The ECC Podcast: Recent Episodes
Emmanuel Christian Community
Welcome to ECC's podcast, a place for sermons, interviews and other faith related content.
At ECC, our vision is to be a caring community that welcomes people from all walks of life to follow Jesus and we hope this podcast serves you well in that pursuit.
To understand the setting and context for the book of Judges, Ken takes a quick look at the ending of the book of Joshua, which sets the stage for what comes next in the book of Judges.
Some horrific things happen in the book of Judges and we see God's people being shaped by their culture and not by God. But God's grace (and justice) shines throughout the whole book.
What can we learn about ourselves and about God from this wild and often strange book? A very relevant book for us today.
Has anyone ever told you to "grow up?" Ouch! It feels kind of insulting doesn't it? Those who followed Jesus in the 1st century were told by both Jesus and Paul (the guy who wrote half of the New Testament) to be mature, to grow up, to be shaped liked Jesus. But it wasn't meant to be a smart alec comment.
In this closing message of the Shaped by Jesus Series series, pastor Ken shows us from the Bible what both Jesus and Paul had in mind for the followers then and for us today.
Jesus invites all who follow him to be people that are "salty". To add flavor to life. To preserve life. He invites us to be like a light that shines and impacts everyone around that light. To be like a city on the top of a hill, where everyone can see it (kind of like Burnaby). But maybe we’ve never considered that by giving awayour faith could also be part of our own spiritual formation?
In this message pastor Ken will share scripture and stories that illustrate what it can look like to give away our faith and also how God uses this to grow our faith and shape us to be more like Him.
How does Christian service help shape us to be more like Christ? Through Matthew's Parable of the Sheep and Goats we will learn what it means that service done to "the least of these" is service rendered to Jesus. Just as Jesus gave His life as a ransom for others so the church is called to be shaped by Jesus in giving ourselves for the sake of others. By engaging in service, the church reaffirms that wholeness is found when mercy and justice overflow.
Carl Gaede, director of our partners at Tutapona, is our guest and challenges us to understand more about our fears and how not to be overcome by them.
Shaped by Jesus Series Info
Do you want to be a happier person and live longer? Maybe 11 years longer, to be exact?
There is so much busy-ness in our lives: the hurry, the endless emails, unfinished projects, relationships that need attention, and of course the financial stress we have. Our minds, souls and bodies need a rhythm of rest. We need a Sabbath. In fact, not only do we need it, but God has said it’s a holy, consecrated act to stop, rest, find delight in Him and to worship. When we Sabbath we draw closer to God. We allow ourselves to be “Shaped by Jesus.” But first…we must try. Are you willing to try?
Ken continues our Shaped by Jesus Series speaking from Gen 2:1-3 & Ex 20:8-11.
Who are you, and what does it mean to listen well?
During this hands-on, interactive time together, Andrea Fruhling leads us through using LEGO to build metaphors, to explore who we are and discover the importance of empathy and awareness as we create space for Jesus to work through us in community. After his resurrection, from meetings with Mary at the tomb to his followers later, Jesus showed us how to listen and respond to each other with empathy. Together, we will learn how genuine support combined with self-reflection can deepen relationships and our faith journey as a community.
Focus passage: John 20: 11-16, John 20: 19-21
Luke 24:1-12
Have you ever gone into a situation with an expectation of how things or someone should be…just to discover it’s nothing like what you expected? That's kind of what Easter Sunday was like for the earliest followers of Jesus. Usually the dead remain dead, so the resurrection was not expected. But why? Why didn't they expect him to rise from the dead? After all, he had previously told them he would. And today, we too have expectations of Jesus that aren't always on target. In this "Resurrection Sunday" message, Ken challenges us to check our expectations.
By fasting, God gets our attention, then changes our world. Amidst all sorts of daily distractions that keep us from connecting deeply with God, slowing down, abstaining from food or other things we love, can position us to hear Gods voice and direct us on the right path. Matthew Heyn continues our Shaped by Jesus series and shares what he has learned about his own experiences with fasting and what the Bible can teach, speaking from Isaiah 58:6-7.
We live in a world of constant distraction — everyone wants our attention. How then do we listen to and be with God in such a world? What can we learn from Jesus' life and teachings for a time such as this? Ryan Lui continues our Shaped by Jesus series and we explore Jesus' life and teaching in Mark 1:35-37 and what they might have to say about life in this cultural moment.
A role of scripture is to transform our way of living. Luke Simpkins continues our series SHAPED BY JESUS and we explore how God's guidance and presence is revealed through His Holy Word.
As children of God, spiritual formation is our destiny. Though it is the Holy Spirit who forms us in the image of Christ, we are not just passive lumps of clay; we have an active role to play as we respond to his work. Gray leads us in exploring how we can cooperate with the Spirit as he works in our lives (Gal. 5:25; Phil. 2:12-13).
Gray continues our series "Shaped by Jesus." Understanding and welcoming the Holy Spirit’s role in spiritual formation is foundational to our relationship with God. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we become a child of God and our destiny is “to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). This is only possible because Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and lives. We cannot transform ourselves but the Holy Spirit can.
Ken kicks off our new series: “Shaped By Jesus" speaking from John 3:16 & John 10:10-11. Some of us have been going to church a long time and yet our lives don’t look much different today than they did 10 years ago. Is being a Jesus follower about following the rules, being a good person, going to church and not being an axe murderer? Or is there something more? Something that brings about real change in our life? Ken shares some personal stories and we also see what Jesus has to say about “..Flying Upside Down.”
Today Judi & David Owens zoom in from Africa to share how God's heart for people is evident in their ministry work at Arusha Vineyard church in Tanzania.
Andreas shares about his work with the Navigators through the lens of Luke 15, focusing on how students across Canada are discovering the Heart of the Father.
Brad Kinney, director of Journey Home Community, shares with us this morning. He picks up with our Luke 15 theme and shares stories of how Journey Home is looking for the lost sheep, coins and prodigals. Listen in for the chance to hear directly from someone JHC has been helping and learn more about their ministry overall.
Ken kicks off our traditional “Missions Month” by showing us the joy in God’s heart when someone comes to know him. He looks at Luke 15 and we see Jesus trying to communicate to the religious leaders of his day what matters most to God. They aren’t sure why Jesus is hanging out with the riff-raff of their day; surely he knows what kind of people they are. Yet Jesus sees it differently. So, he tells them stories to help them see what matters most to God. Maybe the question for us is how do we experience the heart of Father God? And do the things that matter to God, matter to us as well?
Is the joy of the Lord evident in our lives this Advent season? It’s easy to see joy as the sense of excitement one gets when they receive something they do not have. Then it becomes about getting things. As we look back at the first Christmas, we see in Mary a simple but profound joy. She had every reason to complain, yet she found joy. Ken will show us from John 15 that when we connect with Jesus, we connect with true joy.
In this second Sunday of Advent, we look at the themes of Darkness and Light. What hope does Christmas offer for the darkness of our world and in our own lives? Dwight Dee reflects on John 1:1-14 and how the light of Christ can overcome.
Elaine Dee wraps up our sermon series on The Kingdom of Heaven. In the last of the parables Jesus taught about the kingdom of heaven we return to the same theme this section began with--that judgment will come at the end of the age. Sometimes it's hard to trust in that promise especially when chaos surrounds us on all sides. Jesus reminds us once again, however, that judgment will come but not according to our determination but all in God's own time. In the meantime, the kingdom of heaven will remain a mixed reality--with good fish and bad fish. And, we are called to remain faithful and hopeful until the end of the age.
Ken Pierce continues our sermon series on The Kingdom of Heaven speaking from Matt 13:51&52. Jesus offers a bit of a twist in the passage. Instead of telling us what the kingdom of heaven is like, he shows us something about the kingdom of heaven that just may surprise us. He not only wants us to understand the kingdom of heaven but he wants us to embrace it and then give it away to others. And, he wants us to be wise in how we handle this treasure.
Andreas continues our series on The Kingdom of Heaven taking a look at Matthew 13:44, where Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to that of hidden treasure. What does Jesus mean by that comparison? How is the kingdom of heaven treasure? Do we experience joy when finding that treasure?
Ryan Lui continues our sermon series The Kingdom of Heaven by looking at Matthew 13:31-33. What does Jesus mean by saying the Kingdom is like a mustard seed and like yeast in flour? And how do these parables give meaning, direction and hope to our lives?
Matthew 13: 24-30; 37-43
Ken introduces our new sermon series, speaking from Matthew 13: 24-30 & 37-43. We trace back to the roots of the term: The Kingdom of Heaven, then take a look at Matthew 13:24-30. How is it that weeds have grown among the wheat? Did the farmer plant weeds accidentally? Should we try to sort the weeds from the wheat? What do we make of this interesting parable about what the kingdom of heaven is like?
Gray Poehnell continues our Wisdom Series speaking from 1 Corinthians 1:20-25. No study of wisdom would be complete without looking at Christ who is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. Christ not only reveals God’s wisdom for living life to the full; He also gives us the power or the ability to actually live it out. Paul encourages us to keep Christ at the centre of our faith and not substitute anything else; for only then can we truly experience the life He has for us.
Elaine Dee continues our Wisdom Series speaking from Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10. The book of Proverbs teaches the way of Wisdom and it states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We will explore how the fear of the Lord re-orients and guides us in the way of wisdom.
Who is your best friend? This morning we are going to consider how the Spirit of wisdom and understanding leads us into friendship with Christ and with others. And I am not just talking about friendship with nice, holy, respectable people but with those to whom God leads us into friendship that might not fit the definition of “saint”. We are told that Jesus was the friend of sinners. What does that mean for us? How many non-Christian friends do we have? Are we persistent in asking, seeking and knocking to receive and listen to the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding so that we might truly understand what it means to be a friend of God and of our neighbour and to act accordingly? Let’s talk.
Alastair Rees-Thomas continue our Wisdom series.
Decisions, decisions. We are faced with many decisions in life, small and large. We need much wisdom in our complex world in which loud, persistent voices clamour for our allegiance, our money, our values. How do we find our way? Dan Russell continues our series looking at what Proverbs says about wisdom for life decisions. ALL SERIES INFO
Proverbs 30:24–28
There was a wise man many years ago named Agur. He found profound wisdom in some of life’s simple creatures. What can we learn from ant? Or maybe a grasshopper? Usually when we look for a model in life we look upwards. Those women and men of God who have blazed a path to glory – the heroes of the faith and influencers of history. Agur, on the other hand, looks down. And what he finds just may surprise us all. SERIES INFO
Ken takes us on a quick look back over the summer series in Acts, highlighting the key points from each week. Some of our ECC family will share some nuggets they learned over the summer as well. Finally, we will close the book of Acts with a look at Paul's challenge in Acts 28, asking if we can have our eyes, ears and hearts attuned to God.
Ken continues our Summer Journey series. We revisit Acts 10 and take a closer look at how God needed to change Peter. How was the early church going to take the good news message to everyone, if the Jewish believers didn't even want to talk or associate with non-Jewish people? So, God changes Peter and the challenge for us is similar. Do we believe that Jesus is for everyone? Are we excluding anyone?
Peter had visions. The lame kid by the side of the road did too. So too, do we. Sometimes life makes it so that all we see are the waves, and somewhere along the way, we get stuck. That's where the community comes in. Wherever you're at, we hope you can hear God's first and foremost vision for you as his Beloved.
This summer we will travel along with Paul and his friends. Your "travel guides" each Sunday will make it fun! If you're a geography lover, you will love this series and if you enjoy an exciting story with incredible outcomes, this will be right up your alley. And if you love to look at scripture and learn from those who have gone before us, you won't be disappointed. MORE INFO HERE
Dan Russell is our first travel guide as we begin our amazing journey in the book of Acts.
Ken wraps up our series on Money speaking from Matthew 6:19-24. In Matthew 6 we see Jesus calling us to stewardship. Calling us to deliberately make deposits of our time and energy and what we own, into God's kingdom. It is fundamentally an issue of faithfulness. Are we really willing to give all that we are and all that we have for the kingdom of God?
Elaine continues our series on Money speaking from 1 Chronicles about generosity as a way of being and living as opposed to just what we do. Being generous people -- generous with money, with time, and with love.
Andreas continues our series on Money by taking a look at what Jesus has to say about greed. We'll dive into Luke 12:13-21 and explore how all of us can fall into the subtle trap of focusing on what's bigger and better.
Ken Pierce kicks off our Money series A deep dive into Luke 16 shows us that Jesus is saying He wants us to use our money in such a way so that when we die and step into eternity, there will be people there who will welcome us because of what we did with what we had. According to Jesus…God sees our money, our possessions...as a tool. And the question isn’t WHAT will we have to show for it. The question is WHO will we have to show for it?
Why are there so many rules around church and following Jesus? It seems like God really wants to restrict my life and take away all the fun. Did you know there are over 1400 laws and commands in the Bible? So, it’s no wonder it seems like following Jesus is about following a ton of rules. Can that actually bring us any kind of freedom or fun in life? Ken Pierce speaks on what it means to live Real Life.
We don’t feel we should be sad. We are Christians! We are full of the Spirit! We called to consider it all joy when we experience trials! We are overcomers! Therefore, we feel we shouldn’t be sad.
However, that’s not what the Bible teaches. We learn from the stories and the verses of Scripture that sadness and brokenness is part of our fallen world, and as a result, we have good reason to grieve. Grief is a sign of deep, deep care and compassion. And we have to guard our hearts and minds against apathy that will lead us away from godly grief. The best news of all is that our tender, heavenly Father is with us as we grieve.
Dan concludes our Hope for the Hypocrite series and study of Matthew 23.
Ken continues our Hope for the Hypocrite series in Matthew 23:13-34a. We all know that none of us ever act or speak 100% consistently with what’s actually in our hearts. There’s a bit of hypocrisy in everyone, everywhere. But Jesus wants those who follow Him to take this seriously. The kingdom of God “on Earth as it is in Heaven” is at stake. And Jesus holds back no punches in this passage. Has he given up on us? Is he done with us? Is there any hope for us?
Elaine begins our 3 part series Hope for the Hypocrite in Matthew 23:1-12, where Jesus speaks some of the harshest words of condemnation for the scribes and the Pharisees. His main charge against them is that they are hypocrites who do not practice what they preach and are instead preoccupied with outward appearances and craving the adoration of the people. Jesus' disciples, in contrast, are called to choose to humble themselves and in so doing be exalted by the One who calls those who follow him, to love and service. In what ways are we also hypocrites? How can we be more of the disciples Jesus seeks?
God has built change into His creation. Look around, change is everywhere. Easter celebrates the power of God to change the dead into the living. Everyday declares the power of God to bring life from death. When Jesus performed his first miracle at the wedding in Cana he accelerated the process that occurs every year in vineyards around the world. It is no less a miracle that grape-vines take water, soil and sun and turn them into grapes (C.S. Lewis).
lastair speaks on change: how the mission of Jesus was to impart life in all its fullness and His mission is fulfilled in each of us first through the new birth and then by constantly leading us into change, a process scripture calls sanctification. In the end everything will be changed so we might as well start now!
We began our series in 2 Timothy asking the question: What would you say in a letter, if you knew it would be the last thing you ever wrote? In our concluding message, we come back to that same question. As we review the entire book and pull out some gold nuggets, we also will hear from some of you. What are the things you are learning…have learned…hope to apply?
We can learn much from Paul about how to face the silent pandemic of loneliness in our modern world which has only worsened during the pandemic. Much has been written over the last 6-7 years about economic and health impacts of loneliness, not only in the world generally but also in the church. Over the last weeks, we have been looking at 2 Timothy in which Paul not only gives guidance to Timothy but also shares his own life experience as he sits in prison awaiting his execution. Gray speaks from 2 Timothy 4:9-18, where Paul shares his personal struggles with feeling loneliness, and we can see how he moves from feelings of abandonment to praising God that he is not alone.
*We apologize - this message begins several minutes after the sermon has already started.
In a world in which many things clamour for our attention, an interesting question to ask is What Do We Love? There are many things that can distract us from Loving God well, and take on too much importance in our lives. Do we love our comforts of the Western World too much? Do we even love ourselves too much? Dan Russell continues our series on 2 Timothy as we consider Paul’s warnings in 2 Tim 3 about putting our priorities and love where they truly belong.
Elaine Dee continues our series in 2 Timothy. After telling Timothy to share in suffering for Jesus, Paul now tells Timothy to endure everything for the sake of the elect. It is only when we endure will we reign with Jesus in eternity. We need to be aware of the real possibility of denying Christ yet take hope that even during moments when we become faithless, God is always ever faithful to His promises and to those He has called because that is His very nature. And that is good news indeed.
Ken speaks from 2 Timothy 2:1-7. In our continuing story, Paul charges Timothy to stay with the mission and to empower others to join him. But, it can be easy to get off course and NOT keep the main thing the main thing. So, you’ll need the discipline of a soldier, an athlete or a farmer. And in the midst of all of this…is the grace of Christ Jesus.
In the letter of 2 Timothy, Paul pens what likely are his final words to Timothy, his dear son in the faith. Paul's mentoring relationship of Timothy made a significant and lasting impact on the church. What can Paul's example teach us as we seek to come alongside the younger members of ECC to encourage them in their faith in Jesus? We'll seek to answer this question as Dwight leads us through a look at 2 Timothy 1.
Ken begins our series on 2 Timothy with a whole book overview. 2 Timothy is fascinating…It’s the kind of material that could be made into a mini-series. Every one of us, no matter where we are on our journey with Jesus, can sink our teeth into this and learn. This last writing of the apostle Paul encourages his young disciple, Timothy, to be strong in the faith that was passed along to him from not only Paul, but also his own family. To not get involved in useless arguments. To stand up to those who are spreading lies, rumors and false teachings. And, above all else, to trust in God and His grace as things get hard and intense. Fascinating!
If I’m to take seriously the call of Jesus to be Salt and Light, then something “in” me has to be ready. Throughout the Bible, we see God working in the life, the hearts and the minds of his people, including Jesus. God works “in” them first and then “through” them. The key to being Salt & Light is not only our availability but our commitment to seek God first and the inner work He wants to do in us and then allow it to overflow through us. Ken Pierce continues withpt2 of Everyday Missionariesspeaking from Mark 1:32-39.
Looking at Matthew 5:13-16, Andreas Russell shares about how we are all called to be salt and light in the world, as we seek to add value to the world and relationships around us.
Ken speaks from Matthew 14:13-33 where Jesus' disciples face a difficult situation. They feel somewhat helpless. Jesus invites them to bring what they have, what they can, and let Him do what only he can do. The application for us today is encouraging/good news!
Ken speaks from Psalm 19:11 and Ephesians 5:15-18. God has established guard rails in our lives to keep us from danger and to lead us to holiness. In life, our greatest regret could probably have been avoided (that ditch we rolled off into) if we would have had some guard rails in areas of our life. He commands us to pay attention to those boundaries and in doing so, “there is great reward.” We find those guard rails in scripture. Let’s begin the New Year with some clear guidance.
Elaine Dee reads a Christmas story called "The Christmas Cricket" and shares some thoughts and questions about how the story connects to God's bigger story of love, to save the world.
Gray Poehnell speaks from Matt. 1:18-25. The story of Joseph reminds us all that God delights in working in and through the lives of ordinary people. He shows us that one of the most important things that we can pass on from one generation to another is a godly example of always seeking to do that which is right, that which God would do.
Ken Pierce brings us the second message of Advent from Matthew 1:1-17. Looking over the genealogy of Jesus we can find many stories. And those stories stack up and have significant meanings. Just like our own stories from our families as well as the stories we’ll leave behind once we are gone. No matter what our story is, when Jesus steps into the story, we have reason to celebrate.
Each week in our advent series "FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION..." we will see how the work of God is always unfolding—in and through us. Like a tapestry woven throughout time, the Christmas story weaves us in—to remember and to behold the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. More about this Advent Series
Angela Henze brings us the first message of Advent. Living in the space between fear and the hope promised, Mary's story encourages us to look for God right there with us.
Each week in our advent series "FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION..." we will see how the work of God is always unfolding—in and through us. Like a tapestry woven throughout time, the Christmas story weaves us in—to remember and to behold the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. More about this Advent Series
Guest speaker Darrell Johnson speak from Matthew 11:25-30, what he considers to be "the essential discipleship text." He makes seven key observations. One - the essential verb of discipleship and ministry - "come." Two - the essential noun of discipleship - "Me." Three - the people Jesus likes to call - "weary and overburdened." Four - the essential promise - "I will rest you." Five - the essential symbol - yoke (surprise!). Six - the essential blessing - "My yoke." Seven - the essential posture - "learn."
Psalm 103:1-5
Remembering is key to our worship. In fact, the Bible warns us to never forget God and what He has done for us. Our remembrance is sometimes the only thing we are able to hang on to. In this message we'll look at Psalm 103 where we learn from the poet David how to remember, how to bless the Lord.
Jeff leads us in a time of exploring together how we might slow down, clear our minds, and take a long loving look at the real: the kingdom of God at hand among us. This concept is the heart of the contemplative mindset that we’ll just scratch the surface on in conversation together this morning.
Imagine how different your outlook on life would be if you had absolute confidence that God was with you? Imagine how differently you would respond to difficulties, temptations, and even good things if you knew with certainty that God was in all of it and was planning to leverage it for good. In other words, imagine what it would be like to have BIG faith. Ken's message is an overview/preview of the "Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith" workshop that begins at ECC on Nov. 2.
Ken brings us the final message of this series - we ask the question: What is the way forward? Why and how do we keep the unity? Imagine a world where people were skeptical of what we believed but envious of how well we treated one another. Imagine a world where unbelievers were anxious to hire, vote for, work with, and live next door to Christians because of how well we treated one another and how well we treated them. Imagine a church that is keeping the unity.
The story in Acts 15 about a controversial topic in the brand new "Church" is instructive. How did they deal with this issue? And, what can we learn from it for our context today? Dan Russell leads us through a closer look and will show us God's wisdom as we seek to keep the unity.
Andreas Russell continues our Keeping the Unity series, as he looks at Romans 14, where we see that our convictions need to be led by love.
Why do we (the church) find it so hard to keep the unity amongst ourselves? Do our circumstances or culture have anything to do with it? Are there "attitudes" we have that aren't helpful? Is this important to Jesus? If so, what does he have to say about our unity...or lack thereof? How do truth and grace work together to keep the unity?
Ken speaks from John 17:20-21 as we dive into part 1 of this 4 part series on Keeping the Unity.
The pandemic has changed the church both in the way in which it works and the way in which it's viewed. But how are we supposed to view the church? What is the church? What is it called to do? And what is our place within it? Elaine Dee leads us through 1 Peter 2, examining how this view of the church as the people of God helps refresh and refocus our understanding and relationship with the church.
What’s around the corner for ECC? Do we need a new initiative or plan? Do we just keep on keeping on and nothing changes? What’s next for us? Pastor Ken tackles this head on with some surprising information and a challenge for this next season of following Jesus at ECC.
How might a different way of beginning lead to a different type of being?One of the greatest needs of our time is for women and men who can nurture, live and listen to the voice of God. So how might we as a community practice this vital aspect of the way of Christ? Jeff Golby leads us through exploring these questions, conversation and practice.
New to Canada, Carlos Ruiz shares his story of learning to allow Jesus to lead his life and eventually finding his way to Canada.
Nels starts us off in our four weeks of Camp ECC! Each week in August we’ll enjoy the diversity of giftedness God has given us, hearing from different demographics with a variety of styles, ideas and creativity. Using the metaphor of long distance running, today Nels challenges us to Keep On and to Run with Jesus.
Gray wraps up our series looking at how the day of the Lord is so much more than a theory of the future. It is a living hope that can enable us to live fully even with the tensions of our broken world. Not only can it motivate us to be ready for Jesus when He returns and God consummates history, it can also guide us on our daily walk in that direction!
Matthew Heyn draws out some themes from the book of Revelation chapters 21-22. In these chapters, it says that “home” is coming to us here on earth. How can we participate in the new heavens and earth now? What does it mean for us to assure one another while not fully understanding all the details? Matt offers some perspectives on these chapters and practical ways you can engage in the life to come.
Dwight Dee speaks on how we are called to live with hope while we wait for the return of Jesus. But how can we "Grieve with Hope" in the face of death?
How are we supposed to live in “this age” while we wait for the age to come? And, how can anyone make any sense of the end times when even the smart and reputable theologians of our day don’t seem to agree? Or does it even matter? Ken leads us to dive into the different views of the study of end times (“Eschatology”) and see what we can learn. And we’ll be challenged again to consider that: “We live TOWARDS what we look FORWARD to in life.”
Most people who go to church haven’t really thought much about or know much about heaven. And of course, no one has been there and back to tell us. But, Jesus and the Bible actually tell us quite a bit…if it just weren’t so cryptic! Ken begins our series looking at what Jesus says about Heaven.
As the school year comes to an end, we put a spotlight on children and youth! Beginning with a stop motion video, Laurence speaks on how God sees the next generation and what it means to serve so that they can follow Christ. We celebrate creativity and community through a different lens.
Jenny Sanders and Ray Alred (her dad) introduce us to Indigenous Spirituality, exploring their own journey and how our understanding can lead us all towards a better understanding of one another and ultimately to reconciliation.
In a closing message in the Mark series (from Mark 16), we are challenged once again with the questions: Who is Jesus? and How Should I Respond to Him? But this time, we are given an answer. And the answer comes from a young man dressed in white. The answer also comes from the apostle Paul as Pastor Ken introduces the term "Cruciform" to us.
Charlene Meier speaks on Mark 15. After Jesus was anointed with expensive perfume by Mary, He had the last supper with His disciples. He was arrested then appeared before the Sanhedrin and Pilate. Instead of picking Jesus to be released, the crowd picked Barabbas. The soldiers mocked, scourged, and beat Jesus again and again then led him to be crucified. From Mark 15:21-47 some may say Jesus is the Scapegoat, Sacrifice and Substitute. He was all that and more. Who is Jesus? How will you respond?
Alastair speaks from Mark 14. In the last week of His life Jesus attended a dinner at the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus in Bethany. While at dinner Mary anointed the head and feet of Jesus with very expensive perfume. Judas and the other disciples scolded her for such waste saying that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Two days later Jesus was hanging on a cross bearing the sins of the world in His body. We will hear the full story of why Jesus scolded the disciples for scolding Mary.
Ken speaks from Mark 13, where Jesus talks very pastoral to his followers about how to live in a crazy and messed up world. For them, it will even seem like the “end of the world.” He tells them things aren’t going to happen as they hope/expect but to stay guarded, be vigilant, and trust him. In this messed up world we live in, Jesus gets the last word. So, our calling is to trust him.
Dan Russell continues our series in Mark speaking from chapter 11, where Jesus arrives in Jerusalem with a bang! He enters as a modest king and immediately asserts authority in the Temple. His arrival and assertion of authority invites opposition from the established leadership. All begging the question: Who is this Jesus?
This morning Elaine will speak from Mark 10:32-52 and we will examine further the question of how we are to respond to Jesus. This passage offers two stories tied together by one question from Jesus, "What do you want me to do for you?" As we respond to Jesus, what do we want to ask from him? Will we be like the disciples, who demand that Jesus conform to their expectations? Or will we be like Bartimaeus who asks Jesus to help him see clearly? What do you want Jesus to do for you?
As Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem, He becomes clearer about WHO he is and the kind of discipleship to which he is calling followers. The disciples (and others watching closely from the outside) have an expectation of the future kingdom and their own type of leadership in that kingdom. He has something very different in mind…he wants them to see his kingdom is one where the first…is last and is slave to all. Ken continues our series, looking at Mark 10:1-16; 43-44.
Peter continues our sermon series on the Book of Mark as we look at the second half of chapter 9 and consider what it means to be a servant of all. We will keep asking the questions - 'Who is Jesus?' and 'How Should We Respond To Him?'
Ken speaks from Mark 15:42-16:8, looking at the questions: What does Easter or Resurrection Sunday mean? Why does it even matter? We often go through the motions of this day and don’t stop to consider the implications of what happened and what difference it makes. As we address these questions, we just may find there is really good news that makes a huge difference. Good news we can use!
Jeff Golby takes us to Mark 9 and as we begin to zero into the crucifixion, Jesus continues to reveal through actions, words and response more about what it means that he is The Christ, a more mysterious, holy and at times frustrating God than perhaps we ever imagined. The question of what it will take for us to see the fuller vision of who The Christ is, is at the heart of this message.
Gray speaks on the pivotal passage of Mark 8:27-9:1. After 8 chapters, Jesus finally clearly says who he is and what it means to follow him. It focuses on the most important question you will ever be asked in your life. It is a question that calls us not just to give an answer but to give our very lives.
Do you think that Jesus ever got frustrated, rolled his eyes and took a deep sigh? Ken speaks on Mark 8 and in this passage we not only see Jesus doing that, but we learn why. It’s one more insight into WHO Jesus is and it may surprise us how it draws us even closer to Him.
We’ll be digging deep into Mark 6:30-44 and Jesus’ amazing miracle of feeding 5,000 people (well…probably more than that). Laurence will go through each section of the story and point out how Jesus offers something more incredible than a miracle in this story. We’ll hear about themes of rest, compassion, and kindness and why this connects with this story and paints a part of the portrait of who Jesus is.
Pastor Ken takes us to Mark 5 and we see that when the kingdom of God comes, Satan is disabled. Jesus demonstrates power over evil.
We dive into Mark 4:1-34 on the parable of the sower. Elaine Dee considers how when we follow Jesus we need to be willing to make the effort, take the extra step to carefully consider and understand what he is saying and asking of us. Focusing on v. 9: "...he who has ears, let him hear."
Peter Reynolds continues our series focusing mostly on Mark 2. We meet the Pharisees and see that Jesus quickly makes enemies of these Pharisees. They believe that Jesus is challenging their power – beginning the pattern of people misunderstanding the real mission of Jesus. We'll see that Jesus ministers with authority and humility – in contrast with the Pharisees. And we learn that Jesus – and therefore ourselves – came to heal the sick, the lame, the blind – those most in need.
We "dive in" to the book of Mark beginning with chapter 1. Pastor Ken shows us the key characters that are in the background as Jesus arrives on the scene. We also take a look at what Jesus' mission really is.
Pastor Ken kicks off our series in the book of Mark with an overview that helps us see the big themes and ideas but then brings us back to our key questions: Who is Jesus? How Should I respond to Him?
Gray Poehnell concludes our series on Reconciliation looking at how we can embrace or open ourselves up to others, even as God in Christ opened Himself up to us. In relationship to the “hated”...how do we live and speak out against it? How do we advocate for reconciliation? Watch Jesus eat and hang out with “sinners.” He shows more than gestures and words. There needs to be action. Do we even “see” those who are really hurting?
Jonathan Hers is our guest speaker as we continue to "unpack" our key passage from 2 Corinthians 5, asking what does it mean and look like for us as a community of Jesus followers to be agents and messengers of reconciliation? What does it mean to be a good ambassador?
In a world full of conflict, we are called to be Christ’s representatives. We are called to help reconcile people to each other and to God. But what does that look like in our day to day lives? Rub in some salt, let your light shine, withhold judgement and most of all – all you need is love! This Sunday, Peter Reynolds will continue our series on reconciliation by considering how we can help people 'drop their differences' and have their relationships restored.
In part 2 of this series we return to 2 Corinthians 5 and consider what it means for followers of Jesus to be reconciled with one another. Pastor Ken asks the question: What does a Christ Culture look like in regards to having restored relationships.
2 Corinthians 5 calls us to be people of restored relationships. Reconciled to one another and reconciled to God. In this message Andreas Russell shares the story of reconciliation by showing us this thread of restoration and re-creation throughout the Bible.
The gospel writer Matthew includes a story of murder (Matthew 2:13-18) right in the middle of the Christmas story. It really messes with our “Hallmark” mentality that surrounds Christmas. So, how does this fit? How is this part of the “good news” story? Ken concludes our series on Hyperlinks to Jesus.
Matthew Heyn shares from Matt 1:18-25 exploring the story of Joseph when hearing the news of Mary’s holy conception. Walking with Joseph’s experience draws us to a very important hyperlink to Jesus – Isaiah’s confrontation with Ahaz to stand with God because “God is with you (us).” Contrasting the two responses between Ahaz and Joseph. One falls and one stands.
During our first Sunday of Advent, Dan Russell looks at Luke 4:14-22/Isaiah 61:1-3 to show hope – that this good news is for all people. He will challenge us to consider how we can bring this good news, this freedom, this recovery of sight, to those on the margins.
Andreas Russell takes a look at Matthew 5 and explores how Jesus sees himself as the fulfilment of Old Testament law and gives us a new way of reading and applying it in light of Him.
Peter & Valerie Reynolds will continue our series on "Hyperlinks to Jesus". The Tabernacle is a hyperlink from the Old Testament of the Bible to the role of Jesus in the New Testament. It serves as a reminder that Jesus has fulfilled the role of ultimate mediator between the Most Holy God of Creation and the people – the crowning glory of His creation. Jesus has bridged the gap - He has broken the veil!
Ken introduces our new series "Hyperlinks to Jesus." He shares how the Old Testament links to Jesus and shares how Jesus fulfills it all.
In a stand alone sermon, Andreas will be sharing about his transition to the work of the Navigators next year. He will be looking at Matthew 9:35-38, as well as Jesus' way of coming alongside others so that they are equipped to do His work.
Andreas concludes our series on the The Upside of Brokenness by looking at James 1:2 and Romans 5:3-5, which call us to rejoice in suffering, because of the possibility of growth it can produce.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another..." Jesus says this, but we often have a hard time with doing this. And this very thing, love from one another, is crucial in helping us land on the "Upside of Brokenness."
Peter Reynolds looks at the Old Testament story from Genesis 50:15-21 of Joseph (he of the amazing dream coat) and consider how we can find God and Remain Faithful even in the Midst of Brokenness.
This world is a bit broken. There will still be hard things in life that happen. That’s not being removed. But in the midst of them…we can have peace.
Ken introduces our new series "The Upside of Brokeness" as he shares that through Jesus we can find an "Upside" to the trauma and brokenness we experience. We try to use God to change our circumstances, while in fact…He is using our circumstances to change us.
Those 1st Century Israelites experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the feast of Pentecost and asked: “What does this mean?” We are going to ask that same question as Ken wraps up ...
Andreas takes a look at how the Holy Spirit bears the fruit in our lives found in Galatians 5:22-23. Here, he will discuss how the evidence of the Holy Spirit is primarily about character, not charisma.
Gray speaks from 1 Cor. 2:9-14 and Eph.1:15-19; 3:14-21, looking at the Spirit’s essential role in enabling us to discern His Word as true, to receive all that God has for us, and then to live this out in our lives.
Pastor Ken shares about how the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses and care for those far from God.
Elaine continues our series on the Holy Spirit speaking about how we are Born of the Spirit.
Today as we conclude our Nehemiah series, we see that things don't necessarily end in the way we had hoped. But, there's still much to learn.
Andreas continues our look at Nehemiah 8, 9 & 10 and explores how true revival of the heart happens by knowing God's heart of joy and compassion.
We push pause on the Nehemiah narrative with this message and take a look at the big picture. We are challenged, as we reflect, to consider the question: What does a true revival of the heart look like?
Samantha Gardham-Hers is our guest speaker for Nehemiah 5. Watch Nehemiah go into uncomfortable moments amidst diverse people and be inspired to do the same.
We continue our series in Nehemiah, diving into chapters 3 & 4 where the community comes together to "build a wall." Joined by David Richardson, Ken will help us consider what it looks like to step out in faith, despite opposition.
Andreas looks at Nehemiah Chapters 1 & 2 by exploring how God is at work in Nehemiah's World.
Over the next nine weeks we will be looking at and learning from the successes (and failures) of the Israelites' strong leader Nehemiah. Today Ken will begin our new series by giving an overview that will help us understand the setting of Nehemiah, and we will discuss just what is the heart of the matter.
Andreas continues our "Following Jesus" series by asking the questions: Who are you becoming? Are you becoming like Jesus?
This podcast will highlight some faith stories instead of a regular sermon. Will hear from Dan Russell and Stephanie Rich about how they best learn from what Jesus says and from what Jesus does.
Ken continues our "Following Jesus" series as he shares about how we can learn from Jesus by what He says and what He does.
Andreas introduces our new series "Come Follow Me" by looking at what it means to follow Jesus and how following Him starts by being with Him.
Ken and Andreas share what they believe God is teaching us through this pandemic and what vision He may be giving us as a church in 2021.
Angela Henze continues our "Do Not Be Afraid" Advent series as she shares about practicing joy.
Ken continues our Advent series "Do Not Be Afraid" as he talks about how Jesus brings peace and how we are invited into that.
Ken concludes our "Greatest Sermon Ever Given" series by sharing more about Jesus' way of forgiveness.
Ken continues the Jesus' "Greatest Sermon Ever Given" as he shares about forgiveness, which Jesus speaks about in Matthew 6:14-15.
Andreas continues Jesus' "Greatest Sermon Ever" as he shares about Jesus' illustration of Pigs and Pearls found in Matthew 7:6.
Charlene Meier continues Jesus "Greatest Sermon ever Given" as shares from Matthew 6: 25-34, addressing Jesus good news about to worriers.
Ken Pierce continues Jesus' "Greatest Sermon Ever" by continuing to explore Jesus' teaching on treasures and what we have our eyes on in Matthew 6:21-24.
Ken Pierce continues Jesus' "Greatest Sermon Ever Given" as he discusses what we treasure in life from the teaching in Matthew 6:19-21.
Andreas Russell continues the "Greatest Sermon Ever" by looking at part 2 of Jesus' teaching on Judgment in Matthew 7:3-5.
Andreas Russell continues taking a look at Jesus' greatest sermon ever given as he shares from Matthew 7:1-2.
Ken Pierce shares about giving from Jesus words in Matthew 6:1-4, a portion of the greatest sermon ever given.
Andreas Russell shares on our community's 40th anniversary about the meaning behind our name Emmanuel: God with Us.
Valerie Reynolds concludes our "One Another" series by speaking on bearing each other's burdens.
Juliana Frühling shares about the importance of listening to one another as a way to love.
Jenny Sanders continues our "One Another" series as she shares about accepting one another from Romans 15:5-7.
Elaine Dee continues our "One Another" series as she shares about Christian forgiveness.
Stephanie Rich continues our series as she speaks about honouring one another with devotion and sincere love as shared in Romans 12.
Ngoc Day continues our "One Another" series as she shares about hospitality and feeding one another.
Fred Harwood continues our series on "One Another" as he looks at how we should spur each other on to good deeds while having a growth mindset.
Alastair Rees-Thomas continues our series as he discusses the value of singing hymns and songs to one another.
We begin our series "One Another" as Ken Pierce discussed the call to pray for one another.
Dan Russell concludes our series on the other ways, as he gives us some practical ways in which we can work through conflict.
Ken Pierce continues our series on "The Other Way", as we explore Jesus' way of humility.
Andreas Russell continues our series "The Other Way" by discussing why love is the most important value for Jesus followers.
Gray Poehnell begins our new series on "The Other Way" as he looks at spiritual discernment, where the Holy Spirit directs us in truth, love, unity & diversity, and growth.
Any time we go through difficult seasons of our lives it's critical to learn from it. The question we asked those we interviewed are great discussion questions for individuals or groups.
What are you learning about God?
What are you learning about others?
What are you learning about yourself?
Andreas sits down with Dan Whitehead, director of Sanctuary Ministries and discusses grief, mental health and personhood during a pandemic
People can sign up for Sanctuary’s newsletter, or download the sanctuary course, or their new grief resource via their homepage at www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org
Recommended books:
Dementia: Living in the Memories of God - John Swinton
Resurrecting the Person - John Swinton
Coming soon (pre-release ordering): Finding Jesus in the storm: The Spiritual lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges - John Swinton
Pastor Ken Pierce shares from Romans 8:28, asking the question: How can we find good in a pandemic? How does God want us to experience "Jesus Shaped Joy" in the midst of a crisis?