Grace City Eugene

Grace City Eugene
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Grace City Eugene exists to help everyone in our sphere of influence encounter Christ, experience Biblical community, and extend God's Kingdom. Learn more about us at www.gracecityeugene.com If we can help you in any way, reach out to hello@gracecityeugene.com

  1. 3d ago

    The Extended Cut: Room to Breathe (Chris Zauner & Casey Olsen)

    What does it actually mean to rest? And is it possible that our struggle to find true rest has just as much to do with how we work as it does with how we Sabbath? In this week's episode of The Extended Cut, Pastor Chris Zauner and Pastor Casey Olsen dive deeper into Pastor Chris' Sunday sermon, Room to Breathe, exploring the Fourth Commandment and God's design for work, Sabbath, and biblical rest. In a culture that often swings between overworking and escapism, how do we develop a healthy, God-honoring rhythm of work and rest? Scripture reminds us that work isn't a consequence of sin—it's part of God's good design for humanity. And Sabbath isn't something we earn through productivity; it's a gift we're invited to receive. Together, Chris and Casey unpack the relationship between meaningful work and restorative rest, the anxiety that can follow us into our days off, and why simply escaping our responsibilities isn't the same as experiencing the peace God intends for us. In this episode, we explore: Why a biblical theology of work is essential to understanding Sabbath rest How to work for God's glory without making productivity our identity The difference between genuine rest and escapism through entertainment, hobbies, and distractions Why guilt, anxiety, and unfinished responsibilities can keep us from resting well How healthy boundaries help us remain fully present at work and with our families The importance of reflection, stewardship, and trusting God's provision How Jesus transforms our understanding of Sabbath and religious obligation Whether you're constantly exhausted from doing too much or struggling to find purpose and motivation in your daily responsibilities, this conversation offers a biblical perspective on finding balance, honoring God with your time, and learning to receive rest as a gift of grace. 📖 Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:8–11 | The Fourth Commandment | Sabbath and Rest 🎙️ KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING Want to hear more about what practicing Sabbath actually looks like in everyday life? Join Pastor Chris and Pastor Casey on this week's episode of In the Trenches, where they'll continue the conversation by exploring practical Sabbath rhythms and New Testament principles for rest. Find In the Trenches with Chris Zauner and Casey Olsen on YouTube and Spotify. ⛪ ABOUT THE EXTENDED CUT The Extended Cut is a weekly podcast from Grace City in Eugene, Oregon, where we take a deeper look at the Scriptures, theological themes, and practical applications behind our Sunday sermons. Join us each week for thoughtful conversations about following Jesus, growing in faith, and living out God's Word in everyday life. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, be sure to: 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment below: What makes it difficult for you to truly rest? ↗️ Share this conversation with someone who needs room to breathe. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of The Extended Cut every week! #TheExtendedCut #GraceCityEugene #RoomToBreathe #SabbathRest #BiblicalRest #ChristianPodcast #TheologyOfWork #TenCommandments

  2. 5d ago

    Room to Breathe | Chris Zauner | Words To Live By (Week 4)

    Have you ever finally sat down to rest, only to realize your mind is still racing? Between work, responsibilities, expectations, and the pressure to keep producing, finding true rest can feel impossible. But what if God never intended us to live that way? In Week 4 of our series, Words To Live By, Pastor Chris Zauner shares a powerful message titled "Room To Breathe," exploring the Fourth Commandment and God's design for work, rest, and trusting Him as our ultimate provider. Through Exodus 20:8–11, we discover that the Sabbath isn't simply about taking a day off. It's about remembering who God is, recognizing our limitations, and learning to rest in His faithfulness. God created us for meaningful work, but He never intended our productivity to determine our identity or worth. The big idea: God teaches us to work for His glory and rest in His faithfulness. In this message, Pastor Chris explores: Work for God's Glory: Discover why work is part of God's good creation and how to pursue excellence without allowing your accomplishments to define your identity. Receive Rest as a Gift: Learn why Sabbath rest isn't something we earn through productivity, but a gift from God that invites us to slow down, worship, and enjoy His goodness. Trust God as Your Source: Understand how surrendering control of your work, finances, and future can free you from the constant pressure to provide everything on your own. Find True Rest in Jesus: Discover why lasting rest isn't found in an empty calendar but in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Our culture often tells us that our value comes from how much we accomplish. We work harder, fill our schedules, and push ourselves to exhaustion, believing that rest must be earned. But Scripture reveals a different way of living. Your work is a means God uses, but God is your source. Just as God delivered Israel from slavery before giving them the Ten Commandments, His love for us isn't dependent on our performance. We don't work to earn His acceptance. We work from the security of already being loved by Him. Whether you're struggling with burnout, anxiety about the future, work-life balance, financial pressure, or guilt when you take time to rest, this sermon offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for finding a healthier rhythm of life. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." God is inviting you to stop striving, release control, and make room to experience His presence, provision, and peace. Scriptures Referenced: 📖 Exodus 20:8–11 — Remember the Sabbath Day 📖 Genesis 2:15 — God's Design for Work 📖 Colossians 3:23–24 — Working for the Lord 📖 Deuteronomy 5:15 — Remembering God's Deliverance 📖 Exodus 16 — Trusting God's Daily Provision 📖 Matthew 6:31–33 — Seeking First God's Kingdom 📖 Mark 2 — Jesus and the Sabbath 📖 Colossians 2 — Freedom in Christ 📖 Matthew 11:28–30 — Finding Rest for Your Soul Questions for Reflection: Are you working from the love God has already given you, or are you trying to prove your worth through your accomplishments? Do you struggle to rest because you feel guilty about everything left unfinished? Are you trusting God as your provider, even when you stop working? What would change in your life if you truly believed that God doesn't stop loving you when you stop producing? This Week's Challenge: Make room to breathe. Set aside intentional time to stop your ordinary work, remember God's faithfulness, worship, enjoy meaningful relationships, and trust Him with what remains unfinished. You were created to work with purpose, rest with gratitude, and live in relationship with the God who sustains you.

  3. Oct 21

    The Extended Cut: You Carry His Name | Chris Zauner & Casey Olsen

    What does it really mean to take God's name in vain? Is the Third Commandment simply about the words we say, or does it speak to something much deeper about how we live? In this week's episode of The Extended Cut, Casey Olsen sits down with Pastor Chris Zauner to unpack his sermon, "You Carry His Name," from Week 3 of our series, Words To Live By, at Grace City Church in Eugene, Oregon. Together, Chris and Casey explore the deeper meaning of the Third Commandment and what it looks like to represent God's name faithfully in our everyday lives. Following Jesus means more than avoiding certain words or following a religious checklist. As Christians, we carry the name of Christ, and our words, actions, relationships, and choices communicate something about the God we claim to follow. Drawing from Exodus 20 and Exodus 34:6–7, they discuss the importance of knowing God's true character, resisting the temptation to reshape God around our own preferences, and reflecting His mercy, grace, love, and justice to the world around us. They also dive into the sermon preparation process, the challenge of using personal illustrations while honoring others, and the incredible connections between the Ten Commandments, the story of Exodus, and the teachings of Jesus. In this episode, we discuss: What the Third Commandment really means beyond simply watching our language Why Christians are called to carry and represent God's name in everything they do How Exodus 34 reveals God's character and why that matters for our lives The danger of using God's name to justify our personal agendas, preferences, or frustrations How hypocrisy, dishonesty, and spiritual manipulation can misrepresent God Why following Jesus is about direction, not perfection The role of the Holy Spirit in transforming us to reflect Christ Behind-the-scenes insights into Pastor Chris's sermon preparation and biblical study What's coming next in our Words To Live By series, including Sabbath, work, and rest The big takeaway: We don't just speak God's name. We carry His name. And while we will never represent Him perfectly, through Jesus and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in reflecting His character to the world around us. Whether you're exploring Christianity, studying the Ten Commandments, or looking to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to consider what your life communicates about the God you follow. 📖 Scripture References: Exodus 20:7 | Exodus 34:6–7 | Matthew 5–7 ⛪ ABOUT GRACE CITY CHURCH Grace City Church is a Christian church in Eugene, Oregon, passionate about helping people know Jesus, grow in faith, and live transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Extended Cut is our weekly podcast where we go beyond the Sunday sermon to explore the Scriptures, theology, practical applications, and conversations behind each week's message. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: What does it mean to you to carry God's name? How can we better reflect the character of Jesus in our everyday lives? Let us know in the comments! 👍 If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who would benefit from hearing it. #TheExtendedCut #GraceCityChurch #TenCommandments #WordsToLiveBy #ChristianPodcast #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Exodus #FollowingJesus #EugeneOregon

  4. Oct 18

    You Carry His Name | Chris Zauner | Words To Live By (Week 3)

    When you call yourself a Christian, you carry the name of Jesus. But what does your life communicate about the One you claim to follow? In Week 3 of our Words to Live By sermon series, Pastor Chris Zauner shares a powerful message titled "You Carry His Name," exploring the deeper meaning of the Third Commandment in Exodus 20:7. Most of us understand "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" as a warning against using God's name carelessly. But what if this commandment is about much more than the words we speak? Because we belong to God, our words and our lives should reflect who He is. Through a memorable high school football story, biblical teaching, and the powerful account of Peter's denial and restoration, Pastor Chris challenges us to examine how we represent Jesus in our relationships, conversations, decisions, and everyday lives. When we bear the name of Christ, our actions tell the world something about Him. Are we reflecting His mercy, grace, faithfulness, and love? Or are we presenting a different picture through our words and behavior? 📖 Main Scripture: Exodus 20:7 "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." In This Sermon, You'll Discover: ✅ What It Really Means to Take God's Name in Vain – Why the Third Commandment is about more than avoiding certain words. ✅ The Name We Carry – Understanding the character of God and what it means to belong to Him. ✅ How Our Words Represent Jesus – Why our speech should reflect God's truth, grace, and love. ✅ The Danger of Spiritual Manipulation – Recognizing when God's name or authority is misused for personal agendas. ✅ Faith That Goes Beyond Sunday – Learning to live with integrity when nobody is watching. ✅ God's Mercy in Our Failures – Discovering through Peter's story that failure doesn't have to be the end of our journey. ✅ Living as a Representative of Christ – Reflecting God's character through forgiveness, compassion, humility, and faithful obedience. The way we treat our families, respond to criticism, handle conflict, steward our resources, and care for hurting people all reveal something about the faith we profess. But this message isn't simply a call to try harder. It's an invitation to receive the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus restored Peter after his denial, He offers forgiveness and restoration to us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can become people whose lives genuinely reflect the goodness of God. You carry His name. How are you representing Him? 📖 Additional Scriptures Referenced: Exodus 3 | Exodus 34:6–7 | Leviticus 19:12 | Ephesians 4:29 | Luke 22:60–62 | John 21 | Colossians 3:17 | Romans 8 | Romans 12 🙏 Join the Conversation! What is one area of your life where God is challenging you to represent Jesus more faithfully? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👍 LIKE this video if this message encouraged you. 💬 COMMENT your biggest takeaway from the sermon. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more weekly sermons, biblical teaching, and encouragement in your walk with Jesus. 📤 SHARE this message with someone who needs to be reminded of God's mercy and the calling we have to reflect His character. About the Series | Words to Live By The Ten Commandments aren't simply a list of rules to follow. They reveal the character of the God who rescues His people and teaches them how to live in relationship with Him. Throughout our Words to Live By series, we're exploring how God's commandments shape our faith, worship, relationships, integrity, and everyday lives as followers of Jesus. #YouCarryHisName #WordsToLiveBy #PastorChrisZauner #ThirdCommandment #Exodus20 #TenCommandments #ChristianLiving #FollowingJesus #SundaySermon #FaithInAction #RepresentingJesus #BiblicalTeaching

  5. Oct 11

    No Other Gods | Chris Zauner | Words To Live By (Week 2)

    Who or what is sitting on the throne of your life? We all worship something. The question isn't whether we worship, but what has our worship—and whether we've truly surrendered every area of our lives to Jesus. In Week 2 of our sermon series, Words To Live By, Pastor Chris Zauner explores the first two commandments in Exodus 20:1–6 with a powerful message titled "No Other Gods." We discover that God's commandments aren't restrictive rules meant to steal our freedom, but loving instructions designed to teach us how to live in the freedom He's already given us. We may not bow before golden statues, but modern-day idols are everywhere. Money, success, relationships, approval, comfort, control, and even our own desires can quietly take God's rightful place in our hearts. Good things become idols when we ask them to do what only God can do. Pastor Chris challenges us to examine what we're truly worshiping, stop trying to reshape God according to our preferences, and surrender every area of our lives to Jesus. In This Sermon, You'll Discover: Why God commands us to have no other gods before Him How to recognize modern-day idols competing for your worship Why self-worship is one of the greatest dangers facing Christians today The difference between admiring Jesus and surrendering to His authority Why we must know God as He reveals Himself, not as we wish Him to be How what we worship shapes who we become Why true freedom is found through complete surrender to Jesus Key Scriptures: 📖 Exodus 20:1–6 — The First Two Commandments 📖 Genesis 3:5 — The Temptation to Take God's Place 📖 Psalm 115:4–8 — We Become Like What We Worship 📖 Colossians 1:15 — Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God 📖 Romans 10:9 — Jesus Is Lord 📖 Galatians 5:1 — Freedom in Christ Powerful Truths From This Message: "Whatever occupies the highest place in your life will eventually determine the direction of your life." "Jesus cannot be the Lord of your life while you reserve the right to overrule Him." "What you worship shapes who you become." "The freedom you're looking for is found on the other side of surrender." Are You Fully Surrendered? Jesus isn't calling you to simply add Him to your life. He's calling you to surrender your life to Him. The good news is that the One calling you to surrender is the One who gave His life to save you. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness, transformation, and lasting freedom. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message is an invitation to examine your heart, release what you've been holding onto, and surrender fully to King Jesus. 🙏 Take Your Next Step 👍 LIKE this video if it encouraged your faith. 💬 COMMENT what God is teaching you about surrender. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more biblical teaching from Pastor Chris Zauner and Grace City Church. 📲 SHARE this message with someone who needs encouragement. About Words To Live By In this sermon series, we're exploring the Ten Commandments as more than ancient rules. They're timeless words from a loving God, teaching His people how to live in freedom, honor Him, and love others. #NoOtherGods #WordsToLiveBy #PastorChrisZauner #GraceCityChurch #TenCommandments #JesusIsLord #SurrenderToGod #FreedomInChrist

  6. Oct 4

    Brought Out, Brought Near | Chris Zauner | Words To Live By (Week One)

    What if the Ten Commandments aren’t primarily about rules, but about learning how to live in the freedom God has already given us? In “Brought Out, Brought Near,” Pastor Chris Zauner kicks off Words to Live By, a new sermon series exploring the Ten Commandments and what they mean for followers of Jesus today. Beginning in Exodus 19–20, we discover an important truth: before God gave Israel His commands, He rescued them from slavery and brought them into relationship with Himself. God is a Deliverer before He is a Lawgiver. We don’t obey to earn His love or freedom; our obedience is a response to the grace we’ve already received. The Ten Commandments show us the shape of a life that loves God and loves others—and through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, God gives us the grace to live it. Whether you’re newly following Jesus, struggling to find freedom in an area of your life, or have been walking with God for years, this message invites you to ask: Where is Egypt still in me? God brought you out to bring you near. Now He wants to teach you how to live as a free person. Scripture: Exodus 19–20, Romans 6–7, Matthew 22, Ezekiel 36, Ephesians 2, Titus 2 Series: Words to Live By — The Ten Commandments Message: Brought Out, Brought Near Speaker: Pastor Chris Zauner #TenCommandments #WordsToLiveBy #ChristianSermon #Exodus20 #Jesus #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching #Faith #Discipleship #FreedomInChrist

  7. Sep 30

    The Extended Cut: When Faith Gets Real | Chris Zauner & Casey Olsen

    What does real faith look like when prayer feels unanswered, people wander, and following Jesus requires persistence? In this episode of The Extended Cut, Casey Olson sits down with Grace City Church Lead Pastor Chris Sonner to put a bow on our series through the book of James and unpack the final verses of James 5 that didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon, “When Faith Gets Real.” James 5:17–20 gives us two powerful pictures of genuine faith: Elijah’s persistence in prayer and our responsibility to pursue people who wander. Elijah can seem like an extraordinary biblical superhero—a prophet who prayed and saw God move in miraculous ways. But James intentionally reminds us that Elijah was “a man with a nature like ours.” His power wasn’t found in being extraordinary; it was found in trusting an extraordinary God. That changes the way we think about prayer. Prayer isn’t about spiritual performance or finding the “right” person who can convince God to act. Prayer is an expression of dependence. It’s admitting, “I can’t do this, but I believe God can.” And faith isn’t confidence that God will always do exactly what we want—it’s confidence that God is trustworthy enough for us to ask and then trust Him with what He does. James then turns our attention outward: “If anyone among you wanders from the truth…” Wandering rarely happens all at once. Often, it’s subtle. We drift. We get distracted. We slowly move away from the people, practices, and truth that once anchored us. And James reminds us that following Jesus was never meant to be done alone. Real faith notices when someone is missing. It makes the phone call. It asks the hard question. It prays. It speaks truth with love. It remains relationally available. And instead of gossiping about people who wander or simply writing them off, followers of Jesus are called to pursue restoration and reconciliation. As we close out our journey through James, Chris and Casey leave us with two questions worth carrying into this week: Who have you stopped praying for? Who have you stopped pursuing? Maybe it’s time to pray again. Maybe it’s time to make the call again. Because when faith gets real, it doesn’t only change what we say we believe—it changes how we pray, how we love, how we pursue people, and how we live. 📖 Scripture: James 5:17–20 🎙️ The Extended Cut — Going deeper into the sermons, themes, stories, and conversations behind Sunday messages at Grace City Church. If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, subscribe and follow along for more episodes of The Extended Cut. And if you missed any part of our series through James, go back and join us as we explore what it looks like to live a genuine, authentic faith in Jesus. #WhenFaithGetsReal #BookOfJames #James5 #Prayer #ChristianFaith #Faith #Jesus #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #GraceCityChurch #TheExtendedCut

  8. Sep 27

    When Faith Gets Real | Chris Zauner | Show Me Your Faith (Week 9)

    What does real faith look like when life gets hard? In When Life Gets Real, Pastor Chris Zauner closes out our Show Me Your Faith series through the book of James with a powerful message about enduring faith, honest repentance, prayer, healing, and staying anchored in Jesus when life doesn’t go according to plan. Throughout the book of James, we’ve been confronted with one consistent challenge: faith is more than what we say we believe—it is revealed in how we live. And in James 5, that challenge becomes deeply personal. What happens when you’re waiting on God and nothing seems to be changing? What happens when prayers feel unanswered, suffering continues, relationships become difficult, or disappointment begins to wear down your faith? James tells us to remain steadfast. Faith waits without walking away. Like a farmer who plants seed and patiently waits for growth, we are called to trust God even when we cannot yet see what He is doing beneath the surface. Just because something looks buried doesn’t mean it is dead. Sometimes God is doing His deepest work long before the fruit becomes visible. Pastor Chris challenges us to “establish your hearts”—to become so anchored in the truth of who Jesus is that circumstances, emotions, suffering, and disappointment do not determine where we end up. The storm may still come. The questions may still remain. The waiting may continue. But Jesus is still Lord. James also reminds us that hardship can shape us if we’re not careful. Pain can become bitterness. Disappointment can become cynicism. Betrayal can become suspicion. And isolation can make fear, shame, temptation, and discouragement grow louder. That’s why biblical faith doesn’t hide. Real faith brings real life to God. If you’re suffering—pray. If you’re joyful—praise. If you’re sick—ask others to pray. If you’ve sinned—confess. James gives no picture of a fake Christianity where we pretend everything is fine while falling apart inside. Instead, he calls the church into honesty, community, confession, prayer, repentance, and healing. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” — James 5:16 Some of us want healing without honesty, freedom without confession, and transformation without bringing anything into the light. But sin grows in secrecy. The gospel invites us into something better. Jesus already knows the worst parts of our story—and He went to the cross anyway. Repentance is not running away from God in shame. Repentance is running toward God because of His grace. As we conclude this series, the final challenge of James is simple but profound: Show me your faith when life gets real. When you’re waiting. When you’re hurting. When you’re disappointed. When you need prayer. When you need to confess. When you need to repent. When you don’t understand what God is doing. Will you still trust Him? Will you stay anchored? Will you bring your real life into the light and allow Jesus to heal what you’ve been trying to hide? 📖 Primary Scripture: James 5:7–16 📖 Additional Scripture: James 1:2–6 This message is Week 9 and the final week of Show Me Your Faith, our series through the book of James. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who may need to hear it. Subscribe for more sermons, biblical teaching, and encouragement as we learn together what it means to follow Jesus with a faith that moves from what we believe into how we live. #WhenLifeGetsReal #ShowMeYourFaith #BookOfJames #James5 #ChrisZauner #Sermon #ChristianSermon #Faith #Prayer #Repentance #Confession #Healing #TrustGod #JesusIsLord #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTeaching #SteadfastFaith #FollowingJesus

    When Faith Gets Real | Chris Zauner | Show Me Your Faith (Week 9)
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Grace City Eugene exists to help everyone in our sphere of influence encounter Christ, experience Biblical community, and extend God's Kingdom. Learn more about us at www.gracecityeugene.com If we can help you in any way, reach out to hello@gracecityeugene.com

Information

  • Creator
    Grace City Eugene
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    499
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Grace City Eugene
  • Show Website
    Grace City Eugene

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