Central Community Church | Sermon Audio: Recent Episodes
Central Community Church
Haggai 1:12-15
The church today can learn a lesson from the Jewish remnant of Haggai's day. Instead of making excuses, we ought to be making confessions and obeying the Lord. Remembering, that fear of the Lord leads to genuine repentance, and genuine repentance will always lead to renewed obedience.
Haggai 1:12-15
When we place God at the center of our lives by responding to Him in fearful obedience, He will respond to us with the amazing and gracious promises of His presence and power, and we will realize the future blessings that He has in store for us.
Haggai 1:12-15
It is always so encouraging to witness repentant obedience in a person’s life. Unfortunately, often changes of heart like these are few and far between. Nevertheless, Haggai had the opportunity to witness the Jews in Jerusalem turn quickly from their self-centredness and in obedience begin rebuilding the LORD’s temple. This sermon explores what enabled their obedience and what enables Christian obedience today.
Haggai 1:1-11
The book of Haggai is a short, specific message at a unique time and place in history, but the heart attitude of the people living in Jerusalem at the time is a timeless one. God’s people had failed to place him first. Thus God called his people to prioritize building his kingdom and seek him first. This 6th century BC call through the minor prophet Haggai rings equally true today.
Haggai 1:1-11
This sermon opens our series in the Book of Haggai and addresses the frustration we experience in life when we put ourselves first and the fruitfulness in our lives and for the Kingdom when we put God first.
Haggai 1 : 1-11
Focusing on our own interests while ignoring the work that God has called us to has dire consequences. But being fully devoted to God brings immense pleasure and glory to Him as His presence in us, His temple, is a light to the nations, pointing people to life and blessing in Jesus.
Haggai 1:1-11
The prophet Haggai is one of the most exceptional prophets in the Old Testament not simply because of his message but because the people listen to him! Haggai calls the people to consider their and what place God has in their life. As Christians we are called to the same introspection and to heed the call to build God’s Kingdom.
John 6:66-69
In John 6:66-69 we see Peter’s confession, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” When we are faced with doubt and the challenges of faith, Peter’s response shows that only Jesus can truly satisfy our deepest longings. Christ’s beauty and worth infinitely surpass anything this world could offer, and He alone gives the fullness of life and hope that our souls long for.
John 6:66-69
In this message, Pastor Matt concludes our Constructing Beautiful Faith seres by narrowing the focus to a singular question, “What will you do with Jesus?"
John 6:66-71
It's easy to say "I believe"...but what does that really mean? This message helps us explore Christ's expectations of His followers as He challenges His first century crowd.
John 6: 66-69
Concluding our series on Constructing Beautiful Faith we consider the ultimate question every person has to ask themselves. In light of the beauty of the Christian Gospel but still acknowledging there remain unanswered questions, ‘What will you do with Jesus?’ Following Jesus demands accepting certain truths but denying Him also demands something as well. Everyone believes something.
After Hours creates a space outside of the Sunday sermon for a more raw and interactive dialogue related to our Constructing Beautiful Faith series. This After Hours explores how to share the Christian message in our post-Christian culture.
Like good missionaries we will seek to understand our context insightfully + how to evangelize effectively towards the unbelieving, deconstructing, and dechurched.
1 Corinthians 9:20-23
Jesus calls his disciples to share the good news to every nation on earth. So how do we take the message of the gospel into different cultures? Disenculturation is recognizing the difference between the message of the gospel and our cultural practices. Our goal is to uniquely display the gospel of Jesus in this culture and in every culture for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
The beauty of the Gospel is that it is a message for all people, everywhere. While the Gospel is not defined by any culture, it must be communicated within every culture in culturally appropriate ways. Unfortunately, if we’re not careful, our culture can color, alter or even cancel the Gospel message. If we are going to be effective evangelists within any culture, it’s important to be able to separate the beautiful, simple message of the Gospel from its cultural add-ons.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Culture and its influences in life are inescapable. Like water in a fishbowl, or the air we breathe, culture infuses and surrounds us. While cultural nuances are for the most part amoral, often, more often than we recognize, cultural norms, traits, traditions, and practices become entrenched and sacred. This is especially true in Church, to the point where we inadvertently distort the Gospel, hinder people from encountering Jesus, and miss accomplishing our mission.
Mark 12:28-34
One of the reasons people deconstruct their faith is because they have been given the impression that to follow Jesus and be a Christian you need to turn off your brain, ignore “the science,” and follow blindly with an unquestioning, emotional acceptance. But God, who created mankind with a body, soul, and spirit, calls Christians to love and follow Him with their whole being. Intellectual rigor and robust theological training with discernment are a necessary part of what it means to follow Christ.
Mark 12:30-31
Christianity is not an abstract faith but belief in objective truth claims about God, the world, and humanity. To neglect engaging our minds is to propagate the lie that Christianity is anti-intellectual, fail at disciple-making by making shallow disciples, fail at evangelism by not thoughtfully engaging competing truth claims, and sin against the God who commands us to love Him with all of our minds.
Mark 12:28-31
For many people the idea of accepting Christianity means you must reject rational thought and turn off your brain. Unfortunately, some in the church have perpetuated this idea by leaning on emotionalism. Yet the Bible calls us to think carefully, to understand God’s world around us, and to love the Lord our God with all our minds.
Mark 12:28-31
One of the reasons people deconstruct their faith is because they have been given the impression that to follow Jesus and be a Christian you need to turn off your brain, ignore “the science,” and follow blindly with an unquestioning, emotional acceptance. But God, who created mankind with a body, soul, and spirit, calls Christians to love and follow Him with their whole being. Intellectual rigor and robust theological training with discernment are a necessary part of what it means to follow Christ.
John 18:33-38
How should the church interact with politics? As Christians, we are citizens of Heaven first and our primary loyalty is to King Jesus. We are called to seek the glory of God and the Kingdom of Heaven as we live as exiles in this world.
John 18:33-37
The church has typically fallen into two extreme reactions to politics. On the one hand, some churches have been too invested and placed too much faith in a political party or leader. On the other extreme, some churches have sought to have nothing to do with politics whatsoever. The Bible gives us clarifying directions as to how we should engage politics, calling us to seek God’s kingdom first as we seek to follow Christ our King.
John 18:33-37
Many people have become disillusioned by Christians and churches overemphasizing political power and aligning with a particular political party over and against the emphasis of pursuing the kingdom of God, trusting His sovereignty in all things, loving God and neighbor, and praying for those in positions of power. This sermon will seek to expose political idolatry in the church while constructing a beautiful picture of God’s kingdom.
John 18:33-38
We live in hyper-politicized age in which the marriage of partisan politics and Christianity as driven many people away from the church. This sermon looks at Jesus interaction with a Roman political leader and will challenge our political idol and also how we can construct beautiful political engagement in the way of Jesus.
This After Hours explores the intersection of sexuality and spirituality. We will take an honest look at whether the Christian vision of sexuality is misogynistic, regressive, and bigoted + explore how to live Christianly and engage winsomely on these issues in this moment.
Mark 7:8-9
A particular approach to communicating about sex and purity failed a generation of evangelical teens by telling some truths or shades of truth but not communicating the whole beautiful truth.
Luke 4:16-30
The church is the bride of Christ, meant to be His hands and feet until His glorious return. Yet, the local church often gets things wrong and causes more hurt than healing. Where is Jesus in these messes? How do we respond to the spiritual abuses within a body that bears Christ’s holy name? This sermon defines church hurt, discovers Jesus’ empathy and rediscovers the glorious vision the church is meant to portray.
1 Corinthians 1:1-11
Church can be a place where people get hurt...and yet, it shouldn't be! What can be done to protect those who might be harmed, and how can hurt people find healing?
Luke 4:16-30
To be hurt by someone within the church can be extremely difficult. A fellow congregant, leader or pastor can say or do something that causes harm. Should we be surprised this happens? If it does, should we walk away from the church and faith or should we lean into the love of Jesus who provides truth and healing.
Luke 4:16-30
Church hurt is one of those things that should never happen, but sadly is inevitable in anychurch. If we live in a fallen world, with other sinful people, and an enemy whose primaryobjective is to destroy what Jesus loves most, the church, how can it not be? But if the church,the Bride of Christ, keep her heart fixed on Jesus, the church can become the dearest place onearth to us.
John 20:24-29
In some Christian circles asking questions and expressing doubts is not tolerated. But Jesus was merciful to doubters and we are invited to follow in His footsteps. The story of Thomas is instructive in how to approach our own faith doubts and those who doubt.
John 20:24-29
Do you ever wrestle with questions about your Christian faith...you believe, but you still wonder at times? Today we look at a guy whose nickname, "Doubting Thomas," says it all. He wrestled with his faith - and in so doing shows each of us how to deal with our doubts as we seek God!
John 20:24-31
Jesus deals with many people who have doubts about who he is and what he has done, most notably his own disciple Thomas. Yet throughout his ministry Jesus responds in a variety of ways in order to meet them in their needs. As a church we are called to model this merciful approach to doubt as we build a genuine faith in what Jesus has done.
John 20:24-31
In a church culture that often perceives expressions of doubt as a lack of faith (or even as troublemaking!) – which will surely lead to unbelief, it is refreshing to realize that Jesus was patient and loving toward those with genuine questions and doubts. Expressions such as “help my unbelief!” (Mark 9) and invitations to the “doubting Thomas” (John 20) welcome us to ask hard questions and honestly wrestle with serious doubts.
Matthew 5:43-44
Deconstruction might be a popular new term, but it’s a process that’s been happening for centuries. For some, deconstruction quickly devolves into destruction ending in deconversion. But Jesus modeled deconstruction that strips our faith of misapplications of God’s word and helps us build a more beautiful faith.
Matthew 5:43-44
Deconstruction is a word that has been used a lot in recent years. Yet the concept of understanding something better is hardly new. Jesus deconstructs the religious tendencies of his time in order to draw people closer to God. We are called to do the same as we come to understand the beauty of the faith.
Matthew 5:43-44
People are leaving the church in droves. A significant reason for this is a deconstruction of faith that has not been reconstructed in a healthy, biblical way. This sermon series will present some tools for “good deconstruction,” recognizing it can be the road toward reconstructing a more mature, robust faith that grapples honestly with the deepest questions of life and, most of all, focuses on Jesus and constructing beautiful faith. We want to create space for evaluation, to ask hard questions, to acknowledge where we’ve “missed it” ... and to offer the real thing.
Matthew 5:43-44
Use of the word is a recent phenomenon but deconstruction is nothing new; and while to some deconstruction is synonymous with deconversion, for others it is a path that leads to the reconstruction of a more robust and vibrant faith. Jesus deconstructed the common misapplications of the faith in His day repeatedly saying, “You have heard it said…but I say to you…”. What was He doing? He was contrasting the vibrant, life-transforming Good News from cold dead religion; and faithfulness to Jesus means continuing to do the same. Join us in constructing beautiful faith.
Jonah 1:1-17
The story of Jonah and the Great fish is very popular yet often poorly understood. Even more rare is to know how his story fits into the larger story of Jesus and his redemption. This sermon is about the ways that we need a true and better Jonah.
Job 42:1-10
The Book of Job is a story of gut wrenching suffering and loss for no apparent reason. Yet the pain paves the way for greater intimacy with God and effective intercession for his friends. Jesus is the true and better Job — the truly innocent sufferer — who then intercedes for and saves His foolish friends.
Job 42:7-10
In the book that bears his name, Job is described as being a blameless and upright man. When sovereign suffering befalls him though, he’s accused by his “friends” of committing great evil. Despite his friends' accusations, in a divinely appointed way, Job acts as a mediator between his friends and God and he prays for them. The Gospel reveals to us how we are those “friends” who stand under the wrath of God, but Jesus saves us as a better mediator than Job.
Job 42:1-17
There are many lessons for us in the story of Job – lessons about suffering, integrity, friendship, forgiveness, and restoration. Job was an amazing man. Blameless and upright, he suffered greatly for no fault of his own – and was then unjustly blamed by his friends for it. But even more astounding was that Job averted God’s anger against those foolish friends by interceding on their behalf – after which God restored him to his former glory, resulting in the total restoration of his relationship with his family & friends. The story of Job is the story of the gospel.”
Job 42:7-10
The story of Job is a story of suffering and trial that ultimately shows us a picture of Jesus in his suffering and his intercession on our behalf. As Job and his friends see only part of the picture, the full clarity of God’s character is revealed to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
1 Samuel 17:41-51
A popular way to read the famous David & Goliath story is to see ourselves as Davids who can conquer our giants. But the real point of the story is to show us that Jesus is the true and better David whose victory becomes His people’s victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.
Esther 4:12-17
The story of Esther is a remarkable drama recounting a historical battle between good and evil, courage and hatred. Through it all, God’s sovereign plan unfolds as God uses Esther to save the Jewish people. But Esther’s story does not culminate in Esther, rather it points to the only one in whom we can find salvation today: our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Luke 12:13 - 34
Many things in our world can cause us to "lose our balance" - not so much when skating or skiing (though that happens as well) but rather as we seek to make wise choices and honor God with our lives. Jesus tells us a story in Luke 12 which will help us to identify some of these things...and to choose that which is godly and best.
Esther 4: 12-17
Esther was uniquely positioned and gifted to save the Jewish nation. But her impact could only go so far. God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to save more than a nation; he came to save all of humanity.
Esther 4:12-17
God is not named a single time in the book of Esther. However, His fingerprints are all over this story of providence, obedience, and trust. Just because we don’t see Him, doesn’t mean that God isn’t actively at work orchestrating every fiber of the universe for His glory and the good of those who love Him. Through the faithfulness of Esther, God preserved His chosen people so that someone better could be born. His name is Jesus.
Hebrews 3:1-6
Moses was the great hero and founder of the Jewish faith and he yet for all his greatness, Jesus is better still. Moses was sent out to rescue Israel and stand in the gap between them and God and yet Moses himself knew that the Messiah would come and improve on his work.
Hebrews 3:1-6
Jesus is the true and better Moses, sent to deliver his people from sin as Moses delivered his people from Egypt, interceding for his people as their high priest just as Moses interceded for Israel, and building his church into a house that glorifies Him, just as Moses built the tabernacle and nation of Israel to glorify God.
Hebrews 3:1-6
Faithfulness in our relationship with God is a key idea of our passage this morning as we view the faithfulness of Moses and Jesus. But what does "being faithful to God" really mean. and how can I live this out in my daily life?
Hebrews 3:1-6
Jesus is the true and better Moses. Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house; Jesus is a faithful son over God’s house – the church! He is our Rock, Redeemer, and Mediator of a New Covenant, saving us and giving us a righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith in Him.
Genesis 50:15 - 21
We've probably all experienced it - getting "stabbed in the back" by someone we trusted and they betrayed us. The pain is real, and can be lasting, unless we can forgive. This week it's Joseph's experience with his brothers, and Jesus' experience on the cross, which give us hope that there can be healing after injustice!
Genesis 32:24-28
This morning we look at Genesis 32:24-28 and how Jacob’s wrestling with God actually points to Jesus and how he wrestled with sin on our behalf. Jesus secures eternal blessings for believers, and transforms our identities as new creations. This continues to show us that the bible is not about ‘us’, but rather it is about God’s ultimate redemptive work through Jesus.
Genesis 32:24-28
Jacob serves as the archetype of humanity. Scheming, grasping, manipulating, and lying form the building blocks and the way of life. Like Jacob, we need a radical encounter with God that results in receiving the blessing of eternal life and a new identity. Jesus provides opportunity to encounter God. Having paid the price of sin and conquering death, relationship with him provides the gifts of blessing and a new identity.
Genesis 32:22-32
In this passage we will see the efforts of man, the promises of God and the need for a Saviour.
Genesis 32:24-28
In Jacob, we can clearly see ourselves. We can identify with is struggle, his doubt, his fear, and his being alone. We can identify with the reality of wrestling with God and wondering if any of His promises will come to pass. Yet in Jacobs wrestle we get a glimpse of a God who is not simply forming a nation, or intervening sporadically but intentionally painting a picture of how he will gather the nations to himself.
Genesis 22:1-19
So many of the stories and the narrative of the Old Testament informed the people of the day but also foreshadowed the hope to come. This account of Abraham being called to sacrifice his son, Isaac, is disturbing but also speaks clearly of the hope for a Messiah. Jesus Christ accomplished what no other sacrifice ever could.
Genesis 12:1-8
God’s promise to Abram to bless all the peoples of the earth seems like a far fetched proclamation, yet Abram responds in (mostly) obedient faith. However, this classic Bible story is incomplete without Christ, through whom the fulfillment of this promise is realized.
Genesis 12:1-8
This morning we look at how Jesus is the true and better Abraham. Abraham's call to leave the comfort of his home and trust in God's promises points directly to Jesus' ultimate obedience and sacrifice. God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham is fulfilled in Jesus, the true seed of Abraham. Jesus provides the ultimate assurance that not only Abraham, but also we, will have an eternal home. As we follow Jesus, we live by faith, trusting in God's fulfilled promises and looking forward to our eternal inheritance.
Genesis 12:1-5 & Galatians 3
Almost four millennia ago a man embarked on a God-directed journey which ended up blessing the entire world. This Sunday we see how these events culminated in an even greater person taking a journey affecting our eternity...and setting us on a life-long quest of our own.
Genesis 12:1-8
The promise God made to Abraham put into motion the events and generations that would change the universe forever. In which the faith of one man paved the way for the arrival Jesus: true and better Abraham.
Romans 5:12-21
Adam’s original sin in the garden has graver, farther reaching consequences than we sometimes recognize. But Jesus’ obedience in the garden and on the cross has surpassingly wondrous benefits for those who repentantly receive God’s free gift of grace.
Romans 5:12-21
As we embark on our summer sermon series we see that the Bible isn’t really about the famous characters contained in it, and it’s not really about us; the Bible is about Jesus. In this first sermon we see how Jesus is the true and better Adam.
Romas 5:12-21
Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.
Romans 5:12-21
Jesus is the true and better Adam, who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.
Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus identifies so intimately with His followers that to serve them is to serve Jesus. In fact, love for Christ’s church is evidence of love for Christ; so much so that when He comes again He will be able to separate the righteous from the unrighteous on the evidence of how they treated “the least of these”.
Ephesians 6:4
The difference committed Christian dads make is nothing short of revolutionary; and the data bears this out. Dads who are consistent, present, and loving toward their children make a world of difference in their kids lives. And dads who teach and model what it means to follow Jesus give their children the greatest gift of all.
Matthew 25:14-30
God has entrusted every single one of you with at least one talent: your life. What does your use, misuse, or lack of use of that talent (your life) say about your relationship with Jesus? Remember, Jesus is coming back to settle all of His accounts. So ask yourself, “When my number gets called, will I hear Jesus say ‘Well done, good and faithful servant?’ for what I’ve done with what has been entrusted to me?”
Matthew 25:1-13
Throughout Matthew 24-25 Jesus makes the same point a number of times and that can only mean one thing: There is an important truth that we are otherwise apt to ignore or forget. What is the big idea? We don’t know when but the return of Jesus is imminent and we are to be found ready. This sermon explores what preparation and readiness looks like in the Christian life.
Psalms 145:1-13
"The students in your youth ministry don’t need clever ideas and great programming skills. They need a living model-a man or women of God who is passionate about his or her faith." - Doug Fields
Hebrews 10:11-18
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ; at Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Christ; at Pentecost we celebrate the sending of the Holy Spirit to dwell within Christians. This Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit who testifies to the finished work of Christ.
2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15
There are a lot of hard jobs out there; motherhood may be the hardest of them all. Not only because of the selflessness required to raise children but also because of the pressure moms feel to get everything right. This Mother's Day we focus on why motherhood matters and the unique gospel role that mothers play.
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
No area of our lives is off limits in our discipleship to Jesus. So what effect does the radical generosity of Jesus toward us have on how we view and use money? This sermon unpacks what gospel generosity looks like.
Matthew 24:36-51
Jesus is clear that no one will be able to predict the timing of his return. Jesus says that his return and judgment will be unexpected and therefore he encourages his disciples to “stay awake” and “be ready” by living faithful lives for him rather than obsessing about dates and times. He warns his disciples against living worldly lives as though a judgment will never come.
Matthew 24:32-35
After almost 2,000 years since Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 24 that his return was near, we’re still waiting… Did we miss his coming?! Did Jesus get his timing wrong? Can we even trust the words of Jesus to begin with?! Through Matthew 24:32-35 and other texts this sermon seeks to make the case that Jesus didn’t get it wrong. Christ’s second coming is indeed both near and certain. God’s word can be trusted.
Matthew 24:32-35
Using the illustration of a tree that buds in spring, Jesus teaches us to be watchful for the signs of His imminent return, which is as sure as His words. The trustworthiness of God’s Word is what guides us as we long for, and hasten, His appearing.
Matthew 24:32-35
As Jesus tells his disciples about his second coming, he tells them that it will not be far off. Now two thousand years later that can seem difficult to believe, but Jesus’ words are no less true today. We can trust the everlasting words of Jesus as he promises us that he is coming again soon.
Matthew 24:32-35
In the midst of speaking about the end times Jesus delivers a powerful statement about the absolute dependability, divine authority, and eternal nature of His words. This sermon explores why the Bible is trustworthy in light of Jesus.
Matthew 24:15-31
Jesus shares about the great tribulation, which reminds us of the tumultuous times ahead, where uncertainty and chaos may abound. Yet, amidst this foreboding storm, it's crucial to anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth that Jesus is who he says he is, and he will reign supreme. His sovereignty helps us walk through all earthly trials and tribulations, offering hope and peace in the face of adversity.
Matthew 24:15-31
Jesus continues to unpack the complicated and convoluted question of the disciples at the beginning of Matthew 24. As Jesus points to his ultimate return and coronation as King we learn to expect suffering, be wary of false messiahs, and get about the kingdom business of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because our only hope is found in Him as King and Savior.
Matthew 24:15-31
As Jesus teaches his disciples about what will happen at the End Times, he gives them warnings about what will happen next. Jesus warns them about the disasters that will take place, but also the false prophets who will come. He calls his disciples to heed his warnings and endure faithfully as they wait for his return.
Matthew 24:15-31
In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks about two particular mountain peaks of human history: the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and Jesus’ final return. But what do we do with the space between? Thankfully, in the End of the Age Discourse, Jesus speaks into this space known as the Gospel Age, by giving us several imperatives about how we can live faithfully as we eagerly await His return in the face of similar trials
Matthew 24:1-14
Matthew 24-25 contains Jesus’ last discourse in the Gospel of Matthew. In this first part, Jesus forewarns his disciples of the sufferings they will need to endure before his second coming and the end of the age.
Matthew 24:1-14
Few passages in the Bible have been a hotly debated as the “End of the Age Discourse” in Matthew. But while our minds are often drawn to the when and what of how all these things will take place, we must first remember Jesus’ primary aim in speaking these words. To exhort and encourage His followers to remain faithful and endure until the end, whenever that is. By heeding Jesus’ words to avoid deception and alarm, we can more effectively proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world as a testimony to all nations.
Matthew 24:1-14
A lot of time has been spent and ink has been spilt attempting to predict the return of Christ. In the End of the Age Discourse (Matthew 24-25) Jesus reveals the Christian’s calling between His ascension and return and the focal point is mission.
Matthew 24:1-14
God’s plan of redemption for mankind didn’t stop at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It continues into the future and eternity. There will be ‘signs’ of His prophecy playing out. What role do these signs play in the lives of Christians?
Revelation 1:17-18
On Easter Sunday we celebrate the real Jesus; the Jesus who died in our place, rose victorious, and is alive forevermore. This Jesus is more powerful than we assume, more loving than we can imagine, and more trustworthy than we dare hope.
Revelation 1:17-18
The risen Christ must be embraced as the loving, eternal God who died to save us and then came to life to defeat death and give us eternal life. To do this, we need to see Him for who He really is, we need to experience the powerful touch of His mighty right hand, and we must hear & believe His words to us.
Revelation 1:5b-6
The cross – that place where Jesus died, is a powerful sign that God loves us, that He has freed us from our sins by Jesus’ blood, and that He has secured our future for all of eternity. The cross is God’s grace to us, resulting in peace for every person who believes what Christ did.
Revelation 1:5b-6
We have been looking with anticipation to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. We remember with joy what Christ has done for us, but at the same time, Good Friday is also a reminder of how evil we can be, and how sinful when rebelling against God, that when the Son of God came to us we hanged him on a cross for, as John said in his gospel, people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their works were evil.There is a mix cup here, on the one hand we remember the sorrow and mourning over Jesus’ suffering and death, but on the other hand we recognize with gratitude the love and sacrifice He made for us so that we would be reconciled to God. Today we are reminded of whom Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Revelation 1:5b-6
Good Friday is a reminder of just how much it cost to forgive our sins. When we realize that our sins cost Jesus his very life, we are humbled to see not only God’s justice, but his incredible love for us. At the cross we see the reminder of his love in freeing us from our sins and making us his own.
Revelation 22:6-21
As the book of Revelation draws to a close the reader is given a final set of three exhortations intended to spur them on towards faithfulness. Three sets counsel to bolster faithfulness, ground them in Christ, and encourage them on mission.
Revelation 22:6-21
As Christ followers in our society we can face difficult challenges as we seek to remain faithful to God and live life His way. Sometimes it seems that things are falling apart and we can't go on. John's final words in Revelation are written to give us the assurance we need that God is indeed in control...and in the end Jesus wins!
Revelation 22:6-21
The Apostle John, the one whom Jesus loved and outlived the rest of the Apostles, received the final words from God that he wrote and sent to the churches in the first century, that are far reaching to us as well, and to all of those who will come to faith in Christ until He comes.
In this letter Jesus has revealed how the story ends and He is encouraging us to persevere on His path and beware of the things to come, but also, He will give us a reassurance that I pray will encourage our lives in a way that remains with us through thick and thin, until we see Him face to face.
Revelation 22:6-21
As the book of Revelation draws to a close, the reader is left to answer two questions. First, “Have I had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ?” and second, “Am I ready to meet Him?” You need to be able to answer these because Jesus has promised “Surely, I am coming soon.” King Jesus is returning for His final unveiling but until He returns, He offers His free gift of forgiveness and salvation to anyone and everyone who will hear and respond to His call.
Revelation 22:1-5
A “forever home” is that “perfect” home one wants to settle into and never leave. This home is described in the book of Revelation ... our heavenly home – a place that has been refurbished & renovated by God where death, destruction, and darkness do not exist. Truly perfect. Forever.
A theology of the body explores what it means to be human. Come learn the biblical vision for human dignity, human sexuality and gender, what leads to human flourishing, and why resurrection of the body is such a big deal.
Revelation 22:1-5
It’s been said that those who are so heavenly minded are of no earthly good, but frankly that’s not true and unbiblical. This sermon summarizes the picture we are given of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21-22 and concludes with implications for our lives both now and for-ever.
Revelation 22:1-5
As we conclude this glorious picture of heaven, we are reminded that the whole Bible has been leading us to this point: we will see God face to face. This is the promise of eternal life, that we will experience the fullness of all that God created us for. The glory of heaven is shown as the physical creation is restored, and his people are reflecting his glory and reigning with him.
Revelation 22:1-5
Have you ever witnessed an incredible restoration? Whether it was a rusty old junker being restored or a fragmented marriage finding healing, watching beauty arise from brokenness is an incredible thing. In this passage, John describes heaven as a better restoration of the garden of Eden. In so doing he gives Christ followers a glorious future to look forward to.
Revelation 21:9-26
As John unravels more of the picture of heaven we are shown a heavenly city coming down to earth. One where God will dwell with his people forever in unimaginable beauty. We are shown this picture not simply so that we will know what it will be like, but that we could begin to reflect God’s design and purpose now.
Most of us associate cities as places of evil and injustice. It may surprise us then that God’s future dwelling place with humanity is a city. But the city of God will be a different kind of city, one that gives God’s people hope for our lives today and the future.
Revelation 21:9-27
Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? In Revelation 21:9-27, John goes to bedazzled, numerical lengths to show us how comprehensively glorious heaven will be for God’s people of all times.
Revelation 21:9-27
How we view the future is reflected in how we live in the present. In this passage from Revelation, the Apostle John, reveals what we can expect in Heaven. Knowing the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of what the future holds for a Christian should provide confidence to engage life with an eternal perspective.
Revelation 21:1-8
You don’t need to look far to see the destruction and heartache that sin has caused. Our world is plagued by sin, but in our passage this morning we are given a beautiful picture of the future that is to come. God promises that He will make all things new. There will be no more pain and suffering and every tear shall be wiped away.
Revelation 21:1-8
The picture of heaven that we are given is at the same time one of the most confusing and one of the most beautiful. We are left with plenty of questions about how exactly it is going to work out, yet we are also shown incredible beauty in what is to come. God shows us this picture to enliven our desires to be with Him.
Revelation 21:1-8
The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future anticipation. In Revelation, Jesus gives us glimpses of what this future will be like ... a joyful anticipation that we can incorporate into our lives now which will help us live with hope and purpose.
The Apostle John wrote these words to provide hope to Christians who were facing incredible hardships. And it worked. In fact, the more Christians suffered with poise and peace (because of their future hope) the more the Christian movement grew. These same words continue to provide incredible context and hope for Christians today.
The idea of a final judgment leading to eternal life in the presence of God or eternal death outside the goodness of God is not only unpopular today but a God who judges good and evil is deemed Himself unjust. Our text has been referred to as the most serious and sobering passage in the entire Bible precisely because it is so clear about our eternal destinies. On the last day the question will be what is written in the books. Will we stand before God’s throne on account of our own record or on account of the record of His Son Jesus?
Revelation 20:7-15
Time is quickly moving forward to a day when all must give an accounting for their lives. Scripture teaches that we are judged according to our deeds. While Satan is a real and formidable adversary in the end we need not fear him; God will conquer him. What we do well to consider is which of two books we will use at the last judgment. The book outlining the deeds of our lives, or the Book of Life outlining Jesus’ work on my behalf.
How should we think about suffering? Suffering both on a global and on a personal scale seems at the outset to be a problem for God. Yet as we look into God’s word, he gives us not only answers for our suffering but incredible hope through it. A theology of suffering prepares us for both the questions that can be asked of our faith as well as hope when we face it in our own lives.
Revelation 20:7-15
Revelation 20:7-15 narrates Satan’s final defeat and abandonment to the lake of fire, followed by the great day of judgment. On that day Jesus will judge the living and the dead in truth, righteousness and justice. Those whose names are found in the Lamb’s book of life will join God in glory for eternity.
Revelation 20:1-6
As we begin this Lent season, we do so focusing on the hope we have in Heaven. Nothing makes the fruit of sin so distasteful as seeing and savoring the rewards that God has placed before us. As we start this season we do so looking to this strange passage of the reign of Christ on earth. While many disagree on how to interpret this confusing passage, the hope we have in Jesus is unchanging.
Revelation 20:1-6 The “Come, Lord Jesus!” refrain at the end of Revelation captures the tension of Lent: Sin has been paid for, death has been defeated, the new heavens and new earth are coming…but not yet. Present difficulties beckon us to pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” because of the bright future that is ours in Christ because of all that He has accomplished for us. While great controversy and disagreement exists between genuine Christians regarding the millennium, we have great reason for unity (and hope!) because what we agree on is far greater.
Revelation 20:1-6
The millennial reign of Christ is one of the most hotly contested passages in Scripture. Despite the questions and debates, what all followers of Christ can agree on from this text is that there is great hope for the follower of Christ because Jesus has decisively won the victory over Satan on the cross.
Acts 28:17-31
The finale of the book of Acts is one that beautifully encompasses the story of the church. Jesus sends out his disciples to take this good news to the ends of the earth and we close the book we realize there is still so much left to do. Paul has made it to Rome, yet the call is to pick up the story and carry forward the good news of Jesus Christ to all the nations.
It is fascinating how complex and intricate creatures we are; we have our secret longings and preferences that trample our conscious and smart ones. That’s one of the reasons why we procrastinate! We know the smart thing would be to use the couple hours we have available to finally clean up the garage, but in the inner chambers of our hearts lies anything else and everything else but what we know we should be doing, and so we come up with great ideas like driving the kids for ice-cream! Going for a walk with our sweetheart! We even dare to offer driving our wife to the mall in Abbotsford or Langley so that she can go shopping! Whatever will remove the focus from what we ought to do… There are thousands of books, seminars, workshops, that attempt to help procrastinators with breaking those harmful patterns. But what we read in the book of Acts is a loud demonstration of where our priorities must be, and what should be of outmost importance for us. This morning as we study the final lines in this amazing book, we are going to learn that there’s no time to waste!
Acts 28:17-31
How often do you share your faith in Christ with others? What are your greatest barriers that hinder you from engaging in evangelism? In this sermon we explore how Paul’s example in Acts 28:17-31 gives us compelling answers for how we might overcome our hurdles and fears, so that we might follow Paul’s example of bold, unhindered Gospel proclamation.
Acts 28:17-31
The abrupt ending to the book of Acts leaves room for endless, open-ended opportunities to declare the Word of God and His gospel without hindrance. Like Paul, we are invited to waste no time, opportunity, words, or resources in the spread of the gospel from our corner of the world to the end of the earth.
Acts 27:1 - 28:16
Being in the center of God’s will and following His plan for your life does not guarantee “smooth sailing”, but His itinerary for the journey will be filled with His surprising provision, protection, opportunities to share His goodness, and the encouragement of His family.
Acts 27:1 - 28:16
Do God’s promises still hold true? We very often begin to ask that question when we face a major problem in our life. But as we see Paul’s journey to Rome we realize that God doesn’t make fair-weather promises, but his word holds true no matter the circumstance. We can rely on God’s promises in our life even in the face our most difficult trials.
Acts 27:1-28:16
Jesus told Paul that he would go to Rome to testify about Him. What He didn’t tell him was how difficult it would be for him to get there. This sermon explores what to make of the fact that we get to our destination through the seas of trouble.
Acts 27:1 - 28:16
Like many of the storms we face in life, Paul’s Shipwreck comes unexpectedly. Yet God sovereignly works through this historical grand adventure to guide us in how live attractive and faithful lives to those around us.
Acts 25 & 26
In our text this morning Paul finds himself on the receiving end of more false accusations. At this point the Jewish leaders want him dead, and set forth another plan to see that this happens. But God has other plans for Paul. In this seemingly bleak scenario God in his providence protects Paul, who although is standing in the face of injustice again, stands firm in his faith and continues with the mission that God has given him; to share the Gospel with those that are in desperate need of saving. May we find encouragement in the actions of Paul, as we look to share the Gospel in the difficult situations that we find ourselves in as well.
Acts 25-26
How do you feel when an injustice is done to you? When you are powerless to demonstrate the truth and yet everyone around you teams up against you, sometimes even against logic, evidence, or reason… As we look into Paul’s trial before Festus and Agrippa we’ll consider the practical applications to our own Christianity, our perspective on injustice, the dazzling pleasures of the word, and our role in all of this.
Acts 23:12-24:17
Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it. Paul’s courage is on display in this passage, not because he is courageous, but because Jesus is with him. In the same way we can be courageous knowing that God is with us as we share the gospel and even as we wait.
Acts 23:12-24:27
As God’s purpose that the Good News about Jesus be given to the Gentiles prevailed, so did the bizarre persecution that Paul faced. And in it all, God’s powerful providence is seen – His beautiful (and maybe just as bizarre!), protective care and provision.
Acts 23:12-24:27
Whether you like it or not, if you call yourself a Christian, gospel opposition is a certainty not a probability. And while it seems more blatant recently, this is not a modern phenomenon. From the day Jesus ascended to heaven, the good news of Jesus Christ has been opposed at every turn. So how do we as the church respond? In Acts 23 and 24, Paul gives us a masterful example to follow in how to stand for Christ even when the world closes in all around you. May the same be said of you!
Acts 23:12-24:27
Injustice is part of the world we live in. We’ve all experienced injustice in different ways. Paul experienced more than his fair share of injustice for being a follower of Jesus. In fact, he begins and ends this text unjustly bound in prison. But through Paul’s example and the work of God, we learn how to hold firm to our faith, even in the midst of great injustice.
Acts 22:22-23:11
This section of Acts reminds us that the gospel extends to people we assume are beyond reach, comes down to the resurrection, and brings comfort even in the midst of our greatest hardships.
Acts 22:22 - 23:11
How should we go about sharing the gospel? God has called us to spread this good news, but what is necessary for us to do so? As Paul is on trial, we see his courage to speak clearly and winsomely in a difficult situation because God is standing with him.
Acts 22:22-23:11
Sharing Christ in an increasingly post-Christian culture can be difficult. These challenges are why Jesus sent his disciples out with the encouragement to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” In Acts 22:22-23:11 Paul demonstrates how followers of Christ are called to live and share about Jesus strategically, with a deep confidence of Christ’s presence with us.
Acts 21:12-22:21 In faith, Paul, confident of his calling and filled with conviction, arrives in Jerusalem where things quickly go sideways. Unintentionally creating division in the Jerusalem church, Paul humbly submits to the Elders with a heart for unity in the face of diversity. In a fulfillment of the warnings he has received from the Spirit, a riot breaks out, Paul is falsely accused, beaten and arrested. Believing his life is all about the Gospel, Paul transforms a tragic situation into a gospel-opportunity, sharing his transforming story of faith with his accusers
Acts 21:17 - 22:21
When Paul shows up in Jerusalem things go from bad to worse. Not only is the church in an uproar, but the rest of the city starts a riot to try and kill him. But Paul went there knowing this would happen because the gospel mattered more to him than anything. The gospel shaped how he addressed the church, his willingness to follow God and the transformation of his entire life.
Acts 21:17-22:21
In our text this morning Paul’s actions show us his commitment to God and to His Church. Paul humbles himself as he pursues and prioritizes church unity in the diverse Jerusalem church. In the midst of an angry mob Paul perseveres even when it is painful. Paul is then given an opportunity to share his testimony with the people, which he is prepared to do, and he does so for the glory of God. What we see in Paul this morning are three of the markers of a disciple of Jesus Christ, and three things that each of us should look at cultivating in our own lives.
Acts 21:17-22:21
Paul’s final days in Jerusalem are filled with turmoil and uncertainty. Devout jews are spreading false ideas about Paul and his ministry, which is causing turmoil inside and outside of the church. As a confrontation comes to a head at the temple, we gain a glimpse into the disposition and priority of Paul’s ministry: Authenticity, Reality, Compassion, and Conviction.
Acts 21:1-16
Paul’s last section of his journey to Jerusalem teaches us that living for the Lord involves more than just a casual commitment to Christ. It requires the support and encouragement of the church and a persistent, personal pursuit of Jesus regardless of the cost.
Acts 21: 1-16
Too often in life, choosing the right path forward can be difficult to discern. Complicating the process is receiving conflicting advice from well meaning friends. In this completion of his third missionary journey, the Apostle Paul demonstrates how to retain conviction and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 21:1-16
New Year's resolutions. Whether we write them down or not, we all make them as we approach a new year - our hopes, goals, and dreams for the coming year. It's as we look back 2,000 year, though,s that we learn what it takes for those resolutions to become reality in 2024!
Revelation 12
The book of Revelation gives us a different perspective on Christmas than we usually get. It’s the same beautiful Christmas story, but told from a very different perspective. And as we see the work of our Saviour King in a new way we can appreciate his incredible love for us all the more!
Revelation 12
Someone once said, “A thousand times in history a baby has become a king. But only once did a King become a baby.” This is Christmas. God stepped into humanity in the flesh to become the Savior of the World!
Revelation 12
All this talk of a dragon this advent season begs the question, is the Book of Revelation just a work of fiction? And does the birth of Christ belong in the realm of fantasy? This Christmas Eve Pastor Matt explores why we're so drawn to stories of bravery, rescue, redemption, and resurrection, and concludes that it’s because the true story of history’s greatest hero is written so deeply on our hearts.
Revelation 12
Luke and Revelation both share the Christmas story, but they do so from drastically different perspectives! Nevertheless, both decisively point to Jesus coming as King. Though the dragon still wreaks havoc, he is a defeated foe and his time is short. This Christmas, place your trust in the child that was born in Bethlehem: Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Revelation 12:13-17
Christmas is predominantly viewed as a declaration of peace, not of war. However, Satan is bent on destruction because he wants to derail God’s plan of salvation. Unsuccessful to destroy Jesus at His birth (and death!), Satan now unleashes his fury on the church. But she will be as victorious over the enemy as Christ because God provides for her and protects her, thus ensuring that the gospel – the Good News about salvation in Jesus – will continue to advance.
Revelation 12:13-17
This book was not written for us to make calendars, or wild theories of things to come. It is a motivational letter, a reassurance of Christ’s victory on the end, and a call to endurance and faith. A call to persevere. It is because we have this insight that we can be instrumental in the plans and the purposes of God. It is because we know how the story ends that we can endure and persevere in the hope we have in Christ.
This morning we’ll learn about the futility of Satan’s attempts against the children of God, and how to be prepared when things get tough.
Revelation 12:13-17
The picture that God shows his people in Revelation is of a defeated dragon. Satan has been thrown down and his time is short, and yet we see that he is still raging. God reminds us of his protection as he calls us to remain faithful in the fight.
Scripture: Revelation 12:13-17 Christmas is typically a time when our minds are drawn to thoughts of peace and comfort, not war or destruction. However, the Christmas story behind the Christmas story pulls back the curtain to reveal the spiritual battle for cosmic supremacy that has been waged since the beginning. But despite his defeat at the cross, Satan engages in a last ditch kamikaze mission to create as much destruction as possible before his time runs out. However, Christ remains victorious and extends His offer of new life to whomever will trust in His name.
Revelation 12:7-12
Every follower of Christ is a combatant in a cosmic battle that has been raging for eons. In this message we discover the scope of that battle, the strategy of our enemy, as well as the "secret weapon" God has given us which ensures our victory against an already-defeated foe.Christmas...Spiritual warfare...Redemption...Temptation...Guilt. We are all combatants in a cosmic battle. How have you experienced spiritual warfare in your life?Our spiritual adversary is called the "Slanderer," "Accuser," "Serpent," and "Deceiver." How have you experienced these type of attacks in your life and what have you found that helps you to make the right choices at times like that?
Revelation 12:7-12
When we use the word Cosmos, we use it in its true meaning, which is the opposite to chaos. So “Cosmos” is the entire universe, encompassing all of existence, not only galaxies, stars, and planets, but all forms of matter and energy including angels and demons and everything that there is. So, in the same way that our sin is cosmic treason to God, the celebration of Christmas is a cosmic celebration of what God has done for us, what He continues to do, and what He will do for us.
Revelation 12:7-12
We are not used to thinking of war at Christmas, but the first coming of Jesus at Christmas was a declaration of war in the spiritual realm. In this message, learn about our enemy, how he is conquered and how he comforts our cries. If Christmas is a difficult time for you, find and hope and strength by reflecting the Cosmic Christmas war and the sure victory of Christ.
Scripture: Revelation 12:7-12
The heavenly vision of that first Christmas—according to the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation—was of a dragon (Satan) seeking to devour the newborn King (Jesus). However, Jesus conquered the dragon and now sits enthroned in the heavens. The follow-up question that gets dealt with in this sermon is, “If Jesus won the victory, why does it often feel like defeat?”
Revelation 12:1-6
Traditionally the Christmas story is told from the Gospels of Matthew or Luke and it contains an idyllic cast consisting of shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, Joseph, and, of course, baby Jesus. But when we look behind the physical curtain into the spiritual realm we find that there is a cosmic conflict raging between a wildly different cast of characters, including a woman clothed in the sun, a seven headed dragon and a ruler of nations. Brace yourself for a cosmic Christmas conflict.
Scripture: Revelation 12:1-6
This is not your average nativity story. There’s no mention of Bethlehem, Shepherds, Wise Men, or an inn; but there is a woman, a baby being born…and a dragon. This is Christmas according to Revelation 12. And in the first few verses we are introduced to three main characters: A Woman, A Dragon, and a Baby.
Revelation 12:1-6
The book of Revelation is one of the most challenging books in the Bible, yet the message of the book couldn’t be more important. It gives us a glimpse not only of God’s plan for eternity, it shows us the spiritual conflict that we are involved in. We are shown the spiritual warfare that takes place, but also the confidence we have in following Jesus.
Revelation 12:1-6
In this first section of a “behind the scenes” look at the cosmic nature of Christmas, heaven is opened, and two signs appear – both of which point to the greatest sign of all: Jesus Christ … Immanuel … God with us. And because this Ruler of all nations, now seated at the right hand of God, is with us, we have nothing to fear.
Exodus 20:15
In this sermon Pastor Matt shares a theology of money and possessions, asserting that we have all broken the 8th Commandment and robbed God, showing that the Bible casts a vision of Christians as stewards of God’s wealth, not owners of our own wealth, and concluding that nothing on the planet produces generous hearts like experiencing the generosity of God in the gospel.
Ephesians 4:28
The gospel transforms every part of our lives, and that includes how we handle our money. When we come to faith in Christ, it does not simply transform us from thieves to honest workers, but transforms us to generous, intentional givers. Our call is to reflect the kind of lavish generosity that God has shown to us for the glory of God.
John 12:1-8
Money and possessions pose a powerful allure to our sinful, fallen hearts. However, the extravagant gift of Christ’s own life challenges us to embrace God-glorifying generosity rather than self-gratifying greed.
Proverbs 3:1-12
Giving is a significant part of our Christian discipleship because it is an act of worship and obedience that is modelled after God’s generosity with us. We miss out on the promises and blessings of God in this area when we hold onto to what rightfully belongs to God – our heart and our money.
Forgiveness is a hard idea to live out. It is hard to understand and put into practice in our broken world, with our broken hearts, throughout our broken relationships, and despite our broken selves. Yet Jesus does not shy away from understanding the importance of living as forgiving people in light of the forgiveness we have received.
Matthew 18:21-35
Three questions when it comes to the call to forgiveness. How often should I forgive? Why should I forgive? Am I supposed to ignore sin?
Matthew 18:21-25
Unlimited Forgiveness.
The enormity of our debt, the transformation of forgiveness and the consequences of unforgiveness.
Matthew 18:15-20
We often think of discipline as a bad thing. It is something that we are scared of, and we tend to want nothing to do with it. Our text this morning shows us that when discipline is done in the way that Jesus teaches us, it is actually one of the most loving things that can take place. When the focus is shifted from seeking rejection first, and it is instead placed on God and the restoration He brings, relationships can be reconciled.
Jesus gives us a template for how to address sin in one another’s lives in the church. Contrary to popular opinion, this is a loving process that seeks to restore a fellow believer to right relationship with Christ and His church.
Matthew 18:15-20
A direct and redemptive approach to dealing with sin within the church is very important. “Church discipline”, when done well, is a loving act of restoring a brother or sister in Christ to full fellowship with God, with the people against whom they sinned, and with God’s family, the church.
Matthew 18:7-9
Benjamin Franklin once said “Nothing can be certain except death and taxes.” Which, while true, is an incomplete list. Because, as Christians we know that sin and temptation are also inevitable certainties of the human experience. Jesus knew this! Which is why, in this week’s passage, He commands such intense instruction to destroy our personal sin: “Kill your sin, or it will kill you.” Jesus’ grace is immeasurable, but personal holiness is still of the highest priority.
Believers are not merely followers of Christ, we are united to Him and called to care, protect, and guard our brothers and sisters, especially those weak in the faith or otherwise marginalized.
One of the ways we do that is by being radical against our sin and making sure we do not cause anyone to stumble and sin. The Lord challenges our individualistic culture and call us to a more excellent way!
Matthew 18:6-9
Jesus gives his disciples a clear warning when it comes to sin in the church. As he is discussing how believers are to get along in the church, he gives them a clear warning to stay far away from sin. Not to cause others to fall into sin, and to stay far away from it themselves, and instead seek eternal life.
Matthew 18:6-9
In this text, Jesus warns us in no uncertain terms that sin is a serious matter. As we seek to enter eternal life, we are called to earnestly resist sin personally and ensure we don’t lead others to sin.
In studying God’s attributes, we gain a deeper understanding of who God is and how He relates to the world. It also strengthens our faith, shapes our worldview, and gives us a solid stirrup to ride life’s challenges in peace and hope. Join us and be amazed by the beauty of our God.
Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14
As followers of Jesus, it is easy to get caught in the trap of thinking that we are better than others. But it’s exactly that – a trap … one that leads to our own downfall, and the downfall of others. How can we become more childlike in our faith, acting in gracious humility toward God and others?
Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14
Jesus disciples had a conversation about who would be the greatest in God’s kingdom. Jesus responded by calling a child to stand before his disciples. Jesus loves the little children and has called all would be followers to embrace childlikeness to become part of his kingdom.
Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14
We usually equate greatness with high status. But as Jesus begins to teach his disciples about what it looks like in the church, it is not those of high status who are praised, but the lowly. Jesus calls his disciples to follow him like children, because God cares for the humble.
Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14
Greatness is a pursuit that is universally applauded, but Jesus warns his disciples that an attitude like that could prevent them from entering the kingdom of heaven! Followers of Christ are called to become like children and look out for the interests of the lowly.
The story of Jonah teaches us a lot about what it means to be sent on mission. Most of all, it teaches us about God’s heart for the lost and the mission He calls us to engage with Him in.
Jonah 3
We live in a world with a multitude of religions and world views. The Christian Gospel is the only true hope for people. Jonah brought the message of God to his enemies; they believed and repented. It is the role of every Christian to share the gospel, entrusting the transformation of hearts to God.
Jonah 3
God is on a mission to redeem the lost. In turn he commissions us to be sent on mission. We do well to recognize that we were once far from him, and we have been tasked with sharing His Word with those who do not know him. When we are faithful to our mission we can anticipate extraordinary responses to the grace and mercy of God.
2 Timothy 2:1-4
When Jesus ascended into heaven he called his disciples to make more disciples. This foundational call on the church means we are always called to pass along our faith to others. For this we must be equipped in our faith and seek to equip others so that they can pass it along as well.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
If the gospel is to be preached to all nations before Jesus returns, we have work to do! And the task at hand is impossible for any one person – or even many people. It requires “all hands on deck”! And so, the charge to church leaders is to equip and prepare God’s people for works of service, all pointing to the finished work of Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
When the mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, adding disciples one at a time will not cut it. It’s absolutely critical to multiply. As we take a look at our fifth value we discover that Scripture gives us foundational instruction for how we are called to equip others for ministry.
Like a football team running a play, everyone in the church has a role to play. Paul entrusted the gospel to Timothy and instructed him to teach it to others who would then also teach it to others. When we recognize that Jesus established the church in such a way that everyone is a minister with a ministry, we grow as disciples, the church is strengthened, and the Great Commission gets fulfilled.
Galatians 5:16-25
There is no way we that we can live the Christian life or fulfill The Great Commission on our own. Living on mission and embracing the vision and values given that God has given us demands the empowering work of the Spirit of God.
Galatians 5:16-25
The Holy Spirit is vital to the church. We cannot accomplish our purpose without the work of the Holy Spirit empowering us to grow in our walk with Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers every believer to bear fruit and at the same time helping us make practical steps to be more like Jesus.
Galations 5:16-25
The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity that often lands Christians in one of two extremes. On the one hand, Christians can seek to “play it safe” and put the Spirit and his leading in a tightly sealed box. On the other hand, there are Christians who place too heavy a focus on spiritual gifts, healings and miracles at the expense of the Gospel. Despite the extremes, the testimony of Scripture is that we desperately need the Holy Spirit to empower us to lead faithful and fruitful lives for the glory of Christ.
When Jesus saves us He calls us to live a life that is pleasing to God and effective for ministry. Thankfully He does not leave us to our own devices. Fighting sin and bearing fruit are possible because believers are empowered by the Spirit.
Charles Spurgeon calls the Church “the dearest place on earth to us.” Have you ever seen the Church through this lens? If not, what’s stopping you? When you consider being gathered in community with the local church, do you bristle? Or does your heart leap with joy? The reality is that as the gathered community of the Church, we are called to “stir one another to love and good works” and “encourage one another” as we wait for Christ. So embrace these joyful commands and pray that Jesus would indeed make His Church, the dearest place on earth to you.
Hebrews 10: 23-25
Shows us how we're better together, when we are gathered in community.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Confidence in Christ as we cling to God's promises while we gather together in community.
Hebrews 10:23-25
A surprising conclusion, crippling indictment and call to arms of gathering together from Hebrews 10:23-25.
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, also known as pneumatology, has to do with the person and work of the third member of the Trinity. Come learn more about the active presence of God through the Holy Spirit’s role in the Trinity, the world, the Church, and your life.
With many seeing the Bible as a problem not a solution, why would we value being “Rooted in the Bible”? How can we re-enchant our lives around Scripture in a disenchanted age?
Hebrews 4:12
The Bible may be the world’s best selling book, but is it worth believing and basing our lives on? What is the Bible’s ultimate purpose? Despite many considering the Bible just an old, religious fairytale, the Bible contains the true words of God which reveal both our problem of sin and God’s promise of a Savior.
Hebrews 4:12
Hearing about the Bible is probably the best thing that will happen this fall. And that is because one of our values is that we are rooted in the Bible, but while this might seem simplistic or obvious, it is not.
Almost all Christian churches say they are based on the Bible but when things get real you find that relativism, and secularism, and pluralism, and humanism, and whatever other isms you can think of creep into the church and get easily embraced. At the same time, they all claim to be rooted in the Bible, but is that so? And why does that matter? What impact does it have on our own lives?
Today we’ll learn what it truly means to be rooted in the Bible, why we must trust Scriptures, and our responsibility, as believers, to the Word of God and our Lord’s Kingdom.
Roman 1:16-17
If we are to realize the audacious vision of seeing the entire eastern Fraser Valley transformed by the Gospel for the glory of God and the good of all people, we must be centered on the Gospel. This sermon will explore what the Gospel is, why it is so powerful, and how we can center ourselves – both as a church and individually – so that we stay true to the mission that God has given us: To be authentic followers of Jesus who lead other to follow Him.
Romans 1:16-17
What is it that defines us as Christians? Its not a culture, its not a lifestyle, its not even religious practices. What defines us as Christians is faith in the gospel message of Jesus Christ. This sits at the center of what we believe, what we do and who we are as the church.
Romans 1:16-17
As we continue in our sermon series titled “Church on Purpose”, we will find that in order to see lives changed, and our community transformed, we must be centered on the Gospel. In our text this morning Paul explains to us that he is not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God in our savior Jesus Christ. Where the Gospel is proclaimed there is no mission that is too grand. Let’s look at how we can be centered on the Gospel, so that we can step into God’s mission of seeing the entire Eastern Fraser valley transformed by the Gospel, for His glory, and for the good of all people.
The gospel is not about what you must do to be made right with God but about faith in what Jesus has already done to make you right with God. Every other philosophy of religion says “do” but Jesus says it’s “done”; they say “work” but Jesus says “rest”; they say “strive” but Jesus says “it is finished”. We are centred on the gospel because the gospel changes absolutely everything.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
God has given our church an impossible vision – impossible for any human, but possible for Him! A picture of His preferred future for our end of the Fraser Valley is for spiritual life and flourishing to emerge amid intense spiritual dryness. Total transformation – for His glory and the good of all people.
If we’re honest, our vision that aims to see the entire eastern Fraser Valley transformed by the gospel for the glory of God and good of all people seems like nothing short of a pipe dream and an impossibility. Almost as impossible as a valley of dry bones being brought back to life. Yet God can do both. What if we actually believed that our community could be transformed by the gospel and we lived to that end?
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Our vision statement at Central is audacious. We want to see Gospel transformation impacting tens of thousands of people. But what would that look like? How would our society be impacted by such transformation? And at the end of the day one has to ask the question: is such transformation actually even possible?
Ezekiel 37:1-14
God calls the church to do incredible things. Not because the church is amazing, but because God is amazing. Our calling as a church is always dependent on God working miracles in people’s lives.
Purpose matters. On the one hand, lack of purpose makes life insufferable. On the other hand, when people passionately pursue a common purpose it has the potential to change lives, even the world. There is no greater purpose on the planet than to be a part of the movement that Jesus established to reach and transform the world: The Church. This sermon is about Central’s mission to be and make authentic followers of Jesus.
2 Kings 13:14-21
Elisha was a tremendous prophet. He was not great because of who he was but who God is. Do we live our lives with the same awareness, or are we prone to come up short when it comes to exercising faith in God?
2 Kings 13:14-21
We love people that are passionate about something, we reward their passion, their commitment… we put gold medals around their necks, or pay lots of money to see them play, or sing, or perform… sometimes we look up to those people as if they were a rare breed, and they are. Very few people are truly committed to an activity, but those who are stand out from the rest.
And so, we value that, but we think we don’t have what it takes. And most of us would say “I know I don’t have what it takes or I’d be doing something else”, and you may be right, but today we are going to learn that God is passionate about His covenant, He’s passionate about rescuing us from our sin and debauchery, and He is also passionate about making you passionate about Him.
And as we study this last chapter in the life of Elisha, my prayer is that at the end of this service you will be able to be fully committed to Christ.
Not only is this passage extremely violent and bloody, it is carried out at God’s command. The Bible is clear that God will judge evil, but is He just in doing so? The cross is the place where His love and justice meet (also violent and bloody), where God took injustice upon Himself so that we could receive salvation.
2 Kings 8:1-29
People are different and we all have our own ideas and preferences; some people cook with olive oil, others with butter, and yet there are some that we’d prefer they didn’t cook at all!
The problem comes when we talk about things that truly matter. Some hold very vague concepts about God, while others would show their teeth when defending their agnosticism, but in the final analysis we will all come before His throne and deal with the consequences of what we have done with the truths that He has revealed in Scriptures.
So, why should we care about what we read today, a woman leaving his house, a conversation with the prophet’s aid and the king, wars and rebellions with the eastern kingdoms in a far away land…? Well, because they all reveal our God to us! That’s why we call Scriptures: the special revelation of God, because if we truly want to have an accurate image about God, we must come to the Bible with eagerness to see His face, hear His voice and feel His touch.
And this morning we’ll learn that the God of the Bible is powerful to restore and faithful to the promises He has made for you and me.
Do you truly want God’s will for your life? Most of us would say “Yes!” But before you answer, consider that God’s will doesn’t often follow our plan or agenda. Today’s passage vividly proves that out. But even through imperfect and even sinful circumstances, God’s will remains just and right. And when we consider God’s kindness, judgement, and faithfulness, we find that the (seemingly) complicated will of God isn’t that complicated after all.
2 Kings 8:1-29
Opinions abound as to God's character: Gullible deity...Domineering tyrant...Loving father...Impotent potentate? Often, the best way you can really get to know a person is to watch them in action...and that's what we'll do as four stories reveal to us the true nature of the God we serve!
In some cultures, it is unthinkable to die for someone else, but that’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He died on the cross so that we may live. And it’s not like we were the nicest people towards God; we rebelled against His Word, we lied, we cheated, we worshipped other gods… but He still took our place before the judgement throne of God so that we would have life.
Scripture: 2 Kings 6:24 - 7:20
And that’s the story we’ll read today. A king, a nation who continues to run away from God, who turned their backs at their Creator, and instead of repenting and asking for forgiveness, they continue to shake their fist at God. But the Lord will love them, deliver them, give them another chance, simply because of His love, mercy, and grace. A love that chases you, a love that transforms you, a love that delivers.
2 Kings 6:1-23
Have you ever thought that a particular need in your life was too little to trouble God with? Have you ever thought a specific dilemma was too great for God to intervene in? 2 Kings 6:1-23 reminds us that God cares about both the little details and the large things in our lives, and that he longs to intervene as we come to him in prayer.
How is your vision? Some reply 20/20 or something related to the measurement of our physical eyesight. Sometimes seeing certainly impacts our attitude or beliefs. But how is your spiritual vision? The view we have of ourselves within a set of values or beliefs, directs the convictions with which we conduct ourselves in the world. God desires our faith to instruct our spiritual vision; how we view God and ultimately our worldview.
If you could customize the events and details of your life, would you? If you could pick and choose and script the circumstances of your life to match WHATEVER you wanted, would you take that opportunity? Today’s passage tells the story of two lepers who to varying degrees and outcomes tried to script their own destiny. But in the end, God shows both why He alone should be left to map out our lives. The question that remains though, is, “Will you trust Him to do what’s best for you?”.
We’ve all seen our share of reruns and prequels and the Bible has a number of them as well. Some of this text sounds a lot like the ministry of Elijah, the prophet who preceded Elisha. But some of it sounds a lot like the ministry of Jesus, the one who would come after Elisha and not only provide for the needy, multiply food for the hungry, and raise the dead to life, but would do so as the fulfillment; Himself the Bread, the Life, and the Resurrection.
In the face of a challenging rebellion the consequences and causes of Jeroham's Idolatry are brought to light. He is so blinded by it that he overestimates the challenge in front of him and underestimates the challenge within him.
As we begin our summer sermon series on Elisha the prophet in 2 Kings, a pivotal moment of transition from Elijah to Elisha is taking place. While Elijah may be gone, God continues to speak, and use Elisha to foreshadow Jesus in many ways.
At the end of the Parable Discourse, Jesus again warns His followers of God’s eventual judgement when good will be separated from bad once and for all. But the good news is that He doesn’t do so to scare us, but rather show us the beauty of what He has done for us. We are gathered by the gospel so that we can share in the treasures of the Kingdom of Heaven with Jesus our King.
Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus tells two very simple parables to his disciples that have a massive impact on our lives. Jesus describes both the cost of what it means to follow Him and the joy that follows. The cost of following Jesus is always outmatched by the joy of following after Him.
Matthew 13:44-46
The rule and reign of God in Christ is the most valuable thing that exists, and it must be pursued and found at all costs. Have you found the kingdom of heaven, and are you helping others do the same?
Matthew 13:44-46
What “treasures” do you find yourself storing up? Our world tries to grab our attention with the newest flashy item as we get sucked into this constant pursuit of more. In our text this morning we see that nothing in this world compares to the incalculable value of the treasure that is found in the Kingdom of Heaven. That treasure is Jesus, and the resurrection life that He made available to all those that put their faith in Him.
Jesus compared his kingdom to wheat growing alongside weeds and a mustard seeding growing into a mighty tree. In doing so, Jesus gives us a picture of how his kingdom grows and influences an evil world… and also how it doesn’t.
Matthew 13:24-43
The church is the kingdom of heaven on earth, and though there are many hypocrites in it, Christ rules in it as King. The church is to continue working faithfully in the world, remaining hopeful that Jesus is building His church and that nothing will stop it, gathering in a great harvest for His glory despite the challenges and the work of the enemy.
Jesus in the sermon on the mount is making a radical claim that he is the nation of Israel’s rightful legislator. What’s more, look at where he’s making this claim; he is doing it very deliberately on top of a mountain, and as every Israelite would have remembered, the great law giver (God) gave his people the Old Testament law by speaking to them from the top of a mountain. Jesus was claiming for himself a breathtaking authority that no one else has ever dared to claim. He was claiming to be Israel’s and Humanity’s King - Greg Gilbert
Matthew 13:24-43
Jesus teaches his disciples about the kingdom of God through short stories we call parables. Jesus uses a number of parables to teach his disciples to be patient as they follow after him. Even though it seems as though nothing is happening right away, Jesus calls his followers to keep eternity in mind because God is at work.
Matthew 13:1-23
In the parable of the Sower we see Jesus referring to himself as a farmer, casting out seeds on a field. The seed is the Word of God, and the soil is our hearts. Field work is hard, but may we, by the Holy Spirit, do the hard work of preparing our hearts to receive God’s word, that renews us and draws us closer to Him.
Genesis 11:1-9 & Acts 2:1-6
It has been said that Pentecost – the day that the Holy Spirit was given 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus – was a reversal of The Tower of Babel … and rightly so. Instead of people trying to reach God in their own power and with evil intent – resulting is confusion & disciplinary dispersion, God came down – resulting in a beautiful unity, clarity, and dispersion to the glory of God and for the salvation & blessing of people.
Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-11
The story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11 and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 are fascinating stories on their own. Placed side by side, they reveal in even greater depth the power God has made available to his followers through the filling of the Spirit as we seek to make much of Jesus.
Genesis 11:1-9 & Acts 2:1-9
The Spirit unites the scattered, brings clarity and connection in confusion, indwells and empowers His people, glorifies God, and renews and restores humanity.
At the end of the Mission Discourse, Jesus recognizes that conflict, suffering, and even familial unrest lay ahead for His followers. But as He always does, He prepares us for the road ahead with instruction for His modern-day disciples. Jesus instructs us to both disciple others and be discipled ourselves until we receive our reward.
Matthew 10:24-42
In Matthew 10 Jesus tells His disciples what to expect as they go about proclaiming the gospel. We should expect danger, division, and God’s present and eternal care.
Matthew 10:24-42
Jesus has been explaining to his disciples that they will face persecution, but he tells them they do not need to be afraid. If God is on their side, there is nothing to be afraid of. Disciples of Jesus are to carry the gospel message being courageously fearful, uncompromisingly loving as privileged ambassadors of Christ.
Matthew 10:24-42
Following Jesus is costly. Christians will be maligned and slandered, at times by members of their own family. But for those who place Jesus first, before anything and anyone else, there is great comfort in our heavenly Father’s loving care and the rewards of following Christ.
Last week we pushed back on the excuses we make for not participating in the Mission of Jesus. This week we look at the very real costs and enormous blessings of participating in the Mission of Jesus.
Matthew 10:16-23
When Jesus sends out his disciples on their first mission’s trip, he gives them a warning about what they will find. People are going to oppose them, and they will face persecution. However he also gives them some amazing promises about how God will take care of them through all of it.
Matthew 10:16-23
The image of a sheep among wolves is startling. There is grave danger. And yet Jesus sends His followers – prepared, preserved and protected – into such danger … all for His sake … to bear witness about Him. He sends us having gone before us, and He sends us going with us. We’re in good hands as we answer the call to be His witnesses.
Matthew 10:16-23
Despite a steady departure away from Christian values and foundations, in our Canadian context we enjoy many religious freedoms. Nevertheless, Scripture teaches us that every believer that takes a stand for Christ will be persecuted at some point, to some extent. In this section of Matthew Jesus tells us how we should face persecution when it comes.
Matthew 9:35-10:15
Jesus invites us into His mission: To proclaim and demonstrate the Good News about Him to a world that is harassed and helpless without Him. And those He calls He also prepares with everything needed to succeed.
Matthew 9:35-10:15
As Jesus begins to empower the disciples to continue His earthly ministry He further reveals the motivation of the kingdom of God, the means in which that kingdom will expand, and the stakes at play. In so doing he reveals compassion, power, and justice as tenants of the Gospel of Christ.
Matthew 9:35-10:15
Having invested in his disciples the principles of the Kingdom and having demonstrated the message and power of the Kingdom, Jesus now summons his disciples on mission for the Kingdom. Spurred on by the heart of God for the lost, ordinary people are transformed into apostles, sent ones, to proclaim the good news of the Gospel and in the process transform the lives of those they encounter. This venture is nothing short of a life and death scenario as eternity hangs in the balance.
As we move from the Sermon Discourse (5-7) to the Mission Discourse (10), Jesus now sends the 12 with His authority to demonstrate and proclaim the message of the Kingdom. The disciples are moved from observers of the ministry of Jesus to participants in the ministry of Jesus; and you are called to move from observer to participant as well.
Matthew 7:21-29
Jesus ends the sermon on the mount with some of the most frightening words he ever speaks. Jesus gives his disciples a stern warning about not placing their trust in cheap grace or religious works. However, he does not say this to simply scare them but to show them where true salvation is found.
Matthew 7:21-29
After preaching the greatest sermon of all time Jesus closes with a weighty warning: there will be people that will be rejected from eternity with God despite having made a public confession of faith and even having worked mighty miracles. Empty words and works on their own cannot save. It is only through true relationship with Christ as demonstrated in real obedience that we can be saved.
Jesus closes His Sermon on the Mount with the most difficult words He ever spoke: “‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” He challenges us to evaluate and uncover the very foundation of our lives and consider “Where do we stake our hope?” But ultimately, it’s not a question of whether we know him (as important as that is), but whether He knows us. So ask yourself, “Is my foundation built on my strength, or on the authority of Christ?”
Jesus not only said that there will be false prophets, but that there will be false prophets in our midst. This sermon explores how to keep from becoming heresy hunters, suspicious that everyone is a false prophet on the one hand, and undiscerning sheep who get devoured by wolves on the other.
Matthew 7:15-20
The Bible tells us that those who take the truth of God’s Word and turn it into lies are destructive and destined for destruction. It is essential that the church learns how to recognize them, reject their teaching, and counter their message with truth so that people will not be led away from God, but find God and salvation through Christ.
Matthew 7:15-20
Encountering a wolf is a scary thought. Encountering a wolf dressed as a sheep is an even scarier thought. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns us to beware of ravenous false prophets and teaches us how to recognize a wolf when we smell one.
In Jesus’ mountain sermon, he encourages his disciples on the subjects of prayer, how they treat others and makes his exclusive claims about himself and his way that leads to life.
The reason why we celebrate Easter is because the resurrection happened, means that we have hope in this life and the life to come, and therefore matters more than anything else on the planet.
A Good Friday meditation on the words Jesus cried out from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” that helps us with our own “Why, God?” questions.
What’s your approach or reaction when someone drives passing you on the right going over the cyclist’s lane and racing down the road? Or how about when walking down the park you notice a dog doing its business and the owner doesn’t pick it up after his dog? What do you say? How do you react? What are your thoughts?
Most of us become outraged when people do things we find offensive or even if they do things in a different way than we would do, but when we come to the family of God we are called to a higher standard among brothers and sisters.
Jesus has much to say about our relationships, and as we meditate in His words, we’ll discover that our glance of others is God’s gaze on us.
Jesus' words stand in stark contrast to our culture of accumulation. As we gather more stuff, more money, more status, more security, more anxiety, more stress and, more sleepless, nights he gently invites us to come and change our perspective and pursue something that brings ultimate peace.
Matthew 6:19-24
Money dominates so much of our life. Many of us spend most of our waking hours working to receive a paycheck. As a commodity, money is necessary for almost any and every transaction. But it’s easy to allow our need for money to become the all consuming focus of our lives. In Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus warns his followers against becoming prisoners of money, since no one focused on money can love God faithfully.
Money is a practical part of life. Some of us have less and some of us have more. The question Jesus invites us to ask is whether money has us.
Matthew 6:19-24
Jesus calls his disciples to a single-minded devotion to God, but not without giving them a reason to do so. Jesus has told his disciples again and again that there is a reward waiting for them, and so challenges them not to follow after other masters but serve the one whose reward never fails.
Matthew6:19-24
Jesus said that where my treasure is, there my heart is. Will money master me, or will God? When God is my Master … when He is the treasure of my heart … I will love Him more and I will love others more, storing up treasure in heaven as a result.
Jesus warned his followers about treating their faith like an actor in front of an audience. Spiritual practices like Fasting are not a show that we perform for others so they think well of us. Fasting is about relationship, not law. It’s about formation not performance.
The Bible is primarily God speaking to us and prayer is primarily us talking to God. Jesus teaches us to approach the God of the universe and call him our heavenly Father. What a privilege! And yet we can still find prayer to be a challenge. This sermon on The Lord’s Prayer is an invitation for renewal; to accept the invitation of our heavenly Father and commune with Him through prayer.
Jesus calls His disciples to live in such a way that shines bright for Him and His Kingdom in a dark world. That includes doing certain things and not doing certain things. What Jesus gets at in this text is that it is possible to even do the right Christian things but with wrong motives. As always, Jesus looks at the heart, including in how and why we give.
Jesus calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Perfect in our action, and in our heart; but this is only possible when we are perfected in God. In this passage Jesus sets a much higher standard for His followers: To go against the grain of the “Me First” life that is practiced and promoted by the world. But…this high standard should always drive us to the Gospel, to admit we need help, and embrace the One who is perfect!
Jesus turns his attention to the practice of oath declaring and the evil that lies underneath its pious cover. He reorients us to the intention of the Law of God and reminds us of a God of promise that does not leave us to fend for ourselves under the crushing weight of the law.
There is what you think about divorce, what society says about divorce, and then what Jesus says about divorce. The call of the Christian is to believe and follow Jesus. In this sermon we will explore what Jesus says about divorce, remarriage and adultery in the Sermon on the Mount and throughout the Bible and then circumstances we find ourselves in.
The arrival of Jesus inaugurates God’s plan to restore all that is good and beautiful. In this sermon Jesus shows us how those inside His kingdom go beyond not murdering and seek to overcome anger itself. When we see God putting away His anger with us, we are compelled to forgive and pursue reconciliation with others.
The scribes and pharisees were the super religious, educated, bible nerds of the first century and Jesus said that our righteousness has to exceed theirs or we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. That would have shocked His hearers and has massive implications. In this sermon we will explore how Christians should interpret the Old Testament in light of how Jesus has fulfilled it.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus didn’t challenge us to try and become salt and light. He declared that we ARE salt and light; that we are His agents of redemption and illumination in this world. He commanded us to live in such a way that compels the world to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. So the question that begs to be asked is, “How are you bringing glory to God in the way that you live?”
Depending on who you ask, you will get drastically different and even conflicting answers on what the good life is and how to live a flourishing life. As we embark on a new year, lets let Jesus tell us what the blessed and flourishing life is and press into living out the Kingdom of Heaven in the midst of the kingdom of man.
Mysterious wise men from the east follow a star that eventually leads them to baby Jesus. Upon seeing Jesus they do two things: They bow down and worship Him and they present their finest gifts to Him. Christmas reminds us to do the same.
Synopsis: The story of the Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem is a story of a about a Saviour who came to save people from every background tribe, and tongue and nation. Jesus is Immanuel, Saviour and king, not just of Israel, but of all the peoples of the world. God reveals himself to people all around the world in ways they can understand. In the wise men we see a picture of the rich and powerful, the wise and learned elites, the spiritually Gentile world coming to worship to the newborn king and this tells us something important about God’s kingdom.
At Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and excitement of the season. Who doesn’t love gifts, food, and time with family? But, do we slow down enough to take the time to remember and celebrate the “Who” that Christmas is truly about? It’s that question of “Who?” that makes all the difference. “Who is Jesus?” is the most important question you will ever answer; if you take the time, you’ll find that the answer is “Jesus is fully God and fully man, the Saviour of sinners, no less than God with us”.
There’s nothing quite like butchering a long list of Hebrew names when you get to a genealogy in your Bible Reading Plan. But genealogies in the Bible are never merely a list of names. Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy that proclaims God’s promises to Abraham and David are fulfilled in Jesus. Not only that, the scandalous names listed in the line that leads to Christ are there so we can know our names are included in the line that leads from Christ.
Acts 20:17-38
A farewell address is a big deal, typically filled with words that describe the emotion, values and hopes for those who are left behind. In today’s passage the Apostle Paul instructs the Ephesian Elders to not shrink back by keeping the gospel as your first priority, to continue in faithfulness regardless of the circumstances around you and to live intentional lives so that they can share the hope of Jesus to a lost and broken world.
Acts 20:17-38
This text is the only extended speech to Christians in all of Acts and it is Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders. A farewell address is a big deal, typically filled with only the most important things the person wants communicated. Paul’s farewell speech instructs us on what a life well lived in light of the gospel looks like.
Acts 20:17-38
I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of the revolutionaries; those men and women who fought for a noble ideal and inspired others to join the fight despite of doing it at the cost of comfort, safety, and in most cases their lives… People who had a clear idea of what was worth fighting for and the goal of leaving behind a legacy for their children, their grandchildren, and the generations to come, even if they didn’t get to see the result in their lifetime. They were committed to fighting or die trying.
When we came to Christ and gave Him our lives, we were in fact enlisting in His army. We changed our allegiance from the world and self to Jesus and His Kingdom. We understood that we didn’t want to continue our paths as enemies of God, and we accepted the reconciliation offered through Christ alone. As we grow in the knowledge of what this reconciliation and adoption into the family of God means, we also need to learn what is required of us as Christians.
As we continue our series on the book of Acts, my prayers is that in the text we’ll study today we’ll be able to clearly understand the true commitments of a Christian.
In Acts 20:17-38 we have Paul’s final address to the Ephesian elders. They are his parting words, so we know that they were of the utmost importance, for the church in Ephesus, but also the church today. He commends the elders directly to God and his word, and uses his own life as an example of how our lives are changed when the Gospel is at the centre.
In this second part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Andy focuses on Matthew 6:1-24. There are three aspects of our identity Jesus discusses: personal, communal, and spiritual. Jesus challenges the core of who we are and how it changes how we live.
Matthew 5-7 is often referred to as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount but it is much more than that. It is a sermon given on a mount but it addresses our identity in God. This is part 1 of a two part series called: Identity Crisis. Jesus begins his sermon by challenging the identity offered by the world that leads to crisis. Alternatively, Jesus points to a foundation for our identity established in Him that results in our present and future blessing.
Titus 2:11-14
The change that happens in our lives when Jesus saves us should be obvious. So when the church gathers as people who have all been transformed by Jesus, our gathering should be obvious to those around us. The church is the gathering of people saved by Jesus, living for Jesus, so the glory of God would be obvious.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
If Central Community Church was a person, what would define her? What qualities would describe her? What would her goals and priorities be? This sermon Scripturally explains Central’s mission, vision and first two values as we seek to be a church centered on the Gospel and rooted in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 2:13 - 3:3 & Ephesians 4:11-16
Four things need to happen for the church to succeed in its mission: The Spirit of God needs to move in, the pastor needs to move over, the congregation needs to move up, and the church needs to move out. As each person does their part, we will experience a healthy, dynamic, and growing church. This week we will explore the first two moves that need to happen.
Acts 20:1-16
A boy falls asleep during a sermon? Assos, Mitylene, Chios and Miletus? Sometimes we wonder why Luke recorded particular stories or specific travelling details, but there’s always a point. In Acts 20:1-16 Paul models how believers should encourage and rely on others in the faith, all the while finding our ultimate encouragement in the biblical truths of Christ’s salvation.
Synopsis: We have all been guilty of dozing off in church at some point in time. Maybe the preacher was truly boring, the week prior was truly busy, or the temperature was truly toasty. This text differentiates some key signs of life in us and our church, in contrast to signs of slumber and death.
There is something about Christianity that upsets the world, that has caused prayers and the Bible to be kicked out of schools, hospitals, and government offices… Even during the Christmas celebration, you are no longer allowed to say “Merry Christmas” in the market place, you have to say “happy holidays” and you will see many signs that instead of “Christmas” will read “Xmas” getting rid of the word “Christ”.
As you read the book of Acts you can clearly see how when the first church grew and people were presented with the message of Christ, opposition also began to grow, and persecution was real. But how do we as Christians respond to this? and what is to be the confidence that we may cling to when things get tough with our non-believing family, our coworkers, or the people we deal with on a regular basis?
The text we’ll read today will give us a picture of this opposition but at the same time, the Word of God will teach us how we are to respond, and more importantly, that even when we are in the midst of really dangerous situations, our Lord will never leave us.
Acts 19:23-41
When the church is obedient to the call & commands of Christ, it creates disturbance at all levels. But even in that disturbance and danger, news about Jesus is still good, He will never leave us nor forsake us, and His enemies can experience His love through us.
Healing hankies, shamed streakers, and a book burning. This passage is one of the strangest texts in the entire Bible — and that’s saying something! Yet this passage teaches us a great deal about the miraculous power of God and the nature of true repentance.
Acts 19:11-22
Whenever and wherever people are engaged in work that builds the Kingdom of God, there will be spiritual manifestation – and opposition. But God has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. God has authority over all things – authority that He gives to His disciples so that the Good News about Jesus, and the making of new disciples, can continue.
Acts 19:11-20
While it’s easy to become complacent in the Christian walk and adopt a safe, comfortable understanding of God, Acts 19:11-20 reminds us that we serve a powerful, supernatural Lord. God is able to heal bodies in miraculous ways, exercise authority over demonic forces and even change the hearts of men. But the purpose of God’s powerful deeds is never a supernatural show; it’s always to bring glory to Christ.
Acts 19:11-20
Sometimes the stories we get in the Bible are just strange, and this passage is a great example of three of them. Yet in all the strangeness the glory of God is clearly seen in the extraordinary miracles he performs.
Scripture: Acts 19:1-10
Paul quickly discovers that while a group of people in Ephesus are disciples, they’re not yet disciples of Jesus. So he preaches the gospel to them, leads them to Christ, they’re baptized in the name of Jesus, and they begin to speak in tongues when they receive the Holy Spirit. This is one of the texts in Acts that a number of charismatic churches and denominations use to advocate for a baptism of the Spirit, typically accompanied with speaking in tongues. This sermon will advocate for a different interpretation regarding conversion and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:1-10
Paul encounters some people who were confused about what they were supposed to believe. But instead of brushing them off, Paul mentors and explains the gospel of Jesus more clearly and they are saved. In the same way we are invited to examine our own faith and look at the impact of the Holy Spirit on our lives.
Acts 19:1-10
In Acts 19 Paul continues his missionary journey in Ephesus. He encounters some disciples of John the Baptist that had not yet heard of the Holy Spirit. He baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and for the first time they experience the Holy Spirit, and the gifts that the spirit brings. A beautiful picture of the unity of the spirit, and the impact that it has on our lives. Paul remains in Ephesus continuing his evangelism, and shares the word of God with Asia as he lays the foundation for the church in Ephesus.
Acts 19:1-10
We look at disciples who heard about the baptism of repentance but not the full gospel, which held them back from receiving the Spirit.
Scripture: Acts 18: 24-28
Not everyone is a preacher to crowds, yet every Christian has a ministry. Priscilla and Aquila mentor a gifted young preacher on the sidelines and help his ministry flourish. Brothers in the church in Ephesus encourage Apollos and recommend him to the churches of another region. Our roles and gifts are not all the same but all contribute to the building up of the church and mission of the church!
Acts 18:23-28
Becoming a Christian is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning and growing as a follower and student of Jesus. To grow as a disciple of Jesus requires the strengthening of our faith in Jesus, instruction in the way of Jesus, and active engagement in the ministry of His church.
Acts 18:24-28
Throughout the book of Acts we have seen church after church begin as Paul has travelled, but what happens when Paul is gone? God raises up new leaders to teach and build the church, even when they still need help themselves. God gifts the church a body of believers who have gifts that work together to build healthy churches.
Acts 18:24-28 introduces us to a new character in the exciting narrative of Acts: Apollos. Though gifted, learned and passionate, his knowledge of the Gospel is incomplete. Apollos’ interaction with Priscilla and Aquila is an encouraging reminder of every Christian’s need for ongoing discipleship as we seek to know the way of God better and bear fruit for the glory of Christ.
Scripture: Acts 18: 12-23
As Paul is dragged before the leaders of the region and put on trail he experiences the radical faithfulness of God. It is this interaction that can cause us consternation as we struggle to reconcile God’s faithfulness with the diggicult and opposition we face each day. Yet Paul gives us a real life example of how to live in this real life tension.
Acts 18:12-22
How do you respond to unexpected trials in life, particularly when you feel God had promised to spare you from those challenges? In Acts 18:12-22, Luke recounts the way God rescues Paul from a Jewish attack and then how Paul responds by continuing the mission God had set before him. From this text we learn important lessons about God’s faithfulness and specific ways in which we are called to respond.
Acts 18:12-22
As the Apostle Paul concludes his second missionary journey, he gives us a glimpse of God’s grace and effective methodology in sharing the Gospel. What can we learn to better direct our efforts for effective discipleship?
Acts 18:12-22
Opposition is a forgone conclusion to the Gospel. Jesus declared that disciples can expect the world to hate them and persecute them. In the face of this inevitable reality believers do well to remember that God is a work through opposition and we do well to embrace the opportunities that come as a result.
Acts 18:1-11
As the Apostle Paul moved from the highly secular & intellectual culture of Athens to the highly commercial & sexually immoral culture of nearby Corinth, he continued to engage the culture around him by upholding the Word of God and faithfully proclaiming the Good News about Jesus. So must we. This text teaches us how to be relevant in our culture, which is not that different from Corinth.
Acts 18:1-11
Paul is often seen as a tireless missionary who never stops and is never discouraged. However, even Paul went through times of discouragement and fear, and he needed the support of friends and close presence of God to help him through.
Scripture: Acts 18:1-11
Do you ever feel discouraged as you follow Jesus? As Paul continued on his second missionary Journey, the continued challenges left him spent, weak, fearful and discouraged. But God provided him with the strengthening of fellowship and reassurance of Jesus Presence and Promises.
Acts 18-1-11
Even the great Apostle Paul hit a wall sometimes. Our text indicates that Paul was afraid and discouraged during his ministry in Corinth. Yet the very same encouragements that Paul received are ours today: The encouragement of Christian community and the encouragement we receive from God’s presence and promises.
Scripture: Acts 17: 16-34Speaker: Pastor Matt Shantz
Athens was the intellectual capitol of the world and Paul went to the local synagogue, the marketplace, and the famous Areopagus to tell people about Jesus. How he went about doing that among people who viewed the world differently, worshiped idols, and had no reference for Jesus and the Bible is instructive for us today as missionaries in our spiritual yet secular post-Christian culture.
Acts 17:16-34
Jesus sent his disciples to the ends of the earth and that means we need to be able to communicate the gospel with people all over the globe. Paul gives us an excellent example of how to continually do this kind of evangelism, making sure to communicate the gospel clearly while trusting that God is the one doing the work.
Acts 17:16-34
Paul is perhaps the greatest Christian missionary that has ever lived. Paul’s address to the Athenians on the Areopagus is the finest NT example of a Gentile geared evangelistic sermon. Paul knew his context and addressed the people in a way they could relate and understood. In Acts 17:16-34 we learn a few important truths about evangelism from the life of Paul, his address and the response he received.
Acts 17:16-34
Even as the great Apostle Paul masterfully engaged the highly secular & intellectual culture that he lived in, so we must engage ours … ours being not only secular, but post-Christian. We will learn from this text how to proclaim the good news about Jesus in a meaningful and relevant way within our culture.
Scripture: Acts 17: 1-15
A pattern is emerging in Paul’s missionary process: Go to a city, teach the Bible, preach the gospel, plant a church, and be violently rejected. That’s exactly what happens in Thessalonica and Berea. We learn a great deal about gospel ministry from this text, including: We should establish connections with people; expound the Bible for people, and expect polarizing responses from people.
Acts 17:1-15
The good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is a true message that many need to hear. Followers of Christ, as well as those exploring the Christian faith can find reassurance in the historical evidence for Jesus. Regardless of the response to our witness, we are called to faithfully proclaim the truly good news of Jesus.
Acts 17:1-15
What are the habits that we have planned into our lives this fall? As we look back into the book of Acts we see two habits that formed the early church, the habit of evangelism and the habit bible reading. These two habits have been part of the foundations of the church since the very beginning and we have the privilege and joy of participating in them as well.
Acts 17:1-15
A healthy, missional church exhibits key markers that identify its laser focus on the things that matter most. Acts 17:1-15 shows us what these marks are.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
There are people that when they know Christ their lives are transformed in a very radical and permanent way; their lives are examples of faith, and love, and hope… but there are also those who pray the sinner’s prayer, but they continue living the same life they had before that prayer. We don’t see a real transformation, we don’t see a contagious relationship with God, but they come, they enjoy the music, they enjoy the sermon, and they spend 5, 10, 15 years coasting without moving forward to the next level.
Today we’ll take look at the vibrant Christians in Thessalonica and how their passion for Christ was an example to those around them. We’ll learn from them how to succeed in the calling of our Saviour.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
A look at a newly birthed church that takes what they have come to believe within their hearts and mind and radically lives it out amidst persecution and suffering. The Thessalonian church is a convicting witness on how we are to allow what is within us become embodied outside of us.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
You see Mission in action when the Gospel of Jesus comes in, the Holy Spirit moves, and then the Kingdom of God goes out.
2 Kings 2:1-14
As Elijah's ministry comes to an end and Elisha assumes his place, the question that is before Elisha is "how will I fill Elijah's shoes?". As we see God empower Elisha by his Spirit, we also see how all God's people can receive the empowerment they need for the life God calls them to.
2 Kings 2:1-14
Perseverance is a concept that has been fading from our culture but more importantly from the church; in the world it was said that our attention span was three seconds shorter than a goldfish, that is 7 seconds in average, I’m sure with the new tick-tock, and the short clips in YouTube and social networks, that attention span has decreased significantly. Of course, that is transposed to every area of life: Who wants to spend hours carving out of a block of wood a beautiful horse and then sanding it in all the different grids when you can just buy it online today and have it delivered by tomorrow morning? So, whenever there’s what we could think of as pointless effort, or a long wait, or potential suffering or struggles, we tend to drop the ball and choose a more comfortable direction.
In the church the problem has been the same; if the pastor is too much of this or too less of that let’s go to another church!... If everybody is on your face or nobody is greeting you, let’s go to another church… If the sermons are not in line with what people expect, then they get upset because a sermon should be this way, or that way… and they drop the ball.
But this is only the problem on the surface, because what lies beneath is a bigger problem: are we really committed to our God and His Word? Or will we compromise at the first glimpse of challenges in our own lives?
Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-14
At the end of Elijah’s life he handed over his ministry to his younger protégé Elisha and was carried away into heaven by a Chariot of Fire and a Whirlwind. Elijah’s example of mentoring other young prophets and Elisha’s desire to follow in his mentor’s footsteps remind us of the importance of imitation, succession, transitions in our walk with Jesus as we await his coming to take us home.
Scripture: 2 Kings 1:1-18
As Elijah confronts yet another corrupt king we are reminded of a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Through Elijah God reveals his perfect justice and displays a surprising Mercy all contingent on his unwavering word.
2 Kings 1:1-18
Is God the same in the Old Testament and the New Testament? Sometimes we get the idea that in the Old Testament God is all about judgment and in the New Testament God is all about mercy. But as we see in our passage, God is always showing us both the seriousness of sin and lavishness of his mercy.
2 Kings 1:1-18
Most of us occasionally find ourselves in stressful times. Where do we turn for hope? Our source of hope may indicate who or what is our god. As followers of Christ the characteristics we display should live up to our title of Christian. Fortunately when we come up short, the mercy of Jesus Christ restores our relationship with God.
Scripture: 1 Kings 22:1-40
The Bible constantly reminds us that while things seem out of control, they are not out of God’s control. From the biggest world events, to the smallest details, God is in control and that means we can trust his Word, and the promises we have in Jesus.
Scripture: 1 Kings 22:1-40
Whenever we’re presented with competing voices, it can be tempting to follow the opinions that most line up with our desires instead of listening to the Lord’s leading. 1 Kings 22 describes in vivid fashion what happened when King Ahab disregarded the LORD’s leading and how he faced the consequences of his disobedience in fulfillment to the word of the LORD.
Scripture: 1 Kings 22
1 Kings 22 gives us great insight in to how God is sovereign and is in control, even when there is chaos around us. Whether it’s something on a grand scale, or the smallest detail, we can trust in his Word and know that His purposeful will is perfect. In the midst of the chaos, God draws us to himself through his son Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, and the bringer of grace and peace.
In a world where relativism is popular, what can we learn from King Ahab and Jezebel, regarding the destructive consequence of coveting?
Elijah communicated truth to Ahab and was regarded as the enemy. Do we regard the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our lives as an enemy?
Scripture: 1 Kings 21
We are all on a path and, like any path, it goes in two directions. The people of Israel had been walking away from God collecting the nasty consequences of their choices. King Ahab’s example will show us what that path looks like and in contrast the eternal rewards of walking towards God.
Scripture: 1 Kings 21
Does God really forgive wicked people? It seems like sometimes God should just bring down a hammer of judgment, but instead he shows incredible mercy. In the life of Ahab we see God’s desire to show mercy even to those who have not deserved it.
Scripture: 1 Kings 20:1-43
We hear lots about grace in the Christian circles. In the reformed tradition grace is our banner as we proclaim salvation in Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone. But sometimes grace is a concept hard to comprehend in its full depth and maybe that’s why the Bible gives us tons of illustrations about grace, perhaps more than anything else.
It's like talking to someone who has gone through the horrible loss of a son or their spouse, and while we can empathize and assume it must be a horrible pain what they’re going through, we could never understand the emotions, sadness, and despair that they are actually living.
But with grace it’s a little different because while we may get to experience it in person, the noise of our desires, and the pollution of our wants fog our perspective and we end up with an underrated view of grace.
My prayer is that as we take a look at the circumstances in Ahab’s life, we’ll be able to see how God gives His Grace to the most undeserving.
Scripture: 1 Kings 20:1-43
God uses Ahab’s disobedience, and his condemnation, to show His true heart for sinners and warn of the dire consequences of getting this truth wrong.
Scripture: 1 Kings 20:1-43
The wars between King Ahab and Ben-Hadad are both a victory and defeat. Through it, we learn about spiritual defeat. When we use God, limit his power and refuse his word, we can expect defeat. God ultimately wants us to know him, trust him and obey his word. When we know and trust Jesus, he comes to us not as a lion of judgment but as the lion of Judah who died like a lamb for our sins. He will be with us in every hill and valley of life.
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-21
There are moments of great triumph and moments of great sorrow in the Christian life. This is a moment of despair and seeming failure in Elijah’s life, yet it is also a time when God meets with him most powerfully. While things may look bleak in our eyes, God reminds us that he is still in control of the future and we can have hope in Him.
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-21
After leading an incredible, public, mountain top victory for the LORD on Mt. Carmel, Elijah quickly falls from the peak of his career to the lowest point of his career. In the three stories contained in 1 Kings 19 we observe Elijah despair of life itself, surrender to feelings of defeat and even disobey God. Nevertheless, despite Elijah’s sour mood and misgivings, we learn that God’s purposes still prevail.
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-21
In Elijah’s despairing over unmet expectations we discover a prophet who is very much like we are. Yet, in the midst of his despair we uncover the biblical antidote and are exposed to God’s impossible grace towards us.
Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-46
People have preferences, we all do, some people enjoy the hot weather, the sun shining on their face, their skin changing colours… while others prefer an overcast day, gloomy, cold, and rainy. There’s nothing wrong with preferring a chocolate ice cream over vanilla, or even liquorice over cotton candy… things that have to do with our own taste or comfort. But it gets tricky when the choices are life and death; it would be silly at best to have a preference of sky diving without a parachute. The same when it comes to our spiritual life, which God should we follow? Or do we prefer to think we are not following any god and thus making ourselves our own gods?
Chapter 18 of 1 Kings will bring us to the crossroads where we must choose which God to follow, but it will also give us great reasons why we should follow the God of the Bible.
Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-46
In our lives, we all have things that we prioritize over certain things. Sometimes we can hold those as a priority over God. But today, we’ll see in 1 Kings 18 that the Israelites had their idols and the fake god of Baal as a priority over God. What we see today is that Elijah calls them out on it and tells them that they have to choose what God they want to follow. Is it the fake gods of this world or the idols, or is it God.
Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-46
Daily we are faced with the decision and choices to either worship God with our heart, soul, mind and strength or to cave into the worship of false god’s who we think offer us life, hope and love, but in reality they only offer us death.
This week Elijah’s story takes an unexpected turn as God calls to go to an unexpected place and encounter a poor widow and her son. Through his time with her, God displays his unexpected power to provide and bring life, showing his sovereignty over false gods.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-24
Do we really believe that God is able to provide for us? God shows us a powerful picture of how he is able to provide despite the appearances with Elijah and a widow. God is in control of all life, from our physical needs to our spiritual life.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-24
Our passage today contains a couple incredible stories of God’s miraculous provision for Elijah, a widow and her son. These stories teach us that despite how difficult our circumstances might look, God alone is powerfully able to provide everything we need for this life and the next.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:29-17:7
Elijah is one of the most significant prophets in the Bible because he prepares the way for the coming of Jesus. He works miracles, he stands for God, and trusts that God will provide even when it seems like evil is winning the day.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:17-13:17
Willing obedience and submission to church leaders are not typically our natural responses. Our flesh would much rather do things our own way. Yet Scripture tells us that when we respond obediently to church leadership, it's for everyone's good.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-16:14
What culture says a man is, and what God's Word says a man is, are drastically different. Paul's exhortation to the church in Corinth gives us a snapshot of biblical manhood and the characteristics that men in the church are to strive for.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-16:14
What does it mean to be a man? That question alone is difficult to answer from our cultural narrative but the Bible helps us define what manhood looks like and how we are to relate to one another in the church.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-5:1
What does it mean to be a man? What is God's call for men in the church? This message will focus on Paul's words to the church in Corinth to "act like men" and we will look at some of the ways men can embrace the call to become men of God.
Scripture: Psalm 78:1
While today's young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate studies are indicating that parents and mentors have an important role in passing on faith to the next generation.
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5:4
The biblical role of eldership is indispensable in the health of the local church. Therefore Paul taught Timothy to train them up and appoint them in each place that they traveled, but do we understand what the role of eldership is and how it impacts our expectations of a healthy church culture. What does biblical eldership look like and how do we recognize it?
Scripture: Joel 2:28-2:32, Acts 2:14-2:21
For two thousand years Christians have celebrated Pentecost to commemorate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all the disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Pentecost is the celebration of Jesus' ongoing presence among us. In the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus dwells with us, establishes a new family in Christ, and empowers the Church for its mission in the world.
Scripture: Joel 2:28-2:32
Pentecost Sunday is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the church. It is a celebration that we often forget and yet it is the reason that the church exists today. We celebrate the gift of God's presence dwelling powerfully among us to build up the church and glorify God.
Scripture: Joel 2:28-2:32
Pentecost Sunday is a Christian celebration commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' disciples after He died, rose from the dead and ascended back to heaven, thereby establishing the church. We continue to celebrate and remember this critical event because it reminds us of God's powerful, indwelling presence among us, which is necessary to build up the church, glorify God and make Him known in the world.
Scripture: Psalm 78:1-78:8
The story of salvation impacts every believer and calls them to share their faith with the next generation.
While today's young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate studies are indicating that parents and mentors have an important role in passing on faith to the next generation.
Scripture: Matthew 18:15-18:20
There are often two extreme reactions to sin in the church: [1] Harsh legalism (putting everything under the microscope); or [2] Overlooking everything (using grace as a license to sin). Neither are helpful. Rather, when Christians sin the church should engage in a loving process of confronting and correcting that brother or sister in the Lord with the hope of gaining them back and restoring them to full fellowship with God and the church family. This is the way of Jesus.
Scripture: John 13:34-13:35
Broken relationships are a sad reality of the world we live in. Few are those who have not experienced the hurt of family relationships, friendships and even close relationships in the church. When we're hurt we can easily be tempted to discard those relationships and guard our hearts. God longs for us to respond in love to those who have hurt us so as to bring about reconciliation. This is only possible as we understand and experience Christ's love for us.
Scripture: Matthew 18:15-18:20
Some people see Church Discipline as punishment and would argue that since Jesus is full of mercy, love and forgiveness, he wouldn't punish his children. Others simply don't know what to do with forgiveness and grace within the context of the church when sin arises in their members, so they resort to ignore sin with the expectation that love will cover a multitude of sins. But is that what the Bible teaches? As we explore the words of Jesus we'll learn that church discipline is not about punishment but it is in fact a rescue operation in love.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-5:33
The marriage relationship is so central that a church will only flourish if marriages in it are flourishing. Our text tells us that the call on husbands is to love & sacrifice while the call for wives is to submit & respect. Does that give you more or a recipe for flourishing marriage vibe or Handmaid's Tale vibe? Ephesians 5 goes on to show how husbands and wives, serving each other in their own unique ways, becomes a provocative, prophetic witness to the world of redemption in Christ.
Scripture: John 13:34-13:35, John 15:12-15:14
Broken relationships are a sad reality of the world we live in. Few are those who have not experienced the hurt of family relationships, friendships and even close relationships in the church. When we're hurt we can easily be tempted to discard those relationships and guard our hearts. God longs for us to respond in love to those who have hurt us so as to bring about reconciliation. This is only possible as we understand and experience Christ's love for us.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-5:33
God gave marriage to be a living, breathing picture of his relationship with his church. The love, submission and respect that exists between a husband and wife is intended to mirror God's heart and actions for the people he came to redeem in Christ. While no marriage does this perfectly, the church is called to uphold the high view of marriage and support and encourage one another to showcase the glory of God in the world and in the church.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-5:3
The church is a family and as a family we are to treat one another a certain way. This Mothers Day we will focus on the instruction to treat older women as mothers and younger women as sisters, in all purity.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-5:3
This Mother's Day we want to take some time to consider how we are called as the Family of God to treat women in our church? We are called to treat older women as mothers and younger women as sisters in all purity, as we pursue the gospel together and glorify God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-5:3
The church is the household of faith - a family - and the Bible describes how we are to treat one other in this family. This Mother's Day we will focus on the instruction to treat older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity, and widows with honour.
Scripture: John 17:20-17:23
In a time when the church seems to be fracturing and is at the same time in decline in Canada, we are called to live in unity with other disciples of Christ. Our unity with other disciples evidences the very nature of God and authenticates God's mission in Christ. Grounded in Gospel truths we are called to manifest our unity in practical ways. Three NT examples of Sister Church engagements include sacrificial giving, doctrinal integrity, and intentional missions and evangelism.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-5:33
The marriage relationship is so central that a church will only flourish if marriages in it are flourishing. Our text tells us that the call on husbands is to love & sacrifice while the call for wives is to submit & respect. Does that give you more or a recipe for flourishing marriage vibe or Handmaid's Tale vibe? Ephesians 5 goes on to show how husbands and wives, serving each other in their own unique ways, becomes a provocative, prophetic witness to the world of redemption in Christ.
Scripture: John 13:34-13:35
Broken relationships are a sad reality of the world we live in. Few are those who have not experienced the hurt of family relationships, friendships and even close relationships in the church. When we're hurt we can easily be tempted to discard those relationships and guard our hearts. God longs for us to respond in love to those who have hurt us so as to bring about reconciliation. This is only possible as we understand and experience Christ's love for us.
Scripture: John 17:20-17:23
In a time when the church seems to be fracturing and is at the same time in decline in Canada, we are called to live in unity with other disciples of Christ. Our unity with other disciples evidences the very nature of God and authenticates God's mission in Christ. Grounded in Gospel truths we are called to manifest our unity in practical ways. Three NT examples of Sister Church engagements include sacrificial giving, doctrinal integrity, and intentional missions and evangelism.
Scripture: Jude 1:22-1:23
We are used to people outside of the church doubting the Bible, but how do we respond when those doubts come from inside the church? What do we do when we are wrestling with doubt? The Bible invites us to investigate its claims and calls us to treat those who wrestle with these things with grace and mercy.
Scripture: Jude 1:22-1:23
Doubt comes in many circumstances. We look at some great believers in the Bible who doubted, and how Jesus dealt with their doubt. And how we should deal with those who doubt.
Scripture: Luke 24:1-24:53
The grave. The bible. The mission. The response. Resurrected Jesus gets the final word on all of it.
Scripture: Luke 24:1-24:53
Easter Sunday is the pinnacle of the Christian faith. There is so much joy in knowing that Jesus died to save and liberate us - and that He is victorious over the bondage, curse and consequences of sin, Satan, and death through His resurrection. The tomb is empty, the Scriptures have been fulfilled, and we have been given new life, purpose, joy and hope in Christ!
Scripture: Luke 24:36-24:49
The tomb is empty and Jesus is alive! The risen Jesus invites us to test the miracle of his resurrection and place our trust in what the Bible teaches. With this in mind, he sends us out in the joy of Lord to share the good news of eternal life!
Scripture: Luke 23:26-23:49
Good Friday is a time to reflection on the death of the Jesus on the cross for our sins. Jesus loved us with a perfect love, offering forgiveness and hope for imperfect people through his perfect sacrifice.
Scripture: Luke 23:26-23:49
In Luke's account, Jesus speaks four times during his crucifixion. And each one reveals and points not only to what Jesus is doing, but to the extent and fullness of the grace that is being offered at the cross. This is what makes Friday Good.
Scripture: Luke 19:28-19:44
In taking his rightful place as king and Messiah Jesus exposes people skewed views and mourns the consequences of their missing the true things that lead to peace.
Jesus was not the type of Messiah people were expecting, yet he was the type of Messiah that the prophets foretold. How will we respond to our humble King?
Scripture: Luke 18:31-18:34
Whenever you hear the whole story from someone it can change your perspective on what took place. This is exactly what Jesus is trying to help his disciples understand, that the whole Bible is leading up to the cross. When we understand that full picture it gives us confidence in what God is doing and transforms how we view our own lives.
Scripture:Luke 18:31-18:34
The "home stretch" of Jesus' "Road to the Cross" was uphill. It was not an easy road, but it was a road that God the Father had traced for Him from the very beginning, and one that He led His disciples on with hope, determination, and deliverance as His goal.
Scripture: Luke 19:31-19:34
The Bible tells me so. That is the answer to the question of why Jesus went to Jerusalem to die on a cross. That is why Jesus rose again from the grave. And that is how a sinner can know that Jesus loves them, ?"the Bible tells me so".
Scripture: Luke 17:11-17:19
Jesus cleansed 10 lepers but only one returned to praise Him. That man was not only healed physically but saved spiritually. Jesus confronts us in our age of entitlement and ingratitude to reveal that the only appropriate response of those who have received Christ's mercy by faith is profound praise.
Scripture: Luke 17:11-17:19
On His road to the cross Jesus encountered 10 lepers whom He healed. But only one came back to thank and praise his Master and Savior in humble submission. The road to the cross should be marked by immense gratitude. The fact that Jesus saved us and cleaned us from all unrighteousness ought to make us the most grateful people alive! There is nothing that we have done to earn, buy or work for our salvation. It is a gift - one that deserves a proper response.
Scripture: Luke 13:22-13:35
As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem and the cross, he tells his disciples that entrance into the kingdom is a narrow door and encourages them to strive to enter through it. However despite the difficult entrance he encourages them that the kingdom is open to all who would trust in Him.
Scripture: Luke 13:22-13:35
Jesus paints a difficult picture of people wanting to get into the kingdom of God, but missing the opportunity because they missed the main point of his message. In answering ?"Will only a few be saved" he gives us a beautiful picture of the kingdom of God and a chilling reminder not to delay.
Scripture: Luke 12:49-12:56
Jesus has some difficult things to say. No one likes to hear about judgment, and yet Jesus talked about it more than anyone because that is exactly what he came to save us from. Jesus calls us to wrestle with the reality of justice and salvation and to follow Him and call others to do the same.
Scripture: Luke 12:49-56
This is a somber passage that deals with judgment, division and the need to understand the spiritual climate we live in. As important as it can be that we are prepared for the day's weather, Luke 12 compels us to prepare ourselves for a far more important event: Christ's return. Because of Christ's coming judgment, it's critical that we live lives that are wholly surrendered to Christ, for our sake and for that of others.
Scripture: Luke 12:49-12:56
The road to the cross is not as straightforward as it sounds. It is full of twists. How can what ultimately brings peace and reconciliation be riddled with persecution, conflict, and division? How can a road marked with such suffering be so comforting? As we follow Jesus down this road, we discover its beauty - twists and all.
As we begin to trace the journey that Jesus takes to go to the cross, we are reminded of what true discipleship looks like and what it costs. To follow Jesus means that we are radically committed to sharing mercy, not condemnation, even when that will cost us.
Scripture: Luke 9:51-9:62
Our Road To The Cross sermon series will take us on the road that Jesus walked with His face resolutely set toward Jerusalem. Over and over again (Luke 9-19) Luke's gospel informs us that Jesus knew the cross awaited Him in Jerusalem and He was determined to go there. For us. Our text informs us that we are living in grace-extending days and called to Jesus-first discipleship.
Scripture: Luke 9:51-9:62
Jesus' journey from heaven & back had one, critical, life-giving goal: the cross. His goal, motivated by His incredible and unconditional love for mankind, was firmly decided and pursued - and He now calls us to pursue Him with the same passion.
John 15:12-15:15 | 1 in 5 millennials say they have no friends. 1 in 4 Gen Z'ers say they often or always feel alone. Our society has come to define intimacy as something that can only be found and fulfilled in a lover. All of this is to say that Canadians have a friendship crisis on our hands. That Jesus calls us His friends and gives us a vision for gospel friendship is one of the most important truths we could receive in this moment.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:55-18:5
No one ever taught us how to be a husband or a wife, how to be a parent or a son; in the same way we all have different takes on what a friend should be or not be. For some, friendship is synonym of support and companionship, while for others it's a word linked to emotions of betrayal, hurt, mistrust... We need to be reminded that the good things that God designed for our benefit are often corrupted by sin and the versions we've experienced are far from the original design. We are called to go back to the blueprints and take advantage of the amazing benefits God has placed all around us in the church.
Scripture: John 15:12-15:15
More than ever, our world is starving for relationship. Scripture presents friendships as a unique opportunity for loving relationships with others as we love our friends sacrificially. Friendships of this sort can be meaningful and incredibly life-giving. Ultimately, friendship finds its greatest fulfillment in relationship with God, something made possible because of Jesus.
Mentorship and discipleship are essential parts of how the church continues from one generation to another. We all need help to learn how to practically work out the things God has called us to do and we all can help others do the same. The entire church works together to entrust the gospel into the hands of disciples and mentor others in the grace of God.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-2:2
Mentorship and discipleship are essential parts of how the church continues from one generation to another. We all need help to learn how to practically work out the things God has called us to do and we all can help others do the same. The entire church works together to entrust the gospel into the hands of disciples and mentor others in the grace of God.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-6:9
Christian parenting is about making Jesus known to the next generation as an expression of one's love for God and their kids. Christian parenting involves modeling affectionate authority and teaching and nurturing their kids in the Gospel with regularity, authenticity and wisdom in the context of the community of faith.
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-28:20, Deuteronomy 6:4-6:9
Our role as Christian parents is to do our best to raise men and women of character and compassion and to pray like crazy for them. But is that all? We continue our Family Dynamics series by looking at how the Great Commission (to make disciples) orients our parenting.
In secular or Christian worldviews there are many things that are believed to be crucial to great parenting: honesty, consistency, patience, openness, love, security, using discipline wisely, etc. But what if the most important thing about parenting had nothing to do with children?
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2
The beauty of the Christian life is faded and muddled when we lose sight of the true nature of God as three persons. Instead of a life of deeply knowing and loving a beautiful God we reduce life to good or bad works. Our task is to reorient our understanding of the Christian life through the lens of a triune God and rediscover the beauty we are being transformed into.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:2-1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14
God created us in such a way that we need to balance in our lives. Too much of anything is eventually harmful. The same is true in the Christian life, we are called to hold two very important truths together, the need for our sanctification and the reality of peace with God.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14
Before creation God existed in perfect, relational, loving communion - One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From the overflow of that relationship and the deep love that the Father has for the Son, God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them, and then He sent His Son to redeem creation when it fell into sin. Until He returns to make all things new, He has given us His Spirit for everything we need. Our task is to reorient our understanding of the Christian life through the lens of a true God and rediscover the beauty we are being transformed into.
Scripture: Titus 3:4-3:7
Too often we simplify God's work of salvation and settle for a concept of salvation that while not false, is incomplete. Titus 3:4-7 presents us with a rich Trinitarian presentation of how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all work together to accomplish the work of salvation in the lives of believers.
Scripture: Titus 3:3-3:7
God, as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, working in salvation is massively important for helping us get our bearings on what being saved even means. If we get God wrong, we get what we are saved from, why we are saved, and what we are saved wrong as well. Scripture points to a triune God overflowing with love towards us, which changes everything.
It is really hard to trust something you don't know or understand, and therefore if we don't understand our salvation we will keep on trying to do it ourselves. But when we come to understand the work of our Triune God in salvation we realize that we can trust Him and thank Him for all that he has done.
Scripture: John 17:24-26, Hebrews 1:3
Last week we discovered that, before creation, God existed in perfect, relational, loving communion - One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them from the overflow of that relationship and the deep love that the Father has for the Son. This has a profound impact on the way we view and treat His creation.
Scripture: John 17:24-26
The question of how and why God created the world seems like a very esoteric question to answer, yet it is one that everyone needs to wrestle with. How we understand the beginning of the world gives us an understanding of who God is and our purpose on earth. (Note: the first few minutes of the message is missing)
Scripture: John 1:1-2, John 17:24
As we embark on our 4-week series on The Trinity, we discover that before creation God existed in perfect, relational, loving communion ? One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ? and explore the massive ramifications that has on our view of God and relationship with Him.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5:21, James 5:16-5:16
What does it mean to be a Christian and live as a child of God? Today we'll learn that our new life in Christ is not lived in isolation but in the family of God. As we grow in the understanding of our new family relations we are called to walk as beloved children of God who are responsible for one another.
The path that Jesus has for His followers (disciples) is exciting, yet narrow and filled with challenges. To stay on this path (the "Christian walk") demands support and accountability - because we cannot do it alone. It was never intended that we walk it alone. We need the help of others in "the household of faith" - the church.
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-3:17
Family is the most common analogy that the Bible uses to speak about the church. But just like our physical families the church can sometimes be a confusing and difficult place and so what is needed is a clear understanding of what the church should look like. The church is to be a gathering of believers defined by love for one another and thankfulness to God.
Scripture: Colossians 3:11-3:17, Galatians 6:10-6:10, Ephesians 2:19-2:19, 1 Timothy 3:15-3:15
The church is not a religious service-provider but is instead the beloved multi-ethnic family of God that is called to embrace and model a new humanity that is marked by love, peace, truth and thanksgiving.
Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23
Most of us have wondered what our lives would look like if we had taken different decisions than the ones we took in the past. If I had taken that job offer in Calgary, or what if I had studied that other career, maybe I should've got a dog instead of that proud arrogant cat no one can pat... things like that that propel our imagination into parallel outcomes, unreached dreams, or even nostalgic regrets. Today as we read the final verses on chapter 2 of Matthew and the story of Christmas, we'll learn from Scriptures of God's patience, protection, guidance, comfort, and grace, and we'll learn how Jesus rewrites our story.
Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23
Following God's leading can be uncomfortable at times, and at other times downright nerve-wracking! Matthew 2:19-23 and its context assures us that God cares for us deeply and desires to guide us carefully in His ways. Following God's way won't always be easy, but as we faithfully follow, He will work out his great plans in and through us.
Scripture: John 1:1-14
John's gospel (and the rest of the Bible!) repeatedly tells us that Jesus is "the light of the world" who brings life. This Christmas, as people all around the world hold "celebrations of light", we have the greatest reason to celebrate: The life that Jesus came to bring.
With all the anxiety, depression, and fear that's plaguing our world, it's natural to assume that if there's a God He doesn't care. But, in fact, He loves us so much that He came to deal decisively with everything that plagues our lives and world. Christmas reminds us that God is not absent, He dwells among us; He is not distant, He came near.
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18
The Christmas story is so familiar that we can recite it from memory. One part of the story that Matthew records includes what appears to be obscure references to Old Testament prophets. Matthew's account helps us to recognize that while Christmas is a time of peace and joy, it also marks the start of a cosmic battle wherein Jesus wages war against Satan for our souls and in the process offers us freedom and forgiveness from sin.
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18
The whole Bible is either preparing us for the coming of Jesus or explaining to us what Jesus did. Even the greatest moments of God's salvation throughout history were meant to point to a greater salvation that would be accomplished in Jesus. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of God's promises!
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
C.S. Lewis famously wrote that Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord, but what he cannot be is simply a good man. In the same way, our response to the claim of the Lordship of Jesus will either be indifference (like the people of Jerusalem), hostility (like Herod), or worship (like the wise men). If Jesus is the Son of God who came to us at Christmas in order to save us from the tyranny of sin and death, the only fitting response is worship.
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
The wise men coming to Jesus is an often misunderstood story, at least in the details. Yet the main point remains clear, they come to worship and rejoice over Jesus as a King and Christmas is the invitation for us to do the same.
Scripture: Luke 2:21-33
In a world inundated with chaos it is hard to find the peace the season of Christmas points to. We read of biblical peace and long to have that in our lives, but often mistaken this peace for a removal of the current difficulties. Luke 2 points us towards a deeper more stable peace that remains despite our circumstances.
Scripture: Luke 2:21-35
After surveying Simeon's encounter with Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the temple, we learn why Jesus's birth under the law is crucial to our identity as adopted children of God. Second, we uncover applications for our growth in discipleship and church worship that derive from Simeon's character and his deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Finally, we explain key concepts of Simeon's prophecies that cast Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles, the glory of Israel and the child who is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.
Sometimes we have a tendency to overlook the "insignificant" things in this world. Yet when Jesus Christ was born, God used what people may have considered insignificant to point to that which is most significant. In this classic Christmas text, the shepherds teach us some powerful truths as to how we should respond to the birth of Jesus, the Savior.
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Sometimes what we think is insignificant actually has great significance. Our first Advent passage of 2021 shows us that what we often take for granted, or give little consideration to, has the ability to change our lives and is worthy to be proclaimed, pondered and treasured.
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
You would expect the birth of a King to be surrounded by fanfare, pomp and circumstance, and a whole lot of luxury and wealth. Instead, we find the King of kings born in a backwater town, placed in an animal feeding trough, and the first to hear the news about this incredible King were socially ostracized shepherds. What do these classic elements of the nativity story actually mean for us this Christmas?
Scripture: Acts 16:11-40
Most of us want to be the hero of the story and we naturally look for heroes to imitate. However, when it comes to the Bible, we aren't the hero and even as we watch Paul planting a brand new church, Paul isn't the hero. God is the hero of the story and we are called to trust his timing, wait for his rescue and seek his glory!
Scripture: Acts 16:11-40
Through Paul and Silas's ministry to the people of Philippi, we can see that every Gospel encounter invites its hearer to respond. No matter the circumstance, these encounters can be useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
Scripture: Acts 16:11-40
Acts 16 may well be the most vivid text in the whole Bible portraying that Jesus saves the most diverse people through the power of the gospel and makes them family.
Where we end up in life is often determined by who we chose to listen to. With so many opinions, how do we discern the correct course or path in life. Often, personal sacrifice is required to fulfill our purpose and teach us lessons along the way. Paul began his second missionary journey with recruiting a young disciple named Timothy. Together, with Silas they set out to proclaim great hope; the same hope we can experience in our life today.
Scripture: Acts 16:1-10
Do we have a conviction to share the gospel even when it costs us something? Paul's second missionary journey involved a number of sacrifices for himself and those with him. Yet they determined that the joy of following Jesus was worth the cost.
Scripture: Acts 16:1-10
As the early church continued to grow, and the gospel continued to spread, several things were required in order to stay on the mission that God had for His people - the mission of preaching the gospel. These requirements have not changed. Our text today highlights what they are.
Scripture: Acts 15:22-41
As we saw last week, salvation by grace is affirmed unanimously by the council in Jerusalem. And now, this week we see that message delivered to the new Gentile believers, which leads to the unity of the church being maintained charitably.
Scripture: Acts 15:22-41
The church is the gathered people of God united by the gospel. But that doesn't' mean that everything goes smoothly all the time. The gospel unites us together but we still need to learn how to work together as we rehearse the gospel, celebrate it together and be ready to forgive one another.
Scripture: Acts 15:22-41
While we might assume the early church was perfect and nothing ever went wrong, in Acts 15 Luke records very honestly some of the warts and wrinkles of the church. We read of an example of corporate church conflict and an example of interpersonal conflict. In spite of the challenges, God uses both conflicts to strengthen believers and build the church.
Through history there have been defining moments that changed everything in a radical way; the discovery of the Americas, the Industrial Revolution, the Internet... things that have transformed the way we look at things, the way we live our lives. And what we have in Acts 15 is a crucial moment for the Church. A defining moment. One of those things that their outcome would have eternal consequences. This first council of the church was dealing with the very essence of our salvation.
Scripture: Acts 15:1-21
The dispute over salvation between the Apostles and the Pharisees was intense and uncompromising. The principles used by the apostles to discern and respond to this deep division were unpacked. Peter used the "Gospel applied without distinction" as the standard of reference to adjudicate this controversy. Paul and Barnabas supported Peter by providing confirming evidence of God working signs and wonders among the Gentiles. James showed that the Old Testament also supported the full inclusion of the Gentiles into God's plan and crafted polices to blend truth with sensitivity to conscience. We contrasted this apostolic pattern of decision making with those of contemporary cultural relativism, social-media coercion and intersectionality.
Scripture: Acts 15:1-15:21
If you've ever wondered how "good" and "council meeting" could ever be put together, Acts 15 has the answer. In this defining moment for the church, its leaders, through much debate, clarified the very essence of our salvation, paving the way for a clear understanding of what it means to live a life based on grace, not legalism.
Scripture: Acts 14:1-28
Through Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey, we are challenged to keep our eyes on the Gospel. Though hostility may come, the Spirit of God will empower His people to persevere.
Scripture: Acts 13:1-52
A shift takes place in Acts 13 from a focus on Peter and the church in Jerusalem to Paul and Barnabas and the advance of the gospel to the nations. The remainder of Acts recounts the Holy Spirit enabling missionaries to fulfill the call Jesus made to ?"be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (1:8). Acts 13 outlines the components of this clear & compelling call, and the dynamics one should expect while living on mission - the mission of advancing the gospel that God still has for His church.
Scripture: Acts 13:1-52
A shift takes place in Acts 13 from a focus on Peter and the church in Jerusalem to Paul and Barnabas and the advance of the gospel to the nations. The remainder of Acts recounts the Holy Spirit enabling missionaries to fulfill the call Jesus made to ?"be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (1:8). What we see in our passage are the dynamics you should expect while living on mission with the gospel.
Scripture: Acts 13:1-52
It can be nerve wracking to take on something new if you don't know what to expect or if you are unprepared. It is true when you go for a hike and it is also true in our Spiritual lives. When God calls us to go and preach the gospel, he also shows us what we can expect on the way in both suffering and joy!
Scripture: Acts 12:18-25
How do we respond when we it seems like people get away with the wrong things they do? It is easy to assume that they will get away with it, but the Bible reminds us that God is still the judge. Therefore we are called to humble ourselves before God, give him all the glory and carry on the message of the gospel!
In a world dominated by power and political uncertainty we can feel overwhelmed and anxious. Luke seeks to comfort his readers by reminding them that God's word is not held back by politics, power, or people. In fact, God's word is full of unlimited promise and is ultimately inevitable.
The Apostle James was killed and the Apostle Peter was in prison awaiting death. What we find Peter, the Church, and God doing informs the Christian response to difficulty.
Scripture: Acts 12:1-17
Christians in Jerusalem experienced persecution; the long arm of the state was against them. They were utterly powerless, helpless at the edge of the sword. They needed to be reacquainted with God's provision and power. Today we'll learn how God's children are protected by God despite how grim the circumstances may be.
Scripture: Acts 11:19-30
What would it have looked like to be part of the first Gentile church in Antioch? Barnabas was pleased to see the Gospel being proclaimed but recognized the need for effective discipleship. So many new things happening not the least of which is the first use of the word, Christian. It was the unique character of these new believers that necessitated this new classification of people.
Scripture: Acts 11:19-30
As the Gospel begins to go out to the Gentiles, we see unstoppable church growth as the Lord's hand was with the church of Antioch. The Gospel is preached. Great numbers turn to Jesus and are discipled, and as a result begin to be conformed into the image of Christ. This passage offers Christians today three practices to follow as we seek to build God's kingdom for God's glory.
Scripture: Acts 11:1-18
The final act in this game-changing narrative in Acts 10-11 demonstrates these important truth: Grace knows no bounds; and one cannot be faithful to God and simultaneously refuse to accept what He is doing in the world.
Scripture: Acts 11:1-18
This concluding passage in Luke's narrative of Acts 10-11:18 gives us two powerful reasons why salvation is such a great gift. First of all, it demonstrates again that salvation has been made available to all. Secondly, it shows us that God takes the initiative in the work of salvation.
Scripture: Acts 11:1-18
Evangelism isn't supposed to be a solo act. Jesus intended that the whole church would participate in sharing the good news together. Therefore, as the gospel is preached to the Gentiles it is critical that the whole church understands this amazing transformation that has taken place.
Scripture: Acts 10:23-48
In part two we discover that while Cornelius was a God-fearing man, he still needed someone to bring him the gospel. God's means of leading people to salvation is through Christians who go and tell the Good News to anyone and everyone, anywhere and everywhere. And when Cornelius and his household believe, baptism is the logical next step.
Scripture: Acts 10:23-48
Acts 10 is filled with invitational language. Cornelius sent messengers to invite Peter to be his guest so that he could hear what Peter had to say. Peter invited Cornelius' messengers into his home before he accepted Cornelius' invitation. While Peter was on the way, Cornelius also invited his relatives and close friends to hear Peter speak at his house. But the greatest invitation, given through Peter, was God's invitation - given to everyone then, and everyone now - to believe in Jesus and receive forgiveness of sins through His name. This invitation stands for all time, and for all people.
Acts 10 is one of three major game changers in the Book of Acts: Pentecost (Acts 2), Saul's Conversion (Acts 9), and Cornelius's Conversion (Acts 10). This Missions Sunday we are reminded of the command to bring the gospel to everyone everywhere.
Scripture: Acts 10:1-23
In this scripture begins a key turning point in the book of Acts where through a series of visions to Cornelius and Peter, God reveals that salvation is now available to everyone, everywhere. No longer do Gentiles need to be adhere to circumcision or Jewish dietary laws. They/we are all welcomed freely to God through the finished work of Christ on the cross.
For many Christians, the New Covenant with God is like the disclaimers at the end of an App install, ?"I have read it, I agree..." and we have no clue on what the benefits are, the responsibilities, the clauses, etc. This is one of the reasons why the church struggles so much between legalism and liberalism, between the security of the believer or whether salvation can be lost, between grace and works, and so many other things. As we look at the text may the Holy Spirit engraves in our hearts the mighty truths that we read in His Word.
Jeremiah challenges the people of God to rely on the security that comes from a relationship with God Almighty. Rather than be deceived by performing rituals, the people of God should seek to pursue righteousness through repentance and obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-4
Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones and parallel New Testament passages show us that just as the Spirit of God gives life to the dead and vanquished nation of Israel through the prophetic word, so the indwelling and controlling Holy Spirit confers the life on the child of God.
As hopeless as our circumstances might seem, the God of revival and hope will bring life from death through the power of his Word and Spirit.
Scripture: Daniel 9:1-23
When faced with dire circumstances - ones of your own making, what do you do? Deny responsibility? Dig in your heels? Denounce any involvement or wrongdoing? ... Daniel models a proper response when, in confession, he makes a desperate plea to The One who can change everything.
There are some passages in the Bible that are just difficult to understand. However, that doesn't mean we should ignore them, but rather work to understand what God is trying to communicate. The picture of God in Ezekiel is one of those passages and it is well worth all the effort it takes to see the sovereign mercy of our God.
Scripture: Isaiah 40:12-31
When we are going through difficulty we are often confused about what God is up to or wonder why God seems silent. This text reminds us that God is not the hands-tied, finite God we tend to make Him out to be but rather can be trusted because nothing can thwart the promises of our God who made and rules and reigns over all things.
Jonah 4:1-4:11 | It's easy for us as believers to become calloused to the spiritual needs of those around us. At other times we wonder how God might use someone as broken and messed up as me. This less known ending to a popular Sunday School children's story reminds us of God's great grace for both those who don't know him and for those struggling to serve him well.
Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14
When the exiles returned from Babylon they had ceased to worship idols but that didn't mean they had begun to worship God rightly. The same heart issues that caused them to turn from God had simply come out in new ways. God calls us to give him our best, not because he wants the gift, but because we value him above all things!
Scripture: Ezra 5:1-2, Haggai 2:1-9, Zechariah 1:1-6
Have you ever found yourself becoming apathetic about serving Jesus, believing the glory days are over? A couple of obscure prophets will help shake us out of apathy and remind us about what remains and what's to come.
Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19
One of the biggest obstacles to faith is suffering, injustice and oppression. Yet it is most often in the midst of suffering, struggle and hardship that God meets us and gives us hope as we respond in the right way. In fact, it is often the people who have gone through the greatest suffering who have the strongest faith as they testify to the presence of God with them, strengthening and comforting them in the midst of their pain.
Scripture:: Amos 5:18-27
Through the prophet Amos, God calls his people to a lifestyle of faithful worship. More than a song or a service, this is an act that is made possible through the transformed heart that Christ offers every believer.
Today we'll learn about the greatest deception that could ruin our lives for eternity, a deception so subtle that can go unseen even by those closer to us and more dangerous than anything under the sun. We need to learn how to recognize it and cling to a foundation for life.
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Today's message can be best summarized within the text itself: ?"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1) Learn what it takes to persist in prayer as you discover who you pray to, what you should pray for, and how you should pray.
Scripture: Psalm 67:1
Chilliwack's median household income places us in the wealthiest 1.2% of people in the world. Of all the G7 countries, Canadians have the highest percentage of consumer debt. We have extravagant wealth, extravagant debt, and as followers of Jesus we have encountered the extravagant gospel. But has it resulted in extravagant generosity on your part? Are you being shaped more by the gospel or the culture when it comes to materialism?
Scripture: Revelation 19:7-8
It's not so much that our culture's view of sex is antithetical to the Christian vision of sexuality as it is woefully inadequate. Our culture makes romance, our sexuality and sexual freedom the destination itself rather than a signpost to the greatest love of all: The covenant love of God displayed through His Son Jesus in the gospel.
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
We often forget that Jesus ministry often called out the religiously self-righteous, yet is this what concerns us in the church today? Jesus parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector will remind us of God's upside down kingdom
Scripture: Luke 12:35-48
We don't know when but Jesus is coming again. How will He find us living when He returns? In the Parable of the Watchful Servant Jesus instructs us to 'be awake' and found going about His work when He returns.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
Individualism is the one the most common things we almost never talk about. It defines so much of how our culture operates and yet we don't often take a step back to assess and think about what it promises and how the Bible responds to it. The gospel shapes our understanding of both the individual and community in a beautiful way to showcase the glory of God!
Scripture: Luke 12:35-48
We don't know when but Jesus is coming again. How will He find us living when He returns? In the Parable of the Watchful Servant Jesus instructs us to 'be awake' and found going about His work when He returns.
Scripture: Luke 16:1-13
It seems incredible that Jesus would tell a story where the dishonest person is the one being commended, yet that is exactly what he does. But he is not praised because he was dishonest but because he used his limited time and resources well. Likewise, as Christians we are called to use our temporary gifts and resources in order to make an impact on eternity.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4
Politics is one of the subjects you're not supposed to talk about at the dinner table? or in the pulpit. Yet, 1. The Bible talks about it, and 2. It is one of the most polarizing issues of our moment. So how can followers of Jesus think Christianly about politics? And how can we see engaging the political structures of our city, province, and country as opportunities to love our neighbours?
Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus tells two short parables about the gospel as a treasure in a field and pearl of great price. The two men in the parable recognized the value of what they found, were determined to have it, sold everything they had to make the purchase, and acquired the treasure. Do you recognize the infinite worth of Jesus? Are you determined to have Jesus? Do you desire Jesus more than anything else? And have you trusted in Jesus for salvation?
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-9:6
In light of the recent ?"black lives matter" demonstrations that took place around the world and the more recent tragic news from Kamloops about a survey of the grounds at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School that uncovered the remains of 215 children buried at the site, the issue of racism i. now centre stage on our community/country and needs to be addressed! But how are we to address racism and its various forms - individual racism and systemic racism? Does the gospel have a compelling solution to this problem? Well, let's see what the scriptures have to say about racism and its various form
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16
What did you want to be when you were young? Did you want to be a firefighter, doctor, or police officer? Often as kids we can dream about what we want to be, but as we get older the reality of that question can become daunting. Its especially true of teenagers who are not only trying to figure out what they want to do, but who they are going to be. The culture around them is telling them that everything is now up for grabs and there are no truths to follow. More than ever as a church we ought to pray for our youth and praise God for his work in their lives! Jesus says, ?"I am the way, the truth and the life" and what every person, whether teenager or not, is to hear the life transforming news of Jesus! We are called to put away distractions that could lead us astray and fix our minds and eyes on the truth of the Word of God as we live out the example of Jesus.
Scripture: Acts 9:32-43
Pentecost Sunday transforms the way that we are called to follow Jesus because we are empowered to imitate his example. Peter shows us how we rely on the Holy Spirit in our ministry and the goal of using our spiritual gifts for the glory of God.
Scripture: Acts 9:19-31
When someone experiences a radical physical transformation, they often look completely different - sometime even unrecognizable. Likewise, when a person encounters Christ (as Saul did), they are radically changed! Do our lives reflect this change? What is the evidence of a changed life?
Scripture: Acts 9:1-19
What transpires in our text is the most famous conversion story in all of church history. While Saul's conversion and commissioning are unique, there is still a great deal for all of us to learn by studying his.
Scripture: Acts 8:26-40
Philip shifts from mass evangelism in Samaria to personal evangelism on a desert road. We learn a lot about sharing the gospel with others through his example.
Scripture: Acts 8:9-25
If our enemy can't divide, discourage or destroy the church through ravaging persecution, he will switch strategies and employ distraction. As the early church faced a threat of distraction that had the potential to derail it from its message (The Gospel) and its mission (The Great Commission), the apostles Peter & John stepped in to make sure the church would stay on track.
Scripture: Acts 8:1-8
The mission of the church continues (and even thrives) when it is forced to scatter due to persecution. This reality isn't isolated to Acts 8. It has played out throughout church history and into our present day. The question for us is, are we leveraging this moment of scattering for the gospel and allowing it to press us further into the mission of the church?
Scripture: Acts 7:1-8:1
The first martyr of the church shows us not only what it looks like to boldly face even death without wavering, but also what a commitment to the gospel looks like in showing mercy. Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of his enemies as we have been forgiven by God.
Scripture: Romans 8:18-30
Today we celebrate Easter! And the resurrection and glorification that Jesus experienced is promised to all who believe in His name! Our text tells us that those 'whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.' While our salvation culminates in our future glorification, Paul writes it in the past-tense because it's such a certainty that it may as well already have happened. If you have been justified you WILL BE glorified. What reason to praise and exclaim, "He is risen indeed!"
Scripture: Romans 5:12-21
Anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer wrote that ?"in contemporary culture death has replaced sex as the new unmentionable". By and large we don't talk about death or see death, and yet we all still die. But when Jesus died in our place it changed our relationship with death forever. We need not treat death as the new unmentionable but rather as a beautiful aspect of our salvation.
Scripture: Romans 8:31-39
Running the race of faith in Jesus requires perseverance. What assurances and resources do we have from God that will help us finish the race strong? The Bible gives us wonderful encouragements and important warnings for the journey ahead.
Romans 6:12-6:19 | Sanctification is the process by which we grow in holiness? becoming more Christlike? throughout our lives. Unlike some other aspects of salvation (eg. God elects, God regenerates our hearts, God justifies us), we play an active role with God in our sanctification. So while we won't be perfect this side of heaven, the Christian life is nonetheless marked by growth in holiness and Christlikeness. Good News: Those who have been saved are no longer enslaved to sin. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the resurrection life of Jesus working within us, we can overcome temptation and habitual sin.
Adoption is one of the most beautiful examples of how the love of God takes us from being strangers to being members of his family. We are given a new place to belong, the assurance of being his own and all the privileges of being part of his family.
Romans 3:21-3:26 | Justification and condemnation (its opposite) are legal terms. Both are pronouncements of a judge. Romans 1-3:20 reveals that we all stand condemned before God. That is our reality and it is just. Then in Romans 3:21 we discover that through the inexplicable kindness of God, we are justified (given a new status, right legal standing with God) by grace alone, in Christ alone, and through faith alone.
Romans 10:9-10:13 | Conversion is our willing response to the call of the gospel. Conversion means ?"turning" and has two united but distinct aspects: Turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith). Apart from turning in these ways we cannot be saved. This sermon unpacks what conversion is and gives some important and glorious implications of it.
Romans 8:7-8:11 | Apart from a new heart we could not respond to the message of the Gospel in repentance and faith but would remain enslaved to depravity, sin, and death. God's grace is so impressive that He chooses to transform our hearts so that we may become children of God through the work of the Holy Spirit. Is in this act of regeneration that we can clearly see that Salvation belongs to the Lord, which produces confidence in sharing the Gospel, security in our salvation and praise for what God has done.
Romans 10:14-10:17 | The proclamation of, and response to, the gospel message - known as The Gospel Call - is a critical component in the process of salvation. No one can experience God's salvation in Christ, through faith, without hearing the voice of God's Spirit directly to their heart, nor without hearing the word of Christ from a faithful proclaimer of the Good News.
Ephesians 1:3-1:6 | As we embark on a sermon series on the Order of Salvation we begin with the most contentious doctrine of them all, election. The doctrine of election opens up a pandora's box of follow up questions, which is why many Christians (and preachers for that matter) avoid it entirely. Yet the Apostle Paul seems to be summoning our hearts to praise God precisely because He chose us in love before the foundation of the world.
Sharing our faith can be intimidating. It takes courage to share what you believe and take to stand for the gospel. We need to learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us as we share the good news of Jesus.
Acts 6:1-6:7 | Since the devil failed to thwart the church through persecution and corruption, he now tries distraction. Through divinely-directed delegation by the Apostles ? and the first glimpse of the Office of Deacon taking shape ? the church went from distraction and potential division to deployment in their service to God. And the mission advanced.
Acts 5:12-5:42 | The apostles performed miracles, proclaimed the gospel, went to prison, took a beating and rejoiced all along the way. Why?
Acts 5:1-5:11 | No one is perfect and we are all sinners, so is sin really a big deal? We can be tempted to downplay the frightening reality of sin but passages like these don't let us think that way. When we realize the weight of our sin, we will see the greatness of Jesus even clearer!
Acts 4:32-4:37 | Our God of abundance leads his people to live with abundant generosity.
Ephesians 3:20-3:21 | 2020 marked Central's 75th Anniversary. To celebrate, Pastor Matt reflects on evidences of God's grace toward us throughout the years.
Isaiah 9:2-9:2 | If Jesus came 2000 years ago, why is there still so much darkness in our lives and world? This Christmas we reflect on the significance of the light that has dawned.
Isaiah 9:6-9:6 | While most people would say that experiencing peace means eliminating things from your life, it actually has more to do with what you incorporate into your life! By putting Jesus at the center, and by ?"clothing ourselves" with His attitudes and actions, we can experience the incredible peace that God intends for our lives.
Isaiah 9:6-9:6 | When Isaiah speaks about the coming Messiah he gives him the name, Everlasting Father. While we may have different ideas about what a Father should look like, Jesus is both our father and puts on display the Father. As we look at what Jesus has done, it leads us to a greater trust in his promises and greater rejoicing because of them!
Isaiah 9:6-9:6 | In times of confusion, when there are so many choices and opinions in front of us on how to live, we can pick the way that looks like Christmas - a Mighty God who surrendered Might and became like us to lift up the lowly.
Isaiah 9:6-9:6 | Our Advent Series ? on the prophetic titles for Jesus from Isaiah ? begins with Wonderful Counselor. Want to hear some incredible news? Jesus came for people with problems. Meaning, He lovingly cares. He also came to solve our greatest problems. Meaning, He powerfully works. And what's most wonderful of all is that Christmas means He not only came to bring solutions to our problems but to give us Himself.
Acts 4:23-4:31 | How do you respond when someone opposes you? The natural reaction is usually to try and fight back and oppose them. However, the Bible calls us to a different reaction, to pray for our enemies trusting in the sovereignty of God, and continue to proclaim the good news.
Acts 4:12-4:22 | It seems like just about the only thing you're not allowed to do in a pluralistic society is to make an exclusive truth claim. But Jesus did precisely that (John 14:6) and now the Apostle Peter reaffirms the exact same claim: there is salvation in no one else. While the exclusive nature of the Christian gospel seems unkind and unloving to those around us, it's actually a more inclusive exclusivity than theirs.
Acts 4:13-4:22 | It seems like just about the only thing you're not allowed to do in a pluralistic society is to make an exclusive truth claim. But Jesus did precisely that (John 14:6) and now the Apostle Peter reaffirms the exact same claim: there is salvation in no one else. While the exclusive nature of the Christian gospel seems unkind and unloving to those around us, it's actually a more inclusive exclusivity than theirs.
Acts 4:1-4:11 | Just as the "pregnancy bible" tells you everything you can expect as a new mother, the Bible-Bible tells us everything we should expect when we share Jesus with others.
Acts 3:11-3:26 | The miraculous healing of the lame man at the temple gate caused quite a stir! Peter, seizing the opportunity, pointed those who were utterly amazed at this wonder to the God of wonders - Jesus. Do we do the same?
Acts 3:11-3:26 | The miraculous healing of the lame man at the temple gate caused quite a stir! Peter, seizing the opportunity, pointed those who were utterly amazed at this wonder to the God of wonders - Jesus. Do we do the same?
Acts 3:1-3:10 | What is the purpose of Miracles? Hearing about God performing a miracle of physical healing is often met with skepticism. God used miracles throughout the Bible to demonstrate his mercy to mankind, bear witness to the Gospel message, and bring glory to Himself. Does He still act in this way today? God desires that all mankind experience the miracle of spiritual healing, and enjoy new life in Him.
Acts 3:1-3:10 | What is the purpose of Miracles? Hearing about God performing a miracle of physical healing is often met with skepticism. God used miracles throughout the Bible to demonstrate his mercy to mankind, bear witness to the Gospel message, and bring glory to Himself. Does He still act in this way today? God desires that all mankind experience the miracle of spiritual healing, and enjoy new life in Him.
Acts 2:42-2:47 | The early Christian community was a movement fuelled by the Holy Spirit's presence and power, which led to their devotion to four characteristics that marked their gatherings.
Acts 2:42-2:47 | The early Christian community was a movement fuelled by the Holy Spirit's presence and power, which led to their devotion to four characteristics that marked their gatherings.
Acts 2:37-2:41 | Imagine that you are telling someone about Jesus (hopefully not too difficult to imagine!) and they respond by saying, ?"What shall I do?" What would you say next? That is precisely the question the crowd asks Peter as he concludes his sermon to them.
Acts 2:37-2:41 | Imagine that you are telling someone about Jesus (hopefully not too difficult to imagine!) and they respond by saying, ?"What shall I do?" What would you say next? That is precisely the question the crowd asks Peter as he concludes his sermon to them.
Acts 2:14-2:36 | Almost immediately after the Holy Spirit was given to the church came the very first sermon. Peter tells the crowd that the coming of the Holy Spirit is a sign that Jesus is not only the Messiah they had been waiting for but also the Lord on whom we call for salvation.
Acts 2:14-2:36 | Almost immediately after the Holy Spirit was given to the church came the very first sermon. Peter tells the crowd that the coming of the Holy Spirit is a sign that Jesus is not only the Messiah they had been waiting for but also the Lord on whom we call for salvation.
Acts 2:1-2:13 | When the promised Holy Spirit showed up, it made an immediate and significant difference in Jesus' first followers - and in the world! And the same power and purpose that God had for them is now ours.
Acts 2:1-2:13 | When the promised Holy Spirit showed up, it made an immediate and significant difference in Jesus' first followers - and in the world! And the same power and purpose that God had for them is now ours.
Acts 1:15-1:26 | A biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility leads to effective mission, trust in the authority of God's Word, a right understanding of the judgment of God, and wise decision-making.
Acts 1:15-1:26 | A biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility leads to effective mission, trust in the authority of God's Word, a right understanding of the judgment of God, and wise decision-making.
Acts 1:12-1:14 | Prayer, unity, and persistence are all hard ? but they're also good. When Jesus points us in the way we should go He also empowers us with His own strength to get us there. A church on fire is a church devoted to: Jesus, praying to Jesus, unified in Jesus, and empowered by Jesus.
Acts 1:6-1:11 | In a World of Confusion and Consternation, the King of Kings gives us a prescription for how to face the future Kingdom style.
Acts 1:1-1:5 | What kind of legacy do you want to leave? The book of Acts gives a giant vision of what Jesus is still doing in this world, through his church by the Holy Spirit. We are called as Christians to continue on with the work that the early church started and share the good news of Jesus.
Jonah 4:1-4:11 | The story of Jonah shows us just how great God's love, grace, and mercy is toward every person, city, and nation.
Zechariah 8:14-8:19 | How should we respond when someone messes up and sins? How does God respond when we sin? Zechariah calls us to trust in God's mercy, speak the truth, and celebrate his grace as we extend that grace to one another.
Micah 6:1-6:8 | The Israelite nation has lost relationship with God; they have broken the covenant. The sacrificial system has stopped changing hearts. Micah speaks to the coming consequence that will befall the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. He also introduces the nation to a new way of following God; Do Justice, Love Kindness and Walk Humbly with your God.
Haggai 1:1-2:23 | The little 2500-year-old obscure Minor Prophet book Haggai describes our age better than almost anywhere else in the whole Bible. God calls out His people for pursuing comfort and wealth over putting God first. As a bit of an anomaly for Old Testament prophets, the people actually responded positively with sincere heart change that led to changed behavior and they put God and His work first in their lives. Haggai shows us what we know to be true of our own experience, putting God first is what actually leads to deep satisfaction, blessing, and peace.
1 Peter 3:13-3:15 | Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions of life? Have you found the cultural norms of entitled and self-centered tendencies rubbing off on you and leaving you deeply unsatisfied? The fifth and final practice found in resilient disciples has everything to do with living lives packed full of meaning and purpose by engaging in countercultural mission.
1 Peter 2:13-2:17 | What is does mean to have our faith inform our work and sense of calling in life? Does our work matter to God and how can it be leveraged for his kingdom purposes? This week we learn about what it means to be vocational disciples.
1 Peter 2:9-2:10 | There is an epidemic of loneliness, isolation, and mistrust in Digital Babylon where more and more time is spent on screens, rarely interacting in meaningful ways with real human beings. The church is uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive solution to this epidemic because it is a counter-cultural community built upon the radical love, grace, and righteousness of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:13-1:16 | We receive a lot of messages throughout our day, from text messages to emails, to the videos we watch, to the news articles we read. But how do we as Christians learn to discern what we should pay attention to and what we should ignore? We are called as Christians to know the Word of God so well that we can recognize the truth from error and live our lives to reflect God's holiness.
1 Peter 1:6-1:9 | In a culture where non-Christians are avoiding Christianity, and young Christians are abandoning church, it is important to cultivate practices that form disciples of Jesus into people who can not only survive - but thrive. The first such practice is Experiencing Intimacy with Jesus.
1 Peter 2:11-2:12 | A significant recent study revealed that only 9% of young Canadians who grew up in the church would be what we would call Resilient Disciples. So what can we learn from the faith of these disciples that helps us be and make resilient disciples in a context perhaps best described as Digital Babylon?
Matthew 5:9-5:9 | Jesus said, ?"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called ?"Sons of God". How can we fight the good fight of Christian Peacemaking? It is easy to steer into the pitfalls of combativeness or passivity. But Jesus calls us to a better way, a Gospel way.
Mark 4:35-4:41 | In the middle of the storms of life it's easy to begin to question who God is and His care for us in our lives. Our text today tells us that in the midst of the storm we can either get lost in the waves or look to Jesus. Storms don't lead to our destruction but rather our dependence and faith on a Saviour.
Matthew 5:8-5:8 | There is an incredible blessing attached to this Beatitude: You shall see God! There's just one problem: Our hearts aren't particularly pure. So the important questions we must wrestle with are these: Do I have a pure heart? and if not, How can I get a pure heart?
Matthew 5:7-5:7 | As followers of Jesus, the mercy we are to extend to others flows out of the mercy that God has extended to us.
Matthew 5:6-5:6 | "At the end of the day" there's nothing that matters more than relationship. The good life according to Jesus means that our relationships - first with Him, and then with others, are right. This truly is the #blessed life.
Matthew 5:5-5:5 | Blessed are the assertive, strong, cut-throat, cheaters, famous, powerful, and workaholics, for they shall inherit the earth is the way the world seems to work. Yet Jesus says that it's the meek who shall inherit the earth. What does that mean? How does that work? And who will you believe?
Matthew 5:4-5:4 | Mourning and blessing seem to be total opposites and yet Jesus declares that the one who mourns over their sin is truly blessed. As we mourn over our sin, we find the comfort of what Jesus has done so much more gracious.
Matthew 5:3-5:3 | The Sermon on the Mount is widely considered the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest person who ever lived. The sermon begins with eight beatitudes that describe the good life according to Jesus. The first is about the poverty of spirit. Without it, no one enters the Kingdom of Heaven.
Romans 5:9-5:11 | We are reminded of what God has done, is doing, and will do so that no matter what you're facing, you can have joy this Easter.
Romans 5:6-5:8 | Have you ever wondered why the world seems so messed up? And what God is doing about it? This Good Friday message explores the love of God and his solution for a messed up world.
Psalm 46:1-46:11 | Written in a context and state of great upheaval, utter chaos, conflict, distress and war, the psalmist both describes and experiences God in some pretty remarkable ways ... ways that result in peace, still and calm ... ways that you and I can also experience and then describe to others - so that they, too, might experience The Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ, our hope, strength, hope, and peace.
Habakkuk 3:17-3:19 | It can be easy to fall into the trap of allowing our circumstances to control how we think and feel. However, the book of Habakkuk reminds us that we can rejoice no matter what is going on. God is always at work, our salvation is secure and he will not abandon us.
Lamentations 3:1-3:66 | Hope springs from truth rehearsed. What is the truth we are to rehearse and how do we rehearse it? In the depths of his suffering, Lamentations 3 reveals how Jeremiah was able to pivot from hopelessness and grief to hope in the faithfulness of God whose mercies are new every morning.
Lamentations 2:1-2:22 | We wrestle with God's presence, or lack thereof, in the midst of our suffering. Is he there? Does he care? What about the sin I know is in my own life? Lamentations 2 helps us understand how we should respond to sin and suffering in light of God's response to it.
Lamentations 1:1-1:22 | The smoldering ruins of Jerusalem set the stage for the Book of Lamentations. What brought about their destruction, why are devastating poems in the Bible, is it right of God to afflict His people like that, and how does all of this affect His people and our world today?
2 Chronicles 36:11-36:21 | Over the course of Lent, we are going to learn a new language together. A biblical language: The language of lament. Lament provides us the opportunity to talk to God through the pain, whether it's a lament of circumstances in our own lives or lament of the brokenness around us in the world.
2 Chronicles 36:11-36:21 | Learning a new language can be difficult but it's necessary if we want to be able to communicate in different ways. In the same way, learning to lament well is necessary if we want to communicate with God even in our pain. We begin this new series looking at how we can lament to God and how we should be lamenting over our sin.
2 Chronicles 36:11-36:21 | Over the course of Lent, we are going to learn a new language together. A biblical language: The language of lament. Lament provides us the opportunity to talk to God through the pain, whether it's a lament of circumstances in our own lives or lament of the brokenness around us in the world.
2 Chronicles 36:11-36:21 | Over the course of Lent, we are going to learn a new language together. A biblical language: The language of lament. Lament provides us the opportunity to talk to God through the pain, whether it's lament of circumstances in our own lives or lament of the brokenness around us in the world.
Revelation 3:14-3:22 | The final letter that Jesus writes to the churches is a letter of correction and yet it contains hope for every church. Jesus is still at work in this church and he is still at work in our lives as well. We are called to be zealous and repent because Jesus has first loved us.
Revelation 3:14-3:22 | Jesus essentially tells the church in Laodicea that their spiritual condition was nauseating. The scariest part of lukewarm Christianity is that its participants are completely unaware. So what are the signs of a lukewarm Christian? And what is the cure for lukewarm Christianity?
Revelation 3:14-3:22 | The final letter that Jesus writes to the churches is a letter of correction and yet it contains hope for every church. Jesus is still at work in this church and he is still at work in our lives as well. We are called to be zealous and repent because Jesus has first loved us.
Revelation 3:7-3:13 | Have you ever wondered what sets a church like Philadelphia (all commendation) from a church like Laodicea (all condemnation)? Today's passage reveals that at least one of the factors is patient endurance, or put another way, spiritual maturity.
Revelation 3:7-3:13 | Have you ever wondered what sets a church like Philadelphia (all commendation) from a church like Laodicea (all condemnation)? Today's passage reveals that at least one of the factors is patient endurance, or put another way, spiritual maturity.
Revelation 3:14-3:22 | Jesus essentially tells the church in Laodicea that their spiritual condition was nauseating. The scariest part of lukewarm Christianity is that its participants are completely unaware. So what are the signs of a lukewarm Christian? And what is the cure for lukewarm Christianity?
Revelation 3:7-3:13 | Have you ever wondered what sets a church like Philadelphia (all commendation) from a church like Laodicea (all condemnation)? Today's passage reveals that at least one of the factors is patient endurance, or put another way, spiritual maturity.
Psalms 127:1-127:5 | Has there ever been a time in your life when you tried building something on your own, only for it to failure miserable, and for you to be left exhausted and full of anxiety at the end of the day? The same thing happens in our homes, family, and church when we try building on our strength and effort, but rather we are to be utterly dependant on Jesus!
Psalms 127:1-127:5 | What does it look like to allow Jesus to build your family and the family of God? When we rely on him, the results are rest and blessing. But when we rely on ourselves, the results are anxiety and busyness. That kind of life will go nowhere. But as we build on the solid rock of Christ, we will enjoy the blessing of God on our kids and family.
Psalms 127:1-127:5 | Being self-reliant only leads to anxiety and sleeplessness. Recognizing God as the one how actually builds and blesses brings rest and peace.
Psalms 127:1-127:5 | What does it look like to allow Jesus to build your family and the family of God? When we rely on him, the results are rest and blessing. But when we rely on ourselves, the results are anxiety and busyness. That kind of life will go nowhere. But as we build on the solid rock of Christ, we will enjoy the blessing of God on our kids and family.
Revelation 3:1-3:6 | The church in Sardis was active, wasn't experiencing persecution, was the largest of the seven churches and the wealthiest, but was dead. Yet Jesus graciously calls those who will listen to wake up and remember that what you have heard (the gospel) and received (the Holy Spirit).
Revelation 3:1-3:6 | What makes a church live? Is it a bunch of good programs and things to do during the week? Jesus calls out the church in Sardis for being dead even though they looked alive. Our goal is not to have the appearance of life, but to be truly alive.
Revelation 3:7-3:13 | The church in Philadelphia had little power in and of itself but Jesus ? in His great power ? had opened a door for the church that no one could shut. A door of Salvation. A door of opportunity to tell others about Jesus. This serves as a great reminder not to focus on our weakness but His power.
Revelation 3:1-3:6 | According to Jesus, a church community can have all the signs of life but is nevertheless dead or dying. The way to stay out, or fight out, of this corner is to repent and remember what Jesus has taught and do it.
Revelation 2:18-2:29 | Where Ephesus lacked love, Thyatira lacked truth. And a healthy church needs both. What does Jesus think of a church that tolerates evil? You don't have to wonder, Jesus tells this church exactly what He thinks about it.
Revelation 3:1-3:6 | The church in Sardis was active, wasn't experiencing persecution, was the largest of the seven churches and the wealthiest, but was dead. Yet Jesus graciously calls those who will listen to wake up and remember that what you have heard (the gospel) and received (the Holy Spirit).
Revelation 2:18-2:29 | The church is called to follow the authority of Jesus, even when it is tempting to compromise. Jesus commends the church for their love and service, but they had stopped holding to the truth. We are still tempted to do that same thing today, but the promise is that for those who persevere, we will reign with Jesus.
Revelation 2:12-2:29 | This week's message looks at both Pergamum and Thyatira. Though some 70 kilometers apart, they both were faced with the same issue, that of compromising allegiance from within. We all must ask ourselves: who sits on the throne in my heart?
Revelation 2:12-2:17 | The church at Pergamum was threatened from the outside. It experienced a lot of the same suffering and persecution that the church of Smyrna was commended for withstanding and it too remained faithful to Christ. Yet, the real threat in Pergamum was not found outside of its walls. It seems that the church was at risk of losing its way from those teaching within its walls.
Revelation 2:12-2:17 | The church at Pergamum was threatened from the outside. It experienced a lot of the same suffering and persecution that the church of Smyrna was commended for withstanding and it too remained faithful to Christ. Yet, the real threat in Pergamum was not found outside of its walls. It seems that the church was at risk of losing its way from those teaching within its walls.
Revelation 2:18-2:29 | Where Ephesus lacked love, Thyatira lacked truth. And a healthy church needs both. What does Jesus think of a church that tolerates evil? You don't have to wonder, Jesus tells this church exactly what He thinks about it.
Revelation 2:8-2:11 | The church at Smyrna was subject to all kinds of persecution and suffering. Jesus sees their suffering and brings a surprising word. Instead of removing the challenge he calls them to faith and fearlessness. It is in this command that we see the only answer is to cling to Christ.
Revelation 2:12-2:17 | The church at Pergamum was threatened from the outside. It experienced a lot of the same suffering and persecution that the church of Smyrna was commended for withstanding and it too remained faithful to Christ. Yet, the real threat in Pergamum was not found outside of its walls. It seems that the church was at risk of losing its way from those teaching within its walls.
Revelation 2:8-2:11 | The church at Smyrna was subject to all kinds of persecution and suffering. Jesus sees their suffering and brings a surprising word. Instead of removing the challenge he calls them to faith and fearlessness. It is in this command that we see the only answer is to cling to Christ.
Revelation 2:8-2:11 | The best sports team is the one that doesn't loose, and the best businesses make the most money. However, one of the best churches in the book of Revelation is the one that is being persecuted most. Yet, the call isn't to avoid the suffering, but learning to be faithful through it.
Revelation 2:1-2:7 | Jesus, the one who has authority over the church, starts the letter of Revelation by addressing the church of Ephesus. They are commended for many things but are reminded that their motivation is of primary importance to Christ. Even more than their sound doctrine and good works, Christ is after their heart.
Revelation 2:8-2:11 | The church at Smyrna was subject to all kinds of persecution and suffering. Jesus sees their suffering and brings a surprising word. Instead of removing the challenge he calls them to faith and fearlessness. It is in this command that we see the only answer is to cling to Christ.
Revelation 2:1-2:7 | Have you ever noticed that it is so easy to start a project, but it's hard to finish them? When you are excited it makes the time just fly by, but once real life sets in, it can be hard to complete the task. The same thing is true in our spiritual lives, we can become stuck in one area and forget others after a while, which is why Jesus writes this letter to the church.
Revelation 2:1-2:7 | Sometimes when we look at our life in the church or the life of the church from the outside, there might be something missing: love. As we start our new series on the 7 Letters to the Churches of Revelation, Jesus has a message about doing a heart check regarding the motivation and the action of the church.
Revelation 2:1-2:7 | Jesus, the one who has authority over the church, starts the letter of Revelation by addressing the church of Ephesus. They are commended for many things but are reminded that their motivation is of primary importance to Christ. Even more than their sound doctrine and good works, Christ is after their heart.
Revelation 1:1-1:8 | Every year we make resolutions to improve our lives, eat better, exercise more, reconnect with old friends and that is a good impulse! The desire to improve and better our lives is a good desire, the question is always where we go looking for it. The beginning of the book of Revelation points us towards a greater blessing than these things, that we might have the blessing of the King of Kings.
Joshua 4:1-4:7 | For whatever reason, forgetting the incredible acts of God is something people are good at. To help the Israelites remember, God did something special for them: He commanded them to create a monument, a sign for future generations, that would point back to Him. Is this something we can do today?
Joshua 4:1-4:7 | For whatever reason, forgetting the incredible acts of God is something people are good at. To help the Israelites remember, God did something special for them: He commanded them to create a monument, a sign for future generations, that would point back to Him. Is this something we can do today?
Luke 2:1-2:20 | The fact that the angel appeared to unlikely people in an unlikely place (shepherds outside of Bethlehem) with good news of great joy shows us that this news is for everybody! Jesus really came into the world at Christmas to make you right with God and He can really come into your heart this Christmas to fill and transform your life with hope, peace, joy, love, and light.
Luke 1:57-1:80 | Zechariah experienced the mercy and redemption of God and it drove him to worship. Each one of us, who has experienced the grace and mercy of Jesus, should be filled with hope and compelled to radical worship because of the kindness shown to us by the creator of heaven and the author of salvation.
Luke 1:57-1:80 | In Luke's gospel, he includes the story of Zechariah & Elizabeth the parents of John the Baptist. In the months prior to the arrival of John the Baptist, It appears that Zechariah, his father, had a crisis in his faith. After some time on the sidelines, he was ready to step into the life of faith that God had for him and God blessed him beyond what he thought was possible. We gain insights into our own beliefs and learn what it takes to have God-pleasing faith.
Luke 1:57-1:80 | The foundation that John's birth and prophetic mandate, given by his father Zechariah, laid for Jesus' life and ministry is also foundational for our lives and ministry. This sermon explores six foundational aspects of a fruitful life and ministry that are essential in proclaiming Jesus and pointing people to Him.
Luke 1:57-1:80 | Ever tried? Ever failed? Admittedly, some of the gaffs that we can make are worse than others. But what about when we sin against someone? Against God? Are there really second chances to mend harms? The story of God's grace in the life of Zechariah, and his taking advantage of the second chance, teaches us that the answer is yes.
Luke 1:39-1:56 | Our lives are too often defined by the word ?"busy", especially around Christmas. But as we continue in the story of Christmas, we need to pause and hear how Mary responded to this amazing news. Mary is preoccupied not with all the things that she needs to get done but praising God for all the things that he has done.
Luke 1:39-1:56 | Mary begins her hymn of praise to God by saying, ?"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." As we move toward Christmas, we remember that God poured and will continue to pour out mercy on those who look to him in faith. There is no one so small or unimportant as to be beyond the salvation that God brings in Jesus Christ, and in response, we rejoice in and magnify him alongside Mary!
Luke 1:39-1:56 | When we read the Magnificat we might wonder how a 13-year-old girl could possibly compose such loft hymn of praise. Yet, when we begin to understand the reality of her circumstance and all that is coming into focus we find ourselves joining with her in praise.
Luke 1:39-1:56 | Our lives are too often defined by the word ?"busy", especially around Christmas. But as we continue in the story of Christmas, we need to pause and hear how Mary responded to this amazing news. Mary is preoccupied not with all the things that she needs to get done but praising God for all the things that he has done.
Luke 1:26-1:38 | As we study the angel Gabriel's announcement that Mary has been chosen to give birth to Jesus, we will learn how God favors his people in a way that is similar to how he favored Mary. We will also give an overview of Gabriel's explanation of Christ's attributes as well as the means God used to allow Mary to conceive the Christ Child.
Luke 1:26-1:38 | Names have meaning and are significant to those who give them. Jesus' name was not given by his mother, Mary, but by God himself - making the name of Jesus extra significant. His' is the name above all names. What child is this? He's the Son of Mary, the Son of the Most High, and the Son of David - fully human, fully divine, and the King of Kings. Mary's response to God's work in her life should also be our response: ?"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
Luke 1:26-1:38 | Fundamentally, Christmas is about God initiating. He sent angels, He chose Mary, He invited shepherds and wise men to celebrate, and ultimately, we are reminded that God came to those in need at Christmas. Jesus came to the humble and still comes to those who recognize that they're spiritually bankrupt and He alone can rescue. Many, like Zechariah, can't believe it. Others, like Mary, embrace His overwhelming gift of grace.
Luke 1:26-1:38 | As we study the angel Gabriel's announcement that Mary has been chosen to give birth to Jesus, we will learn how God favors his people in a way that is similar to how he favored Mary. We will also give an overview of Gabriel's explanation of Christ's attributes as well as the means God used to allow Mary to conceive the Christ Child.
Luke 1:5-1:25 | Christmas. Again. It can feel a lot like just going through the motions instead of feeling the emotions that you'd expect in this season. Awe. Wonder. Even joy often escapes us. As we start our series on Advent, we get to encounter a group of people who experienced something that was (un)expected and it gave them new hope.
Luke 1:5-1:25 | Luke's Gospel opens by foretelling John the Baptist's birth. He introduces us to John's parents who are described as both righteous and childless. This text helps us wrestle with what will come of our faith when we face difficulty? If you serve God for what you can get, you're actually serving yourself (that's the prosperity gospel not the biblical gospel). Christians aren't free from suffering because we serve Jesus. We serve Jesus because He is our hope and treasure. And God has a habit of using difficult circumstances to purify us and grow our faith.
Luke 1:5-1:25 | Have you ever had to wait for someone to respond and you weren't sure if they got the message? That is so often how we feel when we pray, we wonder if God even got the message. But as we enter into this Christmas season, we are reminded that even when we don't see or hear what God is doing, he is at work answering prayers and bringing about his perfect plan.
Luke 1:5-1:25 | Be filled with awe and wonder all over again at the link between the prophecies of the OT and the fulfillment of them in the NT - beginning with the birth of John the Baptist. The circumstances surrounding his birth are mysterious, inspiring and faith-building!
Ephesians 1:7-1:10 | The grand story of the Bible is all pointing us to see Jesus! The whole story is about Him, what he has done and what he is still going to do. And in this period of waiting we get a part to play in God's grand story.
Revelation 22:1-22:5 | The Bible begins in a garden (Genesis 1-2) and ends in a garden city (Revelation 21-22). The ending of the story isn't one of getting things back to the way they were but even better than they were. We will see God face to face and joyfully find God-glorifying pleasure in the work of our hands. Not only that, our lives now are not about waiting to die to go to heaven but rather present participation in bringing redemptive culture to bear on the world.
Ephesians 1:7-1:10 | While the cultural and biblical understandings of redemption are similar, they have very different emphases. Biblically, to redeem means to release or set free, with the implied analogy to the process of freeing a slave - in particular, buying back a slave or captive and making ?"him" free by payment of a ransom. In Christ, this is what God did for us - and because of it, we look forward to that time when all things will be restored, set right and unified in Him.
Ephesians 1:7-1:10 | While the cultural and biblical understandings of redemption are similar, they have very different emphases. Biblically, to redeem means to release or set free, with the implied analogy to the process of freeing a slave - in particular, buying back a slave or captive and making ?"him" free by payment of a ransom. In Christ, this is what God did for us - and because of it, we look forward to that time when all things will be restored, set right and unified in Him.
Genesis 1:14-1:19, Genesis 1:23-1:24 | As we look at the greatest story ever told, we quickly come to our greatest problem. The problem of sin and separation from God dominates the storyline of Scripture and it is intended to teach us something about the sin in our lives. It shows us our helpless state and our great need of a Saviour.
Genesis 1:14-1:19, Genesis 1:23-1:24 | As we look at the greatest story ever told, we quickly come to our greatest problem. The problem of sin and separation from God dominates the storyline of Scripture and it is intended to teach us something about the sin in our lives. It shows us our helpless state and our great need of a Saviour.
Ephesians 1:7-1:10 | While the cultural and biblical understandings of redemption are similar, they have very different emphases. Biblically, to redeem means to release or set free, with the implied analogy to the process of freeing a slave - in particular, buying back a slave or captive and making ?"him" free by payment of a ransom. In Christ, this is what God did for us. Ephesians 1:7-10 explains how and why - with the correct emphases.
Genesis 3:14-3:19, Genesis 3:23-3:24 | As we look at the greatest story ever told, we quickly come to our greatest problem. The problem of sin and separation from God dominates the storyline of Scripture and it is intended to teach us something about the sin in our lives. It shows us our helpless state and our great need of a Saviour.
Genesis 3:14-3:19, Genesis 3:23-3:24 | As we look at the greatest story ever told, we quickly come to our greatest problem. The problem of sin and separation from God dominates the storyline of Scripture and it is intended to teach us something about the sin in our lives. It shows us our helpless state and our great need of a Saviour.
Genesis 1:26-1:28 | It was Bobette Buster who said, "Narrative is our culture's currency; he who tells the best story wins", and she's absolutely right. As we embark on a four-week series on The Greatest Story we begin with the first of four major movements in the Bible: Creation. God made a good world and gave His image-bearers a good purpose: to create and cultivate culture, and in so doing, reflect His glory.
Genesis 1:26-1:28 | It was Bobette Buster who said, "Narrative is our culture's currency; he who tells the best story wins", and she's absolutely right. As we embark on a four-week series on The Greatest Story we begin with the first of four major movements in the Bible: Creation. God made a good world and gave His image-bearers a good purpose: to create and cultivate culture, and in so doing, reflect His glory.
Genesis 1:26-1:28 | It was Bobette Buster who said, "Narrative is our culture's currency; he who tells the best story wins", and she's absolutely right. As we embark on a four-week series on The Greatest Story we begin with the first of four major movements in the Bible: Creation. God made a good world and gave His image-bearers a good purpose: to create and cultivate culture, and in so doing, reflect His glory.
Genesis 1:26-1:28 | It was Bobette Buster who said, "Narrative is our culture's currency; he who tells the best story wins", and she's absolutely right. As we embark on a four-week series on The Greatest Story we begin with the first of four major movements in the Bible: Creation. God made a good world and gave His image-bearers a good purpose: to create and cultivate culture, and in so doing, reflect His glory.
Mark 9:33-9:37 | The attitude and posture we carry are critical as we step up & out to help others by meeting their needs (Luke 10). Today's text will guide us to a deeper understanding of what's truly important as we engage the will & work of God and His Kingdom.
Jude 1:17-1:24 | Have you ever spent so long on WebMD that you convinced yourself you had a disease? We as Christians can spend so long thinking about all the different doubts that people have, that we can forget the confidence that we have in Jesus. The book of Jude reminds us to hold fast to the faith that was delivered to us and gives us very practical ways that we can do that and show that mercy to others.
Acts 17:22-17:34 | Ever wonder how we help someone see the good of the gospel, especially if one finds oneself talking to a tough, unfamiliar crowd? Isn't it our good fortune that Dr. Luke recorded Paul's trip to Athens in Acts 17 for us to learn from the master?
1 Timothy 3:15-3:15 | Given the previous questions about the historical injustices in the church and the hypocrisy of churchgoers, it's natural to be skeptical of the value of church. Is it really important? Can the church offer me anything I cannot get from personal study and a walk in the beauty of God's creation? Why is the gathering of believers even necessary? We close out our series on Doubt addressing these very questions about church.
Mark 2:1-2:12 | The key to a dynamic church, a faith under conviction, is the belief that Jesus is the only hope for the world. This type of faith is a faith in Jesus that engages in such a way so as to do whatever it takes to carry people to Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:15-3:15 | If you can listen to this online, does it really matter if you show up on a Sunday? Can't you get enough from just a podcast or hanging out with some Christian friends? According to the New Testament, it makes a huge difference. The church is the gathering of the people of God, where he dwells with us, for the purpose of holding and lifting high the message of the gospel together.
1 Timothy 3:15-3:15 | As this series draws to a close, we want to explore something that could help cause doubt and something that doubt can lead to questioning the validity of Church. Is it even important?
2 Samuel 12:1-12:7 | As we examine the epic story of King David's failure we will begin to understand the relationship between sinful people called to be ambassadors for Christ and the perfection of Christ. It's in this relationship that we can begin to more clearly understand how injustice in the church doesn't discredit God but exposes humans their propensity towards sin, rebellion, and power.
2 Samuel 12:1-12:7 | As we examine the epic story of King David's failure we will begin to understand the relationship between sinful people called to be ambassadors for Christ and the perfection of Christ. It's in this relationship that we can begin to more clearly understand how injustice in the church doesn't discredit God but exposes humans their propensity towards sin, rebellion, and power.
1 Timothy 3:15-3:15 | Given the previous questions about the historical injustices in the church and the hypocrisy of churchgoers, it's natural to be skeptical of the value of church. Is it really important? Can the church offer me anything I cannot get from personal study and a walk in the beauty of God's creation? Why is the gathering of believers even necessary? We close out our series on Doubt addressing these very questions about church.
2 Samuel 12:1-12:7 | As we examine the epic story of King David's failure we will begin to understand the relationship between sinful people called to be ambassadors for Christ and the perfection of Christ. It's in this relationship that we can begin to more clearly understand how injustice in the church doesn't discredit God but exposes humans their propensity towards sin, rebellion, and power.
2 Samuel 12:1-12:7 | As we examine the epic story of King David's failure we will begin to understand the relationship between sinful people called to be ambassadors for Christ and the perfection of Christ. It's in this relationship that we can begin to more clearly understand how injustice in the church doesn't discredit God but exposes humans their propensity towards sin, rebellion, and power.
2 Peter 1:16-1:21 | Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. Leprechauns. God? In this week's sermon in our series on doubt, we explore reasons for believing that Christianity is true, why it's thought to be a fairy tale in the first place, and what can happen when one embraces it with all they are.
2 Peter 1:16-1:21 | Isn't a book about miracles, floods, resurrection and supernatural things just a big fairy tale? Why would anyone believe that? The Bible presents us with the truth of what God has done throughout history and most amazing what he has done for us in Jesus. It's a true story that changes our lives.
2 Peter 1:16-1:21 | Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. Leprechauns. God? In this week's sermon in our series on doubt, we explore reasons for believing that Christianity is true, why it's thought to be a fairy tale in the first place, and what can happen when one embraces it with all they are.
Psalms 19:1-19:6, Romans 1:18-1:20 | As we press into both scripture and the world of science, we may just find ourselves agreeing with the professor of experimental physics, Russel Cowburn, when he declares, ?"Understanding more of science does not make God smaller. It allows us to see His creative activity in more detail."
2 Peter 1:16-1:21 | Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. Leprechauns. God? In this week's sermon in our series on doubt, we explore reasons for believing that Christianity is true, why it's thought to be a fairy tale in the first place, and what can happen when one embraces it with all they are.
Psalms 19:1-19:6, Romans 1:18-1:20 | The advancement of science has often been given as a good reason to disbelieve the Bible and even the idea of God. The Bible and science always seem to be put at odds with one another. But instead of pushing us away from science, the Bible actually points us to the natural world as a demonstration of God's glory and creative work.
Psalms 19:1-19:6, Romans 1:18-1:20 | Have you ever wondered why science and faith seem to be at odds with each other? In this week's sermon in our series on Doubt, we dive into the text of Scripture and the text of Nature to show that the biblical witness conforms with what we see: the heaven's declaring the glory of God.
Romans 7:19-8:1 | In a world prioritizing authenticity and a ?"you do you" attitude, hypocrisy is the unforgivable sin. Credibility is earned when actions match words, yet on a popular level, it seems that typical interactions with ?"Christians" experience anything but that. This should grieve Christians because it brings the credibility of Christianity into question, is inconsistent with the transformation of lives that the gospel summons, and because our faith isn't built upon the goodness of its followers but its Leader.
Psalms 19:1-19:6, Romans 1:18-1:20 | As we press into both scripture and the world of science, we may just find ourselves agreeing with the professor of experimental physics, Russel Cowburn, when he declares, ?"Understanding more of science does not make God smaller. It allows us to see His creative activity in more detail."
Romans 7:19-8:1 | In a world prioritizing authenticity and a ?"you do you" attitude, hypocrisy is the unforgivable sin. Credibility is earned when actions match words, yet on a popular level, it seems that typical interactions with ?"Christians" experience anything but that. This should grieve Christians because it brings the credibility of Christianity into question, is inconsistent with the transformation of lives that the gospel summons, and because our faith isn't built upon the goodness of its followers but its Leader.
Romans 7:19-8:1 | In a world prioritizing authenticity and a ?"you do you" attitude, hypocrisy is the unforgivable sin. Credibility is earned when actions match words, yet on a popular level it seems that typical interactions with ?"Christians" experience anything but that. This should grieve Christians because it brings the credibility of Christianity into question, is inconsistent with the transformation of lives that the gospel summons, and because our faith isn't built upon the goodness of its followers but its Leader.
John 11:1-11:44 | The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead gives us significant insight into the nature of suffering and how Christianity uniquely addresses the pain we experience in this world.
Romans 7:19-8:1 | In a world prioritizing authenticity and a ?"you do you" attitude, hypocrisy is the unforgivable sin. Credibility is earned when actions match words, yet on a popular level, it seems that typical interactions with ?"Christians" experience anything but that. This should grieve Christians because it brings the credibility of Christianity into question, is inconsistent with the transformation of lives that the gospel summons, and because our faith isn't built upon the goodness of its followers but its Leader.
John 11:1-11:44 | The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead gives us significant insight into the nature of suffering and how Christianity uniquely addresses the pain we experience in this world.
John 11:1-11:44 | The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead gives us significant insight into the nature of suffering and how Christianity uniquely addresses the pain we experience in this world.
John 11:1-11:44 | The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead gives us significant insight into the nature of suffering and how Christianity uniquely addresses the pain we experience in this world.
Psalms 13:1-13:6 | All of us have doubts. No matter who we are or what we believe we all encounter doubt. So what we need to learn first of all is how to handle those doubts when they come. Psalm 13 is a great reminder to run toward God in our doubt, not away from Him.
Psalms 13:1-13:6 | The Christian faith is not a matter of words, but of action. Faith without works is dead. The best way to express faith is by meeting the needs of others, thereby fulfilling the greatest of God's commands: Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Psalms 13:1-13:6 | The Christian faith is not a matter of words, but of action. Faith without works is dead. The best way to express faith is by meeting the needs of others, thereby fulfilling the greatest of God's commands: Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Isaiah 52:7-52:12 | What is our response when we get good news? We celebrate and we tell others about what has happened. In the same way, when we get the greatest news our response should be same. Rejoice because of what God has done for us in Jesus and tell others about it!
Luke 10:25-10:37 | The Christian faith is not a matter of words, but of action. Faith without works is dead. The best way to express faith is by meeting the needs of others, thereby fulfilling the greatest of God's commands: Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Psalms 13:1-13:6 | We are beginning our Doubt series by learning to lament. One sermon on each topic is not going to perfectly satisfy your doubt. Therefore, we want to equip you with biblical payer language so that you can bring your concerns to Jesus most of all.
Joshua 22:1-22:5 | As we celebrate our new season of ministry this weekend, it's important to pause and reflect on the ?"why" we do what we do: we love because God first loved us. But it's also helpful to reflect on the ?"how" we accomplish it, and that's by clinging to God and practicing certain habits: loving Him, listening to and obeying Him, and serving Him.
1 John 1:1-1:4 | It is the miracles and exciting nature of God that draws people into a relationship. But it is the everyday activities of discipleship and fellowship that help the church grow and multiply into what God intended. On mission, we are being called into fellowship with one another here and now, but more importantly into fellowship with God for all time.
Philippians 4:10-4:23 | Paul consistently exhorts the church to follow his example of Gospel faithfulness. He famously told the Corinthian church to imitate him as he imitated Christ and places the same charge on the Philippian church. As we examine Paul's interaction with the church, particularly around financial partnership, we learn that the Christian life should be marked with contentment despite circumstances, radical partnership, and a deep concern for the Glory of God.
Philippians 4:10-4:23 | Paul consistently exhorts the church to follow his example of Gospel faithfulness. He famously told the Corinthian church to imitate him as he imitated Christ and places the same charge on the Philippian church. As we examine Paul's interaction with the church, particularly around financial partnership, we learn that the Christian life should be marked with contentment despite circumstances, radical partnership, and a deep concern for the Glory of God.
Philippians 4:10-4:23 | We face discontentment and danger on all sides, whether from sickness, health, poverty, or wealth. Yet in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, Paul calls us to the one who can strengthen us and teach us to be content? Jesus Christ. Through seeking Christ and his strength we are set free from our circumstances to find joy and to love and serve others.
Philippians 4:8-4:9 | What thoughts or ideas fill your mind on a daily basis? Do they point you towards God or distract from him? The Apostle Paul challenges to think and consequently act in a way that draws us nearer to our Lord.
Philippians 4:8-4:9 | Few would argue that our actions flow out of our thoughts. In this passage, the Apostle Paul identifies how the thoughts we choose to dwell on impact our enjoying the God of Peace.
Philippians 4:10-4:23 | Paul consistently exhorts the church to follow his example of Gospel faithfulness. He famously told the Corinthian church to imitate him as he imitated Christ and places the same charge on the Philippian church. As we examine Paul's interaction with the church, particularly around financial partnership, we learn that the Christian life should be marked with contentment despite circumstances, radical partnership, and a deep concern for the Glory of God.
Philippians 4:8-4:9 | Peace. Many think this means just the absence of war or violence, but God's peace goes far deeper than that. Paul wants nothing more for his beloved church in Philippi to experience it. In fact, in this week's passage, he tells them it's within their reach.
Philippians 4:8-4:9 | Few would argue that our actions flow out of our thoughts. In this passage, the Apostle Paul identifies how the thoughts we choose to dwell on the impact our enjoying the God of Peace.
Philippians 4:2-4:7 | Our culture is currently facing an anxiety epidemic. As Christians, we are not immune. How does God's word help us face anxiety and depression and cultivate joy and peace in Jesus? In Philippians 4:1-7 Paul helps us answer this question.
Philippians 4:2-4:7 | Our culture is currently facing an anxiety epidemic. As Christians, we are not immune. How does God's word help us face anxiety and depression and cultivate joy and peace in Jesus? In Philippians 4:1-7 Paul helps us answer this question.
Philippians 4:2-4:7 | It seems that there is so much to be anxious for in life. Work brings anxiety. Life choices bring anxiety. Family brings anxiety. The world is full of anxiety. Yet the scriptures show us how to overcome and defeat anxiety. Paul shows us the path forward as we live by faith.
Philippians 4:1-4:7 | Our culture is currently facing an anxiety epidemic. As Christians, we are not immune. How does God's word help us face anxiety and depression and cultivate joy and peace in Jesus? In Philippians 4:1-7 Paul helps us answer this question.
Philippians 3:12-4:1 | The Christian life is a path of discipleship that can, at times, be difficult. So, in our walk with Jesus, we need to, as the Apostle Paul put it, ?"press on". And to ?"keep on pressing on" requires a proper perspective of our past, the present, and also our future.
Philippians 3:12-3:21 | Most athletes have to compete knowing that all their work might be for nothing. They can train for years and never even make it on the podium, let alone actually win the top prize. However, the Christian life comes with a promise, that for those who seek after the prize, they will receive it. Therefore Paul encourages the believers to strain forward in their spiritual race because they are assured of the outcome.
Philippians 3:12-4:1 | Are we there yet? This is a common cry for many things. Road trips. Life circumstances such as starting/finishing school or a career or a relationship. This even goes for heaven. Yet, we can get distracted by all sorts of things. Paul is back this week encouraging his readers to keep going, to finish well.
Philippians 3:1-3:11 | We all need reminders from time to time. It is easy to forget what we once knew and so we need people to remind us. Paul does exactly that, he reminds the church in Philippi about the message of the Gospel and it is a reminder all of us need to hear.
Philippians 3:12-3:21 | A proper Christian perspective is informed by how we view our past, present, and future.
Philippians 3:1-3:11 | Even if righteousness before God depended on the standards we hold ourselves to, we would all be condemned by that standard. We all fall short. So where should our confidence lie? This text (and many others in the Bible) tells us that our confidence should rest in Jesus alone.
Philippians 3:1-3:11 | Ever been let down by something you thought was the right thing to do? As we continue our series, Paul writes to his friends in Philippi that they don't need to worry about being let down when it comes to faith in Jesus. Although they see others leaning on various things to prop them up spiritually, the simplest solution is this: Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
Philippians 3:1-3:11 | Even if righteousness before God depended on the standards we hold ourselves to, we would all be condemned by that standard. We all fall short. So where should our confidence lie? This text (and many others in the Bible) tells us that our confidence should rest in Jesus alone.
Philippians 2:19-2:30 | Paul sets forward Timothy and Epaphroditus as two flesh and blood examples of his earlier teaching on Christ? examples of serving and suffering, for the sake of Christ, for the joy of others. In the pursuit of embodying these characteristics ourselves, we can learn from these examples from the past and from those in our own community who are faithfully representing Christ.
Philippians 2:19-2:30 | After a fairly ?"heavy" section of teaching and exhortation to this church that he is so thankful for, Paul takes a ?"time out" to give the Philippian's examples of two sanctified lives to show them that it's actually possible to do what he's been talking about. And so, Timothy and Epaphroditus are mentioned and described as two ?"lights who shone" ... people to imitate, even as they imitated Paul, who patterned his life after Jesus himself.
Philippians 2:19-2:30 | In our world, we are greeted with a constant stream of information and messaging. There is so much coming at us that is is a challenge to know who to listen to. Paul continues his letter to the Phillipian Church with a glowing recommendation of two of his fellow workers. These men have demonstrated they genuinely care for people. Here we find insights to help us decide who is worth listening to.
Philippians 2:19-2:30 | Paul sets forward Timothy and Epaphroditus as two flesh and blood examples of his earlier teaching on Christ? examples of serving and suffering, for the sake of Christ, for the joy of others. In the pursuit of embodying these characteristics ourselves, we can learn from these examples from the past and from those in our own community who are faithfully representing Christ.
Philippians 2:12-2:18 | Those who work out the salvation that God is working in them will be joyful, distinct disciples of Jesus who shine like stars in the world.
Philippians 2:12-2:18 | We have all met those people who do nothing but complain. Nothing is ever good enough and no one ever impresses them. While we might not talk like that, the truth is we complain more often than we realize. Paul calls the church to be known by something else, a lack of grumbling and complaining that is filled up with joy so that others might see the difference!
Philippians 2:12-2:18 | Complaining is something that comes so easy to us but is also so destructive. Paul continues his letter to the Philippian Church with a warning: Complaining is restraining. It holds us back from following Jesus and it makes our community unattractive.
Philippians 2:12-2:18 | Those who work out the salvation that God is working in them will be joyful, distinct disciples of Jesus who shine like stars in the world.
Philippians 2:1-2:11 | The way for the church to be unified is through personal humility. The reason this is so difficult is that we are all glory-starved and cosmically insecure. We were made for God and anything short of that leaves a cosmic void in our souls. In the upside-down Kingdom of Heaven, it is through humbling ourselves that we will be exalted by God. Thankfully, Jesus has shown us how and gives us the strength to walk in the humility of Christ.
Philippians 2:1-2:11 | Creeping disunity in the Philippian church is compromising Paul's joy. The enemy of relational harmony is pride which in this passage is exposed by selfish ambition, empty glory, and excessive self-interest. The antidote for pride is the demonstration of humility which is achieved by both acquiring and imitating the mind of Christ as illustrated by his incarnation. It is also important to understand that humility always is a prequel to glorification.
Philippians 2:1-2:11 | Ever wonder why trying to win sometimes feels like losing? The writer of today's passage, Paul, would say it's because we often elevate ourselves to a place that we don't belong, and that's the first place. He even lets us in a little secret to discovering the joy in this life: emulating the humility and sacrifice of Jesus in the lives of those around us.
Philippians 1:27-1:30 | Paul outlines what he would be looking for if he came to visit the Philippian church to confirm their faith. In so doing, Paul gives us the means to have the assurance of our own faith and confidence in God's work regardless of what is on the road ahead.
Philippians 2:1-2:11 | The way for the church to be unified is through personal humility. The reason this is so difficult is that we are all glory-starved and cosmically insecure. We were made for God and anything short of that leaves a cosmic void in our souls. In the upside-down Kingdom of Heaven, it is through humbling ourselves that we will be exalted by God. Thankfully, Jesus has shown us how and gives us the strength to walk in the humility of Christ.
Philippians 1:27-1:30 | What does it look like to be a citizen of a different country? It may mean that we stick out at times and sometimes be seen as odd, but it does mean that what you do will represent your home country. In the same way, we as Christians are called to be good citizens of a Heavenly country and live to put Jesus on display.
Philippians 1:27-1:30 | While Paul is excited with the church in Philippi's overall direction, he still understands that there is little separating them from tragedy. But, he writes that they should not let that stand in the way of their mission by negatively impacting their behavior. In fact, no matter what, they are to live like the citizens of heaven that they are.
Philippians 1:27-1:30 | Paul outlines what he would be looking for if he came to visit the Philippian church to confirm their faith. In so doing, Paul gives us the means to have the assurance of our own faith and confidence in God's work regardless of what is on the road ahead.
Philippians 1:18-1:26 | In his captivity, Paul is rejoicing over everything that God is doing, despite the fact that he is on trial for his life. But the reason he can rejoice is that no matter what happens, God is going to be glorified and Jesus will be proclaimed.
Philippians 1:18-1:26 | In this sermon, we discuss the idea of what it means to live for Christ and doing fruitful labor for God. How do the prayers of our fellow Christians work into this? Are we asking the Holy Spirit for help as we take these tasks on? We then move on to how we view death and what it really means to desire to depart and be with Jesus. Last but not least, let us apply this to our daily lives.
Philippians 1:12-1:18 | After giving thanks, with joy, for the church's partnership in the gospel, the Apostle Paul continues to rejoice that the gospel was making rapid advancement even while he was in prison. How might God want to use what has happened to you to advance the gospel in your community?
Philippians 1:12-1:18 | Under house arrest and his church hijacked by self-seeking preachers, yet the apostle Paul finds a reason to rejoice. Would you?
Philippians 1:18-1:26 | In his captivity, Paul is rejoicing over everything that God is doing, despite the fact that he is on trial for his life. But the reason he can rejoice is that no matter what happens, God is going to be glorified and Jesus will be proclaimed.
Philippians 1:12-1:18| This passage teaches us important lessons on how we can understand our suffering not as an apparent tragedy to be stoically endured but rather as a channel through which God can advance his glory and further his kingdom. After we allow Christ to deal with our sin, the release of joy and ?"treasure" in our weak and frail ?"jars of clay" will be his gift to believers when we authorize God to use our personal ?"chains" to advance his Gospel. Like Paul in jail, when we learn how to carry in our bodies ?"the death of Jesus," the life of Jesus will ?"also be manifested in our bodies" resulting in the transfer of grace and life to the wider body of Christ.
Philippians 1:1-1:11 | The joy of Paul towards the church, particularly in Philippians, can be somewhat puzzling. His dedication to the building of the church, his relentless encouragement of her, and his pursuit to drive out sin, seem radical in light of our current assumptions of Church. When we begin to understand the church as Paul did, his affections make a lot more sense.
Philippians 1:1-1:11 | The book of Philippians is a book full of joy and thanksgiving! Paul is rejoicing over the faith of the believers in this church and we are invited to do the same. To rejoice over what God has done in the lives of others, in what he continues to do and what he will be doing in the future, there is so much to rejoice over!
Philippians 1:12-1:18 | Under house arrest and his church hijacked by self-seeking preachers, yet the apostle Paul finds a reason to rejoice. Would you?
Philippians 1:1-1:11 | The opening of Paul's letter to the Philippian Church sets the stage for him to encourage the church, as well as challenge it to keep pressing forward. In this first message of the series, we learn, among other things, that spiritual maturity is impacted by spiritual activity.
Genesis 22:1-22:24 | This is the culmination of the story of Abraham and his journey of faith. God puts him to the test, not only to show what was in his heart but to reveal to us his plan of salvation. God provides for Abraham a substitute for Isaac and he gives to us Jesus as a substitute for us.
Philippians 1:1-1:11 | The joy of Paul towards the church, particularly in Philippians, can be somewhat puzzling. His dedication to the building of the church, his relentless encouragement of her, and his pursuit to drive out sin, seem radical in light of our current assumptions of Church. When we begin to understand the church as Paul did, his affections make a lot more sense.
Genesis 20:1-21:7 | Abraham struggles in his faith as he once again tries to pass Sarah off as his sister. Despite jeopardizing the covenant promise, God intervenes on Abraham's behalf and we witness the fulfillment of the long-awaited covenant promise in the birth of Isaac.
Genesis 20:1-21:7 | God time and time again steps in and intervenes on our behalf and reminds us that He is always faithful even when we are faithless.
Genesis 22:1-22:24 | The pinnacle of Abraham journey has him placing all that God has promised to accomplish on the altar in obedience. This amazing act gives us a window into the source and results of genuine, active faith; namely God himself.
Genesis 19:1-19:29 | The story of Sodom brings to the forefront a few big questions that seem rather counter-cultural. As the Angels investigate the sin of Sodom, we should become uncomfortable with their depravity and see ourselves in Lot who, knowing their sin, found it difficult to leave behind the comforts in it.
Genesis 19:1-19:29 | Genesis 19 records the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which leads to the question, how do we understand a God who is both loving and merciful as the same God who destroys these cities? It's a good question to take time to seriously consider as we look at this passage and see how God is at the same time bringing judgment and yet holding out mercy. It's the same tension that we feel when we approach the cross of Jesus.
Genesis 20:1-21:7 | God time and time again steps in and intervenes on our behalf and reminds us that He is always faithful even when we are faithless.
Genesis 19:1-19:29 | The story of Sodom brings to the forefront a few big questions that seems rather counter-cultural. As the Angels investigate the sin of Sodom, we should become uncomfortable with their depravity and see ourselves in Lot who, knowing their sin, found it difficult to leave behind the comforts in it.
Genesis 18:16-18:33 | God had made himself known to Abraham, treating him as a friend and revealing his plan and ways. But Abraham also struggled to under God's Righteous Plan. Abraham's story gives us glimpse of what it looks like to Know God, to be Known by God and to make him known to others.
Genesis 18:16-18:33 | God had made himself known to Abraham, treating him as a friend and revealing his plan and ways. But Abraham also struggled to under God's Righteous Plan. Abraham's story gives us glimpse of what it looks like to Know God, to be Known by God and to make him known to others.
Titus 3:1-3:8 | The church ought to be ready for good works both inside and outside the church. But far from a robotic duty, it is the outworking of what God has done for us in Jesus. Therefore, let us get ourselves ready to go wherever God calls us.
Genesis 18:1-18:15 | Do some of the promises of God seem almost too good to be true? For Abraham and Sarah the promise of getting a child was laughable. Yet, God is able to keep every single one of his promises to us, nothing is too difficult with God.
Genesis 18:1-18:15 | Sarah finds herself in an impossible circumstance and the result is doubting God and His promises. Instead of seeing God for who He is, she focuses on the practical realities of her circumstance. Often, we fall into the same trap of forgetting how awesome God is and trusting Him as we walk through the long dark valley ahead of us.
Genesis 18:16-18:33 | God had made himself known to Abraham, treating him as a friend and revealing his plan and ways. But Abraham also struggled to under God's Righteous Plan. Abraham's story gives us glimpse of what it looks like to Know God, to be Known by God and to make him known to others.
Genesis 17:1-17:27 | The sign of the covenant with Abraham is circumcision because the promise centres around descendants. In circumcision, the foreskin is cut off to save the whole person from being cut off in judgment. On the cross, Jesus was cut off and bore the judgment that we deserved. Abraham's deeply personal, even painful obedience serves as a model of faith for us.
Genesis 18:1-18:15 | Sarah finds herself in an impossible circumstance and the result is doubting God and His promises. Instead of seeing God for who He is, she focuses on the practical realities of her circumstance. Often, we fall into the same trap of forgetting how awesome God is and trusting Him as we walk through the long dark valley ahead of us.
Genesis 17:1-17:27 | What is the deal with circumcision in the Bible? Why does God tell Abraham to do this? While circumcision doesn't seem like the most relevant topic to our lives, God uses this covenant with Abraham to challenge our own obedience and to see how it is fulfilled in Jesus.
1 Peter 1:3-1:3 | Despite all of our innovation and advancement in industry, science, and technological, there are three universal problems that we are still unable to solve: Sin, Suffering, and Death. The good news of the Christian gospel is all three universal problems are solved at Easter in Jesus!
1 Peter 1:3-1:3 | Despite all of our innovation and advancement in industry, science, and technological, there are three universal problems that we are still unable to solve: Sin, Suffering, and Death. The good news of the Christian gospel is all three universal problems are solved at Easter in Jesus!
1 Peter 1:3-1:3 | In the brokenness, suffering and sin of our society, and in our individual lives, God's great mercy, amazing grace and living hope is such Good News!
Luke 19:41-19:44 | Jesus reveals the heart of God towards those who fail to recognize him. In light of the pending doom resulting from sin, Jesus embraces the cross in full payment for our sin. Doing so he reveals himself as the true King and Saviour.
Luke 19:41-19:44 | Aware of the rejection and cross that await Him, Jesus nonetheless weeps for Jerusalem. The judgement pronounced on those who reject Christ does not come from a vindictive God but through tears and via the cross.
Luke 19:28-19:40 | In preparation for Passover Jesus makes clear his messiahship and begins to inaugurate the kingdom of God. Jesus makes clear that his reign as king of kings is not of this world, but for the good of all who will believe and follow.
Luke 19:28-19:40 | Just as Jesus' disciples helped prepare the way for His greatest work to be accomplished - His atoning sacrifice for our sin upon the cross, there are things that we can do to prepare the way for people to hear about this Good News. How can we best prepare the way for King Jesus?
Luke 19:28-19:40 | The Triumphal Entry reveals Jesus first as the messiah, "The King of the Jews"; second, as God, the King of Creation; and Thirdly as King of our Hearts.
Genesis 16:1-16:16 | Does God always answer his promises? What happens when we have waited for a long time and still nothing seems to be happening? Sometimes God's plan involves a good deal of waiting but he is strengthening us throughout and promises that he is always with us.
Genesis 17:1-17:27 | The sign of the covenant with Abraham is circumcision because the promise centres around descendants. In circumcision, the foreskin is cut off to save the whole person from being cut off in judgment. On the cross, Jesus was cut off and bore the judgment that we deserved. Abraham's deeply personal, even painful obedience serves as a model of faith for us.
Genesis 16:1-16:16 | Faith is a dynamic experience that requires us to wait, trusting in the character of God, even when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands.
Genesis 16:1-16:16 | Faith is a dynamic experience that requires us to wait, trusting in the character of God, even when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands.
Genesis 15:1-15:21 | What do we look to when it seems as though the promises of God aren't coming true? How can we be certain of what he says? God meets Abram in his worries and gives him a confirmation that what he promised will come true, both for Abram and for us!
Genesis 15:1-15:21 | Genesis 15 is an incredible scene where God and Abram engage over Abram's fear and questions surrounding God's promises. Sounds a lot like my life. Maybe yours, too. God patiently answers Abram in a couple of beautiful visions. These visions also provide us with assurance for our faith, and encourage us to follow God, just as Abram did, however imperfectly.
Genesis 15:1-15:21 | Genesis 15 is an incredible scene where God and Abram engage over Abram's fear and questions surrounding God's promises. Sounds a lot like my life. Maybe yours, too. God patiently answers Abram in a couple of beautiful visions. These visions also provide us with assurance for our faith, and encourage us to follow God, just as Abram did, however imperfectly.
Genesis 14:1-14:24 | Kingship and priesthood are two offices that are unfamiliar in our culture. These roles played significant parts in the history of the Hebrew People and bring significant depth to our understanding of Jesus as King of Kings and High Priest. We find these ideas born in the story of Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:1-14:24 | Kingship and priesthood are two offices that are unfamiliar in our culture. These roles played significant parts in the history of the Hebrew People and bring significant depth to our understanding of Jesus as King of Kings and High Priest. We find these ideas born in the story of Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:1-14:24 | Kingship and priesthood are two offices that are unfamiliar in our culture. These roles played significant parts in the history of the Hebrew People and bring significant depth to our understanding of Jesus as King of Kings and High Priest. We find these ideas born in the story of Melchizedek.
Genesis 13:1-13:18 | Genesis 13 is a case study in priorities. Abraham's nephew Lot prioritized the riches he could see and his own self-interest while Abraham prioritized the Kingdom of God and generosity ? being rich toward God and others. Which priorities better exemplify your approach to life?
Genesis 13:1-13:18 | Genesis 13 is a case study in priorities. Abraham's nephew Lot prioritized the riches he could see and his own self-interest while Abraham prioritized the Kingdom of God and generosity ? being rich toward God and others. Which priorities better exemplify your approach to life
Genesis 12:10-12:20 | What happens when your faith hero's fail in their faith? God uses the failure of Abram in order to teach us about our own walk with God, and where our true hope of forgiveness comes from.
Genesis 13:1-13:8 | Genesis 13 is a case study in priorities. Abraham's nephew Lot prioritized the riches he could see and his own self-interest while Abraham prioritized the Kingdom of God and generosity ? being rich toward God and others. Which priorities better exemplify your approach to life?
Genesis 12:10-12:20 | On the heels of incredible faith in the promises of God, Abraham's fear and unbelief drove him from the land of promise when difficulty came. Unlike Abraham (and us!), Jesus never tripped up when trials came. If you've put your faith in Jesus, He not only saves you but empowers you to live a life of faith.
Genesis 12:10-12:20 | On the heels of incredible faith in the promises of God, Abraham's fear and unbelief drove him from the land of promise when difficulty came. Unlike Abraham (and us!), Jesus never tripped up when trials came. If you've put your faith in Jesus, He not only saves you but empowers you to live a life of faith.
Genesis 11:27-12:9 | What does a promise to a man who lived 4000 years ago have to do with us? For over half the world's population, the answer is everything! God calls Abram to leave his land and family and so God begins his plan for how the entire world would be redeemed in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 12:1-12:9 | Abraham stepped out in faith, left comfort and safety, and put his trust in God. And that's precisely the kind of faith that God continues to use to change and bless the world.
Genesis 12:1-12:9 | Abraham stepped out in faith, left comfort and safety, and put his trust in God. And that's precisely the kind of faith that God continues to use to change and bless the world.
Jeremiah 29:1-29:14 | How do we live faithfully as Christians and raise children in today's shifting cultural waves? The prophet Jeremiah's letter to the Exiles in Babylon gives our homes and churches hope, encouragement and wisdom to navigate our chaotic culture.
Psalms 112:1-112:10 | How we order the affairs of our life speaks to what we fear or do not fear. How we raise our kids, whether we let them walk to school by themselves, how we drive, where we hike, the activities we participate in can all indicate where our confidence lies. This is also true of our money. How we use, or misuse, our cash can indicate what, or who, we fear.
2 Corinthians 9:6-9:15 | Feel like participating in an awkward conversation? Just ask someone about their giving? What to take it to the next level? Tell them how they should approach their giving. Even though these are areas we typically do not tread into, Paul has no difficulty outlining to the Corinthian church how they ought to think about their money and how they should be giving it away. Although it is uncomfortable for us to talk about, we can learn some valuable lessons on how to approach the topic of giving by what Paul teaches.
2 Corinthians 8:1-8:15 | The grace we encounter in Jesus transforms our lives and approach to money. The gospel makes us generous.
1 Corinthians 15:1-15:58 | We conclude our series in 1 Corinthians with the final concern the Apostle Paul addresses with them: that some in the church were denying the resurrection of the dead. Chapter 15 is one extended argument for the resurrection: Jesus rose in the past, those who believe will rise in the future, we will inherit supernatural bodies, and our belief in the resurrection will affect how we live today.
1 Corinthians 14:26-14:40 | As Paul has been working through what spiritual gifts are and their purpose, he concludes this section with instructions on how they are to be used in the church. The church was supposed to have order, so that people could all learn and be encouraged, but also so that the character of God could be seen. Yet, none of this was ever to be done outside of the command to love one another.
1 Corinthians 14:1-14:19 | Tongues and prophecy tend to force people into extreme positions due to bad experiences or ignorance on the subject all together. There is an inherent trepidation in misunderstanding complex topics and valid skepticism in the misapplication of miraculous gifting. Culturally, we are prone to materialism and so the supernatural can be treated as irrelevant and, ultimately weird. However, this is completely foreign to Paul, who would live a life expecting the supernatural to regularly occur. So, instead of silencing the Corinthians in their Spiritual giftedness, he simply aim to realign their priorities.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13:13 | Love is foundational for the use of our gifts in the church. Without love, spiritual gifts are meaningless, and while the gifts are temporary, love is eternal.
1 Timothy 1:15-1:17 | God saved me. And if He can do that in my life, He can do it in yours! Christmas proves to us that Jesus went to great lengths so that you could come to Him. He came from heaven 2000 years ago so you could come to Him today.
Galatians 4:4-4:7 | The message of the Christmas story can be drown out by competing traditions. The current cultural Santa story connects good actions with good results; be good get gifts. The biblical story tells a different narrative; we are unable to accomplish the good we need to and need a Savior to step in and accomplish what we cannot.
Isaiah 8:22-9:7 | When Mary held her baby boy that first Christmas, she was holding the One who came to heal our broken world, break oppression and bring peace. She held the One who came to pierce the darkness with life-saving light and to turn gloom and despair into unending joy.
1 Corinthians 12:12-12:27 | Paul's use of the image of the church as the body of Christ has a number of implications that help us understand spiritual gifts rightly and compel us towards utilizing them for the building up of the church.
1 Corinthians 12:1-12:11 | Any talk about spiritual gifts elicits significant conversation in Christian circles. The majority of time will be spent considering the manifestation of the spectacular gifts. Our time will be spent ridiculing or recounting tales of tongues, healing, prophecy that impacted our current view of spiritual gifts in the 21st century. Yet, if we carefully read our passage we discover that we miss the whole point when we engage with the gifting of the spirit in this manner.
1 Corinthians 11:17-11:34 | How we eat says a lot about who we are and the company we keep. Just as there are certain cultural etiquette expectations when dining out, so too God says that there is a ?"right way" and a "wrong way" to come to His table. This message takes a closer look at the expectations that Scripture lays out for participating in The Lord's Supper, also known as communion ... because how we eat says a lot about who we are, who God is, and the company we keep.
1 Corinthians 11:2-11:16 | A passage of Scripture about head coverings ? what could that possibly mean for us today? The temptation is either to interpret it as meaning nothing for us today or to interpret it as meaning precisely the same thing now as it did then. More thoughtfully, it calls us to set aside the ancient cultural form head coverings conveyed at the time while honouring the timeless principle of God-instituted authority, submission, and distinctions among men and women in the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 8:1-8:13 | Worship is a key aspect to faith. This should be obvious. What also is usually obvious is who that worship is directed at. Unfortunately, when a Christian exercises their rights in freedom, they can sometimes unknowingly point someone in a direction other than God. In other words, sometimes exercising a right can be wrong.
1 Corinthians 7:32-7:40 | The church has often had a poor (if not wrong) view of singleness ? to the detriment of the singles in our midst. This passage of Scripture serves as a corrective to help us not make too much of marriage and too little of singleness.
1 Corinthians 7:17-7:24 | Rather than changing your circumstances in search of identity and satisfaction, find your identity and satisfaction in Jesus and live for Him in the midst the circumstances He has already placed you in.
1 Corinthians 7:10-7:16 | Divorce is a difficult reality in our world today. We would like to think of it as a problem in the wider culture, but the reality remains its prevalence is equal in the church. Since the biblical witness is incredibly consistent and clear on how the church ought to understand divorce, the issue of maintaining healthy relationships must fall to a different problem, namely, our understanding of biblical marriage. It is only when we understand this foundation that the directives Paul gives to the Corinthian church becomes palatable.
1 Corinthians 7:1-7:5 | Sexual temptation surrounds us. The Apostle Paul gets highly practical by calling husbands and wives to self-giving service of one another, to foster and maintain an intimate, frequent sex life as a safeguard against sexual temptation.
1 Corinthians 6:1-6:8 | Civil lawsuits were prevalent in 1st century Corinth (something we wouldn't know anything about!) and unfortunately that was the case even among some of it's church members. They were taking each other to court. The Apostle Paul urges the church to arbitrate it's disputes among them in a wise and God-honouring way, but even more than that, accept personal monetary setbacks rather than wrong and defraud a fellow believer. Our identity in Christ is meant to invade every facet of our lives.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5:13 | How does a large community love one another in situations where someone has done something terrible? How can they remain united? Can asking someone to leave be a loving option? Although writing to a church in the 1st century, Paul gets at deep truths that can help a church in the 21st century maintain unity through accountability.
1 Corinthians 1:10-1:17 | A divided church makes the gospel look untrue but a church unified in Jesus is a living display of the redeeming, reconciling, and restoring power of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:1-1:9 | The city of Corinth was very similar to the west today. And it's church was a mess. The Apostle Paul would address the myriad of issues going on in the Corinthian church throughout the letter. But, amazingly, he doesn't start by addressing their deficiencies but rather with an awareness of God's divine perspective of them. Is your perspective of Central informed by its deficiencies or by a divine perspective?
Luke 10:1-10:20 | Just as Jesus sent out the 72 to proclaim the Kingdom of God, so He sends you. We, like those first disciples, are sent ones. But thankfully, by His grace, He does not send us alone. He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit and with the invitation to pray to our Sovereign Lord for what is needed for the mission.
Psalms 84:1-84:12 | The writer of this Psalm says that he is longing with everything he has to be with the Lord. But what do we do when we find that our own longing is starting to die down? Psalm 84 encourages us to build that fire up as we take some time to consider the vast beauty and richness of the blessings of God.
Psalms 16:1-16:11 | Do you ever wonder what life's supposed to be all about? Do you feel as though you're on the right path? That you? are living life the way it's meant to be lived? In psalm 16, David recounts how God has not only rescued him from physical death, but shown him real life; God has shown David that He makes life matter.
Psalms 90:1-90:17 | If you're looking for a little perspective on life, Psalm 90 will help you do just that. This psalm shows us that the only way to gain a proper perspective on our lives is to view them in light of who God is. Only then will our lives begin to make sense, and only then can we make an appropriate response.
Exodus 20:17-20:17 | The 10th Commandment can be referred to as the heart commandment because it says explicitly what the others say implicitly. It is concerned primarily not with what you do but with what you want to do. Covetousness is so subtle and yet so pervasive that one cannot love God and neighbour rightly and have a covetous heart at the same time.
Exodus 20:16-20:16 | While we often think of ourselves as generally truthful people, we are more often just trying to excuse our lies than actually speak the truth. The ninth commandment calls us to not only speak the truth, but to love the truth as we imitate the example of God himself. Not only that, but the gospel calls us to give up deception as we confess our sins and then proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:15-20:15 | Ever taken something that doesn't belong to you? Cashed in on a sick day when you weren't sick? Not claimed the full amount of your income on an invoice or your taxes? Taken some office supplies home? Gotten paid to work but spent most of the time on social media? All of these break the 8th Commandment that tells us, Do not steal. But the gospel transforms us into radically generous people who steward everything that God has entrusted to us.
Exodus 20:14-20:14 | The clearest contrast of Christians in culture may be that of the unusually purity that they keep. That contrast only exists, of course, if the Christian sexual ethic remains cherished, valued, and honoured. The 7th Commandment doesn't simply oppose adultery but affirms the purity of Christ transforming our lives.
Exodus 20:13-20:13 | Humankind is the pinnacle of creation, made in the image of God, and unique in dignity, value, and worth. To break the 6th Commandment not to murder is to harm someone you're supposed to love as a fellow image-bearer. To keep the command is to allow Jesus to heal our angry, murderous hearts, and draw us into reconciliation with God and to initiate it with others.
Exodus 20:12-20:12 | The fifth commandment to honor our parents applies to all children of all ages and is a reflection of the honor we give God as our father. However, the way that biblical honor is expressed will vary as we mature according to our parents' needs.
Exodus 20:8-20:11 | Biblical rest is meant to drive us to reflect on the greatness of God and His mercy towards us.
Exodus 20:7-20:7 | When we hear that we should not take the Lord's name in vain (3rd Commandment), we typically think of blasphemous language. And that's right. But it's also about so much more. Our words reflect our hearts after all.
Exodus 20:4-20:6 | While the 1st Commandment has to do with worshiping the right God, the 2nd Commandment has to do with worshiping the right God in the right way.
Exodus 20:1-20:3 | As we introduce this sermon series on the 10 Commandments, we begin to look at the relationship between the law and the gospel and unpack the first commandment: ?"You shall have no other gods before me".
Psalms 117:1-117:2 | The plan of God has had a global vision from its inception with Abraham. God's purpose is to draw people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself through his people. The churches vision, as the people of God, cannot have a lesser vision.
John 21:15-21:25 | Just because something is unpleasant doesn't necessarily mean it's not good. As we conclude the Gospel of John we learn much from the way in which Peter is restored and commissioned. Discipline and suffering are the tools of mercy Jesus uses.
John 21:15-21:17 | What does it mean when Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep? Who are the sheep? What is the food? And what are the qualifications of a shepherd? The answers to these questions remain critical for the church today.
John 21:1-21:14 | In the midst of Peter's failure and our own failure, Jesus reveals himself to his followers and calls us to come back to him, offerings forgiveness and restoration and renewed fellowship.
John 20:30-20:31 | What John has done throughout his gospel is shine the clearest light possible on who Jesus is and hold out salvation through faith in Christ for everyone who would believe.
John 20:24-20:29 | When Thomas has a genuine encounter with the resurrected Jesus his doubt and unbelief give way to joy and faith. When in doubt, what we need more than anything is to encounter Jesus and to be grounded in the hope of gospel.
John 20:19-20:23 | Having experienced the death of their leader and fearing the probable wrath of the Jewish leaders the disciples find themselves scared and locked in a room. The miraculous appearance of Jesus brought them a great deal of Peace, as it validated the teachings of Jesus and their faith in Him, yet it set their lives on a path of continued trust and reliance on Him, His teaching, and His ultimate purposes. Bolstered by the empowerment of the Spirit they were able to accomplish all that Jesus has set out for them to accomplish.
John 20:1-20:18 | What difference does it make that the tomb was empty and that Jesus rose? We're told in 1 Corinthians, if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins (15:17). So, it would appear that the resurrection is the very centre of the Christian faith. If Jesus rose it changes everything!
John 19:17-19:27 | "Let's connect" is a common buzzword of our day. Human hearts long to be connected? to each other? and to God. So we look for endless ways and methods to do that - all of which, over time, change or disappear. But one point of connection never does: The Cross of Jesus Christ. It connects us to God, and to each other, at not only the deepest levels, but at levels that every human heart on the face of the planet can identify with ... prompting the Apostle Paul to write: ?"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" At the cross of Christ, God says to each one of us: ?"Let's connect."
John 18:38-19:16 | Unwittingly, through the political wrangling, Pilate unveils Jesus' true identity as King! Jesus is secure in the ultimate authority found in God and does nothing to influence or change the course of the discourse even though he is abused, mocked, shamed, and beaten. In the end, the Jews reject Jesus as King! In doing so, they not only reject Jesus, but God himself.
John 18:28-18:38 | On the verge of His death, Jesus told Pilate the purpose of His birth: to bear witness to the truth. Jesus left heaven, took on flesh and blood, was despised and rejected, died a horrific death, rose again... to testify to the truth. In the midst of our relativistic society, Jesus invites us to embrace Truth.
John 18:15-18:27 | Peter, the disciple of Jesus, boldly told Jesus that he would never deny him but would die for Him. A few short hours later, Peter had denied Jesus three times. What caused Peter to fail so miserably? What should we do when we fail? And, most importantly, what did Jesus do in response to Peter's failures? The answer to that last question will help us a great deal in realizing what Jesus does in response to ours.
John 18:13-18:24 | The High Priest thought it expedient that one man die for the people. So did God. God took the life of His Son so that He wouldn't have to take yours.
John 18:1-18:12 | John 18 marks a transition in the gospel of John from primarily focused on Jesus' teaching to the events leading to his death and resurrection. Jesus has prepared his disciples for what is going to happen and he now he steps out in obedience to the plan of God. The example that Jesus sets before us as he intentionally follows God's plan is both a challenge to imitate and a reason to celebrate.
John 17:20-17:26 | Jesus concludes His prayer by praying for those who will believe ? that's every believer for all time ? that's us! And He prays that the union with Christ that every believer experiences would lead to the unity of believers in the gospel and the mission.
John 17:17-17:19 | Jesus prays that God sanctify His people in the Word and sanctify them for a purpose: to carry on Christ's mission in the world. To be a Christian is to be saved, sanctified, and sent into the world proclaiming the gospel in word and deed.
John 17:11-17:16 | Jesus' prayer for His close followers is that, while in, but not of, the world, they would be protected and provided for in the midst of opposition - even hatred and persecution. The Bible makes it clear that this world is not our home, and yet we are called to be salt and light in it. How, after being called by Jesus and coming to know Him, do we continue to live for Him in a gracious, yet bold, way - honourably giving glory to God with out lives, resulting in great unity and joy? This is what is addressed in this sermon's Scripture passage: John 17:11-16.
John 17:6-17:10 | Jesus prays specifically for his disciples and thanks God for giving these followers to Him. This section of the prayer highlights the gospel message that Jesus came to give.
John 17:1-17:5 | God purposes to glorify himself by granting us knowledge of Him through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Without his saving work God would remain transcendent and unknown; too holy for use and to approach without certain death.
Luke 7:36-7:50 | In our chaotic world, many are searching for peace within. But can we find peace within by looking within? Many would say ?"yes". But the Christmas story tells us different. We need a Prince of Peace to bring us peace to our souls by restoring our sin and brokenness.
Luke 15:11-15:32 | Jesus came into the world to usher in God's Kingdom and make a way for us to have peace with God. Our sin has made us hostile towards God but the life, death and resurrection of Jesus has makes a way for us to have peace with God.
Daniel 6:1-6:28 | Sometimes we may find ourselves in a pit of despair with the deck stacked against us. God loves and even orchestrates those scenarios for us so he can show his power in our lives.
Daniel 5:1-5:30 | God's sovereignty is both a threat and a comfort. His control over all things threatens our desire to be the centre of all things and places us directly in the path of his righteous wrath. Yet, his sovereignty also provides great comfort because He is a God bent on gathering a people to himself.
Daniel 4:1-4:37 | King Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man in the world and one of the most powerful ever. And in an instant, God humbled him. Why? Sheer grace.
Daniel 3:1-3:30 | God is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace but in His sovereignty He often decides to deliver us through the fire.
Daniel 2:1-2:49 | The sovereignty of God is one of the big themes in our Bibles and it is given so that we might not loose hope in a world that is plagued by sin. While sin operates in this world, God has not lost control. He brings nations up and he takes them down, and through all of it he is working out his good purposes.
Daniel 1:1-1:21 | Where is God in trying circumstances? He is in the midst of them. How are we called to live in the midst of trying circumstances? As faithful, compelling followers of Jesus.
Acts 1:8-1:8 | Our God is a missionary God always pursuing His lost children and His broken creation. As His people, the church, we too are on this mission. Corporately and individually we are all SENT into the world, right outside our front door and across the globe, to bring good news and God's love.
Ephesians 4:11-4:13 | The pastor is the one who does ministry, right? I mean, isn't that what we pay him for? Well, not according to Scripture.
1 Corinthians 12:4-12:11 | Apart from Him we can do nothing but when we are empowered by the Spirit it is for the good of the church, the world, and it makes much of Jesus.
Acts 2:42-2:47 | Jesus did not intend for His followers to travel solo, but to walk with one another as they look to Him. When believers in Jesus gather in community, we help one another form new habits and rhythms of life that keep us learning from Jesus, sharing with one another and witnessing to the world.
2 Timothy 4:1-4:5 | Being rooted in the Bible is one of the most foundational aspects of our church. We believe in the inspiration of Scripture, that is, the very words that God wanted us to know have been recorded for us today. Ultimately, the Scriptures point us to the true Word of God, Jesus Christ. He is the grand subject of the entire Bible and he is the One that we proclaim in our preaching.
1 Corinthians 1:18-1:25 | When we say that one of our values (and we put it first on the list intentionally) is to be centred on the gospel what we mean by that is the Good News of Jesus Christ ? His finished work on the cross of atoning for our sin and offering us the free gift of grace ? informs absolutely everything else in our lives and world.
Matthew 4:18-4:22 | Central's mission is Jesus Christ's mission. It has to be. We ? as His followers ? have to be about what Jesus is about. And He calls every one of His followers to be disciple-making disciples of Jesus.
Matthew 6:13-6:13 | Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for deliverance from evil because we rescue ourselves. His prayer reminds us that sin is far more damaging than we normally think, but also that God's grace is far greater than we can imagine. Once we understand his grace, we need to remind ourselves day by day of what he has accomplished for us.
Matthew 6:13-6:13 | The 6th petition in the Lord's Prayer is ?"Lead us not into Temptation". Jesus reminds those who follow him too their spiritual weakness and proneness to sin. This prayer is a call to become alert and watchful in our prayers to guard us from temptation. As we pray this, we seek our Heavenly Father for spiritual protection from the enemy of our souls.
Matthew 6:12-6:12 | The command to forgive others goes to the very heart of the Gospel because our own forgiveness depends on it. Embracing this most difficult part of the Lord's prayer is the key to true peace with God and others, making it also one of the most rewarding & freeing things one can do. This message explores one of the most profound teachings regarding forgiveness, and gives practical application to the principles found there.
Matthew 6:12-6:12 | The great truth that is spoken by Jesus in this short verse is that God is approachable and will respond mercifully towards each one of us. As we come before God, humbly imploring him to forgive us, it does not matter what we have done or how big our debt is... God is wiling to blot out our transgressions. He is wiling to pay the price for the debt that each one of us owes, in essence, erasing our debt from the ledger.
Matthew 6:11-6:11 | To pray ?"give us this day our daily bread" is to recognize that God actually cares about the minute details of our lives, is the One whom we depend upon for everything, and that we are to pray for enough.
Matthew 6:10-6:10 | We pray for God's will to be done, but do we know what that means? God's will is that his glory would radiate out from this world because of what Jesus Christ has done. We as Christians have the awesome privilege of joining in with that work, so that God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10-6:10 | To pray ?"Your Kingdom come" is to pray ?"my kingdom go", ?"Make your Kingdom visible in the world through the Church", and ?"Come, Lord Jesus!".
Matthew 6:9-6:9 | That Jesus invites and enables us to call God, "Father" reveals His goodness and grace. That He is our "Father in Heaven" reveals His greatness and glory.
Mark 2:23-2:28 | This passage takes a closer look at Sabbath rest - an often misunderstood and lacking habit in our spiritual routines. But if we are to truly have relationship with Jesus, we must understand and engage Sabbath rest because Jesus declared himself the lord of it.
Matthew 11:28-11:30 | Jesus makes two phenomenal invitations to tired people in this text. The first is to come and trust Him for salvation and the second is to take up the way of Jesus by being yoked to Him.
Colossians 3:22-3:24 | Applying our Christian faith to all of life is a crucial part of our discipleship to Jesus. And since we spend so much of our time at our jobs, connecting our faith to our work is critically important. The Bible tells us that whatever it is we do, we should work hard at it for Jesus and for His glory.
Genesis 1:26-1:28 | The biblical creation account stands in contrast to the rest. It begins with God working ? hands in the dust and dirt ? fashioning humanity and the whole world. God works, made us in His image to work, and sent Jesus to do the greatest work of all so that our ruling here and now would be training for reigning in the age to come.
John 16:25-16:33 | How do you get through the pains and struggles of this world and sin? You have to look to the love of the father, the peace of the son and the hope of the cross! When we do, we will never lose heart in the power of the gospel and how it impacts our lives.
John 16:16-16:24 | The Bible urges us to live a joy-filled life. It calls us to some serious joy. But how is that possible with such reason for sorrow surrounding us? What does Jesus mean when He says that our sorrow will turn to joy and how do we ensure that we experience it?
John 16:1-16:15 | What could be better than having Jesus on earth right now? Jesus tells us that having the Holy Spirit is better! The Holy Spirit is given to the church in order to bring us through suffering, help us in evangelism and lead us into the truth.
John 15:18-15:27 | Though followers of Jesus will experience opposition in the world, Jesus has promised that the Holy Spirit? the Spirit of Truth? will bear witness along with us. But, contrary to how we often view it, we are secondary participants in the primary work of witnessing that the Holy Spirit is already doing. That is a freeing and empowering truth!
John 15:9-15:17 | The primary evidence that Christ is in us, and that we are in Christ, and the first fruit that He wants us to grow, is love. As God the Father loved His Son, Jesus, so Jesus loves His disciples - which becomes the foundation for our love for one another. First & foremost, God wants us to love Him, and then to love others.
John 15:1-15:8 | The Christian life apart from Jesus is no life at all. In the last of the great 'I am' sayings found in John's Gospel, ?"I am the true Vine," Jesus spells out for his disciples three significant principles for a fruitful life: Union with Jesus is the basis for fruitfulness, the Father is continually pruning believers with the goal of making them more fruitful, the call of the disciple is to hold fast to the Vine.
John 14:4-14:31 | This Easter we dwell on what Jesus did for us in salvation, does in us in sanctification, and does through us in sending us to astonishingly do even greater works than Jesus as His Church in the world.
Luke 23:34-23:46 | As Jesus hung on the cross He uttered seven statements that are absolutely live-changing for us.
John 13:36-14:3 | Deep within the hearts of every human, there is a longing for 'home'. There is a constant restlessness when the heart does not feel at home. Jesus makes it clear that our home, where we belong, is with him.
John 13:18-13:35 | Jesus said that the distinguishing mark of His disciples would be their Christ-like love for one another. Where Christians love each other as Christ loves us, the gospel is displayed and confirmed to the watching world.
John 13:1-13:17 | Jesus took the posture of a servant by washing His disciples' feet. This revolutionary act reveals why He came and what He sends His disciples to do.
John 12:20-12:50 | The Good News of Jesus is that those who confess Him as their King and believe in His finished work on the cross are forgiven of their sin and set free from condemnation and shame. This Gospel is such Good News that it demands that we live for God's glory and service as Jesus did. Have you been saved by God's grace? Are you living for God's glory? And are you a fully devoted follower of Jesus, in service for The King?
John 12:9-12:19 | The way of Jesus poses such a threat to our preferred way of life that many are not willing to surrender their lives to Christ. While the faith of others is not a faith in God as He reveals Himself in Scripture but in the god of their own imaginations. Finally, those who surrender their lives to Jesus will experience the gospel so profoundly that they cannot keep from making Him known.
John 12:1-12:8 | A stark contrast exists between a woman named Mary and a man named Judas. Mary's response to Jesus is one of extravagant worship. Whereas Judas finds such a response to be unreasonable. We explore why such a contrast exists and what Christian worship truly is.
John 11:45-11:57 | Jesus's miracles causes division. Some of the Jews believe, but the leaders do not and plot to kill him. Little do they know that in working against Jesus they are accomplishing God's plan. We can always trust that God's good plan prevails.
John 11:1-11:44 | Jesus did what no one saw coming and what no one else can do: He brought a dead man back to life! And that's good news for you and me. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, which means He dealt with sin and death so that we can be forgiven and receive eternal life.
John 10:31-10:42 | What did Jesus believe about the Bible? The answer to that question is foundational for followers of Jesus. This text is one of the clearest and strongest claims by Jesus regarding the authority and inerrancy of Scripture.
John 10:19-10:30 | What is recorded in Scripture (and in the Gospel of John itself) is sufficient for faith in the Son of God for salvation. Those who hear His voice and follow Him are His sheep and nothing can snatch them from His hand.
John 10:1-10:18 | The Greek word used to describe Jesus as the Good Shepherd is a word perhaps better translated 'beautiful'. So what makes Jesus such a beautiful shepherd? As our text describes, it's many things! He knows, calls by name, and leads His sheep out of lesser allegiances and into His fold, the Church. He is the salvation, protection, and provision for His sheep. And He loves them so much that He laid His life down for their good.
John 9:13-9:41 | How can you know that you truly belong to Jesus? How can you tell if you belong to the light or the darkness? Do you have eyes for Jesus or are you blind to him? In the second half of John 9, we see a contrast between those who are spiritually blind and those who have their spiritual eyes open.
John 9:1-9:12 | The account of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth in John chapter 9 is not so much about the physical healing of one person as it is the spiritual healing of any person. Today's sermon points to the work of God that He alone is able to accomplish in any person living in darkness.
Matthew 28:16-28:16 | In order to start the new year off right, we need to refocus on the mission before us. Our charge is to make disciples and help people to follow Jesus the way he has set out. It was Jesus' last words, his marching orders to us while he was on earth. So why then do we struggle so much? Why do we shrink back and become numb to Gods will for our life? What we need is a new heart to love what Jesus loves. We need a new heart so that our obedience to Jesus is not just mechanical but full of love for him and those around us.
Luke 1:26-1:47 | Christian faith requires the commitment of your whole life but to go from uncommitted to fully committed to Jesus is a process. Perhaps you'll see yourself in the responses of Mary to the miracle of Christmas and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
2 Samuel 11:1-12:31 | Matthew's genealogy tells us that David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah. This reminds us of the story of David and Bathsheba. David was the greatest king Israel had and he was an adulterous murderer. We need a Saviour greater than David and God provided the King we need by sending His Son Jesus.
Ruth 1:1-4:22 | The story of Ruth (one of the five women named by Matthew in the genealogy of Jesus) is one of the most beautiful ?"rags to riches" stories ever told. It is a story of the redemption and rescue of an unlikely person, in the midst of dooming circumstances, and at great cost to the redeemer. And it all points to Jesus, our Great Redeemer, who is able to rescue us, under any circumstance, in any culture, and at great cost to Himself.
Joshua 2:1-2:24 | Rahab is the second woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Her story is one of faith in the God who brings outsiders into the redemption found in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 38:1-38:30 | Tamar is the first woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. The story of Tamar and Judah (Genesis 38; Matthew 1:3) is one of redemption for those who have been unjust and have experienced injustice.
Romans 1:26-1:27 | There are few issues in our day that are more polarizing than homosexuality. On the whole Christianity is perceived as a faith that hates gay people, which just isn't true. That said, many church-goers and churches have behaved badly. They have been unwelcoming, rude, judgemental, and even hateful. Christians need to know how to hold the Truths of Scripture faithfully and not capitulate to the culture on the one hand, and uphold our call to be salt and light, filled with love for our neighbour? straight and gay alike? on the other. If we cannot learn how to live Christianly around this (a compelling and credible witness), we will have no platform, no voice, and no right to share how our identity in Christ supersedes and transcends everything else about us, including sexual identity.
Matthew 5:31-5:32 | Marriage, being an integral aspect of God's ongoing plan of redemption, is under attack as never before, making divorce a prevalent, painful reality. But broken marriages can be redeemed, and relationships can once again flourish as biblical standards are upheld and grace, compassion and forgiveness are extended.
Luke 5:1-5:11 | The Biblical narrative is a picture of failure, discouragement, and despair. The empty nets are the sign of failure... When we have come to the end of our rope and we have convincing cases for dropping out, giving up, and our hands are blistered from pulling up empty nets, Jesus is saying, at my word and in my power move from your problems to my possibilities.
1 Corinthians 7:7-7:9 | While Christian marriage puts the gospel on display, Christian singleness reveals the sufficiency of the gospel.
1 Timothy 2:8-3:7 | Men and women are created equal by God, together are image-bearers of God, and are complementary to one another in our varying and mutually beneficial roles in (the home and) the church.
Ephesians 5:22-5:33 | The ultimate purpose and perfect model for human marriage is the relationship between Christ and the Church: The Church's submission to Christ is the model for a wife's submission to her husband.
Ephesians 5:22-5:33 | The ultimate purpose and perfect model for human marriage is the relationship between Christ and the Church. And the husband bears the primary responsibility for Christlike servant leadership, protection, and provision in the home, leading to the flourishing of the family.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-2:12 | How has God designed fathers and mothers uniquely? The gospel offers good news for each and every father and mother. Through the death of Jesus on the cross, family dysfunction and sin can be overcome. Fathers can be redeemed to reflect God the Father's leadership and character. Mothers can be forgiven and restored to reflect the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
Ephesians 5:31-5:32 | The gospel explains our marriages and our marriages explain the gospel. God always intended it that way from the very beginning, long before the saving work of Jesus Christ had taken place. Marriage, therefore, is not a commitment to break or a make-up to alter, but a covenant designed by God to put the gospel on display. This is the meaning of marriage.
Genesis 1:26-1:28 | God made male and female in His image, meaning men and women are equal in dignity and value. In creating male and female, God made them the same in essence (equal) and different in function (unique). And the fall (Genesis 3) has frustrated the roles of the sexes ever since, causing pain, abuse, confusion, and disorder to the order that God made. God's Word alone helps us wade through the chaos in order to rediscover the way in which we have been designed to flourish.
Titus 1:1-3:15 | Kick-Off Sunday: When a few critical traits exist, the church thrives.
Matthew 28:18-28:20 | Cheryl Schulz shared about missionary life in Burundi and Tyler Schulz preached, "Living on Mission" on Missions Sunday at our Chilliwack Campus.
Exodus 15:1-15:27 | Just like the Israelites our experience of Salvation brings instant joy and praise along with the promise of Heaven, but our journey to the promised land is also like the Israelites in that it is a long journey through the Wilderness. This journey is meant to teach us that God is faithful to His promise and more powerful than any enemy we will face in this life.
Exodus 13:17-14:31 | Leadership is influence. In this passage we see how God led His people out of Egypt. God's (and Moses') method and style of leadership was not what the people wanted, but it was exactly what was needed. From this passage we can learn more on what it means to lead - God's way.
Exodus 12:33-13:16 | Throughout the story of Exodus, God is reminding his people that their freedom wasn't a result of anything other than God. How do we remember what God has done for us?
Exodus 11:1-12:32 | Throughout the Exodus narrative, God was preparing the way for the Israelites' freedom from slavery. They had a choice to trust God and follow his plan... or not, and face judgement through the tenth plague. Someday we will all stand before God and account for our lives. Jesus prepared a way for us to have freedom...Today we also have a CHOICE!
Exodus 8:20-10:29 | Who hardened Pharaoh's heart? God or Pharaoh? Yes. Both. Which leads us into a study of the Sovereignty of God.
Exodus 7:1-8:19 | At first glance, it seems like the plagues God inflicts on Egypt are unnecessary and heavy-handed. But in them God is dealing a crushing blow to the false gods of Egypt. Later, God would deal another crushing blow at the cross and resurrection of Christ. Not only were the magicians staffs "swallowed up" by Aaron's staff and Pharaoh's army "swallowed up" in the Red Sea, but death was "swallowed up" in victory.
Exodus 5:1-6:30 | Why do we suffer as Christians? If we are saved from sin, doesn't that mean we should be saved from suffering? In Exodus chapters 5 & 6, Moses acted on behalf of Israel and did what God told him to do. As a result, they suffered. The big picture shows that God has a purpose and plan in our suffering. The purpose is his praise and the plan involves our good.
Exodus 4:1-4:31 | God has an answer (and solution!) to every excuse that we can come up with that we think will excuse us from doing His will. Moses continued to make excuses as to why he was not qualified to do what God had asked him to do. But God wouldn't ?"let him off the hook". Rather, God provided all that Moses needed to carry out His purposes, for His glory and our good, despite the ?"hand, mouth and foot disease" that Moses was plagued with. And when Moses finally obeyed God, the people believed, and God's wonderful plan of redemption and deliverance continued to unfold.
Exodus 3:11-3:22 | Moses asks God, "Who am I?" and "Who are you?" and God responds by saying, "I will be with you" and "I Am." God is God. And He is enough.
Exodus 3:1-3:10 | Like Exodus 3, God continues to see and hear the cries of His people in affliction, stoops to save, and continues to intervene by declaring to the Church what He declared to Moses: ?"I will send you".
Exodus 2:11-2:25 | The far-reaching effects of sin affects each one of us. Sometimes we are the victim; sometimes we are the perpetrator. No one is immune. But, in the midst of it all, the depths of God's grace meets us, and we experience His provision, preparation & promise - just as Moses experienced as a result of an ugly situation a long time ago. His story becomes our story - the beautiful story of the depths of God's grace in the midst of the depths of our darkest sin.
Exodus 1:1-2:10 | As we begin our series in the first fifteen chapters of Exodus we find God's covenant people afflicted with burdens and in bondage to a cruel taskmaster. God blesses them in the midst of affliction, uses unlikely heroes for His purposes, and provides a saviour to rescue them. And He has done the same for us.
John 8:48-8:59 | Jesus wasn't just a good man or a great man. He wasn't just a prophet or a super-prophet. The Jesus revealed in the Gospel of John is the Jesus who declares, ?"I AM" ? nothing short of God.
1 Peter 2:9-2:12 | How often do you miss out on the amazing truth of who you are, in the light of who Jesus is and what he did on the cross for you? Many people are living with an identity crisis ... they don't know who they are in Jesus. As we walk through life together it is important to remember that our true identity doesn't stem from our sin, our accomplishments, or our failures, but rather that it comes from God's unfailing love through Jesus.
John 8:31-8:47 | Jesus declares that true disciples abide in his word. And it is by abiding in his word that true disciples are filled with the gospel, freed by the gospel, and fuelled for fruitful gospel-living.
John 8:12-8:30 | Jesus doesn't describe Himself as a light to the world among many, but the light of the world. To reject Jesus is to die in our sins and be cast into outer darkness. To believe in Jesus is to receive true sight and life.
John 7:32-7:52 | Water is critical to human survival - physically and spiritually. Jesus' invitation to drink of Him to satisfy our spiritual thirst must be responded to in order to have ?"streams of living water" flow from within us. These ?"streams" - the work and ministry of The Holy Spirit, are essential to spiritual life and vitality. This message explores three streams of God's work in our lives by His Spirit - streams that are essential for our salvation, sanctification and for the supernatural power of God to be evident in our lives.
John 7:14-7:31 | We live in the age of the selfie. Our natural bent is toward self-glorification. But we are compelled by Jesus and His Word to deflect and direct all glory to God.
John 7:1-7:13 | If you have loved ones who don't believe in Jesus you know what it's like to both care deeply for their souls and experience the rejection that comes because of your faith. Take heart, Jesus has been there too. And by looking at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are shown how we are to live for Him and lead others to follow Him.
John 6:52-6:71 | The crowd that had been following Jesus were getting progressively more disturbed by what He was saying, culminating in many of them turning away when Jesus declared, ?"unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." What do you do with the hard sayings of Jesus? And could it be that His words and actions are far more wonderful than you could ever imagine?
John 6:35-6:51 | Jesus made a very bold statement. He said that He Himself is what we need to satisfy our deepest longings and be at peace. The problem is that we choose not to believe Jesus' words and attempt to fill the void with other things. Riches and comfort mask our true depravity. If we were to understand the Truth, we would see that we are starving to the point of death and require a miracle. The miracle is that God would enter into to our chaos and give himself as the remedy to our condition.
Isaiah 58:1-58:14 | Compassion Sunday 2016. We focused on the biblical reality that pure worship (worship that honours God) includes caring for others, especially the vulnerable such as the foreigner, widow and orphan.
1 Peter 2:24-2:25 | Easter Sunday 2016. Because Jesus died on a cross and rose again our lives can be absolutely transformed. Our guilt lifted, liberated from the enslaving power of sin, the ability to live new lives, and cause for celebration in a God who has proven that He is trustworthy. The Good News of the cross and resurrection changes everything!
Matthew 21:1-21:11 | The Passion week begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey to wild fanfare. Why a donkey? And how did the crowd's cries of ?"Hosanna!" on Sunday turn to chants of ?"Crucify him!" by Friday?
John 6:22-6:34 | Jesus has been working miracles and teaching with power, and the crowds are loving it. He can heal people! He can make bread and fish come from nowhere! But is that all that Jesus is offering? Is Jesus only offering satisfaction for physical needs, or is he offering something much greater?
John 6:16-6:21 | Being a disciple (a follower, a student) of Jesus - often referred to as ?"the Christian walk" - is the most dangerous, yet safest thing one could ever do. The Gospel of John, chapter 6, recounts the time when Jesus came to His disciples walking on the water - yet we cannot miss the implications for our walk with Him. Walking with Jesus, as His first disciples discovered, is absolutely terrifying, yet so assuring and comforting - as we discover the sovereignty, care and control of a God, revealed in Jesus, whose greatest desire is to see us saved when we put all of our trust, obedience and faith in Him.
John 6:1-6:15 | After the very first Passover, Moses was used by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, to freedom, and eventually into the Promised Land. When Jesus fed the 5000 as the Passover was approaching, He revealed Himself to be not only the supplier of bread for the hungry, but the all-satisfying Bread of Life to everyone who believes.
John 5:31-5:47 | The Bible is one big story where everything points to Jesus. It's primary purpose is to point people to Jesus. All of Scripture bears witness about Jesus. And the way that the Bible leads to eternal life is by leading people to encounter Jesus in it.
John 5:18-5:30 | Since he began his ministry Jesus faced one question more than any other; Who Do You Think You Are? The Gospel of John makes it clear that it was written to cause us to wrestle with this question. Our passage today lays out, in no uncertain terms, Jesus' response to this timeless question. How we respond to the proclamation of Jesus has implications for all humanity, both now and for eternity.
John 5:1-5:15 | Jesus is at work bringing healing for the purpose of holiness. But we can waste the miracle (His healing to our hearts) through both libertinism and legalism.
Matthew 28:18-28:20 | In the conclusion of this sermon series, we explore what it looks like not only to belong to a local church but what it looks like to belong to Central more specifically. By rooting ourselves in the Great Commission text (Matt 28:18-20), we see the objective of every faithful church and how we aim to work that out at Central. By unpacking Acts 2:42-47 we see how the early church functioned and how we aim to do the same. Thankfully we are not left to our own devices, but as we strive to be on mission, Jesus is with us (28:20) and He is sovereignly in control of all things (28:18).
Hebrews 10:24-10:25 | From not seeing ministry partnership (membership) in the Bible, to past hurts, to the belief that being a member of the universal church is enough, to an overarching skepticism when it comes to something being required, people have all kinds of reasons not to belong to a local church. But what if there are great reasons, even better reasons, to belong to a local church? It is our conviction that there are more compelling cultural, personal, and practical reasons to belong to a local church than not to. More than anything, there are strong biblical reasons for it. It is a foundational element of every obedient Christian's life.
Matthew 16:13-16:20 | The church is God's vehicle, chosen and designed by Him to carry the message of the gospel to the world. What we understand and believe about the church is critically important because it is such a significant part of God's plan to demonstrate His love for the world. The church is God's Plan A ... and there is no Plan B! How do you fit into this plan?
Romans 6:1-6:4 | Why is it important for followers of Jesus to be baptized? Why is Baptism best understood as Belonging with Jesus in Baptism? What does the Bible say about baptizing believer's and their infants versus the believer's baptism? The implications of baptism are vital for the Christian life. In this sermon spend some time thinking through how this applies to us.
1 Corinthians 15:1-15:4 | As one theologian put it, the gospel is at the centre of our faith, and the cross and the empty tomb are at the centre of the gospel. As we begin a new year and a new sermon series, we focus on what matters most.
Luke 10:38-10:42 | The dawning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start and a new beginning for many. As one year closes and another begins, reflections turn into resolutions in the hope of a new year. As Christians, what should top our list of priorities in 2016, and how do we keep from being overly busy, stressed and distracted from pursuing God? The story of Jesus' visit with Mary and Martha reminds us of our ultimate priority as Christians, especially in the midst of a busy, distracted culture.
Galatians 4:4-4:5 | At Christmas we celebrate that God sent His Son Jesus to become a child so that we could become children of God.
Luke 1:5-1:25 | For some of us, Christmas is a hard time of year. Instead of glad tidings of great joy coming to the forefront of our minds and hearts, our difficult circumstances do. The story of Zechariah speaks into that. Over and over again God presses the hard, frustrated, hurt places in our hearts so that we can come out the other side, like Zechariah, with far greater depth and rejoicing.
1 Samuel 8:1-8:22 | We live in a world where we constantly battle things and people that want to rule us. And they will - if we let them. It requires diligence to to keep Christ ?"on the throne" - as the Ruler and King of our lives. God's desire and plan has always been to rule and reign in love and justice over His people - to lead them as only He can. But His people rejected this, asking instead for an earthly king to rule them, which is exactly what God gave them. As imperfect (downright disastrous, really!) as this system was, God used it to set David upon the throne, promising that his line would never cease to rule. Ultimately this promise is fulfilled in Christ. Does He have rule, reign and all authority as King over our lives today?
Genesis 17:1-17:7 | God, out of sheer grace, called Abram and named him Abraham. He renamed him 'father of a multitude' before he and Sarah even had one child together, promising him innumerable descendants. There would come through the line of Abraham one particular child of promise, Jesus the Messiah, God's own Son.
Genesis 3:14-3:15 | We typically think of Advent beginning in Bethlehem but it actually began in Eden. To tell the Christmas story most accurately, we need to begin at the first reference to Christ's coming, Genesis 3:15. From the first moment of judgement, the promise of redemption was there. A promise for a greater Adam, Jesus. A promise that what we gain in Jesus is far greater than what we lost in Adam.
Galatians 6:1-6:2 | The Christian community has often been accused of ?"shooting its wounded". What do we do when someone is carrying a load that is beyond their ability to bear - specifically a burden caused by sin? How are we to deal with this scenario in the church? We are called to ?"carry each other's burdens" when someone is ?"caught in a sin". What does that mean? Ultimately Jesus is THE Burden-Bearer, so we need to learn from Him, His law, and how He deals with our burdens.
Romans 14:1-15:1 | What should Christians do about our differences over non-essential issues? And how do we love one another despite our differences? How do we balance Christian Liberty with Christian Charity? Ultimately, we sacrifice our own desires for the sake of others because that is precisely what Jesus has done for us. The gospel beckons us to look beyond our own interests and to the interests of others in our community for the sake upbuilding and unity.
Colossians 3:16-3:17 | To let the word of Christ dwell in us richly is to make the gospel the focus and centrepiece of our gatherings. Our teaching and admonishing happens as we disciple one another in the gospel in all of life.
Luke 22:24-22:27 | Service and submission are unpopular words these days. Community service is something judges force law breakers to do. Submission goes against our culture's quest for autonomy. Yet we follow Jesus, who washed feet and bore a criminal's cross. We follow Jesus, who submitted to His Father's will even though they are One and He is no less glorious. We explore what it means and looks like to serve and submit in light of the gospel.
Luke 18:9-19:10 | We are instructed to "confess [our] sins to one another" (James 5:16) and yet we often find it extremely difficult to do. Confession can only take place when we stop lying to ourselves and to others and we acknowledge the truth about ourselves. Particularly, our lack of integrity, our impure motives, and our deceptions. Confession exposes the lie to the light of truth and sets us free to turn back toward God and get on the path of peace and life that we all desire.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-5:11 | The early church understood the need for encouragement, along with ?"building one another up" and ?"spurring one another on" towards good deeds. To ?"in-courage" literally means to ?"put courage into someone". Giving them the ability to do something that frightens them. One of the greatest things you can do is to encourage someone else!
Matthew 18:21-18:35 | The record of debt that stood against every Christian, too great to ever pay on their own, has been paid by Jesus at the cost of His death on a cross. In light of such forgiveness ? such grace ? we are able to forgive others from the heart.
1 Corinthians 11:23-11:34 | The Corinthian Church lost it's main reason for why they gathered and why they participated in Communion. Paul's command ?"wait for" instructs ?"care for one another", ?"receive one another warmly", ?"grant one another table fellowship", ?"show hospitality to one another" to receive each other as equal members of the Body of Christ.?
1 Peter 4:7-4:11 | Hospitality is the practice of extending friendship to strangers. Literally, 'love of strangers'. Jesus reveals His love for us who were far off, hopeless, and distant from God by bringing us near and welcoming us in. A life that has been touched by the hospitality of Jesus, freely and quickly extends hospitality to others.
James 5:13-5:16 | A church that loves one another is without a doubt a church that prays for one another. And a church that prays for one another is without a doubt a church that loves one another. We are commanded to pray for one another and that command is full of individual and corporate blessing, including becoming more like Christ, our Great Intercessor.
John 13:34-13:35 | We begin a new series on being Christian-community with Jesus' command that we love one another as He loved us. Incarnation-love: no distance He would not go. Cross-love: no sacrifice too great. Gospel-love: the most compelling, total love imaginable. How Jesus loved us, we are to love one another, and it will be our most powerful witness in the world.
Acts 9:1-10:48 | We spent the morning hearing missionary updates, praying for our missionaries and partner missions organizations, and discovered that part of learning to be a disciple of Jesus means we must also 'unlearn' things.
Hosea 14:1-14:9 | We conclude our series in the book of Hosea with the prophet's final plea for people to return to God, repent of sin, and live in His mercifully abundant provision with our chief affections.
Hosea 11:1-11:11 | Do you know what it's like to have a wayward child? God does too. On Sunday Pastor Eldon preached on 'God's Way With A Wayward Child'.
Hosea 10:11-10:15 | This summer series consists of the illustrations used in the book of Hosea. They are ultimately portraits of God's redeeming love. This week's illustration is of an udderly stubborn heifer.
Hosea 9:10-10:10 | There are a number of illustrations throughout the Book of Hosea. Two of those are about a luxuriant vine and grapes in the wilderness. These are, ultimately, portraits of God's redeeming love.
Hosea 7:11-7:16 | There are a number of illustrations throughout the Book of Hosea. This is one of them. These are, ultimately, portraits of God's redeeming love.
Hosea 2:2-3:5 | There are a number of illustrations throughout the Book of Hosea. These are, ultimately, portraits of God's redeeming love. God's pursuit of his unfaithful bride is one of them.
Hosea 1:1-2:1 | There are a number of illustrations throughout the Book of Hosea. An adulterous wife and illegitimate children are the first two we encounter in chapter 1. These are, ultimately, portraits of God's redeeming love.