spiritual formation?
What is the Sabbath? Why should you practice it? How do we practice it with such busy and chaotic schedules?
What are the barriers to developing a habit of prayer? What value does prayer add to my life? How do I start?
What is habit identity formation? What is the real purpose behind reading the Scriptures? What do you do when you sit down to read them?
What does our generosity say about us? What are the barriers to developing a habit of giving? Why does the Jesus talk so much about money? What are some helpful tips to consider when developing the habit of giving?
How do we define it? Why is it so hard to participate in? How does it happen? What is its end goal?
The Prophet Jonah wrestles with God's mercy toward his enemies, the Ninevites, while ignoring the mercy God has been showing him.
We are excited to begin the year studying the book of Jonah! In the first two chapters of Jonah, we read about a disobedient prophet, a violent storm, pagan sailors, a great fish, and a really good God. Listen to learn about God's goodness in Jonah's mission, Jonah's Correction, and Jonah's Gospel.
We look at the specific peace that Christ brings through his life, death, and resurrection.
Jesus tells us to be a joy filled people. How is this possible in our cultural moment full of uncertainty and loss? What gives us joy? Are there ways to help cultivate joy?
What can we learn from Mary’s response to the news of her pregnancy? Why is she a model for what responsive faith looks like?
In this week of the Jesus Movement, we hear how Paul engaged the Athenians to share the good news of Jesus. In this message, David teaches about God’s Sovereignty, Idolatry, and Exclusive Truth.
What are some of the various ways that people come to know Jesus? Why is it important to understand the gospel approach you have with others matters?
A controversy in the early church tests the resolve of the apostles as they fight for the Way of Jesus.
What made the church at Antioch so different? Why should we mimic the practices they had in place?
What can we learn from God’s confrontation over Peter’s incorrect belief? Why is confrontation necessary in order to unlock our destiny?
Church Planting Resident David walks us through Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
What should our posture be when faced with cultural pressure? How do we faithfully follow Jesus even when the opposition around us feels overwhelming?
What did the early church immediately start doing? What did those early days look Iike? How does this influence how we should live as Grace City?
Why have we been given the Holy Spirit? What role does the Holy Spirit play here at Grace City? What does it mean to embrace the Holy Spirit?
How did we get here? What’s the mission of the church? What did Jesus want the church accomplish? How does this inform Grace City?
What does it mean to follow Jesus in Boston in 2021? What does Jesus call his disciples to?
How forgiving is God? What extent will he go to in order to preserve his relationship with his people? What would it look like for God's people to forgive others in the same way?
What does it mean that God abounds in faithful love and truth? How should that inform how we are to respond to him? This week Pastor Brian walks us through God’s faithful presence in our life.
What is God’s central disposition? Is he more compassionate or more wrathful? How does God’s ability to be slow to anger influence our relationship with him and with one another?
What do you think about when you think about God? Why is that the most important question you can consider? This week Pastor Brian looks at the most quoted Scripture in all of the Bible concerning the character of God.
How you deal with inconvenience is a great barometer for how you will handle real suffering.
It is of the utmost importance that we have a healthy, realistic perspective of the length of our days or we may lose our bearing in this life.
What is the biggest threat to our church and what can we do? The answer might surprise you.
Why is the tongue the most powerful member of our body? What does the Bible say about our speech? Why is our language so difficult?
Why is James 2 the most controversial passage in the book of James? Is our Faith real if it doesn’t influence how we live? What is the balance between faith and our works?
How did the early church handle so many different people?What does the Bible has to say about our current cultural moment and the discrimination that runs rampant?
The scriptures make the claim that suffering and trials produce something valuable. How is this possible?
Listen to a message about doubt and how Jesus (and even Paul) confront doubt with love and community.
Jesus fulfilled more than just the Old Testament Scriptures. He fulfilled all the leadership offices that God had established as a means to guide his people. What are those offices and why should we care now?
The cornerstone of the Christian faith is the resurrection, but is there anyway to know if it’s true? This week Brian takes a look at the compelling evidence and why it should matter to us.
Jesus perfectly displays what it looks like to trust the Father, and perfectly displays what enemy love looks like.
Jesus rightly saw that the world’s problems were not because of Rome, the Pharisees, or rulers of the world, but the power behind them. The power of sin.
Join us this week as Pastor Brian takes us through the events that unfolded in the upper room.
We can no more be a Christian and have nothing to do with the church than we can be a person and not be in a family.
-Eugene H. Peterson
Christian maturity means we no longer look to God simply for superficial blessings and extravagant outcomes.
When our work becomes the source of our ultimate joy and meaning for us it has then become our idol.
Here we look at the Biblical theme of God's Holy Hill and see what it meant for ancient Israel's worship of God and what it means today for us following the Way of Jesus.
How we view God informs how we operate on the road of Christian discipleship. What does it mean to see God enthroned in heaven? How can we live with confidence in our current climate?
Why do we gathering weekly together? What can we learn from the Israelites three yearly pilgrimages to Jerusalem? What role does the church’s weekly worship gathering play in the life of the believer?
How do we begin the road to Christian discipleship? What will it require of us? We will look at this and more in this sermon.
Hebrews 11 - “faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”
Our security gives us confidence that shouldn’t waver under cultural or personal challenges.
Suffering is the number one indicator that we live in a sinful world. However, our present suffering doesn't mean we don't have a present God.
Biblical Hope: not just a desire for something good in the future, it is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future. It not only desires but expects.
A spiritual gift is an ability/abilities given to God’s people by the Spirit for the benefit of the church.
To be a Christian means there is a change in status. It means we should reflect the change of citizenship and expect to be misunderstood
This week Pastor Brian breaks down what exactly it means to be adopted into God's family.
God’s people must be willing to look a fool in order to truly exhibit the wisdom of God.
We must recognize our place, learn to receive God’s Word, find ourselves with those who practice wisdom, and we must ask for it.
Join us this week as Pastor Brian sits down with Pastor Mike to discuss racial tension and how the Church should respond through the Gospel.
How did God fix the leadership problem that existed among his people? What does God’s leadership look like? Why do we have problems following him?
What is the comparison crisis and how to we protect ourselves against it? What is our role and responsibility as followers of Christ in helping eliminate comparison?
Why was David called “a man after the heart of God”? What traits did he exhibit? Can the same be considered of us?
What do we do when opposition occurs in the midst of our calling? How does our response influence the outcome?
Today we look at when God gave Israel the 10 Commandments. We'll see why he gave them, what they mean, and why they matter for us today.
How do we have joy in the midst of difficultly? Does having joy mean we don’t embrace sadness?
How did the resurrection change life as we know it? How do we find peace in the midst of so much chaos?
What role does spiritual formation play in our current situation? How do we use this time to effectively to grow? Have we formed unhealthy habits?
How does Jesus’ call to love our neighbor work when we are in isolation? What are ways we can mimic the way of Jesus in these strange days?
What can we to learn from the darkest Psalm in all of scripture? How are we to make sense of the current climate and culture? What’s the best way to navigate our current situation?
Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out from under the oppressive arm of the Egyptians. God wanted a people. How has this moment in history shaped us? Was their rescue our rescue?
This week we look at one of the most remarkable stories in all of the scriptures. We see the calling of Abraham. God enters into a partnership with humanity. How does this partnership influence how we live today?
What if there is one unifying story? How would that influence how we are to live? If God created all things and oversees all things what does that mean for us?
This week we look at what it means to live on mission where we live, work, and play. How do we develop a posture of attention and intention?
This week we are looking at the power of an individual. What happens when you open yourself up to another.
This week we are looking at the importance of community and what it means to be in a housechurch.
How did we get from a few followers of a rabbi from an insignificant town to a global church?
This week we look at the beginning of Advent and the role of hope in the life of a believer.