Podcast
Grace Chapel Wilsonville
Hosted by Grace Chapel · EN
Welcome to the weekly message from Grace Chapel in Wilsonville Oregon.
Our Concern: What bothers and drives us?
We believe that humanity is broken and fragmented.
Our Cause: How do we address this concern?
To experience and express the essence of Jesus Christ.
For more information visit www.gracechapelonline.org
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
John, The Beloved
4d ago00:29:47Tap to summarizeThis sermon opens a summer series on John 13-17, known as the Upper Room Discourse, focusing on Jesus's final teachings to His disciples before the crucifixion. The central message emphasizes that our truest identity is being "the beloved of God." Rather than living to earn God's love, believers are called to live from the security of already being perfectly and completely loved by their Heavenly Father. The sermon challenges listeners to identify themselves as John did—as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"—and to reject the lies of shame, condemnation, and performance-based religion. Jesus's sacrificial love on the cross demonstrates the ultimate expression of this complete, selfless love that defines who we are as His children.Read John 13:1-3; 1 John 3:16Jesus knew His hour had come, yet His focus remained on loving His disciples "to the end"—completely and perfectly. This wasn't just chronological love; it was ultimate, sacrificial love demonstrated through the cross. John identified himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," not from arrogance, but from understanding his truest identity. Today, consider how you define yourself. Do you lead with your failures, accomplishments, or roles? Or do you embrace your deepest truth—that you are God's beloved? Write your name followed by "the beloved" and let this identity sink into your soul. You are not loved because of what you do; you are loved because of whose you are. What keeps you from fully accepting your identity as God's beloved?Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you find yourself living 'for' God's love rather than 'from' God's love, and what would it look like to shift that perspective?-How does proximity to Jesus through religious activity differ from intimacy with Jesus, and where do you see this distinction in your own spiritual life?-What does it reveal about Jesus that he chose to spend his final moments before the cross teaching his disciples about love rather than strategy or doctrine?-In what ways do you project your earthly relationships, especially with parents or authority figures, onto your understanding of God's love for you?
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Compelling Faith - Radical Character / Radical Community
3w ago01:00:57Tap to summarizeThis sermon challenges believers to examine whether they are living with a complacent faith or a compelling faith. Using the metaphor of stagnant ponds versus flowing rivers, the message calls Christians to be conduits of the Holy Spirit rather than spiritually stagnant. The sermon emphasizes that compelling faith requires being compelled by the Spirit, even when it leads to uncertainty and hardship. Drawing from Acts 19-20 and Paul's ministry in Ephesus, the message illustrates how authentic Christianity disrupts darkness and idolatry in culture. The central call is for believers to embrace "disruptive discipleship" - a lifelong surrender to Jesus that interrupts ordinary living, dismantles comfort and compromise, and moves Christians from consumption to mission. The sermon concludes with the challenge that every believer must choose: remain complacent and complicit, or become compelling through Spirit-led obedience.Read John 7:37-39; Ezekiel 47:1-12Jesus promises that believers will have rivers of living water flowing from within them. Notice the contrast between stagnant ponds and rushing rivers. A pond collects but doesn't release—it becomes stagnant, breeding decay. A river constantly receives and gives, bringing life wherever it flows.The Holy Spirit desires to flow through you like a river, bringing refreshment to dry places. But this requires both intake and outflow. Are you receiving from God daily through prayer and Scripture? Are you releasing His love through service and witness? Stagnation happens when we consume without contributing, when we gather but never give. Ask yourself today: Am I a stagnant pond or a rushing river? The Spirit wants to move through you, but He needs your surrender. Where has spiritual stagnation crept into your life? What would it look like to allow God's Spirit to flow freely through you today?Discussion Questions:-Paul says he is 'compelled by the Spirit' without knowing what will happen to him, only that hardships await. What would it look like for you to follow the Holy Spirit's leading even when the outcome is uncertain or difficult?-The sermon contrasts a stagnant pond with a rushing river as metaphors for spiritual life. Which image better represents your current spiritual state, and what specific steps could move you toward becoming 'living water'?-The sermon lists several types of Christians including the consumer Christian, the distracted Christian, and the knowledge-heavy but action-light Christian. Which of these categories do you most identify with, and what would it take to move beyond it?-Mike mentions that many churches become stagnant by focusing only on what's wrong with the world rather than where God is moving. How can we maintain awareness of darkness while keeping our primary focus on where the Spirit is at work?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Fearless Engagement / Don't Be Scared of the World
4w ago00:57:20Tap to summarizeThis sermon addresses how Christians should engage with culture in a world that increasingly feels distant from kingdom values. Jake challenges two common but fear-driven responses: isolation (withdrawing from the world) and assimilation (blending in completely). Instead, he calls the church to fearless engagement, modeled after Jesus who was "full of grace and truth." The core message emphasizes that Christians are called to be present in the world without compromise—maintaining both holiness and proximity to those who need Christ. The sermon stresses that fear distorts how we see people, turning them into threats rather than image-bearers of God. True engagement requires "courageous fidelity"—unwavering loyalty to Christ while actively loving and serving in our communities. The early church transformed the world not through power or control, but through presence, demonstrating a better way of life that drew people to Jesus. Christians are called to be salt and light, creating communities that offer a preview of God's kingdom.Read Philippians 3:17-21We live in a world that constantly demands our allegiance—to political parties, cultural movements, social acceptance. Yet Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven." This isn't an excuse to disengage, but rather the foundation for fearless engagement. When your identity is secure in Christ, you don't need culture's applause or approval. You can step into difficult conversations, sit at uncomfortable tables, and love people who think differently—because your worth isn't at stake. Today, ask yourself: Am I more shaped by the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of this world? Let your heavenly citizenship free you to love boldly without compromise.Discussion Questions:-How does fear manifest in your own life when it comes to engaging with people who think differently than you, and do you tend more toward isolation or assimilation?-Jesus was described as 'full of grace and truth' - in what areas of your life do you struggle to hold both grace and truth in tension, and why?-Do you find it easier to critique the darkness in culture or to create communities filled with light, and what does that reveal about your heart?-Jeremiah 29:7 calls exiles to seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon. What would it mean for you to genuinely pray for and work toward the flourishing of your city, even when you disagree with its values?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Fearless Engagement / Don't Be Scared of the World
4w ago00:57:20Tap to summarizeThis sermon addresses how Christians should engage with culture in a world that increasingly feels distant from kingdom values. Jake challenges two common but fear-driven responses: isolation (withdrawing from the world) and assimilation (blending in completely). Instead, he calls the church to fearless engagement, modeled after Jesus who was "full of grace and truth." The core message emphasizes that Christians are called to be present in the world without compromise—maintaining both holiness and proximity to those who need Christ. The sermon stresses that fear distorts how we see people, turning them into threats rather than image-bearers of God. True engagement requires "courageous fidelity"—unwavering loyalty to Christ while actively loving and serving in our communities. The early church transformed the world not through power or control, but through presence, demonstrating a better way of life that drew people to Jesus. Christians are called to be salt and light, creating communities that offer a preview of God's kingdom.Read Philippians 3:17-21We live in a world that constantly demands our allegiance—to political parties, cultural movements, social acceptance. Yet Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven." This isn't an excuse to disengage, but rather the foundation for fearless engagement. When your identity is secure in Christ, you don't need culture's applause or approval. You can step into difficult conversations, sit at uncomfortable tables, and love people who think differently—because your worth isn't at stake. Today, ask yourself: Am I more shaped by the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of this world? Let your heavenly citizenship free you to love boldly without compromise.Discussion Questions:-How does fear manifest in your own life when it comes to engaging with people who think differently than you, and do you tend more toward isolation or assimilation?-Jesus was described as 'full of grace and truth' - in what areas of your life do you struggle to hold both grace and truth in tension, and why?-Do you find it easier to critique the darkness in culture or to create communities filled with light, and what does that reveal about your heart?-Jeremiah 29:7 calls exiles to seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon. What would it mean for you to genuinely pray for and work toward the flourishing of your city, even when you disagree with its values?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Count the Cost / Loosing the Grip on Self
May 2401:01:24Tap to summarizeThis Pentecost Sunday message challenges believers to move beyond merely having faith to becoming compelling witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon contrasts the "X factor" (worldly influence) with the "J factor" (Jesus factor), emphasizing that true spiritual power comes not from personal charisma but from Christ living through us. The message explores how modern-day martyrdom isn't primarily about physical death but about daily dying to self so Christ can increase. Through the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, believers can display compelling character, posture, and perseverance through suffering that draws others to Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that transformation requires crucifying the flesh by making daily agreements with the Spirit rather than with our selfish desires, and that our greatest obstacle to spiritual power is often ourselves.Read John 3:22-30; Galatians 2:20John the Baptist understood a profound truth: "He must become greater; I must become less." This posture defines the modern-day martyr. We use "martyr" not primarily meaning physical death, but daily dying to self. Your calling never changes—it's for Jesus to increase while you decrease. Assignments may shift, but this calling remains constant. The flesh resists this violently because it demands comfort, recognition, and self-preservation. Yet true freedom and the compelling life come only through crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires. You become most attractive to a watching world not when you're promoting yourself, but when Christ's character shines through your emptied vessel. This isn't self-hatred; it's proper positioning—making room for His glory. What area of my life am I still holding onto that needs to decrease so Jesus can increase?Discussion Questions:-How does the concept of the 'J factor' challenge our cultural understanding of what makes someone compelling or influential, and in what ways might you be prioritizing the 'X factor' over the 'J factor' in your own life?-In what areas of your life are you currently 'trauma bonding' with your flesh rather than crucifying it, and what specific agreements with the Holy Spirit do you need to make instead?-How does understanding that the Holy Spirit's full presence dwells in you right now change the way you approach daily struggles, temptations, or feelings of inadequacy?-The sermon distinguishes between 'calling' (Jesus increasing, you decreasing) and 'assignments' (specific tasks that may change). How does this distinction help clarify what God is asking of you in this season?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Count the Cost / Loosing the Grip on Self
May 2401:01:24Tap to summarizeThis Pentecost Sunday message challenges believers to move beyond merely having faith to becoming compelling witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon contrasts the "X factor" (worldly influence) with the "J factor" (Jesus factor), emphasizing that true spiritual power comes not from personal charisma but from Christ living through us. The message explores how modern-day martyrdom isn't primarily about physical death but about daily dying to self so Christ can increase. Through the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, believers can display compelling character, posture, and perseverance through suffering that draws others to Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that transformation requires crucifying the flesh by making daily agreements with the Spirit rather than with our selfish desires, and that our greatest obstacle to spiritual power is often ourselves.Read John 3:22-30; Galatians 2:20John the Baptist understood a profound truth: "He must become greater; I must become less." This posture defines the modern-day martyr. We use "martyr" not primarily meaning physical death, but daily dying to self. Your calling never changes—it's for Jesus to increase while you decrease. Assignments may shift, but this calling remains constant. The flesh resists this violently because it demands comfort, recognition, and self-preservation. Yet true freedom and the compelling life come only through crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires. You become most attractive to a watching world not when you're promoting yourself, but when Christ's character shines through your emptied vessel. This isn't self-hatred; it's proper positioning—making room for His glory. What area of my life am I still holding onto that needs to decrease so Jesus can increase?Discussion Questions:-How does the concept of the 'J factor' challenge our cultural understanding of what makes someone compelling or influential, and in what ways might you be prioritizing the 'X factor' over the 'J factor' in your own life?-In what areas of your life are you currently 'trauma bonding' with your flesh rather than crucifying it, and what specific agreements with the Holy Spirit do you need to make instead?-How does understanding that the Holy Spirit's full presence dwells in you right now change the way you approach daily struggles, temptations, or feelings of inadequacy?-The sermon distinguishes between 'calling' (Jesus increasing, you decreasing) and 'assignments' (specific tasks that may change). How does this distinction help clarify what God is asking of you in this season?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Identity / God Says Who You Are
May 1700:51:04Tap to summarizeThis sermon challenges believers to examine whether they are living from false identities rooted in accomplishments, roles, possessions, and external affirmation, or from their true identity in Christ. Jen emphasizes that while culture celebrates temporal achievements and attributes, God calls us to be "new creations" whose primary identity is rooted in being chosen, beloved children of God. The message explores the difference between passively holding our identity versus actively receiving it—comparing it to a child learning to catch versus a professional receiver who grasps, protects, and runs with the ball. Through the character study of Simon Peter, the sermon illustrates how Jesus speaks identity over us and invites us into transformation, even when we struggle to live into that identity fully. The key theological insight is that our identity in Christ is not something we earn or construct, but something we receive as a gift, and we must actively open, believe, and live from that truth daily.Read Ephesians 2:8-10Salvation is a gift, not a reward. Yet how often do we carry God's gift around unopened, never truly receiving what He offers? Like a beautifully wrapped present left in the bag with tissue intact, we acknowledge God's grace but fail to unwrap and live from it. Receiving requires action—opening your hands, drawing the gift close, protecting it, and running with it. Today, consider what gifts God has given you that remain unopened: freedom from shame, righteousness, belonging. Don't just hold these truths at arm's length. Draw them into your heart. Let them transform how you see yourself. God's gift isn't meant to be admired from a distance but lived from daily.Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you find yourself seeking affirmation from social media, accomplishments, or relationships rather than from your identity in Christ?-What does it mean to actively receive your identity in Christ rather than passively holding it, and how can you practice this in your daily life?-When you think about God delighting in you, what internal barriers or beliefs make it difficult to accept this truth?-Which of the seven false identities (regrets, career, accomplishments, connections, roles, attractions, possessions, appearance) do you most struggle with elevating above your God-given identity?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Identity / God Says Who You Are
May 1700:51:04Tap to summarizeThis sermon challenges believers to examine whether they are living from false identities rooted in accomplishments, roles, possessions, and external affirmation, or from their true identity in Christ. Jen emphasizes that while culture celebrates temporal achievements and attributes, God calls us to be "new creations" whose primary identity is rooted in being chosen, beloved children of God. The message explores the difference between passively holding our identity versus actively receiving it—comparing it to a child learning to catch versus a professional receiver who grasps, protects, and runs with the ball. Through the character study of Simon Peter, the sermon illustrates how Jesus speaks identity over us and invites us into transformation, even when we struggle to live into that identity fully. The key theological insight is that our identity in Christ is not something we earn or construct, but something we receive as a gift, and we must actively open, believe, and live from that truth daily.Read Ephesians 2:8-10Salvation is a gift, not a reward. Yet how often do we carry God's gift around unopened, never truly receiving what He offers? Like a beautifully wrapped present left in the bag with tissue intact, we acknowledge God's grace but fail to unwrap and live from it. Receiving requires action—opening your hands, drawing the gift close, protecting it, and running with it. Today, consider what gifts God has given you that remain unopened: freedom from shame, righteousness, belonging. Don't just hold these truths at arm's length. Draw them into your heart. Let them transform how you see yourself. God's gift isn't meant to be admired from a distance but lived from daily.Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you find yourself seeking affirmation from social media, accomplishments, or relationships rather than from your identity in Christ?-What does it mean to actively receive your identity in Christ rather than passively holding it, and how can you practice this in your daily life?-When you think about God delighting in you, what internal barriers or beliefs make it difficult to accept this truth?-Which of the seven false identities (regrets, career, accomplishments, connections, roles, attractions, possessions, appearance) do you most struggle with elevating above your God-given identity?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Increasing Capacity & The Power Of Pausing
May 1000:55:05Tap to summarizeThis sermon addresses the fundamental question of why believers continue to struggle with sin despite knowing Christ's promise of freedom. Mike explains that true freedom comes not from managing sinful behavior or religious performance, but from deeply abiding in the Holy Spirit. Using the metaphor of archery, sin is defined as "missing the mark" of God's wholeness and abundant life. The message emphasizes that the Christian life is not about sin management but about being Spirit-filled, which naturally produces the fruit of a flourishing life. Read John 10:10 & Romans 7:15-25Jesus didn't come merely to manage your sin—He came to offer you abundant life. The struggle Paul describes in Romans 7 resonates with us all: "The things I wish I do, I don't do. The things I wish I didn't do, I do." But notice Paul's focus isn't just on behavior; it's on the battle within our being. Before there's a battle with your behavior, there's always a battle with your being. Sin isn't primarily about breaking rules—it's about missing the mark of God's wholeness for you. Today, recognize that God's commands aren't restrictions to crush your joy, but boundaries to protect your flourishing. His "bullseye" for your life is complete wholeness in Christ. What areas of your life reveal you've been managing symptoms rather than addressing the core issue of your being?Discussion Questions:-How does understanding sin as 'missing the mark' of God's wholeness rather than just breaking rules change your perspective on your struggles and God's intentions for your life?-What false attachments (control, performance, approval, pleasure, success) have you been depending on for security instead of attaching to God as your primary source of life and wholeness?-Paul warns the Galatians about starting in the Spirit but trying to finish in the flesh. Where in your spiritual journey have you drifted from depending on God's grace to depending on your own efforts?-How does knowing that you received the Holy Spirit the moment you believed, not when you perfected yourself, change your approach to spiritual growth and overcoming struggles?
Transcribe →Compelling Faith - Increasing Capacity & The Power Of Pausing
May 1000:55:05Tap to summarizeThis sermon addresses the fundamental question of why believers continue to struggle with sin despite knowing Christ's promise of freedom. Mike explains that true freedom comes not from managing sinful behavior or religious performance, but from deeply abiding in the Holy Spirit. Using the metaphor of archery, sin is defined as "missing the mark" of God's wholeness and abundant life. The message emphasizes that the Christian life is not about sin management but about being Spirit-filled, which naturally produces the fruit of a flourishing life. Read John 10:10 & Romans 7:15-25Jesus didn't come merely to manage your sin—He came to offer you abundant life. The struggle Paul describes in Romans 7 resonates with us all: "The things I wish I do, I don't do. The things I wish I didn't do, I do." But notice Paul's focus isn't just on behavior; it's on the battle within our being. Before there's a battle with your behavior, there's always a battle with your being. Sin isn't primarily about breaking rules—it's about missing the mark of God's wholeness for you. Today, recognize that God's commands aren't restrictions to crush your joy, but boundaries to protect your flourishing. His "bullseye" for your life is complete wholeness in Christ. What areas of your life reveal you've been managing symptoms rather than addressing the core issue of your being?Discussion Questions:-How does understanding sin as 'missing the mark' of God's wholeness rather than just breaking rules change your perspective on your struggles and God's intentions for your life?-What false attachments (control, performance, approval, pleasure, success) have you been depending on for security instead of attaching to God as your primary source of life and wholeness?-Paul warns the Galatians about starting in the Spirit but trying to finish in the flesh. Where in your spiritual journey have you drifted from depending on God's grace to depending on your own efforts?-How does knowing that you received the Holy Spirit the moment you believed, not when you perfected yourself, change your approach to spiritual growth and overcoming struggles?
Transcribe →