Grace Chapel

Nobody is perfect—but does that mean Christians should settle for a “good enough” faith?

In “Pressing On Together,” Pastor Mateus de Campos explores Philippians 3:12–16 and Paul’s invitation to pursue spiritual maturity without falling into anxious perfectionism. Biblical perfection is not about earning God’s approval or proving that we are better than others. It is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus.

Christ has already taken hold of us. Because of his grace, we can leave past failures and accomplishments behind, strain toward what lies ahead, and trust God to continue his transforming work within us. We do not run this race alone; we encourage one another, grow together, and press on as the body of Christ.

What might you need to leave behind in order to pursue the person God is calling you to become?

Scripture: Philippians 3:12–16

Speaker: Pastor Mateus de Campos

Series: Bonded

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

Who are you when your titles, achievements, relationships, and the approval of others can no longer define you?

In “Bonded in a New Identity,” Pastor Mateus de Campos explores Philippians 3 and the freedom of finding our true identity in Christ. The Apostle Paul had status, accomplishments, and religious credentials—but he counted everything as loss compared with the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus and being found in him.

Our careers, possessions, nationality, relationships, and successes may shape our lives, but they cannot carry the full weight of our identity. Through faith in Jesus, we receive a new identity rooted in God’s grace, Christ’s righteousness, the power of his resurrection, and the assurance that we belong to him.

If loss, disappointment, suffering, or uncertainty has left you wondering who you are, this message offers a lasting hope: whatever changes around you, your identity in Christ remains secure.

Reflection question: Where have you been looking for your identity, worth, or sense of belonging?

Scripture: Philippians 3:1–11

Speaker: Pastor Mateus de Campos

Series: Bonded

Learn more about Grace Chapel and find ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

People may inform us, but it is often relationships that transform us.

In “Bonded to One Another,” Pastor Tom VanAntwerp explores Philippians 2:19–30 and the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two faithful servants demonstrated the humility, sacrifice, and genuine concern for others that Jesus modeled.

When our lives are shaped by Christ, we begin to carry his mark. We notice the needs around us, move toward people in difficult moments, and choose service over self-interest. Whether through friendship, prayer, encouragement, or practical support, one faithful relationship can make a lasting difference.

Are we becoming a community marked by the love of Jesus? Whose needs might God be inviting you to notice and enter into this week?

Scripture: Philippians 2:19–30

Speaker: Pastor Tom VanAntwerp

Series: Bonded

Message: Bonded to One Another

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

How much of life depends on us, and how much depends on God?

In **“Working It Out: Bonded Together,”** Pastor Mateus de Campos explores Philippians 2:12–18 and the relationship between God’s work and our responsibility. Paul tells believers to work out their salvation because God is already working within them, shaping both their desires and their actions for his good purpose.

The Christian life is neither passive acceptance nor doing everything our own way. God provides the direction and power, while we respond through trust, obedience, and faithful action. Like riding a tandem bike with God leading from the front, we are invited to recognize what he is doing and move with him.

When we stop resisting God’s work and begin moving in the same direction, our ordinary lives reflect the extraordinary life of Christ. Together, we become lights in the world, pointing others toward Jesus.

What is God doing in your life, and how might he be inviting you to move with him?

**Scripture:** Philippians 2:12–18

**Speaker:** Pastor Mateus de Campos

**Series:** Bonded

**Message:** Working It Out: Bonded Together

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

Changing an opinion is one thing. Allowing Jesus to transform the way we think is something much deeper.

In “Thinking Like Christ,” Pastor Mateus de Campos explores Philippians 2:1–11 and Paul’s invitation to develop the mind of Christ. Christian unity does not require us to share every opinion. It grows as we become united around the self-giving, humble, and obedient mindset of Jesus.

Although Jesus was in the form of God, he did not cling to his position. He emptied himself, became a servant, and humbled himself through obedience—even to death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted him and gave him the name above every name.

Thinking like Christ means choosing service over status, generosity over selfish ambition, humility over self-promotion, and God’s way over our own. It is not enough to change an idea. Jesus invites us to change our minds.

Where might God be inviting you to think—and live—more like Christ?

Scripture: Philippians 2:1–11

Speaker: Pastor Mateus de Campos

Series: Bonded

Message: Thinking Like Christ

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

#ThinkingLikeChrist #Philippians2 #MindOfChrist #ChristianHumility #JesusChrist #GraceChapel

Whatever happens, Jesus is still Lord—and we are called to stand firm together.

In “Whatever Happens,” Pastor Tim Ghali explores Philippians 1:27–30 and Paul’s call for the church to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. Christian unity does not mean agreeing about everything. It means remaining centered on Jesus, standing together in one Spirit, and striving side by side for the mission of the gospel.

Fear, suffering, cultural division, competing loyalties, and personal struggles can pull us apart or distract us from our true mission. Paul reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage in Jesus means refusing to let fear have the final word.

Whatever the future holds, followers of Jesus are called to remember who they are, who stands with them, and the mission God has given them. We are bonded to Christ, bonded to one another, and bonded to his mission.

Who are you standing with? What are you afraid of? What is your true mission?

Scripture: Philippians 1:27–30

Speaker: Pastor Tim Ghali

Series: Bonded

Message Date: September 27, 2026

Learn more about Grace Chapel and find ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

#Philippians #ChristianUnity #StandingFirm #FaithOverFear #GospelMission #GraceChapel

What difference does following Jesus make when we suffer?

In “How Not to Waste Your Suffering,” Pastor Mateus de Campos explores Philippians 1:12–26 and Paul’s extraordinary response to imprisonment, uncertainty, criticism, and the possibility of death. Paul does not deny his pain or pretend everything is fine. Instead, he sees his suffering through the gospel and declares, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Suffering can cause our world to become smaller and turn our attention inward. Paul shows us another way: shift our focus toward the gospel, locate our suffering in Christ, and reframe our circumstances through the hope of resurrection.

The Christian response to suffering is not shallow optimism. It is the confidence that Christ is present, God is still working, and even our most painful circumstances can become places where Jesus is revealed.

We also need people who will walk through suffering with us and remind us of the hope we struggle to remember on our own. That is part of what it means to be bonded together in Christ.

Scripture: Philippians 1:12–26

Speaker: Pastor Mateus de Campos

Series: Bonded

Message Date: September 20, 2026

Learn more about Grace Chapel and find ways to connect:

https://www.grace.org

#ChristianSuffering #Philippians #ToLiveIsChrist #ChristianHope #FaithInHardTimes #GraceChapel

What if Jesus’ teaching about receiving the Kingdom “like a little child” means more than having childlike faith?

In “A Faith That Welcomes,” Akash (Director of High School Ministry, Lexington Campus) explores Luke 18:15–17 and offers a fresh look at Jesus’ words, “Let the little children come to me.” When the disciples tried to keep children away, Jesus welcomed them with open arms—and called his followers to do the same.

The Kingdom of God welcomes us with grace. In response, we are called to welcome children, strangers, outsiders, and people whom the world often overlooks. As we receive and serve others in Jesus’ name, we also welcome the presence and work of God into our own lives.

This message invites us to move beyond simply asking whether we will be welcomed into heaven and consider a deeper question: Are we welcoming heaven into our lives by loving and receiving the people around us?

Who might God be asking you to welcome?

Scripture: Luke 18:15–17

Additional Scriptures: Matthew 18:2–5; Luke 9:46–48; Matthew 25:35–40

Speaker: Akash Ahuja

Message Date: September 6, 2026

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect and serve:

https://www.grace.org

#Luke18 #LetTheChildrenCome #KingdomOfGod #ChristianHospitality #FollowingJesus #GraceChapel

Spiritual gifts matter, but without love, even the greatest gifts accomplish nothing.

In “Love Makes All the Difference,” Pastor Ruthie Seiders explores 1 Corinthians 12–13 and Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts, the body of Christ, and the “most excellent way” of agape love. Every follower of Jesus has been given gifts by the Holy Spirit, but those gifts are not meant for personal recognition. They are given for the common good—to serve others, strengthen the church, and make the love of Jesus visible in the world.

No one is too young, too old, too busy, or too insignificant to be used by God. Whether through hospitality, encouragement, teaching, generosity, prayer, technology, caregiving, or quiet acts of service, every believer has an important role to play.

We are all ministers. We are all gifted. And when we use those gifts with patient, kind, selfless, and persevering love, God receives the glory.

How might God be calling you to use your gifts with love for the people directly in front of you?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1–7, 12–31; 13:1–13

Speaker: Pastor Ruthie Seiders

Series: Gifted

Message Date: August 30, 2026

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect and serve:

https://www.grace.org

#SpiritualGifts #Love #BodyOfChrist #FirstCorinthians13 #ChristianService #GraceChapel

Every person is gifted, and every gift has a purpose.

In “Every Person, Every Gift,” Pastor Tom VanAntwerp explores 1 Corinthians 12 and Paul’s teaching that the Holy Spirit gives each believer unique gifts for the common good. Spiritual gifts are not reserved for a select few. They are expressions of God’s grace, entrusted to each of us so that we can serve others, strengthen the church, and make God’s love visible in the world.

Whether your gifts are expressed through leadership, compassion, creativity, hospitality, prayer, generosity, technology, or quiet acts of service, you have an important role in the body of Christ. When we offer our gifts with humility and love, the church becomes a living picture of God’s new creation.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4–7

Speaker: Pastor Tom VanAntwerp

Series: Gifted

Reflection question: What gift might God want to awaken or use through you for the sake of others?

Learn more about Grace Chapel and discover ways to connect and serve:

https://www.grace.org

#SpiritualGifts #HolySpirit #BodyOfChrist #ChristianPurpose #GraceChapel