Weekly message from Grace Chapel in Wilsonville Oregon. Our cause is to experience and express the essence of Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us on Sundays at 9a & 11a. For more information visit www.gracechapelonline.org
In his sermon, Pastor Charles discusses the transformative journey of Rwanda after the genocide, emphasizing the importance of faith and compassion in rebuilding lives, particularly for children in poverty. He highlights the work of African New Life Ministries, which serves thousands of children through education, health care, and spiritual guidance. Pastor Charles calls for a balanced understanding of the supernatural in the lives of believers, encouraging them to embrace both spiritual and practical dimensions in their Christian walk. He invites the congregation to support the ministry and children's sponsorship as a way to engage in the transformative work God is doing in Rwanda.
Mike delivered a powerful message on discovering the core beliefs that shape our identity. He explored how the voices we choose to listen to, and the beliefs we allow to define us, can either ground us in truth or pull us away from our true purpose. Pointing to the life of Jesus as a model of someone deeply connected to God, Mike challenged us to consider: What voices are shaping who you believe you are? He invited everyone to reflect honestly on what defines their identity and whether it truly aligns with who they are in Christ. By encouraging the community to speak life, blessing, and truth over one another, Mike revealed just how transformative it can be when we embrace God's voice above all others and begin to live as the beloved sons and daughters we were created to be.
A broken net. A fractured bone. A cargo ship, a fighter, a home. In the ancient world, all these images pointed to one surprising word: catartizo. It doesn't just mean “equip”—it means to restore what's torn, strengthen what's weak, supply what's needed. Mike unpacks how true equipping always aims toward something: maturity, unity, and deep connection with Jesus. And in a culture overflowing with opinions, conviction isn't just what you believe—it's what holds you when everything else breaks.
You're already a disciple of something. Every scroll, every habit, every influence is shaping you—but to what end? Mike unpacks the radical invitation of Jesus: not to be more religious, but to tether your whole life to Him. It's a call that feels like surrender, but leads to a kind of freedom culture can't offer. The more you're tethered, the more you're unleashed.
Cameron and Annie shared their personal stories of suffering and vulnerability, highlighting how God's heart is close to those in pain. They emphasized the importance of empathy, especially in a world marked by meanness, drawing on biblical examples to illustrate the transformative power of kindness and acceptance. Through a discussion of Luke 7, they encouraged attendees to embrace their own struggles and to recognize the value of the vulnerable in our communities. Ultimately, they called for a deeper understanding of God's compassionate character and challenged the audience to reflect on how to embody that empathy in their lives.
In her sermon, Emma emphasizes the importance of stepping into the misery and margins, inspired by Jesus' greatest commandment to love God and love others. She shares personal stories of her grandfather's impactful life and her own transformative experiences in Rwanda, which taught her about compassion and justice. Emma underscores that loving others and stepping out in service is not just a call to action but a vital part of living out one's faith, which contributes to eternal life. Ultimately, she encourages the congregation to reflect on how they can engage with their community and serve those in need, starting with humility and a readiness to embrace Jesus' teachings.
The table is a symbol of family, community, and faithful presence. It's a symbol of our deep desire to be known and be loved. It's a symbol that we see throughout Scripture as a place where God dwells with and provides for His people. God sets a table for us and joins us around it.
The table is a symbol of family, community, and faithful presence. It's a symbol of our deep desire to be known and be loved. It's a symbol that we see throughout Scripture as a place where God dwells with and provides for His people. God sets a table for us and joins us around it.
Pastor Mike emphasized the importance of living a life centered on worship, which he defined as a lifestyle encompassing all aspects of our being, not just singing. He discussed the difference between being religious and having a relationship with Jesus, highlighting that true worship comes from understanding God's extravagant love for us. By illustrating the concept of stingy versus extravagant worship, he challenged the congregation to examine how they live, serve, and express their love for God in every part of their lives. Ultimately, Pastor Mike encouraged everyone to fully embrace their identity as worshipers and to live with an open heart that reflects gratitude and dependence on God's grace.
Pastor Mike emphasized the importance of living a life centered on worship, which he defined as a lifestyle encompassing all aspects of our being, not just singing. He discussed the difference between being religious and having a relationship with Jesus, highlighting that true worship comes from understanding God's extravagant love for us. By illustrating the concept of stingy versus extravagant worship, he challenged the congregation to examine how they live, serve, and express their love for God in every part of their lives. Ultimately, Pastor Mike encouraged everyone to fully embrace their identity as worshipers and to live with an open heart that reflects gratitude and dependence on God's grace.
Pastor Jen McCourt's sermon focuses on the theme of worship, emphasizing that worship is about enjoying God and giving Him glory in various aspects of life. She discusses the importance of trusting God, drawing lessons from the Israelites in the wilderness as they grappled with their faith amid challenges. Pastor encourages the congregation to examine their worship practices and consider what, or whom, they might be worshiping instead of God, highlighting the need for intentionality in maintaining a God-centered life. Ultimately, she calls for a personal reflection on worship, inviting everyone to engage with God in a way that resonates with their unique relationship with Him.
Pastor Jen McCourt's sermon focuses on the theme of worship, emphasizing that worship is about enjoying God and giving Him glory in various aspects of life. She discusses the importance of trusting God, drawing lessons from the Israelites in the wilderness as they grappled with their faith amid challenges. Pastor encourages the congregation to examine their worship practices and consider what, or whom, they might be worshiping instead of God, highlighting the need for intentionality in maintaining a God-centered life. Ultimately, she calls for a personal reflection on worship, inviting everyone to engage with God in a way that resonates with their unique relationship with Him.
Mike discussed the significance of identifying as a Jesus follower in his sermon from the series "Rhythms of Jesus." He emphasized that being a Christian is more than just a label; it is about having a true relationship with Jesus that transforms one's life and character. Drawing from biblical texts, Mike highlighted the importance of being bold in faith and living authentically as ambassadors for Christ in all areas of life, despite societal pressures or personal fears. The message concluded with the call to embrace the identity and purpose found in Jesus, encouraging believers to reflect His love and truth in their daily lives.
Mike discussed the significance of identifying as a Jesus follower in his sermon from the series "Rhythms of Jesus." He emphasized that being a Christian is more than just a label; it is about having a true relationship with Jesus that transforms one's life and character. Drawing from biblical texts, Mike highlighted the importance of being bold in faith and living authentically as ambassadors for Christ in all areas of life, despite societal pressures or personal fears. The message concluded with the call to embrace the identity and purpose found in Jesus, encouraging believers to reflect His love and truth in their daily lives.
Jake shared the importance of prayer and its power to transform both individual lives and communities. He recalled the Hebrides revival, initiated by two elderly women who prayed fervently for change, demonstrating that fervent prayer can invoke a powerful response from God. Jake emphasized that prayer should not be viewed as a transactional exchange but as a deep, relational conversation with God. He encouraged the congregation to adopt a rhythm of prayer that aligns their hearts with God's will, allowing them to actively participate in His kingdom work on earth.
Jake shared the importance of prayer and its power to transform both individual lives and communities. He recalled the Hebrides revival, initiated by two elderly women who prayed fervently for change, demonstrating that fervent prayer can invoke a powerful response from God. Jake emphasized that prayer should not be viewed as a transactional exchange but as a deep, relational conversation with God. He encouraged the congregation to adopt a rhythm of prayer that aligns their hearts with God's will, allowing them to actively participate in His kingdom work on earth.
In his sermon, Mike discusses the theme of leveraging one's life for the benefit of others, using Jesus as the ultimate example of self-sacrifice. He emphasizes that we are all invited to be part of God's movement and encourages the congregation not to miss out on what God is doing in the present. Mike also highlights the importance of surrendering our imperfections and regrets to God, who can transform us and use us for His purposes. Ultimately, he calls for a posture of consecration, urging everyone to take what they have and offer it as a sacrifice in service to God and others.
Mike shared a powerful message about the importance of community as modeled by Jesus, emphasizing that believers should cultivate deep, meaningful relationships. He illustrated this with an analogy of self-driving cars to describe how the Holy Spirit guides us in our spiritual journey and the necessity of smaller groups for authentic connection. Mike highlighted two significant pandemics of despair and loneliness facing society today and called on the church to be proactive in reaching out and nurturing community both within and outside church walls. Ultimately, he encouraged everyone to embrace their roles in fostering a family-like atmosphere through shared support, mission, and spiritual growth, ensuring that no one feels like a stranger.
Mike shared a powerful message about the importance of community as modeled by Jesus, emphasizing that believers should cultivate deep, meaningful relationships. He illustrated this with an analogy of self-driving cars to describe how the Holy Spirit guides us in our spiritual journey and the necessity of smaller groups for authentic connection. Mike highlighted two significant pandemics of despair and loneliness facing society today and called on the church to be proactive in reaching out and nurturing community both within and outside church walls. Ultimately, he encouraged everyone to embrace their roles in fostering a family-like atmosphere through shared support, mission, and spiritual growth, ensuring that no one feels like a stranger.
Jeff spoke about the importance of community and how it is fundamentally linked to our relationship with God. He emphasized that true love and connection come from recognizing our dependence on Jesus, who meets our needs for love, joy, peace, and hope. By nurturing our relationship with Christ, we enable ourselves to build healthier relationships with others, ultimately addressing the widespread issue of loneliness in society. Jeff reminded the congregation that the call to love our neighbors is rooted in our love for God, and that genuine community arises when we allow God's presence to fill us and guide our interactions.
Jeff spoke about the importance of community and how it is fundamentally linked to our relationship with God. He emphasized that true love and connection come from recognizing our dependence on Jesus, who meets our needs for love, joy, peace, and hope. By nurturing our relationship with Christ, we enable ourselves to build healthier relationships with others, ultimately addressing the widespread issue of loneliness in society. Jeff reminded the congregation that the call to love our neighbors is rooted in our love for God, and that genuine community arises when we allow God's presence to fill us and guide our interactions.
Mike emphasizes the importance of recognizing and engaging with the wave of God's Spirit moving among the congregation, particularly in times of struggle or desert-like seasons. He highlights how Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, demonstrating that hard seasons can lead to divine encounters and affirmations of our identity as beloved children of God. Mike calls on the congregation to release any negative spirits such as lukewarmness, control, and cynicism, and to embrace the Rhema word of God—the specific, life-giving messages that provide strength and guidance in our deserts. The sermon encourages fellowship and prayer, inviting members to support one another and to experience the healing and transformative power of God's word together.
Mike emphasizes the importance of recognizing and engaging with the wave of God's Spirit moving among the congregation, particularly in times of struggle or desert-like seasons. He highlights how Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, demonstrating that hard seasons can lead to divine encounters and affirmations of our identity as beloved children of God. Mike calls on the congregation to release any negative spirits such as lukewarmness, control, and cynicism, and to embrace the Rhema word of God—the specific, life-giving messages that provide strength and guidance in our deserts. The sermon encourages fellowship and prayer, inviting members to support one another and to experience the healing and transformative power of God's word together.
The Holy Spirit is moving. Can you feel it? Too often, we settle for routine—managing our faith rather than experiencing the fullness of God's presence. But Jesus made it clear: “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go, the Advocate will not come to you” (John 16:7).Many believers long to be with Jesus as the disciples were. But the truth is, every Jesus follower today has the same access to Him—through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our Advocate, our Teacher, our Comforter, our Power. He is the one who makes Jesus real to us today. And yet, so many of us live unaware, disconnected from this reality.A fresh move of the Holy Spirit is coming. Those who embrace it will experience transformation, and power. Those who cling to religious systems will miss it.There's a hunger rising, a deep longing for something real. And here's the truth: We don't have to wait for revival—we are called to walk in the Spirit every day.It's time to say, “Yes.”
The Holy Spirit is moving. Can you feel it? Too often, we settle for routine—managing our faith rather than experiencing the fullness of God's presence. But Jesus made it clear: “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go, the Advocate will not come to you” (John 16:7).Many believers long to be with Jesus as the disciples were. But the truth is, every Jesus follower today has the same access to Him—through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our Advocate, our Teacher, our Comforter, our Power. He is the one who makes Jesus real to us today. And yet, so many of us live unaware, disconnected from this reality.A fresh move of the Holy Spirit is coming. Those who embrace it will experience transformation, and power. Those who cling to religious systems will miss it.There's a hunger rising, a deep longing for something real. And here's the truth: We don't have to wait for revival—we are called to walk in the Spirit every day.It's time to say, “Yes.”
Imagine sitting down to tackle a jigsaw puzzle. You work carefully, starting with the edges, then filling in the middle, watching the picture slowly come to life. But just as you near the end, you spot something frustrating—one piece is missing.A completed puzzle with a missing piece just doesn't feel right. It draws the eye, making that small, empty space more noticeable than all the pieces that fit together perfectly. And yet, this is precisely how God builds His Church—not as a finished picture with clean edges, but as a constantly growing masterpiece with missing pieces that are yet to be found.Being a church that constantly grows requires sacrifice. It means choosing to serve instead of sitting comfortably. It means welcoming interruptions because they might be divine appointments. It means recognizing that someone in your life—someone you already know—might be the missing piece God is asking you to reach.So, who's missing from your puzzle? And what will you do about it?
Imagine sitting down to tackle a jigsaw puzzle. You work carefully, starting with the edges, then filling in the middle, watching the picture slowly come to life. But just as you near the end, you spot something frustrating—one piece is missing.A completed puzzle with a missing piece just doesn't feel right. It draws the eye, making that small, empty space more noticeable than all the pieces that fit together perfectly. And yet, this is precisely how God builds His Church—not as a finished picture with clean edges, but as a constantly growing masterpiece with missing pieces that are yet to be found.Being a church that constantly grows requires sacrifice. It means choosing to serve instead of sitting comfortably. It means welcoming interruptions because they might be divine appointments. It means recognizing that someone in your life—someone you already know—might be the missing piece God is asking you to reach.So, who's missing from your puzzle? And what will you do about it?
What if a divine opportunity came your way—a moment so profound, so life-changing, that you knew it was God calling you to step out in faith? Would you hesitate, counting the cost, or would you seize the moment with all your heart? This is the question God places before each of us. His Spirit invites us to let go of what we know and take hold of something far greater: His supernatural, abundant life.We live in a time of extraordinary opportunity. God's Spirit is moving in unprecedented ways—on campuses, in workplaces, and through ordinary people stepping out in faith. The challenge for us is: Will we cling to comfort, or will we seize the train God is inviting us to board?Seize the Opportunity for Reaching: We Are in a Time of HarvestThe fields are ripe, and God is stirring His people to action.Seize the Opportunity for Revelation: We Are in a Time of HungerThere's a growing spiritual hunger for truth, both inside and outside the church.Seize the Opportunity for Resilience: We Are in a Time of RefreshingEven in trials, God is pouring out His Spirit, offering renewal and strength.Seize the Opportunity for Returning: We Are in a Time of RestoringThe church is being restored to its original design—a family united by love and mission.Seize the Opportunity for Reproducing: We Are in a Time of MultiplyingGod's work is multiplying as we focus on disciple-making and spiritual growth.Seize the Opportunity for Releasing: We Are in a Time of DisplayingThe church is stepping into a season of vibrant, authentic faith that reflects God's glory.Seize the Opportunity for Radiance: We Are in a Time of RefiningGod is preparing His people to shine brighter than ever.Seize the Opportunity for Rejoicing: We Are in a Time of FavorThis is a season to celebrate the extravagant love of the Father.As you stand at the threshold, remember: His Spirit empowers you to step into the abundant life He's promised. Open your hands to release what holds you back, and take hold of the life-changing invitation before you. The conductor is calling—will you get on board?
Seize The Opportunity for Reaching: We are in a time of HarvestHe is calling us to share the gospel with boldnessHe is calling us to focus on sending, not just seatingHe is calling us to choose calling over comfortHe is calling us to occupy marketplaces, schools, neighborhoods, hospitals, locker rooms, and the streets Seize The Opportunity for Revelation: We are in a time of HungerHe is calling us to go deeper into the truth of His WordHe is calling us to a faith with miracles, signs, and wonders He is calling us back to pure worship—to stripped-down moments of only GodHe is calling us to not just hear His Word but tremble at itSeize The Opportunity for Resilience: We are in a time of RefreshingHe is calling us to holiness over hype… reverence over relevanceHe is calling us to purge idols and trust moreHe is calling us to abide over copingHe is calling us to freedom over bondageWe need to come back to sitting at his feetHe is calling us back to simplicity over complexitySeize The Opportunity for Returning: We are in a time of RestoringHe is calling us back to church as a familyHe is calling the church to look less like a corporation and more like a householdHe is saying, "No more leaders! Only fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters in this hour, loving, building up, and binding my children's wounds!"He is calling us to be the church again, to build relationships, not organizationsSeize The Opportunity for Reproducing: We are in a time of MultiplyingHe is tearing down the walls and towers we've built out of our own church programsHe is calling us to invest in others, not just ingest for selfHe is calling us to get smaller in order to grow deeper Seize The Opportunity for Releasing: We are in a time of Displaying He is calling us back to how it began in the early church—humble, compassionate, generous, genuine, simple, and selfless.He is calling us to be lovers more than leadersHe is calling us to walk in power and authority This move of God will be marked with a revelation of his powerHis presence will not be constrained within church wallsSeize The Opportunity for Radiance: We are in a time of Refining He is calling us to consecration over consumptionHe is preparing the bride for the bridegroom He is stripping us down to shine moreHe is calling us to consume Jesus… Feeling his presence is not enough. It must change us!Seize The Opportunity for Rejoicing: We are in a time of FavorHe is calling us to live in God's approval, not manHe is awakening us to the extravagance of the Father's love He is calling us to joy-filled
Mike emphasizes the importance of living out the rhythms of Jesus as a way to cultivate deeper intimacy with Him. He explains that true joy comes not from mere intentions but through actively engaging in a life of purpose and mission, illustrating this through the sending out of the 72 disciples to share the good news. Mike reassures the congregation that, despite challenges and discouragement, there is a joy to be found in living for others and embracing the call to serve. He concludes by inviting everyone to partake in communion, reflecting on the joy of being known and loved by Jesus, which inspires a commitment to lay down their lives for Him.
Mike emphasizes the importance of living out the rhythms of Jesus as a way to cultivate deeper intimacy with Him. He explains that true joy comes not from mere intentions but through actively engaging in a life of purpose and mission, illustrating this through the sending out of the 72 disciples to share the good news. Mike reassures the congregation that, despite challenges and discouragement, there is a joy to be found in living for others and embracing the call to serve. He concludes by inviting everyone to partake in communion, reflecting on the joy of being known and loved by Jesus, which inspires a commitment to lay down their lives for Him.
Mike reflects on the transition into the new year, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and relationship with God. He encourages the congregation to shift from making resolutions to gaining realizations about God's presence and purpose in their lives. Highlighting the concept of "seizing" as an invitation to actively engage with God, Mike reminds the congregation that it involves letting go of comfort and control to fully embrace what God has in store. Ultimately, he calls on everyone to approach 2025 with an expectation of new experiences and greater awareness of God's goodness and faithfulness.
Mike reflects on the transition into the new year, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and relationship with God. He encourages the congregation to shift from making resolutions to gaining realizations about God's presence and purpose in their lives. Highlighting the concept of "seizing" as an invitation to actively engage with God, Mike reminds the congregation that it involves letting go of comfort and control to fully embrace what God has in store. Ultimately, he calls on everyone to approach 2025 with an expectation of new experiences and greater awareness of God's goodness and faithfulness.
The coming of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith because it is the ultimate revelation of God's character. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we see a God who pursues us relentlessly, forgives us completely, and loves us unconditionally.
The coming of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith because it is the ultimate revelation of God's character. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we see a God who pursues us relentlessly, forgives us completely, and loves us unconditionally.
In his sermon, Jake emphasizes the Christmas story's foundational importance, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love within the context of Advent. He discusses the contrasting emotions often felt during the holiday season, such as despair and loneliness, stemming from societal pressures and the commercialization of Christmas. Through snapshots of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi, he illustrates how each figure teaches us valuable lessons about trust, obedience, worship, and passionate pursuit of Jesus. Ultimately, he invites everyone—whether close to God or feeling distant—to draw near to the manger and experience the transformative power of Christ this Christmas.
In his sermon, Jake emphasizes the Christmas story's foundational importance, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love within the context of Advent. He discusses the contrasting emotions often felt during the holiday season, such as despair and loneliness, stemming from societal pressures and the commercialization of Christmas. Through snapshots of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi, he illustrates how each figure teaches us valuable lessons about trust, obedience, worship, and passionate pursuit of Jesus. Ultimately, he invites everyone—whether close to God or feeling distant—to draw near to the manger and experience the transformative power of Christ this Christmas.
In his sermon, Mike discusses the importance of living with both consecration and captivation, framing them as essential postures for experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. He emphasizes that true maturity in faith requires a childlike wonder and an expectancy of God's movement, highlighting the need for believers to invite God into every area of their lives. Mike shares impactful anecdotes to illustrate how we can actively engage with God and others, urging the congregation to break free from cynicism and busyness, which often dulls their spiritual sensitivity. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to cultivate a lifestyle of anticipation, being fully open to the revelations and amazing works that God has in store for them.
In his sermon, Mike discusses the importance of living with both consecration and captivation, framing them as essential postures for experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. He emphasizes that true maturity in faith requires a childlike wonder and an expectancy of God's movement, highlighting the need for believers to invite God into every area of their lives. Mike shares impactful anecdotes to illustrate how we can actively engage with God and others, urging the congregation to break free from cynicism and busyness, which often dulls their spiritual sensitivity. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to cultivate a lifestyle of anticipation, being fully open to the revelations and amazing works that God has in store for them.
In his sermon, Mike emphasizes the power of consecration, urging the congregation to offer their weaknesses, will, wealth, wilderness, and work to God. He highlights that while everyone has weaknesses, these can be the very areas through which God performs extraordinary deeds. As a response to the message, he encourages attendees to identify and write down what they are consecrating in their lives, moving from a focus on personal capacity to a posture of surrender. The message closes with a call for the Holy Spirit's guidance and the intention to cultivate a life that is flammable for God's power to ignite.
In his sermon, Mike emphasizes the power of consecration, urging the congregation to offer their weaknesses, will, wealth, wilderness, and work to God. He highlights that while everyone has weaknesses, these can be the very areas through which God performs extraordinary deeds. As a response to the message, he encourages attendees to identify and write down what they are consecrating in their lives, moving from a focus on personal capacity to a posture of surrender. The message closes with a call for the Holy Spirit's guidance and the intention to cultivate a life that is flammable for God's power to ignite.
In his sermon, Mike discusses the importance of understanding our purpose as followers of Jesus, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere religious practices to living a transformed life through the Holy Spirit. He highlights the struggle between our flesh and spirit. By examining what we feed—the algorithms of our lives—we can choose to nurture our relationship with the Holy Spirit, leading to true transformation and a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for humility and a longing for God's glory, encouraging the church to live in freedom and purpose, reflecting the radiance of Jesus in a broken world.