Chicago Fellowship Talks

Patrick Fisher dives into the historical context of Ancient Rome as an important lens for understanding the New Testament and Jesus' ministry and teaching.

What does this current pandemic tell us about the importance and nature of true community? Joel Hamernick looks at 1 Corinthians 12 and "Building Community in the Midst of Crisis".

Ray Carter leads as we conclude our study from the Book of Habakkuk. Ray looks at Habakkuk 3:1-19 and "Rejoicing in the Lord". What does it mean to Rejoice in the Lord in difficult times and how do we help one another do it?

Ray Carter looks at Habakkuk 2:5-20 and the importance of "Looking Deeper Inside Our Life" during a time of challenging and difficult circumstances.

On this Good Friday, Ray Carter leads as we consider the hope found in Christ during this Easter season and beyond. We look at two phrases spoken by the risen Christ – "fear not" / "follow me" – and what they mean for us today.

When we call out to the Lord in the midst of difficult times, what are we called to do as a part of "waiting" on Him for a response? Are we called to passive stoicism or are there deliberate actions we are to take? Join us as we explore the answer to this important question.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we begin a new series called Living By Faith in Difficult Times. This situation forces us all to consider what and who it is we most value. Join us as we consider these things and invite the Lord to work in redemptive ways.

This week we complete our series "Things That Do Not Change". Ray Carter looks at Exodus 20:17, Philippians 4:10-13 and the "Secret of Contentment". We will be considering the nature of real contentment and how it is we find it.

We pause our regular series for a talk from Joel Hamernick on the city. What is different about Chicago as a result of Chicago Fellowship? Joel looks at Jonah, Jeremiah and Acts to consider how we are called to pursue the flourishing of the city.

Continuing our series on "Things That Do Not Change", Ray Carter looks at Exodus 20:16 and other selected passages as we consider "The Importance of Refusing to Lie". What does the Scripture say to us about why we lie and how it dehumanizes all of us?

We resume our series "Things that Do Not Change". Ray Carter considers various parables of Jesus related to "The Freedom of Simplicity". What does the Scripture say about managing our lives and resources in a way that maximizes our freedom and joy?

We pause briefly from our regular series. Joel Hamernick shares the last of three messages looking at the impacts of Chicago Fellowship. Joel considers God's deep concern for Justice in Isaiah 58, challenging us to join the calling to "rebuild the walls" in the broken places of our world.

Continuing our series on "Things That Do Not Change", Ray Carter looks at the eighth commandment "Thou Shalt Not Steal" in Exodus 20:15. What are some of the hidden ways we become thieves and what is the key to being good stewards of all we possess?

Continuing our series on "Things That Do Not Change", Ray Carter examines of "The Sacredness of Human Life". What does it mean that human life is sacred? How does this truth apply to questions regarding issues like capital punishment and abortion?

Continuing our series on "Things That Do Not Change", Ray Carter looks at Exodus 20:12 and Proverbs 23:12-16 to consider the "Meaning and Importance of Family". What does the Bible say a family is? How is a family suppose to work?

Ray Carter continues our series on "Things That Do Not Change". Ray looks at Ex. 20:7 and Matthew 7:15-23 to consider "What It Means to Honor God's Name".

Ray Carter leads as we begin a new series on "Things That Do Not Change." In a trembling world, there's an immutable, unchanging, complete God – and Truth that flows from his character – around which I can order and reorder my life.

Ray Carter leads our final session of 2019. Ray examines David's charge to Solomon 1 Kings 2:1-12, considering three types of gifts we can give to our own children and others who matter to us.

Joel shares from real-life experiences of a Muslim convert to Christianity in Africa. How does this relate to us in Chicago? We too should expect God to be at work in our world. The Fellowship provides a unique context for discerning that work.

Shifting our focus to the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season, Ray Carter shares thoughts on the importance of gratitude. Exploring various scripture passages, Ray challenges us to consider how we are expressing gratitude with both our lips and our lives.

Gracious, positive words have tremendous power; why do we so often leave them unspoken? Ray Carter continues our series on "Defining Words", looking at Proverbs 16:24 and the importance and power of Positive Words.

Continuing our series on "Defining Words," Joel Hamernick examines the concept of virtue, considering various ideals of virtue. Joel guides us toward the distinctive scriptural concept of virtue – anchored in the character and love of God.

Continuing our series on "Defining Words", Ray Carter looks at Proverbs 15:31-32 and James 1:19 to consider the importance of "Hearing the Truth", and how to overcome our natural, reflexive tendencies when confronted with something challenging.

This week, we welcome Gary Haugen, founder and CEO of International Justice Mission. Gary discusses the heartbreaking realities of modern-day slavery, as well as the hope and potential to eradicate it as we step into the Dignity of Responsibility.

Continuing our series on "Defining Words", Ray Carter looks at Ephesians 4:15 and Proverbs 27:5-6 to consider the importance of "Speaking the Truth to One Another".