Kingsview Community Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kinsgview Community Church
The Kingsview Podcast features weekly messages recorded live at Kingsview Community Church in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.
This year, Easter looked very different for everyone, but thankfully we know and serve a God who doesn't change. And what better way to celebrate this fact than by joining Guest Pastor Joe Amaral as he shows the context, significance, and unchanging power of the resurrect of Jesus Christ. No matter where we find ourselves, this truth is what sets us free and gives us hope beyond all hopes.
Being stuck in isolation so easily leads to frustration. And if you thought the Bible had nothing to offer you, just turn to the Psalms. In many, David is writing these from a cave. After being on the run from someone who wants to kill him. And the best estimates we have are he was stuck there for months. Sound familiar? So listen to how David pours his heart out to God. He vents his full frustration and anguish, but by the end it turns to worship. That's a pattern we can definitely be following right now...
The Bible says, in Romans 5, that Christians are called to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Which means, contrary to how it's been presented by some, Christianity is NOT easy street. In fact, following Christ is the hardest path you can walk. But those who do, discover a hope they couldn't find any other way...
We've all heard the story of Jesus calling Peter out of the boat and walking on water. And when Peter doubted, he started to sink. The question is, what was he doubting and, more importantly, who? Was he doubting Jesus... or himself? One thing we really need to understand as Christians is that, if Jesus calls us to do something He will equip us to do it. And in these trying times, that's a truth we need to cling to.
As we enter a very unusual season of being forced apart and left wondering what the future holds, Pastor Josh addresses the fears we are likely facing. But he also reminds and encourages us that, by faith in Christ, we don't have to live under fear or be controlled by it. Rather, by surrendering that fear to Jesus and allowing Him to renew our minds by the truth of His Word to place our trust in Him, we can start operating as the church body that our communities need right now.
In Romans 6, Paul writes that we should "count ourselves as dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." That "sin shall no longer be our master" because we have been "brought from death to life." This is strong language and unequivocal in its meaning. But are we each living this way? How often do we find ourselves still stuck as slaves to lifestyles, thought patterns and behaviours that are far less than (or the total opposite of) what Jesus paid for? Pastor Josh examines this and exhorts us to live out those amazing words that Paul wrote...
What does it mean to "work out your salvation in fear and trembling"? Does it mean we're to be terrified all the time? It doesn't make much sense, especially given how many times we're commanded to not be afraid. But both commands are in scripture, so how do we reconcile them? Pastor Josh examines this and shows that the distinction is on what we are to be afraid of and how that should motivate us to act... especially when no one is looking.
We have a very special guest this week as our youth retreat breaks from the norm and concludes as part of our Sunday service. Guest Pastor Scott Murray shares a powerful message that we all know to be true, but need reminding of often: God has given all of us a great commission. He's mapped out specific plans and tasks for each of us. And He's allotted us a window of time to do it. Each of us doesn't have the exact same window, but each one is equally vital.
The incarnation of Christ is perhaps the greatest mystery of all time. God the Son became human. Perfect, undying, inexhaustible deity became flesh and blood. Vulnerable to death. And yes... even tired. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, there is the story of Jesus asleep in the boat as a great storm arose and threatened to sink them all. This story shows the humanity of Jesus - he was exhausted and needed to sleep – and the deity of Jesus – he spoke to nature and commanded it. Something that had never been done before...
Even people who've never read a word of the Bible have likely heard the verse "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." But if you read just two verses later, Paul says "For if, when we were enemies of God..." We get that we were sinners, but did you ever think about yourself as an enemy of God? Pastor Josh looks deeper into this and shows that when in Matthew, Jesus commanded us to "love our enemies", he was using the exact same word.
We all want to hear from God. Somewhere within - even in those who don't believe in God - our souls cry out to be heard, known and loved by God. But are we willing to quiet ourselves and the world around us in order to hear Him? As guest pastor, David Burke, shares this week: If we expect that He only speaks in loud, mountain top experiences, then we'll become very disappointed at how little we hear from Him. Because while God does speak to us like that, most often he comes to us in the whisper...
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This isn't merely a Proverb in our sacred book. It's a command and a warning from God. This week guest Pastor Dan DiSabatino shines light on what can lead our hearts astray and shows how the Bible offers practical advice on how to effectively guard your heart.
Do you "glory in tribulations"? On the surface it seems like a ridiculous thing to say, but Paul said it in Romans 5:3-4 – "...but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Pastor Josh digs into this passage and reveals that often tribulations – "intense pressures" – are the only way to produce the fuel that we need to keep reflecting the glory of God: perseverance, character and hope.
As we grieve the passing of Peter Sertic, Pastor Josh reminds us that, though we can't really understand why it happened this way, Peter is home. Because as painful as it is to walk through circumstances like these, we don't walk as people without hope. That hope is secure in Christ alone and His words that, "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going away to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am...
Salvation belongs to God alone. We know this, not only because of Biblical truth, but from our own experiences – despite all our best efforts we can't stop ourselves from sinning or find the life we're seeking. Only Jesus can offer that to us freely. So why do we feel like we have to "earn" healing? How is it any different from salvation?
As we close out 2019 together, our friend, guest pastor Rich Redman reminds us that Philippians chapter 4 exhorts us to "not be anxious about anything" – to not worry. But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to God so that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." In other words, we'll have peace and can therefore find happiness. God bless you and see you in 2020!
In our final week of Advent we come to the theme of Love. It's a word and idea that has many different meanings and uses, and while they're all good, they aren't all equal. Listen as Pastor Josh demonstrates the different kinds of love and shows how one kind - the kind God showed us - is the greatest of all of them...
Christmas so often becomes about happiness. And happiness is a very good thing, but it's not the same thing as joy. Because while happiness is about the moment, joy is about the journey. So as we journey through advent, Pastor Josh reminds us that not only should joy be our focus, but that Jesus should be the focus of our joy...
"Do not be afraid." It's not a phrase you would normally think is associated with Christmas, but in fact it's woven throughout the story. Each time someone – Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, the shepherds – encountered the supernatural they were terrified and had to be encouraged to not fear. But chances are, while their fear probably eased a bit, it didn't just go away. What they were each being asked to do was a big leap of faith. And yet, as they obeyed God's command, the peace of the Lord came...
One of the wonderful things about Advent is that it's a journey, because that's truly what Christmas was and is. Jesus didn't just arrive one night with some fanfare. He was hoped for over hundreds of years and in that time expectation built on what both He and his arrival would be like. And it certainly wasn't expected to be a helpless baby, born to lowly, unwed parents, in a town no one cared about. But if you follow the story from the very beginning, you can see the trust God was building in preparation of fulfilling that hope...
"I think I'm basically a good person." You've probably heard it, thought it, said it. And if that were true then why would anyone need a saviour? But in Romans 3, starting with verse 9, Paul makes it abundantly clear: none of us are righteous. This week Pastor Josh explores this passage and shows why the world needs the gospel of Christ...
Light is always brighter when it's contrasted against darkness. The same can be said of God's power and faithfulness – it's so much more clear when contrasted against evil. So, why not say “Let us do evil that good may result”? That's the hypothetical question Paul poses in Romans 3. And for a moment it makes a kind of sense. But as today's message shows, that moment can't hold up in the light of God's truth.
Is there any advantage to being a Christian in Canada? Paul asked a similar question of his fellow Jews in the Book of Romans. After all, if we're part of God's family and have been handed the truth, shouldn't we have a great advantage?
Can you really be saved by God if your heart isn't in it? In Romans Chapter 2, Paul is addressing his fellow Jews of the day and asking a very similar question of them. Many of them believed that because they were God's "chosen people" and had the covenant of circumcision they were above others and automatically saved. And Paul basically flips that on its head by saying that, no, it's all about the heart and that even gentiles who love and obey God are actually true "Jews". So again it begs the question of us: are we saved because we said the right things, or because we truly believe them in our hearts...
"Christians are a bunch of hypocrits." Sadly it's a statement we've heard too many times. And since for years we have stood in judgment of the sins of the world all while becoming blind to our own, is it really any surprise? Pastor Josh challenges us this week to look deep in our hearts, confess our sins to God and commit to ending this culture of hypocrisy...
This Thanksgiving we were very blessed to hear testimony of what God is doing in Liberia, Africa – the sixth poorest country in the world. Pastor, Missionary and close friend of Kingsview, Joe Amaral joined us to share a new ministry that God has charged him with and how, in a moment, his heart was broken for a country that virtually everyone else had forgotten.
If it wasn't already obvious, the Book of Romans is not an easy book to study. Take Romans 1:18, "18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness". The thing is, while there is context to understand this verse within the point Paul is making, there is also a larger context to understanding the nature of God. While culture tends to view Him as either "a God of love" or "a God of wrath", Pastor Josh shows us that without a clear picture of both you won't understand who God really is.
This service marks a very significant moment in the history of Kingsview Church. By becoming mortgage-free, this liberates us to move forward in a practical sense. But more than that, this marks the end of one season of growth and faith and the beginning of another. Join us as we celebrate the greatness, goodness and faithfulness of God and what He has done.
As we continue to dig into Romans 1:16-17 – the "thesis" of the entire book – Paul says that the Gospel reveals the righteousness of God "from faith to faith". So what exactly does he mean by that? Pastor Josh walks us through that statement and shines some light on the nature of faith itself and how it needs to grow and mature.
This week in our Book of Romans series Pastor Josh starts examining Chapter 1:16-17 – what might well be considered the "thesis" of the entire letter Paul is writing. And to begin a thesis with "For I am not ashamed of the gospel" is a bit... weird. It's like, "Yeah we know that Paul." But as Pastor Josh shows, there is a big difference between 'embarrassment' and 'shame' and in this context that is key.
Completing our Parables of Jesus Series, we come to one of most famous parables of all: The Good Samaritan. It's so famous in fact, that most of us probably have it memorized and feel we understand the point Jesus was trying to make. But as guest pastor David Burke points out, this story was (and is) so scandalous, it should leave us deeply challenged: are we willing to also show mercy on those we hate.
As we begin our new series on the Book of Romans, the hard questions start in Chapter 1, Verse 1. Many translations have Paul introducing himself as a "servant of Christ". Some have it as "bondservant". A few dare to translate it more closely to the original Greek word: slave. And that's a word with a ton of baggage behind it, both in Biblical and modern contexts. As Pastor Josh demonstrates though, context is important... but choice is everything.
In the Parable of the Talents, a master leaves for a long journey, entrusting valuable resources in the hands of his servants with the expectation that they'll invest in his kingdom with them wisely. Sound familiar? God has given us so many gifts, abilities and talents for the express purpose of demonstrating His love and growing His kingdom. But if we bury them, what good are they and what does it say about how we feel about the one who gave them to us?
Continuing the theme of our last message, this week we examine the Parable of the Talents – a picture Jesus uses to explain what He expects us to do while we wait for His return. Guest Pastor Dan DiSabatino walks us through five things we have each been entrusted with by God to steward. The only real question is, are we doing it?
Jesus is coming back. The Bible assures us of this and in the Parable of the Virgins in Matthew 25, He gave us and illustration of preparing ourselves for that day because it could be at any time. But as Jesus states, there will be many of His people on that day who profess to know Him but were never ready.
"A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home." There are many reasons Jesus said this statement and this week Pastor Josh unpacks a few of them and relates how, like Jesus, we too will face rejection from the very people we came to help...
This week in our Parables of Jesus series we examine the Parable of the Net, which Jesus uses to explain what the end of the age will be like... and it's an uncomfortable picture. As Pastor Josh talks about the painful reality of hell (as much as we can understand it), he also reminds us that the fear of hell isn't a good motivator. Love is a far better choice.
Today in our Parables of Jesus series, we come to two very short, very connected parables: The Treasure in a Field and The Pearl of Great Price. While not long stories, their imagery is vivid and the questions they stir up are incredibly deep. You will gladly sacrifice anything to have the thing you value most. The question is do we value the gospel as much as the picture Jesus is painting for us?
It doesn't make a lot of sense that God would use such small things – mustard seeds and yeast – to describe how his kingdom works. This is the God of the universe after all, the most powerful being in existence. But then it doesn't make typical sense that God would use such seemingly insignificant people simply operating in whatever community they're in to make such huge impacts on the world. As Pastor Josh shares this week, we clearly underestimate how God can use us...
Today in our Parables of Jesus series, we examine The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. What is a tare? Great question! As Pastor Josh explains, once you understand what a tare is you'll see why it's so important to today's lesson. Because it teaches us that what we think has been planted, isn't always the case...
As we start our summer series, The Parables of Jesus, we look at the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. In it Jesus describes four types of soil that seeds can fall upon. And as Pastor Josh explains it's good to use wisdom about what kind of soil you're throwing seeds on. But equally so, it's important to understand that it's not your responsibility for where they fall either. So get throwing.
The Psalmist said, "Without delay, I hurry to obey your commands" (119:60). But as we all know that is often the goal, not the reality. There are things that God is asking us to do and we know it, but we put it off again and again. As Pastor Josh challenges us this week, it's time to start obeying now.
There will be storms in your life, both literal and figurative. It's inevitable. But so often we try to get away from our circumstances by our own means and strength – to get in the life boat, so to speak, to escape the storm. But as Pastor Josh shares this week, God often uses the storms of life to cause us to cling to Him for life. And that means sometimes having the faith to cut away the life boat and trust in His goodness...
It's interesting that if we tend to think of water baptism as an exclusively Christian tradition (it's not), we also tend to think of baptism by fire as a generic or secular term. Obviously it's not, because the Bible talks very clearly about both. And this week Pastor Josh shows that Paul's journey to Rome was a very clear example of this kind of baptism and what it can produce in us...
We tend of think of baptism as a uniquely Christian thing. But it isn't. Baptism has deep roots in Jewish tradition and symbolizes dying to your old self and becoming a new person. Pastor Josh explains this history and shares exactly what baptism is and is not for us today.
As Pastor Josh continues from the last sermon, the attitude today is often to see how close to the line we can get with sin, without going over. But if we truly saw and understood just how destructive sin is we wouldn't flirt with it – we'd run from it. And not just run aimlessly, but run to the only one who can save us from it.
The problem with sin is not simply that it's destructive, it's that it is alluring to us: we want what's harmful. And because of that we make allowances for sin in our lives. But if we could see our sin the way God does, we'd know just how deadly it truly is. And how far away we should keep ourselves from it.
On this Mothers Day, Pastor Josh shares an encouraging word to mothers of every description: the expectations that you set for yourself and your family will determine the level of your persistence.
A lot of people think Christianity is all about "don't do this, don't do that." But that's a really distorted view of what Christ calls us to do. It's not enough for us to just 'not do bad stuff', but to pursue doing good – not because we HAVE to, but because we GET to.
The Bible is very clear: you will experience suffering in this life, no matter what you believe in. And while dealing with the 'why' is no easy task, especially if you believe in God, how we respond to our suffering is actually the most important part. And on that, the Bible is also clear: if we respond contrary to our nature and worship God, in spite of our circumstances, something miraculous happens...
He is risen! Join us for our annual resurrection Sunday service as Pastor Josh shows how important the resurrection is, because while His death paid the price, His resurrection shows His power and that death is but a transition for Jesus into glory. And that's just as true for us who are in Christ.
Join us for our annual Good Friday service as we honour the price of the cross by declaring that it was enough – every sin has been nailed to it forever and we no longer have to be defined by our sin.
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:34) Think about it: you are locked in this time, in this space, with that mind. And God isn't tied down by any of that. You weren't meant to understand the mind of God because you simply can't. So what happens when you come across something that you just can't understand? You have one good option: trust.
Whenever the Lord tangibly shows up in our lives, our expectation is often that He's going to do something supernatural to empower us or alter our circumstances. And He does do that, but not always. Look at Paul for example. Here's a man who experienced the supernatural power of God throughout his ministry. And yet in Acts 23:11, Jesus shows up – literally – while Paul is in prison... and encourages him. What follows is an amazing account of God using the natural to help Paul, and is a sobering reminder that He is always working for our good, but not always in the ways we expect.
It doesn't matter your position or how you present yourself – a religious 'veneer' is not what God is interested in. The Bible says in 1 Samuel, "People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." And if our hearts are broken, corrupt and selfish but we have the appearance of religious piety, watch out. Not only will people judge you harshly, but God will as well.
We talk a lot about the salvation that Jesus' sacrifice offers. And rightly so – it's one of the most incredible gifts we could ever receive! But it's not the only one. His shed blood also gives us the right to be children of God. Not step-children. Not in-laws. Full, reborn children of the Father, just like the Son.
There are many things that can get in the way of the truth, but prejudice has to be one of the absolute worst. Paul experienced this in Acts chapter 22 when he was preaching to the Jews that Jesus was the true Christ. For most of his speech, they were tracking with him. And then he said one thing and they went from listening to crying for his execution. What did he say? Something that messed with their prejudices in a big way.
Traditions can be wonderful things. They can help us remember and reflect. And in the case of faith, they help point us toward the truth. But when tradition becomes Gospel – a required part of the way, the truth, the life – it's not just wrong; it's dangerous. Because you've not only made the Gospel more complicated than it is, you've created a false barrier to God.
The Bible says that, "anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" Most of the time this is joyous, exciting news. But there can be times where it proves challenging. For example, in Acts 21 Paul is faced with a request by the Jewish Christians to still follow the traditions of the Law. It seems unnecessary, but we have to remember these were people who had lived those traditions for thousands of years. This new life the Bible speaks of wasn't going to take shape over night.
Have you ever had everyone around you – even Holy Spirit-filled Christians – strongly advising you not to do something you feel the conviction of the Lord to do? You wouldn't be alone. Even the apostle Paul had that happen to him when he was warned what would happen if he went back to Jerusalem. The Bible even says they told Paul this, "through the Spirit". So, how do you reconcile Paul's, presumably God-given conviction to go, with his friends' Spirit-driven urging not to? Does God contradict himself? Pastor Conrad leads us through this question to a powerful answer.
God has a mission for you. We call it the Great Commission. But honestly, unless you've connected (or reconnected) with the Holy Spirit, those are just words to you. You'll never be convicted of the mission you're called to, unless you've first connected with the one calling you to it. And that starts by getting alone with him and just talking to him. Because he so desperately wants to talk to you.
What will God do or not do to glorify Himself and prove His worthiness of our love and devotion? In the Greek city of Troas, Paul was speaking to the disciples there until midnight and a young man, Eutychus fell alseep sitting on a window sill. He then falls out the window to his death, everyone rushes down, Paul embraces the boy and through him, God miraculously brings Eutychus back to life. It's an amazing miracle... but a really strange story. Why did the boy fall asleep? Why was he allowed to sit in a window sill, two or three stories up? Why didn't God just wake him up, rather than letting him die only to bring him back to life? Pastor Josh tackles these questions and more this week.
Money is the root of all evil, right? Not exactly. The Bible does say that the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil". But that can be true whether you have a lot of it or very little. The problem is when the desire for money takes over and replaces the in-born desire for God that we were all made with. This week Pastor Josh discusses why this is such a difficult trap to avoid.
Right now, thousands of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are living in the most dangerous places to be a Christian. While we continue to hope and pray that God will deliver them – and us – from all the trials we face, God makes no such guarantees. And yet, He is ever faithful. So how do we reconcile that? This week we welcome Rev. Gary Stagg, Executive Director of Open Doors as he shares a message that will both inspire and challenge us to live lives worthy of the high calling placed upon us.
There are many extraordinary miracles recorded in the Book of Acts that demonstrate the power of Christ. But in Acts 19:11-12 it says, "Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them." To call that kind of miracle 'unusual' is an understatement. The question is, what do these sorts of strange methods of healing tell us about God? Pastor Josh addresses this question and more...
Christianity is very divided on the 'Baptism of the Holy Spirit' – what it is, how you identify it, and what purpose it serves. This week Pastor Josh addresses these issues but asks an even better question: why did the Holy Spirit come in the first place? The answer is simple, powerful and something that all Christians can agree on...
The Gospel of Jesus is powerful, transformative and freeing. It is also a complete and finished message. And if you're teaching, preaching or reading about the gospel you need to treat it that way. Because if even one element is removed it's not really the gospel then, is it? It's kind of like a recipe to a fantastic soup – if even one ingredient is left out it becomes your own thing, not what you were trying to follow.
This week we are blessed to have Pastor Dean Skinner deliver this powerful message that's as timely as it was in the 1st Century: who is Jesus? Today many think he is a great teacher and man of conviction, like John the Baptist. Some say he is a man of incredible miracles, like Elijah. And others say he is a man of passion and empathy, like Jeremiah. The question is, do we believe that's all Jesus is to us or is He something much more? Who do you say Jesus is?
As we celebrate the final week of Advent, we reach the pinnacle of why we celebrate Christmas – the unfathomable love of God. It was love that lead our creator to become part of His creation. But so often we just brush right past that fact because we've heard so many times how Jesus became one of us to save all of us. This week, Pastor Josh takes some time to focus in on how astounding that fact is.
As we celebrate the second week of Advent, it's clear that the theme of Peace is woven throughout the Christmas story. But as Pastor Josh shows, peace came to people who were greatly afraid but still said 'Yes' anyway in obedience to what was being asked of them. And that still holds true today. So if you're not experiencing peace in your life, perhaps you need to say Yes to what God is asking you to do first.
For this first week of Advent, celebrating Hope, Pastor Josh takes one of the most seemingly insignificant portions of the Christmas story – the genealogy of Jesus – to show why it is so incredible significant to the whole story. And how that principle is reflected through the entire Word of God.
People reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ all the time. And to those who have been compelled to share the gospel, that rejection always hurts. Which is why sometimes we start skirting around or downplaying it. As Pastor Josh shows this week, that's exactly what happened to the Apostle Paul...
The forgiveness of God is astounding. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." All of it. But forgiveness doesn't negate the consequences of what you've done or make it easy to live with. As Pastor Josh shows this week, living with your past can continue to weigh heavily on you.
"His blood is on us and on our children!" That's what the crowd shouted when they accepted the responsibility for Jesus' crucifixion. The same people the apostles would later still offer the good news to, many them still rejecting it to not only their detriment, but their children's as well. That's something we can definitely learn from.
God says that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. Which means we are never truly alone. But that doesn't mean we won't still feel alone. And God knows that, which is why He gives us families, communities and, yes, even friends. The question is: have you ever asked Him to give you the friendships you need?
We say that 'no man is an island'. The Bible says that "It is not good for the man to be alone". So clearly we were meant to be in community and relationship with one another. And that really shows when we find ourselves in seasons of being or feeling alone. And yet, sometimes God allows these seasons to show us that we are never alone, He is always with us, and we can't depend solely on human community to make it through this life.
The kind of suffering we see in the New Testament is a direct result of spreading the Gospel of Christ. But that's not the suffering most of us endure in North America. Ours is just 'normal' suffering and often it's self-inflicted. But how we react to our suffering now can reveal how we'll react if we're ever called to suffer for the gospel...
It's not enough for professing Christians to simply speak the truth of who Jesus Christ is. Our lives need to be continually backing those words up, showing that He truly has transformed us from the inside out. Otherwise, all our words do is create mass confusion and lead people further away from the gospel... and it would be better then that we didn't speak at all.
At Kingsview, we have a big heart for missions – both at home and abroad. Each year we take time to honour our missionaries, missions teams and share what the vision is moving forward.
God ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. We know this. And yet, it still catches us by surprise when God seems to ignore our 'logic' and direct us in ways that seem nonsensical. And it's not like this wasn't true of the early church either. Acts 16 records an excellent example of God closing doors that, by all appearances, should have been open.
God's vision for Kingsview Church is big, but ultimately simple in nature: as His church, you are called. For such a time as this, you are called here. And you have been called here, so that you can go into the world and make disciples. In this third and final part of our Vision Launch, Pastor Josh & Jordan recap the vision for our church and explain the practical steps of how we're going to start walking it out.
There's a reason God's vision for Kingsview Church is so big. In this second part of our Vision Launch, Pastor Josh reveals that the vision for our church now began when the church was founded. It's proof that though we rarely understand His timing, God never forgets His promises.
God has a vision for Kingsview Church that is so big we can't unveil it in one Sunday, so we're rolling it out over three weeks. In this first part, Pastor Josh explains that God has a clear, intentional purpose for each of us. And if we have anything else in mind other than being totally sold out for Him and that purpose, we can ask for the clarity to see that vision.
If the truth of the gospel – what Christ has done for you and everyone else – grips your heart, wouldn't you do whatever it takes to spread it? That's exactly what happens with the introduction of Timothy in Acts. Here's a disciple – someone not content to just believe in Jesus anymore, but lead others to Him – who was willing to sacrifice a lot so that it would be that much easier for people to receive the message of Christ.
Have you ever been let go, dismissed, passed by, overlooked or never given a second chance? It happens all the time, even by those with good intentions and sound justifications. That is why it's so freeing and restoring to know who you are and where you fit – the kind of freedom Jesus offers us. And the kind of freedom the church can offer too... if we only have the right perspective.
What God does in the physical is often a reflection of an even deeper spiritual truth. Take circumcision for example. Just like today, in the days of the early church the true meaning behind the tradition had been forgotten. But as Pastor Josh shares, when we look at its original purpose and symbolism, it points to a very profound – and still very relevant – truth.
Everyone knows how the story of David and Goliath ends. But do you know how it began? Goliath challenged the Israel army – by shouting at them from across a valley – to send out a champion to face him... for 40 days! The Israel army was paralyzed by fear, doubt and defeat before the battle even began. The question is, are we really any different today? Guest pastor Skipp Collins challenges us to ask if we've become used to living in defeat.
We love the idea that life is filled with options and that we can simply pick the ones that appeal to us most. But what happens at the end of our lives doesn't have another option. We are born on a trajectory toward permanent death. And we believe Jesus stepped into our world to offer us a choice: a new trajectory toward life. But we each have to make that life or death decision...
Jealousy comes to us all. Either because we feel we don't measure up to someone else or because they have something we want... or want them to not have. But however it comes to us, the root problem is not knowing who we truly are. And as Pastor Josh shares this week, when your identity is founded in Christ, there's no room or need for jealousy.
Some people think the Gospel needs to change to make it more acceptable by modern culture. But the Gospel should never be changed because, like Jesus himself, it's the same yesterday, today and forever. But you can change how you present the Gospel. As Pastor Josh shows this week, the Bible even affirms it!
The Bible is clear: we were all made to reflect the glory of God – first and foremost through worship. Not just singing songs, but in all we do. So what happens when we don't worship God? It still has to go somewhere. And the Bible is also clear: anything we worship that isn't God is an idol.
There are two truths every Christian should understand. One is that, no matter what, the Gospel cannot be stopped from being proclaimed. Another is that, sooner or later, persecution is coming. History has proven these truths time and again – and often the two are linked. As the Gospel is proclaimed more, greater persecution comes. So when it does what should we pray for? Deliverance from it or perseverance through it? Pastor Josh points us to the only one who can answer that question: Jesus.
How do you know who you truly are? The Bible shows again and again that identity is something that is given, not found by ourselves. Often the people around us can see who we truly are much clearer than we can on our own. But as Pastor Josh explains this week, the only way we can really know who we are is through the one who made us.
Friendship is at the very core of Christianity. Just look at what Jesus said in John 15 – the King of Kings calls YOU a friend (let that sink in for a minute). But friendship must be reciprocal, intentional and vulnerable otherwise you can't really call yourself a true friend.
Have you ever been baptised in water? If so, did you understand why? Water baptism is very significant in the New Testament – Jesus was himself and commissioned his followers to do the same. To this day, most churches practise some form of it. But, as Pastor Josh shows this week, many may have lost its significance.
The story of God coming to rescue His people was never meant to be limited to just one group. But breaking down centuries of "us" and "them" between Jews and Gentiles isn't easy. In Acts 10, God starts the process by doing something amazing: orchestrating a meeting between Peter, the head apostle and Cornelius, a God-fearing Centurion. Pastor Josh breaks down the whole story and shows that the Good News of Jesus Christ is truly meant for all people.
In Acts 9 there are two miraculous healings recorded: Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for 8 years, and Tabitha, who had died. They're amazing accounts of God doing what seems impossible. But is that the only reason they're recorded? After all, the Bible says there are innumerable miracles that happened that weren't recorded, so why were these? Pastor Josh digs into this question and shows that, with God, healing serves a higher purpose.
On this special Mother's Day message, our Community Pastor, Jessica Collins shares an inspiring and challenging message of obedience in times of immense struggle, hope in the face of despair and the power of the communities that God puts us in to support, heal and restore us to our true callings.
Part of our 2018 Cuba Mission Team shares their experiences ministering to the Cuban people and give testimony of what God is doing there.
We often think there are people who can't be saved. And then God shows us how wrong we are. Take Saul for example – he wasn't just 'against' Christians. He killed them. And then, incredibly, God turns his life around. So, the question is, what will our reaction be when that happens?
Picture this: There's this maniacal Christian-hunter called Saul. He was coming to your city to capture, imprison and probably execute you. And God tells you to go see this man and heal his sight that God has taken. And you say... Yes, Lord.
The lesson is: When God's plan makes no sense, your response should always be simply trust... and obey.
If God tells you to get up and go, will you? In Acts chapter 8, Philip hears the call of the Holy Spirit to get up and RUN to the desert. He doesn't question it or complain. He just goes and ends up catching a chariot – running! – and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to an Ethiopian eunuch. How did Philip get to that place of obedience? Pastor Josh digs into that question and more.
This Easter Sunday we were blessed to again welcome Joe Amaral to Kingsview. Joe has a passion to dig into history and understand the historical Jesus – who He was as a first-century Jewish Rabbi and the culture that He was born into – and share that with those who have missed this important aspect of Him. Listen as Joe brings new light to the risen, fully-alive Jesus through the understanding of His time here on earth.
As we celebrate Good Friday, Pastor Josh draws our attention to two incredible qualities of Jesus: His complete humanity and His complete obedience.
Doctrines can define us and they can divide us. The 'Baptism of the Holy Spirit' is a doctrine that tends to divide Christianity. But rather than taking a stance on how, when and what it looks like when you get it, Pastor Josh invites us to step back and ask a better question: What purpose does it serve? As you'll see, the answer is something we can all agree on.
What are you hoping to get out of Christianity? If the answer is anything other than Jesus himself, your heart may not be in it for the right reasons. Yes, Jesus offers us incredible gifts by his Spirit. But those gifts have one main purpose: to point back to the giver of the gift.
Stephen is a name that will be remembered for all time in Christendom. He was a man "full of faith and power", who "did great wonders and signs among the people." He was also the first Christian martyr. Being martyred for our faith isn't a reality that most of us will have to face, but the question still stands: will we too be faithful to the very end?
What you may not realize reading about the forming of the early church in Acts is that people weren't just choosing to follow Jesus. They were choosing to give up everything they had because following Jesus often results in a rejection from culture, family, and religious leadership. So Pastor Josh asks the obvious question: what did it cost you to follow Jesus?
Did you know "God sets the lonely in families"? And not just biological families but all kinds. Coming on the heels of our church Family Retreat, Pastor David Hazzard shares a message on why family is so important to God. He suggests that when culture is telling you that life, family and identity is just 'biology', we're called to view it as theology.
Many churches and Christians find their growth gets stagnated because they won't allow Jesus to advance them to the next level of faith. It's like playing the same level of a video game over and over. Sure, you get really good at that level... but you'll never finish the game. Pastor Josh explains how we can avoid this by embracing the harder levels of Christianity.
The Book of Acts is filled with so many examples that what the Apostles were doing – teaching, giving, healing – was from God. So why couldn't the religious leaders of the day see that? As Pastor Josh suggests, when you're more concerned with being right and keeping control... you can miss the truth entirely.
In a culture defined by moral relativism, how do we determine when we're right or wrong? Well, ask any good parent and they'll tell you, you have to teach it to a child. And part of teaching is correcting. This week Pastor Josh unpacks why we have a good Father in Heaven – because he loves us enough to correct us, rebuke us and discipline us.
The Bible says that we have a great high priest in Christ (Heb. 4) –
one who can empathize with our weaknesses for he was tempted in every way we have been, but was without sin. This week, guest pastor Rich Redman encourages us that we, as Christians, need to not get in the way of those who are trying to get to our High Priest.
Returning to our study of the Book of Acts we find the account of Ananias and Sapphira. And, on the surface, it seems bizarrely out of place in the new 'Age of Grace'. But as Pastor Josh shows, theirs is a stern reminder that, Old Testament, New Testament, or today... you do not want to mess around with sin.
For part 2 of our short series on discipline over desire, Pastor Josh talks about where our treasures are. Whether we have a lot or a little, we can still end up serving the god of 'mammon'.
As we set out into 2018 together, Pastor Josh is taking a few weeks to set the stage and share a vision for our church this year. And it's a vision where we grow in our discipline so that, when our desires fail us, we'll keep running the race of faith with endurance.
This year we'll all be faced with those little moments where the decisions we make can leave a huge impact on our lives. So how do we commit to making better decisions and having them stick? Pastor Conrad shares a message of encouragement by looking at three people who faced just such a decision: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
In our final week celebrating advent before the big day, we're looking at Love. The birth of Christ is a great example of love. But when you really examine the story, the reality of God's love for us is often very different from the human expectation of what that should look like.
As we continue our series on Advent, this week we look at the story of the Wise Men – who weren't actually there for the birth of Jesus – and what it can show us about understanding joy. Pastor Josh demonstrates that joy and happiness may be connected... but they really aren't the same thing.
In our second week celebrating advent, we're focusing on the gift of Peace. Which is a great gift but it begs the question: if this is supposed to be the greatest thing that's ever happened, why is everyone involved in the story – Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, etc. – so afraid?? Take a look as Pastor Josh digs into that and more.
One of the most asked questions we get is related to the tension between parents and kids when it comes to engaging media and culture in today’s society. Brett Ullman is on the leading edge of teaching parents, leaders and teachers how they can effectively engage their faith with media and culture and teach kids how to as well.
In Acts 4, Peter and John get hauled before the religious leaders for healing a lame man in Jesus' name. Their boldness and understanding of scripture so astound them that they cannot deny the power of Jesus, even after death. So, do the people around us see that we are with Jesus?
What happens when the plans we have for our lives and the way we think things should happen don't align with what God is actually doing? Well, look at how the religious leaders in the Book of Acts react and you'll get a pretty good idea. This week, Pastor Josh shows how good desires can cause problems when we think they can only be fulfilled a certain way.
In Acts 3 we see Peter and John heal a man who was lame from birth. That's awesome... but what about the last 40 years of his life? Why didn't Jesus heal him when he had the chance? And make no mistake, there would have been plenty of chances. Watch as Pastor Josh walks us through the scene...
We have a big heart for missions – both home and abroad – at Kingsview and each year we take time to honor our missionaries, missions teams and share what the vision is moving forward.
In Acts chapter 2 something strange happens. After about 3,000 people repent and are baptised in the name of Christ – the very people who said to crucify him – everything is glorious. And then suddenly in verse 43, "fear came upon every soul". Many translations describe this as a sense of awe, but the Greek word, Phobos, literally means fear or dread. So why did this happen? Pastor Josh shows that, as it says in Proverbs 9:10, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.'
The Bible is no stranger to controversy. And for many Christians, Acts chapter 2 contains one of those moments where we see the Baptism of the Holy Spirit fall upon the Apostles. It's amazing, powerful and the results speak for themselves – 3,000 were added to the Kingdom of God that day. So the question remains: how do we each know if we've received this gift of power? That's where the controversy begins.
Christians, especially in charismatic churches, focus a lot of attention on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. And for good reason, since that's the day we were given the Holy Spirit. But how many Christians know that it wasn't the first Day of Pentecost? In fact, there had been generations of them going all the way back to Moses. Surprised? Listen as Pastor Josh lays it out for you.
When was the last time you just 'did life' with God? If Jesus died to restore relationship between us and the Father – which he did – then we shouldn't just be turning to God when we need or want something. Pastor Josh examines how too often we create a 'me-centric' version of the gospel, which isn't what it's all about.
In the Book of Acts it says that the apostles were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them in power. But in the Book of John it says Jesus "breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" So which is it? Pastor Josh examines this and discovers a connection to the original 'breath of life' that Adam received from God.
Follow along in Acts 1:4-8, John 20:22, & Genesis 2:7
The last question the Apostles ever asked Christ before he ascended to Heaven was about something He'd already told them not to focus on, let alone waste time worrying about. How many of us still need to learn that lesson?
Follow along in Acts 1:6-11
We live in a society that hates waiting for anything – our coffee, our pay cheque, our lives to work out, whatever. As we begin our study on the book of Acts, Pastor Josh points out the inherit contradiction of Christ's challenge to the newly minted Apostles: GO and spread the good news to all people, everywhere. But first, WAIT. So what is their reaction?
As we finish our exhaustive study of the Book of Mark, we're left with The Great Commission: go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Pastor Josh asks the question, how are we all doing on that front?
Follow along in Mark 16:14-20
After Jesus' resurrection he appeared to his disciples on the beach while they were out fishing. They didn't recognize him until he repeated the miracle he had done when they met - having them cast their nets on the other side so they burst with fish. Peter then jumped out of the boat and swam to shore, after putting on his heavy cloak. Why? Pastor Josh explores this and suggests that, like in another miracle, Peter wasn't expecting to get wet.
Back to our Book of Mark series we arrive at the moment where Jesus' resurrection is revealed to three of his women disciples. Pastor Josh examines their reaction, the 'young man' in the tomb, and what we can learn from how the resurrection changed all the disciples.
This week Pastor Conrad shares a timely message for wedding season. Looking at Ephesians 5:15-25, Pastor Conrad explains how marriage is more than physical, relational or emotional. It's first-and-foremost spiritual.
This week Guest Pastor Rich Redman looks at the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and demonstrates that we've all been given talents that we're expected to use. So how well are we using them?
Completing the crucifixion of Jesus, Pastor Josh looks at the facts of Jesus' death – one of the most important facts of Christianity – and why, when the Romans pierced his side blood and water came out... and what that signifies.
Follow along in John 19:31-37
In this final message covering the words that Jesus spoke while on the cross, Pastor Josh examines what Jesus' words demonstrate about his relationship with his Father in Heaven. But we also look at what the words of the Roman Centurion suggest about how the Spirit of God moves us to believe in him.
In part 4 of our miniseries covering the words Jesus spoke while on the cross, we reach the pinnacle of all seven sayings: "It is finished." And while Christians can understand the significance of these words, it's often hard to explain to others without using terms that only other Christians get.
Part 3 of our mini-series on the seven statements that Jesus made from the cross. This week, Pastor Josh looks at the most anguished and despairing statement, "My God, my God, what hast thou forsaken me?" And while there have been several explanations for why Jesus said this, you may never have realized that this isn't the first time these words appear in the Bible...
In this special message, Pastor Josh shares what his hope and vision is for Kingsview Church this year.
The Gospels record seven statements Jesus made on the cross. In part two of our mini-series, Pastor Josh examines the difference between the two criminals who were crucified with him – and that these men were no simple 'thieves'.
The Gospels record seven statements made Jesus while he was nailed to the cross. In this first part of our series covering them, Pastor Josh looks at his words of unfathomable forgiveness, but reminds us that every sin has a consequence that must be dealt with.
What exactly happened on that cross Jesus was nailed to? Without a doubt, he died. And we believe that he rose from the dead. But what did Jesus actually go through and why? Pastor Josh addresses these questions and more in this week's message.
Follow along in Mark 15:21-37
In Matthew 16 Jesus predicts his death and says that anyone who would follow after him must 'take up their cross'. This week in Mark chapter 15, we see the first example of this. Pastor Josh explores what it means to follow Jesus and just how narrow and hard the road is that leads to life.
Follow along in Mark 15:15-20
At Jesus' trial the crowd got to choose who would go free – Jesus or Barrabbas. We know they chose the latter, but why? Why free a known killer? As Pastor Josh shows this week, the Jewish people faced the same choice we so often do: the quick fix, or the long-term solution.
Follow along in Mark 15:1-15
In Genesis 32 there is the fascinating account of Jacob wrestling with God. Literally. But if you look over his life, Jacob had been wrestling with God even in the womb. This week our guest speaker Jordan Hageman examines this and asks the question: how many of us have been wrestling with God for a long, long time?
Follow along in Genesis 25, 27-32
This week Kingsview was blessed to have David Wells, General Superintendent of the PAOC, speak a message that was on his heart: if Jesus was living among us today, how would he live? Listen as David asks some tough questions of ourselves and causes us to look at the model Jesus provided for the answers.
How many times have we denied Jesus? Peter, one of Jesus' closest followers for years, vehemently denied that he was a follower, not once, but three times. How did this happen? And what was the fallout? Pastor Josh explores this question and offers a humbling but hopeful answer.
Follow along in Mark 14:53-72
When the Book of Mark describes Jesus' arrest there are two short verses that describe the guards trying to seize a naked man who was wearing only a linen garment. And our reaction is probably the same as yours: What?!? Watch as Pastor Josh embraces the struggle when the Bible doesn't make sense and discovers some incredible truths along the way.
Follow along in Mark 14:51-52
How many times have we really screwed up – something big or small – and wished we could try again. In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Josh illustrates how Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross provided a way for the biggest second chance any of us will ever receive.
Follow along in Mark 14:32-42
For many Christians today, it's easy to accept the idea that when Jesus walked the earth he was fully God. But it's harder for us to understand that he was also fully human. What does that mean and how did he operate? Pastor Josh explores these questions and why the answers offer us great hope.
Follow along in Mark 14:12-26
In the passage in Mark 14, where Jesus is anointed at Bethany mere days before his crucifixion, we see a strong contrast between the love for Jesus from Mary and the hate for him from Judas. Pastor Josh explores this dichotomy and the context behind it.
Follow along in Mark 14:1-11
In our Book of Mark series we look at chapter 13, where Jesus speaks about the 'end times'. While the broad strokes of what is to come are laid out, Christians have been divided on the specifics of what happens and when for centuries. But the simple fact is this: we may or may not be 'living in the last days', but we are all living in our own last days.
Follow along in Mark 13:1-37
Context is always key. This week we see that again in the story of the Poor Widow – usually used as an example of giving even as you lack. While very true, in this case the story offers a very different, very sobering lesson.
Follow along in Mark 12:35 - 13:2
Many Christians can recite 'The Greatest Commandment' in Mark 12, but few may recall the eye-opening response – made by a Pharisee no less. This week Pastor Conrad expounds on this and making time for your neighbour.
Follow along in Mark 12:28-34
As Christians we have a responsibility to know what the Bible says, what the context is and how to apply it to our lives. Too often though, we end up leaning on our traditions, instead of learning for ourselves what God's truth is. And, like this story from the Book of Mark, it gets us into trouble.
Follow along in Mark 12:18-27, 2 Timothy 2:15
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's" – it's one of the most famous of Jesus' quotes. But as you'll see in this week's message on the Book of Mark, this passage is about so much more than tithes and taxes.
Follow along in Mark 12:13-17
When we speak of revival – in all its forms – we must first realize that only that which is already dead can be revived. We need to let go of old, dead thinking, actions and religion and let Jesus revive everything – especially our relationship with Our Father in Heaven.
Follow along Ezekiel 37:1-14, Luke 5:17-26
How much love could you show for people who beat and killed your beloved friends and family? This week, through the 'Parable of the Tenants', we see how Jesus shows that God's love is simply beyond what we're capable of.
Follow along in Mark 12:1-12
As we finish chapter 11 of The Book of Mark, where Jesus' authority is challenged by the religious leaders, it sets up a larger discussion about how we respond to our enemies. And asks some tough questions of how we're responding to the issues of today.
Follow along in Mark 11:27-33, Matthew 5:43-48, John 13:34-35
The Bible says in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Sounds like if you just believe hard enough, you can have whatever you want. This week Pastor Josh addresses this thinking head on and what Jesus meant when He said, "This is how you should pray..."
This week in our Book of Mark series we focus on forgiveness – both the urgency of forgiving others and the impossible, endless forgiveness of God.
Follow along in Mark 11:25-26
In the Book of Mark there's a strange passage where Jesus curses a fig tree because he didn't find any figs on it. If you've ever wondered what was up with that, take a look as Pastor Josh sheds some light on it.
Follow along in Mark 11:12-25
In our Book of Mark series we reach the Triumphal Entry of Jesus, and examine how just how misunderstood it is today and was in the first century.
Follow along in Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-17, Luke 19:28-44, John 11:45-12:19
Our good friend Skipp Collins kicks off the New Year with this powerful message. The Bible says we are meant to bring people the aroma of God, drawing people closer to him. But we can also really stink things up.
Follow along in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
In Mark 10 Jesus asks the same question twice to different people for very different reasons. Pastor Josh examines the questions and the responses this week and what we can learn from them.
Follow along in Mark 10:32-52
In our Book of Mark series, Pastor Josh looks at hope, childlike faith and what 'storing up treasures in Heaven' actually means.
Follow along in Mark 10:13-25
In our series on the Book of Mark Pastor Josh examines what Christ had to say about a really hard topic: divorce. And in doing so talks about how it's connected to a bunch of hard topics: sex, adultery, the purpose of marriage, the connection between men and women and more.
Follow along in Mark 10:1-12
In Mark 9:38-50, Jesus makes it very clear: when we let pride get in the way of what God is doing through someone else, we can do a lot of damage to that person's faith. And ultimately ourselves as well.
Pastor Josh examines how easily we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves and how, in Christ's kingdom, we really are all equals.
Follow along in Mark 9:30-37
Back to our series on the Book of Mark, Pastor Josh speaks to the difficult reality of wanting to believe all things are possible and needing help to truly believe it.
Follow along in Mark 9:14-29
This week we got to hear testimonies from some of our missionaries who went on the Kingsview Missions trip to Cuba earlier this year. Be encouraged by hearing these amazing stories of what God can do through people just like you.
Our guest speaker this week, Pastor Chuck Price, talks about the different kinds of hope. The one you find in the world and the one you find in Jesus. One of them always fails, the other never will.
Follow along in Romans 15:13
In the account of Jesus' Transfiguration we see that three people who pursued Christ that much harder than the rest - Peter, James and John - witnessed something incredible. This week Pastor Josh points out the hard truth: wanting something good isn't the same as pursuing it.
Follow along in Mark 9:2-13, Matthew 17:1-13
This week Pastor Josh talks about what it means in Mark 8 to "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me." If Jesus meant for us to be followers, we can't be in charge.
Read along in Mark 8:34-38
In Matthew 16 (continuing from last week's message) Jesus says he'll give Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven to bind and loose things. This week Pastor Josh explains what he's really talking about - and that it may not be what many of us thought it was.
Follow along in Matthew 16:17-19
This week we look at one of Jesus' strangest miracles: one that seemingly took two tries. Pastor Josh digs a little deeper to show that it wasn't a mistake, it was a message.
Follow along in Mark 8:22-30, Matthew 16:13-18
How do you go from being respected, faithful teachers of the Law, to trying to tempt Jesus to sin? Find out as Pastor Josh continues on in our series on the Book of Mark.
Follow along in Mark 8:11-12, Matthew 4:1
This week Pastor Josh shows how Jesus came for everyone, Jew and Gentile, will meet us wherever we're at, and demonstrates that compassion is more than a feeling – it should move us to action.
Follow along in Mark 7:31–8:10
Pastor Josh examines the persistence of the Syrophoenician woman and asks the important question: How far are we willing to pursue Jesus?
Follow along in Mark 7:24-30 and Matthew 15:21-28
In this message, Pastor Josh encourages and challenges us to honour God with our whole hearts, not just from our lips.
Follow along in Mark 7:1-23 & Matthew 15:1-20
Pastor Chris, KV's Youth and Young Adult Pastor, speaks from the heart about the very related, but still very distinct characteristics of Faith and Hope.
Follow along in Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 22:6, Romans 5:1-5 and
Luke 18
Pastor Josh examines what is, for many, a very familiar miracle - the feeding of the 5,000 - and through the context of Mark chapter 6 shares a very astounding idea: that it wasn't Jesus who was supposed to perform that miracle at all.
Follow along in Mark 6:30-44, also verses 7-13 and 45-52
This week Pastor Josh looks at the person, family and actions of Herod Antipas as a sobering example of just how deep, corrupting and ultimately destructive sin can become. And the cost of confronting such sin.
Follow along in Mark 6:14-29
Just like most of us, Jesus faced intense rejection in his lifetime, worst of all in his own hometown. This week Pastor Josh illustrates how Jesus didn't let that rejection define him, and neither should we.
Follow along in Mark 6:1-6
Pastor Josh examines the well-known story of Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood as well as Jairus' daughter and shares three very revealing insights that connects the two events.
Follow along in Mark 5:21-43
This week Pastor Josh shows how God understands our fear, and His grace helps us grow through it and move past it to reach a greater level of faith.
Follow along in Mark 4:35-41, Mark 5:1-20, Matthew 8:23-32
Continuing our series on the Book of Mark, Pastor Conrad addresses a situation all of us have found ourselves in at one time or another: when everything seems to be going wrong and it looks like Jesus doesn't care.
Follow along in Mark 4:35-41, Mark 5:1-20
This week Pastor Josh digs back into the Book of Mark, uncovering how the Parable of the Sower is less about the seed and more about who is there to help till the soil it lands on. Namely, us.
Follow along in Mark 4:1-34
Our special guest this week, Pastor Shell Osbon from Life Church in Smyrna, Georgia, shares about their church's many years of community outreach and challenges us to continue to do likewise... and more so!
Follow along in Luke 10:25-37
For Father's Day, Pastor Josh spoke from the heart about being a dad, husband and pastor. In this message he shares how embracing all three roles can not only create better relationships with your family, but can also be applied to your relationship with God.
Even when we forget about God, God always remembers us even when we think He hasn't. Our guest speaker Pastor Dean Skinner and his wife Wendy share about their experiences with missions in Africa.
Follow along in scripture:
Psalm 106:7-15
Isaiah 49:14-15
Continuing in our series on the Book of Mark, Pastor Josh speaks candidly about a passage of the Bible many would rather avoid - when God hardens someone's heart.
Follow along in Mark 4:1-20, Isaiah 6:1-13, Romans 9:4-22a, Galatians 6:7-10
Pastor Josh returns to our series on the Book of Mark. In this message he looks at different reactions to Jesus' early ministry and confronts the harsh reality of pride.
Follow along in Mark 3:20-25
In Pastor Josh's third and final message in our 'confessions' series, he opens up about tempers, forgiveness, fireworks and consequences.
Matthew 18:21-22
Part 5 of our Series on Mark
Mark 3:7-12
Mark 6:53-56
Mark 5:25-34
Numbers 15:37-41
Malachi 4:2
Part 4 of our "Foundation - On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand" series.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Jude 1:20-21
Part 2 of our "Foundation - On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand" series.
Numbers 18:25-26
Malachi 3:8-10
Matthew 5:17
Luke 11:42
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Part 1 of our "Foundation - On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand" series.
Revelation 21:1-6
Daniel 1:8-14
Matthew 4:1-11
Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus uses the metaphor of salt to describe believers. At first glance it is easy to wonder why Salt would be the chosen mineral or spice to be used. Why not sugar?
The more we look at salt the more we see how perfect the anology is to describe believers, and the more we understand the implications of what we are meant to be doing as Christians.
Mom - It's a word with so much connotation and expectation, but despite our different understandings or context for what a mom is.
On this Mother's day we honour what it means to be a Mom in the church, and the heritage of faith that we may have from previous, or can set for future generations.
When Jesus is talking about going to his Father in John 14 he makes a statement that whoever believes in him will do not only the things that he (Jesus) has been doing but even greater things.
Understandably so when you consider all that Jesus had done, but what is he really saying when he says "greater"?
It cannot be overstated, how important declaring who God is and what He has done to the next generation is. It is simply the greatest thing that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Guest Speaker Rev. David Hazzard shares not only the importance, but the practical ways to do so in this weeks podcast.
There are moments in the life of every Christian where God asks us to do something. Sometimes we do it, sometimes we don't. If you have been a Christian for any length of time there have been moments where you have failed to obey, and moments where you have obeyed.
It's easy to obey when God tells you to do something easy, but what about when it's something un-appealing.
The more you look at stories in the Bible of obedience, the more you see that even when it seems most beneficial to not be obedient, in the end... obedience always results in the best result.
In this special Easter Sunday morning, guest speaker Joe Amaral gives a historical background of the jewish understanding of sacrifice, and expands beautifully what Jesus going to the cross means with a rich contextual background.
Matthew 13 The parable of the Sower is one of those rare times where Jesus explains the parable in full.
It is important for us as Christians to be spreading the seed of the gospel. This parable shows us that it is not just the seed, but the soil that is important in the gospel taking root, growing, and flourishing.