Katherine James book, "Can You See Anything Now," won Christianity Today's award for best fiction. Paula published her first book, "No Relation," in November '17. Grace Chicago had the opportunity to host both authors for a reading and Q&A. After Bob's introduction, each author will read a selection from their books and then there is a conversation between the two about the difference between writing fiction/non-fiction, how faith is or isn't obvious in their writing, and what authors/artists inspire their own creativity.
Take This Weight From Me | Bob Reid
On the 5th Sunday of Epiphany, Pastor Bob reflects on a passage from Mark 1 and suggests that "Jesus presence with us draws us out of the shadows...In Christ, our desires to objectify others are crucified with Christ."
What is this? | Caleb Schut
Mark 1: 21-29 tells the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue and being encountered by a man with unclean spirits. The first question we might as is what sort of legitimacy and authority do we give to NT texts about unclean spirits. The better question is whether Jesus still has the same power to heal and command. Mark is eager to impress on his readers that Jesus' authority was unlike any other. Where does Jesus claim to source his authority? How does Jesus use his authority? Pastor Caleb takes up these questions in this homily.
First Thing's First
Bob's homily on Mark Chapter 1 makes a simple, perhaps obvious, yet profound point: You can be connected to God, that connection ought to invite others to connect to God. This is a simple, but transformative message.
Not Business as Usual | Caleb Schut
Engrained in us is a standard way of doing things. For early Christians, the law was engrained in them. Often, the story of Jesus was taken and appropriated into the religion of moralism and law. In fact, at Christmas, God interrupts the engrained patterns of achieving, earning, and striving. In Christ, we can go about our lives, but not simply as if things are business as usual.
Baptism Letter
In this homily, Pastor Caleb writes a letter to his daughter about why she was baptized. It is a brief reflection on the significance of baptism.
Advent Hope | Caleb Schut
The first week of Advent begins a new Christian year. If it has been difficult to find hope in 2017, listen to this homily, which highlights the differences between hope and optimism. In this homily, Pastor Caleb looks at a tough passage from Mark 13 about the "day of the Lord." As we prepare for Christmas, Advent encourages us to not only look back at the birth of Christ, but also forward to Christ's coming. Caleb argues on behalf of hope, even when optimism is unlikely.
Reign of Christ Sunday | Bob Reid
Matthew 25 is the familiar passage where Jesus tells followers that whenever they show love to the least among them, they are extending love to Him. God's particular love for the poor and marginalized is on display in this text, along with His justice and judgment. Bob suggests that "oracles of judgment" like the one in Matthew 25 are good news that remind us that God is on the side of justice and peace.
The Story We Find Ourselves In | Aaron Kuecker
"In what story," Dr. Kuecker asked, "does Grace Chicago's mission statement make sense?" The story the Israelites found themselves in, which the New Testament picks up on, is the story of being freed from captivity and led to the Promised Land. What does it mean to be caught up in that story? Kuecker's homily provides some answers and provokes several other questions.
Loving God, Neighbors, Sharing Lives | Bob Reid
Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is one of the Paul's earliest writings. He refers to himself as a wet nurse, and paints a picture of leadership and authority that causes us to do a double take. In this homily, Bob suggests that the Gospel rearranges the furniture of our minds. It challenges our approach to power and forces us to examine how we love God, others, and live sacrificially in community with one another.