Grace City Eugene

Grace City Eugene

3.7 (3)
Christianity
Updated Semiweekly

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

2d ago

The Extended Cut: The War Within | Chris Zauner & Casey Olsen

What if the conflict around you is revealing something deeper within you? In this week’s episode of The Extended Cut, Chris Zahner and Casey Olson dive deeper into Chris’ sermon, “The War Within,” from Grace City Church’s series through the book of James. James 4 confronts us with an uncomfortable reality: the battles we experience in our relationships, circumstances, and everyday lives often reveal a deeper battle happening inside our hearts. What begins as a desire can become a demand—and before long, people become obstacles to what we want or tools to help us get it. Chris and Casey unpack what it looks like to stop simply managing the symptoms of conflict and begin addressing the deeper issues underneath them. They explore the difference between asking God to bless our plans and allowing prayer to actually align our desires with His. They discuss surrender, lordship, repentance, and why following Jesus means more than giving God selected areas of our lives. As Chris puts it, we can’t surrender to God while flirting with another kingdom. The conversation also goes deeper into one of the sermon’s most challenging ideas: don’t rush conviction. James tells believers to “be wretched and mourn and weep” before reminding them to humble themselves before the Lord. Rather than quickly escaping the discomfort of conviction, there are moments when we need to recognize the real weight of our sin, grieve what it has produced, and allow that conviction to lead us toward genuine repentance and transformation. Chris also takes us behind the sermon and shares how preaching through James has personally challenged him as a pastor, husband, father, disciple-maker, and leader—including the temptation to pray according to his own passions rather than seeking God’s heart. Ultimately, the war within isn’t won through better behavior management or greater self-reliance. Something has to die. Will it be our sin—or will we allow that sin to slowly destroy our relationships, character, and spiritual lives? Thankfully, James gives us hope: “But He gives more grace.” Submit to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 🎧 Watch or listen to Chris’ full sermon, “The War Within,” and then join us for this deeper conversation about James 4, spiritual warfare, repentance, surrender, prayer, discipleship, and what it means to truly follow Jesus. 🙏 SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM Join Grace City Church every Wednesday at 6:30 AM as we gather to pray for our church, our city, and God’s direction for our community. 📲 GET CONNECTED AT GRACE CITY Download the Church Center app and find Grace City Church to discover upcoming events, groups, men’s and women’s gatherings, Next Gen opportunities, campus events, and more. If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. #TheExtendedCut #TheWarWithin #GraceCityChurch #James4 #BookOfJames #ChristianPodcast #ChristianSermon #SpiritualWarfare #FollowingJesus #Discipleship #Repentance #SurrenderToGod #ChristianLiving #Faith #Jesus
4d ago

The War Within | Chris Zauner | Show Me Your Faith (Week 7)

What if the conflict happening around you is revealing a deeper conflict happening within you? In “The War Within,” Pastor Chris Zauner continues Week 7 of our “Show Me Your Faith” series through the book of James, teaching from James 4:1–12 about the desires, passions, pride, and divided loyalties that can quietly wage war inside our hearts. James asks a confronting question: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?” His answer points us beyond our circumstances and relationships and toward something deeper—the desires within us that have moved from simple wants to demands. In this message, Pastor Chris challenges us to stop merely managing the conflicts around us and begin allowing God to transform what is happening inside us. You’ll discover why: • The wars around us often reveal the war within us• A desire becomes dangerous when it becomes a demand• Conflict can function like a dashboard warning light, revealing deeper heart issues• Prayer is not about getting God aligned with our desires, but aligning our desires with God• Friendship with the world competes with wholehearted surrender to Jesus• Pride fights for control, while humility trusts God• We cannot resist the devil while refusing to submit to God• Repentance is not self-hatred—it is coming home to the Father• True freedom begins when we surrender the throne of our lives to Jesus James gives a strong warning about pride, selfish ambition, worldly desires, and divided allegiance—but he also gives us incredible hope: “But He gives more grace.” — James 4:6 No matter how much pride, insecurity, anger, selfishness, failure, or sin is uncovered in us, God’s grace is greater. Jesus did not come simply to help us manage our behavior. He came to take the rightful throne of our hearts. Maybe the greatest victory God wants to give you isn’t victory over another person, circumstance, or conflict. Maybe He wants to give you victory over the thing that has been ruling you. The war within ends when the rightful King gets the throne. As you watch, ask the Holy Spirit: “What in me needs to surrender?” Approval?Control?Comfort?Recognition?Success?A relationship?An offense?The need to be right? Whatever God reveals, remember the promise of James: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 God gives more grace. 📖 Scripture: James 4:1–12🎙️ Message: The War Within👤 Speaker: Pastor Chris Zauner📚 Series: Show Me Your Faith📅 Week 7 If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who may need to hear it, subscribe for more sermons and biblical teaching, and join us as we continue studying the book of James and learning what genuine faith looks like when it is lived out. #TheWarWithin #ShowMeYourFaith #BookOfJames #James4 #PastorChrisZauner #ChristianSermon #BiblicalTeaching #FaithInAction #SurrenderToGod #GodsGrace #DrawNearToGod #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #JesusIsLord #Grace #Repentance #Humility #Faith #Sermon
Sep 9

The Extended Cut: What Kind of Wisdom Is This? | Chris Zauner and Casey Olsen

What kind of wisdom is shaping your life? In this episode of The Extended Cut, Pastors Chris and Casey go behind the scenes of Chris’ sermon, “What Kind of Wisdom Is This?” from James 3:13–18. They explore the contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom, why something can appear effective without being godly, and how the condition of our hearts becomes visible through our relationships, reactions, and choices. The conversation also examines the power of repetition throughout James, the difference between condemnation and Spirit-led conviction, and our need for Scripture, Christian community, and trusted mentors who can help us walk in wisdom. Godly wisdom is not something we passively stumble into—it is a gift we pray for and a way of life we intentionally pursue.
Sep 7

What Kind of Wisdom Is This? | Chris Zauner | Show Me Your Faith (Week 6)

What kind of wisdom is shaping your life? In Week 6 of Show Me Your Faith, Pastor Chris Zauner continues through the book of James with a powerful message from James 3:13–18 about the difference between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God. Throughout James, we see a consistent challenge: real faith becomes visible. Faith isn't simply something we profess with our mouths—it produces fruit in the way we live, speak, lead, respond to conflict, and treat the people around us. James now takes that challenge even deeper. What is underneath our words and actions? What kind of wisdom is shaping them? Biblical wisdom isn't proven by how much you know. It's revealed by the kind of person you're becoming. James warns that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition produce disorder, conflict, and destructive behavior. This kind of wisdom may look intelligent, strategic, influential, or even successful—but James calls it earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Wisdom from above looks completely different. 📖 James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Godly wisdom produces humility instead of pride, peace instead of disorder, gentleness instead of harshness, mercy instead of condemnation, and teachability instead of the constant need to prove ourselves right. Ultimately, this wisdom points us directly to Jesus. The world says protect yourself. Jesus gave Himself for us. The world says get ahead of everyone else. Jesus became a servant. The world says make your enemies pay. Jesus prayed for His enemies while they crucified Him. The world says use power for yourself. Jesus used His authority to save us. Jesus doesn't merely possess wisdom—He is the embodiment of God's wisdom. This message challenges us to examine what comes out of us when we're corrected, overlooked, disappointed, criticized, or confronted. Our words tell stories about our hearts, and our relationships reveal the kind of wisdom shaping our lives. Maybe the prayer we need isn't simply, “God, give me the right answer.” Maybe it's: “God, give me wisdom from above. Make me the kind of person who can carry Your wisdom, Your strength, and Your heart into the world around me.” ▶️ Watch Show Me Your Faith | Week 6 with Pastor Chris Zauner and discover what it means to pursue wisdom that doesn't simply increase what you know—but transforms the way you live. 📖 Scripture: James 3:13–18 🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Chris Zauner 📚 Series: Show Me Your Faith 💡 Topic: Wisdom From Above If this message encouraged or challenged you, like the video, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use this message today. #ShowMeYourFaith #James3 #WisdomFromAbove #GodlyWisdom #BookOfJames #ChristianSermon #PastorChrisZauner #FaithInAction #BiblicalWisdom #Jesus #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #BibleTeaching #Sermon
Sep 2

The Extended Cut: Watch Your Mouth

What do your words reveal about your heart? In this week’s episode of The Extended Cut, Casey sits down with Pastor Chris Zahner to go deeper into Sunday’s message, “Watch Your Mouth,” from James 3:1–12. We all know words matter. They can encourage, heal, guide, and give life—but they can also wound, divide, and leave an impact long after they’ve been spoken. James compares the tongue to a bit in a horse’s mouth, a rudder steering a ship, and a spark capable of setting an entire forest on fire. Something small can carry incredible influence. But the conversation goes deeper than simply trying to “watch what you say.” Chris and Casey explore why our words are ultimately a heart issue, why discipline alone can’t tame the tongue, and how Jesus transforms us from the inside out. They also unpack an area that didn’t make it fully into Sunday’s sermon: the words we speak about ourselves. What happens when criticism, hurtful words, or labels spoken over us become part of our own internal dialogue? How do we distinguish humility from destructive self-talk? And instead of simply replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, what does it look like to anchor our identity in what Jesus says is true about us? In this conversation: • Why our words carry more weight than we realize • What James 3 teaches about the power of the tongue • Why pressure often reveals what is already in our hearts • The danger of gossip and destructive speech • How negative self-talk can take root • Why behavior modification isn’t enough • Finding our identity in Christ instead of self-affirmation • Extending grace when our words—or someone else’s—cause hurt • The tension of preaching truth while still growing yourself • How the Holy Spirit brings transformation, healing, and freedom • How Establish can help us identify unhealthy patterns and learn to walk in victory through Jesus The goal isn’t simply to become better at managing our mouths. It’s to surrender our hearts to King Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us so that our words increasingly reflect the character of our King. If you haven’t watched Pastor Chris’ full sermon, “Watch Your Mouth,” check it out and then come back for this deeper conversation. 📖 Scripture: James 3:1–12 | 2 Corinthians 5 ⛪ Grace City Church — Eugene/Springfield, Oregon ESTABLISH AT GRACE CITY If you recognize patterns, beliefs, or cycles in your life where you want to experience greater freedom in Christ, consider joining us for Establish. Together, we explore who God is, who He says we are, the spiritual realities affecting our lives, and what it means to walk in the freedom and victory Jesus provides. Establish begins September 20 and meets Sunday nights. Learn more and register at gracecityeugene.com or through the Church Center app. Follow Grace City Church on social media: @GraceCityEugene 👍 Like this episode if it encouraged you. 💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for sermons and new episodes of The Extended Cut each week. #WatchYourMouth #ExtendedCut #GraceCityChurch #James3 #PowerOfWords #ChristianPodcast #ChristianSermon #IdentityInChrist #HolySpirit #FollowingJesus #EugeneOregon #SpringfieldOregon
Aug 30

Watch Your Mouth | Chris Zauner | Show Me Your Faith (Week 5)

Words are never just words. In Week 5 of Show Me Your Faith, Pastor Chris Zauner teaches from James 3:1–12 about the incredible power of our words and what they reveal about our hearts. James compares the tongue to a bit that directs a horse, a rudder that guides a ship, and a spark that can set a forest on fire. Though small, our words can build trust or destroy it, give courage or take it away, bring healing or cause lasting wounds. Following Jesus means surrendering our words to Him. You cannot claim Jesus is Lord of your life while declaring your mouth a sovereign nation. Our conversations, reactions, jokes, criticism, texts, posts, opinions, and tone all belong to Jesus. But James takes us deeper: the real issue isn’t simply our vocabulary—it’s our heart. Pressure often reveals what is already inside us, and our words can expose anger, bitterness, gossip, defensiveness, sarcasm, or pride that Jesus still wants to transform. The answer isn’t simply to try harder to speak better. James says, “No human being can tame the tongue.” We need more than behavior modification—we need heart transformation. Through Jesus, we are forgiven, given His Spirit, and changed from the inside out. As He transforms the root, new fruit begins to grow. The goal isn’t simply: Watch your mouth. The deeper invitation is: Surrender your heart. May our prayer be: “Jesus, my mouth belongs to You. My words belong to You.” 📖 Scripture: James 3:1–12 🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Chris Zauner 📚 Series: Show Me Your Faith 📍 Week 5: Watch Your Mouth #WatchYourMouth #ShowMeYourFaith #James3 #PastorChrisZauner #BookOfJames #ChristianSermon #FaithInAction #PowerOfWords #Discipleship #Jesus
Aug 26

The Extended Cut: Is Your Faith Dead?

What does it actually mean to have a living, saving faith? Is believing the right things about Jesus enough—or should genuine faith produce visible fruit in the way we live? In this week’s episode of The Extended Cut, Pastor Casey and Pastor Chris go behind the scenes of Week 4 of our series through the book of James and unpack the challenging question from James 2: “Is your faith dead?” James gives us a sobering reality: even the demons believe in God—and shudder. So what separates intellectual belief from genuine, saving faith? Pastor Casey and Pastor Chris explore the difference between simply knowing the truth and actually putting weight on what we believe. They talk about faith and works, obedience, spiritual fruit, anxiety and trust, conviction versus condemnation, and what it looks like to surrender our lives to Jesus rather than simply agree with the right theology. In this conversation: What kind of faith actually saves?Why genuine faith produces fruitWhat James means when he says “faith without works is dead”Why even the demons believe—and why that mattersThe difference between knowing Jesus is Lord and surrendering to Him as LordAbraham and Rahab as examples of active faithHow anxiety can reveal areas where our stated beliefs and lived trust don’t alignThe difference between conviction, correction, and condemnationHow the Holy Spirit calls us toward repentance and growthWhy Christians should pursue what Jesus has for them rather than live in fearA practical challenge for putting real weight on your faith this weekPastor Chris also takes us behind the cut, sharing the tension he wrestled with while preparing this message: How do you faithfully preach James’ strong warning about dead faith without turning Christianity into a religious checklist? The answer points us away from perfection and toward a living relationship with Jesus—one that increasingly produces obedience, surrender, and fruit. Saving faith is not proved by what we say. It’s revealed by what it produces. This week, take an honest look at your life. Where is there a gap between what you say you believe and how you actually live? Pick one area and put some weight on your faith. Trust God enough to walk out what you believe is true. Also in this episode, we talk about what’s happening at Grace City, including registration for Establish, our discipleship course designed to help you find freedom, healing, and a stronger foundation in Jesus, as well as our upcoming Building Refresh Day. And, naturally, we settle another pressing theological question: Is August 25th way too early for pumpkin spice season? 🎃☕️ If this conversation encourages or challenges you, share it with someone, continue the conversation with your Life Group, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of The Extended Cut. #TheExtendedCut #GraceCity #BookOfJames #FaithWithoutWorks #SavingFaith #ChristianFaith #James2 #FaithAndWorks #FollowingJesus #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #Discipleship #SpiritualGrowth #Jesus #HolySpirit
Aug 24

Is Your Faith Dead? | Chris Zauner | Show Me Your Faith (Week 4)

In Week 4 of our Show Me Your Faith series, Pastor Chris Zauner walks through James 2:14–26 and asks a question with eternal significance: What kind of faith actually saves? James makes it clear that confidence alone does not make something true—and simply saying we have faith does not necessarily mean that faith is alive. A person can know Christian language, believe correct theology, attend church, and even have spiritual experiences while still missing the surrender and obedience that characterize living faith. “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” — James 2:17 In this message, Pastor Chris explains the difference between claiming faith, believing the right things, and possessing a living faith that acts on what it believes. Saving faith is not proven merely by what we say; it becomes visible through what it produces. James points us to Abraham and Rahab—two people with radically different backgrounds whose faith became evident through obedience. Their works did not earn salvation. Their actions revealed that genuine trust in God had taken root in their lives. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. But the faith that receives God's grace does not remain fruitless. As Pastor Chris explains, works are not the price we pay for salvation; they are evidence that salvation has taken hold of us. This message challenges us to examine our own lives: Is my faith changing the way I live? Am I simply agreeing with Jesus, or am I actually following Him? Are there areas of my life I still refuse to surrender? Is my faith producing repentance, obedience, generosity, forgiveness, compassion, holiness, and a growing hunger for God? The question is not whether we are perfect. Followers of Jesus still struggle, stumble, sin, and need to repent. The question is about direction, not perfection. Are we continuing to get back up and move toward Jesus? Dead faith can talk about God. Living faith walks with God. Dead faith can agree with God. Living faith trusts God. Dead faith knows about God. Living faith knows God. Jesus does not merely invite us to believe facts about Him. He calls us to trust Him, surrender to Him, and follow Him as both Savior and Lord. As you watch this sermon, ask God to reveal where your faith has become merely intellectual, verbal, or compartmentalized—and where He is calling you to place the full weight of your life in His hands. 📖 Scripture: James 2:14–26 🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Chris Zauner 📺 Series: Show Me Your Faith — Week 4 ✝️ Message Theme: Faith Without Works Is Dead If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more biblical teaching, and join us as we continue studying the book of James. #ShowMeYourFaith #James2 #FaithWithoutWorks #LivingFaith #SavingFaith #FaithAndWorks #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #PastorChrisZauner #BookOfJames #FollowJesus #ChristianFaith #Obedience #SurrenderToJesus #JesusIsLord

3.7

out of 5

3 Ratings

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

Creator

Grace City Eugene
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

489
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Grace City Eugene
Show Website

Grace City Eugene

Comedy

Comedy

Updated Daily