McKernan Baptist Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
McKernan Baptist Church
Welcome to our podcast! McKernan Baptist Church exists to become a community of fully devoted and developed followers of Jesus Christ that reaches our world with his transforming love and truth.
This morning we are continuing in our Sermon on the Mount series. Pastor Terry will be looking at Matthew 7:13-23 and exploring what Jesus was saying to the disciples, and to us, about the need to make good decisions.
On this day our thoughts may be drawn to our fathers who may have had a significant impact on our lives. Likewise, today we are going to consider our Heavenly Father who desires to be in relationship with us, His sons and daughters. God wants us to share with Him all that is on our heart and the cares and concerns we have. Jesus invites us to Ask, Seek and Knock through our prayers, and trust that our heavenly Father will provide what is best and what is in accordance with His will.
We are blessed to join with one another to worship the Lord God Almighty. We are one week past the celebration of Pentecost! Today our worship will reflect the reality that a tremendous movement was launched through the giving of the Holy Spirit and continues today. As we keep Moving Forward, lets join to discover what it is that He is calling us to do and be, as a response to His immense grace and love for us.
This morning we are stepping out of our sermon series to celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Just as we celebrate the birth of Christ, His death and resurrection, believers also mark the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out, inaugurating a new age in the Kingdom of God. Pastor Melissa will be teaching from Acts 2, inviting us to consider how the Holy Spirit works in our lives today.
This week Pastor Nathanael will be preaching about what it means to be people of faith in a world that worries over everything. Worry often reveals a commitment to our personal security and control, but as people of God, we turn to and trust the living God with our every need. Lets take a deep dive into Matthew 6:24-33 together!
Last week we finished our mini-series on the Lords Prayer, and today we will be continuing on through the Sermon on the Mount. In todays passage Pastor Dave will look at 3 short teachings of Jesus that, when understood in the right context, will lead us towards being able to live a non-anxious life. We will look at what Jesus has to say about our treasures, our vision, and our masters. Well see 3 different laws of the human heart, and look at 3 important questions that we all answer in our lives every day.
Today we are concluding our three-week series on The Lords Prayer. In todays passage Pastor Mike will look at what Jesus teaches us with regards to praying through forgiveness, both our need to receive it and to extend it. As well, we will look at what Jesus teaches about praying through the areas in our life where we face temptation and how we can reach out for Gods help in running away from those areas where we often succumb to temptation.
Today we are continuing in our three-week series on The Lords Prayer. In todays passage we will look at what it means to pray for His Kingdom and will to come in us and through us, what our prayer for His daily provision frees us from, and how praying as He taught us heals and strengthens us to follow Him.
Today we are continuing in our three-week series on The Lords Prayer. In todays passage we will look at what it means to pray for His Kingdom and will to come in us and through us, what our prayer for His daily provision frees us from, and how praying as He taught us heals and strengthens us to follow Him.
Though we are one week past Easter, we continue to praise God for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the event that changed everything! Today our worship will reflect the reality that a tremendous movement was launched through the Resurrection and continues today. Lets join together to discover what it is He is calling us to do and be, as a response to His immense love for us.
We are glad you have joined us online this Easter Sunday as we celebrate the truth that HOPE LIVES! It is easy to see this hope as something reserved for the future. However, when we look at the stories of the first followers of Jesus, we see that their encounters with the Risen Christ provided them practical and powerful hope in the midst of their present challenges. Today well look at some of their stories and see how we can experience the same present hope that they did.
On this Palm Sunday, we continue to look at the hope Christ came to give. Today well see that this hope is based on Gods overarching story described by Jesus as the Gospel (which means good news) of the Kingdom. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He did so knowing of His death and resurrection, which were necessary to make possible the restoration that would bring about this Kingdom. He now invites us to align our lives to the story of ultimate and certain hope found in Him.
As we move into this Easter season, we want to address the question, How do we move forward with hope in an increasingly uncertain world? Today well look at a story that took place shortly before the first Easter week, in which two of Jesus closest followers tried to take control of their own future hope, not realizing the events that were about to take place would provide a certainty of hope far beyond their current understanding and striving.
We find ourselves in a world where vengeance is common often leading to destructive patterns where a hurtful action leads to a hurtful response which triggers further retribution and on and on it goes. As followers of Jesus were called to be agents of gracious de-escalation in this world of escalating revenge.
Today we come to His teaching on truth-telling. To a culture that had created loopholes creating contexts where it was seen as okay to shade the truth or break commitments Jesus challenged His followers to simply tell the truth.
Today well explore Jesus words to a culture that was debating the meaning and nature of marriage with many advocating for divorce based on quite self-centred and insubstantial reasons. Into this context Jesus spoke strong affirmation for Gods design of marriage as a life-giving covenant.
Were currently in a series of messages exploring the Sermon on the Mount. This amazing block of teaching lays out Jesus vision of life that is built on the solid foundation of His truth and direction. Today we come to a passage that addresses sexuality in a way that challenges our permissive culture even as it points to an expression of sexuality that flows from Gods good design.
Today Pastor Nathanael will bring a message on the transforming value of living a life of thanksgiving. As we encounter new changes with the restrictions in our city the dawn of a new normal is imminent. Im not sure how many can say that theyve come out of the past two years unscathed but many of us have been affected personally relationally and in other ways. Today well see how living a life of thanksgiving will help reorient our attitudes so that we can encounter the living God afresh.
When we think of the 10 Commandments we likely feel most in alignment with number six You shall not murder! I doubt many of have seriously considering killing anyone. Today well see however how very common it is to nurse the kind of anger that wants to harm another person and how living in this kind of anger does break Gods vision of what relationships were always intended to be. Jesus longs to free us from the prison and destruction of anger to live a forgiving and reconciling lifestyle.
Today we will see Jesus invitation to move beyond Christianity as a religious activity and ritual that function as one of many aspects of life. Rather He calls us to a relationship with Himself that centres all we do in the wise and good way of life He came to restore.
It would be quite easy to look around at our world see the signs of decay and darkness and feel quite hopeless in it all. Yet this is precisely the kind of world Jesus calls us to engage with compassion and truth. Rather than retreat or conform we are challenged to move forward into this decaying world as Christs salt and this dark world as His light.
Our churchs priorities call us to grow in right relationship...with God with one another and with our neighbour. Today we will look at a part of Jesus vision of what right relationships look like both within and outside of the relational walls of the church.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us either in- person or online. We live in a world with many vying visions of how life was intended to be lived. In the midst of these voices Jesus speaks with the authority of the One who created life. A powerful summary of His vision is found in the Sermon on the Mount. Today we will look at the opening verses of His teaching and see the values that are found in the lives of those who live under Gods good gracious and true revelation of life as He intended.
As we talk about "moving forward" in the midst of this ministry year, we do so in a context of uncertainty and challenge. Truly we need a solid foundation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a vision of what life in His Kingdom looks like. While the fullness of this Kingdom is yet to come, Matthew is clear that it has arrived in Christ's coming (Mt. 4:17-5:2). At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a story of two builders that reveals this truth... God offers a solid foundation on which we can move forward. To build on this foundation... We pursue the truth of Christ (7:24) Jesus speaks of wise builders as those who "hear these words of mine." In a world that says truth is relative, Jesus clearly identifies His teaching as solid foundational truth. We put this truth into practice (7:24, 26) While both the wise and foolish builders hear Jesus' words, only the wise builder "puts them into practice." A solid foundation is not built by just knowing God's truth, but by living according to this truth. We intentionally live in dependence on God in the context of community (7:24; 5:3) Just as the builder did not build the "rock," so we cannot build the bedrock that will support our lives. The beginning of the sermon points us to a posture of dependence upon God as the ultimate starting point (bedrock) of life in His Kingdom. To live dependently on God is a plural endeavour. We move forward as we invest in authentic community marked by grace and truth. Discussion/Reflection Questions - In what ways do you see people around you trying to forge a foundation for life? If you're honest, what are some ways you're trying to forge a foundation? Why is any foundation outside of Christ ultimately futile? - In his book "Live No Lies," John Mark Comer makes the statement, "Reality does not adjust to our illusions." How does this challenge the overwhelming message in our culture that truth is relative? Why is the pursuit of God's truth important? - What is the danger of knowing God's truth without living God's truth? What is a current area in your life where there is a gap between your knowledge of God's truth and your practice of God's truth? - Why is it important to approach our lives with a true sense of our spiritual poverty apart from God? Ask for His Spirit to work in you to empower your living of His truth.
The pastoral team continued a shared message exploring the practical implications of what it means that God is with us.
Today the pastoral team shared messages exploring the practical implications of what it means that God is with us.
On this 4th Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of PEACE and reflect on the angel's announcement of "peace on earth." When our lives are disrupted, we look to re-establish peace. This was the case for both Joseph and Herod. Their responses have much to teach us about the peace Christ came to give at Christmas. We experience the peace Christ came to give as we surrender to Him. Joseph surrendered to God and His purposes and came to know God's peace and provision. Herod resisted God's purposes and His distress grew. o Will I surrender to Jesus as Saviour? o Will I surrender to Jesus as Immanuel (God with Us) in the midst of life's disruptions? Our response to God's offer of peace can have profound impact on those around us. By surrendering to God's peace, Joseph became part of God's restorative story in the world. By resisting God's way to peace, Herod created great distress and pain for those around him. o How intentional am I in aligning my life to God's peace-giving story? o What do I want to see when I look back at the "wake" left by my life? Discussion/Reflection Questions - When you reflect on the angels' declaration of "Peace on Earth," what comes to mind? How are we to understand this in a world that is experiencing great lack of peace? - How would you describe the key difference between Joseph and Herod in their response to the disruptive events in their lives? How do you see yourself in each of these responses? - What might it look like to surrender to God during any current disruptions in your life? - How might you participate in God's work of extending His peace to a needy world? - To what degree is your life leaving a "wake" of Christ's peace?
On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of JOY and reflect on the nature of the good news of great joy announced by the angel to the shepherds. We live in a world pursuing happiness, yet mired in discontentment. It is interesting to note that our word "happy" comes from the same root as "happen" and is thus connected to "advantageous circumstances." We'll see today that the joy brought by the coming of Christ (Lk. 2:10) goes much deeper. Joy comes not from fixing our circumstances but from fixing our eyes on Jesus... In the Midst of our Greatest Need (Lk. 2:10; Heb. 12:2) The angel brought news of a Saviour. Jesus' coming would ultimately lead to a cross, knowing this would make available the joy of being forgiven by God, restored to God, and given new life with God. This is the beginning of true and In the Midst of our Current Need (James 1:2-5) James challenges us to view our difficult times with joy, knowing that God is at work in and through even our toughest circumstances to bring us to deeper contentment in Him. Rather than waiting for that "next thing" to find joy, God is in the process of refining us so that we might find joy ever more complete in Him. In the Midst of our Need for Direction (John 15:9-11) Having just called us to a relationship where we remain in Christ's love through our obedience, Jesus connects this teaching to joy. In contrast to a world that says joy is found in doing whatever we want, Jesus tells us that joy is found in doing what we are designed to do. Discussion/Reflection Questions - What is the problem with the common statement in our culture, "I have the right to be happy"? What is the difference between joy and happiness? - Why is the pursuit of joy from external circumstances ultimately futile? - In what ways does a restored relationship with Jesus provide joy? How have you experienced this? - On what basis does James (1:2-5) ask us to choose a joyful perspective on our tough times? What might this look like for you? - How can "doing what I want" instead of following God's truth actually diminish our joy? Where is God asking you to follow Him at this point in your life?
In Isaiah 9, Israel embodies the season of Advent in their hopeful anticipation of the Messiah. This helps us to set the stage for our own expectations for Christmas, as we look forward to marking the birth of Christ on December 25 and hope-filled watching for His second coming. There are three things in Revelation 12 that can shape us as authentic followers of Christ and that can influence our Christmas celebrations, transforming the fading veneer of sentimental ideals and old expectations into something valuable. These three things can renew a right relationship with Christmas regardless of our circumstances or context. They are our worship, our preaching, and our living. Worship rightly focused: Christ was made flesh, willing to be born into our broken world for the ultimate purpose of dying in our place to bring victory and salvation to His beloved children. Understanding the fullness of Christ and His action among us, both in the physical and in the spiritual realms, enables us to embrace Him as our living hope. Preaching/sharing our testimony is one of the tools for overcoming the enemy: When you share what Jesus has done and is doing in your life, you are preaching truth. When you share the Word of God with others, you are giving testimony to who Christ is. Our celebrations of the birth of Christ must be shaped by holy living: "Holy living is the action by which we express in our behaviour and speech the love and presence of our Christ...[It is] the conviction that everything we do, no matter what we do, however common and little noticed our lives, is connected with the action of God.." Eugene Petersen Living with a mindset that says, "for Christ, my life is worth risking," and "my comfort is worth risking," and "my traditions are worth risking," is holy living. Discussion/Reflection Questions - How are we expressing the hope and love of God to one another and to our neighbour, understanding the reality that God sent His Son on a rescue operation for His children where His very birth initiated a war? - Are our expectations based in the reality of a challenging, fallen world, just like we read in Isaiah 9, or are we trying to sweep our sorrows and grief under the rug, attempting to make our lives look tidy and wrapped up with a bow? - What would it look like, to hold in tension, the invitation to experience great joy at the Saviour's birth, while at the same time understanding the need to engage in worship, in preaching, and in holy living as a means of war? - What is the Holy Spirit's invitation to you in renewing or transforming Christmas traditions that embody and reflect our living Hope?
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God and Body of Christ. As God's people, we are the Body of Christ. At a very basic level, this means we are Christ's visible representation on earth (Jn. 20:21; 2 Cor. 3:2-6), which is made possible through God giving us the Holy Spirit. We Are the Visible Representation of Christ on earth. Where did He go? While Jesus was expected to extend His popularity by hanging out with the "in" crowd, He very often challenged this by going to the "lost" and the "least." (Mt. 9:12-14; Mk. 1:35-38; Luke 19:10; Jn. 4:4-9) How willing are we to go beyond our comfort zones to those who truly need the love and truth of Christ? What did He do? Jesus' actions were governed by what "the Father was doing" (Jn. 5:19). He declared that His followers were to do the same (Jn. 14:9-13). How intentional are we in asking God to make us aware of His activity all around us? How willing are we to follow? What did He say? Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of restoration He was bringing and invited people to become part of this Kingdom (Mk. 1:14-15). How willing are we to speak the gracious truth about Christ's story of restoration? Discussion/Reflection Questions - To be part of the Body of Christ means that we are His visible representation on earth. How do you respond to this image? How are you challenged and/or encouraged by this image? - Who are the "lost" and the "least" God has placed on your "radar?" - What might it look like for you to become more attentive to what God is doing in the lives and situations of the people around you? - How has God brought restoration to your life? What might be some opportunities to talk about God's restoring work with those who are not yet followers of Christ? - What might it look like for you this Advent season to take more seriously the truth that as a follower of Christ, given His Holy Spirit, you are called to be a part of the visible representation of Christ on earth?
Discussion/Reflection Questions - What does it mean to you to be referred to by Scripture as a member of the Body of Christ? - In what ways are we prone to view our faith in a very individualistic way? - Why is community crucial for faithful growth in our walk with Christ? How intentional are you in cultivating this kind of community? - In what ways do our attitudes and actions impact the overall perception of the Christian church in our world? - What might be some ways you can come alongside someone you know is hurting? - What do you understand to be your unique skills, passions, and gifts? In what ways are you using these? If you're not sure, ask someone who knows you well.
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God, and Body of Christ. As God's people, we are the Body of Christ. To be in right relationship with Christ this means that we live under His Headship (Eph. 4:15-16). This morning we'll look at two key implications of this life-giving truth. As Head of the Church, Christ is our Source of Truth (Eph. 4:14-16; Romans 12:2) Paul casts a vision of Christ's followers maturing into the likeness of Christ, with our minds being increasingly formed by His Headship. At a practical level, this includes... - Developing a Posture of Humility (Col. 2:19) - Reading God's Word to Hear from God - Having Community Conversation to Discern God's Ways Christ is our Source of Daily Strength (John 15:5) The concept of drawing life from Christ is also developed in the picture of Him as Vine and us as branches. Here we see that life only thrives to the degree it is drawn from the Vine. At a practical level, this includes... - Developing a Posture of Dependence - Integration of our Daily Life with the Life of Christ Discussion/Reflection Questions - When you hear Christ referred to as Head of the Church, what does this mean to you? What have you understood to be some of the practical implications of this truth? - Why is it so important to see Christ as the Source of Truth? What are some sources of truth in our culture that vie for our attention? Why is a posture of humility before God important in pursuing truth? - We can read God's Word because "that's what good Christians do" or because we truly desire to encounter God and His truth. What is the difference between these two approaches? - What might it look like for you to grow in a posture of daily dependence on God? What does it mean to you to abide (or remain) daily in Christ?
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God and Body of Christ. As God's people, we are members of God's family. As family members who relate to our neighbours, we are called to extend hospitality (Rom. 12:13). In its original language, hospitality means "love of strangers." In Mark 6, we see Jesus inviting His disciples to be part of His miraculous act of hospitality to the crowd. To extend the hospitality of God's family... We Are Challenged to See People as God Sees Them (vs. 34-36) Jesus saw beneath the faces of the crowd to their place of deep need, resulting in compassionate action. The disciples only saw the surface and had little sense of being further inconvenienced to act. Godly hospitality begins as we see people through Christ's eyes of compassion. We Are Invited to Share What God Has Provided (vs. 37-38) While the disciples focused on what they lacked, Jesus simply asked them to bring forward what they had. In Alpha's "Life Shared" course, John Tyson defines hospitality as "opening up our hearts and lives and inviting other people in." We are simply to provide time and space for relationships to develop. We Trust God to Make His Presence Known and Multiply our Efforts The language used to describe Christ's miracle (take, thank, break, give) connect this miracle to the Lord's Table. It is the presence of Jesus that alone multiplies our efforts and touches true need. We are offered this amazing opportunity to share the presence of Christ with a hungry world and trust Christ to impact lives. Discussion/Reflection Questions - What do you think of when you hear the word "hospitality?" How can true hospitality be a key component in reaching beyond our church walls to those who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus? - Why might we fail to see the people around us as Christ sees them? - What are some of the excuses that keep you from intentionally reaching out to those around you? What might it look like to simply open up your heart and life and hospitably share what you have with those around you? - What is one act of hospitality you can prayerfully plan between now and Christmas?
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God and Body of Christ. As God's people, we are members of God's family (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 5:1). This means that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, a truth that comes with some very practical implications. Because We are Brothers and Sisters in Christ... We Are to Humbly Grow Together (Gal. 6:1) After inviting the Galatians to live by the Spirit, Paul then called them to support each other in this process by fostering an environment where restorative truth can be offered and received. This environment grows best when each of us take initiative in inviting others to speak truth into our lives. We Are to Carry Each Other's Burdens (Gal. 6:2) Having challenged the Galatians to live by the law of Christ's love, Paul then called them to build the kind of community where overwhelming struggles are not carried alone. This environment grows when we move beyond comparison to compassion and humility. We are to Work Through Our Dissension and Hurt (Eph. 4:15-32) Paul recognized that we will frustrate and anger one another and so challenged the Ephesians to not let their anger lead to resentment and division (vs. 25-27) Rather, we are to... - Speak the truth in love (v.15) - Forgive one another (v. 32) Discussion/Reflection Questions - What does it mean to you that you are "brothers and sisters" with ALL other followers of Christ? How does this encourage you? How does it challenge you? - In what ways have you experienced loving challenge and accountability in your life? Have you given permission to anyone to lovingly restore you when they see you off track in your walk with God? If not, who might you trust to do this? - In what ways have you had others support you in overwhelming times? How can you intentionally be part of building into your community a spirit of mutual support in difficult times? - How is unchecked resentment toxic to godly community? Have you experienced the freedom and restoration that comes from forgiveness? Is there anyone you need to forgive?
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God and Body of Christ.
As God's people, we are members of God's family. This means that God is our Father (Jn. 1:12-13) and has encouraging and life-changing implications.
Because God is our Father...
We are Not Orphans (John 14:16-18; Rom. 8:14-16) Jesus promised His disciples they would not be left as "orphans," alone and helpless to figure out life. Paul expands on this by declaring that as people given life by God's Spirit, we are " adopted as God's children. As Father, God never leaves us to fend for ourselves, but is actively and graciously present with us.
We Are Not Slaves to Fear (Rom. 8:1, 14-16) In context, Paul has been talking about the fear of being condemned by past and present failure. " God does not hold our failures against us, but provides power to change us more and more into the character of Christ.
We are Co-heirs with Christ. (Rom. 8:17) The relationship Jesus had with God as Father is the model for the relationship God makes available to us. The full experience of this is yet to come, but until then, the Father walks with " us in the suffering that is part of living in this fallen world..
Discussion/Reflection Questions - What does it mean to you that God is Father? What are the dangers of defining God's Fatherhood on the basis of human fatherhood? - In what ways might you feel "orphaned" in your approach to facing the challenges of life? How does a true understanding of God's Fatherhood speak to this? - In what ways do you feel stuck by past or present failures? How does a true understanding of God's Fatherhood overcome the fear that we are defined by our failures? How does this challenge us to look to God for transformation beyond our failures? - How do you respond to the statement in Rom. 8:17 that as a believer in Jesus, you are a co-heir with Christ? How can this encourage us in the midst of the very real suffering that is part of living in this fallen world?
Today we will further develop Pastor Lyle's depiction of the churches (Greek: ekklesiai) of Jesus as earthly "mini-cities" that seek fully to integrate the life and character of the heavenly city of God, the New Jerusalem, within their rural and urban locations in holistic ways. Our question today is not so much what is the heavenly city of God but rather "who" is that city and what difference does that political identity make to how we live corporately in the city of Edmonton. On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we'll explore what it means to live lives of gratitude that extend the restoring invitation of Christ to the world. There is something odd going on in Rev 21:9-14: The bride, the wife of the Lamb (the people of God) is symbolically depicted as being a cube-shaped heavenly city, called the New Jerusalem, which has 12 gates, 12 foundations, and crystal clear walls that are 2200 km high. But this New Jerusalem is not just a depiction of the future people of God (chs. 21-22), but also of the present people of God during the first century (chs. 4-5). There are two circles around God's throne (ch. 4): the rainbow and the 24 elders. Each alludes to the New Jerusalem (chs. 21-22). A Rainbow is what you get when a bright light (God as light for the NJ; 21:23; 22:5) shines out through a prism (the walls of the NJ are crystal clear; 21:18). The 24 elders allude to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of the Lamb (21:12-14) As the visible embodiment of the invisible New Jerusalem, how are you and how is McKernan collectively: - Shining with the presence of God wherever you are in the city of Edmonton? - Being a good ambassador (elder) of God's character in how you live within, and for, the city of Edmonton? - Building authentic ekklesia community by facilitating the honest expression of opinions and values? - Building abundant community by loving your neighbours outside of McKernan as much as you love yourselves within McKernan?
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God and Body of Christ. As God's people, we are an expression of God's Kingdom. This means we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we'll explore what it means to live lives of gratitude that extend the restoring invitation of Christ to the world.
As Christ's Ambassadors...
We Live Out the Reality that We Are Restored to God (vs. 14-17) Paul was compelled by God to live out the implications of being given a whole new life. We live our gratitude to God as we walk continually deeper into the reconciled life God has given us. Where do you need God's restoring work in your life today? We Share with Those Around Us the Message that They Can Be Restored to God (vs. 18-21) Paul declared that we are all given the ministry of sharing the message of reconciliation. In 1 Cor. 15:1-11, Paul described the basic components of this good news: - The Gospel is centred on the Person of Jesus...His life, death and resurrection. - The Gospel addresses the root issue of our sin. - The Gospel offers a renewed vision of life. - The Gospel must be received. Discussion/Reflection Questions - What does it mean to you to be called an "ambassador" of Christ's Kingdom? - In what ways does gratitude deepen as it moves from a "thank-you list" to a life lived intentionally in response to what Christ has done and continues to do in our lives? How would you describe a lifestyle of gratitude to God? - While we are restored relationally to God, we are challenged to live out the reality of this in our daily lives. What does this mean to you? What is an area in your life that currently needs Christ's restoring touch? - How would you define the Good News (Gospel) of Christ? Who do you know who needs to hear the truth of this Gospel?
This fall, we are exploring what the Bible says about who we are as God's people, focusing on the images of Kingdom of God, Family of God and Body of Christ. As God's people, we are an expression of God's Kingdom. This means we are fellow citizens (Eph. 2:19) under Jesus, our King. Today we'll explore some of the implications of our common citizenship in Christ's Kingdom. We Recognize our Profound Equality in Christ (Eph. 2:14-19) Paul declared that Christ has broken down the wall that divided Jew and Gentile, thus making them one new humanity that finds restored dignity and equality at the cross. We are challenged to more deeply understand, appreciate and value people who are from different racial and ethnic backgrounds than ourselves. We continually work out together what it means to follow the way of Christ (Eph. 2:19-22) As a community of people "built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, with Jesus as our Cornerstone," we are to continually explore the Scriptures to determine what it means to follow Christ's timeless truth in our current world. " This need not be done in isolation, but hopefully in honest and respectful conversation committed to God's truth. We commit to the upside down nature of service over power. Jesus came as a Servant, not as one wielding power. He calls us to follow His way of service in the world.
Discussion/Reflection Questions: What does it mean to you to be called a "fellow citizen" of Christ's Kingdom? - How can you more intentionally seek to understand fellow believers from other cultures? " Is there a person from another ethnic background you can talk with to gain greater understanding? - What are some questions you have regarding what it means to follow Christ faithfully in our current culture? How can you engage in honest communication with other believers in these conversations? How can we intentionally remain committed to the authority of King Jesus as we engage in these conversations? - Where are you tempted to use and manipulate people toward your own ends rather than serve people toward Christ's ends?
As we continue to find ourselves in a long period of uncertainty, it is important for us to get our bearings again around what it means to be God's people moving forward, We will let the Biblical images of kingdom, family and body guide us this fall in this exploration of who we are as people who call ourselves Christians. As God's people, we are an expression of God's Kingdom. This means we follow King Jesus, who is a Truly Good King. Jesus, our King, Has Ushered in a Restored Way to Live Jesus began His ministry by calling people to live under the dominion of the renewed Kingdom He came to establish (Mk. 1:13-14, Mt. 4:17). He described the life in this Kingdom as possessing true justice, vision, and human freedom under the restored order of God. As God's people, we are followers of the good way of Jesus, our King. Jesus, our King, Has Provided Us Entrance into this Way Jesus' ministry on earth did much more than model and teach a way to live. He spoke of entrance to His Kingdom through recognition of our need (Mt. 5:3-6) and then died on a cross and rose again to provide forgiveness of our sin and restoration to the life He offers (Rev. 1:5b-6; Col. 2:13-15). Jesus has sacrificially provided the way for us to enter into restored life with Him, but we must respond by turning to Him in humble faith. Jesus, our King, Walks With Us in this Way. As Jesus ended His earthly ministry, He assured His followers that He would not leave them alone as an aloof, uninvolved King (Mt. 28:20), but would walk with them in the person of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16-18). As God's people, we are empowered to live by the active presence of God. Discussion/Reflection Questions - What does it mean to you to when you hear, "Jesus is King?" - As Christians, we are followers of the way of Christ. To be a Christian is a verb! What are the implications of this in everyday living? How does this challenge you today? - By His life, death and resurrection, Jesus made possible entrance into His Kingdom. Why was this necessary? Have you entered the Kingdom of God by admitting your sin and turning to Christ (repentance) in humble belief? - King Jesus has not left you alone, but has made His presence available to you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. What difference is this making in your life? How do you express your dependence on God's Spirit?
Team Preach
Pastor Terry - Our Stories Pastor Dave - Sabbath Pastor Mike - Community Pastor Dan - Shalom
WHO ARE WE MOVING FORWARD?
Having come through a year and a half of pandemic adjustments and cultural turbulence, this fall serves as a significant timeframe to "reset" our understanding of what it means to be God's people. In Prov. 3:5-6, we're reminded that the best way forward is found not in our own understanding, but in a return to God's truth. This fall, we will look at what the New Testament teaches about who we are as a church. We'll focus on three key images...
The Church is an Outpost of the Kingdom of God...We Follow a New Way of Life Jesus summarizes His mission as bringing the Kingdom of God (Mk. 1:13-14). When Paul entered a city, He taught about the Kingdom of God (Acts 19:8-10) and established a church (Acts 20:17). The Greek term for "church" (ekklesia) was used of an assembly of citizens from the city who met to make decisions for the good of the city. The term thus implies that God's people are meant to bless the city by living, displaying and working to advance the good way of life provided under the authority of King Jesus.
The Church is the Family of God...We are Part of a New Community When we place our faith in Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters by God the Father, with other believers becoming our sisters and brothers. (John 1:12,13; Romans 8:15-17) This reality calls us to love one another with the love of Christ. (1 Thess. 4:9-10, John 13:34-35)
The Church is the Body of Christ...We Have a New Mission We are described as the Body of Christ, attached to Christ the Head, each possessing a unique and important part in building up one another (Eph. 4:11-16) and in representing Christ in His mission to the world (John 20:21-22).
Discussion/Reflection Questions Why is it important to think carefully about what is true as we move forward in this phase of the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic and other cultural issues? What does Proverbs 3:5-6 teach about having God direct our paths forward? When you think of the church as an outpost of God's Kingdom on earth, what comes to mind? How is this inspiring? How is it challenging? What are the implications of understanding the nature of the church as the family of God? As the Body of Christ, the church possesses many unique members. What do you sense as your role or place in the Body of Christ? What are you doing to intentionally draw life from Christ, the Head of the Church?
. Traveler's Questions a. What lies ahead? b. Where can I find help?
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Traveler's Confession a. My help comes from the maker of heaven and earth.
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Traveler's Blessing a. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Questions for Reflection
As we embark on summer 2021 with what we can see and what we cannot, where can God help you in the journey?
Whether you go through a season of challenge or celebration, will you look to God to help you?
Psalm 63 This Psalm is the heart cry of David, a man who was facing difficult circumstances, yet kept his focus on knowing God's love and goodness, desiring relationship with Him, responding in worship, and trusting through difficulties. Knowing God's love and goodness invites us into: 1. Passionate relationship with Him (v1,5a) - The language of thirst that the Psalmist uses implies an insatiable desire for God as a part of understanding His goodness. - Jesus alluded to this "desire" in the beatitudes (Matthew 5:6). 2. A life of worship and praise (v.2-7) - We become like what we worship and are invited to: a. A life of worship (Romans 12:1) b. Gathered worship (Various OT Texts) 3. Trust in the midst of difficulties (v.7-9) - God is our help. a. God hides us in the "shadow of His wings". b. God is with us. Questions for Reflection: What do you think your "hunger thermometer" would reveal about where you are at in your relationship with God? What expressions of worship, in all of life, and when you're gathered with others, is God inviting you to? How does knowing how God is with us in the midst of difficulties impact a situation you may be facing now?
Psalm 67 What's a person saying when they say that they are blessed?
What does it mean to give or receive a blessing?
What does the word 'grace' mean?
Who gives the blessing in the Numbers passage?
Who gives the blessing in Psalm 67?
A couple of John Piper resources worth checking: 1. Let the Nations be Glad book 2. 'Look at the Book' online lab Three purposes of God's Blessing 1. That the way of salvation would be known v.2 2. That the world would worship the true God. 3. That God would be enjoyed! Three things about God: 1. He's Gracious - 2. He's Just - 3. He's Sovereign - So, if you ask, why am I blessed? The answer is always ______________________
How I can make the way of salvation to my world? 1. Testify 2. Give financially 3. Go! 4. Pray What does it matter if I get involved or not?
Discussion Questions: 1. Where are you identifying with God's Blessings in your life? 2. How are you turning those blessings into someone else's life? 3. Which of the four ways of making 'the way of salvation into the world' will you move forward in by faith?
In the Psalms, we see God's people look beyond their earthly reality to find renewed perspective in God's True Reality. Today we'll see how Psalm 96 calls God's people to declare the Good News that the True God is on the Throne of the world. While we typically think of "sharing the good news" as a New Testament challenge, here we see it as a privilege extended to God's people long before the coming of Christ. What is revealed as the Good News?
The True God reigns above all gods. (v. 4-5) This world is not random and chaotic. The True God reigns. Rival gods are mere idols. (v. 5) This world is in upheaval because its people are turning from the true God to gods that are no gods at all. (Mt. 9:36) The True God will bring about the restoration of the world and its people. (9-10) This restoration has been made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18-19) What is revealed as God's Heart?
God wants all people to be restored to Him. (vs. 7-10) God offers this restoration, yet calls people to respond. God desires that His people become bearers of His Good News. (vs. 11-13) Through their transformed lives and involvement in His restoring work. Through their conversation. (vs. 2-3, 2 Cor. 5:20)
Psalm 16
In the Psalms, we see God's people look beyond their earthly reality to find renewed perspective in God's true reality. On this Mother's Day, we'll look at Psalm 16 and see how the Psalmist looks beneath the surface of our everyday existence and shows how God is the one worthy foundation of our homes, whether we're single, married or parents. The Psalm offers a number of affirmations that raise some significant questions. To affirm that the True God is our Foundation...
We affirm that Jesus is Lord (vs. 2-4) David revealed the ultimate emptiness of idols that vie for our allegiance. Current idols in our culture include self, control, stuff, and image. We affirm the Goodness of God's Provision and Instruction (vs. 5-8) God has provided a place in which we are counted among His people and given direction (good boundaries) to guide us in knowing His design for life. We affirm the Blessings that Flow from God (vs. 9-11) These blessings include an unshakeable path marked by joy and eternal hope. Foundational Questions
What are the idols seeking to pull my allegiance away from Jesus as Lord? Where am I walking outside God's good boundaries? What am I looking to as the source of my confidence and joy? What is the basis of my eternal hope?
In the Psalms, we see God's people look beyond their earthly reality to find renewed perspective in God's true reality. Even from the cross, Jesus quoted twice from the Psalms (Ps. 22:1; 31:5). Many of the Psalms were written out of the experience of great difficulty, expressing deep lament over desperate circumstances. Today, we will look at an example of one such Psalm (Psalm 13) and explore how it invites us to see both honestly about ourselves and then beyond, to see honestly about God. The Psalms invite us to come to God in complete honesty. (vs. 1-4)
David's heartfelt cries to God in the midst of his desperation express the truth that... God can handle our honest outbursts and prayers. We need communities of honesty. The Psalms challenge us to focus on God's True Authority (vs. 5-6)
"God's desire for representatives, unity, and relationship" - John 17
John 17 is very important in our understanding of what Jesus sacrificed through His death as this passage records a beautiful prayer of Jesus and gives us a glimpse into what was going through His mind right before His death.
Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals to us God's heart for how we are to live in the world, how we treat one another, and how He desires to be in relationship with us.
God's heart for us is that we would be sent into the world as carriers of His truth (17:14-19). Jesus does not want us to be taken out of our struggles and circumstances. Rather, He 'sends us' into the world with His truth (truth as reality, not just rightness). God's heart for us is that we would be united to the Father and one another (17:20-23). Jesus prayed for unity between believers as Jesus wants to see us get caught up into the relationship between Him and His Father. God's heart for us is that we would be in relationship with Him. (17:24-26) "Desire is at the heart of the cross..." (Corey Russell) Father, I Desire that they would be with me where I am. Jesus gets His prayers answered - this is the Eternal prayer of the ages - I want my church where I am, in full unity, fascinated with me...
John 12:12-13; 19:38-42; 20:11-22
On this Palm Sunday we continue our journey with the book, "40 Days of Decrease." Our current readings in the book of John have brought us past the events of Palm Sunday to describe scenes of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As we see various characters begin to understand the nature of Jesus' Kingship, we start to see responses that appropriately proclaim Him as King, not just through waving palm branches and mouthing words, but through real actions. To Truly Proclaim Jesus as King...
Ephesians 2:11-21
What is the Gospel?
Pastor Harry Lehotsky influence - www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJfnsnXwbfQ
Cheap grace results when we reduce the gospel to forgiveness of sins, limit salvation to fire insurance from hell, and grasp only half of what the Bible says about sin.
The question is not, 'Do you want to have your soul saved for heaven?'. The question is, 'Do you want to join the kingdom of God that will transform your soul and the entire future of our society?'
Matthew 6:13
Jesus said we are to pray, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one."
Believers are in a battle. We all have temptations. We all have trials. And no one is above yielding to them and damaging our lives.
How are we to handle temptation?
We must not be surprised by it, but rather we are to expect these trials. And we are to view the trials and suffering in our lives, through the love of the Father, that in all things, he works for the good of those who love him. And that "good" is God making us more and more like Jesus.
How are we delivered from evil? With God's help, we overcome evil with good, by loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us.
God tells us time and time again how much He loves us. He invites us into a relationship with Him and desires to engage in the kind of dialogue there would be between a parent and their child. We are encouraged to present our requests to God in that similar kind of relationship, trusting that God cares so much more for us than any earthly parent ever could. How do we process what is going on when God says "No" to our earnest petition? This morning Pastor Mike will examine three questions we might ask when God says "No"
Question 1: Who does God say "No" to? Question 2: Why does God say "No"? Question 3: What am I to do when God says "No"?
"God's desire for representatives, unity, and relationship" - John 17
John 17 is very important in our understanding of what Jesus sacrificed through His death as this passage records a beautiful prayer of Jesus and gives us a glimpse into what was going through His mind right before His death.
Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals to us God's heart for how we are to live in the world, how we treat one another, and how He desires to be in relationship with us.
God's heart for us is that we would be sent into the world as carriers of His truth (17:14-19). Jesus does not want us to be taken out of our struggles and circumstances. Rather, He 'sends us' into the world with His truth (truth as reality, not just rightness). God's heart for us is that we would be united to the Father and one another (17:20-23). Jesus prayed for unity between believers as Jesus wants to see us get caught up into the relationship between Him and His Father. God's heart for us is that we would be in relationship with Him. (17:24-26) "Desire is at the heart of the cross..." (Corey Russell) Father, I Desire that they would be with me where I am. Jesus gets His prayers answered - this is the Eternal prayer of the ages - I want my church where I am, in full unity, fascinated with me...
1) Why do you think these things were on Jesus' mind/heart prior to His crucifixion?
2) How does understanding the heart of God change or impact your view on Him?
3) What does it look like for you to be a 'carrier of truth' in a world of relativism?
4) How can you embrace and focus on unity with other believers in this season?
5) What could change in your life if you firmly believed that "desire was at the heart of the cross"?
John 18:1-11
On this fourth Sunday of Lent, we continue our journey with the book, "40 Days of Decrease." Our current readings in the book of John have brought us to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is arrested. The story paints an amazing scene in which trained, rugged soldiers fall back on the ground at the sound of Jesus' voice. The irony in this account is thick. Jesus is the one arrested, yet we're left with the clear picture that He is firmly in control. He is not forced to go to the cross but goes willingly, having affirmed with the words "I Am He" that He is God in the flesh. John has previously described a number of "I AM" declarations which Jesus willingly embraces and fulfils as He makes His way to the cross. Jesus said...
I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:30-35)
Those who heard Jesus make this declaration would have known God fed His people miraculously in the desert during the Exodus and that Jesus had very recently miraculously fed a crowd. As God's people were sustained in the wilderness by God, so followers of Jesus are provided His sustaining presence. As we turn intentionally to "feast" on God's presence, He brings vitality to our faith and hope. I Am the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7-10)
Jesus declares that He is the entrance to restored life with God. Beyond entrance, He is also our protection against those who want to steal our experience of God's life. We embrace Jesus as the Gate when we believe He is the source of True Life and follow His lead. I Am the True Vine
By using this statement, Jesus is declaring that He is the True Israel, the One through whom God's purposes are fulfilled on earth. As a branch cannot thrive in isolation so, as followers of Jesus, we cannot thrive without vital connection to Christ and His people.
John 13:1-17; 14:1-6
On this second Sunday of Lent, we continue our journey with the book, "40 Days of Decrease." Our current readings in the book of John have us in the Upper Room, where Jesus washed His disciples' feet and began to explain His soon coming departure. In John 14:1-6, Jesus talked of going away to make available the kind of life He came to offer, not just in the future, but for now as well. Jesus is the True Way to Eternal Life with God...which begins NOW!!! (Jn. 14:1-6)
The language of the Father's "house" has connotations not only of a place, but also of a household or family. Jesus provides a way to a restored relationship with God, the Father. We are promised a place of meaningful and intimate relationship with God in His family. Thus, Jesus is not only the Way to a destination, He offers a whole new Way of Life. The story of the foot washing reveals key facets of this amazing way of life restored to God.
We are Given a Secure Identity (Jn. 13:1-5) Jesus could move forward toward the cross and engage in the menial and gracious task of washing the feet of those who would desert Him because He knew He was God's loved Son. The identity we receive in Christ can ground us in the midst of all the voices calling us to prove ourselves. We are Invited to Deeping Growth in Character (Jn. 13:6-10) Jesus' interaction with Peter anticipated how His death would ultimately provide for cleansing from our sin, with a promise of continued deepening work of growing us in Christ-like character. As forgiven followers of Christ, we can continually bring the real issues of our lives to Christ for His transforming touch. We are Challenged to Meaningful Service (Jn. 13:12-17) As Christ has served us, He sends us to serve one another, and as His family to serve the world for His sake. As Christ's followers, we are invited to be part of the significant work God is doing in His church and in the world.
John 12:24-26
Today is the first Sunday of Lent. As we begin a journey with the book, "40 Days of Decrease," the messages during this season will come from the daily readings in John 12-21 that are recommended in the book. We begin today with Christ's words in John 12:24-26, where Jesus provides His certain response to the awareness that His impending crucifixion was near. This response appropriately addresses the question... How can we prepare for the new life and growth made possible by Christ's resurrection?
For new life to emerge, some old ways need to die. (v. 25)
When Jesus spoke about how a single kernel of wheat needs to die to give birth to much more life, He was alluding to the coming reality of His death and resurrection. This truth, however, implies that our deeper experience of life will come as we, in God's strength, put to death that which stands in the way of His life springing more fully in us. The preceding stories John tells provide very practical examples of what needs to die...
Empty Religious Ritual (Jn. 11:45-53) The religious leaders checked all the right religious boxes, but remained blind to all the signs Jesus performed to reveal who He was. Let us ask God to open our eyes to His loving truth and not be content with "going through motions." Lack of Authenticity (Jn. 12:4-6) Though Judas had spent much time with Jesus, He had many unanswered questions and was hiding some very real struggles with sinful behaviour. The reality of our questions and struggles need to be brought from dark hiding places to the light of God's love and truth. Surface Solutions (Jn. 12:12-13) The crowd that praised Jesus as God's Saviour was expecting a political and military Messiah, not One who would deal with their much deeper root need for forgiveness and restoration with God. Let us enter this Lent season with a willingness to let God deal with root issues in our lives.
Isaiah 42:1-9
Last week, we began a journey through this passage in which Christ is prophesied as the Coming Servant of the Lord. As those served by Him, we are now sent to serve as He served (Jn. 20:21-22). Today, we'll see what this prophecy has to say about how and who Jesus came to serve. If we are sent to serve as Jesus came to serve...
How are we to serve?
Rather than draw attention to ourselves, we are to serve God's purposes faithfully as He provides opportunity and let Him determine the scope. (v. 2,8) Rather than impose Christ's reign by force, we are to serve with compassion. (v. 3, 1 Peter 3:15) Rather than try to control results, we are to serve expecting God to do new things in His time and way. (v. 9, Mt. 13:31-32) Who are we to serve?
We are to serve those worn down by life's circumstances and injustices. (v. 3, Mt. 12:20) We are to serve those who are ethnically different than us. (v. 4, Mt. 12:21) We are to serve those who are spiritually distant. (v. 6, Acts 1:8)
WARNING: WE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE MICROPHONE AND THERE IS SOME HIGH-PITCHED RINGING THROUGHOUT THE SERMON.
Isaiah 42:1-9
We live in a culture that is quick to serve itself. This "self" focus runs quite counter to the challenge of many references we find in Isaiah to "the servant of the Lord." God called His people, Israel to be His servant (41:9), yet they failed to serve His purposes (42:18-19). As such, God said He would raise up another servant (42:1) who would bring His just order to the world. Jesus came as this Perfect Servant and now we who follow Him are sent out as His servants (Jn. 20:21). "Because He (Jesus) is the Perfect Servant, He is also the Model Servant, the true pattern for all who, through Him, are the Lord's servants today." - JA Motyer As those restored by Jesus' service, we are sent to the world as His servants. This implies that...
We are Loved by God.
God "delights in" His servant. We do not serve from a place of needing or earning love, but from a place of being loved. (1 Jn. 4:19, 2 Cor. 5:14) As we grasp God's love and service toward us, we gain freedom to love and serve others without resentment or need to receive anything in return. We are Empowered by God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit that was promised to God's servant in Isaiah is the same Spirit given to us who follow Jesus today. (Jn. 20:21-22) Rather than be overwhelmed by situations and needs around us which often leads to to self-protective inactivity, we can move forward knowing God is actively, purposefully and powerfully with us. We are sent to Restore Order to Broken People and a Broken World.
The word "justice" has the sense of restoring God's good and right order (His Kingdom reign). (Mt. 6:9-10) We have been given the incredibly significant task of being the hands, feet and voice of Christ in His work of bringing restored order to people around us and to the world in which He has placed us. Discussion/Reflection Questions
When you look at the brokenness in our world, how do you tend to respond? With fear and protection or with a sense of wanting to serve in bringing God's meaningful hope and restoration? Where are you on the spectrum between these two responses? How can our service actually be quite self-motivated and self-serving? Why is it important that we increasingly serve out of knowing we are loved and restored by God? How can a deepening awareness of the presence of God's Spirit move us toward meaningful service? Where is God placing a burden in your heart regarding the need in a person or group of people? What might it look like for you serve God's purposes in the lives of this person or group?
God is Our Trusted Source of Hope (Psalm 121)
We start by lifting up our eyes to God (1-2) God's presence is active (3-4) God's presence offers us protection (5-8) He promises to be with us in difficult times (Isaiah 43:1-4) Moving Forward in Hope
Cultivating the hope that we have in God Prayer Scripture Telling stories of God's faithfulness (Joshua 4:21-22) Sabbath Stewarding our selves Maintain healthy habits Steward our attention and thoughts (Philippians 4:8) Avoid escapism Walking in community Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Look outward Maintain connection Resources:
McKernan Baptist Church (780) 436-0611
Alberta Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642
Help in Tough Times Website https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/page16759.aspx
As Isaiah continues to address the situation of God's people exiled in Babylon, he addresses the fear that will certainly threaten them, especially when Persia overtakes Babylon (41:10). Not only does Isaiah call the exiles not to fear, He offers them solid truth that speaks to their (and our) fear. When fear threatens to control us, God assures us with these truths...
BEYOND THE DESIRE TO GIVE UP
Isaiah 40:28-31
In our journey through Isaiah, we'll continue to look at God's amazing prophetic encouragement to His people (Is. 40) as they would find themselves in the pain and questions of exile, certainly tempted to give up on living faithfully for Him. In the past two weeks, we've seen how God gave to them a picture of His unwavering love (vs. 1-11), sovereign power and infinite wisdom (vs. 12-28). Today we'll see how God offered them (as He continues to offer us) strength to continue moving forward. When we want to give up, God offers to give strength; the kind of strength that comes from waiting on Him.
What does it mean to wait on God?
We focus on the truth of God's love, power and wisdom as foundational. (vs. 11,28) We surrender our timelines and outcomes to God's timeline and outcome. (Jer. 29:10-11) We continue to follow as God leads, asking and trusting for needed strength. (Is. 33:2; Ps. 37:34) How does God promise to provide strength?
The word strength has the connotation of having the "capacity to act." Sometimes God gives strength to soar and following is easy. While this is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise, He offers foretastes of this fulfillment now (Is. 25:9). Sometimes God gives strength to run and we have capacity to do what is before us. In these times, we need to remember to live dependently and continue to draw life from God so we don't grow weary (Is. 33:2; Phil. 4:12-13). Sometimes God gives us strength to walk one step at a time knowing the needed strength will be provided (2 Cor. 12:9).
In our journey through Isaiah, we'll continue to look at God's amazing prophetic encouragement to His people as they would find themselves in the pain and questions of exile. Last week, we saw God's posture of love, inviting them (and us) to ultimate restoration. Today, we'll see how verses 12-28 address God's absolute ability to fulfil His promises and His purposes. Where they (and we) could not see a way (v. 27), God would prove Himself absolutely capable of making a way. When we bump into the limits of our understanding, God invites us to...
Look at Creation (12-14, 21-22, 26)
God's creation reveals unparalleled wisdom and power that brought this world into existence and faithfully sustains it day by day. Creation is thus a constant reminder of God's greatness. Look at History (15-17, 23-24)
Nations have continually risen only to fall. Kingdoms in the height of their power make great claims, yet do not last. As we look at the fickleness of human power, we are reminded of God's infinite power. He is King, not only of one nation, but over all. Look at the Futility of Idols (16-20)
By trying to regain control, humans create idols and they look to these creations for life and deliverance. We still do this by looking to things other than God for security and meaning, but our idols can't ultimately deliver. Look in Trust to His Wisdom (27-28, 31)
On this first Sunday of the new year, we return to our journey through Isaiah. We'll move ahead to the latter section of the book that speaks to hope, beginning with today's passage that prophetically addresses those who would find themselves in exile, lamenting their failure and wondering if their guilt had placed them beyond the restoration of God. (Lam. 1:2; 5:20-22)
On this last Sunday of 2020, we will take time to look back on the past year and ahead to the new year, considering how God may be asking us to focus our attention as we move forward. A number of our pastoral staff will share a word or concept that God has impressed on their hearts as they enter 2021.
The Race Car: https://i.redd.it/skkeozks22e31.jpg
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we will return to Isaiah's prophecy about Christ's coming and focus on what it means to see Jesus as Prince of Peace. When we look at the state of the world and often the state of our own troubled souls, we can be left thinking that this peace is entirely elusive. The kind of peace Christ's promised coming offers is represented in Hebrew using the word "Shalom," which has been defined as "the webbing together of God, humans and all creation in justice, fulfillment and delight." (C. Plantinga) In Isaiah 9:3-5, we get a picture of what this peace will look like. While ultimate fulfillment will come at Christ's second coming, His first coming means the reality of peace has broken in now.
Isaiah 9:3
On this third Sunday of Advent, we will return to Isaiah's prophecy about Christ's coming and focus on a verse we typically overlook (Is. 9:3), which speaks to the joy that Christ's coming will ultimately make available. This joy is about an inner sense of "buoyancy" or soul satisfaction (Psalm 19:8, Prov. 15:30) that comes from God (Ps. 86:4, Neh. 8:10,12, Gal. 5:22).
On this second Sunday of Advent, we will look at how the prophesied name of Jesus, "Everlasting Father" (Is. 9:6), is a powerful declaration of God's love for us.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we will explore how Isaiah prophesied the coming of hope into a world that was in deep distress and hopelessness. We often look at this familiar prophecy, "For unto us a Child is born..." without seeing the darkness of its context.
Pastor Mike and the worship band lead us through a blue Christmas service. Just a heads-up, the volume will be much louder for the music, and quieter when Pastor Mike is speaking.
As we continue our journey through Isaiah, we arrive at a point in Jerusalem's history when they faced a significant military challenge. Rather than turn to God and His way forward, King Ahaz opted for what he saw as the more obvious and immediate way out.
Pastor Dan Our Father, we remember today our sisters and brothers who are being persecuted. Today, we declare your loving character. We declare that You love each individual person on this tiny planet, You see each heart, and You hear each cry and prayer. We know from Your Word that You are near to the brokenhearted, and as people of faith, we are brokenhearted over the persecution, over the conflict, and over the suffering. Draw near to us, and to those for whom we pray. We pray for the hungry, the lonely, the scared, the distraught. May they know that You are with them, Emmanuel. We pray for those that do not know peace in their land; tell their hearts that You are their peace. For those that are fleeing; tell them that You offer them a home in You. For those that are working to bring peace to the persecuted; speak strength and courage to their hearts and give them a voice that is listened to. For those that have their land and their churches exploited for the gain of others, where their resources are stripped and stolen; God be their Provider. For the women and girls whose bodies are used as weapons of warfare, to be exploited and conquered and abused; tell their hearts of their unshakeable value in You, and tell their hearts that they are beautiful and precious. For those that are scarred, physically injured, or grieving the murder of a loved one; speak strength and hope into their hearts, and tell them of how much they bear Your image. For those that are weary and the hopeless; tell them that You are their strong power, their comfort, their friend. We especially pray for Nigeria and the conflict between the Muslims and the Christians; God make a way for peace, we know that only You can do this. God, You know each face and name and heart that we lift up to You today and we long for You to bring shalom to each one. Turn their sorrow into joy, turn their pain into peace, turn their shame into hope. "Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord hear our prayer. Amen.
Pastor Dan Our Father, we remember today our sisters and brothers who are being persecuted. Today, we declare your loving character. We declare that You love each individual person on this tiny planet, You see each heart, and You hear each cry and prayer. We know from Your Word that You are near to the brokenhearted, and as people of faith, we are brokenhearted over the persecution, over the conflict, and over the suffering. Draw near to us, and to those for whom we pray. We pray for the hungry, the lonely, the scared, the distraught. May they know that You are with them, Emmanuel. We pray for those that do not know peace in their land; tell their hearts that You are their peace. For those that are fleeing; tell them that You offer them a home in You. For those that are working to bring peace to the persecuted; speak strength and courage to their hearts and give them a voice that is listened to. For those that have their land and their churches exploited for the gain of others, where their resources are stripped and stolen; God be their Provider. For the women and girls whose bodies are used as weapons of warfare, to be exploited and conquered and abused; tell their hearts of their unshakeable value in You, and tell their hearts that they are beautiful and precious. For those that are scarred, physically injured, or grieving the murder of a loved one; speak strength and hope into their hearts, and tell them of how much they bear Your image. For those that are weary and the hopeless; tell them that You are their strong power, their comfort, their friend. We especially pray for Nigeria and the conflict between the Muslims and the Christians; God make a way for peace, we know that only You can do this. God, You know each face and name and heart that we lift up to You today and we long for You to bring shalom to each one. Turn their sorrow into joy, turn their pain into peace, turn their shame into hope. "Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord hear our prayer. Amen.
Oct. 11, 2020 - BEYOND OUR PERCEPTIONS OF "WHAT IS NOT" TO LIVES OF GRATITUDE FOR "WHAT IS"
As we continue in our theme "Beyond," our journey through Isaiah brings us to a passage where the prophet presents a tale of two cities: the current Jerusalem in all its sinful despair and the prophesied, restored Jerusalem in all its majestic[NV1] glory.
As we continue in our theme "Beyond," we come today to a passage in which Isaiah confronts God's people to move beyond their empty religious practices toward giving themselves in true surrender to a real relationship with God.
Today we launch our 2020-21 ministry theme, "Beyond." We'll focus on the many ways God calls us beyond life as defined by humanity apart from Him. In settling for far less than life as God intends, we give ourselves to pursuits that were never designed to satisfy our souls or build a just and loving society.
Today we conclude a series of sermons looking at examples of "disruption" in the Bible by addressing the issue of disunity. We live in days that are full of conflict that often gets stuck in polarizing disunity. In Acts 15 we are given an example of a conflict with very negative potential that was addressed in a godly manner, with the result being an effective way forward. (vs. 31-33)
Today we continue a series of sermons looking at examples of "disruption" in the Bible. Paul faced a lingering disruption in the form of something he referred to as a "thorn in the flesh." While we don't know the exact nature of this "thorn," we do know it was something that plagued him over an extended period of time.
This very well-known parable has been called The Prodigal Son, The Running Father and even The Apathetic Brother. Today we'll look at how Jesus uses the story to allow His listeners to evaluate their life and embrace the Jesus way of life.`
1 Peter 1:3-9
What does the term "living hope" mean in your life today? How is your hope alive right now? How does it need to be renewed by Jesus? When and how has your faith been strengthened by difficulty? What was the result in you? They say hindsight is 20/20. Look back on your story. Where has God been at work when you weren't aware of it at the time? How can that anchor your future hope? In what ways do you believe/cling to Jesus in suffering? How is it making you stronger?
This week, pastor Daunavan shares about times when Jesus was "disrupted". (Luke 5:17-26, 7:36-50, 8:40-48, Matthew 25:36-40, Matthew 11:28) Also, the audio quality this week is less than ideal. We are working to fix our system throughout the week. If you are looking for a place to serve, we are actively looking for more tech volunteers. If interested, please email tech@mckernanbaptist.ca and we would love to get connected.
Today we continue a series of sermons looking at examples of "disruption" in the Bible. One such event was the wilderness wandering of God's people that occupies much of Exodus through Deuteronomy. As the people of Israel were about to emerge from this difficult time, it is significant to recognize God's challenge to them (v. 10-11) regarding the new test they were about to face in the prosperity that lay ahead.
Today we continue a series of sermons looking at examples of "disruption" in the Bible. In a very familiar story, Goliath threatened to radically disrupt the well-being of Israel. His challenge, which needs to be seen as targeted against the purposes of God (v. 45), caused a sense of overwhelming and paralyzing fear until David stepped forward with eyes of faith that saw God's truth and acted accordingly.
Before we begin, a quick apology on the quality of the audio today. As many of you know, much is changing as we begin preparing the church for relaunch. Thank you for your patience. A better version of this week's sermon is available in video format on our Vimeo page (https://vimeo.com/event/20515).
Today we will begin a series of sermons looking at stories of "disruption" in the Bible. The first story is found in Genesis 3 where God's good creation is disrupted by sin. Very often, the disruptions in our lives are caused by our own moral failures. Often, we can feel like these failures have the last word, but the description of God's response to this first instance of sin shows otherwise.
This week, Pastor Dave shares from Mark 4: 35-41 about when life doesn't go as planned. Sorry about the audio quality, we were having a lot of technical difficulties when we recorded this.
Discussion Questions: - What does it mean when we encounter storms when following God's will? - How have you seen God in our current circumstances? What are some stories of hope, or helping that you've seen? - What makes it hard to trust Jesus sometimes? - What would it look like for you to trust Jesus with your circumstances now?
Today we will conclude our series through Philippians entitled, "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends." In his closing words, Paul expressed his appreciation to his readers for the ways they had partnered with him in his commitment to introduce people far and wide to the good news of the Gospel. One definition of the Gospel is "God's promise to make right everything wrong in us and in the world." (Lon Allison)
Today, as we continue a series of sermons from Philippians entitled, "20/20 Vision, Life as God Intends," we come a passage where Paul begins to wrap up his letter by giving thanks to the church in Philippi for the gift they had sent him. In doing so, he takes the opportunity to talk about his true source of contentment.
Today we continue a series of sermons from Philippians entitled, "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends." In a section of his letter where Paul speaks of experiencing God's peace, he challenges his readers to pay close attention to their thinking.
Today we continue a series of sermons from Philippians entitled, "20/20 Vision, Life as God Intends." As we are working through the last chapter Paul has turned his attention to some final exhortations or appeals to the believers. Paul is aware of the difficulties the Philippians are going through and he can appreciate their situation as he too, being in prison, understands the challenges. Paul wants his readers to look beyond their troubles and learn how to live lives of joy and peace.
Today we continue a series of sermons from Philippians entitled, "20/20 Vision, Life as God Intends." As we come to the last chapter, Paul starts to get very practical. The word "therefore" in Phil. 4:1 shows that Paul is building on what he has stated to this point. In essence, out of his love for his readers, he is urging them to take what he has written "on the page" and live it "on the pavement" where they walked out their everyday lives.
Today we resume a series of sermons from Philippians entitled, "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends." The book of Philippians presents a unique perspective on this kind of life, given that it is written by Paul from jail, where his freedom has been taken from him, his financial resources are very thin and any sense of control over his circumstances is gone. Yet, he writes a letter marked by joy.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church Online Service! On this Mother's Day, we want to explore how God grows our faith in the context of intentional relationships with others. While the family certainly provides one such context, the Bible expands our understanding of family to include all followers of Christ. We are not meant to grow in isolation and as such, we can be thankful that there are no restrictions that require spiritual distancing. This morning we will focus on the importance of pursuing mentoring relationships. The following quotes come from people in our own congregation as they reflect on the role mentoring has played in their lives.
For the past several weeks, our gatherings have been far different than we had come to expect and experience. This disruption to our "normal" is also an invitation to explore how God may be leading us in a new and different way. This morning, Pastor Daunavan is going to be sharing on how God is leading us to embody the fruit of the Spirit. As we will see, the Fruit of the Spirit is both profoundly counter-cultural (many of the responses that are considered "default" in our culture are the opposite of the fruit as listed in Galatians 5), yet exactly what many are longing for!
For the past several weeks, our gatherings have been far different than we had come to expect and experience. For many of us, the heart of a worship service meant getting together physically to sing, to pray, and to hear a message based on God's Word. With this forced hiatus from public gathering, we're presented with a unique opportunity to think intentionally about worship. Is it restricted to something we do on Sunday or might it be something quite a bit bigger? This morning we'll explore this question by examining the Biblical message of the song, "The Heart of Worship."
Last week, we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! Rather than quickly move on, it's important that we take some time to reflect on the true identity of Jesus as Risen King who is "crowned with many crowns." He is not only alive, but active among His people and in our world. This truth can give us great focus, encouragement and direction in these uncertain times.
On this Easter Sunday, we will explore how the writer of the hymn "It is Well" was able to know inner peace in the midst of personal tragedy. We will see that the verses of his song point to the Biblical truth of Easter as foundational to the kind of life God created us to experience, even in a broken and hurting world.
Our current sermon series, "Seeing Clearly the Songs We Sing," highlights the Biblical truths we declare when we sing the songs that we do in our worship services. We've seen how these songs speak very practically to many of the situations we encounter, including the pandemic we are presently facing.
These last couple of weeks have demonstrated that the ability to remain connected through immense challenges is very possible. As we continue to minister through online opportunities, you'll notice a revised version of the weekly program that we hand out on Sunday. Within the information it provides, there will be a sermon outline that includes questions for discussion/reflection. Many are creatively utilizing platforms to worship together even while in different homes. As we join with brothers and sisters across this tiny planet, we worship a very awesome God. Today's message continues our look at the truths we declare when we sing the songs that we sing as part of our worship. This week's song proclaims that "Christ is Enough".
Notice: This podcast is louder than usual, you may want to turn down your volume before pressing play.
Today we will take a closer look at the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and see how it speaks the truth of God's faithfulness to us when we find ourselves wandering in difficult and chaotic times.
Discussion/Reflection Questions - In difficult and chaotic times, what is the danger of focusing on our circumstances? How is this danger intensified by our 24-hour news cycle and "free-for-all" social media? - Christ's life, death and resurrection fulfilled God's promises. How can this reality bolster our confidence in God's faithfulness today? Beyond this, how have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life? - God promises strength for each new day. Why is it important to wait on His strength one day at a time? What are some ways you can lean into God's strength day by day? - Have you entered into a restored relationship with God based on Christ's death for your sin? What are some practical ways in which we can share God's love and hope with those around us?
In this year, as we pursue the theme "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends," we recognize that we often proclaim God's vision of life in the songs we sing on Sunday morning. However, it is easy to get lost in the tune and not "see clearly" the truth of the songs we are singing.
Questions 1. What truths about God do we ned to consciously declare to one another at a time of uncertainty like this?
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Why do we need to be intentional in. expressing our gratitude and praise to God? How might we intentionally and practically use our "getting up" and our "night time" to refocus on God, especially in uncertain times?
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Share with one another (make a list if you're along) that for which you are thankful to God at this time.
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What are some practical ways we can extend God's heart of love and restoration to those around us during these times? Especially to those who do not yet have a relationship with Christ?
In this year, as we pursue the theme of "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends," we recognize that we often proclaim God's vision of life in the songs awe sing on a Sunday morning. However, it is easy to get lost in the tune and not "see clearly" the truth of the songs we are singing.
Identity drives motivation, motivation drives action, and action drives results... Every action we take in life has a sense of identity behind it. How we seee ourselves maters. - Dave Lomas
In this year as we pursue the theme "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends," we recognize that we ofter proclaim God's vision of life in the songs we sing on a Sunday morning. However, it is easy to get lost in the tune and not "see clearly" the truth of the songs we are singing.
We are currently focusing "up close and personal" on some values that are core to our faith. Today we will explore the value of "OUTREACH." In his letter, Peter challenged his readers to enter into the lives of the people around them, even though their culture was becoming increasingly suspicious and agnostic towards Christianity.
As we begin out year focusing "up close and personal" on some values that are core to our faith today we will explore the value of "SERVICE." In his letter (1 Peter 4:7011), Peter challenges his readers to intentional service for the cause of Christ, even though they find themselves in difficult times.
During these first weeks of the new year, we are looking at some values that are core to Christianity and, following our "20/20 Vision" theme, attempt to bring these values into focus in a way that is "up close and personal." Today we will explore the value of "community." In Paul's first letter to the corinthians, he challenged the competitiveness among the church by calling them to the more excellent way of love (1 Cor. 130, which is grounded in God's amazing love for us.
The beginning of a new year provides an appropriate opportunity to focus on core values and issues. Over the next weeks, we will look at some values that are core to Christianity, and following our "20/20 Vision" theme, attempt to bring these values into focus in a way that is "up close and personal." Today we will explore the value of discipleship.
The beginning of a new year provides an appropriate opportunity to focus on core values and issues. Over the next weeks, we will look at some values that are core to Christianity and follow our "20/20 Vision theme," attempt to bring these values into focus in a way that is "up close and personal."
As we are about to enter a new year, we recognize that God often leads in a way that invites us to focus on a particular area at a particular time. This morning, four of our pastoral staff will share their thoughts around the word/ concept they sense God impressing on their hears as they approach 2020.
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace and recall how the angels proclaimed "Peace on Earth" in their announcement of Christ's birth (Luke 2:14). As we look back at the history since that time, however, we notice how there continues to be a lot of outer and inner conflict in our world. We need a renewed vision of the nature of the peace Christ offers and the kind of responses required to experience this peace more deeply.
On this third Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of joy. While this is a very appropriate day to sing "Joy to the World," the song was actually written more in reference to Christ's Second coming than His first. We'll link today at how the joy anticipated in Christ's return is made possible by His first comping that we celebrate at Christmas.
On this second Sunday of Advent , we focus on the hope of Christmas. As we work our way through Philippians, we come to a passage where Paul celebrates the hope-filled truth that he has been "taken hold of" by Christ, not based on anything he has done, but in surrender to what God has done through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we focus on the love of Christmas. Our journey through the book of Philippians brings us to a passage where Paul shares the huge difference in his life that has resulted from his experience of God's gift of love. This passage begins as a call to joy for the truth that we do not need to live on a treadmill of religious performance and shows instead how Christ's love has restored us to live renewed lives in relationship with Him.
As we journey through the book of Philippians we come to a passage in which Paul shared his future plans to send Timothy and Epaphroditus back to Philippi. While he could have done this in a few short sentences, he instead took the opportunity to describe how these two men reflected the characteristics of selfless service that were needed in the Philippian church, just as they continue to be needed among Christ's followers today.
We are currently journeying through Paul's letter to the Philippians church. After urging the church at Philippi to recognize their need for God and respond to God's ongoing work in their lives, Paul addresses an attitude that is threatening the church. If the church listens to Paul's advice, he gives potential outcomes of what a Christ-like attitude provides.
As we watched today's baptisms, it would be unthinkable to leave the person being baptized under the water. By coming out of the water, we symbolically recognize that Chris "raises us with Him" to new life.
We are currently journeying through Paul's letter to the Phillipian church. After extending a strong challenge to the people of the church to live in unity, Paul points them to Jesus as the ultimate role model. In so doing, he paints a picture much different than current role models of his (and our) time do.
We are currently journeying through Paul's letter to the Philippian church. We come today to a section of the letter where Paul addresses what appears to be a growing division within their ranks. Rather than simply challenging the church to get along, he calls them to see their relationships through the renewed reality of Christ's Vision.
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we will walk through a Psalm in which David is careful to thank God for answered prayers. The Psalm us a fitting Reminder of how easy it is for us to focus our prayer on what we need and forget to thank God for all He has given.
As we journey through the book of Philippians, we come to the section in the letter where Paul is updating his readers on his current situation. Given the fact that he is writing while "in chains", it would not be surprising for Paul to give a discouraging report, yet what we read is quite different.
This is the team preach from September 29.
Sorry for the delay in posting, we had to reformat the file.
We recently introduced our new ministry theme, "20/20 Vision; Life as God Intends; and began a journey through the book of Philippians, noting that the quality go life it reveals is quite different than the self-oriented, circumstance based life pursued by much of our culture.
Today we see how Paul's vision of a full and godly life is impacted by his understanding of the "Gospel" the Good News about what God has done, is doing and will do to restore creation to Himself.
The purpose of our new ministry theme, "20/20 Vision: Life As God Intends" into focus on anew on the quality of life God offers. The book of Philippians presents a unique perspective on this, given that it is written by Paul from jail, where his freedom has been taken from him, his financial resources are very thin and any sense of control over his circumstances is gone.
Today we conclude the journey through the book of Acts as we look at key themes in the last chapter. Acts 1:8 is a focus.
Acts 22 and 23 provide chaotic scenes of angry mobs, hasty imprisonment, an unfair trial, and an insidious plot to take Paul's life. While Paul is in the very centre of this chaos, he appears less fazed than those creating the whirlwind around him. Through the years, God had deepened in Paul a perspective that speaks to us in our own chaotic circumstances.
In a culture where loneliness has become an epidemic, followers of Christ are invited into a different way: the way of community. Living in community involves intentionally making space for others in our lives.
As we take a quick survey through Scripture we'll see that celebration has played a major role in the story of God, from the Old Testament and the daily life of the Israelites, through to the teaching of Jesus all the way till the end of eternity.
It's not a matter of "if" something hard will happen in our life, but rather "when" will it happen. Our western society views suffering as unacceptable and strives to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Paul offers a different perspective on suffering.
We live in a world that is filled with clutter, distraction, and misplaced priorities. Following Jesus in a significant way can easily fall onto the back burner when we allow these things to take over .
As Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, fully aware it would lead to life-threatening danger, he gathered the leaders of the church in Ephesus and shared his heart with them in a tearful good-bye. In so doing, we get a powerful glimpse at the inner heart that was beneath the "deep and wide" life Paul lived.
As Paul begins a difficult journey to Jerusalem, he does so in a context of godly encouragement (Acts 20; 1, 2, 12). True encouragment is much more than expressing human hopes and well-wished to one another. Rather, it involves lifting our eyes upward to the God of encouragement who has been chosen to come alongside us. (Rom. 15:5, John 14:18; 1. Thess. 5:11)
As Paul and his companions travel from city to city, they left quite a wake. Today, we can still see that God uses life change to bring about spiritual growth and revival in modern cities.
On this Canada Day weekend, we want to look at how our "heavenly" citizenship should impact our earthly citizenship. This was certainly the case for Paul when he entered Athens and saw in its rampant array of idols a real hunger for God. His response endeavoured to bring the hope of the true God to this needy city.
As we continue our journey through the book of Acts, we come to the familiar story of Paul and Silas in a Philippian jail. While at first glance, the focus of the story seems to involve the miraculous earthquake that brought about their release, the passage focuses on the impact of the authentic relationship Paul and Silas had with God and how this was revealed in their prayer lives. Paul and Silas expressed a life of prayer that was not about lists or rituals, but rather about a plunge into the constant presence of God.
Today we're looking at what it means to enter into the mystery of worship as we look at two different versions of the throne room, written about 850 years apart. As we journey through these visions in Isaiah and Revelation, we'll learn how these windows into heavenly worship should inform how we engage in worship here today.
Elijah had done it "right" serving God, and it still didn't go like he thought it would. Doing it right doesn't equal a life without difficulty,
As we continue our journey through the book of Acts, we are currently in the section of its story where the church is extending wide. Today, we see Paul begin an effective time of outreach in the seemingly closed city of Philippi. The description of his starting points can truly encourage us to move past intentions, fears and guilt with the truth that when it comes to impact for Christ, we won't get anywhere if we don't start somewhere.
We're currently exploring the section of Acts that describes Paul's impactful journeys. Today we'll look at the early days of his second journey and see some decisions he made that contributed to the impact God accomplished through him. God invites us to a life that moves from a leisurely stroll to a purposeful journey for this to happen, we need to focus on ...
As the Church expands in its early years, a serious conflict arose regarding a person's need to be circumcised (according to Jewish law) in order to be truly saved (brought into relationship with God). In Acts 15, we find a description of how this conflict was handled with the result of being an encouraged and strengthened church (vs. 30-32).
When Paul and Barnabas completed their missionary journey, they came home to Antioch and did more than just report. They spent tim in continued "deep and wide" development with this group of people who were not just a sending church, but also a sent church (Acts 11:21)
Forgiveness is key to us being the people God created us to be. Jesus' teaching on forgiveness challenges us to face our own inner struggle with pardoning people who may not even be remorseful. Nonetheless, we are to forgive.
On the day Jesus rose from the dead, He came up from behind two of His followers as they were walking to their home. These two had heavy hearts, thinking He was still dead. They didn't recognize Jesus until He joined them for a meal and "broke bread" with them. Everything Jesus claimed about Himself was true.
The Palm Sunday story features a crowd that wanted God to produce visible and immediate results. When this did not happen, the same crowd singing Jesus' praise on Palm Sunday was shouting "Crucify Him!" on Good Friday. These people wanted Jesus as a military conqueror, not as Bread of Life.
In these weeks leading up to Easter, we are exploring what it means that Jesus is the Bread of Life, using various ingredients of bread as doorways to deepen our understanding. Today we will look at how the ingredient of yeast speaks to the transforming power of God.
In these weeks leading up to Easter, we are exploring what it means that Jesus is the Bread of Life, using various ingredients of bread as doorways to deepen our understanding. Today, we will look at how the ingredient of honey (ex. 16:31) speaks to the joy jesus offers.
In these weeks leading up to Easter, we are exploring what it means that Jesus is the Bread of Life (Jn. 6L35), using various ingredients of bread as doorways to deepen our understanding. Today, we will look at how the ingredient of salt can inform and challenge our walk with God.
In these weeks leading up to Easter. we will take a closer look at some of the implications of Jesus' declaration that He is the Bread of Life. If we look at the ingredients of bread, we can identify some components of what Jesus makes available to those who come to Him to "feast" on the life He offers.
As we follow along with Paul and Barnabas through their first missionary journey, we see the highs and lows of their experiences in sharing the gospel. Their experiences can strengthen and encourage us to keep a healthy perspective as we live our faith both deep and wide.
As we continue to track the "deep and wide " growth of Christianity through the book of Acts, we come today to the first recorded missionary journey in the Bible. as Barnabas and Saul head out from Antioch.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are delighted that we have the opportunity to worship together. Our desire is that we can join in heartfelt worship of God calls us to walk with Him on a journey that is both deep and wide. Today's passage allows us to see that God is a sending God. As we develop in our relationship with Him, He fills us with deep compassion to be moved into action for those that do not yet know Him.
As we continue our journey through the book of Acts, we come to a story that has a very discouraging beginning. By all appearances, the forward movement of the church had been severely threatened by the hostile actions of the ruling powers. Yet, by the end of the story, God's power had clearly prevailed and His plans continued to unfold.
During this ministry year, we are exploring God's invitation to go "deeper and wider" in our walk with Him. Today we will return to our journey through the book of Acts as it develops this theme.
We are currently exploring our need to be intentional in co-operating with the "deep and wide" work God wants to do in our relationships...with Him, with one another and with our neighbours. Today we'll look at a story in the book of Acts where Peter was shown the huge scope of God's love for the people of our world and challenged to a whole new level of response in sharing God's love in the "neighbourhoods" around him.
We are currently exploring our need to be intentional in co-operating with the growth God wants to bring to our relationships...with Him, with one another and with our neighbours. Today we'll look at a passage where Paul casts a compelling vision of the life God makes possible as we live in response to His love for us. This vision challenges an individual "Jesus and me" form of faith as it assumes a context of meaningful community.
Apologetics as a Spiritual Discipline, Observe the Culture, Current Cultural Moods, Evangelism Helps
Last week we talked about God's desire to move us past this places where we can get stuck in our walk with Him. Rather than remain passive in this process, we saw how we need to intentionally engage in practices that provide context for God's Spirit to bring growth. Today, we'll look at the vibrancy of Daniel's walk with God (Daniel 6) and how it challenges us to follow in his intentional footsteps
Today various members of the ministry staff will be sharing about a different Bible character and some facet of this follower of God who walked intentionally with Him.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we focus on the peace of Christmas (Lk. 2:14). When the angels spoke of Jesus coming to bring peace, they did so within a context that was anything but peaceful. The peace He offers need to be understood in the broader frame of the Jewish concept of "Shalom", which is "a gift of God" marked by a "comprehensive kind of fulfilment in life" that "transcends anything, which mankind alone, even under the best circumstances, is able to attain." In simpler terms, it has been described as "everything the way God intended it to be."
This morning, we have sung and heard songs about the good news of Christmas. In announcing the birth of Christ, the angels declared that His coming to earth was news of great joy (which can be defined as the experience of gladness or well-being). What is it about the coming of Jesus that offers true joy?
On this second Sunday of advent, we focus on the hope of Christ. We'll see how the story of Saul's (we know him as Paul, the apostle) conversion is one of turning from the emptiness of human hope to the true hope made available by God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we focus on the love of Christ displayed in His coming to earth. As Jesus' love caused Him to move outward, today we'll see how His early followers followed His examples (Acts 7:54-8:40) and also moved outward in expressing and extending His love.
This year we are journeying through the book of Acts, focusing on how God desires to take His people deeper and wider in our walk with Him. Today we come to a long speech by Stephen (Acts 7:1-53) in which he responded to the challenge of a hard-hearted religious group who charged that his teaching about Jesus was attacking the Temple and the Law. He answered with a historical survey of Jewish history that showed how Jesus fulfils the role of the temple (Acts 7:1-50) and the role of the law (Acts 7:35-53).
As we continue on in our journey through understanding and applying the hook of Acts, today we want to look at some of the practices (or spiritual disciplines) that helped shape, define, and expand early followers of Jesus.
As we continue our journey through the book of Acts, we come today to a description of the first followers of Jesus taking intentional action to ensure their ongoing health and vitality.
In our journey through the book of Acts, we come today to a difficult and troubling story where two people fall dead when confronted with the fact that they lied about keeping back money they said they had given (vs. 1-2)
Our journey through the book of acts brings us today to a passage (Acts 4) that provides an early summary of what these first followers of Jesus experienced as they leaned into this new life with God's spirit.
As we continue our journey through the book of Acts, exploring what it means to go "Deep and Wide" with God, we come today to a story in which a man who was "lame from birth" experienced profound healing.
Today we'll look at how the belief of the first followers of Jesus in God's active presence can renew our understanding and experience of "church" today.
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, it is easy to focus so strongly on the material blessings God has given that we forget the deeper blessing of all that is made available to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This morning we'll look at how this good news, which we refer to as the "Gospel," was expressed through the message.
Today we will look at the passage where God first pours out His Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus (Acts 2:1-3)
Today various members of the ministry staff will be sharing a message in which they will develop some aspect of this year's ministry theme, "Deep and Wide."
Today we'll look at the early followers of Jesus who would be the first to experience this "deep and wide" work of God. It quickly becomes apparent that their stories intersect and speak to our stories, inviting each of us to dive in to the life God offers.
We'll look at two crucial truths today from Acts 1:1-11 that show we really cannot separate our our formation in Christ with our mission for Christ.
Today we conclude the ministry year we began last September which has focused around the theme of walking with God. On this Labour Day weekend, it is appropriate that we explore what it means to walk with God in our place of work, whatever that place might be
When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, this view of God's sovereignty was directly tested and Abraham had to decide if he would trust God not only in the "big picture" but in the very real, concrete issues issues of his life.
Today Pastor Lyle will continue a series of messages not he life of Abraham entitled, "On a Journey with Go." We come to a story that begins with Abraham discouraged by his circumstances. He has started looking toward is own resources to figure out how to fulfil God's purposes for his life. God responds with a powerful revelation of Himself that continues to speak to us today in our own journey with God.
As we continue on our series on the life of Abraham, we see a clear example of a life linked to the greater unfolding story of God. What might have appeared as aimless wandering was actually a journey God used to profoundly further His purposes.
Today we will resume the series 'On a Journey with God.' Throughout this series, we are looking at some key events in Abraham's life. At a point when God was stretching Abraham's faith, he chose to take on circumstances into his own hands. The dramatic events that came as a result affected many, perhaps most intensely, Hagar. Let's explore together how God provided opportunity for Hagar to be cared for, and what affect that had upon the nations.
Today Pastor Mike is going to explore some of what the Bible has to say about how we spend our time and how we might decide what is a priority.
Today we look at a passage coming very early in the OT that describes how God initiated a profound plan through which He intends to impact all people around the world.
Throughout this year we have focused on the reality that Christianity is about living in a real relationship WITH God that touches every part of our lives. Today we'll look at a well-known story where Jesus calls Zacchaeus out of a tree and pays him a life-changing visit.
Today we will look at one of the final recorded prayers that Jesus prayed before going to the cross (John 17). This prayer reveals to us the importance of living as a spiritual family as we walk with Jesus.
Today we'll look at a story Jesus told about two people praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14). He told this story to confront the pride of those who thought they were better than others based on the way they kept the right rules.
Today, we'll look at Jesus' response to those who wanted to find a sense of meaning and security in a messed up world by keeping God "on their side" through their good deeds.
This morning we will focus on the theme of our Young Adults "Converge" events: Your Kingdom Come
Throughout this year, we have focused on the reality that Christianity is about living in a real relationship WITH God that touches every part of our lives. Today we will explore the well-known sorry where Jesus feeds a huge multitude with five small loaves and two little fish. This story speaks to the places in our lives where we feel inadequate to follow Jesus. We may feel totally incapable to either go deeper with God or to exert any significant influence for Him to our families, our workplaces or wherever we find ourselves. Jesus challenges us to move from paralyzing inadequacy to faithful anticipation.
Shame is a common issue in many lives. Where guilt is related to specific actions, shame is a deeper feeling of humiliation that says "I am wrong". This often causes us to hide and isolate ourselves. Today we'll see how the love of Jesus addresses us in our shame.
Welcome to Mckernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us! As we continue our focus on what it means to walk with Jesus, today we will look at a fairly well-known story in whichJesus calms a storm that brought life threatening chaos to everyone who was in the boat with Him.
Pastor Dave brings us a message about how each follower of Jesus, regardless of age, is a vital part of His body, the church.
Throughout the year we have focused on the reality of Christ with us in a real way. Today we celebrate Easter and the reality of how this day makes this relationship possible!
In the month leading up to Easter, the church leadership is inviting us to focus together on "28 Days of Prayer" as a way of inviting God's wisdom and direction for us as a church community. This week we want to focus our thoughts on listening to the Lord's voice. On the night before Jesus went to the cross, He spoke to His decibels about what was going to happen after He physically left them (vs. 19-20). While this would seem to be the end of them experiencing His presence and hearing His voice, He assured them that this was no the case.
Today we will have the opportunity to briefly explore four pathways that Jesus invites people to follow him as they embrace the Good News He offers.
As a church, we are exploring what it means to walk "with" God. The kind of relationship envisioned by this moves beyond ritual to an experience of prayer that touches on the very real and practical areas of our lives. Truly, walking with God involves talking with God.
As we continue our focus on what it means to live in relationship "with" God, today we begin a series of sermons exploring this theme through the lens of the life of Jesus. Our first stop opens on a simple scene where we see parents bring their little children to Jesus that He might bless them. When HIs disciple confront the crowd for "wasting" Jesus' time this way. He counters by pointing to the little children as a "living parable" demonstrating the kind of qualities necessary for a growing experience of life with God.
Today Pastor Mike will look at the conclusion of Colossians. In these final greetings we meet some of the companions that Paul has in his walk, and we are introduced to what they bring along to support the journey.
Today we will look at how Paul's words in Colossians 4:2-6 give guidance to the practical outworking of our relationship with our "neighbours", those people in our communities and our world who live outside of a restored relationship with God.
Welcome to MCkernan Baptist Church! WE are glad you hAve joined us. AS we continue our focus on what it means to walk WITH God, we are currently exploring how we might be more intention in developing our relationships with God.
Today we will look at some direction Paul gives in Colossians 3:15-16 that guide the practical outworking of our relationship with God.
Since our ministry year began last September, we have been talking about what it means to walk with God. While Paul is clear that this walk is not about external rules and rituals, he also is clear that it is more than mindless wandering.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul provides a concise summary regarding our walk with God.
Since the beginning of our ministry year last September, we have focused a them summarized simply by the word. "WITH". What does it mean to walk WITH God? We continue this theme into this new year as Tim Pippus brings a message today that well take us back two thousand years to a time when Jesus took Peter, James and John out for what they thought would be an ordinary hike. We will see how the extraordinary events they experienced that day can strengthen and guide us as we seek to walk with God in the midst of our ordinary lives in 2018.
Various members of the ministry staff will be reflecting on a number of Bible characters and what it meant for them to walk with God.
Today we will go through the Christmas Eve Story in the book of John and how Jesus is the Light that came into the world on Christmas.
We have affirmed again that the first and true gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ Himself, coming down to us as a light in our darkness (Is. 9:2,6). As with any gift, however, this coming of Christ calls for response.
The season of Advent anticipates the "coming" or "arrival" of Jesus. While we celebrate His first coming, we continue to await His second coming when He will return to fulfil what was set in motion through HIs birth, life, death and resurrection.
On this First Sunday of Advent, we focus on the hope Jesus came to bring. In Colossians 3:5-11 Paul gets very practical about how setting our hearts and minds on Christ should impact our lives at the level of those issues where we struggle to follow Him. Paul exposes the root cause of our sin and challenges us to invite Christ's transformative power into these root causes. Rather than hide these painful chapters, God chooses to bring these stories to the light relating to the coming of Jesus to earth. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus walks with us amid our pain.
Pastor Lyle goes through different examples of anger. greed. sexuality, and pride and how they effect us when we will let them become our ultimate instead of Christ.
Our journey through Colossians has repeatedly emphasized how walking with God is not about external conformity to a list of rules. What then, is it about? At the beginning of chapter 3, Paul turns his thoughts toward this question, beginning with a challenge that we take a hard and honest look at our ultimate affections and allegiances. Put another way, "what do we love and what makes life worth living?"
Our walk with Jesus is not without potential diversions, so let's be prayerfully aware of the pull toward...
Freedom from disqualification to a place of belonging with God's people, freedom from guilt and shame, freedom from the powers of darkness.
Today is Reformation Sunday. Our whole theme of walking WITH God in personal relationship rests on the return to Biblical truth that came out of the Protestant Reformation. This truth has been summarized in five rallying cries that have come to be known as the five 'solar'.
A key reason Paul wrote Colossians was to encourage new followers of Jesus in the city of Collossae. His comments here provide a lot of insight into the meaning we can derive intentionally walking with God.
"We all have a picture of God, and when you get down to the core, what you believe about God (who He is) really matters" - Pat Barret
When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he addressed a culture that had a very limited view of who Jesus was. Some saw Him as one "god" among many. Others from a more Jewish background struggled to see Him as God at all. As a result, Paul penned a powerful portrait of Jesus that continues to challenge our (too small) ideas of Him today.
We are currently in a series of sermons from the book of Colossians we're calling "The Immanuel Agenda: Life with God." Today we come to Paul's prayer for the people in the Colossian church. When we look closely at his prayer we see that it is based on what he knows to be true of walking with God and reflects his desire that the Collisions grow ever deeper in their experience of life with God.
After his initial greetings, Paul begins this letter with a prayer thanking God for how the Christians in Colossae were walking with Him (1:3-8). His description of of their Christian walk provides some helpful "footprints" to follow as we look for direction in our journey to experience life WITH God.
We kick off our new series, "WITH", by looking at Paul's description of those who will receive his letter.
Micah was a prophet in Judah during an especially turbulent time. God's people wavered between obedience and rebellion. Micah brought a message from God to His people during a time of rebellion that challenged whether God's children really knew their God or merely knew about Him. In response to God's questions, as to whether are rebelling against Him the children of Israel ask the question, "With what shall I come before the Lord?" Micah brings God's reply in Micah 6:8. This reply helps us see what is near and dear to the heart of God.
Today we conclude a series entitled "Summer Classes in the Kings' Court", in which we have explored the stories of Israel's lesser known kings, by looking at the reign of King Josiah.
Today we will look at the reign of King Hezekiah, whose good reign is summarized with the statement that he "trusted in the Lord" (2 Kings 18:5). There is a prayer of Hezekiah recorded in Isaiah 38 where he specifically praises God for His faithfulness (v. 19-20).
Today we will look at the reign of King Joash, whose early years led to a very godly period in an otherwise bleak era in Judah's history. Unfortunately, after such a good start, the reign of Joash ended poorly
Today we will look at the reign of King Ahab, who is introduced as the ruler that significantly promoted the worship of Baal in Israel. In many ways, the worship of Baal was a religious form of materialism, which can be seen as the pursuit of well-being through the accumulation of external "stuff".
We begin today with King Jeroboam and see how life offers a very important lesson on the subtleties ad dangers of compromise.
The bible tells us that if we trust in God with all our hearts, He will make our paths straight. Today we will look at the story of Ananias and how he was faced with what he perceived to be a potentially life-threatening challenge. We will see how Ananias responded to this task with trust and obedience and how God made his path straight. We will look at how this story is relevant to us today. It gives us a glimpse into the importance of trusting in God. Our obedience opens the doors for God to work through us.
Over the last number of weeks we have given attention to being in right relationship with God, one another, and our neighbour. Along the way, we have had opportunities to have our own life changed as we faithfully follow God's leading.
Today we will look closely at how God's compassion towards us allows us to be empowered to compassionately come alongside others.
Jesus shared the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to a group of people who were looking for an easy answer. His answer wasn't what hey expected, and it gives us a glimpse into how we called to reach out to our neighbours.
As a church, we have purposed to be in "right relationship with our neighbours." We are currently in a series of messages exploring a passage (Luke 10: 1-24) where Jesus sent out seventy-two of His followers to the neighbouring towns in what proved to be a very influential venture.
In Jesus' instructions to those He sent, He offered important teaching what is involved in effective outreach. Over the next two weeks, we will look at how His timeless words continue to direct us today.
As a church, we have purposed to be in "right relationship with our neighbours". We are currently in a series of messages exploring a passage (Luke 10:1-24) where Jesus sent out seventy-two of his followers to the neighbouring towns in what proved to be a very influential venture.
As a church, we are currently exploring what it means to be in "right relationship with our neighbours." In the coming weeks, we'll look at passage in Luke 10 where Jesus sends His followers into neighbouring towns to forge relationships through which people could come to know His transforming love and truth. We begin today by looking at the compassionate heart of God that is the starting point of how we need to enter into the lives of the people around us.
If your neighbour were to ask you "What is the Christian life all about," how would you respond?
As a church, we want to be in "Right Relationship with our neighbours." This can easily lead to conversations that raise questions about our faith. We are currently in a series exploring some of these questions. Today we take a closer look at the question on our hearts and those of our neighbours: "Where do I belong?"
While we can't provide absolute proof in the existence of the God of the Bible, there are many clues in our world that point to his existence....
Today we will look at the issue, "If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world?"
On this Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and recognize how absolutely foundational it is to the saving truth and eternal hope of Christianity. (1 Cor. 15:1-5)
Throughout our ministry year, we are focusing on our three key priorities, "Right Relationship - With God, With One Another and With Our Neighbour." Today we begin our focus on being in right relationship with our neighbour as we explore God's heart for the neighbourhood outside the boundaries of "His people".
During this year, we are focusing on what it means to be in "right relationship with one another." Paul's description of the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22-23) offers a powerful vision of what Christian community can look like.
Today we come to the fruit of "self-control," which is often associated with trying harder to be more disciplined, often so that we can more effectively accomplish our own goals.
As we journey through the "fruit of the spirit", we come today to the fruit of "gentleness", or "meekness".
When we understand our reality (what we have been saved from) and our identity (who we have become in Christ) from God, a spirit empowered response of total surrender becomes manifested in our lives.
We welcome Kris Knutson as our guest speaker. Kris is the Director of Programs at The Mustard Seed Street Church. He has been part of our Deepen Conference this weekend, leading a track on the topic of restorative justice.
Faithfulness to God is best sustained in the context of faithful relationships with one another.
Today we come to the fruit of "goodness." Because there are many voices in our world telling us what the "good life" looks like, it is important that we take the time to explore what God says about life that is truly good.
Today, we look at the fruit of "peace." The letter Paul wrote to the church in Philippi contains several allusions to a lack of relational peace. Paul's appeal to these people addresses the root of their conflict and points to Jesus' example as the true source of peace (2:1-9). We can summarize Paul's direction this way.
Today, we look at the fruit of "joy". In the Psalms, we read of David's loss of joy that occurred as a result of sin that occurred in a very relational context (Psalm 32, 51). These Psalms take us back to the story of David and Bathsheba and how David got into the mess he did by trying to make his own joy.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! In this new year, we are focussing on what it means to be in "Right Relationship With One Another." Today we begin a journey through the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. We'll see how love for one another truly does flow from an increasing awareness of God's love for us.
As we begin 2017, we will turn our focus to what it means to be in right relationship with one another.
Today various members of ministry staff will be reflecting on various images that are part of the Christmas story.
As we enter into a new year, we can do so with confidence that history is not random. Mary's song of praise (Luke 1:46-55) clearly recognizes God's sovereign grace. History is moving toward God's purposes and He graciously reaches down to each of us, inviting us to walk with him.
Today we continue to explore the implications of Jesus' name, Emmanuel," which means "God With Us."
The arrival of Jesus to live among us was described by Luke (2:1-14) in details that set up a stark contrast between the human value system of Rome and the true value system of God. From His birth, the way of Jesus confronts the way of the world.
In a world marred by death, Jesus claimed to be the resurrection and the life. He then miraculously raised Lazarus from the dead as a sign the he has authority over death.
As we focus this fall on what it means to grow in our relationship with God, we're exploring how God reveals Himself to us. Today, we'll look at the implications of Jesus' statement, "I Am The True Vine".
A we focus this fall on the theme of being in right relationship with God, we recognize that part of being in any meaningful relationship is growing in our understanding of the other person. Thus, we are currently exploring what the Bible says about who God is.
As we focus this fall on being in "Right Relationship with God," Pastor Lyle will continue a series of messages on the character of God as revealed in the Bible. Today we will focus on God as "the Lifter of my Head."
As we focus this fall on the theme of being in right relationship with God, we recognize that part of being in any meaningful relationship is growing in our understanding of the other person. Thus, we currently exploring what the Bible says about who God is. Today we will look at God's holiness, with emphasis on how this holiness was revealed to Isaiah (6:1-8).
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us. It has been our privilege this weekend to host a conference centred around "Keeping Company with God." Our keynote speaker for the event was Rob Loane, who has served with VantagePoint3 since 2004. VantagePoint3 is a ministry dedicated to helping the local church develop godly leaders by providing a pathway for Christ-followers to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. Rob will be speaking at our services today around the theme, "Who are you following?"
This fall we are focusing on the theme of being in right relationship with God. A part of being in any meaningful relationship is growing in our understanding of the other person. Thus, we are currently exploring what the Bible says about who God is.
This fall we are focusing on the theme of being in right relationship with God. A part of being in any meaningful relationship is growing in our understanding of the other person.
Earlier this month, we launched our new ministry theme, "Right Relationship...With God, With One Another and With Our Neighbours." Today, various members of our pastoral team will share our morning message by providing their thoughts on how the Bible speaks to some aspect of this theme.
Today, we will explore what Jesus meant in John 10:1-8 when he said that those who follow him are like sheep that are able to hear the voice of their shepherd and follow his leading.
We are glad you have joined us for Kickoff Sunday. Today, we launch our ministry year by focusing on the new statement of our chuech's values. At McKernan Baptist Church, we are committed to increasingly become a people in "Right Relationship... with God, with one another and with our neighbours".
Today, Pastor Lyle will conclude our summer sermon series entitled "Great Questions of the Bible", looking at God's question to Moses, "What is that in your hand?" Moses could never have imagined how the simple shepherd's staff he was holding would be transformed by God into something that reflected His awesome power. You too may look at what an average workday or school day places in your hand and wonder how God could ever transform such an ordinary situation into something He uses for His greater purposes. His question remains the same, "What is that in your hand?"
We are currently in a series of sermons looking at some of the "Great Questions of the Bible". Today we come to the question, "Who is my neighbour?"
Today, Pastor Lyle will continue a summer sermon series on some of the "Great Questions of the Bible," looking at the question, "Is the Lord among us or not?" This is a question that the people of Israel asked when they found themselves without water in the desert. Unfortunately, they asked through the lens of fretful doubt. We'll see today how God invites us to ask this question through the lens of thoughtful faith, that our view of Him and our assurance of His presence may grow.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us. Today Greg Garbutt, our Adult Minstries Assistant, will continue the summer sermon series exploring some of the "Great Questions of the Bible" by looking at the question, "Do You Love Me?" Jesus asked Peter this very important question after Peter had failed miserably and denied even knowing Jesus. In this context, we'll see that the question is an amazingly gracious invitation. Rather than leave Peter wallowingin his guilt and feeling disqualified for future ministry, Jesus intentionally had Peter face this very broken place of failure in his life and thus find forgiveness and restoration.
Today, we continue a series of sermons looking at some of the "Great Questions of the Bible." In the book of Romans, Paul describes the amazing truth that we are restored to God, not by anything we do, but by what God has done for us. If this is the case, he anticipates the question, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?"
Today, we continue a series of sermons looking at some of the "Great Questions of the Bible." In Job 38, God asks Job in the midst of his suffering, "Were you there when I laid the earth's foundations?"
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us. Today, Pastor Daunavan will continue a summer sermon series on some of the "Great Questions of the Bible." This morning we'll look at the crucial question, "Do You Want to be Healed?" This question may seem like a 'silly' question at a quick glance, but upon deeper examination, IT is quite profound. Take some time to read these quotes and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for what He wants to do in you today.
Today, Pastor Lyle will continue a summer sermon series on some of the "Great Questions of the Bible." This morning we'll look at the crucial question, "Who do you say I am?" As Jesus asked His first disciples this question, He continues to ask us, challenging each of us beyond casual conversation about Him toward a clear choice concerning our belief in His identity. We'll explore how our response to this question has critical consequences, both for this life and the next!
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us. Today, Pastor Lyle will begin a summer sermon series on some of the "Great Questions of the Bible." This morning we'll look at the question, "Where are you?" God asked Adam this question as he was trying to cover up the guilt and shame that resulted when he chose to do what God had clearly told him not to do. We'll see how this question is a powerful example of God's grace that continues to pursue us in the midst of our guilt and shame and invite us into the freedom of His forgiveness.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today our Youth Pastor, Dave Schneider, will bring a message challenging us to step into the life Jesus offers. Too often, Christianity is seen as giving eternal life that begins when this life ends. Jesus, however, came to offer life "to the full," and that starts this side of eternity.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today Pastor Lyle will bring a message highlighting some reflections on his recent trip to Cameroon, where he and Pastor Dan taught for two weeks at the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We especially welcome all fathers who are with us on this Father's Day. Today, we welcome Dr. Terry Fossen as our speaker. Terry is the Associate Regional Minister of the Alberta Baptist Association. He will draw on the well-known story of the "prodigal son" to show how true courage is revealed in how we love. While this message will have special application to fathers, its challenge to love courageously is a challenge to us all.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today we will continue to explore our church's key priorities from a bit of a different angle. Our Young adults gathering, Converge, has been meeting for the last 9 months looking at a very important topic: From the Head to the Heart. Pastor Daunavan will be sharing a bit about what he has learned over this time as well as challenge us to approach our three relational priorities (Growing with Jesus, Caring for One Another, and Reaching out to our Neighbours) in a way that is not just 'head' knowledge; it's knowledge that moves to our hearts.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today Pastor Terry will be continuing the series Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out and what our response should be to Jesus. A life with Jesus at the centre should be one of quick obedience, and today, will examine the example Philip gives us in his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today we will continue to explore our church's key priorities as we look at what it means to have meaningful relationships with our neighbours. This priority calls us outward to a world that desperately needs to know and embrace the love and truth of Christ. While it is easy to feel quite overwhelmed, inadequate and even afraid to share our faith, we need to remember that outreach flows best in the context of real relationships. Our relationship with God calls us to authentic relationships with others where we simply live our faith, enter into respectful conversation as God opens doors, and then we let God's Spirit do the work of touching and transforming hearts.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today Greg Garbutt, our Adult Ministries Assistant, will bring a message on the story of the thief on the cross. We'll see how this story offers an amazing invitation "home" to a very unworthy rebel.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today we will continue to explore our church's key priorities as we look at what it means to have caring relationships with one another. We live in a culture where it is easy to get caught up in individual pursuits and we can quickly transfer this thinking to our walk with God. We'll see, however, that the life God intended was never meant to be lived in isolation. We are designed to need each other.
When Jesus breaks in, life breaks out. We have spent most of the last eight months exploring this powerful truth. Today, we begin a short series of messages considering what it looks like when Jesus breaks into our lives. Essentially we'll see that our lives increasingly grow relationally upward (with Jesus), relationally inward (with one another), and relationally outward (with our neighbours)
Today we will continue in the series 'Jesus Breaking in- Life Breaking out' with a look at how crucial the Ascension was to powerfully launch the church in the 1st century. The effect of the Ascension continues to be vital in our personal lives and in the influence we have on others
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today, we continue our journey through the life of Christ as we peek in on two disillusioned individuals making their way home with very heavy hearts and their hope left buried in the tomb with the crucified Jesus. Little did they know that the companion who joined them on their journey was the risen Jesus who was about to break into their hopelessness with solid hope beyond anything they could have imagined...
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! Today, we continue our journey through the life of Christ as we peek in on two disillusioned individuals making their way home with very heavy hearts and their hope left buried in the tomb with the crucified Jesus. Little did they know that the companion who joined them on their journey was the risen Jesus who was about to break into their hopelessness with solid hope beyond anything they could have imagined...
Easter comes with its promise of spring, but often we can be left feeling like it's winter in our souls. Today we'll look at Jesus' encounter with Mary Magdelene in the midst of her heaviness and see how He offered her (and continues to offer us) a whole new way of relating to Himself.
On this Easter Sunday, We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, not just as a past event, but a present reality. We'll explore the present implications of the resurrection strategic from the story where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us for our service. On this Palm Sunday, we continue to explore the life of Christ. His entrance into Jerusalem set into motion the events of a week that truly did change the world and provide hope for all humanity. Today, we will focus on one of these events as we watch Jesus don the simple attire of a servant and wash the feet of His disciples. We'll see how this amazing scene not only foreshadowed Christ's cross but also revealed much about His great love for us.
Welcome to McKernan Baptist Church! We are glad you have joined us for our service as we continue to explore the life of Christ. Today our journey takes us to an amazing scene on a mountain where, for a few moments, Jesus is revealed in all His heavenly glory. Not only do we see convincing evidence that Jesus is more than a man, we also become increasingly aware that after meeting this Jesus, our lives really should never be the same again...
We live in a culture that has a variety of opinions about who Jesus was and is. It is quite common to hear that one's opinion about Christ is simply a personal matter; however, when we read the Gospels we discover that our opinion about Jesus' identity does matter. As we continue our series, "Jesus Breaking in--Life Breaking Out," we want to make sure we understand just who Jesus claimed to be.
In our series, "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," we have repeatedly seen how the stories of Jesus in the Bible relate to the stories of our own lives. As Jesus broke into the very real situations of His followers two thousand years ago, He continues to break into our lives even now.
Today we'll join Jesus on a mountainside and watch Him feed a huge, hungry crowd with the most meager of resources. In a world of need, He truly is a God who not only cares, but can provide in miraculous ways. But here's the catch...most often He chooses to involve us in how He brings His abundant resources to a needy world. We are invited to the adventure of responding with His compassion and His provision to the real needs of those He places on our heart.
In order to live the life we've always dreamed of we must learn to hear the voice ofGod's love, receive the gift of God's deeper work within, and courageously move toward the good works God has prepared in advance for us to do.
In our series, "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," we have repeatedly seen how the stories of Jesus in the Bible relate to the stories of our own lives. AS Jesus broke into the very real situations of His followers two thousand years ago, He continues to break into our lives even now.
As we continue our series, "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," we find Jesus responding to a very real question from John the Baptist. As John was in prison he began to doubt the identity of Jesus and sent His followers to ask Jesus what was going on. His honest question is one that resonates with any follower of Christ who has expectations of their faith journey that continue to go unmet.
As we continue the series, "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," today we complete our stop at the hillside where Jesus delivered the "Sermon on the Mount", in which He describes the kind of life He envisions for us.
As we continue our series, "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," we are currently looking at the kind of life Christ envisions for us in His teaching we know as the "Sermon on the Mount." In this sermon, Jesus taught about what life can look like when we surrender to God as King.
As we continue our series, "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," we are currently looking at the kind of life Christ envisions for us in His teaching we know as the "Sermon on the Mount." In this "sermon," Jesus taught about what life can look like when we surrender to God as King.
At the heart of this sermon is the truth that the Christian life is one of transformation from the inside out (Matthew 5:3,20). Today we'll see how this applies to our financial management.
As we continue our series "Jesus Breaking In - Life Breaking Out," we are currently looking at the kind of life Christ envisions for us in His teaching known as the "Sermon on the Mount." Today we'll explore the part of His sermon which calls us to a "righteousness" that exceeds the efforts of those who were known for their meticulous rule keeping.
On this first Sunday of the new year, we return to a series of sermons exploring how the life of Christ radically "broke in" to a real place and time and as a result, new life bout out. Today, we follow Christ to a hillside where He taught the basic foundations of the life He came to give.
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we focus on the peace of Christmas. Today we'll look at a passage declaring that Jesus has broken in as God's promised light of peace to the darkness in and around Israel (Matthew 4:15-17).
A Christmas Program rightly focuses on Jesus coming as a baby in a manger and praises God for this amazing gift. Our grade 5/6 students have reminded us, however, that Jesus did not remain a baby. While we know this, we may still make the mistake of "leaving Jesus in the manger" and live without the incredible implications of Christ's coming to earth.
On this second Sunday of Advent, we focus on the love of Christmas. Today we'll follow Jesus through a few encounters and quickly notice how His love impacted the way He saw the situations, which was quite different from the people around Him.
Advent reminds us that Jesus often comes in very unexpected, yet powerful ways. While the story of Jesus calling Peter is not a Christmas story, it is certainly an example of Jesus breaking into Peter's existence in ways both unexpected and life-changing.
Today, our journey through the life of Christ takes us to Samaria where Jesus had a very significant encounter with a woman that moved her from unbelief to belief and a restored relationship with God (John 4:39-41). There is much we can learn from this encounter to help us overcome our fear of outreach and simply fulfill our role as witnesses for Jesus.
As we focus on children today, it is appropriate that our journey through the life of Christ take us to some passages where Jesus modeled a very different perspective on children than was widely held in His day. In so many ways, Jesus treated children with great dignity and in fact, used their position in life to cll His followers to grow up into childlike faith.
Today, our journey through the life of Christ takes us to Jerusalem where Jesus had a powerful encounter with a religious leader named Nicodemus. We read that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, a detail that proves to be quite telling as we get a glimpse of the darkness in Nicodemus' soul and of Jesus' gracious invitation to him to come into the Light.
In our current series of sermons exploring the life of Christ, we come today to the village of Cana where Jesus entered into a joy-filled wedding celebration that was threatened by the culturally shameful dilemma of running out of wine. Jesus restored the celebration by miraculously turning water into new wine.
When we open our Bibles and dig into the life of Jesus, what emerges is a picture of real, meaningful life breaking into the world with the result of Christ's life breaking out in those who followed Him. This view of Jesus runs counter to what is often a "stained glass" view of Jesus that largely leaves Him out of the everyday existence of our lives.
Today we welcome Ben Trites, the new Executive Director of Camp Caroline, to our services. Ben will be speaking on how our journey of faith calls us forward to fulfill God's purposes. The whole of Scripture tells the extraordinary story of God's profound love for people. And it is His call in your life and mine to share this love with anyone and everyone you spend time with each and everyday of our lives.
When we examine the life of Jesus in the Bible, what emerges is a picture of real, meaningful life breaking into the world with the result of Christ's life breaking out in those who followed Him. Today, we'll stop at the Jordan River, where Jesus literally broke into public life and ministry by being baptized. In His baptism, Jesus deeply identified with us so that His life might break out in us. Now that's cause for Thanksgiving, not just this weekend, but throughout the year.
On this Dedication Sunday, it is fitting to look at Jesus' explanation of why He came. If, as a church, we are to be His body, this implies we are His visible representation where He has placed us. As we dedicate these facilities, we are thus really dedicating ourselves. Ultimately these facilities will be only as effective as our commitment to facilitate God's purposes through them.
When we examine the life of Jesus in the Bible, what emerges is a picture of real, meaningful life breaking into the world so that the life Christ offered broke out in those who followed Him. Today, we continue a series following the life of Christ through the various places where His presence opened the doors of this vital life.
Today we'll travel to the bleak wilderness west of the Dead Sea, where Jesus was confronted by temptation. This showdown in the desert was a necessary part of Christ's work on earth and becomes a place where we can learn how the life of Christ can break into the many and various showdowns with temptation we have in our own lives.
When we examine the life of Jesus in the Bible, what emerges is a picture of real, meaningful life breaking into the world so that the life Christ offered broke out in those who followed Him. Today, we continue a series following the life of Christ through the various places where His presence opened the doors of this vital life.
We stop today in Bethlehem and note that there are actually four accounts of Jesus' birth in the New Testament. We'll look at a unique contribution of each account that helps us see the amazing value of the gift of life offered to us that first Christmas. When Christ cam that night in Bethlehem...
When we follow the life of Christ in the Bible, what emerges is a picture of real, meaningful life, breaking out for those who are open. Today, we'll begin a series following the life of Christ through the various places in which His presence opened the doors of this vital life.
Our first stop is Nazareth where we see how the announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary not only signaled God doing a new thing in the world, it included God doing a new thing in someone as ordinary as Mary. When Jesus breaks in, new life breaks out!