Sermons on Chicago:

Spiritual Warfare: The Flesh Vs. The Spirit Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 1, 2019

Galatians 5:16–18 introduces the passage by setting forth the nature of Spiritual Warfare between the flesh and the Spirit. In this we see 1) The Warfare Command (Galatians 5:16), 2) The Warfare Conflict (Galatians 5:17), and 3) The Warfare Caution (Galatians 5:18).

One of the most tragic elements of warfare is the event of collateral damage. Often in military operations, civilians are caught in the crossfire. Whether it is in Palestine or Iraq, civilians often get hurt between two fighting forces. Sometimes, one side, usually the weaker one, deliberately puts ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-18

Denomination: Other

Our Inheritance Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 15, 2020

Foreshadowing the completion when we enter fully into the Father’s eternal heavenly kingdom, Ephesians 1:11-14 shows us 1) The Ground (Ephesians 1:11–13a), 2) The Guarantee (Ephesians 1:13b–14a), and 3) The Goal of our incomparable inheritance in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:14b).

Ephesians 1:11-14 [11]In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, [12]so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. [13] In him you also, when you ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-14

Denomination: Other

Real World Parenting Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 2, 2020

Children are to obey and honor their parents because: 1) It Comes from a Command (Ephesians 6:1), 2) It Comes from the Covenant (Ephesians 6:2), and 3) It Comes with Continuance (Ephesians 6:3).

Ephesians 6:1-3 [6:1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2]"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3]"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (ESV) We live in an age where millions ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-3

Denomination: Other

The Wisdom Of Being A Peacemaker Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 16, 2019

A worldly person breaks peace, while a wise person makes peace.

The Wisdom of Being a Peacemaker James 3:13-18 Rev. Brian Bill March 9-10, 2019 Conflict is everywhere, isn’t it? Lady Astor once said to Churchill, “Winston, if you were my husband, I’d put poison in your coffee.” Churchill responded with his cutting wit: “Nancy, if you were my wife, I’d drink ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

How Do You Explain The Trinity? Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jun 24, 2019

The foundation of the Trinity is rock solid. It will never shatter or splinter. The Trinity is not some addendum or appendage hanging precariously from the building of the Gospel. No, the Trinity is the foundation of the gospel and without the Trinity there is no Gospel.

How Do You Explain the Trinity? June 22-23, 2019 Rev. Brian Bill A couple weeks ago visitors to the Willis Tower’s Sky Deck in Chicago got a big scare when the protective layer covering the glass floor splintered into thousands of pieces. This glass sightseeing box extends from the 103rd floor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

Artificial Intelligence In Bible Prophecy

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jan 30, 2023

How will advances in artificial intelligence (GPT) affect our future? As Christians, how should we respond to it? How is artificial intelligence used in the end times? Revelation 13 gives insight on this.

Our title for this message is Artificial Intelligence in Bible Prophecy. There are rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence that are going to usher in radical changes to life as we know it. We have already experienced the prelude to this through the current computer revolution. In recent years ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 13:1-18, John 17:15-16, Proverbs 28:1, Daniel 9:27, Acts 4:19-20, Mark 16:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

A Personal Encounter Sparks Servanthood

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Oct 8, 2023

I share my story about a time I faced pancreatic issues, marital struggles, and contemplating suicide. As with the Psalmist, I cried out to God and he heard and that began a lifetime of service.

Early august, 2022, I had the privilege of doing a presentation in Denver at the Rocky Mountain Symposium on Addictive Disorders, the Integration of Spirituality and Psychotherapy. The dialogue it stimulated was exciting, especially with the wide range of professionals attending. One counselor ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Last Supper Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 25, 2022

In Matthew 26:26-29, in preparation for the Cross, Jesus’ institution of the new memorial consisted of three primary elements: 1) The Directive (vv. 26a, 27), 2) The Doctrine (vv. 26b, 28), and 3) The Duration (v 29).

Matthew 26:26-29. 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-29

Denomination: Other

Jesus Is Greater Than Our Unbelief

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Aug 13, 2020

In the same way, the verses we are going to study today serve as a warning for believers that were being tempted to find their hope in something other than the Gospel.

Jesus is > than our Unbelief Hebrews 3:7-19 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Downtown Fellowship 8-18-19 La Mano [Picture - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Mano_de_Punta_del_Este#/media/File:Thehandofpuntadeleste.jpg] In the coastal town of Punta de Esta in Uruguay, there is a very famous ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:7-19

Denomination: Baptist

Jonah - The Back Story

Contributed by Jeff Booth on Aug 16, 2025

God does not call the equipped… He equips those that He calls.

You know, I’m not sure about my colleagues out here… but for some pastors, like me… a lot of times when we come up here to deliver a message, sometimes this can be kind of like free therapy for us. We can come up here and speak our minds and talk about some issues and troubles that we might be ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:2

Heaven's Open Door Policy

Contributed by Scott Maze on Mar 3, 2025

The Bible says you can open up your innermost thoughts and just spill them out on the ground before Jesus. He’s not going to look at you like, “Oh gross!” He’s not going to laugh at you or mock you.

We are beginning the new year by praying together as a church. Maybe you are not sure of yourself when it comes to prayer. If prayer were a high school sport, you’re not sure you’d receive a “letter” on your varsity jacket for prayer. Many of you have picked up the little book, 21 Days of Prayer. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Not My Favorite Christmas

Contributed by Scott Maze on Apr 7, 2024

Pause and imagine Joseph explaining everything to his parents. “Yes, mom, as I told you earlier. Mary is a good young lady, and we didn’t do anything. She is “with child” because of the Holy Spirit, and I didn’t lay a hand on her. I know it’s hard to believe, but I promise you it’s true.”

No one wants to miss the magic of Christmas. And no one wants to have anything less than a fantastic Christmas holiday experience. Christmas is this wonderful time of year, and we want to spread that unmitigated joy to everyone! But there are just some Christmases that we don’t have the joy that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Grumble Or Grow Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 24, 2024

When life gets hard, don’t grumble; grow!

Several years ago (2009), Louis C.K. was on Conan O’Brien’s late-night talk show, where he described today’s entitlement culture. He said in our culture, “Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy.” Take a look (show Louis CK video). Louis talks about how he was on a plane that offered ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16:1-30, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 8:28-29, James 1:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Fruitful Frustration Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

I am sure Paul did not like the experience of being thrown in prison, but he did not, in frustration, bang his head on the bars, or go into a vegetative mood of depression. He got out his pen and wrote letters that changed the course of history.

Joe Bayly had a chance to stay in the luxurious Hilton Hotel in Chicago. It was going to be a treat of a retreat, but then he was hit again by the x-factor. That is what he calls Murphy's Law-the law that says, if anything can go wrong it will. The hot water in his room would not work. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

The Upper Class Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 26, 2021

It is hard for modern American Christians to get their minds open to the mind of Christ on this issue because it goes against the grain of our culture. The New Testament, however, is loaded with teachings about being servants.

When soldiers for the 6th Massachusetts Militia were attacked, and many were wounded at the start of the Civil War, they were brought to Washington, D. C. Clara Barton had been a teacher in Massachusetts, and she recognized some of the wounded soldiers as her former students. She went to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-30