COG Moose Jaw: Recent Episodes
Larry Hasmatali
Welcome to Moose Jaw Church of God Podcast where you can listen to our weekly messages.
OUR MISSION: To love God and people passionately; to lead people to Christ; To equip them for His purpose and mobilize them for His service (Matthew 22:37-39; 28:19).
OUR LEAD PASTORS: LARRY & CONNIE HASMATALI
Larry is a respected and gifted minister of the gospel holding two leadership positions within the Church of God. In 1996, he became the lead pastor of the COG-MJ. In 2012, he was also appointed as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God in Western Canada. He serves in both of these roles with great devotion and passion for leadership development and church growth.
Larry and his wife, Connie, have made their home in Moose Jaw since 1986. They have a son, Brandon, and a daughter, Maddison, who are living and working in Saskatoon and Edmonton.
"Since COG-MJ began with a radio program back in 1943, it has been marked by generosity, innovation, vision and empowerment. We're grateful for those who went before us so that we could be where we are today. We see a church full of people who generously give themselves to be innovative in proclaiming the hope of the gospel with a vision that is far beyond what we alone can accomplish. It’s a vision that can only be brought about by God Himself as He empowers each of us by His Spirit to serve the people in our community. We believe the best years are still yet to come and we hope you will journey forward with us as we follow Christ’s lead." - Pastor Larry
Are you a collector or a connector? Wealth itself is not evil, but greed is. Greed prioritizes self over service, hoarding over helping, collecting over connecting. Jesus warns us that the pursuit of more for the sake of security or status is not only shortsighted by spiritually destructive. Listen in Pastor Larry shares the lesson taught in the parable of the rich fool from Luke 12 to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season.
The book of Jude focuses on a battle for freedom. Not a battle that takes place on the battlefield but rather a spiritual battle that's played out in the church. The book was written to Christians facing deception and hostility, much like us today. Listen in as Pastor Larry explores Jude's warnings and encouragements, inspiring us to find strength in God's promises even in times of turmoil.
We see many promises in Scripture for those who believe in Jesus: Peace, joy, freedom, and forgiveness. But often this is not what we experience in our day-to-day lives. Jesus gave us promises but also a pathway to them: Abiding in Him. Listen in as Cher Dombowsky shares God's Word with us!
As human beings, we are subject to forgetfulness. In his letter to the early church, Jude reminds believers not to forget the history of those who compromised the truth - a reminder that is as relevant to us today as it was then. Truth must be reinforced, recalled, and repeated often so that it continues to inform our lives and those of the next generation. Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks this timely message from this tiny book.
Anniversaries are a perfect time to reflect on the past, celebrate milestones, and give thanks for God’s faithfulness. But those content to live only in the past miss the opportunities of the present and fail to lay hold on the promise of the future. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to keep our eyes on Jesus and run the race set before us. Listen in as Dr. Mark Williams, Third Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God, delivers a timely message on the occasion of our church's 80th Anniversary.
We live in a world that encourages us to grumble, but as believers in Christ, we are called to live differently. Thanksgiving is an intentional decision we must make daily, regardless of suffering and trial. Jesus himself, on the night He was betrayed to be crucified, still gave thanks. Thanksgiving is powerful, building our faith and keeping us in God's will.
Is your faith under fire? The challenges are real, but the truth of the gospel remains unshakable. Like Jude, we are called to contend for the faith, to stand firm against falsehood, and to hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ. Listen in as Pastor Larry begins a new sermon series through the book of Jude - a short letter with a powerful call to action.
As we wrap-up our series on Romans 8, we look at the closing of Paul’s argument in verses 31-39. Paul gives us great reason to celebrate the work and love of Jesus Christ. The very things that hold us secure despite the many forces at work against us. Listen in as AJ Crocker brings the Word this weekend!
Are you adopted? The Apostle Paul in Romans 8 picks up the theme of adoption from Roman culture and uses it to illustrate how we become children of God and joint-heirs with Christ through the Holy Spirit. Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks this truth!
Have you ever struggled to understand why God allows suffering? Romans 8 offers a perspective of endurance and hope, reminding us that the challenges of this present life pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits those who believe in Jesus. Furthermore, this present pain has great purpose: to grow us and make us more like Christ. Listen in as Pastor Dwight Cameron unpacks this incredible passage of promise.
Listen in as Pastor Dwight Cameron, Pastor Dalton Fichtner, Pastor Becky Adams, and Pastor Kaddie Obispo share their heart for the ministries they do! You're sure to be inspired to get involved and make a difference! Already serve as a volunteer with Team Hope? Wear your Team Hope shirt and join us!
Being a Christian means having a new life: a life transformed and lived in the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are enslaved to their sinful nature, but those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit walk in God's righteousness and believe He will meet their needs. So ask yourself, are you living according to the flesh, or are you living according to the Spirit?
In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees our fundamental freedom of religion, a liberty we must never take for granted. In a greater way, the Holy Spirit offers us liberty from the control of sin on us, offering us forgiveness and goodness. Yet to receive the fullness of this freedom we must continually surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit's power.
Romans 8 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible; a multi-faceted diamond of deep truths meant to pour blessing upon blessing on those who study them and walk in them. Romans 8:1 alone is a powerful reminder that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; a truth that never changes regardless of what comes your way.
The Book of Ruth is all about redemption. All the main characters have suffered loss, who then experience redemption through Boaz, the Kinsman-Redeemer. Boaz is a picture of what Jesus Christ has done for us - the only one qualified to redeem us and pay the debt of sin we could not pay. Feeling discouraged? Listen in as Pastor Larry brings a powerful message of hope!
We all want that picture-perfect life, but what does your story look like from behind the scenes? Ruth's story may appear on the surface to be just a love story, but it's really about God's divine providence and planning. Listen in as Pastor Larry takes us behind the scenes to the greater truth in the story of Ruth.
We do so many things as a church to reach, connect, and support people but we must not lose sight of the main things Jesus commanded - baptizing and discipling. So what does the Bible say about baptism? Listen in as Pastor Larry teaches on this important ordinance and prayerfully consider how you might respond.
It's easy to love those who love you, but it's a challenge to love those you despise. Listen in as Dwight Cameron, our Pastor of Discipleship & Community Outreach, reminds us who our neighbors are and how we can treat them.
Rom Jukes is no stranger to COG, having attended since 2003 as a youth with Pastor Larry's son Brandon while Dwight Cameron was the Youth Pastor. In 2019, Rom married Grace and began working as a mental health therapist at the hospital. They've since had two daughters, Marcy and Noa, and Rom now works in Public Health. Listen in as Rom shares with us from God's Word!
Are you waiting on God for something right now? Sometimes waiting can be a step of faith, but other times it can be because of fear. Ruth had an active faith, and her prudent actions worked in alignment with God's plan and purpose for her. In the same way Boaz was blessed by God because he was a good steward of the resources entrusted to him. God's providential hand then moved in marvelous ways to write their love story and legacy. Nothing just happens.
Ruth is a powerful, intimate, life-changing book that inspires hope in the dark moments of life. God is the master of turnarounds, and He does it by bringing about an end in order to birth a new beginning. So what do you need to walk away from to embrace something new that God has for you? Find courage like Ruth had, and step out in faith.
There is a deep and profound father wound in society today, but we have good news! Our Heavenly Father can fill that void and heal that hurt in your life. Listen in this Father's Day weekend as Pastor Larry brings a message of hope, healing, and encouragement while we celebrate our dads.
How do you respond to the storms of life? Do they fill you with anxiety? Anger? Bitterness? It takes active resistance to our culture and our thoughts to practice STILLNESS. It's an act of obedience that comes from a place of love and trust in God and the way He asks us to live.
Need some inspiration to be still in the storm you're facing? Listen in as Cher Dombowsky unpacks for us this powerful spiritual discipline and radical heart posture.
What will heaven look like? Will I have a relationship with my spouse, family, and friends? Will there be animals in heaven? Pastor Larry leads us through what the Bible says about each of these questions.
Dr. Ramirez is an assistant general overseer for the Church of God denomination and shares with us his message entitled 'The Power of Peace: First Word of the Resurrected Christ to the Fearful Church'. Come be inspired by the truth that God is fully and faithfully present to us. He pursues us. He identifies with us. He offers us His life.
As God, Holy Spirit has existed through all eternity. He has a mind, emotions and a will, and is given as a gift to every believer to comfort, strengthen, and encourage. Holy Spirit is constantly at work in you, molding, making, and preparing you for the purpose God designed. As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday this weekend, let's pause to allow ourselves to be filled with the Spirit in a fresh way.
Many Christians have the mistaken concept that believing in Jesus simply gives them a ticket to heaven, a place of escape from the annihilation of the world at the end of the age. Yet the Bible is very clear that Jesus' return to earth will herald a renewal of all things - both ourselves and our world. So let's work diligently now to bring His kingdom values to a world soon to be redeemed.
God is actively making all things new. Broken, hopeless things that He is turning into beautiful gardens. But how do we recognize this, and how do we partner with Him in bringing this renewal to our world?
Listen in as AJ Crocker helps us find some answers in Isaiah 61:1-11, and explores how God is bringing renewal to this world. Renewal for you, renewal through you, and ultimately renewal for all things.
AJ Crocker serves as the Vice-President of External Relations at Briercrest, and has been an active member at COG with his family for several years.
What happens one second after you die? What about when Jesus returns? Is purgatory real? Listen in as Pastor Larry answers these questions and more in the introductory sermon of his new series exploring the afterlife.
Forgiveness is essential and one of the greatest forces for healing. Join us this weekend as Pastor Dwight Cameron, our Pastor of Discipleship & Community Outreach, talks about how forgiveness is the key to unlocking the shackles in our lives and how it enables God to forgive us.
The week leading up to Easter Sunday - Holy Week - was by far the most significant in Jesus' earthly life. As Pastor Larry highlights a few of these key moments, don't miss the opportunity to reflect, prepare, and worship Jesus today and throughout this coming week.
As we prepare our hearts and minds for the Easter season, let's take some time to think about the power and significance of Jesus. AJ Crocker digs into Colossians 1, and also reflects back on some 90’s youth group culture and thinks through one of the biggest Christian trends North America has ever seen. AJ Crocker serves as the Vice President of External Relations at Briercrest College & Seminary.
Most would agree we are living in the most stressful period in human history, and that the world can't go on much longer. Yet as the church under Jesus Christ, unified with the One who is in control of it all, we can have hope, peace, and the courage to share His message with an anxious and dying world.
When we're in pain, it's hard to see the big picture. But rest assured, God is using your personal story to do a bigger work within His story. All Hannah wanted was a son, and her prayer of anguish was answered by God with a child who would change a nation. So lay your pain on the altar, and allow God to provide a blessing that impacts generations to come.
Does your life reflect faith in the power of the one true God? The prophet Elijah, full of faith in Yahweh, arranged a dramatic standoff with 450 prophets of Baal in order to prove the existence and power of his God. God did not disappoint, but sent fire and then rain on the land. May this compelling story remind you that the power of prayer lies in the power of God.
Amidst a famine in the land and a desperate situation for all, Israel and her king, Ahab, are contrasted with a widow from a foreign land. This passage, 1 Kings 17:7-24, provides hope for the desperate and a challenge to those who want control. Listen in as Caleb Willems, Director of Discipleship at Briercrest Christian Academy, reminds us that God is King and His Word is true.
What's the most radical conversion story you've ever heard? Is true repentance possible for the worst sinner? King Manasseh was the vilest king in Israel's history, yet when he called out to God in his distress, humbling himself and repenting, God forgave and restored him. Listen in as Pastor Larry talks about the most important prayer there is - the prayer of repentance.
When you feel surrounded by adversity, do you look to develop your own solutions or choose to trust God's promises? King Hezekiah was literally surrounded by the Assyrian army, but through his prayers the Lord miraculously delivered him and altered the course of history. So in doubtful or even critical moments, remember that your faithful prayers can be instrumental in saving and restoring generations to come.
Do you believe that your prayers move the hand of a sovereign God? The problem with prayer is this spectrum we all find ourselves on - between just surrendering to God's will and trying to manipulate God into giving us whatever we want. The story of Peter's miraculous release from prison gives us a glimpse into the power of prayer, but also reminds us that this wasn't everyone's story. While we pray fervently, we also say, "not my will but Thine be done."
Living differently from the world only matters if we are living like Jesus. How do we help the next generation live like Jesus? The temptation to just 'be like everyone else' is so strong at all ages. Yet, Scripture instructs us to be shaped into the image of Christ. Listen in as AJ Crocker walks us through Romans 8, leaning on his personal journey from a troubling Jr. High kid desperately wanting to be like everybody else to someone trying to live more like Jesus.
What does your life communicate to the people around you? The way that we live communicates our most important values (intentionally or not). Jesus tells us that because of Him, we are different from the world. Because of that differentness, the people around us will see our Heavenly Father. But do our lives look different from the world? Join us as AJ Crocker challenges us to think about living different from the world.
Perhaps like many, you have at least considered a goal or two for 2024. In the Beatitudes, Jesus gives us a vision of “the good life”. We might be surprised at the difference between our picture and God’s picture of a flourishing life. Join us as Adam Driscoll, Director of Spiritual Development at Cornerstone Christian School and Chairperson of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, speaks on living with Kingdom vision locally and nationally as disciples of Jesus.
The Bible teaches us the right way to serve God and the benefits that come from such a life. It also warns us of the disastrous consequences when we live contrary to God's way. Listen in as Pastor Alex Allan unpacks the way the Apostle Peter challenges us to be steadfast, stable, and to survive.
The Christmas story is all about God's timing. The birth of Jesus didn't just happen, and in the same way, God has a plan and purpose for our lives that's based on His timing, not ours. It's not always convenient or painless, but always powerful. May your celebration of the birth of Jesus remind you of God's wise and loving care.
Are you a worrier? After Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would bear God's Son, she could have worried, but instead she chose to worship. Though she was poor and insignificant, she knew the power and character of her God and chose to declare His attributes over herself and her situation. This Christmas, let's follow Mary's example, and cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with God through prayer and worship.
Christmas is a time that can bring out feelings of love and generosity, not only to friends and family but to God as well. But what's the greatest way we can show God we love Him? By keeping His commandments! Join us as Cher Dombowsky leads us through a fresh look at what loving God means in our day-to-day lives.
Advent is meant to be a time of expectation and reflection, where we both marvel at the greatness of our King and ponder at why such a King would choose such confinement in coming to this world. As we hear the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary once again, let's enter the wonder of that moment and draw near to God in worship.
We must become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. As the Father's children, we are to welcome other little ones as we would welcome Jesus. The little ones are very big in the heart of the Father. The Father wants to give us His heart for the little ones.
Do you know God's will for your life? The Bible says God's general will for His people is that we rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. These are not easy to do, but by following God's general will we will be able to know and follow His specific will, and be better able to trust Him to work on our behalf and unfold plans that are bigger and better than our own.
We live in a very individualistic culture, where love is defined by autonomy and tolerance of every opinion and lifestyle. Yet Christ calls us to a counter-cultural love - one that honours and esteems those in leadership and empowers us through the Spirit to be accountable to each other and live at peace with each other. So in light of the imminent return of Jesus, let's make every effort to live out our faith by demonstrating God's selfless love to those around us.
Have you ever gone your own way in disobedience, and then had God give you a second chance? Jonah sure did, as we'll hear from Pastor Larry in this message. Often when the storms are raging, you've hit rock bottom, and you feel you're too far gone for God to redeem, God is setting you up for a second chance. Your failure is not fatal or final, because God is a God of second chances!
What if you knew that Jesus was returning this week? How would you live these final days on Earth? Though we don't know the exact moment of Jesus' return, we can see the warning signs, and be ready. In 1 Thessalonians 5, the Apostle Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to remain alert, and not to be afraid, remaining confident in Jesus' salvation and His return.
When someone dies, we ask, "Will I ever see them again? Will we know each other?" The Apostle Paul answers many of our questions about the end times and about life after death in his epistles to the Thessalonians. As Christians, our faith and hope of eternal life is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that when Jesus returns, we will be united with Him, whether dead or still alive!
The Apostle Paul's ministry was extraordinary - but what kept him committed to sharing the gospel and ministering to people despite the struggles? Love and trust. A love for people where they're at, and trust in God's providence above everything, regardless of the results. And effective, life-transforming ministry still requires these same things today.
Jonathan Heppner is a poet, farmer and entrepreneur now living on the Greek island of Lesvos. Along with his wife Tracey, Jonathan has ministered in multiple countries - including crisis and underprivileged areas - as a church planter and pastor for 30 years. Together they founded the nonprofit organization Hope Renews four years ago as a tangible response to the global refugee crisis. They grow, source, and provide fresh food using sustainable practices in connection with local and international partners. For more info visit hoperenewsinc.ca, and listen in as Jonathan shares God's Word with us!
How do we navigate these complex and turbulent times we live in? For one, we can study the life of Daniel during the Babylonian captivity. Though Babylon had a strategy, Daniel also had a strategy - one that required wisdom and courage to walk out. Listen in as President Michael Pawelke from Briercrest College & Seminary unpacks these strategies and encourages us with lessons from Daniel.
What qualities make a truly effective leader? One who says all the right things, or who leads by example? The effectiveness of the Apostle Paul's ministry during his short three weeks spent with the Thessalonians is incredible, and it was due to his integrity, gentleness, and personal demeanor while speaking the truth in love. May we also rely on God's strength to lead others to Him in the same manner.
Though no church is perfect, the church at Thessalonica was considered a model church. The Apostle Paul himself commends them in his opening greeting for their faith, hope, and love. At COG, we feature these same qualities in our mission statement; inward qualities meant to be a catalyst for an outward expression. Therefore may we also be known as a people who do work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and have endurance inspired by hope.
The fall is full of new beginnings. A new season lets us reset and refocus. Sometimes, as the seasons change, we are able to break old habits and embrace a new perspective. This Sunday, in the beautiful setting of Crescent Park, AJ Crocker talks about finding true joy during the hard busyness of our lives. As we walk through John 15:1-17, Jesus' words will show us the secret to lasting happiness.
How do you deal with anger? Do you let it explode or push it down inside? While neither of these are healthy, the Bible gives great insight into understanding and dealing with our anger in a Christlike way. Only when we examine the underlying cause, diffuse our emotions respectfully, and learn to forgive will we begin to emulate Christ in this area of our lives.
Do you know the secret to being content? The Apostle Paul did, and lived a contented life even in the midst of extreme adversity. He rested in the deep understanding that no matter what happened, Christ would be enough, and cultivated this belief daily through practicing gratitude and generosity. That's the secret.
We know we're called to forgive as Christ has forgiven us, and forgiving the small hurts or offenses isn't usually a big deal. But we're also called to forgive the deep or recurring betrayals we experience, which are much more difficult. Yet by remembering how much we've been forgiven by God and that forgiveness is based on grace, not justice, we can allow forgiveness to flow through us and prevent the venom of unforgiveness from taking its deadly hold on our soul.
They say the average adult makes 35,000 decisions every day - how many of those do you make out of fear instead of courage? Courage isn't the absence of fear or something you can muster up, rather it comes from abiding in Jesus and being confident that He is with you and His promises are true. Only Holy Spirit can silence the voices of negativity, fear, and doubt and fill you with the boldness you need to make your next decision with courage and faith.
Technology promises to make our lives easier, but does it make it better? How does social media in particular affect our kids' development? Their social skills, relationships, and ability to focus can each be negatively affected by too much screen time. Though the easy option for parents, remember, "let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9).
Join us as Cher Dombowsky shares an important message on the effects of social media on children.
Have you ever had a 'last straw' moment? How did you react? Did you experience despair, or a strengthening of your faith through the ordeal? Join John Mohan as he unpacks how we can transition from despair to hope in those moments by exercising aggressive faith.
The heart, one of the vital organs in our physical body, also symbolizes the spiritual core of our emotions and desires. The Bible commands us to guard our hearts, and to offer our bodies as living sacrifices in worship to Him. Only by surrendering ourselves to God daily will we cultivate hearts of humility, thanksgiving, adoration and service that make up the heart of worship.
The Holy Spirit can move in a believer's life in a multitude of ways, bestowing supernatural power and ability for the purpose of Church health and growth. Manifestation gifts, the category of gifts that include healing, prophecy, wisdom, and tongues, are perhaps the least understood and will be explored by Pastor Larry in this message. The most important thing to remember about operating in any spiritual gift, though, is to remain focused on the Giver and not the gift, allowing yourself to simply be the vessel for the power of God to flow through.
Pastor Walter Engel, Pastor Phil Siggelkow, and Pastor Alex Allan have served in full-time ministry a combined total of 162 years, and we're so honored to have them share a powerful word on being a follower of Jesus. Pastor Walter will share on the Biblical call of God on a believer's life, Pastor Phil on the aspects of the life-long commitment to the call, and Pastor Alex on the significance of being convinced of the personal call.
Of all the spiritual gifts, the motivational gifts most reveal the personality of God. People who love to serve, encourage, give, and show mercy often don't realize they're operating in a spiritual gift because it comes so naturally to them. But these gifts are essential to the health and life of the church and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
God wants to be with us. The Bible is a trustworthy way to be with Him. In the Bible we experience the uniqueness of Jesus.
When Jesus referred to God not only as 'Father' but as 'Abba' (which means 'Daddy') it revolutionized the culture of its day, and His description of His Father as loving, forgiving and gracious continues to bring revolutionary illumination today, the most fatherless generation in history. So whatever idea might come to your mind at the mention of the word 'Father', allow the restorative and redemptive Father heart of God to realign your life back to Him again. For when you know who His, then you know who you are, and you know what to do.
Have you ever received a gift and never opened it? The Holy Spirit has given each of us gifts designed to equip us for the work of ministry, but it's up to us to know our gifts and grow in them. In today's message, Pastor Larry unpacks the gifts found in the Ministry category: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
The life of David was filled with highs and lows. Psalm 23 gives us a look at what following God feels like. This very famous Psalm helps us explore how we can find rest and comfort even in the midst of our darkest of valleys. Join us as AJ Crocker unpacks how the Lord has good plans for each of us!
"Anger is not bad in itself - it has a God-given purpose and is part of our internal mechanism to signal something is wrong and needs to be sorted out." - Nick & Sila Lee
Dwight & Marcy Cameron have been married for 19 years and have four amazing children: Gabby, Amara, Olivia, and Hunter. Though they may appear to have it all together, they've definitely had their share of conflict! Dwight oversees the Marriage Ministry at Church of God and we're thrilled to have him share from his experience on handling conflict God's way!
Do you know your spiritual gift? When we receive Christ, we receive Holy Spirit as a gift, who then gives us spiritual gifts to equip us for ministry. But only when we use them in humility and in unity within the Body do we bring glory to Jesus.
It is no secret that our kids are growing up in a radically different world than we did. How do we raise kids that follow Jesus in an increasingly hostile world? How do we impact not only our own kids but generations to come? On our knees and out loud through prayer!
Do you like receiving gifts? God has given each of us spiritual gifts designed to help us serve Him and others. But we must choose to develop them and operate in them by yielding daily to the Holy Spirit.
Who is the Holy Spirit really? The Bible tells us He is the third Person of the Trinity, the Author of Scripture, and the One who comforts, counsels, advocates, convicts and sanctifies us. And yet knowing who He is is only the beginning - He must be experienced to be fully known.
Many things can cause us to lose our zeal for the Lord and what He's called us to - tragedy, opposition, even prosperity. That's why it's good to remind ourselves regularly that we have the fiery presence of Holy Spirit inside us, and our responsibility to keep the flame burning brightly.
Life post-Easter isn't just a little bit different ... it's radically different. In light of these events, nothing can stay the same. Everything is different now: how we see God, how we see the world, and how we live life going forward - it's all new. Listen in as Adam Driscoll brings us the Word this weekend!
When you hear the word, 'home', what comes to mind? As Christians, we have been given the ultimate home - heaven - the hope and peace of which we can share with others right now.
This Easter Weekend, Pastor Larry reminds us of the hope of Heaven that we have through the resurrection of Jesus!
Have you ever missed out on a great opportunity, or turned down something only to regret it later? As we celebrate Palm Sunday and enter Holy Week, let's not miss this opportunity to worship more deeply and invest our resources in God's Kingdom more fully.
Have you ever had to face a major fork in the road? A tough decision that you knew would impact the rest of your life? Welcome AJ Crocker as he walks us through counting the cost of following Jesus - a message that he shares and lives out among the youth and young adults he disciples at Briercrest.
Life is a battle, and only by understanding who our Enemy really is and what's at stake can we ever hope to walk in freedom. And it's not even about following rules or trying harder, but about a daily surrender to the Spirit and abiding in God's love. Only then will true, life-giving fruit be produced in our lives.
Our spiritual lives can sometimes get out of alignment. Whether we're prone to legalism or liberalism, we need to continually stand firm in the freedom we have in Christ, daily renewing our commitment to being slaves to righteousness through His grace.
As a bucket, you really only have one job to do: HOLD STUFF. Some days it's heavy work. Some days it's beach work. At the end of the day, the glory isn't in the bucket - it's in the treasure.
Join us this weekend as Adam Driscoll encourages us about how our faith is a beautiful treasure ... and how you and I are kind of like buckets.
In the first century, there was not much difference between a child and a slave - it was only when the child grew up did they realize their inheritance as a son of the house. Do you ever feel like that? Join us as Pastor Larry reminds us that we are chosen and beloved sons of God through adoption into His family, and that we no longer need to operate with a works-based slave mindset.
What's the most foolish thing you've ever done? The Galatians were so foolish as to think that the salvation they first received through the Spirit had to be perfected through the works of the Law. Paul reminds us that only by continuing to remain under the Spirit through faith is the Law's curse broken in our life. So remain in Christ - for who the Son sets free is free indeed.
Has worry ever caused you to 'miss the boat'? As believers in Jesus, we are to seek His Kingdom first and trust Him for all we need, including the courage to keep moving forward. Only then can we truly overcome any crisis life brings.
Have you ever needed to stand alone for truth, but chose to remain silent or back away? We are all guilty at some level, including the Apostle Peter. It took the Apostle Paul to confront him directly and publicly in order to make things right. As followers of Jesus let's speak His truth in love, and choose daily to be crucified with Him so that His life may flow from us freely, no turning back.
Where does religious tradition and culture end and the gospel begin? As social and cultural beings, its easy for us to allow rituals and routines to guide our behaviour and beliefs rather than the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Only He can bring true sanctification to our lives through a deep work on our hearts.
Who doesn't like good news? And the gospel of grace is the best news there is! Only God could have created such a dynamic plan of reckless love, including calling us to Himself. So allow Him to make your story one of good news - it'll be the best decision you'll ever make.
Legalism - people attempting to secure God's approval by good works - has threated to distort the gospel of grace ever since the Church began. Even today, may we not turn the gospel into one of works in reaction to the post-modern culture that surrounds us, because then it becomes no gospel at all. Listen in as Pastor Larry begins a new sermon series through the book of Galatians: Freedom.
What are you most worried about for 2023? Jesus teaches us that the best antidote to worry is generosity - a generosity that flows not from obligation, but from a heart filled with His Spirit, His love for His church, and His compassion for others. He then promises to bless you abundantly in return. So as you take time to reflect on all he's provided this year, allow Him to reveal to you where you're placing your treasure and how you might develop a more generous heart in 2023.
God's timing is always perfect, but that doesn't mean it will be painless or easy. After centuries of waiting for Messiah to come, Mary had to travel to Bethlehem right before delivering her baby. So whether you're in a season of waiting on God or trusting Him through the process, keep your eyes fixed on Him and don't be afraid. Nothing just happens - it's all in His time and He's working it all for your good.
It's not always easy to keep peace at Christmas - so it's good for us to remember that Biblical peace can be present even in the chaos and conflict of life. So don't limit the peace of God to what your understanding can see, but rather seek out and embrace the spiritual, emotional and relational peace God offers you right now.
On this third Sunday of Advent as we turn toward the candle of Joy, we find ourselves suspended between reality and the promised future. The scriptures reveal joy as a slowly burning candle, inviting us to find hope beyond the horizon of our lives and calling us to deepen our resolve as we await the advent of God.
The song goes, 'All You Need is Love'. But is that true? What is love, really? By reflecting on God's love for us, we find the only perfect example of selfless, sacrificial love, followed by an open invitation to us to respond in worship to Him and love for one another. So this Christmas, let's respond to this love we've received by being as gracious, patient, and forgiving with each other as God has been to us. Merry Christmas!
Are you in danger of losing the wonder, of God and of Christmas? Let's take time this December to rekindle wonder and hope through worship, and treasure the special moments God provides that draw us closer to His heart. Even when things seem dark and hopeless, we can rest assured that we have a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace whose kingdom will never end.
What holds you steady when things get tough? The writer of Hebrews concludes his letter with several key exhortations on living out our faith even in the difficult times. May God's promise that He will never leave us or forsake us give us the strength and resolve to love others well, honour our marriage vows, and live contentedly.
What's the meaning behind water baptism, and how important is it really? At COG-MJ, we consider water baptism an ordinance - a command by Jesus - and place a high priority on its celebration. Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks how we baptize, who it's for, and why it's so important to the church.
Marc & Lisa Honorat began Haiti ARISE Ministries in 2003, investing their own savings into the first piece of land and building a team around them to help raise up godly leaders in Haiti. They now live and work with Haiti ARISE Ministries as overseers and directors of the ministry, regularly traveling between Haiti, USA and Canada to grow the vision and share progress of the ministry, meet with the Haiti ARISE teams, and build relationship with the supporting churches, businesses, and individuals.
We are thrilled to have Marc share with us this Sunday!
Have you ever been disciplined by a father figure? Coach? By God? The writer of Hebrews reminds us in chapter 12 that God's discipline, though painful, is for our good and because He loves us. We are His children, and He wants us to become the people He purposed us to be. This week, let's expand our view of 'fatherhood' beyond the limited and broken experiences we have had growing up, and allow God to heal us and show us His heart.
What is faith, and how do we live by it? Abel, Enoch, Noah, and so many others demonstrated what faith in action looks like, and how through faith broken people gain the approval of God. Hebrews 11 affirms that faith is a confidence - an assurance we can build our lives on - that God is who He says He is and rewards those who seek Him.
We have the immense privilege of having Dr. Jim Stephens, Second Assistant General Overseer for Church of God International, speak to us this weekend out of John 6:28-38.
Did you know that being grateful actually reduces stress and improves mental strength? Life is tough, for sure, but the Bible instructs us to give thanks in the midst of all circumstances, believing God works all things together for good. Here's Pastor Larry with a special message on practicing thanksgiving!
Though we may wish to never go through a storm, there are many lessons we can learn through them. So whether you have survived many turbulent waters or have yet to find your sea legs, John Mohan offers five 'not-so-easy' lessons we can all learn from the Apostle Paul's shipwreck experience in Acts 27.
Have you ever tried using Monopoly money instead of the real thing? In the same way, the Old Covenant - with all its religious rituals - was only a shadow of the true mediation Jesus' life and death fulfills between a sinful people and a holy God.
Have you ever missed seeing something when it was right in front of your eyes? The writer of Hebrews details the tabernacle of Moses in chapter 9 in order to reveal how each element points to Jesus. Just like today when we struggle to see God and what He's doing, we can rest assured that He's there and working all things for our good.
Thousands of people have gone on a search for God, and have only found religion - something distasteful - causing them to walk away. Yet Jesus came to bring a new and better covenant, one centred on grace and written on people's hearts.
How do we jump in to what God is doing at our workplace? Join AJ Crocker as he explores ways we can partner with God in His work by offering little tastes of His Kingdom wherever we go.
Join us as Pastor Larry continues the sermon series, 'Christ is Enough' with a study of why Jesus is our ultimate High Priest and King, and let's celebrate once again the power and completeness He offers to us through his indestructible life! Hebrews 7:11-22
For those who don't know Keith Tredger, he is the Director of Freedom Ministries and serves on the Elders' Board at COG. His deep love and heart for people shines through all he does, whether it's teaching on Spiritual Warfare or praying for someone in bondage and seeing God bring freedom. Our Freedom Ministries Team ministers weekly, and holds Freedom Weekends through the year. Join us as Keith brings the Word!
When life gets difficult and discouraging, it's easy to get frustrated and lose your joy and motivation. And yet the writer of Hebrews would point you to Abraham, who knew what it meant to have patience and perseverance, and the important part both play in inheriting God's promises and finishing well. For when you're anchored in hope, you're sure to be blessed.
Listen in as three members of the COG team each share about the ways they are reaching our city for Christ, one relationship at a time! As a beacon of faith, hope, and love, we at COG are committed to reaching beyond our walls and making a difference in our community - so thank you for your prayers and support for us and for our city!
In this message we are going to focus on what the writer of Hebrews refers to as maturing from milk to eating solid foods, the meat of the word of God.
There is a season for everything, but we often struggle to recognize what season we're in. God desires us all to prosper, but we know that summer doesn't last forever. Only through the process of fall, winter and spring are deeper truths activated that cause eternity to come alive in our hearts.
The Word of God has a powerful way of exposing the deepest things in our hearts before a holy God. Yet because of Jesus' humanity and victory, we can approach God's throne with boldness and find grace and mercy.
Rested or restless - which of these terms best describe you this week? We are reminded in Hebrews 4 that Jesus is inviting us to enter His rest, and promises us rest when we choose to obey Him through faith.
How has your father shaped your view of God? Since all earthly fathers are imperfect representations of our heavenly Father, it's important to study who the Bible says He is. Because when you know who He is, then you know who you are, and then you know what to do. May you experience the true father heart of God today, allowing it to transform you from the inside out.
How do we navigate uncertain times? The book of Hebrews outlines the authority of Christ over every situation, and the importance of holding fast to our faith in Him and to each other.
As independent as we feel we are, we all need help, and there is no Helper greater than Jesus. Hebrews 2 reminds us of the depths to which Jesus debased Himself in order to save us, sanctify us, and blaze a trail for us so that we could be called sons and daughters of God and now walk in power through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever felt off-course, or adrift at sea? The writer of Hebrews reminds us that in these moments we need to cling even more to what we know to be true, anchoring ourselves to it through putting it into practice.
In the midst of pain and uncertainty, is Jesus enough to get you through? The book of Hebrews was written to a people experiencing extreme persecution under Nero in order to answer that question. Yes, Christ truly is enough - enough for them, and enough for you.
Wisdom is not about what you know, but about Who you know. You can know all about God and what the Bible says, but if you're not in a relationship with Him, your knowledge is worthless.
Do you get discouraged easily, losing sight of the big picture? You're not alone - the Israelites' story follows just such a plotline. Yet this same story also offers us inspiring examples like Caleb, Nehemiah, and Jeremiah who held fast to Kingdom Vision and were used by God in great ways because of it.
In the storms and mess of life, we need to remember that Jesus is there through it all, and ask him for wisdom and perseverance for each step.
Do you often feel weak and inadequate? Having Daring Faith is as much about strength and courage as it is about being vulnerable and pliable to the Lord in our weaknesses. Through humility, dependency, and compassion, God power is made perfect through every weak area we acknowledge and surrender to Him.
Christianity differs from all other major world religions in that our Savior is alive, and not dead! Easter Sunday is the day on which we celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead and the new life this resurrection now offers! Through Christ, tombs can become wombs for God to birth something new in and through each one of us!
This weekend we will look at Abraham, who is known as the Father of Faith. Though imperfect, Abraham teaches us that faith is about moving forward into the unknown and learning to trust a big and capable God who has a plan beyond what we may be able to see or understand.
Do you have a story of when things went from bad to worse? The book of Genesis relates the story of how quickly God's idyllic creation went downhill after the fall ... until we meet Noah. Imagine the ridicule, the loneliness, and the enormity of the task as he spends 120 years building the ark! Yet it is such daring faith that God calls each of us to today - a faith that perseveres at all costs.
Few of us enjoy stepping out into something where we can't see the path clearly, and yet that's exactly what Jesus calls us to do. In Exodus, God called the Israelites to begin walking through the Red Sea even before the entire path was visible, requiring a Daring Faith in Him that far transcended their fear or comfort zones.
AJ Crocker has a deep passion to see youth and young adults shaped by the Bible so they can live their lives more like Jesus and less like the world. AJ, Cheryl and their three kids have attended COG for three years and worked at Briercrest for 15 years. Cheryl has been a teacher at CHS/BCA and AJ has served in various roles such as Youth Quake Director, High School Chaplain, and Director of Recruitment. AJ currently serves as Vice-president of Marketing and is thrilled to be bringing the Word to us this weekend!
Few of us enjoy waiting. But since God's plans and timetable are higher than ours, we can trust He's working in us in those interim seasons when we're longing for breakthrough, preparing us to better steward the blessing when it comes.
Do you have what it takes to be a soldier? The Apostle Paul uses military imagery frequently in his letters, paralleling the training, focus, and sacrifice required to give our best to God. In these tumultuous times, we must define what we're willing to die for and be ready to do so in order to fully live.
Selfishness is ingrained in us from birth, it's true ... and yet part of loving God deeply is learning how to give generously. By demonstrating our love for God through giving our resources, our praise, our gratitude, our grace, and our forgiveness lavishly, we build daring faith in our lives for His glory.
Can faith grow? If so, how? The Bible says yes, and that it is God who works in us to grow our faith through His grace, through His Word, through community, and through adversity. So let's bear with one another in love, seeing every trial as an opportunity to allow God to grow us and others.
Have you ever encountered a problem as big and scary as an 800-pound gorilla? The Bible contains many stories of small people who had big faith, like David, whose trust in God enabled him to defeat a giant.
Faith is one of the major themes in the Bible, but what is it exactly? It's not about wishful thinking, our feelings, or manipulating God, but about seeing God for who He is and seeing our circumstances from His perspective. So let's pray for our eyes of faith to be opened and to see the unseen - which is true reality.
Like it or not, there are no guarantees in life. Yet followers of Jesus do have the guarantee of His ultimate win over sin, death, and the Enemy, and that He will finish the good work He started in each of us. It is to celebrate this amazing truth that Jude concludes his epistle with a doxology of praise, adoration, and exaltation. Through Christ, we shall be victorious - so let's contend for the faith!
There is a battle raging inside each one of us. Our animalistic cravings contend to break us down, and we need to constantly be walking in the power of the Holy Spirit to build us up. Jude's is an urgent message. False messages and evil influences abound, with the only way forward being a life obedient to Christ and remaining in His love. Let's contend for the faith!
As Christians, we have been given a mission - the mission of being God's ambassadors on earth working to reconcile people to Himself. Pastoral Intern Will Dmytrow unpacks what our true mission is and why it's so important to keep front of mind.
Have you ever gone into a room, only to forget why you went there? As we get older, we tend to become more forgetful. Regardless of age, forgetfulness is a serious human condition that makes us prone to make the same mistakes again and again. That's why there is tremendous value in studying history and remembering long past events - particularly those recorded in the Bible - as a means of warning us of the consequences of evil that's been allowed to grow inside the human heart. So let's read the stories again, read them to our children, and contend for the faith.
If life were a minefield, wouldn't you value knowing the truth of how to navigate through it safely? The short book of Jude calls its readers to remember the truth about who they are and to contend for the faith they were called into, so that those who come after them will know the truth, too.
Boxing Day is known for its sales, and for its returns. Yet Christmas offers us a gift we'll want to keep for life - Jesus. Through the gift of God's Son, we receive a new identity, a new source of power, and a new family. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
What does it mean to have joy? And how is it possible to follow the command to 'rejoice always'? The Bible teaches clearly that joy is not an emotion and doesn't come from ourselves. It's all about choosing to allow the Good News from Heaven to enter us personally.
The 'Magnificat' (also known as 'Mary's Song') is one of the most beloved and well-known songs of praise in the Bible. In it, Mary praises God for recognizing the humble in Israel (including herself) and lifting them up. Mary had a difficult road ahead - but instead she chose to praise.
Someone once said, "Time is an illusion. Timing is an art." We all understand that timing is everything, and yet we seldom like to wait for God's time. His timing is perfect, though, and while we're in God's 'waiting room' we're also in His 'operating room' and can rest assured He's using that time to work on our hearts and our character for His glory. We simply need to trust Him.
Do you struggle with feelings of loneliness? One major aspect of the hope-filled message of Christmas is Jesus coming as Immanuel - God with us. Even in our most isolated moments, we can rest in the assurance that God is with us, in us, and working through us to bring His tangible presence to others in this lonely world.
What does it really mean to live by faith, especially with life doesn't make sense? The ancient prophet Habakkuk struggled with this very question, documenting his dialogue with God in the tiny book named for him. He concludes that ultimately, faith - complete with worshipping and rejoicing in the Lord in the midst of tragedy - is a choice we make based on who God is and not on what He does for us. We are to trust Him at all times, believing in His goodness even if we don't get the answers we are praying for.
Do you feel worn down, or in a desert season right now? If you do, you're not alone. We find great comfort in remembering the testing Jesus endured in the desert and how it trained and empowered him for a life fully surrendered and reliant on the Father.
Are you a worrier? Did you know that worry is actually a form of idolatry? Jesus tells us in Luke 12:22-34 to not worry about our lives or store up things out of greed or fear, but rather give generously to further His Kingdom as we trust Him to provide for our daily needs.
Who do you accredit your life's accomplishments to? Does the self-made man really exist? Join us as Pastor Kyleigh Coad unpacks how we've been shaped by both parentage and patronage, and the many ways in which we need the support of other believers to achieve our God-given potential.
Are we in the last days? Yes, keeping in mind we've been in the last days for over 2000 years! Many have prophesied the return of Christ over the centuries, and many more have scoffed at the idea that Christ will return at all. Yet the Apostle Peter concludes his second epistle by reminding us that the Lord is patient and merciful, not wanting any to perish, but will return suddenly at a time we do not expect. So let's stay on mission, for the end is near.
Have you ever been misled by advertising? The Apostle Peter continues his warning against following false teachers by exposing the emptiness of their promises and enticements and reminding us that freedom apart from God is not freedom at all. For in Christ our very nature has changed - the old has passed, the new has come!
With the intense negativity surrounding us in this season, it's even more important to actively focus on practicing gratitude. This Thanksgiving, let's remember that every good thing we have was given to us by God, and let's turn each of these blessings back into praise.
With so much information coming at us daily, how do we discern who's telling the truth and who's lying? The Apostle Peter continues his second epistle with a description of false teachers, in order to expose their flawed behavior and practices. A timely word for us today as we allow the light of Christ to expose the lies in our own hearts.
Have you ever obtained something fake, thinking it was real? For anything of value, including our faith, counterfeit versions abound. We need to remain grounded in the Word of God in order to discern the enemy's ploys and man's counterfeit ideas and not fall for a knock-off faith.
What is your source of authority? Your parents? Media? Yourself? With the onslaught of information that comes at us daily, we need to know the truth of Scripture and how it stands up against other beliefs and assertions. Join Pastor Jeremy as he continues the sermon series, Anchored in Hope!
It is said that the most important question we can ask is, "Why?" or "Why do we exist?" COG-MJ exists to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love, so that people can discover their worth to God and their potential to accomplish great things for God.
If you had all the head knowledge in the world, what would you do with it? The Apostle Peter, after affirming that we have everything we need in Christ, gives us seven things we need to do with what we've been given. After all, 'knowledge' is not just information but also how it's put into practice.
What do you want your final words to be? The Apostle Peter begins his final epistle with an exhortation to the Church to live under Christ's grace and peace by loving each other well and seeking to know Him more. A timely word for today!
Burger kings says, “Have it your way.” We say things like, “I’m a self-made man.” We like the idea of being totally independent and we have bought into a myth that the key to happiness is independence. But Bible says that the key to happiness is not independence but inter-dependence. We need each other and we belong to each other. God wired you for community, not isolation.
Who is Satan, really? The Apostle Peter describes him as a lion, seeking to devour whoever does not resist him. Therefore we must stay alert, stand firm in our faith, and remember his defeat was accomplished by the Lion of Judah on the cross.
Who are you leading? You may not consider yourself a leader, but if you influence those around you, then you are one. The Apostle Peter concludes his first epistle with an exhortation to all of us leaders on the importance of humility, integrity, honesty, and inter-dependence as we lead others during these turbulent times.
Where is God in the midst of suffering? We've all gone through a lot over this past year, but it's still nothing compared to the suffering Christians endured during the time of the Apostle Peter. Peter reminds his readers - then and now - that they can rejoice in God's love, presence, and sovereignty even in the midst of trials, as they are being used to test us, refine us and form us into the image of Jesus.
Summer is a great time for reading novels, particularly those with a great ending! The Apostle Peter reminds us 1 Peter 4:7-11 that the end of all things is near. So let's remain alert and prayerful so that we may love well and serve well with the gifts we've been given, for God's glory and God's story!
Pastor Larry is passing off the mic to five members of the COG staff team! Hear their heart, what they're passionate about, and be inspired by their message to you. The challenge? They only have five minutes each!
Have you ever tried to swim or row a boat upstream? It takes a lot of focus, struggle and perseverance, yet the salmon do it every year! Such is the Christian life. As the Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:1-6, a life committed to swimming upstream in a downstream culture is only possible when we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ, cut off all sin, and keep our focus on the end goal.
Have you ever asked where God is in suffering? In the Bible we learn that Christ himself suffered on our behalf, and now through our own suffering we can participate in His glory.
Have you ever wished there was a secret 'key' to unlock the door to a fulfilled life? The Apostle Peter gives us five keys in 1 Peter 3:8-12 that open the door for us to live fulfilled lives through the power of the Spirit. We each have only one life to life, so let's use these keys to bring peace and blessing to a broken, evil world.
How does God work His perfect will in marriage? Peter begins his third chapter with a reminder to wives of the power of their inner beauty to effect enduring change, and a warning to husbands not to hinder their own prayers through ill treatment of their wives. A timely message on this Father's Day weekend that attractive Christianity begins at home.
Do you find it hard to submit? What if you don't agree? What if you know you're right? Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 2:12-17 that regardless of who is over us or how they behave, we must honour them and submit to their leadership so that our behaviour might attract them to Jesus.
God is building his Church, but not with bricks and mortar. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:4-10 that we are each living stones which God is forming together into a spiritual house for His own dwelling. The Church has no fixed address, but rather is a global community of people Jesus has made His dwelling place in.
Do you find it hard to love people? In this season of division and disagreement, it seems so difficult even to tolerate others, let alone love them. And yet as Christians we've been called to love each other fervently with a depth and constancy that is only possible through Christ. In this, our witness to the world is most powerfully put on display.
Therefore ... what's it there for? The Apostle Peter continues in 1 Peter 1:13-16 by connecting what we believe with how we should live: focused, sober, holy, and prepared for action.
What do you hope for? Whenever the Bible uses the word 'hope', it refers to something that's guaranteed, like our inheritance in heaven. Regardless of what we experience in this life, as Christians we can rejoice in a glorious future in heaven with a hope that's protected by the power of God!
Have you ever felt like a foreigner, out of place and unwelcome? The Apostle Peter begins his first epistle by affirming that his readers are both elected and exiled, identifying the tension we as Christians live in. Pastor Larry expands this concept, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our calling and not to be swayed by either blessing or burden, keeping our focus on the sanctifying work of the Spirit through it all.
What does your name mean? Do you live up to it all the time? Peter, whose name means Rock, is a great example of an imperfect individual God used for His perfect work. Now, at the end of his life, the Apostle Peter pens two of the most encouraging epistles to a dispersed and divided Church as a testimony of what the grace of God can do.
How would you finish this sentence? "Walk like ____ ." However you answer, everyone has a recognizable walk. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:5-6 that as Christians, we are called to walk and speak with wisdom in order to reflect Jesus in everything we do.
What new habits have you acquired since this pandemic began? Have you prayed more, begging God for it all to end? The Apostle Paul instructs us to devote ourselves to prayer, but with watchfulness and thanksgiving. Listen in as Pastor Larry provides an insightful reflection on the nature of prayer. You'll be inspired to pray with greater persistence, proper perspective, and a higher purpose for maximum eternal impact!
As this pandemic causes us to spend more time with our family, it's helpful to be reminded of the instructions the Apostle Paul gives to parents and children in Colossians 3:20-21. But above all, remember to love, as this is what binds us all together.
After Jesus died, the disciples felt much like we feel these days: distressed, afraid, and aimless. Yet when Jesus rose from the dead and revealed Himself to them, everything changed! This Easter, let's receive afresh the peace and purpose Jesus' resurrection brings to all who believe in Him and who walk in the hope of eternal life.
As we come to the end of Paul's letter to the Colossians, we find him frequently exhorting his readers to be grateful and filled with thanksgiving despite hostile circumstances. Just like today, we can rejoice and give thanks for the HOPE Jesus offers us regardless of what's going on around us.
What does God intend love to look like in marriage? In Colossians 3:19, Paul continues his address to Christian households with a word for husbands to love their wives, and he uses the word 'agape'. This is a self-denying, others-honouring, sacrificial love that is possible only through God, which He himself first demonstrated by sending Jesus to die for us. Now He longs to empower husbands to love their wives in the same way He loves His Church.
What was your family life like growing up? Though roles for family members have differed widely over the years due to shifting values and traditions, there are still Biblical standards that we need to follow as acts of worship to God and honour to each other.
The expression 'off with the old, on with the new' can also be applied to our faith - and indeed the Apostle Paul stresses in Colossians 3:12-14 that after putting off our old selves we then need to put on our new self in Christ - behaviour characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience stemming from an identity that we're chosen, holy and dearly loved by Him.
Are humans essentially good, or essentially evil? The Bible is very clear that we are all flawed and in need of a Savior. The Apostle Paul affirms that only by crucifying our sinful nature - putting it to death - can we fully live with Christ and receive the life He offers us in faith.
Prof. Merrill Dyck takes us through an interactive, thought-provoking study of Christianity and theology meant for ready application to everyday life.
Did you grow up in a strict, legalistic culture? The Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:16-23 warns the Colossians about the dangers of legalism and reminds them that all they need is found in Christ.
Does change come easy for you? What do you wish you could change? Colossians 2:13-15 reminds us that we cannot change our sin nature, but only through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross was the power of sin broken over our lives. We now have total forgiveness and the power to resist the enemy, and all because of God's love for us! Happy Valentine's Day!
Prof. Merrill Dyck takes us through an interactive, thought-provoking study of Christianity and theology meant for ready application to everyday life.
No one likes being deceived, and yet the enemy deceives so many that don't know the truth about Jesus through God's Word. Now more than ever we need to be aware of the dangers inherent in deceptive philosophies and human traditions and hold fast to the truth that Jesus is our complete fulfillment.
Prof. Merrill Dyck takes us through an interactive, thought-provoking study of Christianity and theology meant for ready application to everyday life.
There's no refuting clear evidence for something, and in particular our faith in Jesus. In Colossians 2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the evidence for Jesus he presented in chapter one by exhorting the Colossians to grow in unity together and focus on Jesus as the clearest evidence for His supremacy.
Prof. Merrill Dyck takes us through an interactive, thought-provoking study of Christianity and theology meant for ready application to everyday life.
We believe Jesus is God, but does our belief readily translate into a complete trust in Him? Now more than ever we need to expand our view of who Jesus is and His supremacy over all creation, strengthening ourselves in the peace this brings to our lives.
Prof. Merrill Dyck takes us through an interactive, thought-provoking study of Christianity and theology meant for ready application to everyday life.
In his epistle to the Colossians, we get an insightful glimpse into Paul's prayer life as he details essential components for spiritual growth and renewal: having knowledge of God's will, being strengthened with God's power, and giving thanks in all circumstances.
Prof. Merrill Dyck takes us through an interactive, thought-provoking study of Christianity and theology meant for ready application to everyday life.
The thing about faith is not how much you have, but where you have it placed. In his epistle to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul begins by giving thanks for their authentic faith, and serves as a great reminder to us that only faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord will produce the fruit of hope and love so needed by the world today.
Do you know where you want to end up in 2021? Has this pandemic stolen your vision and sense of purpose? Now more than ever, we need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and continually step out in faith towards what He has called us to, even as a new unknown becomes our new normal.
Jesus came to bring true freedom to our lives - a lasting freedom that is backed by the power and authority of the Father. When we recognize the truth of His Word and begin to walk in the truth of who we are in Christ, we will experience the redemption, liberty and victory that is freely available to every believer.
In spite of what culture and media tell us, there is an abundant life that can be found only through Jesus. It is a life characterized by hope, joy and peace that overflows from our hearts regardless of our circumstances and which was present at the very first Christmas. Like Mary & Joseph, let's be conduits of Jesus' abundant life so that others may experience it, too.
More than anything, 2020 has been a year of divisiveness. Regardless of the issue or who's right or wrong, we need to instead choose to love above all. Love is a choice. Love is an action. So let us spur one another on to love and good works!
There is something about light that brings hope to our darkest days, and Christmas lights up the world when it's at its darkest. As we reflect on the necessity of light for life, for direction, and for hope, let's shine His light on others this Christmas.
How is true greatness achieved? If we follow Jesus' example, it would be through service to others. And yet, by relying on our own strength and motivations we will always come up short. Only by serving out of the love flowing through you from God will we be considered great in His Kingdom.
What does it mean to be an ambassador? As Christ's ambassadors, we are sent into a world foreign to us with the mission of carrying His message to them. We are simply called to share our story - what we have seen and heard - and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
How important is it to speak the truth, and to keep the gospel message pure? Without the Church in place to operate as the Keeper of the Stream of Truth, dilutions and toxic infiltrations can wreak havoc on the Message Jesus lived and died to give us.
Did you know that the plural of Christian is 'Church'? The Church is not a building - the Church is a group of ordinary believers that are together, devoted, and united through Jesus. Christians were designed to do life, together.
What is the mission of the Church? Why do we exist? We know from Matthew 28:18-20 that Jesus has given us authority and power to make disciples as we go about our work in the world. We are reminded that we don't just go to church - we ARE the Church.
WHY is the Church essential? What is its purpose and what was it created to do? This pandemic has caused the Church to reevaluate and refresh its vision, mission, and values so as to position itself even more brightly as the family of God.
Should we regard work as a blessing or a curse? The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of laziness in 2 Thessalonians 3 by exhorting the diligent workers to model hard work before the busybodies and to regard it as their God-given act of worship.
Are you a happy thanks-giver? It is not happy people who are grateful, it is grateful people who are happy. By acknowledging God as our Great Provider and Sustainer, we will find how gratitude builds contentment in our life.
We may say we have faith, but how exactly does faith work? The Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 gives us examples of individuals who were commended for their faith regardless of their circumstances, reminding us to keep our faith rooted in the finished work of Jesus and not in the outcome of our prayers.
As the weather gets cooler, let's turn up the gratitude! The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 reminds us of the importance of thankfulness and praise, and it's power to increase contentment and disable entitlement.
We all have differing perspectives in life, from how we interpret artwork to how we process pain. James 1:1-4 challenges us to view adversity as opportunity rather than opposition, and to find joy in the journey, remembering that our Creator is refining our character more fully when we persevere.
The last chapter of Ecclesiastes contains King Solomon's final word on the matter: Fear God and Keep His Commandments. We learn that though life under the sun is meaningless, wisdom that is true and meaningful can be found in the fear of the Lord and obedience to his Word.
Is your life out of balance? What does God's sovereignty mean to you in your life? We observe so much injustice under the sun, including the death of good people and the long life of the wicked, that only through believing and holding to God's goodness and sovereignty will we achieve true balance and perspective.
How do you approach seasons of grieving? Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 presents death and mourning in a hopeful light and instructs us to embrace these seasons as wisdom-builders or, as Pastor Jeremy terms them, as treasures in the dark.
How content are you in your present life? Even King Solomon, the richest and wisest man who ever lived, struggled with feelings of discontent. He therefore urges us to learn to enjoy the life we've been given and find peace in the path God has provided for us, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our good.
The Bible has a lot to teach us about money, possessions, and the importance they hold in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 teaches us about the folly associated with setting our hearts too much on what we own, and provides insight on how to enjoy what we have, how to be grateful, and how to be generous.
Our words are powerful, but so is silence. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 King Solomon reflects on the godly wisdom found in approaching God with listening hearts rather than wordy prayers.
History proves that humans tend to persecute each other unjustly. Even the courts that we rely on to enforce justice can be corrupt. Though life is not fair, we can trust that God will one day vindicate all wrongs with perfect judgement.
In the seasons of life, we need to trust that God not only has the situation in His hands, but He also has us and our family in His hands.
The essence of wisdom is being able to look at and make sense of life from a grander perspective than our own. And that perspective is God's view which we trust even when we can't fully see or understand.
In Christ, we are no longer strangers but considered citizens together as part of God's household!
God doesn't change, which means His love for you and His invitation to you hasn't changed either!
This english word "god" has become very broad or common as it is used to refer to any form of deity. So in this series, we want to talk about who God is in such a way that when we hear, speak or even think of that name, God, we are reminded that He is much more than just a religious deity.
Looking up changes our perspective. It helps us to get our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances. Looking up helps us to shift the attention of our worship to Jesus who is good and trustworthy. Take a look at Mary and Martha's response to Jesus after Lazarus their brother has died and before they even realize they'll receive a miracle.
Difficult seasons help us understand the value of family & community alongside the reality of being a part of God's bigger picture!
David was a man after God's own heart...not because he was perfect, but because he knew where to turn in his short-comings!
From Genesis 12 we see from that even in the middle of obedience and doing God’s will, right in the place of blessing, there was a severe famine. We can see here that the God who saves us is also the one who will also sustain us.
Easter tells us we're not lost, we're not hopeless and we're not forsaken. Easter reminds of the hope we have in Christ Jesus and that He is the One in whom we can place our trust!
From Genesis 2-3. You are rescued!
Enjoy the full service here or skip into the message that begins at about 27:30.
God is the Creator of Everything God Originated and Orchestrated Creation God Created for His Pleasure God Sustains His Creation
Bitterness is like a weed that grows its bitter root in our heart, and it defiles many. The cause of bitterness is unforgiveness. In many families there are deep roots of bitterness because hurts have not been acknowledged and properly dealt with. In this message we’re going to look at the story of a man who was able to forgive against all odds. The man’s name is Joseph.
The goal of this series is to help us to identify the traps Satan sets in our relationships to kill, steal and destroy. But Jesus came to combat Satan’s plans. Jesus promises a new kind of way to live. He called it the Abundant Life. The Abundant Life effects every part of your life, especially your relations. The family unit is foundational to society. As the family goes so does all of society. So, the family unit a prime target for the enemy. This message deals with a family feud and a way to reconciliation.
This weekend, we’re going to learn from a difficult & dysfunctional person called Cain. I think most of us would agree that there’s a little of Cain in all of us – Difficult & Dysfunctional. During a message like this, it’s easy to think of the people who need to hear it. But maybe, this message is for you and me, because sin is always crouching at the door, and we must master it. Jesus’ blood cleanses, covers, protects, empowers, heals my brokenness, and restores my relationships, not just when I get to heaven, but rather, right now in my dysfunction. The blood of Jesus enables me to overcome my own and other people’s dysfunction.
This weekend we kick off a new series entitled – Don’t Take the BAIT. In this message we’re going to look at how the Enemy, Satan uses offences as a trap to cause hurt and brokenness in our relationships and how to overcome these offences.
Many Christians can easily relate to God the Father and Jesus the Son but they seem distant with Holy Spirit. Yet, Holy Spirit dwells inside every believer and is a constant companion in our walk of faith. In this message, Pastor Larry takes a closer look on who Holy Spirit is.
This message focuses on what the Bible teaches about sonship. Sonship is not about your gender. It is about your position in Christ.
One of the things Jesus came to earth to do was to show us what God is really like. What is your view of God? Maybe you view God as a bad landlord. He’s put you in a bad place to live while He’s living in a great place. Maybe you view God as a boss who keeps piling more responsibilities on you, and regardless of how much you do, it’s never enough. Let's look at how Jesus contradicted all the stereotypes about God.
The doctrine of the Trinity is important in our Christian faith. Yet, it is not easily talked about, explained or even understood...one God externally existing in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Distinct persons but acting in perfect unity. The Trinity reveals the attributes and characteristics of the God of the Universe which helps us better understand and know who He is.
Life is full of moments when we ask, “Why did this have to happen and why did it have to happen now?” It’s easy to forget that God loves us in these difficult moments. It’s vital when we pray to remember the truth of God’s love. Prayer helps us to put on and apply the Armour of God as we’re invited to come before the throne of grace. In prayer, we occupy the space God says we belong…in His presence and love. Prayer doesn’t guarantee that our circumstance changes, but praying in the Spirit (in line with God’s Word) changes us so we can have God’s peace and strength to stand.
From Ephesians 6:17, we are exploring the power of the Sword of the Spirit which is God's Word.
Understanding how secure your salvation is in Christ is critically important in the spiritual battle. If we’re not secure in our salvation, the enemy will deceive us in thinking we’re not saved. So rather than fighting the battle with the armor of God and in the strength of the Lord, we battle in our own strength and with our own man made devices which are no match for the enemy. The Helmet of Salvation reminds us that salvation is from the Lord and it’s not from ourselves. Salvation is God’s idea. He originates it. He initiates it. He sustains it and He preserves it.
The Shield of Faith works when you pick it up. The shield of faith asks us, “Are you going to believe God’s promise? Or are you going to believe the circumstances and the reality that seems to be around you?” Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Living by faith is taking God at His Word and acting on it even when the desired outcome is not in sight.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “We have to stand firmly on the Gospel that brings peace.” If you’re here watching today as a Christian and do not have peace, you have come to the right place to hear about the peace that is already yours that came through the gospel. Every believer already has peace because we have accepted the gospel of peace. In our battles, our peace is under attack. There are all kinds of people, lies and situations Satan uses to rob us of our peace. But it’s not a gospel of condemnation or judgment but rather it’s a gospel of peace.
The Belt of Truth is the first piece of armor listed in Ephesians 6:10-14. It begins with the admonition from the Apostle Paul to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his mighty power.” This is the key to understanding the armor of God. All the pieces of the armor belong to God and come from Him. Also, all are gifts to God’s people. All are designed to help us “stand against the schemes of the devil.” The Belt of Truth is the first listed because, without truth, we are lost and the schemes of the devil will surely overpower us.
Surrounding us is a spiritual war (angels vs. demons, good vs. evil, light vs. darkness). But amazingly, most believers live as if this conflict were not even happening, as if the “battle of the ages” (Eph 6:12) was just a fantasy or sci-fi story. Yet not one of us is immune to the consequences of spiritual warfare. Although this battle is fought mostly in the invisible realm, its effects are certainly visual in the physical realm. In this message, you will learn the ABC’s of the battle.
Sometimes, as believers, we develop habits of sin. We tell ourselves all kinds of lies about how we aren’t addicted or we don’t have a real big problem. We try to cover up our sin, hoping it eventually goes away. To win the battle against the habit of sin, we need to know who we are in Christ. To break the power of the enemy over our lives, we need to know the Truth (Jesus) and that knowledge of Truth is the doorway to freedom.
The Bubonic Plague began in China in about 1334; from there it spread throughout the world. Sixty million people died. But there is a greater epidemic; a plague far worse that has come to the human race. According to a 2018 census the earth’s population is 7.63 billion people. The epidemic of sin and death has affected every one of them and those yet to be born. As far as God is concerned, there are only two kinds of people in the world. You’re either in Jesus or you’re in Adam. Being in Adam is the default position. All that you need to do is to be born, and you are born in Adam, and immediately you’re under condemnation. We had no choice in that but we do have a choice as to whether or not we are going to stay in Adam or whether we are going to have a new leader–and king. And that is King Jesus.
Statistics Canada reported that suicide remains the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34. Jesus came to deliver us from hopelessness. Regardless of our circumstances, as Christians, we have hope because God is for us. We have access to His presence and peace. In His presence is fullness of joy, and what the enemy meant for evil, God is going to bring good out of it.
Sometimes false faith looks much like “saving faith” outwardly. You look at the two and it’s difficult to tell the difference. That’s the way faith is. There is only one faith that saves — faith in Jesus Christ and all other faith might look outwardly to be the same but they lead to eternal death. This message will look at two characteristics of saving faith found in Romans 4.
One of the most amazing strategies for handling guilt today is: Some of the things we all used to think were vices are now being promoted as virtues. Today, things like greed (marrying for money), infidelity (Life is short, have an affair) and narcissism (looking out for number 1) are promoted as virtues to be sought after in our new enlightened way of thinking. So for many, they attempt to solve their guilt problem by turning vices into virtues. For some, substance abuse becomes their coping mechanism. While others keep themselves and their minds busy with all kinds of activities which enables them to suppress their feelings of guilt.
The purpose of the Apostle Paul giving this discourse on the condition of the human heart is to help us understand how amazing God’s grace really is. “Amazing grace; how sweet the sound that saved a nice, kind person like me?” No, a “wretch” like me! I want this message about sin and our sinful condition to be hope-giving and life-producing. There’s something deeply satisfying about someone who knows you at your worst (flaws and all) and still says, “I love you, and I know a way that you can be set right with God and right with others.”
This is why we all need to be saved. We’ve fallen short of God’s glory. We need to hear this today because we think of sin as an offense against man, not God. Evil is when man is hurt, not when God is dishonored. Evil is when I am abused, not when God is dishonored. Evil is when I am threatened, not when God is dishonored. We need to hear the Apostle Paul’s unrelenting witness in Romans to the God-centered understanding of sin and righteousness. Sin is an offense against God. As believers, when we sin, we not only defile ourselves and others, but we also dishonor God.
In Romans, chapter one, the Apostle Paul focuses on the heart of the unbeliever and lists about 22 different sins. But in chapter two, Paul focuses his attention on the hearts of the religious people, the Jewish people of his day. He looks at the tendency for the religious (even Christians) to clearly see the sins of others while not being willing to acknowledge and deal with their own sins.
Today is your day to break the lies over your life and experience true freedom. Today is the day to be filled to overflowing with the presence and power of Jesus. Your past is not more powerful than the power of God to change your present condition and your future destiny. What was done to you (or even what you have done) is not greater than God’s transforming power. You can be set free! You can be rescued!
One of the things that differentiates Christianity from other world religions is that Christianity focuses on what God has already done for us through Jesus Christ while most other religions focus on what God expects of us and what we must do to get His love and favor. Jesus has come to us with a rescue mission, and the book that best explains all of this is the book of Romans in the New Testament.