Grace City Eugene

Grace City Eugene

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. 1d ago

    People Are Not Disposable | Chris Zauner | Words To Live By (Week 6)

    Every person matters to God. So we protect life, release revenge, and overcome evil with good. Most of us hear the commandment “You shall not murder” and think, “I've got this one covered!” But what if this commandment goes deeper than simply taking another person's life? What if Jesus is calling us to examine the anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and contempt we allow to grow in our hearts? In Week 6 of our sermon series, Words To Live By, Pastor Chris Zauner shares a powerful message titled “People Are Not Disposable,” exploring the sixth commandment and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21–24. Jesus challenges us to look beyond outward obedience and examine the condition of our hearts. We may never physically harm someone, but have we allowed resentment to take root? Have we treated people as inconveniences because they need something from us? Have we held on to revenge instead of trusting God with justice? The truth is that every human being is created in the image of God and has inherent worth and dignity. Our value isn't determined by what we accomplish, how independent we are, or what we can contribute. It comes from the God who created us. In this message, Pastor Chris challenges us to live out three important biblical truths: 1. Protect the Person God Made – Every life has value, from the beginning to the end. We're called to honor the dignity of others and demonstrate Christ's love through compassion, generosity, and practical care. 2. Release the Revenge You Want to Carry – Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting, excusing wrongdoing, or abandoning healthy boundaries. It means surrendering our desire for retaliation and trusting God with justice. 3. Overcome Evil with the Good Jesus Gives You – Following Jesus means more than refusing to retaliate. It means actively choosing love, mercy, reconciliation, and goodness, even when we've been hurt. Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical application, Pastor Chris reminds us that Jesus doesn't simply want religious obedience. He wants to transform our hearts. God reveals what's broken so that He can redeem it. Whether you're struggling with anger, carrying the weight of unforgiveness, navigating a difficult relationship, or learning how to love someone who has hurt you, this sermon offers biblical encouragement and a powerful reminder of the freedom available through Jesus Christ. 📖 Scripture References: Exodus 20:13 – You Shall Not Murder Matthew 5:21–24 – Jesus Teaches About Anger and Reconciliation Genesis 1:27 – Created in God's Image Psalm 139 – God's Care for Human Life Romans 12:19–21 – Overcome Evil with Good Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan 1 John 3:16–18 – Love in Action Acts 7:59–60 – Stephen's Example of Forgiveness 💭 Questions for Reflection: Who have I stopped seeing as a person created in God's image? What revenge, resentment, or bitterness am I still carrying? What good is God calling me to do in response to someone else's hurt or wrongdoing? Remember: Forgiveness is not pretending the hurt never happened. It's bringing that hurt under the care and leadership of Jesus. You don't have to carry the burden of revenge when you can entrust justice to a faithful God. 🙏 Our prayer is that this message encourages you to see others through God's eyes, experience freedom from bitterness, and become someone who reflects the mercy and love of Jesus in everyday relationships. If this sermon encouraged or challenged you, be sure to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to our channel, and SHARE this message with someone who needs to be reminded that their life matters to God. We'd love to hear from you! What stood out to you most from this message? Share your thoughts in the comments below. #PeopleAreNotDisposable #WordsToLiveBy #PastorChrisZauner #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #Forgiveness #OvercomeEvilWithGood #FaithInJesus

  2. 4d ago

    The Extended Cut: The Weight of Honor | Chris Zauner and Casey Olsen

    What does it really mean to honor your father and mother as an adult? And how do we navigate the complicated transition from childhood obedience to adult independence while still honoring God's design for family? In this week's episode of The Extended Cut, Pastor Chris Zauner sits down with Pastor Casey Olsen to go deeper into Casey's sermon, "The Weight of Honor," from our Words to Live By series on the Ten Commandments. Together, they unpack the Fifth Commandment—"Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12)—and explore what biblical honor looks like beyond childhood. From navigating financial dependence and parental expectations to setting healthy boundaries, communicating with grace, and building meaningful relationships across generations, this conversation offers practical wisdom for every season of family life. In this episode, we explore: Why honoring your parents doesn't always mean obeying them as an adult The difference between financial dependence, generosity, and independence How to navigate parental expectations while establishing your own family Why healthy boundaries and honest communication are essential to honoring one another Three important areas of family relationships: finances, holidays, and raising children How parents can create relationships that make it easier for their adult children to honor them What it looks like to demonstrate biblical honor even in complicated family situations How humility, grace, and intentional conversations can strengthen relationships across generations Honor is more than appreciation—it's giving weight and significance to the relationships God has placed in our lives. Whether you're a college student navigating independence, a young adult establishing your own family, or a parent learning how to relate to grown children, this episode will challenge and encourage you to approach family relationships with wisdom, humility, and grace. The Fifth Commandment isn't just for kids. It's an invitation to reflect God's heart through the way we love, respect, and care for one another.

  3. Nov 1

    The Weight of Honor | Casey Olsen | Words To Live By (Week 5)

    What does it really mean to honor your father and mother? Is the fifth commandment simply about children obeying their parents, or does God have something much deeper in mind for every stage of life? In Week 5 of our Words To Live By series, Pastor Casey Olsen explores Exodus 20:12 and the true meaning of honoring our parents. While many of us grew up understanding this commandment as a call to childhood obedience, Scripture reveals that honor is a lifelong responsibility that shapes our relationships, our families, and the legacy we leave for future generations. The Hebrew word for honor, kabed, carries the idea of weight or significance. To honor our parents means recognizing the weight of their place in our lives, even as our relationships change and grow more complicated. Whether we've experienced loving and supportive parents, difficult family relationships, absence, divorce, or painful experiences, God's command invites us to consider what it looks like to give honor without ignoring the reality of our stories. Through Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6, Mark 7, and other passages, Pastor Casey challenges us to move beyond simply expressing appreciation and toward living out honor through humility, wisdom, responsibility, and practical care. In this message, we explore: Why honoring your parents is a lifelong calling, not just a childhood command. The difference between obedience and honor as we grow into adulthood. How to honor parents when family relationships are complicated or painful. Why caring for aging parents is an important expression of our faith. How our desire for independence can sometimes keep us from receiving wisdom. What it means to live honorably as parents and invest in the next generation. How Jesus perfectly demonstrates honor, even while suffering on the cross. Why God's grace can redeem broken family stories and establish a new legacy of faithfulness. Ultimately, honoring our father and mother means giving enduring weight to those who gave us life because God intends His faithfulness to be reflected from one generation to the next. The good news is that we don't have to come from perfect families to participate in God's purposes. Through Jesus Christ, our past does not have to determine our future. His grace is sufficient to heal what has been broken, transform the way we live, and establish new patterns of faithfulness for generations to come. Whether you're a parent, an adult child, caring for aging family members, or navigating difficult relationships, this message offers biblical encouragement and a reminder that God is faithful through every generation. Scripture References: Exodus 20:12 Ephesians 6:1–4 Genesis 2:24 Luke 2:41–52 Mark 7:9–13 1 Timothy 5:4–8 Psalm 103:17–18 John 19:26–27 Join us for Week 5 of Words To Live By as we discover the weight of honor, the importance of family relationships, and how God's faithfulness can shape generations beyond our own. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Subscribe for more biblical teaching and messages from Gray City Church as we continue exploring the Ten Commandments and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. #TheWeightOfHonor #WordsToLiveBy #CaseyOlsen #TenCommandments #HonorYourFatherAndMother #Exodus20 #ChristianSermon #BiblicalTeaching #FamilyRelationships #FaithAndFamily #GrayCityChurch

  4. Oct 28

    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

  5. Oct 25

    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.

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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

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