Fort City Church: Recent Episodes
Fort City Church
God’s presence often goes unnoticed—not because He is absent, but because we’re not always aware. Throughout Scripture, people encounter God without realizing it at first: a woman mistakes the risen Jesus for a gardener, disciples don’t recognize Him until He breaks bread, and fishermen fail to see Him on the shore until He fills their nets. These moments reveal a God who is near, even when hidden. Then, at Pentecost, something shifts—God no longer simply appears around His people, He comes to live within them. The Holy Spirit fills ordinary people with extraordinary power, marking them not with a place, but with His presence. Fire no longer falls on altars or mountaintops; it burns in hearts. God’s Spirit becomes the proof of His nearness—empowering, transforming, and dwelling within those who believe.
In seasons of uncertainty, distraction, and change, it's easy to lose focus and drift off course. This message is a call to fix our attention on what matters most. Drawing from scripture and real-life moments, we’re reminded that our direction is shaped by our focus—and that faith often means stepping into the unknown with our eyes locked on the One who leads us. Whether you're in the middle of a storm or standing on the edge of something new, this episode invites you to trust fully, follow faithfully, and refuse to turn back.
God invites ordinary people into extraordinary journeys of faith, often asking them to surrender their deepest securities—family, land, comfort—for something far greater: a life aligned with His purposes. Drawing from the story of Abraham's radical obedience at age 75, the message explores how faith often begins with a promise, is tested through problems, and finds its fulfillment in God’s provision. This isn’t just ancient history—it’s a pattern that plays out today in individuals and churches alike. Whether you're young or old, God may be calling you to go, give, do, or become something for His glory. The question is: will you trust Him enough to say yes? Even when the way forward seems uncertain, God proves faithful, and His strength shines brightest in our weakness. So what “coffin”—what costly yes—are you willing to carry to follow Him fully?
Perspective has the power to shape how we see everything—our struggles, our past, and even our future. Sometimes the truth is right in front of us, but we miss it because our focus is clouded by fear, doubt, or pain. Yet when we fix our eyes on Jesus and place him at the center of our lives, everything else begins to fall into its proper place. The worries that once seemed overwhelming shrink in the light of his presence. Faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting the One who holds them. When we see clearly who Jesus is—our Lord and our God—our whole view of the world shifts, and we find the courage, peace, and clarity we’ve been longing for.
Practicing the Way #2: One study suggests that it takes two adults 50 hours together to move from acquaintance to friend, and an additional 200 hours to become close friends. The best relationships we have come from quality time spent together. What does it look like to spend time with Jesus?
Our kids are not the future church. They are the church today and right now. How can we build families of faith with Jesus at the center?
Since 2010, there has been a dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, and self-harm among children and teenagers. An entire generation is looking for answers and hope but finding none. What can be done? How can parents lead their families through this crisis?
You might have heard the famous story of the Prodigal Son, but have you heard the one about the Prodigal Father? Let's talk about it
3 Hall of Faith-ers #2 - Sarah: If you're tired, you've earned some rest. If you're empty, it means you can be filled. If you've hit rock bottom, you've found a place to start.
3 Hall of Faith-ers #1 - Joshua: God will meet you where you are and take you to places you never thought possible. How to join the adventure.
I AM - Jesus in His own words #6: When you look around you at the brokenness in the world— division, injustice, and the rampancy of death and disease— are you going to put your head down and just survive? Or are we going to be heavenly-minded people who forcefully advance the kingdom of God into the world around us?
I AM - Jesus in His own words #5: Could it be that the hunger deep within can only be satisfied with bread from above?
I AM - Jesus In His Own Words #4: Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches." - John 15:5
I AM: Jesus in His own words #3 - Jesus said, “I AM the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— John 10:14 // Why would Jesus refer to himself as the good shepherd? Let’s talk about it.
I AM - Jesus In His Own Words #2: Jesus answered, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water... The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” - John 4:10,14We're looking at what Jesus meant by saying he will give us "fresh, living water". This gift blesses us and the people around us, let's talk about it.
I AM - Jesus In His Own Words #1: What does it mean for you and me when Jesus says, “I AM the light of the world? How does that impact me personally? Let's talk about it.
Peaks & Valleys #4: God met Elijah in his lowest moment on a mountain peak. Elijah was precious to God, but not only because of his accomplishments. Let's talk about it.
Peaks & Valleys #3: Elijah had fought the good fight, but he was convinced he had failed, that the mission God had sent him on was over, and that it was time to give up. But God supplied him with strength again.
Peaks & Valleys #2: Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal leaves us with a thought-provoking question: Am I fully devoted to the way of Jesus, or am I making compromises that are holding me back?
Peaks & Valleys #1: Elijah has learned to trust God through it all. He knew in the desert wasteland that, the God of Heaven was faithful to provide. Elijah is not afraid of scarcity or intimated by these circumstances. He has been to Peaks & Valleys.
Join us as we gather online only. This is a chance for us to pause, rest, and remember the faithfulness of God to our church and each one of us.
Hard Sayings of Jesus #5: Not peace but a sword? What did Jesus mean? Join us as we explore these hard words of Jesus.
Hard Sayings of Jesus #3: Nobody wants to suffer. Nobody wants to hurt. Nobody wants to fail. So why did Jesus choose to opt-in to the optional suffering? Lets talk about it.
The War Within #1: Life can be a lot. Adulting is hard. There's always one more thing. Is there hope? Let's talk about it.
Crucial Conversations with Your Kids #6: Join us as we hear from three mothers on how their faith has impacted their parenting and how being a parent has affected their relationship with God.
Crucial Conversations With Your Kids #3: The device in your hand right now is a powerful gateway to everything you might ever want to know... but it can also be destructive to your emotional and physical health. How can we have device discipline in a digital world?
Crucial Conversations With Your Kids #2: Does it seem like the world is getting meaner and not kinder? Let's talk about it.
When it seemed like all hope was gone and death was the end of Jesus' story, He is Risen!Three days after his death, Jesus came back to life, victorious over sin, death, and the grave! Jesus’ resurrection changed everything!
Beginning with Palm Sunday, Holy Week reminds us that love conquers all. Join us as we talk through the last week of Jesus' life, remember His death, and celebrate His resurrection.
Breakthrough #4: Do the words of an ancient Celtic prayer have relevance today? Let's look at St. Patrick's Breastplate. A prayer of protection. A prayer of breakthrough. A prayer that changed history.
Breakthrough #3: Explore what it means to have your heart broken by the things that break God's heart. That's the key to experiencing breakthrough prayer.
Breakthrough #2: Our problems can often leave us feeling powerless. When you’re connected to God, you won’t feel like you have to be all-powerful and all-knowing—because God is! Let's talk about it.
Breakthrough #1: Where do you put your trust? Your prayer life might be an indicator of where your trust lies. Let's talk about how prayer is a great resource for us.
Word & Power #2: We want to know God’s word; it’s so good for us. But we want to know his power too. We want to know God’s word and experience God’s Power. So, what is God’s power? Let’s talk about it.
Word & Power #1: Is the Bible trustworthy? Is it scientific? Is it relevant for today? Is it even true?
Reset #4: Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel? Are you ready to quit? There's hope.
Reset #2: If change was easy, our bookshelves wouldn't be filled with all those self-help books.What if you can only do your part and you have to ask Jesus to do his part?
Reset #1: Fresh powder on the hill. An empty journal. A white canvas. Unblemished beginnings become what you make them. Do you need a fresh start? Does your life need a reset? Let's talk about it.
What story do you tell about yourself? So many of us let our past failures stop us from embracing the good plans of God for our futures. We suffer in shame with how we’ve hurt ourselves and others. We don’t allow ourselves to receive the freedom and forgivenessthat Jesus offers us.
Sometimes we read these stories, we hear them preached, and we think, "Wow, Jesus did some pretty awesome things". He really loved to do those things back then. But, these stories don’t just happen in the pages of history. This isn’t just who Jesus was or what Jesus did. This is who Jesus is and what he does now.
Advent #2: Mystics from a faraway land followed a star to the place where they found infant Jesus. They gave him something every baby needs... gold, myrrh, and frankincense. What will you give to the king?
Advent #1: Years ago, in a quiet village in the middle of nowhere, a teenage girl had to answer the question, "Do I believe God keeps his promises?" Her answer changed everything.Do you believe God keeps his promises?
This Sunday, we're hosting special guest worship leader and speaker Jon Bauer! He's been leading worship for 27 years and is a JUNO AWARD nominee, 8-time GMA Covenant Award Winner and Independent Music Awards Winner.
Daniel - Thriving In Babylon #9: It was 2,187 years ago that Daniel sat down with pen and parchment and wrote his story of exile and what God had placed on his heart. What can this ancient text teach a modern reader? Should words from so long ago still inform how we live today?
Daniel - Thriving in Babylon #7: There is a way, in which the story of Daniel in the lions' den mirrors the greatest story ever told, the story of Jesus. God doesn’t always steer us around the valley of the shadow of death, but he always walks through it us. God doesn’t always stop us from going through things that cause us to suffer, but he always suffers them with us. People who thrive in hard places are the ones who have learned to trust God in hard places.
Daniel - Thriving In Babylon #6: Yet another dream or vision, but the dream gets darker for Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel - Thriving In Babylon #5: Deadends become adventures. Set-backs become set-ups. Lost becomes found. Life begins when you trust the one who always keeps his promises.
Daniel - Thriving in Babylon #4: Today we see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego draw a line that sees them tossed into a fiery furnace.
Daniel - Thriving In Babylon #3: Faith grows when it's challenged. Resilience is built through adversity. Character is forged in the fire.So what's the temperature in your life right now?
Daniel - Thriving In Babylon #2: When you read the Old Testament book of Daniel from cover to cover, you discover that deep healthy relationships with people who lived and believed so much differently than he did, was the key to how God used him so powerfully.
Daniel - Thriving In Babylon #1: Sometimes it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Thrive? How about just survive? But what if Jesus has more for you than just surviving?
Christian Atheist #5: We are an ocean away from the origin of the church, so many years later, talking about Jesus. The church should not exist. Yet here we are.
Christian Atheist #4: What if you're the answer to someone else's prayer? Let's talk about it.
Christian Atheist #3: What is it about shame that makes us want to run away and hide? Let's talk about it.
Christian Atheist #2: It doesn't feel good to be accused of something that isn't true. It's even worse when you start to believe it. What can we do when we believe in God... but also believe the lies of the enemy of our souls?
Christian Atheist #1: You might believe your parachute will open, but do you believe it enough to jump? When it comes to Christianity, what's the relationship between faith and action? Let's talk about it
On the seventh day, he rested. Rest and rejuvenation are part of the Jesus way. Today there are no in-person services. Instead, listen in on a short, online, morning devotional. Commit to spending the day doing things that are good for your soul.
The first are last. The weak are strong. The lost are found. The humble are lifted up. Jesus is constantly flipping the script.
He gives us his peace, purpose, and forgiveness. What if it's so we can turn around and pass it on to the next person? Freely you have received; freely give. Let's talk about it.
Based On A True Story #2: Anger. Bitterness. Jealousy. They're ugly, but the Grace of God is beautiful. Let's talk about why and how to move on from bitterness.
Based On A True Story #1: Have you ever been in the right place at the right time? Maybe there was a bigger reason for the coincidence. Let's talk about how God uses people and circumstances to change our lives.
Because of God's overwhelming love for us, we have hope. He loves us. He is with us. He has more for us. Let's talk about it.
Doubt & Faith #2: Let's look at two questions that are most troubling for people who would like to have faith.
Doubt & Faith #1: If faith is so important… if it’s such a big deal to God that we say that we’re “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8)—faith alone—then why does faith sometimes not seem to make a bigger difference in people’s lives? Let's talk about it.
Mark Batterson said, “When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things?" Let's talk about why risk might be right.
Let's look at the big picture of the Gospel Story and the reality of spiritual warfare. Let's talk about what our role is in being agents of God’s Kingdom come to this city and our world.
Faith to move mountains. Lose your faith. An act of faith. In good faith. Crisis of faith. Show of bad faith. Blind faith. Leap of faith.What even is faith?
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known Bible passages, it’s been quoted at funerals, in movies, and even in rap songs. But today, let's talk about what Psalm 23 reveals about the character of God.
Blow a fuse. A heavy heart. Over the moon. Feeling blue. Pleased as punch. Hopping mad. Happy as a clam. The number of emotions we feel is only eclipsed but the number of ways we describe them. God made us to feel.
One in four of Jesus' parables deals with personal finances or uses money as an illustration. Jesus cares for spirits, our minds, our bodies—and yes—even our finances. What would financial freedom mean to you?
You walked away. Did your own thing. Went your own way. There's no going back... or is there? Maybe Jesus is waiting to pick things up right where you left them. Let's talk about it.
Have you ever been frustrated that you are not growing in your faith as much as you want? What would it take for your faith and experience with God to reach a whole new level?
When it seemed like all hope was gone and death was the end of Jesus' story, He is Risen! Three days after his death, Jesus came back to life, victorious over sin, death, and the grave! Jesus’ resurrection changed everything!
A rising tide lifts all boats. When we thrive our neighbours will too. Why what we do together matters.
Break the bank. Bring home the bacon. Bread and butter. Money talks. Time is money. Go dutch. Quick buck. We know how to talk about money, but sometimes we struggle to manage it.
Boom and bust. Feast and famine. Abundance and scarcity. Prosperity and poverty. If you're trapped in the cycle, it's time to find freedom.
It's been said that when you're blessed financially, it's better to increase your standard of giving than your standard of living. What do you think?
When you thrive, others rejoice. When you thrive, others are blessed. Your family is blessed. The people you work with are blessed. Your neighbours are blessed. And when we thrive together as a church family, the city rejoices. The city is excited that we exist. When we thrive together as a church, we bless this city as more and more people are touched and changed by the holy love of Jesus.
Our identity can take some hits in life. From the opinions of others, the lies we believe about ourselves, or the whispers of the enemy, we can live our lives out of brokenness instead of health. Let's talk through some truths that God gives us about our identity. There's good news for us.
Your kids need you to lead them, empower them, and love them. And they especially need you to pray for them. Let's talk about it.
The current rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide in teens and children are at unprecedented highs. They need a light in the dark, a place to belong, and hope for tomorrow. Let's talk about it.
Let's talk about identity and sexuality and how we as Jesus' followers are to navigate a world where your biological sex does not necessarily define your gender. How can we lead with love in these areas?
Being a parent is an adventure. Being a kid should be too. Let's talk about how to raise outdoor kids in an inside world.
There are no perfect families. We're all just doing our best. So, how can we set ourselves and our families up for success? Let's talk about it.
"We've always done it this way..." is not a good enough reason to keep doing something. How do you know when it's time for a change? Let's talk about it.
Sometimes to know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve been. Deep roots make for a healthy tree. A firm foundation makes for a sturdy structure.If there is a time for firm foundations, it is now.
"He is JesusThe one who thunders through the heavens yet whispers to our heartsWho reigns victorious yet bows to serve the brokenHe is God in the fury, God in the silence."
Advent #4: Joy is a choice, it is the determined choice to praise God, honor God, and thank God in all things. That's a whole lot different than just feeling good. Joy is a choice. God wants a joy-filled life for you.
Advent #3: Jesus lived a scandalous life. Scandalous because he elevated and gave value to people that society was content just to throw away. He gave women a voice. He treated children with dignity. He expressed racial equality. If Jesus had a people, it was the down and out, the abused and forgotten, and the marginalized.
Advent #2: We are looking at a series of events leading up to the birth of Jesus, and how all along the way, it was a series of holy interruptions. Of God breaking into the lives of normal people and giving them a choice to maintain the status quo or interrupt it for something greater.
Advent Hope: The beauty of advent is that we don’t just look back at Jesus's birth and remember the night hope was born. We don’t just cling to history. In advent hope, we look forward to a day when Jesus himself makes all things new again.
Reset Your Mind #7: Our culture and major religions of the world encourage a performance-based system. What you do, and how you act, determine whether you are good. Earn this, earn that. What did Jesus teach? What do we need to do to be right with God? Is it our good deeds? Acts of service? Spoiler: it's neither of those.
Reset Your Mind #6: Are your old ways of thinking still finding their way into your life? Are you looking for peace and stability in Jesus-less substitutes? You want to follow the Jesus way but still find yourself looking for spirituality in places other than Him. Jesus wants to reset the way you think.
Reset Your Mind #4: Jesus never said, “Come to me, all of you who have it all together and figured out." He said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens.” Are you feeling burdened? weary? discouraged? Bring it to Jesus.
Guest Doug Balzer speaks on the matter of overcoming shame in the believer’s life. Shame is a huge barrier to spiritual and relational growth. Shame and guilt are related but are different. Many believers experience freedom from guilt but shame still lingers. Why is that?
Reset Your Mind #3: The great theologian and thinker Jackie Chan once said, "The key to winning the battle for your mind is where you put your focus." What do you think? Is he right? Let's talk about it.
Reset Your Mind #2: What if genuinely knowing ourselves begins by looking at God and noticing how God is looking at us? Let's talk about it.
Reset Your Mind #1: Does the news cycle get you down? Is your social feed full of anxiety? Does it feel like life is just one frustration after another? It might be time to reset the way you think about yourself, God, and the world we live in. Let's talk about it.
Bill Finnemore's boots have been on the ground in Ukraine and is our main contact helping us assist refugees. Listen as he joins us to talk about what to do when our friends come under fire.
We find ways to keep Jesus at arm’s length. We find ways to keep Jesus in the church building. Even though Jesus wants to walk beside us.
Disruptive honesty can make everyone feel a little uncomfortable. Maybe that's what we need sometimes. Let’s talk about how you can count on Jesus to tell you the truth in the best way possible.
It's true. God has a sense of humour. He even invented the smile. So, why do so many people think of him as angry, upset, or worse—indifferent?
Sure, he's holy, but what if he's also playful? cunning? fierce? generous? disruptive? Maybe it's time to shatter our stained-glass version of Jesus. Let's talk about it in our new message series, Beautiful Outlaw.
Jesus exchanges our lack for his abundance... our not good enough for his better than... our fear for his love.
Jonah #3: He's all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. He doesn't need anything. And yet... he invites us to be part of his work in the world. What it means to be on mission with Jesus.
Jonah #2: You can have a second chance, and God can use you. Maybe you feel like your story is over because of mistakes you’ve made or sins you’ve committed. Get up again. Your story isn’t over.
Jonah #1: Most of you think Jonah is a kids' story. It might have more to say to us than you might imagine! Let's talk about it.
Feeling like you're in a spiritual desert? Only Jesus can show us the way out. Only Jesus is able satisfy the deepest desire of our soul. And good news, He has more for you.
To the men of Fort City: you have the drive to serve, provide and protect. You have the drive to fight for what is right. And my challenge to you is to constantly pray: “Lord Jesus, open my eyes that I may see. Show me my spiritual battle so I can step into it and fight in the power of the Holy Spirit."
It's easier to break something than it is to put it back together. It works that way with you too. Let's talk about it.
Shakespeare quipped "This above all: to thine own self be true." Is it really that simple? Or is there a better way?
Have you ever noticed that willpower doesn’t work? How many diets have you started? How many exercise programs have you started? How many times have you said no to that urge only to go and do it?
It's been said a penny ain't worth a dime anymore. Gain HELP and HOPE as you learn practical and Biblical ways to win with your money, with guest speaker Joe Sangl.
Each person is a beautiful and often messy entanglement of body, mind, and spirit. When one suffers the others do too. How knowing your identity can bring healing.
Part 2: There is a battle going on for our minds. It is truly a spiritual war for your life. We have to make a commitment, with God’s help, to guard our minds.
Part 1: The path to wholeness starts with surrendering to God’s way of thinking and rejecting the destructive thoughts of our upbringing and world. There are choices we must make to start moving forward towards mental health and wholeness.
Hold out for God’s best, for God’s blessing. It’s worth a little fight. It’s worth the wrestling match. It’s worth the radical surrender of our lives to Jesus and his mission to bless our world.
Part 2: Some things are just designed to be given away. What if you've been blessed to be a blessing to someone else?
Part 1: Count your blessings. A blessing in disguise. Give your blessing. Oh, bless your heart. God bless you. What is a blessing? Let's talk about it.
Prayer: Move Heaven & Change Earth #3 - The closest galaxy to ours is Andromeda. If you traveled at the speed of light it would take you 2.5 million years to get there. It can feel like God is 2.5 million light-years away, too. Let's talk about God, us, and the space between.
Prayer - Move Heaven & Change Earth #2: Sometimes it can feel like our prayers are too insignificant to bother God with. But here's the thing, even though God has all the power and knowledge in the universe, he still invites us to come to him in prayer.
Prayer: Move Heaven & Change Earth #1 - At Fort City everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and anything is possible.... And "anything is possible" because of the power of prayer.
Welcome, Sarah Hunter. She works at the Western District of The Alliance Canada. She is the Discipling Environments Catalyst there, and has a particular passion for helping churches grow in the area making disciples of Jesus.
Join us as we hear from Miriam Charter, a mission practitioner, retired professor, speaker, and mobilizer based in Calgary. For ten years, she served faithfully as an international worker in communist Europe with the underground church.
We want everything God has to offer without our giving anything up. We fear if go all in with Jesus, we’ll miss out on adventurous, abundant life. That’s a lie.
Have you ever wondered if you’re just a cog in some oil sands machine? Hey, your work really does matter! Let's talk about it.
In this crazy world have you ever wondered what on earth you are here for? Could it be that you have a unique mission that you alone can fulfill?
Homework: Picking a different question each day, take at least 30 mins to listen in prayer to what Jesus might be saying to you. 1. What will be the center of my life? 2. What will be the character of my life? 3. What will be the contribution of my life? 4. What will be my life message?
You yearn for life to the full. There’s so much stuff that’s in the way. You need a fresh start.
Homework: Picking a different question each day, take at least 30 mins to listen in prayer to what Jesus might be saying to you. 1. What does God want to do in your life this year? 2. How does God want your family to serve Him this year? 3. What does God want your marriage to look like? 4. How does God want you to be a part of his mission in his church?
In a world full of trouble, can your life flourish? How do we link into God’s promise that he has good plans full of hope for us?
Homework: Picking a different question each day, take at least 30 mins to listen in prayer to what Jesus might be saying to you. 1. What does God want to do in your life this year? 2. How does God want your family to serve Him this year? 3. What does God want your marriage to look like? 4. How does God want you to be a part of his mission in his church?
What if God’s vision for my life is so profound that it really does defy the mess of this world I live in? Join us as we explore the awesome power of vision.
Homework: Picking a different question each day, take at least 30 mins to listen in prayer to what Jesus might be saying to you. 1. What does God want to do in your life this year? 2. How does God want your family to serve Him this year? 3. What does God want your marriage to look like? 4. How does God want you to be a part of his mission in his church?
What would our lives look like if we chose to take on each moment with Jesus at the center? Not just the teachings of Jesus. Not just the idea of Jesus. Not some existential sense of Jesus. But the person, Jesus.
Christmas at Fort City #5: In John's Gospel, he refers to himself "as the one that Jesus loved." Seems a bit arrogant at first glance. But maybe John's trust teaches us how a realization of Jesus's love can change our whole identity.
What happens when light enters the darkness? Here in Fort McMurray, we know the answer better than most. We’ve got some of the coldest and darkest days during Christmas time, but up against the darkness, our lights shine brightly. Christmas lights of joy light up our dark streets from 4pm to 9am. Christmas trees with white lights in our living rooms remind us that hope isn’t far away. Our hands might be cold, but our hearts are warm and full of a loving light that illuminates the way for others. Our joy, hope, and love are gifts from a God who loves us, who chose to bring his light into a dark world. Christmas at Fort City is all about celebrating the birth of the light of the world, Jesus.
Christmas at Fort City #4: We get true joy from our God. Jesus wants to fill your life with joy, and as he fills you with his joy it will be strength for you. You can have joy instead of bitterness, resentment, and anger.
That first Christmas reminds us that Jesus the light will break through our darkness, but it also reminds us that the pain that lurks in the darkness will be one day wiped away. Let's look forward to that future Christmas when Jesus will return and make all that is wrong, right.
Christmas at Fort City #2: The real war on Christmas is the war on materialism. Why Jesus invites us to be generous people...
Christmas at Fort City #1: Advent, the four weeks leading to Christmas is all about walking out of darkness into light. We’re all struggling with a little darkness these days and could use a little hope.
Sometimes the life journey can be exhilarating, sometimes terrifying. Let's talk about how “real faith” means reaching out a hand to others on the journey.
In a polarized world that leaves so many drowning in despair and pain, what does it mean to really love your neighbour?
They will know we are Christians by our... spite? rude internet comments? judgement? That doesn't sound right. Let's talk about it .
This Halloween you could turn the lights off and pretend no one is home OR you could open your door discover a new way to love your neighbour. Besides... why should the devil get all the fun holidays? Let's talk about it.
This Is What We Do #3: Blow a gasket. Go ballistic. Boil over. Bite your head off. Fly off the handle. Hit the roof. Up in arms. See red. Anger is a powerful emotion that's better at bringing things crashing down than building them up.
This Is What We Do #2: When Jesus showed up on the scene the 10 Commandments had ballooned to over 600 written and verbal laws. When he was done? Only one seemed to matter. Why our faith must become less about what we don't do and more about what we do.
This Is What We Do #1: E N D U R A N C E // Pain and trouble will bend us, but we will not be broken. How hardship can pull you closer to the light.
The Mission of Fort City #2: Sometimes looking back is just as important as looking forward. Knowing where you've been, helps you know where you're going. The story of Fort City.
They're angry at us and we're angry at them. He's mad at her and she's mad at him. They went too far and they didn't go far enough. Rage seems to be catching these days, but it doesn't have to. There's a better way. Let's talk about it.
The Mission of Fort City #1: It isn't an easy job, but someones gotta do it. Why it's more important to BE the church, than to GO to church.
He Is #4: It took the disciples a while to understand who Jesus was. They went through failure, success, ups, downs, trials, and tribulations. All before Jesus knew they were finally ready to answer his question, “Who do you say I am?”
He Is #2: What if the turmoil we sometimes feel inside, is our soul telling us something is wrong? What if disturbing our peace is the only path to experiencing real peace? Don't ignore your check engine light. Let's talk about it
He Is #1: Of the 35 recorded miracles of Jesus, 28 of them were for physical or mental healing. He was a healer... is that still who he is? Let's talk about it
The God Who Is #4: Sometimes a little hope can make all the difference. How to find that hope.
The God Who Is #3: Sometimes life gives and sometimes it takes. How to discover your wholeness in God.
The God Who Is #2: Sometimes it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. How to find your way in the middle of the chaos.
Even Now #4: God’s promise isn’t that we could avoid all the dark valleys. His promise is that he will walk through them with us. He knows just how dark things can get and he’s committed to caring for us through it all.
You may have been raised in a church that emphasized the leadership of the husband and dad in the home, or a church that sees very little difference in the roles that men and women play - apart from their biological differences. What Paul was doing in his teaching about the home was to carefully bust through the extreme patriarchy of his day ....
Even Now #2: Let’s imagine that you are Peter. Jesus gives you a basket full of scraps that he just prayed for and tells you to feed all of these people. You know it’s not enough. How is this going to work? But then something happens...
Amen #7: Whether you know it or not... you're in a battle of the ages. How prayer gives you a fighting chance.
Amen #6: "God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer." - Mother Teresa How to pray and listen.
Amen #5: You asked. God Heard. Nothing happened. What's the deal with unanswered prayers?
Amen #4: One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them. How to love your neighbour through prayer,
Amen #3: I believe in miracles, Since you came alooong 🎵 What miracle are you believing God for? Don’t give up asking. Why asking is important.
Amen #1: They said "Teach us to pray" and he began with "Our Father." The power of prayer..
Why Easter? He wanted you to know real, unconditional love. He wanted to give you a fresh start right when you needed one. He wanted you to realize the future is worth fighting for. He wanted you to know he has a purpose for you. He wanted to give you a way to have victory over sin and darkness.
Palm Sunday at Fort City: Don't doubt in the dark what God has taught you in the light. Hold on. Take heart. Dare further.
The Wild Goose #4: Jesus came for the injured and the broken. How the church is a hospital for the hurting.
The Wild Goose #4: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. How you can be a spark in the shadow.
The Wild Goose #3: Anybody got a light? Life gets dark. The good news? Light pushes back darkness every. single. time. How to walk in the light.
The Wild Goose #2: What does your name mean? and does it ring true? Join us in this message where we ask the question, "what's in a name?".
Does it sometimes feel like you're stuck? Caught between who you used to be and who you want to become? How to get unstuck.
Who are you? It seems like an easy enough question to answer. Maybe it's not as simple as it appears, let's talk about it.
Sometimes life can feel like a battle. What if the important thing isn't what you bring to the fight, but who?
How would your life change if you started living like what the Bible said is true? Let's talk about it.
So you were made on purpose for a purpose, but where are you supposed to start? Let's talk about it.
It's the last Sunday of 2020. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Basically, everyone in the Christmas story must have been exhausted. Traveling wise men, shepherds working the night shift, and parents with a brand new baby. Are you tired, too? What to do about it.
Sometimes it's easy to miss something important even when it's right in front of you. What does it mean to 'look up' this Christmas?
It might not be your fault, but it could still be your problem. How to see the plan in the pandemonium.
The very first Christmas was off to a rough start; an unplanned teenage pregnancy. People started talking. And 2000 years later, we're still talking about it. Sometimes when everything goes wrong it's so things can go so amazingly right.
Jesus will give you peace in the middle of storms if you seek him for it. If you are not a follower of Jesus, hopefully, this alone causes you to consider becoming one.
When Jesus showed up on the scene, there were over 600 moral laws to follow. When he was done, only one seemed to matter. Let's talk about it.
David’s life and his writings are a constant roller coaster ride of good and bad, hopeful and hopeless, whole and broken, found and lost. For every right thing he did, there was a wrong thing to counter it. So how come this guy is remembered as a man whole followed after God's own heart?
God doesn’t meet us at the promised land, his promise is to meet us in the present. I am with you. It’s been his promise to us right from the beginning.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and so does faith. How to put one foot in front of the other.
What if where you've been is just as important as where you're going? Let's look back to help us see the way forward.
Eye for an eye or turn the other cheek? Hurt those who hurt you or pray for them? Love your neighbour... and your enemy?! Jesus taught some pretty scandalous stuff in his time.
Rebellious. A drunk and a glutton. A mad man. Delusional. Jesus had quite a reputation in his day. Let's talk about it.
Love your neighbour. Equality for women. Dignity for children. Racial reconciliation. Intrinsic value.
In his time Jesus had some pretty scandalous ideas. Let's talk about them in our new message series, "Scandalous Jesus."
Ever tried something new only to fail miserably at it? Us too. Why it's better to try and fail than to just sit on the sidelines.
It can be easy to get lost in a storm. To feel alone and cut off. What's on the other side of the storm.
What if your “new normal” looked a lot like hope, wellness, and healing? Don’t be trapped by old choices that hold you back. Reach forward and see what God has for you.
Summer has come in fresh with cold slushies and bike rides and late-night campfires after long days. Maybe summer 2020 is calling you to start fresh and drop the things that have been keeping life stale.
It's easy to think of Jesus as a superhero that is nothing like us. But he knew what it was like to get tired, to be hurt, and feel alone... and he knows what it's like to be you. How he might be more like us than we realize.
Crooked paths become straight. Old turns to new. Broken made whole. Lost is found. Death becomes life. It's just what he does.
🎼 I once was blind, but now I see 🎵
Maybe you know the song, but do you know what it means?
If doing the same thing over and over again isn't working for you, maybe it's time to stop and see if there is a better way.
Some days there just isn't enough coffee in the world. What to do when your running on empty. Sorry for the Pre-Service Slide Easter Blooper, we know its not Easter. We hope you had a Happy one, but don't worry, this service is from May 17.
Sometimes it feels like there is no way out. Like someone turned off the light at the end of the tunnel. Take heart; it's still there. How to see the hope through the hardship.
Does your family life look a bit strange these days? Ours does too. How to embrace the opportunity in the inconvenience.
It's not going to be easy, but we can do it if we do it together. What it means to be the church.
Feel like you're on a bad ride? The joy of Palm Sunday turned into the terror of Good Friday, that unexpectedly gave way to the triumph of Easter.
When the going gets tough... the tough get going. Why you are tougher than you realize.
We've been here before and we proved we are #fortmcmurraystrong. Why it's so important to remember #weareinthistogether even if it's #togetherathome
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of POWER and LOVE and SELF-CONTROL." 2 Timothy 1:7
Sometimes a good question is better than a bad answer. So, how do we figure out the right questions?
Is knowledge really powerful? Only when it leads to action. Where to find the power to change yourself and the world around you.
Some of us have dysfunctional finances. Thankfully, it's your money and you can decide to take control of it. What will you do with the finances you've been given?
Your family probably never has any conflict... but if you know any that do, we've got some ideas that might help them.
It ain't easy being a kid these days. Bullies in their pockets and the weight of the world on their shoulders. What can be done?
Some relationships are just downright toxic. What it looks like to love your neighbour even if they are a jerk.
Don't worry, it's not just you; we are all a little bit dysfunctional. Why having it all together is maybe a little overrated.
Labels: Some of the labels we wear can be pretty limiting. Failure. Screwup. Loser. What's on yours? What would change if we saw ourselves the way God sees us?
Light in Darkness: On Christmas Eve in Fort McMurray, the sun will set at 3:49pm making it one of the shortest and darkest days of the year. Not at Fort City though; we know a light that shines in the darkness and our hope is to brighten the night with music and candlelight with friends and family.
God With Us: The Christmas message is “God with us, Immanuel,” and that Immanuel wants to empower us to live and love like Jesus, to serve like Jesus, to make a difference in our city and world because of Jesus.
Hope: It might not be your fault, but it could still be your problem. When things don't go your way, you can let it be a setback or an opportunity.
Peace: She brought him into the world, found him when he got lost, encouraged his first miracle, and courageously stood at the foot of the cross as her son breathed his last breath. What we can learn from Mary, mother of Jesus.
God is at work in this church. You can see it. You can feel it. Lives are changing, and people are meeting Jesus.
Someone wise once said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart is also." Why we think they might just be onto something important.
Falling Behind: Sometimes it can feel like every time you take two steps forward you take 3 steps backward. How to fight when it feels like you're falling behind.
Hope in the battle: We are at war, but not as many of us picture war. Our new nature because of Jesus is at war with our old nature. We will take one more look at this battle for ourselves, and see yet again how the Apostle Paul is so full of hope for us in this war. We’ll look at what causes our self-destruction and then the power of the Holy Spirit who is available to us to help us overcome our destructive ways.
The battle for our souls has an eternal impact. We have to face head-on the world around us, the Evil-One, and our old nature. We will not succeed by human willpower alone. The Apostle Paul knows the emotional pain and frustration and he knows the way out …
Ever find yourself doing the very things you said you weren't going to do? You're not alone. The good news is, there is a way to stop the cycle.
More to Faith: “God won't give you more than you can handle.” “God works in mysterious ways." “When God closes a door, he opens a window.”
What if there is more to faith than cheeky platitudes?
Strength: Failure turns to success. A loss becomes a win. Fear changes to courage. How to transform weakness into strength.
Fighting Well: Having faith isn't just about turning the other cheek. Sometimes it means fighting for what is right and what is good. How to fight the good fight.
Evil: There are powers at work that are beyond what we normally see. They are real.. and they have influence. But because of Jesus we have hope and we can overcome.
Politics & Faith: Politics can get ugly. With the election coming up it can be easy to vilify those you disagree with. What would it look like if Christians filtered their politics through their faith... rather than filtering their faith through their politics?
Remember: Three crosses, one a cross of redemption; one a cross of rejection and one a cross of rejection. The whole story of the bible is found in these three crosses…
Might as well embrace it: Failure is inevitable. It's what you do after you fail, that can make all the difference.
Commitment: Maybe you go to the gym. Maybe you went back to school. Maybe you listen to podcasts on the bus. That's because you know it takes work to get better. Why it's the same with your faith.
Happy People: What do most happy people have in common? They are at peace with themselves, with other people, and often, with God. What it takes to make it happen.
Love: Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is... reckless? Well, that doesn't seem right.
Do Not Judge: Jesus said, "Do not judge." So why is it that so many of us get that wrong? If you're the kind of person who avoids going to church because you say you might burst into flames at the front door, this podcast is for you.
Peace?: Sometimes Jesus was totally polarizing. Sometimes Jesus said the most uncomfortable things. Yet those uncomfortable words lead to the life we’ve always wanted. Let's look at some difficult but life-giving words of Jesus.
Faith: Feeling a bit desperate, but then add a little faith and you just might see the power of Jesus at work.
Fear: The storm comes out of nowhere. The fear is intense. Debilitating. But there is One whom we should fear who will quell every other fear.
Temptation: Sometimes we do the very thing we decided not to do. Even though we know it's not good for us. How to stand firm in the face of temptation.
Repentance: Fear for love; anxiety for hope; brokenness for wholeness; emptiness for overflowing; death for life. Why baptism is a beautiful exchange.
Fort City Car Show: What does a Father's Day car show have to do with Jesus? Why would a church throw a car show?
Family: Chances are you probably have a few broken branches and scars on your family tree. That's okay. Jesus did too.
I was there when Jesus...: It might feel easy to write off the stories of Jesus as exaggerations or even fiction. What would it mean to trust the eyewitness accounts? To believe the words of the ones who were actually there?
Our Father in Heaven..: When it comes to family we need all the help we can get. That's why we have to be in this together. Our last message in the series.
Fatherly Love: 'Dad' is not an emotionally neutral word. It can evoke memories spanning from pain to joy. What can we learn about family by looking at how God loves us?
The Untold Story: Much of history is recorded through the lens of men. Hear the untold story of the women at the foot of the cross.
Monuments: What would it mean for us, for our families, to be able to move into our future, without forgetting the lessons we learned in our past? Maybe where we came from, is just as important as where we are going.
Sometimes family can be the shelter in the storm. But what are you supposed to do if your family IS the storm? Why sometimes family is so difficult to get right and what you can do to make it better.
Death to Life: We all have imperfections, cracks, and brokenness. The story of Easter reminds us that nothing is so broken that it can’t be made whole again. Broken to whole. Lost to found. Fear to love. Death to life.
Empowered: The Holy Ghost isn't a magical force that gives you powers. He's a person who works with you so you can become who you were created to be.
Live Fully: Is there more to the Holy Ghost than goosebumps and emotions? We think so. How he wants to lead and empower you to live a fuller life.
More: Father, Son and.... Holy Ghost? Join us this Sunday for the start of a new message series on one of the most mysterious and misunderstood parts of the Christian faith.
St. Patrick's Day: Green rivers, green hats, and green beer. Is there more to St. Patricks day than shammrocks? We think so.
Marriage: A recent Gallup study showed only 27% of Millennials are married. At the same ages, 65% of Boomers were married. What's the deal? Is marriage still relevant?
Sex: A great poet once said about sex that "You and me baby, ain't nothing but mammals." Were they right or is there more to it than that? Let's talk about sex.
A Movement: We are in this together. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are a movement with far-reaching impact and each of us has a part to play. We won’t do this alone.
Leaders: The best followers make the best leaders. The least of these are actually the greatest. The last are actually first.
Unfollow: When someone posts or does something you don't like, it's pretty easy to hit that 'unfollow' button. But what do you do when that person is Jesus?
Rules: Is faith really all about rules and restrictions? Is the bible just a list of things you're not allowed to do? Is God just waiting around for you to screw up so he can kick you out of the club?
Faith: Fear stops you from going as far and as high as you were meant to go. How the opposite of fear is actually faith.
Mess: Sometimes love is neat and tidy, but more often then not, it can actually be pretty messy. What it means to wade into the mess and why it's worth it.
Invitation: Our world is more connected and accessible than at any other time in history. So why do studies show that feelings of loneliness and isolation are on the rise? Maybe it's time to start something new. Maybe it's worth giving church a chance.