JRCC Podcasts: Recent Episodes
JRCC Podcasts
God calls each and every follower of Jesus a child of God, but what does that mean, exactly? When faced with temptations to grab or mis-use power, understanding the limits and responsibilities of being a child of God will help re-frame what it means...
How we spend our money is a strong indicator of our values. The Bible has a lot to say about our attitudes toward money and possessions, in fact one third of Jesus' parables were about economics. So join us as we explore how to resist the...
Rob serves as the Associate Vice-President of Student Life at TWU, where he previously served as University Chaplain for 23 years. He is a long-time member of North Langley Community Church and has served on their Elder Board. He is married to Sue...
Temptation inserts itself between the Kingdom of God and our kingdom of self. Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer says that in that moment, temptation doesn't elicit within us a hatred of God, but a forgetfulness of God that focuses us on our own...
Our MB Confession of Faith states that "We believe sin is individual and corporate opposition to God’s good purposes and leads to physical and spiritual death." What does the Bible say about things like principalities and powers and how can...
We believe Jesus calls people who have experienced the new birth to follow him in a costly life of service to God. The power of the Holy Spirit transforms believers from the unrighteous pattern of the present age into a life of joyful obedience with...
A basic need in life is to know where we are from, why we are here, and where we are going. Article 3 of our Canadian MB Confession of Faith helps shape our understanding of these questions including insights on the relationship between God and the...
God reveals Himself to us in several different ways. It is up to us as His followers to be aware of His presence and invite Him into our lives.
Knowledge is intended to lead to a confession statement. Either we believe or we don't believe. When we consider if there really is one Triune God, what statements and life choices are we prepared to make with our understanding of who God is?
We live in a day when the interactions between different perspectives & groups is becoming increasingly polarized. How should we think biblical-theologically as well as practically as together we face questions of Covid-19 vaccination, religious...
Did Jesus have habits? When you read the gospels, it is instructive to see that He spent His life and His time in certain ways. Exploring the priorities and activities Jesus engaged in regularly can help us develop strong and sustainable daily rhythms...
Our habits form us more than we form them. On Sunday mornings in January 2022, we will be exploring the role of rhythms of life in our spiritual development. We'll start by exploring the relationship between our effort and God's grace.
Even though Joseph is often seen as one of the lesser characters in the Christmas narrative, his story is a challenging model for our lives today. Joseph reminds us that our love for God is fleshed out in our obedience to Him. As you consider what...
In Luke 2, we meet Simeon, who received a heavenly promise. Even though it was challenging, he demonstrated his love for God by waiting for its fulfillment until he welcomed baby Jesus and encouraged His young parents. What are you waiting for this...
At the heart of the story of Christmas is the incarnation, the notion that God came down to dwell in the person of Jesus. But what are the implications of the incarnation for our lives today?
We are called to honour Jesus by honouring each other. It's a radical way of relating to one another, but particularly in relationships with an imbalance of power, and one we can only achieve if we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Strong words & negative experiences can get our backs up. Our modern cultural context can lead us to see Paul as promoting misogyny in marriage at worst or chauvinism at best when he encourages things like submission, respect & headship. But...
Ephesians 5 begins with the command to imitate God. But how can we as imperfect humans possibly imitate a perfect God? Join us this Sunday as Rose Gaudet-Hominick preaches in our series on the Book of Ephesians and examines this daily tension we live in.
One of the most compelling pictures of life together in God's new family is the list of things we are called to "put off" (bitterness, anger, unforgiveness) and the things we are invited to "put on" (integrity, kindness and...
If the goal is unity and maturity in God's one new family, the church, how do we get there? The conversation around Spiritual Gifts helps unlock some of the mystery but also brings up lots of questions.
Two of the great themes of the book of Ephesians are unity and love. One of the hardest things for some of us to grasp is how much God loves us and, as a result of this, how God calls us to live in peace and unity with others. This Thanksgiving, join...
Our reconciliation to each other is one of the most significant events in human history.
What happens when we head too far down the wrong road? In this chapter, we see not only the problem we as humanity find ourselves in, but also the radical rescue and grace-gifted solution that God has done for us in Christ.
The book of Ephesians opens with a dynamic prayer which reminds us of the incredible blessings and power that are available to all who are made new in Christ. But what does this actually mean for us in day to day living?
The very act of celebrating anchors us in a deeper story—one that precedes any current hardship or pain. This stretches all the way back to the Old Testament where God invites people to enter into a rhythm of delight as a result of our faith and...
What is biblical lament and how do we practice it well? Join in on the conversation / prayer of the Psalmist as we explore the four moments of lament and how they apply to each of us today.
You would think that delighting in something would be a personal choice. So why do the Scriptures command us to delight in God?
Anger is good when it's not gone wrong. What makes our anger go wrong and what is our cure?
A good test of a person's character is how they deal with adversity. But the best test of a leader's character is how they deal with power" (Scazzero). As we finish our study in the book of Esther, we'll see how to harness our...
Esther now puts her rescue plan into motion. But what does a set of banquets and ancient royal protocols teach us about speaking truth to power?
God calls us the do extraordinary and ordinary things. Both require an equal amount of incredible courage and faith to follow.
There are times when the battle between good and evil is personal. But what does that conflict look like when it moves from personal to systemic?
Esther is the model of imperfection being used by a perfect God to accomplish his perfect will.
Long before the #metoo or #churchtoo movements, there was a woman who stood her ground when asked to do the unconscionable. But sometimes speaking truth to power means you pay a great personal cost.
The Kingdom of Heaven may not be like you think it is? Here's your invitation to check it out. We hope you'll join us at the party!
The parable of the vineyard workers begs the question "Is God fair?" But Jesus wants to help us see beyond a system of merit and begin to look at all of our lives through the lens of grace.
The entire trajectory of Matthew 18 is a call to radical pursuit of the lost. Often the part of the passage on conflict (v. 15-20) has been isolated to talk about how we remove people from the church, but if you look at the entire chapter, you can...
Jesus asks his followers a vital question: "Who do you say I am?" Despite giving the correct answer they have incorrect expectations of what their answer means.
Jesus comes to show us what God is like - not just in His words, but also by His deeds. In these chapters we learn of God's heart of compassion toward those who need healing - not just in Jesus' day but also in your life and in mine.
To judge or not to judge? How do we address that notion of making healthy judgment calls in order to build each other up? Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 7 not only focuses on our inward motivation, but also that need for a genuine relationship with God.
In this dramatic showdown, Jesus not only shows us what God wants from us, but also how to handle temptations of various kinds when they come into our lives.
The story of Jesus is not just any story... You and I are invited to choose to enter into it and participate, not as a dispassionate observer, but one who is beloved by the Father, empower by the Spirit and in family relationship with Jesus the Son
Thomas is often given the nickname "Doubting Thomas" because he asks for proof of Jesus' resurrection. But his intriguing story of incredulity and inquiry can also be helpful to understand the way in which God responds to us in our...
The story of Judas Iscariot carries some important lessons for us on what happens when we place unrealistic expectations onto Jesus as well as helping us ask important questions about what expectations Jesus has of us. Join us for this Palm Sunday...
How do you process your doubts? Religion usually suppresses doubt as unhealthy, while society often elevates such an emotion to a defining status. But God offers us a third way as he invites us to pray our doubts. The writers of the Psalms model how...
When it comes to doubt, the pages of history and of the Bible are FULL of people like you with real hurts, real hang ups and very real questions. Part of this is just the nature of what it means to be human. Doubt is a normal part of the life of...
Our possessions reveal a lot about who we are and what we value. They are important to us, but it can be easy to get too attached to them. Jesus offers a different way of life: attaching ourselves to God and others in relationships of trust and...
In a world that says we must be productive in order to be valuable, the Sabbath is a profound gift that can be hard to receive. In a season where you may feel worn out, burned out or tired out, join us for a conversation on the rest God desires to...
Life together in community is both deeply rewarding and deeply challenging. Currently, COVID has created the conditions whereby we are out of the habit of this basic discipline. What does it mean for us as individuals, as a faith community, and as a...
Some people have a practice of fasting for Lent. What’s the purpose and importance of fasting? Is there a difference between intermittent fasting for my health and fasting for spiritual purposes? Do I have to fast only from food or can I give up...
Job wants to put God on trial and make God answer his questions about justice and judgement. When God does show up, Job doesn't get what he bargained for but he does get what he (and us) needs.
Each of us has a story to tell that includes chapters of real suffering. Like in the crucible is never what we or God wants. But God can use suffering to help us clarify our priorities and focus us on the eternal aspects of life if we are willing to...
What’s the role of feelings in our relationship with God? Job seems to have some very dark feelings (and he is certainly brutally honest with God about them!) With the world so turbulent and lots of people experiencing very real griefs, we are all...
The actions of Job's three friends are noble but their long speeches reveal some flawed assumptions about how God runs the world. We can, however, learn a lot about how to be a good friend to others as well as what makes for bad advice in times...
If God is the source of all good things, what does it mean when good things disappear from our lives? Does the presence of suffering or hardships mean that God is punishing us? The opening chapters of Job help frame our understanding of the...
At the heart of the Christmas narrative, and in fact the Christian faith, exists a stunning paradox. How can two seemingly contradictory truths exist in one baby born some 2,000 years ago and what does this mean for you and me today?
When the winds or tragedy and loss shake her life, the Prophetess Anna holds on and never loses sight of joyful hope.
An old man offers a joyful proclamation but also a word of warning to new parents Mary and Joseph. What might Simeon's life and his actions teach us about waiting, watching and speaking wisely into the lives of others?
We live in a world where things are supposed to go "up and to the right". But what do you do when others eclipse you or your life doesn't go as 'successfully' as you planned?
Elizabeth is surprised by God three times and in each case she finds joy in the unexpected.
Christians are sometimes quick to whip out the "Matthew 18 principle". But we often forget the other vital things Jesus said in the same chapter about confrontation, relationships and forgiveness.
We all fall down in little and big ways. But there are 3 things you can ask of God when feel like you've messed up and want to get back on track.
Forgiveness happens in stages and phases. What barriers might need removing and what actions might need taking in order for you to experience right relationship with God?
Jesus had a LOT to say about money. But perhaps some of his most challenging statements come with respect to how we hold our wealth (or should we say, how much our wealth holds us).
Some students of Christian ethics make a distinction between the general standards of Christian conduct and what are called “counsels of perfection,” suggesting that the former were prescribed for the rank and file of Christians while the latter could...
Did Jesus really tell people to hate their own family and even themself in Luke 14:26? If God is a God of love, isn't Jesus contradicting himself? What was Jesus really saying about relationships and love in this passage?
One of the things that Jesus said that really confused people was that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you." (John 6:53). What in the world did He mean and why does it...
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Like some of his original listeners, people today find Jesus’ sayings hard. Some sayings are “hard” because they are difficult to understand. Others are “hard” because the demands they make on our lives are only too...
Sometimes prayer can feel like one-way communication. But Daniel helps us explore some components of prayer that may help you and I experience breakthrough in our conversation with God.
There’s something powerful about keeping our practices in place when trouble comes into our lives...
God is always at work for our redemption and for his justice. Both, God's justice and His love will prevail. We are called to speak these truths in the world, especially when His justice or love seem distant or slow in coming.
Have you ever had an episode of insanity? Daniel 4 gives testimony of a king who lost and regained his sanity. The message invites us to living in our right minds, worshiping the God Most High and to testify of his activity in our lives.
(It would...
Unjust suffering is another degree of pain that sends us closer to the edges of our human limitations. How we process such intense times is vital to our well-being.
We are living in pressure-filled days that have the potential to push us beyond our human capacities. What's a healthy response when facing the impossible?
We all live with pressure in our lives. But what does it look like to be faithful when confronted with opportunities - both little and large - to compromise?
Uncertain times stir up a lot of complex and often confusing emotions. But Jesus models for us what it means to live with a sense of both spiritual and emotional maturity in our lives.
Life transitions always require a period of waiting and in the midst of that waiting is often uncertainty. What can we do during the uncertain, in-between time of transitions to actively wait in a healthy way?
There's nothing normal about parenting during the new normal. But what should our goals, expectations and strategies be as we try to parent in the midst of a global pandemic?
God has always cared for our mental well being... never stigmatizing, never shaming. But how do we care well for ourselves and others during this unique season of pressure?
Experiencing the deep sadness of grief, and the profound sorrow of loss, are not optional nor elective in our life experience. Their disruption in our lives is a certainty. What is up for grabs however, is how our hearts answer the question...
In a society that often measures us by our possessions and lifestyle, it can be surprising easy to conflate our self-worth and our net worth. But Jesus presents us with another invitation. It's just a tough one to say 'yes' to...
Forgiveness is not just about a change in attitude, it impacts how community is lived out. When we make a clean break with the past, the values of justice, equality and love begin to take root in ways that are not just personal, but they impact the...
Forgiveness is hard work. But if we can put into practice some of the things we see in Philemon, we may be able to find release from some of the things that hold us back"
Sometimes pandemics bring out bad theology. In Jonah 4, we explore the difference between what God appoints and what God allows. This helps answer questions like "Is COVID-19 a judgement from God?" (and other light, happy, Mother's Day...
Biblical history repeatedly records that God is faithful even when we are not. That's because God is the God of second chances...
The heart of a rebel racist within the plans of loving and merciful God. Unfortunately, Jonah doesn't change, but thankfully, God doesn't change!
God calls Jonah and Jonah runs away from the call. Jonah's views on the limits of God's rule allowed him to flee and God revealed to Jonah that his calling and rule covers the whole earth.
Mark's account of the first Easter presents us with a puzzling question: is the empty tomb the end of the story or is it really only the beginning?
A closer look at the events of Palm Sunday shows us not only more clearly who Jesus is, but also about how we can handle things in our own lives when things are not quite as they seem.
During times of crisis, we often feel like isolating and turning inward. But as we deepen our connecting with God, we are invited to move from fear into places of deep compassion and radical generosity.
God is still entrusting his people with his original mission that is built on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ. As the church, we have an incredible opportunity to be God's blessing to all people.
Anxiety consumes much of our energy but the most common command in the Bible is "Do not be afraid." How do we live that out in times like this?
We all know that our words carry weight. But how do we make sure that if / when our mouths get us into trouble, they do so for the right reasons?
Are you and I willing to cross religious and social barriers to pass grace on to those who have been excluded from it? Jesus is always about the business of calling and including those who are on the margins and who are considered unloved or unlovely...
Jesus' healing is very different from our human construct of healing. Human expectation is for absence of illness and cure. Jesus always enters deeper into our suffering and offers Shalom, wholeness.
Christians use the term 'gospel' or 'Good News' frequently. But what is the heart of the message of Jesus and how do we respond to it and to Him today?
Generosity is a lifestyle and not an event. But how do we move from viewing it as a transaction to allowing it to touch all aspects of our lives?
What does it mean to think globally and also serve locally? Does global service come at the expense of local service? Join the people of Jericho as we explore the 3rd of our 5 Core Values and discover some not-so-made-up words along the way!
At the start of a New Year, everyone seems enamoured with becoming a better person. But how exactly does transformation work and what are the steps we need to take to be a healthy participant in what God is doing in us, the church and the world in 2020?
We use the metaphor of doors being closed or open to help us understand if we are welcome to proceed. But at Christmas we are reminded that because of love, God opened a door that remains open (hey, that would make a great song title: "Love is an...
The famous prayer for peace, misattributed to St. Francis of Assisi, helps us understand that peace with God is not merely something private to be enjoyed. If we have come to know peace, this is something that must be shared with others.
Advent is the time of year we remind ourselves of the gifts that God has given to us. The gift of God’s Spirit, the Gift of God coming to take up residence in our lives & the promised gift of God’s peace in our minds and hearts. But how do we...
n a society that tells us it's all about us, we explore the Invitation to be vulnerable before God and to come to Him just as we are. We are invited to the transformation that comes only through brokenness.
Advent is a season of peace and yet it does not always feel like it when we look at the world around us. Peace is something that we have to work at by both receiving and giving.
As we wrap up our fall series in Galatians, we explore four important things that characterizes life together in God's family
There are two currents trying to pull us in life. The flesh and the Spirit. Which current we allow to take us leads us to two very different destinations.
Galatians is written to a group of people who are in danger of going backward into slavery. Not a slavery to other people, but a kind of slavery to wrong ideas and wrong thinking about how we relate to God. In chapter 5, we learn how to maintain the...
Good friends can say hard things to each other. In this passage, Paul talks about two very different ways of being in relationship with God: where each one leads and how to think clearly about our own lives and friendships
Do you know you are loved? Before Jesus' life, death and resurrection, we were slaves to the OT Law. Because of Jesus, God adopts us, calls us his children, and makes us heirs of his reward. Our security comes in being known and loved by God.
Galatians lays out two pathways we can walk down in our lives. But which is the path that leads to blessing and how do you know you are on it?
Every family has certain traits that define and characterise not only it's history, but also it's legacy. The story of Abraham's faith invites us to consider "What's my legacy going to be?"
Paul "flag-jacks" Jewish identity and replaces it with the flag of the Messiah, the identity that matters.
Because human tendency is towards law and away from grace, we establish rules in our groups and churches that end up determining "who's in?" and "who's out?". God is building His Church based on grace and anyone who calls...
Have you ever felt your testimony was inferior because it wasn't dramatic enough? The way Paul tells his own journey story in Galatians 1 gives us four things conversion is and is not (hint: dramatic isn't always one of them)
What are some of the barriers we put up (intentionally or unintentionally) to people becoming part of God's family? #Galatians #FreedomThroughChrist
The fall of Jerusalem is one of the most significant events in Jewish history but its impact and causes have four massive lessons for us today...
Josiah came to the throne at only 8 years old and yet had a heart to follow God. His life shows us that faith can be strong at any age.
Hezekiah's illness and recovery shows both his trust in God and his pride in "his accomplishments" and gives both encouragement and a warning.
How do we know when to "let go and let God" and when, at other times, God is inviting us to step in and be part of the solution? The life of King Hezekiah helps provide some clarity for us as we look at 2 Kings 18 & 19
The exile is perhaps one of the most pivotal events in the Biblical story. But why did it happen and what can we learn from it for our lives today?
God comes to Ahaz with a promise to protection from a coming siege but Ahaz decides to trust in Assyria instead. We look at the things in life that we often put our trust in instead of in God.
Joash's reign started with promise but he ended up in faithlessness. His reign gives some warnings of pitfalls we need to avoid in leadership.
King Jehu executes God's judgment on Ahab's dynasty but only because it also benefits him. We should reflect on the ways in which we can fall into that same trap in our faith.
When he engaged with people who did not share his convictions, Paul uses very different starting places and very different strategies. What can we learn about evangelism and wise relationships with others from this?
Oftentimes, when challenged, our natural instinct is to be defensive and disrespectful. But what does it look like when we respond with dove-like gentleness and respect?
This Pentecost Sunday learn about the work of the Holy Spirit and some fun facts about Mennonite history!
What should we do when we encounter opposition and hardships? Jesus gives his followers a warming but also a promise. Join us as we determine the limitations of WWJD
We have been reconciled to God and have been given the ministry to be reconciled. In this calling we need to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
Join us on a journey through Bible Translation. Each step of the way we have Jericho supported missionaries guiding us the through this journey.
The phrase "love the sinner, hate the sin" gets thrown around a lot. But is it biblical? Jude invites us to consider how we show mercy to people around us
Jude gives us three case studies and a serious warning about false teaching. How do we recognize heresy? What is the criteria for false teaching?
Perhaps one of the most maligned and misunderstood figures in history, Mary Magdalene ends up being the first person to encounter the risen Christ and receives a unique commission from Jesus which has massive implications for us this Easter.
As we enter Holy Week, what can we learn from Mary and Martha to deepen our relationship with God?
Mary’s life was divinely interrupted by God and her response holds lessons for us during Lent, a season of reflection and commitment
The dynamics of power can feature both abusers and victims. Bathsheba's story calls us to stand up to abusive power and stand alongside victims.
We all go through desert spaces but God does not forget Naomi or us and can use the most unexpected (and sometimes unlikable) to redeem his people.
In the story of Ruth, we see that despite her own trauma and struggles, she was committed to showing God’s covenantal love to Naomi, and we are invited to do the same
Who can belong to God's family? In the story of Rahab, we see that anyone, regardless of history or reputation, can come into God's family by faith
Who in your life are you “writing off” because they seem morally corrupt to you, or because they are an outsider in your community? Could God be trying to communicate with you via unconventional means?
The second son in Jesus' parable in Luke 15 reveals to us that "you can escape God as much through morality and religion as you can through immorality and irreligion" (Keller). Come discover why God's reckless grace is our greatest...
Today we tried something a bit different: An imaginative prayer journey through the story of the prodigal son. Join us to experience the moment where sheer brokenness and humility meets unconditional love and joy.
Why would anyone pursue "notorious sinners" and enemies? What makes someone valuable, especially when we don't think they are?
The amount of EFFORT you are willing to put in to the pursuit of something missing or lost is in direct proportion of it’s VALUE to you. So who or what is valuable to God? And what is God doing about it and inviting us to do about it?
What are we to make of God's justice? Does God's wrath mean that God is angry with people? In our series wrap up on the book of Amos, we explore why it's not helpful to divorce the Old from the New Testament or to split up the aspects...
Do you ever feel like you are on spiritual auto-pilot? Discover why going through the motions of religious acts means nothing if the rest of your life isn’t in obedience to God
It is a very human impulse to want JUSTICE for other people when they are (clearly!) in the wrong, but to want MERCY when we are in the wrong. But Amos helps us understand that we need to look at our own lives carefully before we start clamouring for...
The Old Testament prophetic book of Amos calls us to pursue righteous justice. But can we do that without a reference point?
Christmas is about a rescue. But who needs to be rescued & why? Follow the story as we explore what it means to have a #SuperChristmas
Is Christmas just a feel-good narrative to give us some hope in a dark world? Or is it something deeper; something more than a story?
What part does doubt play in the life of faith? This is a message of hope for all of those who find ourselves in places of darkness this Advent season.
Christmas is all about hope, peace, joy & love. But if we have to hope for something, it means that we don't have it. And waiting and watching can be incredibly hard work. How do we wait patiently and confidently for God to act?
Does the Bible condone slavery or wives as second-rate citizens to their husbands? Colossians is all about how Christ came to break down old walls of hostility between people and usher us into God's new family. So what are the rules for operating...
All of us bring some baggage with us into life of faith. But what if that baggage prevents us from moving forward into a deeper experience of God and of Christian community?
What is Christianity all about? Is it about being a good person or is there something more to it than that? Join the people of Jericho as we kick off our time together in our new building with a message on the depth of God's wisdom and plan
Although the Church gathers and scatters, it primarily functions in society in its scattered form. Nevertheless, the Church as the body of Christ, the Head, cannot function as it is designed to if it is separated or disengaged from Christ.
The question "who is Jesus?" is perhaps the most significant one you will ever wrestle with. People have proposed all kinds of answers but if Jesus IS God, then that changes everything. Join the people of Jericho for a discussion on...
People make claims all of time that things are "life changing!" But the Bible makes the case in Colossians 1 that the grace of the gospel really does change lives! Join the people of Jericho for the series launch of our fall teaching series...
All of us have storms in our lives, and where you cling to in these times is vitally important. Jon & Anita McCarthy share how God's Word has provided an anchor for them personally as well as motivated them to be involved in supporting the...
It is profoundly uncomfortable to stay put and persevere when things get hard but when we do, incredible blessings can come into our lives. When we devote ourselves to one another in love, we learn that “stability is the commitment to trust God not...
How do we handle diversity in the body of Christ? We are called to unity but that unity is often very, very difficult and uncomfortable! Where should we break fellowship and how do we think about things like different denominations or theological...
As uncomfortable as giving up our time and skills can be, service actually has capacity to stretch and grow us in ways that other things don't and can't. Christians also serve because we are modelling our lives on Jesus who came not to be...
We all have a mental model of what our "dream church" should look like. The challenge comes, however, when the reality doesn't match up to our expectations. But in this installment of our #uncomfortable series, we learn that God’s goal...
Suburban culture is a culture of comfort. It’s being sold to us everywhere we look. We’re encouraged to do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want. If something is uncomfortable, we want to avoid it at all costs. The Christian faith, though...
We all have a breaking point where we decide we can no longer trust God and need to take matters into our own hands. What does that extreme desperation look like and how does God fit?
With Aram's constant raids on Israel many would expect a violent retaliation against them. But Elisha acts in a way that Jesus would later act in, with peace and nonviolence giving an example of how to shut down the cycle of violence and evil...
What if God asked you to do something easy but odd... Would you obey? The story of Naaman raises interesting questions about forgiveness, obedience, and generosity. But also how God sometimes chooses to work in strange ways and through and in...
Through the story of a widow and her son's strange death and subsequent resurrection, we learn that sometimes, prayer requires struggle and perseverance.
See why God's strange and miraculous provision for a widow in 2 Kings 4 reminds us not only of God's care for us, but also about risk, faith and vulnerability.
In this tale of three kings, we learn that God alone grants deliverance. And in God's grace, He does it even for people who don't believe in Him
Two very strange deaths are connected with the ministry of Elisha. Is God being vindictive and capricious or is something else going on?
The story of Elisha is filled with strange occurrences. At the beginning of his ministry Elisha performs a bunch of miracles which show that he has been given a double portion of Elijah's spirit but also reveals to us God's character.
Canada has undeniably experienced profound and enduring Christian influence across the nation, but can we call Canada a Christian nation? Should we? What does the Bible say about the possibility of such a claim?
Have you ever heard someone say "who are we to judge?" Are judgement and love mutually exclusive? J Janzen reminds us that when biblical judgement is exercised rightly, it is an act of good news because it is not an act of condemnation but...
Sometimes the lie that God helps those who help themselves leads us down the pathway of idolatrous self-sufficiency. Can we learn to rest in God's care and provision and learn again to seek His Kingdom first?
The Bible doesn't say that God won't give you more than you can handle. So why does God give us more than we can handle and what can we do when life has us at the end of our rope?
Is there a formula for God's blessing? Does the Bible teach a kind of karma? From some passages, it might seem so, but not all the Bible can be easily reduced to tidy formulas. Whether we are #blessed is up to God, and life doesn't always...
Hear Brad & Meg Sumner share about the work of justice & compassion JRCC is involved with in Tanzania. You'll hear stories about their sabbatical adventures, how Jesus changes lives, and how the ministry of Under The Same Sun is making a...
Does the Bible contains a simple message about something as complex, beautiful, and mysterious as being created in the image of God as a female?" Join Brad Sumner & Erin Thiessen as we unpack Scriptures and stories and close out our series in...
Homosexuality is a topic filled with emotional and spiritual baggage. Being created in the image of God means that God has the authority over our purpose and function and that humans have inherent value, worth and dignity and this effects how we...
Each of us has a definition of what it means to be a real man. But where did that definition come from? Join us for a discussion on gender, masculinity & the image of God
While the suburban church seems obsessed with marriage and family, the Bible calls us to bless, respect and fully include those who are single. We'll see why the Church needs to honour singles as well as advice the Scriptures give to single adults
Our sexuality is an essential part of being human and knowing God. We need to re-integrate it into our conversation and our practical theology as Christians. Our willingness to redeem sexuality and marriage from society's misuse and abuse can...
The mystery & power of sex can make it difficult to speak about in healthy ways. But we see in the Song of Songs that sexuality is a wonderful gift from God that needs to be stewarded wisely and according to His intention and plan. What we do with...
Easter rests on a promise: that dead things can come back to life. It happened for Abraham & Sarah in the Old Testament; it happened for Magdelena in Guatemala; and it can happen for you. What needs some good ol' fashioned resurrection in...
Jesus had a purpose behind every thing he did as he entered Jerusalem in victory. The people's minds were filled with imagery of Zechariah's prophecy (Zech. 9:9-17)
John says "perfect love casts out all fear" (1 Jn. 4:18). Is "perfect love" possible? How is it possible? Pastor Wally Nickel shows that living out God's perfect love in action is possible!
Is evangelism the job of specialists? And why does it sometimes seem like really hard work? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore three things you need to know about evangelism
God commands us to not be afraid or discouraged in the midst of change. How can we live out these two commands? God gives us 5 truths to legitimize his ask.
Homelessness has reached a crisis point in our city. Lorne Epp, Jenna Wiersma and Brad Sumner discuss how we can respond to both the systemic and the personal faces of poverty with hope and wisdom.
Do you live with the sense that God is angry at you? There are many scripts at play in our heads and hearts in this discussion. Join the conversation to find hope and freedom from this lie
Mental (or emotional) health is a vital part of our lives. How can the Church foster better mental health in our community?
Fear has a multiplicity of manifestations (physical, emotional, relational) but one thing we seldom talk about are it's spiritual roots. But when we only deal with what is on the surface and not what lies beneath, then we are only dealing with...
FDR famously said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”…. But it this true? Is fear itself something to be feared? Join the people of Jericho as we explore this topic in a new teaching series
Revelation 12 may not be the Christmas story you grew up with but it is the nativity story all the same! Told from a different vantage point, Eugene Peterson says "the immediate consequence of the birth of Jesus is not Christmas carols, but a...
Pastor Brad talks us through seven things that will not be in the new heaven and the new earth, as described by John in Revelation, as well as seven things that definitely will be -- God's presence and face-to-face relationship among them.
For 200 years, Christians argued with each other about pre-, post- and a-millennialism. But if we take our eyes off of the chronology for a minute and focus on the throne room, we can receive our invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb!
We are always living in between two "cities". Revelation 17-18 reveal the forces and powers that are at work in our "cities". And we are warned that we could be in bed with "the great prostitute" who is ruling! If so, how...
Many people live with the nagging suspicion that God is angry with them. But in this passage, we see that God has already appointed a time and place for final justice & that is profoundly good news. Not only the perpetrators of injustice receive...
Revelation is a word of hope to God's people. In the midst of suffering, there is hope in God's ultimate victory!
Sandy encourages us to look at the BIG picture. Despite our circumstances God is returning and bringing his kingdom. By his Spirit he is transforming us to be holy as he is holy.
Prayer is often our last resort instead of our first response. In this section of Revelation, the Apostle John gives us a vivid picture not only of the power of prayer but also the cost of resisting repentance and mercy offered to us by God
Ever been confused by the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse? Listen to Pastor Brad help us understand who they are and what they do.
Revelation 4 & 5 engage us beyond what we see in front of us and puts reality into perspective ... into a cosmic and eternal perspective. It does this: first by setting the present moment in light of the unseen realities of the future and second...
Lukewarm indifference is a sin that needs to be repented of not a condition that needs a slight adjustment. Find out how to diagnose it & how to fix it in the message Jesus gives to the church at Laodicea
The longest letter to the smallest church contains the highest commendations and the strongest warnings. In this message, we explore "how much sin is too much sin to tolerate in our lives?" and how not to over-correct and fall into legalism
The churches in Smyrna and Pergamum each faced unique pressures and attacks. But both were commanded by Jesus to be faithful under pressure in order to receive his reward.
If you were to assess your current spiritual condition, what word(s) or phrases would you use to describe your relationship with God? In two of the letters to the churches in Revelation, we are cautioned not to let activity for Jesus replace intimacy...
Is the book of Revelation predictive of future events? What should we make of all the crazy images & symbols? Pastor Brad kicks off our fall teaching series by explaining that if John wrote this book as a letter to ordinary Christians in Asia...
Where we turn when things are hard is often a true indicator of our spiritual condition. In this passage, Elijah confronts King Ahaziah for not seeking counsel from the Lord following a serious injury (plus you get to hear about some crazy summertime...
Divine judgment is a reality for those who choose to ignore God's voice speaking into their lives.
Elijah confronts King Ahab about Naboth's vineyard and despite his great offenses to God, he is shown mercy.
Bold faith does not always mean a straight upward faith trajectory. Elijah experiences his deepest low after his greatest high. God, however, remains constant, whether he is revealing himself in fire from heaven or a whisper in the desert.
Everyone is in the training process when it comes to faith. It's not so much about us as it is about the God that we are in relationship with.
It is the beginning of an epic showdown between Yahweh & Baal. Elijah makes it stop raining before heading off for a miraculous camping trip where he is provided for by God as the land dries up.
Kingdom relationships: how power, wisdom and love are exercised in the Trinity (between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit).
We have been given tools by God to build his Kingdom on earth. Just like our everyday tools we need to pick up these tools and use them to be effective. Chris Kuipers tells us the how and the when of using the tools that we have been given.
Sandy Young shows us the the Kingdom is here now and in power to heal. The gifts of the Spirit do not come to the nonchalant Christian but to those who diligently seek the Spirit.
Jesse Workman shares that God's Kingdom is in conflict with the powers and principalities and the Church is in battle by proclaiming Christ's already won victory over the enemy. Spirit led prayer and Bible study equips us to be strong and...
Local children's entertainer Ginalina talks about her family, and asks kids about their own family experiences of making memories, and what they are thankful for.
The concept of evangelism can be fraught with baggage, fear and arrogance. But what if there was another way to think about inviting people to participate in the Kingdom?
In Mark 12, people try to trap Jesus with political maneuvering, theological riddles and spiritual inquiry. But Jesus reminds everyone - including you and me - that the Kingdom of God isn't structured the way we often think it is.
When we pray "Your kingdom come" we immediately enter into a very real place of tension. We have to admit that the Kingdom has both come AND it is coming. But how does this help us live? (And what do a bicycle, an airplane ride and a...
The relationship of the Old Testament laws to the New Testament era is a complex one. Did Jesus come to do away with all that stuff or are there other guiding principles we should employ when it comes to determining what rules apply for us today?
To believe something is not merely giving mental assent to propositional statements, it is an expression of lived trust and devotion. So what does it really mean to say "I believe in the resurrection"?
What obligations do Christians owe the state? And why do faith & politics always seem to be in conflict with each other? Join the discussion as we learn how to live in a complicated world where the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world...
When God's Kingdom comes, we often see signs or evidences of it breaking into our world. Join the people of Jericho as we explore stories of God's Kingdom coming and His will being done in Guatemala as our team shares their experiences and...
The posture of surrender is not a natural one to us as human beings. But when we pray "Your Kingdom Come, God" we are inviting full surrender. Join the people of Jericho as we explore six snapshots of the Kingdom of God in Luke 18 and find...
Jesus redefines the meaning of power when he refused to use violent force. Satan tempted Jesus to: (1) use resources to gain power, (2) exercise power amongst the elite, (3) seize power by force and coercion. Instead, Jesus uses power to: (1)...
If someone asked you to define the Kingdom of God, could you do it? It is one of the main themes of Jesus' teaching but is it about justice or about evangelism or about something else all together?
What does the Bible teach us about temptation? And why do we need to pray and ask God that He would not lead us into it if James 1:13-15 teaches about God does not tempt anyone?
Sometimes unanswered prayers say much less about God and His character than they do about us and our character. One of the challenges of prayer that can be hard to swallow is that our prayers might be blocked or unanswered NOT because God is...
How do you know what is "legitimate" to pray about and what isn't? Nestled in the middle of the Lord's Prayer, there is a clear invitation that answers this question. It also prevents us from getting stuck in the ditch of either...
The most dangerous, exciting, life-altering prayer that a human being can pray just might be "make up there come down here". Find out what it really means to pray that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In the Lord's Prayer, when we say "Your kingdom come..." what are we really asking? Join John Smed of Prayer Current for an exploration of the depth and richness of praying the realities of the kingdom
Is there a right or a wrong way to pray? When Jesus taught his followers to pray, He had some specific guidelines for them. Turns out we learn some very intriguing things from the Lord's Prayer about God, about ourselves and about both how to...
On Christmas day 1914, an unusual peace came over the western European front of WWI. The emergence of this peace is not unlike the account of the very, very first Christmas. Where peace came into our world in a way that was quite unexpected and not...
So often, we spend Christmas focused on what it is like to receive the wonderful gift of Jesus. But what if we shift our perspective to instead imagine what it was like for God to give us this gift. What does it say about the character of God as a...
We tend to separate out God's might and power from His relational nature. So we have a hard time picturing God being both mighty but also immanent. But in the story of Jesus' birth, we see God choosing to display His might for a unique...
A good counselor balances careful listening and clear advising. But what does Isaiah 9:6 mean when it calls Jesus a "counselor"? Isn't that just moralistic therapeutic deism?
Listen to the audio from Vision Night this past Sunday as the elders lay out where God is leading us as a community in 2017.
The words we use to describe something or someone are incredibly powerful. And so if Jesus is described as WONDERFUL, wouldn't we want everyone to know about Him?
Remember 'Show & Tell" as a kid? We recreated that experience this morning at Jericho as we heard membership testimonies from 6 of the 16 people received into membership.
On Sunday, Nov 13, the people of Jericho Ridge watched a documentary titled "The Last Objectors" and engaged in a discussion on war and peace and conscience in the Second World War. If you missed the movie, you can find it online at...
When it comes to living and walking in the power & gifts of the Spirit, we have to first tend to areas of our lives where we are stuck. John Smed of Prayer Current led us in a helpful journey of examining both repentance & joy
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misappropriated gifts of the Spirit is the gift of tongues. But what if we could get past some of our questions and hangups and recover the heart and the purpose for which this gift has been given
In any discussion of spiritual gifts, the potential exists for us to become either discouraged or frustrated. In Ephesians 4, however, we find out that God gave us a model for ministry that can help us grow in love, unity, health and maturity...
Why do we want the gifts of the Spirit? The gifts are given to deepen each other's love for God and reveal God's love to unbelievers.
The Bible doesn't say everything is a thank-worthy thing. It says in everything give thanks. But what's the difference? This series of three short reflections formed part of our EPIC Sunday where we focused on thanksgiving that strengthens...
Does God still heal today? The gift of healing is listed in I Cor 12 and there is a clear but not mechanical or magical set of instructions for us to pursue in James 5. What do we do when someone is not healed? Join us as we dispel myths and seek to...
What are some guidelines for ministering the prophetic to those around us? We need to believe to receive that God is speaking to and through us and then we need to be bold and dare to share it with others - and it's all to be done in love.
We are told in I Corinthians 14:39 to be eager to prophesy. And yet it seems like in much of the church today, prophetic gifts are mired in controversy, lack of clarity and even abuse. But what might it look like to live and walk in this gift today?
What’s the deal with prophecy anyway? What in the world could the gift of tongues be useful for? Why is it on every gifts survey ever invented that 99.9% of people end up with the gift of ‘helps’?!?? Perhaps there are some things the Bible wants to...
Solomon started well, but he sure didn't end on track. What are the 3 things we need in place in our lives in order to resist "drift" and finish well.
Solomon begins to live in unwise ways as he reaches his old age. His 700 foreign wives have turned his heart from God. Solomon lacked knowledge about himself to keep him on the track.
What is the crux of wise decision making? Proverbs 1 shows us that it isn't so much about memorizing a set of rules as it is about a set of relationships with God and others.
Can wisdom be gained or is it something you simply have or don't have? Listen in as we explore some of the habits and practices that can assist anyone in growing in wisdom, grace, knowledge and understanding.
Solomon builds a temple to satisfy the human longing for "Sacred Space." Today, because of Jesus Christ, "sacred space" is available everywhere and anywhere the divine and human meet.
Continuing our series on Solomon we look at what exactly wisdom is. Solomon points out what it is in Proverbs 3 and gives examples of areas where we can be wiser.
Continuing our series on Wisdom we look at Solomon's start to the throne and his request for wisdom and discernment to govern Israel well. We learn to seek God is to seek wisdom and he gives generously to those who pursue him.
We can see in the life of both David & Solomon incredible moments of wisdom and some incredible moments of folly. What are the blueprints for either? Join us as we kick off the summer series in I Kings
The Fruit of the Spirit almost follows a kind of 'formula'... God is [insert fruit here]. In this case, it is KINDNESS and He desires us to all experience this in Him. If we choose to follow Him and walk in the Spirit, He will produce...
What does it look like for the fruit of the Spirit to grow in our lives? Listen in as Howard and Kara share stories from their recent service and learning experiences in Central Asia and highlight God's FAITHFULNESS.
God is good: he is originally good, essentially good, infinitely good, and unchangeably good. God's goodness changes people. So the Holy Spirit is at work producing goodness in us for the sake of everyone around us. We need to activate this...
There's a chronic shortage of gentle strength in our world today. Yet the Bible is clear that as followers of Jesus, gentleness should characterize our actions and thinking. Because when it is present, there is a winsomeness that commands...
Other than discussions about food, the topic of self control doesn't get a lot of publicity in our culture. But what if it isn't just an individual issue but a community concern? Join the people of Jericho as we explore this together
We all struggle with patience (especially Canucks fans). But when we delve into it, we learn that patience only comes from a posture of submission... when we rightly answer the question "who is in charge?" and "what do I know about that...
We are told that we can find peace in ourselves (identity), in things (wealth), or in other people (relationships). But the Scriptures remind us that we find real peace with God through a right relationship with Jesus. Join the staff of JRCC as they...
When Jesus invites us along on an adventure, He shapes who we become and what happens along the way!" Join Jon & Anita McCarthy as they share about their journey to Papua New Guinea and the call Jesus extends to each of us to step away from...
All of us can struggle to reconcile longing with reality. Especially on Mother's Day, those whose story has not ended with holding a child in their arms can wrestle with grief, loss & pain. Join Miriam Faulkes as she shares her story of...
The image of a wedding is often used in the Bible to describe God's relationship to people. But there are surprising aspects of that revealed here by the prophet Isaiah. Join us as we wrap up the spring teaching series in this rich and deep and...
Have you ever purchased something and it didn't live up to the promised hype? Join the people of Jericho as we explore the promises of God's from Isaiah 55 and the lavish and amazing generosity that is fulfilled in the kingdom.
Expectations can be funny things. But you have to be careful what you feed them. The people of Israel had expectations of God that didn't match the witness of suffering that was given in Isaiah and it created challenges for them. What are your...
If you could put God on trial in a court of law, what would ask ask? C.S. Lewis wrote the famous book "God in the Dock" and the people of Isaiah's day take the same tactic, accusing God of forgetting them and perhaps not being powerful...
All of us will walk through deep waters at some point and so it’s important to have a richly formed understanding of how Scripture answers the tough questions of life. Questions like "why has life has turned out the way it has?" Isaiah 40...
We live between Christ's resurrection and eternity. This means that when we celebrate Easter we do so with hope but not one that is blind to the harsh realities of the world. Join the people of Jericho as we explore three Easter promises of...
Do you wrestle with not feeling worthy to live a Godly life? Do you wrestle with the tension of which comes first: belonging or believing? Do you desire to move from a performance based spirituality to a Spirit-filled understanding of grace? Listen to...
Should you ask God for a sign? One of the things we learn in Isaiah 7 is that is a different between piety and true faith. Join the people of Jericho as we explore chapters 7-9 of Isaiah together.
Its a famous passage: the prophet Isaiah sees God in His glory and then says "here am I, send me!" But there's so much to it than that. Come explore what he was commissioned to be and do as we see the three movements we experience when...
Why Serve? It's a question Jesus dealt with directly because His followers seemed to have some pretty funny ideas about leading and serving. Not as funny as Pastor Brad with a tiara on his head, my you, but still pretty funny. Listen in on this...
If repentance were easy, there's be an app for it. In this series launch, we learn how true repentance can help us counter hollow religion, inauthentic worship and heart rebellion.
The story of the New Testament moves from God being WITH us in Jesus to God living IN us through the Holy Spirit. But there's a lot of confusion around who He is and what He does. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore the third person of...
People talk a lot about Jesus. But who was he and how was his time on earth an evidence of God being with and for us? This morning, we managed to cover a lot of ground - four gospels and four ways that God is with us.
Why bother with the Old Testament? Isn't it an archaic, antiquated book of stories? Join the journey to understand the big picture of the Bible better with our teaching series 4 Small Words.
The Bible can be a confusing book. But what if there was a simple way to remember & explain the major themes of the Bible in a way that helped you understand them better. We begin in Genesis with the question of identity: who is God and who are we?
Are you a prisoner of your past? Using Paul's clear instructions in Philippians 3, Dr. Ken Thiessen reminds us of the importance of putting our past in perspective and living with an eye to the future.
In Luke 18 & 19 we get a window into what living as a "finder" looked like for Jesus. It involves shifting our thinking and our behaviours so that we are people who are interruptable & engagable. Join Greg from MB Mission as we hear...
Things are not always as they appear to be. And nowhere is this more apparent than the first Christmas. Shady characters spreading good news of great joy; armies bringing news of peace... the appearance and the realities are vastly different from...
One of the surprises of the Christmas story is the song of Simeon. When a total stranger offers a prophetic word for your family, you pay attention! Join Rob Thiessen, Conference Minister for our BCMB family for an exploration of this unique and...
The second song of Christmas is sung by Mary and is known as the Magnificat. Join Mike Ryder and the people of Jericho as we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent
What would be the first words out of your mouth if you were silent for 9 months? Zechariah sang a song of prophetic hope which invites us to consider the strength of God's promises and the purpose of our salvation. Join us as we explore...
What happens to us when we die? It's a question that has forever fascinated humankind. At the end of I Thess, we learn perhaps as much about what will NOT happen as what WILL happen. Join us for a discussion of hype, hope and what it means to...
We all experience grief & loss and this upsets the balance of our lives, our organizations and our relationships. Join master storyteller Dan Unrau as he takes us on a journey to find meaning, purpose and hope in the midst of our experiences.
What does it really mean to be "in the world but not of it?" Christians throughout the centuries have wrestled with the notion that elements of our faith put us at odds with elements of prevailing culture. Are you OK with being an odd ball?...
If it's true that we get what we expect, it's worth noticing our expectations. To help put things in perspective, we explored what Paul expected to see in the lives of Thessalonian Christians. Some of he expected may just surprise us because...
How can we realistically be thankful in the midst of suffering without being naive or willfully blind? Tyler Harper leads us in an exploration of 1 Thessalonians 2 where he points out how God's imminence and His transcendence inform our theology...
Henry David Thoreau once said "it's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see". When Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica after having been there for only 3 weeks, he expects to find resilient faith, loving deeds...
What kind of community do we want to be and become at Jericho? Romans 15 lays out 5 characteristics... and they may not be what you expect! Join the people of Jericho as we close our the 4 Significant Stones series.
Jesus’ “Follow Me” call is always rooted in community... But what does it mean for you to do that when you don’t and won’t always agree on how to go about that? Join the people of Jericho as we wrestle with the question, “What does it mean for us to...
When it comes to the church, would you describe yourself as an optimist, a pessimist or a realist. There are dangers in each camp when we forget to remember who God is, who we are and what He is calling us to do. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we...
God wants us to trust fully on Him. Israel was trusting in their own strength instead of God and God showed them that it was a bad idea. We have a choice of which path to take and God in his mercy allows us to choose but we live with the consequences...
How do you know the advice you are getting is good advice? After all, you can get good advice from bad people and bad advice from good people! The story of Absalom & David in 2 Samuel 17-19 helps us unpack this tricky question a bit. Join Mike...
In so many areas of our lives, we are told we deserve it. But in the story of Absalom & David, we discover that entitlement and rebellion will only lead to bitterness.
Though he is known as a person after God's heart, David still makes mistakes. And his biggest one has a name: Bathsheba. But even in the midst of his poor choices and the consequences that follow, David chooses to walk out a path of repentance...
Just like Mephibosheth, you and I have been invited to the King's table... the question is "will we choose to come?" Join the people of Jericho as we explore a story of amazing grace.
What happens when God says NO to something you are excited about doing? David discovers this first-hand in our continuing study in 2 Samuel.
When David moves the ark, things get um, interesting. Join us at we explore David's first act as king of all Israel.
What does it mean to trust God? After all, trust is a finicky thing. Today in the life of David, we learn that you can't trust someone you don't know. And David knew God to be faithful so he could trust in God despite challenging...
Have you ever done the right thing for the wrong reason? The story of Joab and Abner sheds some light on how we think about what we do and why we do it. Join us as we continue our study through 2 Samuel as we discover that there really isn't...
Timing is important in so many areas of life, including living by faith. Join the people of Jericho as we launch into our family-inclusive summer teaching series in 2 Samuel by looking at how David reacts to the death of his enemy Saul.
This being Pastor Keith's last Sunday on staff, he challenged us with the words of Jesus: "Come, follow me!" We also spent time blessing and affirming both Keith and Miriam as they transitioned off the staff team. The post-sermon audio...
What are the "signs" of the Lord's Supper? And what exactly are the Corinthians doing wrong when they participate in this meal together? Dr. Brian Cooper (Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary) addresses these questions in his message on...
Join the people of Jericho past and present as we join together to celebrate God's faithfulness and declare bankruptcy on self-sufficiency as we follow Him into our second decade.
The spiritual gifts of prophecy and tongues can be messy,. That is why Paul writes to the church in Corinth to give them a greater understanding of discovering, developing and deploying the gifts for the health of the body and the mission of God in...
These 16 verses are perhaps some of the most hotly debated in the New Testament. But what can head coverings, hair lengths & headship teach us about life together in the church? Join Pastor Brad & special guest Leanne McAlister to explore the...
Listen to stories and thoughts from Darryl and Jodi Bueckert who just returned to Langley after taking their family to Mazatlan for six months.
The question of whether or not a Christian could eat idol meat was a hot topic in first-century Corinth. But does it have a contemporary parallel to us today? Listen in as Keith Reed teaches from 1 Corinthians 8 and explores a number of principles.
Where do you turn when you don't know the answer to a question? The early church wrote letters to the Apostle Paul asking for his advice and counsel on various issues. In this text, the topics are sexual immorality, singleness & marriage (you...
On Sunday, May 10, Danny and April Ferguson provided an update to the JRCC community on where they sense God leading them. It was a warm time to speak words of blessing and affirmation over each other as they take the next steps in their journey as...
The first question issued by a human in the Biblical story was from Cain: "Am I my brother's keeper?" God didn't respond to the question and it still feels like a question that many of us ask ourselves. Which is why the teaching...
Some people would say that the objective of a salesperson and a preacher is the same: to get someone to buy. But in 1 Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul doesn't respond in a way that sounds like the customer is always right.
There are 96 different images of the Church in the New Testament. Join the people of JRCC as we explore three of them (field, building, temple) and how they shape our mandate, and our message.
Where two or more are gathered, there are politics. This might explain why church can sometimes feel messy, but how are we to respond? Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches from 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.
What you build on matters... so what's the foundation of the Christian faith? In I Cor 15 we find both bedrock but also disagreement. Join us as we explore the implications of the resurrection.
We brought a taste of Kids @ The Ridge up to the Banquet Hall as we explored the Feast of Harvest in Leviticus 23 (don't you think Pastor Brad should preach with puppets more often?)
Communitas Sunday is an invitation for people in our church community to share how God has been at work in their lives. Listen in as people share how they've been hearing from God and the action they've taken during our teaching series on...
How do I know if I'm being truly generous? Is it right to compare myself to others to get a benchmark? What about the size of my gift? In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul gives a generosity report card to a church. Join the conversation to see what...
Beginnings and endings seem to hold extra significance to us. Which makes it intriguing that the Apostle Paul ends his letter to Timothy with some urgent instructions: guard what you have been entrusted with. What is Paul talking about? Listen in as...
Throughout history, pain has evoked deep emotion. People who wonder where God is in the midst of pain find various ways of bringing that which is inside out into the open, as a way of finding meaning. Join the people of Jericho as Dr. Ron Toews...
The good news is only good news if there is bad news. But do we really understand the gravity of the bad news and the power of the good news? Listen in as guest speaker Brad Julihn covers a number of New Testament passages in response to these questions.
We apologize that there is no audio recording of Pastor Brad's message on the concept of firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9-10).
What's the balance between planning and spontaneity when it comes to generosity? Join us for a discussion that fuses biblical wisdom with practical advice about this important step in your personal generosity journey.
The opportunity to borrow money is all around us. But it is a good idea? Based on what factors? Listen in as Pastor Keith explains some biblical principles from Romans 13:8 and Proverbs 22:7 and Dustin Morin shares part of his story.
What does it mean to be generous? In Mark 14 we see an act of munificence that defines true generosity. Join the people of Jericho as we launch into a brand new teaching series in 2015 that will help us uncover and live out the genius of generosity!
Who has refrigerator rights in your life? This special Christmas Eve devotional asks what level of relationship you have with God and what kind of access He has to your life.
Our lives are filled with decisions. But how often do you allow God to influence your decisions? And once you hear from Him, are you willing to trust God and obey Him even if it goes against your natural inclinations? Joseph, the husband of Mary, is...
There's a lot we don't know about the Magi in the original Christmas story. But there's one thing we do know: that they deemed the baby born in Bethlehem worthy of sacrificial gifts. And whenever we sacrifice something, it says...
When it comes to prayer, what should you say before you say "amen"? Is there a right or wrong way to pray? Thankfully, James gives us some clear in instruction on when to pray, how to pray and why we should pray. Join the people of...
We spend a good amount of our lives waiting. Some things are worth waiting for, while other things aren't. How do you respond when you're forced to wait for something that's really important? Listen in as Pastor Keith speaks on patience...
Is it a sin to be rich? Is it wrong to plan for the future? This short set of verses in James force us to explore the priorities and pitfalls of being entrusted with wealth. What you discover just might surprise you.
What does it look like to take a step of faith? Darryl Bueckert shared about their journey into responsible irresponsibility as a family as they head to Mazatlan, Mexico to serve alongside the Vineyard Church for 6 months. This message will...
What is the most annoying word in the English language? Those with young kids might concur that up there on the list would be constant repetition of the word "WHY?" Yet when we bring this question to the Scriptures and ask "why would...
Have you ever been challenged to prove that something you said is actually true? The book of James pushes us to consider that how we live, not what we say, is what really counts. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we discover that you can't grow...
Sometimes we forget that what we say not only has a significant influence on the lives of those around us, it also says a lot about what is going on inside of us. Therefore, watching how we speak isn't about moralism, it's a snapshot of our...
The book of James is filled with direct commands and multiple metaphors. So what is James really trying to say at the end of chapter 1? Listen in as Danny Ferguson explains verses 19-27.
What happens when we open up the door of our lives to temptation? James sketches out two pathways for us - one that leads to death and one that leads to life. Which one are you and I prepared to walk down?
Most of our judgments are based on appearances and accomplishments. But God calls us to consider another way of relating to each other - and it exposes the problems with partiality
Where do you turn when you don't know what to do? In this week's study of the book of James, we'll explore what to do when we experience a wisdom deficiency. We'll see that the problem often isn't with how God gives, it's...
How do you think about trials and times of testing that come into your life? In this new teaching series in the book of James, we explore why asking some of the compelling questions they use at the border may just help you and I grow in endurance and...
We've all heard people say "life isn't fair" and the book of 1 Samuel is full of unfair stories. But fairness doesn't always mean rightness. And sometimes unfairness can be extremely good news. Join us for the final message in...
What are we to make of encounters with the supernatural? Some people live in fear, some in denial... But here in I Samuel 28 we gain a perspective on mediums and interactions with the spiritual world beyond the grave. Join us for this fascinating...
It takes humility to learn to see God at work in unlikely places and to hear Him speak through unlikely people. But that's just what we see in the story of David, Abigail and Nabal in I Samuel 25. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we learn...
Getting a song stuck in your head can be annoying, but in King Saul's case, it drives him to madness. And while Saul thinks that David is the source of his problems, the storyteller tells us that jealousy is the culprit. What can we learn from...
A shepherd boy chooses to fight a giant in one of the best known stories in the Bible. But what difference can this story actually make in your life? Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches about the battle between David and Goliath in the Valley of Elah (1...
Israel had a king, but the prophet Samuel anointed another. And the story of David being chosen as king looks very different from the perspective of each character. Listen to the story of 1 Samuel 16 as told by guest speaker Brent Miller (pastor of...
What's the core problem in our lives as people of faith... belief, behaviour, or belonging? Saul's challenge was his attitude; an attitude toward God that can plague any one of us. Join Danny Ferguson as we explore the differences between...
What happens when every kid in the neighbourhood has a lollypop but you don't? You want one! The same holds true to Israel and their desire for a king. Join the people of Jericho for an exploration of I Sam 8 & 9 in our journey through this...
What do you do when God speaks to you but He gives you a message or a task that's really hard? We often make excuses or stay silent, but the story of young Samuel reminds us that not only do we have to have the faith to receive from God, we also...
Every year, we open up the floor for the people of Jericho to share stories from their lives about what they are learning and what God is doing in and around them. Communitas 2014 was an amazing morning of God's faithfulness and authentic...
Spiritual leadership at home - it's a phrase that gets tossed around a lot these days, but what does it actually mean? Who does it, what exactly are they doing, and to whom? This weekend at JRCC, we explored the concept of intentional spiritual...
What are the ingredients necessary for transformational friendships? The Bible gives us ample advice on what it takes to be and to make solid friendships that lead us not only closer to others but also into the heart of God.
If someone asked you to define the soul, what would you say? In Mark 8, Jesus says that the soul is the most important part of who you. But if this is true, what does it mean to care for your soul? Join the people of Jericho as we explore being...
How do you know if the Holy Spirit is speaking or moving in your life, in our church or in the world? Just like anything else, there needs to be evidence - which means taking time to pause and listen and observe. That's just what the people of...
What does time look like to you? An ominous task-master? A merciless slave driver? A priceless and fragile artifact that you'll never reach? What if we genuinely believed that time was holy and that it was a gift given to each of us by a...
Being intentional about reading the Bible is difficult, even for the most disciplined person. So what can a person do? Listen in as several people from JRCC talk about how reading with other people has made all the difference.
The Bible is filled with over 2,000 verses on having a heart filled with mercy toward those who are under-resourced. But sometimes we drift away from a compassion for people who are poor. Join the people of JRCC as we launch a spring series on getting...
How can you trust the account of a person who lived over 2,000 years ago and whom Christians claim was raised from the dead? And even if it is true, why does it matter? Join the people of Jericho Ridge for an exploration of a very different way of...
What happens when our expectations and our experiences don't match with reality? Join the people of JRCC as we explore the conclusion of the book of Lamentations.
Loving parents long to see their children fly, to soar above the stuff of this world and to succeed in life.
All of us face storms in our lives. In fact, there's a story about Jesus' closest friends facing a literal storm while Jesus was enjoying a nap (Luke 8:22-25). What does this story tell us about suffering? Listen in as guest speaker Steph...
Isn't it a bit odd for a violent God to ask His followers to be peaceful? Listen in as Pastor Keith responds to this question and others in the second half of his two-part response to the question "Why is there so much violence in the...
How are we to make sense of all the violence that fills the Bible? And what does this tell us about the God who seems to command it? Listen in as Pastor Keith responds to these questions as he surveys what happened to the Canaanites.
Sometimes in the midst of suffering, God seems distant and eerily quiet. But what if He is still speaking, just not in the ways we are accustomed to or with the answers we are hoping for? Join Shawn Olson and Al Thiessen as they share their stories as...
When bad things happen to us or other people, a very natural, visceral question bubbles to the surface: WHY? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore the book of Lamentations and their own personal stories in a new teaching series about good...
What would it look like to put God on trial? Sometimes His actions and reasons are just as confusing to us as they were to the people in Hosea's day. Join the people of Jericho as we explore how what we believe about God and how He has worked in...
The Bible is full of warnings against forgetting and reminders about remembering. Hosea does the same thing. But he also explains how and why it happens. Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches on Hosea 12-13.
Why does God choose to reveal Himself to us as a father in the Bible? Though some aspects of this image can be a challenge, there is also incredible richness for us if we can embrace it. Join the people of Jericho Ridge on a journey into the father...
You may have heard the expression "you reap what you sow" or the notion of something being "half-baked". But have you ever thought about where these terms originate or how they relate to our spiritual lives? Join the people of...
It's true that actions speak louder than words. In the book of Hosea, God calls people to repentance but He asks them to do more than just say they are sorry. He invites them to choose to live differently and thus demonstrate that true repentance...
Feeling comfortable is one of our greatest ambitions. But it comes with a cost. Comfort has a way of keeping us in the same place, while discomfort has a way of moving us. The words that God speaks through Hosea are especially uncomfortable, but they...
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a bad breakup? How could you tell it was coming? Join Youth Unlimited Langley Area Director and regular Jericho attendee, Danny Ferguson, as he continues our series in Hosea.
What's in a name? In the life-story of Hosea and the names of his three children, we discover a compelling picture of God's love for us. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore this incredible story.
Why should anyone read the Bible? More specifically, why would you read out-of-the-way and downright odd sections like the book of Hosea? Using the metaphor of a window, Pastor Keith Reed launches our new series by reminding us that Bible reading is...
Sometimes if can feel like after Christmas, we put baby Jesus away under the steps until we bring him out again as an adult at Easter. At our 6th annual Willoughby Community Christmas, Pastor Josh Buys reminded us of the importance of living for...
What's the difference between hoping and wishing? This Christmas Eve devotional includes a journey story by Samson and a loud clunk when Pastor Brad drops a boat anchor on the stage. Join the people of Jericho for the final reflection in our...
The Advent season is filled with hope, but the storytellers of the gospel rarely use the word. On two occasions, Luke tells of people who place their hope in something specific. Listen in as Pastor Keith shares these stories on the final Sunday of Advent.
Sometimes we are surprised & disappointed that God doesn't operate like we expect Him to. Take Christmas, for example. While people expected the Messiah to come with a display of power, He came as a helpless little baby. Join the people of...
How do we know God will keep His promises? At Christmas, the message of hope was so important for us to hear that God Himself came to deliver it. Listen in on this devotional reflection that concluded our Kids at the Ridge 2013 Christmas program.
Have you ever wondered what happened between the close of the Old Testament and the start of the New? It's one thin, blank page in most Bibles, but it's over 430 years of history. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we set the stage for...
How does a person or a church grow in generous living? Join our panel discussion as they wrestle with their own journeys as well as fielding the great questions asked by our people. Topics include how should I distribute my charitable giving; is the...
If the church doesn't want my money, what DOES it want?! Join the people of Jericho Ridge in this second installment of our November min-series on finances as we explore the genius of relational, systematic, and proportional giving.
The story of the widow's offering has a number of surprising twists, including what Jesus says about who actually gave the most money the day when he was watching. But what's the most surprising part of this story? Listen in as Pastor Keith...
"I want you to love me the most when I deserve it the least." Powerful words from a teen who lost her way. Listen in as special guest, best-selling author, and radio host Mark Gregston unpacks four key lessons he's learned from working...
"Who am I to judge?" It's a common refrain in our culture. But is it biblical? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we look at the differences between judging and judgmentalism.
Butch Hancock said he was taught that "sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love." We often throw around lies when we talk about sex, which is one of the reasons sex is so greatly misunderstood...
On the surface, the story of the Good Samaritan can be viewed as a morality tale that Jesus used to take a shot at the religious leaders of his day. But there's much more to it than this. Join YFC Langley area director Danny Ferguson as he...
What can a broken down car, a pathetic running schedule, and an ungrateful recipient teach us about biblical generosity? Plenty! Join the people of Jericho Ridge for a conversation about what radical generosity really means as we continue our series...
It is perhaps the most neglected Christian teaching of our day and age. But what does it mean to be holy and why have Christians throughout the centuries struggled to get the balance right? Join the people of JRCC for a look at what is perhaps the...
What might the stories of Jesus have looked like if they were told through the eyes of a man who was lame and a charter member of B.A.D.P.U. (Beggars And Disabled Persons Union)? Join master storyteller Justyn Rees and the people of Jericho to find...
The mother of James and John asks Jesus for a favour. How does He respond? And what does He say about power, leadership, and service in the process? Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches from Matthew 20:20-28.
What are the things that come together to make up your identity? And what happens when those things begin to fall apart or disintegrate? Join us as we kick off our fall teaching series with a focus from 1 Peter 2 on having identity integrity.
When you pray, do you tend to ask God for stuff like "help us have a good day"? If you are stuck in a prayer rut, take a lesson from Joshua who asks God for something bold and audacious.
This last month we have looked at God’s generosity; our stewardship and the faith behind it all.
Have you ever made a hasty decision that you later regretted? In the second to last installment in our summer series, Joshua and the leaders of Israel get taken in a ruse when they fail to consult God and everything is not as it seems.
Join Pastor Mike as he digs into Joshua 7, unearthing Achan's sin and exploring how hidden sin affects the whole family.
The story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho reminds us that sometimes, faith in God looks a little ridiculous. But that's okay, because God's ways are trustworthy.
The crossover moments in our lives are significant at the time, but they can be easy to forget. Which is why the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River is focused on how they can remember the life-changing event. Listen in to hear how the...
If Rahab were an animated character, who might she be? Maybe Gru from the film Despicable Me. Find out what the two have in common as Mike Olynyk speaks on the story of Rahab and the spies from Joshua 2.
What's the craziest thing you've ever seen an animal do? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore the story of Balaam and his talking donkey where we see that God can speak through anything and use anyone for His purposes.
At the edge of Canaan, Moses and Aaron are told they won't be able to lead the people into the Promised Land. What did they do wrong? And did their consequence really fit their crime? Listen in as Pastor Keith invites the JRCC community to be...
What is the relationship between strength and weakness? And why is it that all superheroes have silly weaknesses? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore this relationship and celebrate Day Camp Sunday.
Rebellion is in the air in this story from Numbers 16. Listen in and see what happens when Korah and his ilk question authority and learn what it means for our lives today as we launch into our family inclusive format for summer 2013.
Many of us have trouble believing. But what if our challenges with faith have nothing to do with our vision and everything to do with our memories? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we kick off our summer series with an investigation of life at the...
What is the nature, purpose and mission of the church? Join Pastor Brad and Pastor Keith as they explore how we think about and relate to the church.
Why is it so easy to get stuck with our personal finances? Probably because the consequences aren't immediate, they're eventual. Find out how borrowing money not only tugs on your wallet but on your heart as Pastor Keith teaches from...
In 1939, the Ministry of Information in the UK came up with a slogan to inspire people in the face of hardship: "Keep Calm and Carry On". This phrase also captures the heart behind Jeremiah 29:11. Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we...
Temptation can come to us in very simple forms, but sometimes the cycle is much more sophisticated and entrenched. Our hurts, habits, and hang-ups have a hold on us in ways that we aren't even aware of and the consequences of staying stuck are...
Thou Shalt Not Covet thy neighbour's spiritual walk. In this discussion, we explore 9 different ways of approaching God that are based on your unique temperament. Filled with practical stories & biblical support, we hope this topic will...
Busyness can get us stuck and time is often seen as the enemy. How does the tradition of honouring the Sabbath address these problems? Listen in as Pastor Keith speaks on the why of Sabbath.
Do you ever feel like you're on autopilot in an area of your life? In Isaiah 29, God speaks to people who are asleep and calls them to wake up. Join us as we explore both the symptoms and some possible cures for apathy.
The Pharisees were pretty good at designing traps for Jesus. On one occasion, they tried to force Jesus to contradict Moses by asking if it's lawful to divorce. How did Jesus respond? Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches on marriage and divorce from...
In Luke 14:26, Jesus says "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Pretty strong words, no? Listen in as Mike Olynyk...
Would a loving God really send people to hell? What do we know about hell from the Bible and what have we perhaps imported from pop culture, philosophy, and the art of the middle ages?Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore what Jesus said...
What makes you feel uncomfortable? In Luke 7, we encounter what might be the most uncomfortable social and ethical situation Jesus ever faced. His response teaches us that it's okay for us to let grace get a little out of hand from time to time...
Have you ever been so hungry you could eat anything put in front of you? In this Easter message, Pastor Brad explores spiritual hunger and why Jesus makes a very strong claim and a promise to each of us about how you can find nourishment for your soul.
Jesus often spoke about the poor, but his conversation with a Pharisee in Luke 11 reveals that His definition of who is poor is much different than what many of us would think. Listen in as guest speaker Steph Ratcliff preaches on this fascinating story.
Lots of red letters were used in response to questions that Jesus was asked. All of us have questions. And most of us have asked the same question that a young man asked Jesus years ago: "What do I have to do to get eternal life?" Listen in...
Why did Jesus speak in parables? And why did he compare the Word to seed being scattered on the ground? Listen in as guest speaker Steve Klassen explores the story of Mark 4:1-20.
We live in an era when religion gets co-opted by politics (and visa versa) all the time. As Canadians, we sometimes think we are immune from this "God and country" stuff, but are we really? Join the people of Jericho Ridge for an exploration...
What's up with all of the red printing in the Bible? In one of these spots, Jesus tells his followers that if they have faith the size of a mustard seed, they can do amazing things. Is it hyperbole or is something else going on? Join the people...
How far does the possibility of peaceable living extend? What is the difference between pacifism and love and non-resistance? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we conclude our teaching series in Romans 12 with a look at these questions and an...
For all of Paul's bold statements in Romans 12, his teaching about living at peace with others in verse 18 begins with two qualifiers. Why does he do this? Listen in as Pastor Keith speaks on payback, revenge, and the only true pathway to peace.
How does a person with a transformed life respond to suffering and pain? That's the question we set out to explore together - be warned: glib or happy-clappy answers will be rejected as insufficient!
Most people have stalled at some point during their spiritual journey. It's almost inevitable. The question is how we get back on track. Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches on Romans 12:11 and provides some practical applications to get your water...
Have you ever seen a menu that says "no substitutions"? There really are some things, like authentic community, that we shouldn't accept cheap imitations of. But how do we get there and what are the limitations of this kind of posture?...
What the best way to experience change in your life in 2013? Most of us spend lots of time focused on what we shouldn't or don't want to do or be. Romans 12:9 suggests that this approach is only half of the puzzle at best. Join the people...
The angels promise of "PEACE on earth" seems elusive in our world. If God is leading our feet into paths of peace (Luke 1:79), it can be hard to see. Join the people of Jericho as we explore the promise and the possibility of being used as...
What are the three most common words you hear at home? If they are "Why Mommy, why?" then perhaps you'll be intrigued by this Advent devotional given as part of our 2012 Kids' Christmas Program.
This morning, the people of JRCC shared their Christmas traditions in an open mic format. You might be surprised and inspired at the intentional and often counter-cultural choices that people make when they are committed to generous living.
Have you ever found yourself upset when God didn't do what you expected? Sometimes a narrow view of God's mercy gets us into trouble. That's just what happened to Jonah in this final message in our Nudge series. Join us as we discover...
When and why do you pray? If you're like most people, you wait until you're at the end of your rope before you talk to God about your problems. Join us as we explore Jonah's prayer and why it might be a good idea to get honest with...
Jonah's story is a classic runaway tale. And like every runaway, he had a reason for running. What was it? Listen in as Pastor Keith teaches from the first chapter in the book of Jonah and introduces the Nudge teaching series.
Hear first-hand updates from local and global missionaries who are connected at JRCC. You'll learn about the happenings in Guatemala, Tanzania, Langley, Haiti, and India as various individuals speak about their recent experiences.
Is you dinner hour a disaster? Join Chef Sandi Richard as she shares her story of faith, family and food and answers questions from the audience about nutrition, meal planning and so much more. You'll enjoy her engaging style and practice advice...
Why go to church? What is church all about anyway (or what should it be about)? Join the people of JRCC as we explore a vision for spiritual community, spiritual mission, spiritual formation, and spiritual theology from Hebrews 13. You might just...
What's been your experience with the Bible? Join Pastor Brad as he shares his personal journey of misconceptions and interactions with the Bible.
The common desire of most Christians is to hear the phrase "Well done, good and faithful servant" at the end of the age. What's the basis for hearing this? Listen in as Pastor Keith explores a well known parable in Matthew 25.
Have you ever considered the parallels between physical fitness and spiritual health? The New Testament is full of them! Lace up with the crew at Jericho Ridge as we jump into a season of training for godliness.
We often read the Bible and think smugly to ourselves, "I would NEVER do that!" Listen in as Pastor Brad takes us through the final message in our Exodus series and explores how we aren't really any smarter or more sophisticated than...
We're often told to stop complaining. But the story of Exodus 16 suggests a much different application than halting our grumbling. Listen in as Pastor Keith speaks on the story of the manna and the quail.
Have you ever felt trapped? The Israelites certainly did when they were pressed up against the Red Sea. Join Mike Olynyk and the people of JRCC as we look at how God invites us to come to Him and let Him do the heavy lifting.
What can 10 miraculous events unleashed upon ancient Egypt teach us about who God is and who we are in response? You may be surprised where we land as we explore the wierd, the wonderful and the downright amazing acts of God in Exodus 7-11
Have you ever heard someone say that the safest place to be is in the centre of God's will? Moses discovers in Exodus 5 that this simply isn't true and that in fact, the opposite sometimes prevails: that precisely because something is part...
There's an old saying that applies to investing as much as to our spiritual lives: No risk, no reward. Join us as we begin our summer teaching series in the book of Exodus with an exploration of faith and risk in the story of the Birth of Moses.
The final message in our Taste & See series is the very first Psalm. Listen in as Katy Kwon teaches how this Psalm is transforming her life.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These are the words that Jesus spoke shortly before his death on the cross. And they are the same words of Psalm 22. What do these words mean? Listen in as Danny Ferguson introduces a reading...
Did you know that 61 of the 150 Psalms are songs of lament? Listen in as Mike Olynyk preaches on one of his favourites: Psalm 13.
"How was your trip?" It's a common question to ask when someone comes back from Africa. Join Pastor Brad as he digs into Psalm 10 and unpacks his two weeks with Under the Same Sun walking alongside persons with albinism in East Africa.
Envy has a way of distorting the truth. Kind of like when Asaph quips that the wicked have no struggles in Psalm 73. But is this psalm just about the apparent injustice of the wicked being blessed? Listen in as Jared Crossley expounds on this passage...
Why does God give so many restrictions about sex if He created it in the first place? Listen in as Pastor Keith explains the meaning of being united together and how this reveals God's design for sex.
Relational closeness creates the ability to speak words of love and words of hurt. How then can spouses speak the truth in love? Listen as Pastor Brad preaches on Ephesians 5:33.
Submission has become a dirty word in our culture. But it was a shocking concept to the first listeners, as well. Join the people of JRCC and see why mutual submission is not just about marriage, but about discipleship and being filled with the Spirit.
Why does Paul say such wonderful things about marriage in Ephesians 5, but tell unmarried people in Corinth to remain single? Listen to his rationale as Pastor Keith teaches from 1 Corinthians 7.
Marriage is a profound mystery. But when the Apostle Paul said this, was he talking about marriage or about Christ and the church? Listen in as Pastor Keith speaks on Ephesians 5 and explains why marriage has a lot in common with baseball.
What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? Join the people of JRCC as we explore this opening question in our series on marriage. There's something for everyone, including the single adult and for those who have...
What is the logic and the necessity of the resurrection? Join the people of JRCC for an Easter exploration of how the Gospel invites us to live as people of hope who are not afraid of death and who have answers to life's ultimate questions.
Is resisting temptation and evil simply a matter of will power? If so, is the solution as easy as trying harder? Join the people of Jericho as we explore why it's incredibly dangerous to think that the devil, sin, and evil don't exist or...
Why is our world full of both beauty of pain? And why can't we just focus on the good news part of the gospel instead of talking about the bad news? Listen in as Pastor Keith speaks on Genesis 3 and addresses the importance of understanding...
How do we know what we know about God? Through both general and special revelation, most particularly the Bible. But there are unhelpful ways to approach the Bible so join the people of Jericho Ridge for this exploration of the power and the purpose...
It's a simple question but one that is not easy to answer: What really IS the gospel? To say that it's "Good News" is accurate, but is it holistic? For example, can you explain it in a sentence or single text in Scripture? Join...
Afraid of high-pressure evangelism tactics? Us too! Join the people of JRCC as we explore Paul's methods and his mission in Acts 28. No gimmicks necessary - only a respect for the people you are in discussion with and an emphasis on making...
How well do you know the stories of those around you? How well do you know your own story? The story of God's work in your life? Because he knew his mission in life, Paul is a master of his own memoir and uses it to call others to saving faith...
What is your purpose in life? What unique gifts and experiences had God given you and for what purpose? Do you have a clear finish line that informs your priorities? Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to answer these questions and to...
If Christians are known for being so "nice" then why were the people of Ephesus in such an uproar over their behaviour? Learn why the gospel should so "disturb" and change your life that you can't but help disturb the culture...
How do you talk with people who are spiritual but not religious? How much contextualization is too much and what kind of responses should we expect? Join the conversation as Pastor Brad explores Paul's speech in Athens in Acts 17.
Attacked by an angry mob, beaten, imprisoned and singing?! Find out why Paul and Silas were READY to present the gospel to anyone at anytime and what growing in this area might look like for you and me.
How many cultural barriers should a person have to cross to come to saving faith? And whose job is it to identify and break them down? (Hint: it's not those on the outside). Join the people of JRCC as we launch into our first series of 2012 -...
What happens when 2700 people set aside their denominational differences and join together to start the new year off right? A morning of celebration and skating was capped off with a stirring message on the unity of the church by Pastor Dave...
What would it be like if God wrote a message to you in the stars? Not just a general message, but a clear and potent message on the proof of his existence? In a way, that's just what He did on Christmas Eve many years ago. Join us for an...
Waiting for Christmas can be hard. But what if you were waiting for years for something God only told you a little bit about? This is the story of Simeon, and what he hears, sees and speaks has profound implications for our faith today. Join us as...
A favourite weekend of the year, Sunday the kids presented "The Big God Story" in readings and songs this past Sunday. This recording captures the Grade 1-5 elements (please e-mail the church office if you're interested in the mp3 file...
What are we to make of the miraculous elements of the Christmas story? (I mean, virgin girls do not get pregnant.) Should we grow out of a belief in the supernatural? Join us as we explore miracles - their definition, causes, and how to live in that...
What if all we knew about Jesus' birth was Luke 2:1-7? Would it still seem miraculous? And what really is a miracle anyway? Join the people of JRCC as we dive into Advent 2011 and explore how God works as a skilled orchestra conductor so that...
How does a person go about learning to listen to God? Practice! We moved the chairs into circles today and asked people to stretch themselves and learn to listen to God speaking. The first exercise (unrecorded) involved asking what you were...
Join Lindsey Schacter, Kara, Fen Dorozio, Jacqueline Pasko, Ruth Ellen Crossley and Brian Kerr for a panel discussion on what they are learning about prayer. This unique mix of six voices creates a multi-dimensional exploration of everything from...
Does prayer change God's mind? How long should I have to pray about something? And what's really happening when I pray anyways? Find out as we explore the parable of the persistent widow and discover why God sometimes says...
When we pray, what part is God's responsibility and what part is mine? Join us as we explore three key images of partnership in prayer from John 15 - Good Friendship, a skilled Counsellor and the Greek 'Middle Voice' (hey, it's...
Why doesn't God answer some of our prayers? Sure, we might pray with the wrong motives at times, but how about the times when we pray with the right motives? Join the people of Jericho Ridge as we explore these questions and reconsider the...
Why do we pray? And how should we pray? The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and in the first message of this series, Brad and Keith ask how he does this through the Lord's prayer (found in Luke 11 and Matthew 6).
Why in the world do churches SING on Sunday mornings? (Hint: It has something to do with hitting 'F5') And how does worship in song counter the tendency to see a corporate gathering as yet another religious product to be consumed? Join...
If generosity is contageous, then why do so few people catch it? Arnie Friesen invites us to take an aptitude and attitude test when it comes to how we think about giving - you won't believe the results or the response.
What makes community authentic? And is there anything that makes community distinctly Christian? Come along for the journey as we explore JRCC's third core value - Authentic Community.
Grace may be opposed to earning but is it opposed to effort? Discover why so many people people see transformation catalyzed in their lives through global and local service (and no, we didn't make that word up)
Back to school means going over the basics, right? So sharpen your pencil crayons and join the people of JRCC on a 5 week exploration of our Core Values that shape and inform everything we do around here - you might even find some good advice for...
How do you look at the negative events of your life? In this Genesis series wrap-up we explore how Joseph learned that God truly can take what others have meant for evil and use it for good.
Are you living a No Ka 'Oi life? What does this life look like? Listen as guest speaker Ken Esau speaks about what the "best" life is all about and how Joseph exemplifies this in Genesis 45.
Jacob's deathbed speech to his sons might have been his most significant parenting act. How so? Listen as guest speaker Ron Toews teaches on Genesis 49 and the educational nature of his blunt words to his kids.
What's the point of the Genesis 39 story? Is it about what to do when someone other than your spouse wants to have sex with you? Listen as guest speaker Gareth Brandt uses this story to teach about sexuality fidelity.
Danny teaches on a very familiar story - Joseph and the technicolour dream coat (Genesis 37). Is this really the story of a spoiled tattle-tail who is sold off to be an Egyptian slave and has his arrogance polished off in the process? Or does this...
Would Jacob's encounter with God truly change his behaviour? Or would he return to his deceitful ways? Listen to the story of Jacob's reunion with his brother Esau (Genesis 33). Guest speaker Matthew Price (North Langley CC) teaches us of...
What's in a name? Most everything (at least in antiquity)! Which is why the story of Jacob (which means deceiver / cheater) wrestling for a blessing is so significant. Listen as guest speaker Phil Wagler (Gracepoint Community Church) teaches on...
Favouritism and deceitfulness can rip families apart, which is why Isaac and Rebekah's family is known as one of the most dysfunctional families in the Bible. So what can we learn from their story?
If Sodom and Gomorrah were such wicked cities, why did Abraham plead to God on their behalf? Did he want the cities to be acquitted or was he appealing to God for something else?
What does it mean to be an advocate of peace? Is this the same as being pacifist, non-resistant, or non-violent? Listen as guest speaker J Janzen addresses these questions on MB Heritage Day.
If children learn by watching, then how can fathers use this principle to benefit their kids?
What was the defining mark of the early church? Prayer. It was prayer that united all believers, prepared them for the power of the Holy Spirit, and made every miracle possible.
What in the world is holiness?! Is it about what you don't do or what you do do? Is it a private thing between you and God or is there a public element to it? Join us for an exploration of 1 Thes 4 where we are called to be ambitious about being...
Ever felt gift envy? Where does it come from and why does I Cor. 12:31 say that we should desire the greater gifts? Join us on this long weekend exploration of the manifold grace of God in your life.
Is the world going to end on May 21, 2011 or some other apocalyptic date that is reached by mixing some combination of numbers in the book of Revelation and the latest natural disasters. Join the conversation about the Second Coming and how some good...
Is the pursuit of a 'well balanced' life and 'well rounded' kids biblical or not? What elements of that definition are cultural and what can we learn from the observations Jesus makes in Mark 12 about the widow who puts her two...
It's graduation time... What could and should be said to each of us about the topic of Ambition? Join us as we launch a new series and explore the up-side and down-side of selfish ambition.
What does a power washer, slavery and a moss covered driveway have to do with Easter?! Join the people of Jericho Ridge for an Easter exploration of God's incredible grace as we conclude our series in Romans.
Six members of JRCC's community share their stories of God's transforming work in their lives. Listen as Dave & Tammy Smethurst, Adam & Susan Drake and Kara & Howard Lung share their "But Now" moments and what God is...
A hot theological debate these days is around the doctrine of universalism, the idea that God's love ultimately "wins". Proponents are quick to quote Romans 5:18 but what does Romans 5 teach about God's ultimate plan?
How could a just God allow suffering in our world? Why doesn't God just forgive everyone? In this exploration of one of the key passages in Romans, Pastor Keith Reed explores why Jesus had to die and how God's mercy, His justice and His...
Harmati-what?! you might ask. Good question! Well, Steph Ratcliff gives a reasoned and passionate treatise on the doctrine of sin from Romans 3 and why the bad news is countered by some incredibly good news! Also features a live performance by Brie...
Ever wonder what to do with all of the sections of LAW in the Old Testament? Do we follow all of it? Pick and choose? Jettison the whole thing? Join the people of Jericho for an exploration of the purpose of the law in Romans 2:17-29
How is God's wrath good news?! Join the JRCC community for teaching from Romans 2 as we explore Lent and our two of the most powerful words ever spoken... BUT NOW.
How many contracts do you think you are bound by currently? In Genesis 15, God literally 'cuts' a covenant with Abram which is quite different from our usual ideas of a contract. Join us in the journey as we explore the parallels between...
God offered Abram a series of blessings when he called him to leave his land. But Abram and Sarai continued to experience hardships. What does this tell us about living under God's blessing?
How do we move from one family to the multi-lingual, international flavour that our world has today? The Tower of Babel illustrates not only God's heart for the nations but also how personal and organizational ego can prevent us from being...
Find out why we suggest that if you were in a bookstore, you might want to look for the narrative of Noah and the Ark in the 'business' section with the other accounting books. It's a engaging discussion of grace, starting over and the...
The story of Cain and Abel provides an excellent discussion on how genuine worship differs from religious activity. Andrew gives us an inside look at Gen 4 and Nepalese agricultural as he invites us to consider "what does worshipful dependence...
Is the narrative of Genesis 3 fundamentally a good news story or a bad news story? Engage with the conversation as we explore depravity but also incredible grace.
What is the significance of the seventh day in the creation account? Is the Sabbath an antiquated, outdated concept or is it for us today? Why was the seventh day necessary and how does it finish creation? Why did God declare the seventh day holy?...
Pastors Brad Sumner and Keith Reed introduce the teaching series by looking at Genesis 1 and asking a series of questions about how to interpret the creation story.
Each year, the gathered community begins by reflecting on the year that is past and how God has moved in our lives and anticipating His work in the coming season. Join us for the stories of wonder, thanksgiving and struggle as we launch into 2011.
Six churches joined together for a united service of celebration and reflection on the origins and meaning of the season. Pastor Ken Boonstra of Willoughby Christian Reformed Church led us a devotional reflection on what it might have been that Mary...
One of the more inspiring events of the year was the survival of 33 Chilean miners, trapped for 69 days beneath the Atacama desert. Join us as we explore their story and the story of another rescue mission that changed history forever.
What do the stories of king Nebuchadnezzar and king Herod have to do with Christmas?! Discover how the story of these kings and their issues with control have everything to do with the baby lying in a manger some 2,000 years ago.
Perhaps the most prevalent counterfeit idol is that of "comfort" which can prevent us from hearing from and obeying God. Join the people of JRCC on a journey of surrender as we bring things that represent counterfeit idols to the altar and...
Al presented a financial rescue plan, which introduced the danger of being financially lost, how to develop a financial plan, and what actions to take.
What happens when you get everything you've ever wanted and God asks you to give it up? The narrative of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 shows us how the best things in the world can be the most dangerous things for us because they can so easily...
What do you think of when someone says "idolatry?" Primitive people bowing down to statues? The next music superstar? In our Advent series introduction, Pastor Keith takes us through the golden calf incident in Exodus 32 to demonstrate that...
What do you think of when you think of INDIA? It is a land of contrasts - with more millionaires than the USA but also 35 million orphans. A land where 456 languages are spoken but the name of Jesus is seldom mentioned or known. Steph and a team of...
Infomercials promise us massive transformation in a short time frame. But what if transformation is more the product of a series of smaller, consistent events that ignite life-change? In this 2 & 3 John series conclusion, Pastor Keith shares the...
How do you know what is true? Movies like 'Inception' demonstrate that its possible to be deceived and not to even be aware of it. Today we explore 2 John and the truth about Jesus' humanity. Also featured is an interview with...
What makes a good partnership? In part 1 of our series in 2 & 3 John, we explore what it looks like to walk in the same direction and with the same intent: vigilance, discernment, faith and obedience. This audio also includes Mike and Kim Olynyk...
How do our friendships change us? And how is Divine friendship similar to or different from our human friendships? Is it like Jr. High were you become like the friends your parents don't want you to hang around with? Or is it more like the...
How do you know when to call your friends on something (we're not talking about their poor fashion sense, but character and spiritual maturity issues)? What does it look like to speak the truth in love to your friends? The book of Proverbs is...
Are all of your "friends" on facebook really authentic friends? In part 3 of our fall series, we explore one of the key characteristics of a good friend: they stand by you in times of adversity.
The Bible isn't too specific on how to make friends but there are certainly some clues (we'll give you a hint... friendship develops when common interests and goals and found and time is invested).
What can we learn about friendship from a package of licorice and a funny little book in the middle of the Old Testament? You'd be surprised and amazed and what principles emerge in the final installment of our Family Friendly series (which...
What would you do if you were a king or a queen? Mike Olynyk looks at the life of Josiah who was crowned king at the age of eight and explores what it looks like to renew a covenant.
Mephibosheth is first named in the Bible through parentheses. His introduction and significance are told as side-notes (2 Samuel 4:4). But later on, King David summons this crippled son of Jonathan and teaches him that grace can never be earned, just...