Far More

We can easily begin to think about God in terms of what is probable instead of what is possible.

We look at our circumstances, our limitations, our communities, even ourselves, and decide what we think can happen. We curb our prayers. We limit our hopes. We play it safe with our lives.

But God is not limited by what seems probable.

God is the God of possibility.

And He has already given us far more than we could ever imagine. Jesus gave His whole self for you. He died for you, rose from the dead for you, and freely gives you forgiveness, eternal life, and the promise of resurrection. There is no probation period. No fine print. No earning your way in.

In Christ, you already have far more than you could imagine.

And when we remember that, we are freed to live differently.

We are freed to pray bigger, trusting God with the things that seem impossible in our lives, our relationships, our communities, and our world.

We are freed to hope bigger, trusting the promises of the God who has already given us His Son and who promises daily bread, forgiveness, and resurrection.

And we are freed to live bigger, generously forgiving, lavishly loving, caring for those in need, serving our neighbors, and trusting that our lives are held by a God whose means are greater than our own.

It is said that we should live within our means.

By no means. We are blessed to live within God's means.

This fall at St. James, we will take three challenges together:

Pray Bigger.

Ask boldly. Pray for healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and transformation in your own life. Pray boldly for St. James. Pray that God would open doors for us to serve our neighborhoods with the peace and joy of Christ. Pray that the people of Chicago would know Jesus.

Hope Bigger.

Don't measure your hope by what you think is possible. Hope in the God who gave His Son for your salvation. Trust His promises and look with confidence toward what He can do through you and through St. James. Hope for new ministries, new opportunities to serve, and even new places where the Gospel can take root.

Live Bigger.

Forgive your enemies. Lavish people with love and kindness. Assume the best of others. Give generously. Serve sacrificially. Wake up each day remembering that suffering is not the end, death does not have the final word, and Christ has already secured your future.

This fall, we will celebrate what God has done, give thanks for what He is doing, and look forward with faith to what He will do next.

Far more than we could ask or imagine.



To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Far More Celebrations:



September 13 - Block Party

September 20 - Prayer Walk

September 27 - Ministry & Fellowship Fair

October 4 - Commitment Sunday