Chicago Fellowship Talks

Continuing our series on "Defining Words", Ray takes a deeper look at Honesty and the importance of "Speaking the Truth to Myself". Ray unpacks Isaiah 44:12-20 and other passages to consider four lies we tell ourselves, and how we can counter them.

We pause from our regular series to welcome Dr. Mark Labberton, President of Fuller Seminary. Dr. Labberton examines Psalm 8, considering what it means to "pay attention" to God and his world, and the surprising truth that God pays attention to us!

Truth matters. Honesty matters. Continuing our series on the qualities of a maturing believer, Ray Carter looks at the trait of "honesty," considering why God detests it, and why we all wrestle with a tendency towards dishonesty.

This fall, we are looking at the traits that are natural byproducts of a deeper walk with Christ. Ray Carter examines the trait of empathy, considering what it looks like to develop and exhibit a deeper level level of empathy.

In session three of our 2019 retreat, Ray Carter considers the trait of "empathy." Ray invites us to journey outside our circles to places like Hunts Point and Montgomery. Jim Hallene joins Ray to share lessons learned through trials in his own life.

In Isaiah 40:6-11, we see God as both sovereign power and gentle shepherd. In this second session of our 2019 retreat, Pastor Dan Meyer from Christ Church challenges us to consider "gentleness" as an underrepresented fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

What words ought to define the life of a man seeking to follow Christ with his whole heart? In this first session of our 2019 retreat, Ray Carter considers the idea of "clarity," drawing lessons from the life of Jacob found in Genesis 25-32.

Ray Carter kicks off our 2019-20 season with an overview of Chicago Fellowship – considering both what our Fellowing is and what it isn't. This is a great place to start if you're new to Chicago Fellowship.

We conclude our study of Mark's Gospel in this closing session of our 2018-2019 season. Ray Carter looks at the resurrection account Mark 16:1-7 and it's message for us today: Don't be alarmed. Go. Christ is already going ahead of you!

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark, Patrick Fisher examines the Transfiguration of Christ as described in Mark 9 and the other Synoptic Gospels. What did the experience mean to the disciples and what is the message for us today?

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark, Ray Carter looks at Mark 15:33-47 and "The Unifying Power of the Gospel." We consider how a shared experience of God's grace can create community across the barriers that so often dived us.

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark, Ray Carter looks at Mark 14:43-52 to consider the clash between the Kingdom of this World and the Kingdom of God. What is the order of things in each and what does this say about where real power exists?

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark. Ray Carter looks at Mark 12:35-44 to consider "The Clarity of Jesus' Claims and Calling." How do Christ's teachings and life challenge our own assumptions about who He is and what it means to follow Him?

We continue our study from the Book of Mark, looking at Jesus' teachings about religious traditions in Mark 7:1-23. Joel Hamernick challenges us to examine our own religious practices to consider whether they point us towards God's heart or hinder us.

We pause our study of the Book of Mark to welcome Brian Dye, Executive Director of Legacy Disciple. Looking at Luke 1:1-4, and lessons from throughout Luke's life, Brian calls us to follow the evangelist's example to leave a legacy beyond ourselves.

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark, Ray Carter looks at Mark 8:22-31 and "The Miracle of Seeing." In this story of Jesus giving sight to a blind man, we consider what it means to be spiritually blind and how by God's grace we grow.

We continue our study of the Book of Mark, looking at Mark 6:30-44 and "The Revolutionary Life". In this familiar story of Jesus feeding the multitude, Jesus came bringing a revolution completely different than people hoped for or expected.

Ray Carter leads as we continue our study of the Book of Mark. Ray looks at Mark 6:14-30 and the importance of "Facing Our Doubts and Fears" – considering how our times of doubt can actually become times of opportunity for growth.

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark, Ray Carter looks at the story of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:1-20. Ray considers how the forces of evil are at work in our world, and the "good news" of how we can can effectively push back against them.

Ray Carter leads as we continue our series from the Book of Mar. Ray unpacks Mark 5:21-43 to help us consider "When God Delays." What can we learn when the patience and timing of Jesus frustrate our own?

Ray Carter leads as we continue our study of the Book of Mark. Ray looks at Mark 4:35-41 to help us consider "The Christ Who is Lord of the Storms."

Joel Hamernick looks at Psalm 113 and Luke 6 to consider our calling to be generous to the poor and needy. How are we to reflect God's great generosity? Could Jesus really mean it when he commands us to "give to everyone who begs from you"?

Continuing our series from the Book of Mark, Ray Carter looks at Mark 4:21-34 and what Jesus says about "The Organizing Principle of Life." What is the single truth that must govern how we prioritize and live our life?

Ray Carter continues our series from the book of Mark. Ray looks at Mark 3:6-19 to consider "How We Discover Our True Identity."

Joel Hamernick continues our series from the Book of Mark. Looking at Jesus' Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:1-20, Joel challenges us to consider what it means to be a good listener. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."