Grace Chicago Church

The text for this week is from Jeremiah 18. In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah is brought to the studio of a potter where he watches a potter working a piece of clay. It becomes a metaphor for God's people being shaped in the hands of God. It is at once both a frightening image of God's power and control over all people, and an encouraging image of a God who won't give up on any piece of clay....

Keep the faith. This week's homily comes from the 11th chapter of Hebrews. We will be focusing on the second half of chapter 11 where the author names a handful of men and women who have kept the faith before us, leading to the iconic verse: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and le...

In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul sets a fairly lofty bar for the Colossians in terms of what their lives ought to look like. We will think about whether Paul's admonitions are relevant for us and how they translate into our day to day. Colossians 3:1-11 Caleb Schut

From time to time at Grace we have made the point in our teaching and preaching that God loves YOU - the real you and not the idealized version of you that one often imagines one needs to be in order to be lovable. This spectacularly good news is at the heart of the gospel and is simmering just below the surface in these remarkable words that Paul writes to the Colossians about Jesus and us: “.......

Caleb continues in the book of Colossians this week with the book's most well-known passage. This iconic text offers us a beautiful vision of who Christ is and what the impact of Christ's identity is for the entire world. How do the words of Paul in Colossians offer us hope in a broken world? We will carefully consider that question together. He is the Image of the Invisible God Caleb Schut

This week we hear Paul's opening words which are intimate and personal, though he had not even met the Colossian church at this point. He longs for them to walk in the light, away from darkness and into the kingdom of the beloved Son. The pastors will lead us to deep dive into Colossians over the next four weeks and walk alongside of the Colossians in that same direction. Colossians Pt. 1 Caleb Sc...

Caleb preaches a sermon using Bob's notes on Paul's famous passage from Galatians. What does it mean that social distinctions are leveled by the gospel? No longer Jew or Gentile Bob and Caleb Download

Caleb shares about his trip to Uganda and explores Proverb's definition of wisdom, which is vastly different than our dictionary definition. Wisdom's Courage Caleb Schut Download

Pastor Bob explores the mystery of the ascension and explains why this is a significant Christian holy day...and good news, too! The Ascension of Our Lord Bob Reid Download

Pastor Bob reflects on a passage from Ephesians and the constant work that the early church finds itself doing: keeping up with the hospitality of God. Keeping Up With God's Welcome Bob Reid Download

In this homily, Bob ties Psalm 23 to a passage in Acts 9 wherein Tabitha is raised from the dead. Tabitha is a leader in the church. God provides miraculously for the provision of the church by raising her from the dead. God provides a way forward for the community of faith throughout time. The Lord is My Shepherd Bob Reid Download

Caleb preaches on Saul's conversion, a story that shows that even when we position ourselves against God, God does not regard us as enemies. God has no Enemies Caleb Schut Download

Has Easter really happened? In this homily, Caleb explores the response of the disciples to Jesus and tells a story of resurrection hope. A Small Act of Resurrection Caleb Schut Download

Bob explores the resurrection by looking at the impact it had on his closest followers. Primarily, Bob notes how the resurrection was the first fruits of God's extravagant love that does not show partiality.

This beautiful story from John's Gospel paints a picture of authentic and honest worship. Bob explores the imagery and the outrage of the disciples.

Caleb picks up in Luke 13 where a man asks, “will only a few be saved?” Jesus answer includes a narrow door and has been quoted and misunderstood by so many. The Narrow Door Caleb Schut Download

In this homily, Caleb explores a passage that can't help but be connected to the recent shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. Do violent events have their source in God's judgement? Jesus discredits this line of thinking and suggests that the crowd is asking the wrong question entirely.

On the first Sunday of Lent, Bob explores the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. The Gift of Jesus' Faithfulness Bob Reid Download

Luke's beatitudes are a challenge to how we perceive power and privilege. In this homily, Bob shares how Jesus' challenge to his crowd is relevant in the world today. He talks about the temptation to use and abuse power and contribute to problems like toxic masculinity.

What does it mean to believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting? What exactly do we believe about resurrection and does it make any difference for how we live our lives? This sermon is an honest interaction with some of the most basic questions that the church has asked throughout its history.

Guest preacher Fred Harrell joins Grace Chicago from City Church San Francisco. His homily explored the difference between worshipping Jesus and following Jesus and how the latter is more difficult and is what the weary world needs most.

The Magi remind us that while we might expect to find glory, purpose, and honor in the palace, God is actually found in the ordinary, mundane, and routine. This year, may we seek to find God in the ordinary and expect Christ to show up in our routine lives. Caleb closes with a reflection on New Year's Resolutions.

Mary must be terrified on her journey to Elizabeth's house. How will she explain her situation to her distant aunt? Who would believe her incredible story? Elizabeth, prompted by God's Spirit, sees Mary, acknowledges her, and asks for no explanations. Mary experiences the gracious hospitality and welcome of Elizabeth. We can all follow Elizabeth's witness and imitate the generosity that Elizabeth...

In this first Sunday of Advent, we think about Hope. The text from Luke this week is a terrifying description of the end of days. What does all the imagery of Jesus mean? What does it mean in 2018? Bob explores where hope is found, which is not in earthly circumstances. Hope is not bound to what we can see, but is found in what we may not see.