Chicago West Sunday Sermons

What Makes Someone a Christian?

Many people assume that becoming a Christian is about being good enough, religious enough, or cleaning up their lives before coming to God. In this sermon, Pastor Jon explores Acts 15 and shows that salvation is not based on our performance, but on what Jesus has done for us, and how genuine faith is reflected in the way we live. Outline: It’s Not About Performance. (15:1-5) It’s About What Jesus Has Done. (15:6-21) It’s Reflected in How You Live. (15:22-35)

To The Ends of the Earth

When the gospel faces opposition, confusion, and suffering, it can be tempting to lose heart or retreat from the mission. In this sermon from Acts 14, Pastor Samuel Copeland shows how God advances the gospel to the ends of the earth through the planting of local churches. Following the example of Paul and Barnabas, we see the importance of proclaiming the gospel boldly, engaging people wisely, enduring suffering faithfully, establishing local churches intentionally, and strengthening the mission continually as we participate in God's work of making disciples among all nations. Outline: 1. Proclaim the Gospel Boldly (vv 1-7) 2. Engage People Wisely (vv 8-18) 3. Endure Suffering Faithfully (vv 19-22) 4. Establish Local Churches Intentionally (vv 22-23) 5. Strengthen the Mission Continually (vv 24-28)

Who Really Speaks for God?

Spiritual confusion is everywhere today, and many people are left wondering who truly represents God. In this sermon, Pastor Jon walks through Acts 13 to show how those who really speak for God are people who sit in His presence, are full of His Spirit, and submit to His Word. Those Who Sit in His Presence. (13:1-3) Those Who Are Full of His Spirit. (13:4-12) Those Who Submit to His Word. (13:13-52)

What the Early Church Would Teach Us About Prayer

When trials hit hard and faith feels weak, many believers wonder if prayer really makes a difference. In this sermon, Pastor Jon walks through Acts 12 and shows how the early church responded to fear, grief, and uncertainty through desperate prayer, and how God moved powerfully in the middle of it all. When Trials Come, Pray Together with Desperation. (12:1-5) When Faith Feels Weak, God Still Responds. (12:6-19) When God Responds, He Exceeds Expectations. (12:20-25)

One Church, One Savior

In a world fractured by division, tribalism, and self-centeredness, the gospel of Jesus Christ creates one unified people around one Savior. In this sermon, Pastor Jon walks through Acts 11:19–30 and shows how the early church in Antioch became a diverse yet unified family marked by grace, grounded in God’s Word, and committed to caring for one another. Different Backgrounds, One Grace. (11:19-24) Different People, One Word. (11:25-26) Different Abilities, One Family. (11:27-30)