Evergreen Chapel Sermons: Recent Episodes
Evergreen Chapel
As we wrap up our series on being faithful and fruitful, we finish our time looking at the importance of remaining faithful to the end. There can be the temptation to grow weary in walking a holy and obedient life, but we must overcome by looking to Christ, remembering his promises, and walking by his Spirit's power.
If you want to be faithful and fruitful, you need other believers. A "solitary" Christian is going to struggle with the Christian life. But thankfully, God has saved us into community, and we must make the most of it!
Has the church of Christ lost it's zeal for God? Have we embraces a consumerist, lazy Christianity, rather than the fervent and zealous one our Lord calls us to? In this sermon we look at the dangers of passivity, and Paul's command to be fervent in Spirit.
Sin is terrible. Like a disease, it will corrupt, blind, and inhibit us in our walk with the Lord. If we are to be faithful and fruitful, we must, by the Spirit, put to death the sin that still remains in our life. In this sermon we talk about WHY we must do that, and HOW we do that, so that we can be the servants God calls us to.
As we look at walking faithfully and fruitfully for the Lord, the place we need to start is our relationship with the Lord. Jesus says we can do NOTHING apart from him, and therefore we must Abide in him. Specifically, abide in him by his word. For this sermon we look at how we can practically do that better.
We constantly see the phrase in Scripture "Walk worthy of your calling"... What does that mean? Why should we be diligent to obey it? And how do we actually accomplish that as sinful human beings?
In this sermon we look at the power of prayer and why we must never be neglecting it. What excuses do you use to not pray? What can you do to increase your prayer life? How ought we to pray? We talk about all of this and more!
God has appointed two offices in the church: Elder and Deacon. The first receives a lot of attention and study, but not so much the second. However, as we will see in this sermon, Biblically functioning deacons are God's gift to the church, and when practiced rightly, lead to it's flourishing and unity.
The Bible speaks of Christians as living in exile. The Bible also speaks of this current world as a type of "Babylon"... Therefore, a good place for us to go as Christians to know how we ought to live is to the Israelites times in exile in Babylon. In this sermon we look at Jeremiah's instructions to the exiles, and how we can thrive and multiply in exile.
I came. I saw. I conquered. Those were the famous words spoken by Julius Caesar, but that more properly apply to the Lord Jesus Christ. He came into this world with a mission: To conquer sin, death, and the evil one, and now, having completed that, he ascends back to heaven to receive his crown. But before then, he has a mission for his people to finish before he comes again.
Jesus makes several "post resurrection" appearances, and in this sermon we look at his appearance to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Why Jesus chooses them, we don't know. But what we do know, is that he strategically reveals himself, and it changes their lives forever. And the same is true of us as we follow Christ today.
This crucifixion of Christ and the events surrounding it have a resounding message: God Sovereignly brings unexpected good out of situations that appear to be the opposite. In this sermon, Zac shows how God's is soveriegnly working in all things for his glory and our good.
Jesus stands on trial before three separate groups, and none of them are a fair or just trial. Jesus proves he is the innocent Son of God, and yet a great treachery occurs in his condemnations. Yet, this is the Lord's will, and through such injustice comes the mercy of God.
In this passage we look at Jesus now that the hour for his arrest, crucifixion and propitiatory sacrifice has come. And in his response, Jesus proves to be a man who stands above all other men.
The events that will lead to Jesus' death are about to happen, and so Jesus gives some final warnings to his disciples before he goes. He reminds them on what TRUE greatness is. To be aware of the devil and his desire to devour. And the remember that the world is not always going to like them. These words and warnings were a blessing for the disciples, and are for us as well.
Jesus stands on trial before three different groups: The Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod. Each of which are found guilty, while Jesus stands innocent in the place of wicked men.
Jesus shares one final Passover meal with his disciples. As he is doing so, he makes some pretty revolutionary claims about who he is and what he has come to usher in. He also institutes a new meal for his people to partake in, the Lord's supper.
This passage marks the beginning of the events leading up to the betrayal and death of Christ. We take a look at the biblical character Judas and what we can learn from his betrayal of Christ and the dangers we must guard against in our own lives.
This sermon explores Jesus' famous discourse often called the Olivet discourse. In it we look at the various ways this passage has been interpreted, and see that Jesus is talking about both an immediate judgement of Jerusalem, but also a future and final judgement when he comes again. This is not to scare us, or make us worried, but to fill us with confidence in God's control over history, and to call us to faithfulness.
In this sermon, we look at God's compassionate heart towards the lost, and our invitation to join him in pursuing them with the good news of the gospel. Listen for some practical biblical guidance and encouragement.
The doctrine of the resurrection is essential to the Christian faith. And though it is difficult to imagine what resurrection life will be like, Jesus assures us that it transcends our earthly categories and understandings.
In this passage, Jesus has is challenged by the religious authorities. However, it is they who should be questioned on their authority. Jesus holds them accountable for their rejection of him, just as he will hold us accountable.
In this passage, as Jesus enters Jerusalem, we get a glimpse of the emotion he feels for the sin that he sees. Both sadness and anger, followed by zeal to restore things back to the way they should be.
In another familiar parable, a Pharisee and a Tax Collector walk into the temple to pray. On the surface, it appears as though one is far more righteous than the other. But only one leaves justified before God... Jesus challenges our idea of righteousness and whether or not we can do it on our own.
In this sermon we look at the familiar parable of the Persistent Widow. There are many lessons in here on how we ought to pray, and why we ought to keep praying.
In this sermon we look at an interaction between Jesus and a rich young ruler. It leads us to question our understanding of what it means to be good, what is required to follow Christ, and why we radically need the grace of God.
In this sermon we look at a well known miracle of Christ, the healing of 10 lepers. This story tells us a lot about who Jesus is, and also about how we must respond in light of that!
The Scripture often calls Christians servants or slaves. How should that affect how we live our life? What role does duty play in our service of God?
We talk a lot about FAITH as Christians, but what is faith? Why do we need it? Where do we get it? And what do we do with it? In this sermon we look at the need for faith and the power God's people will experience when they walk in faith.
In this final sermon on Forgiveness, we get practical and look at what it means to reconcile, and how to get rid of bitterness in your heart when someone sins against you.
In this sermon we ask some common question regarding forgiveness. First, what is forgiveness? What does it all entail? Must I forgive? What if the person isn't repentant or sorry?
In light of the horrendous assassination of Charlie Kirk, we look at how Christians should respond when faced with overwhelming evil.
In this passage Jesus instructs his disciples on one of the hardest topics: Forgiveness. Sin is very serious, and when we sin, what should be the process to lead back towards reconciliation? This sermon is Part 1 of examining that process.
In this sermon we look at the difficult topic of Divorce and Remarriage. We look at what marriage and divorce are, in what cases divorce and remarriage is permitted, and some practical instruction regarding marriage for our lives.
In this passage, Jesus addresses several questions about the nature of the kingdom. What is most valuable in the kingdom? What does the kingdom bring that is different than the Law and the Prophets? And what do we do with the Law now that the Kingdom has come?
In Part 2 of our survey of what the Proverbs has to say on money, we look at some of the warnings given in Scripture regarding riches, and how true riches and satisfaction can be found in Christ alone.
The Proverbs has a lot to say about the topic of money. Money is integral to our lives, and what we do with it and how we think of it can yield great good, or great evil. In this sermon, we look at how we should God's money, and what he calls us to do with it.
In the very first chapters of the Bible, God says that it is not good that man should be alone. We have been created for community, and friendships are one of God's ways of fulfilling that need. In this sermon, we look at the importance of friendship, and how to develop deep and lasting ones.
Everyone wants to be wanted, and everyone wants to be fulfilled. In this famous passage about the Samaritan woman from John 4, we look at how Jesus pursues us, offers us eternal satisfaction, and guides us in how we must respond to him in worship and witness.
At the end of our life, we want to hear the words well done good and faithful servant. Well how do we live a life that will lead to us hearing those words? What can we do to remain faithful to the end and serve Christ well in the time he has given us?
What does it mean that Jesus is gentle and lowly? And how do we reflect the character and nature of Christ in our own lives.
In this sermon we look at 6 principles for training up a child in the way he should go. Parenting is a very important, and very difficult task, and yet the Scriptures guide us on how we can do it to the glory of God and lead our children in the proper way!
In this passages we look at the topic of Conflict Resolution from the book of Proverbs and James. Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". How can we become better peacemakers in the areas of conflict in our lives and others?
In the sermon we explore what the Proverbs have to say about wise and foolish speech. We are called to put off speech that dishonours our Lord, and put on speech that glorifies him. The tongue can either be a source of great blessing, or a source of great pain. How are you using your words?
For mother's day, we look at the description of an excellent wife from Proverbs 31. Though the Bible's description of an excellent wife may be very countercultural, it is biblical and comes with many wonderful blessings!
Today we look at the very "acceptable" sin of sloth and laziness. Our culture is defined by a distaste for work. We are always looking for the most comfortable life we can live, and rarely are desiring to put in the hard work (in all things) that God calls us to. In this sermon we look at the sin of sloth, why it is dangerous, and how to fight it in our lives!
Why does the resurrection matter? If Jesus died on the cross to remove our sin, why did he need to rise again? In this sermon we look at the significance of the resurrection in both the past, the present, and the future.
In this sermon we look at some of the final words of Christ on the cross, "It is finished". What is finished? What did Christ begin? How is God going to solve the problem of sin, and the dilemma of showing love to sinners, yet remaining just and holy? We look at all of these questions and more, as we glory in our Redeemer this Good Friday.
The fool is a common theme in the book of Proverbs. In this sermon we look at 14 characteristics of the fool. You may be surprised how many of them apply to you, and how much you need the grace and wisdom of God!
Solomon reminds his son on several occasions to watch out for the adulterous woman. Why? Because sexual sin is a very dangerous sin. It has a unique way of luring us in and enslaving us. In this sermon, we look at the dangers or sexual sin, and how to avoid it.
The theme of this passage is that when we walk according to ways of God, we can expect that things will go well for us. God has designed the world to work in a particular way, and flourishing comes when we stick to that. In this sermon we explore some biblical exhortations and the subsequent blessings that come from obedience to them.
This is the first sermon of a new series in the book of Proverbs. In it, we look at the purpose, necessity, and foundation of the book of Proverbs, and why everyone should set their hearts on the pursuit of godly wisdom.
In this sermon we look at one of the more difficult parables of Jesus. Jesus explains the activity of a dishonest manager, who, to everyone's surprise, is commended in the end. No why would Jesus do that? What is Jesus trying to teach us about money and stewardship?
We look at three familiar parables in this sermon. The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Each parable reveals to us the attitude of God towards sinners that we must make sure we are modelling as his chosen people.
Crucifying the flesh is not a phrase our world likes. In fact, rather than crucifying the flesh, the call of the world is to indulge the flesh. But Christ has called us out of that into something new. Join us as we study this passage
In this passage, Jesus doesn't hide what the costs of following him are. He requires your full allegiance and first place on your priority, and if he can't have that, then you can't have him. Too many people have bought into an "easy believeism" that is actually keeping them out of the kingdom of God. May the Lord gives us eyes to see and ears to hear!
In this passage Jesus gives the familiar parable of the Mustard Seed. It is a parable that is meant to give us hope. God's kingdom will prevail. Your labour is not in vain. The gospel has power to save and accomplish it's purpose. So keep pressing on!
Jesus is invited to a dinner party at a Pharisees house, and he has some sobering words to offer up to them in the form of two parables. He is going to challenge them, and us, on how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we view God's call on our life.
One question that has been hovering over the ministry of Jesus is whether or not the Jews would recognize him as their Messiah and submit to him. Will they bow to their king? And a second question, is that if they do not, well then what will God do to them? Will this be the final straw for this rebellious people? Is there any hope for them after their rejection of Christ?
In this passage, Jesus gives a strong warning about many of the ways people think are the road to salvation, when in reality, they have deceived themselves. There is only one way to salvation, and that is through the narrow door of Jesus Christ. Have you found the true way of salvation? Or have you been deceived?
Jesus clearly has a problem with the Pharisees and religious establishment of the day. But what exactly is his problem? Well there are several. And in this sermon we tackle on of them. And that is the problem of traditionalism.
In this sermon we take a closer look at the doctrine of repentance. What does true biblical repentance entail? and why is it so necessary for Christian salvation and life?
If Christians are to be effective in the mission God has given the church to exercise dominion and make disciples, then we must be a people who understand the times we are living in. In this sermon, we look at what it means to understand the times, and some areas Christ warns us to be aware of.
In this sermon we answer one of the most important questions, why did Jesus come? For what purpose would God leave his heavenly throne and take on the form of a man? And what is the only response to it?
In this sermon, we look at Luke's first extensive teaching on the return of Christ. A great truth of the Christian faith is that Jesus will return again. But in the meantime, what are we to be doing? How are we to be counted faithful servants, and not unfaithful?
In this sermon we deal with the topic of anxiety, worry and stress. What is it? Is it a sin? How do we overcome it?
Greed is a sin that is so common in our world today. And unfortunately it is common in our churches as well. We need to be on guard against it in our hearts and urgent and severe in our fight against it when it arises. In this sermon we look at the danger of greed and how to overcome it.
Apologies regarding the audio. The first few minutes of the sermon were not recorded.
The Sermon on the Mount reveals what it truly means to know Christ and to be a citizen of His eternal Kingdom. As born-again believers, we can experience His power, peace, and blessings both now and forever, despite the suffering and challenges we may encounter in this life. As faithful followers, we are called to put Him first, seeking His Kingdom above all else, as stated in Matthew 6:33.
In this passage Jesus addresses the idea of who we ought to fear. When faced with situations in our life where we have to chose to do the right thing or not, one of the motivations is going to be fear of God versus fear of man. If we are going to follow Christ, we must fear God, which isn't always easy.
Jesus has just laid into the Pharisees, and now he has a few words for the lawyers as well. May we take the rebukes Jesus' here seriously, and evaluate if we have fallen into the same sins and need to repent.
In this passage Jesus take aim at the Pharisees and some of the glaring sins. Let it be a warning to the church, that we might not fall into these same sins, and be brought to repentance in the areas where we have looked more like the Pharisees than Christ.
In this sermon we look at the foundational doctrine of the Protestant Reformation, Sola Scriptura. Is God's Word sufficient as the infallible rule of the church, or should we be looking for another? Join us as we look at the history of Sola Scriptura and why it still matters today.
One analogy used of the local church of Jesus Christ is the body. In this sermon, we look at what it means to be a part of that body and why every Christian should be part of a local body. The beauty of the body is that though there is diversity in its parts, there is unity in its purpose.
The book of Proverbs can be difficult to study. We can sometimes get overwhelmed. Well in this sermon, we look at the value of wisdom, and an introductory sermon on how to study the book of Proverbs to reap all of its wisdom and value.
In this sermon, we look at what it means to give thanks in all circumstances. Paul, who went through more than most of us ever will, was able to say these words. But how? And how can we?
This is a difficult passage, but a great treasure of God's word. In this sermon we look at Jesus Christ as the light of the world, how we embrace that light, and how we become that light for the advancement of his kingdom.
In this passage Jesus addresses those who would ask for a sign, despite the truth being before their very eyes. We don't need signs, what we need are changed hearts.
One of the greatest dangers to a church, a marriage, a friendship, or any other relationship, is a lack of unity and division. The New Testament authors constantly warn churches against the danger of disunity, and in this sermon we look at one of those warnings. How can you become more united as a church and in any relationships you have?
Wouldn't it be so great if our world embraced the morals of the Bible? We may not be able to win them to Christ, but what if we could win them to the morals of Christ instead? Well it sounds good, but there is a big problem with that. Moral reformation without spiritual regeneration leads nowhere but down. Join us as we study Luke 11:24-28 to see Jesus' teaching on it.
In this passage we look at an instance of Jesus casting out a demon. But the focus of the passage is not so much on the individual demon, but on the power and authority of Christ in the cosmic war that is raging on. How do we respond to this power and authority and what is our role to play in the battle?
In the previous sermon, we looked at the question of "what we pray" and the Lord's Prayer. In this sermon, we follow that up and look at our attitude in prayer. What can we expect from God in our prayers? How bold should we be in our requests? What type of God are we approaching?
Prayer is an area where very few people will say they are satisfied in their current prayer life. Which is sad, because prayer is so foundational to our Christian walk. In this passage we look at the famous "Lord's Prayer", and how we can pray in the way our Lord commanded us.
In this sermon, we look at the three important questions: Why do we sing? What do we sing? and how do we sing? Music was God's idea and invention that was gifted to mankind to be used for his purposes. God takes it seriously when we stray from those purposes, or when we begin to think we have the freedom to do whatever we want when it comes to singing. We want our purposes, our songs, and our actions surrounding worship to be thoroughly biblical. Join us as we examine these questions!
We live in a busy world. We are very production oriented. There is lots to do in this world for our families and our churches and our community. But is it possible that we might be missing Jesus in the busyness of life? Join us as we look at how to serve and love Christ supremely in a busy world.
In this sermon we look at the very familiar passage of the Good Samaritan. We all know the story and the lesson from it. Love your neighbour as yourself, be a compassionate person, help those in need, and so on. But what if the parable of the Good Samaritan is less about how to be a good neighbour, and more about how you're not a good neighbour, and need the mercy of God?
God has created and redeemed his people to be builders. This building must be done in faith, and requires us to develop certain qualities of character. This week we will consider the qualities of faith-filled builders.
We encounter a very similar passage to the one we looked at in Luke 9 when Jesus sends out the 12 apostles. And once again we are reminded of the responsibility of the church to partake is the spread of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the theme of the Bible, and it must be as important to us as it is to God. Listen to find out what Christ is calling you to do!
The passage we look at in this sermon is certainly one of the more challenging passages in the Bible. Jesus doesn't pull any punches, and very clearly re-establishes the cost of being his follower. And the cost is huge. But it is worth it!
Rejection and opposition can be very frustrating. And because it is something that Jesus promises will happen as we are being obedient to him and his mission, it is something the Christian needs to learn how to deal with. So how do we respond to rejection and opposition in a Christlike way?
In this passage, Jesus gives his disciples yet another rebuke. And this time, he is rebuking them for how they view others who aren't part of their group. How should we view and relate to other Christians who aren't part of out group? Are they competition or companions? Enemies or allies? How does this play itself out in our conversations and relationships?
We define greatness in many ways, but how does God define it? In this sermon we look at the danger of pride and the blessedness of humility. How do we fight our greatest enemy, pride, and cultivate our greatest friend, humility? Join us and find out!
In this passage, the disciples encounter a particularly evil demon. They are unable to cast it out. Now is that because of lack of skill, lack of trying, or lack of faith? Turns out it is the latter. And there are serious consequences when the people of God are lacking faith!
G.K.Chesterton said, "For when we cease to worship God, we do not worship nothing, we worship anything". We are people who are made to worship and behold. When we sin, we are worshipping something that shouldn't be worshipped. The solution to our worship problem, is not to stop worshipping, but to start worshipping the only one who is worthy of our worship. To set our eyes on a greater glory and pleasure than our sin. And that greater glory is the glory of Christ!
In this sermon, we look at one of the most challenging passages of Scripture. Jesus begins by clarifying who he is, and he goes on to instruct his disciples on what that entails for them. If he truly is the Christ, what does that mean for those who are going to follow him? It's not a stroll in the park, that's for sure!
In this sermon we look at the very well known parable of Jesus feeding the five thousand. One clear truth is being communicated in this passage: God provides! And though we all probably know that, when difficult times come, we often forget it. May this serve as a reminder that the Lord will provide for you your every need!
It's time for the disciples of Jesus to start sharing in the work of Christ. What does that look like? What mindset should we have when doing it? And what responses should we expect when doing it? We look at all of these in today's sermon!
The command to honour your father and mother was given in the 10 commandments and repeated on several occasions throughout. It is very important to God! But what does it look like to honour your father and mother at all stages of life? As a child? A teenager? A young adult? In their old age? In this sermon we explore the answers to that question!
The Resurrection of Christ is at the center of Christian faith and doctrine. If there is no resurrection, there is no Christianity. Paul makes it very clear in this passage that to deny the resurrection is going to come with some serious consequences.
Some of the last words Jesus cried out were "why have you forsaken me?" What does this mean? Was Jesus forsaken by God? If so, how? And what was actually accomplished on the cross?
In this sermon we look at the role of a father. Specifically, the father as the shepherd or pastor of his family. What does it mean to be the shepherd of your family, and how important is the task? Very important. So how can we be walking a good and godly family shepherds?
How important is the family? In God's grand plan, what role does the family actually play? In this sermon, we will look at why the family is integral to the plan of God and that if we forsake the family, there will be serious consequences to that. The family is under attack today, and Christians must stand for the family.
An encouragement to trust fully in Christ and His righteousness, rather than our own, and count everything as worthless compared to knowing Him. To focus fully on the Prize of becoming more like Christ as we serve him and one another.
AS the last sermon on the "marriage" component of our marriage and family series, we are going to be looking at singleness. Many people in and outside the church have many different views on singleness. Some of them are good, while others are harmful. In this sermon we are looking at what the Bible teaches regarding singleness, and how we can glorify God in our singleness.
Many couples struggle with physical intimacy in marriage. Which is sad, because intimacy is a key component to any marriage that is going to flourish and thrive as God designed it. In this sermon we talk about why God has given us physical intimacy, and how to pursue it to the glory of God!
Conflict in marriage stinks. We need to get to the bottom of it. What is the real reason for conflict in marriage? Bad communication, a stressful life, a spouse that sins to much? Why do we fight and quarrel with one another? And once we figure that out, how do we deal with it? In this sermon we look at what conflict is and how to remove it from your marriage.
Husbands are not the only ones given a special role in marriage. Wives have an essential role that compliments their husbands, and completes a godly marriage. In this sermon, we love at three three main roles/duties/responsibilities of wives in marriage.
A team is only going to function well if everyone plays the positions assigned to them. The same applies to marriage. God has designed certain roles/responsibilities within marriage, and a marriage will only flourish if it functions according to God's design for husbands and wives. In this sermon we look at what the husband is called to be/do in marriage.
The Bible is full of radical calls. In this sermon we look at the radical call of Elisha by Elijah, and the radical call of Jesus to all his followers. How will you respond to the call God has put on your life?
Perhaps one of the most important questions your could ask regarding your marriage is "Why?". Why did God institute marriage? What are his plans for my marriage? What should I be aiming for when it comes to pleasing God with the pursuit of marriage? In this sermon, we talk about the main purposes of marriage: Companionship, Sanctification, Preventing Sexual Immorality, Having Children and Discipling them and, to Display God's Gospel Love. May you be encouraged and challenged!
In this first sermon of our series on the Christian household, we look to answer the foundational question of "What is Marriage?". We find our answer in the very first pages of Scripture. If we desire to have marriages that honour and glorify God, it begins with understanding and pursuing God's definition of marriage. Join us as we look at this!
This is part two of a two-part sermon on Jesus' victory over his enemies. In this passage, we see that he takes on disease and death, both of which prove to be unable to stop him and his power.
The is the first of a two-part sermon on Jesus' power over his enemies. In this passage, Jesus encounters a very powerful group of demons. What will happen in this showdown, and what can we learn about Jesus from it?
The Christian life sometimes feels like a series of trials and hardships that we are not sure if we are going to survive. Being a Christian involves a daily effort of survival against the storms of life and the call to live a holy and reverent life. So how do we survive the storms that come our way? In this sermon we look at three survival truths for getting through the storms.
Ours is a culture of raging winds blowing against the walls of the church: calls have come to police and punish Christian language. This is the foundation of Christian loyalty to God, to retain His Words, speak freely, and pass them on to the next generation.
We can sometimes glance over this very common passage on the parable of the sower without questioning whether or not we might actually be one of the not so favourable soils. How well do you listen to the word of God when it speaks? Are you indifferent to it? Shallow in your response? Distracted by other things? Or do you receive and do the word of God as commanded?
One of the central truths of the Christian faith is that mankind is sinful and fallen. It is only when we willing admit this and our own sin, that we truly see how wonderful the grace of God is. And when we see how wonderful the grace of God is, we will love him with all our hearts!
The book of Hebrews promises that the new is better than the old. But how? Hebrews 8 teaches about Jesus being a better high priest, and a better mediator of a better covenant.
Jesus turns his attention from talking about John to talking about the generation he is speaking to. They have ALOT of problems, and unfortunately our generation is not so different. What sins do we need to be fighting against and on guard against in our own lives?
It is quite the compliment for someone to call you great. It is especially the compliment if that person is Jesus. If Jesus thinks someone is great, we want to be like that person. So what made John the Baptist so great, and how can we be great?
We live in a world surrounded by death, and feels like at times that death has won the final victory. That it will inevitably claim and destroy everything. And it feels like God either isn't doing anything, or doesn't care enough to do anything. But Jesus' miracle here shows us that Jesus is both caring in our suffering, and able to defeat our greatest and final enemy.
Even the great John the Baptist has questions about Jesus. What happens when we have expectations about or from Jesus that he doesn't meet? Where does that lead us? And what should we do when we start to doubt the Jesus we thought we knew?
We hear in our culture the words "You are enough. You are worthy. The power is within you!". But is that true? Are we really enough? Are we truly worthy? Is the ability to change and have a blessed life something that comes from within? No. In fact, all that can stand in the way of a truly blessed life.
We all are going to live our lives built upon something. Everyone has a worldview that everything they do flows from. But only one foundation will stand, and that is a life built upon the foundation of God's Word and obedience to it. Are you building on that?
How do you know if someone is really a Christian? How do you know if you are really a Christian? Is there a way to know the true character of someone? Jesus says there is: A tree is known by its fruit. How does this then apply to us?
There is one verse in the Bible that everyone is familiar with: "Judge not, lest you be judged". In this sermon, we are going to look at what Jesus means by that. Does he mean never discern right from wrong? Does he mean never call out sin? Or is he going after a different type of sinful judgmentalism and hypocritical judgment? Listen to find out!
This is perhaps one of the most challenging things Jesus has ever said. What he says in these passages goes against much of what is natural to humanity. What do you mean "love my enemies?" What do you mean turn the other cheek? What do you mean "give to anyone who begs"? In this sermon we look at all of these commands and how they are not only commanded of Christians, but possible to fulfill with the help of God.
Jesus preaches here what is known as the Beatitudes. But he also adds some "woes" to give us a warning that we might be headed down the wrong path. What he says here will be hard to hear for most people, yet it is totally necessary if we are to receive the divine favour of God rather than his judgment.
The Bible is full of "one another" commands for the church. How serious are you taking those commands? How important is body life to you?
Jesus sought the Father in prayer in order to receive spiritual power and wisdom. We also, as our Saviour, must commune with God in prayer for both the power and wisdom to live for Christ.
The Sabbath is a topic of much discussion in the Christian church. We probably all know people who don't keep the Sabbath, and others who have added so much to the Sabbath that it misses the point of the Sabbath. In this sermon, we are going to look at what proper Sabbath keeping looks like according to Jesus.
This passage is set within a group of passages where Jesus challenges the views and beliefs of the Pharisees in many different ways. In this conversation, he challenges their view of fasting and more broadly, their view of the old system of relating to God. Well, Jesus has some big news, it's all going to change!
Jesus seeks out the chief of sinners in this passage, the tax collector, and in doing so, provides for us an example of the attitude and action we should have towards sinners and non-believers. What should these relationships look like? What should their purpose be? Do they look like Jesus' relationship with sinners?
Jesus has his first big face-off with the Pharisees. They've sent a delegation to inspect this mysterious preacher and healer from Nazareth. Is he a friend? And enemy? A blasphemer? The real deal? Can he actually do what he said he has come to do?
When you hear the word shame, what comes to mind? Shame is something that comes as a consequence of our sin, and many people, though they know they are forgiving of their guilt of sin, they still wrestle with the shame of it. Well in today's sermon, we will be looking at how God makes the unclean, clean. The exposed, covered. The unholy, holy. Jesus makes clean.
We encounter Jesus in many different ways throughout our lives. Through his Word, through prayer, or maybe through the first time we hear the gospel. When we encounter him, the question is put before us, "how are we going to respond?" Are we going to recognize him as who he is and follow him? Or are we going to continue on in our own ways? In this sermon we look at Simon's encounter with Jesus and how he leaves a changed man.
Christian husbands have a God-given duty to understand and honour their wives. A husband's relationship with God is not disconnected from their relationship with their wife, and if they dishonour their wife, their prayers to God are hindered.
It's time for Jesus to put rubber to the road. Is he the one he truly claims to be? Is he able to fulfill the mission he just stated? Jesus here has a few interactions that show his authority and whether he truly can overcome the evil in this world
In this passage, Jesus begins his ministry. He identifies himself as the Anointed One of Isaiah 61, and embraces the mission of the Messiah for himself. But the people of Nazareth seem to have an issue with this. What is all this poor, oppressed, blind talk? Do you recognize that the Kingdom of God is for the humble?
Jesus emerges from the waters of baptism and the Father cries out "You are my Beloved Son". But Adam was also the son of God, and how did that turn out? Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to see if he can do what Adam and Israel and all else failed to do when faced with temptation
Jesus' Baptism. Why was it important? What is God saying in the baptism of Jesus? What is Luke trying to communicate to us in the genealogy of Jesus? Is Jesus finally the solution to all of our problems?
God has not sent a prophet for 500 years, but the time has come for John the Baptist to begin his ministry. What will he come preaching? Well one simple message, Repent! What is true repentance? What is it reflected by? Are you truly repentant?
As the final sermon in our series on the marks of a healthy church, we are looking at Church Membership. Now membership isn't mentioned in the Bible, but does that mean it isn't biblical? Should you be a member of a local church? What is the authority given to the local church? All these questions looked at and more.
The church is called to evangelize the lost, but also to disciple those who come to know the Lord. Discipleship, is therefore part of the mission of the church. And it matters to God because holiness matters to God. So what does discipleship look like?
What is the mission of the church? Has Jesus given us a mission? And if so, how do we, as a local church, set out on that mission?
You cannot read through the book of Acts and the New Testament and not recognize that Spirit is alive and active in the church. But is that what we should expect today? What are the gifts of the Spirit, and how do we take seriously the command to earnestly seek the gifts?
A church that does not have qualified and dedicated elders and shepherds is a church that is failing in the eyes of the Lord. What is the calling of the elder? What should we strive for in prospective elders? What should we hold our elders accountable to?
How will God deal with the problem of our sinfulness? How can a holy God be united with an unholy people? How can God maintain his justice and his righteousness and let sinners go unpunished? There is only one answer...
In times of suffering, trials, and difficulties, the Lord is near to His people, binding up their broken hearts and providing them with everything they need to follow Him. For these reasons, and most of all for the giving of His own Son, the Lord is worthy to be praised and worshipped with our entire beings.
The New Testament is full of examples of people praying together. And guess what almost always follows that? The mighty working of God. We have been commanded to pray together and if we want to see God work, we cannot neglect that. A Healthy Church Prayerfully Seeks God
The Third Mark of a Healthy Church is that it practices the ordinances. And not only does it practice them, but it practices them Biblically, often, and to the glory of God. Join us as we look at what the Bible says about Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
The second mark of a healthy church is that it preaches the Word of God. God's Word is the ultimate authority in our lives and is sufficient for the believer to be equipped before God. Therefore, the church does not need to look elsewhere for truth, but must simply preach the Word!
This is the first sermon in our series on the Marks of a Healthy Church. This first mark, that the church gathers for worship, is essential for all that follow afterward and is essential to the very nature of the church. Why must the church gather? And what must we do when we gather?
The first words are always important words. In this passage, we have the first recorded words of Jesus, as he visits the temple of God. And Jesus doesn't disappoint!
In this passage, we encounter three examples of faithful followers of God, ranging from a young couple to an old widowed prophetess. How can we be like these disciples and serve the Lord from start to finish?
There have been many people throughout history who have changed the course of history. None compare to the person of Jesus Christ. How did the birth of Christ change everything? Listen and you'll see!
When we put our faith in Christ, is it our expectation that life will be smooth sailing from then on? If God loves us, shouldn't our suffering cease when we turn to him? In this sermon, we look at whether or not God can be trusted in and through our trials.
What should your New Years goal be? Put to death what remains of the old self, and walk in light of the new self that we have been given by Christ. Now how do we do that? Listen and find out!
The gospel offers salvation to us on an individual level. But it doesn't just stop there. It has greater implications than just individual salvation. In the second half of Mary's song, she both reflects on the history of God's work, and looks forward to God's work in and through the church
In this passage, we see the joy that is brought to those who God shows his grace and favour. But we don't always feel joyful as Christians. So how do we grow in joy? How do we rejoice like Mary? We look to Christ!
The announcement of the birth of Christ is surrounded by some unlikely circumstances. God uses people, places, and methods that we wouldn't expect for the long-awaited king. And yet, that is how our God works. Will you let him use an unlikely person like yourself?
God has not sent a prophet to Israel in 400 years. But now, he has finally broken his silence, and the time has come for God to set into motion the beginning of the end of his grand plan of redemption. And it all starts with John the Baptist!
Can we trust what the Bible has to say about Jesus? What is to say that Christian's understanding of him is correct, and others are not? We are going to see that the Gospel of Luke is a historical, trustworthy account of the life of Jesus, and therefore we must give it all our attention as God's Word for our lives.
Why does Jonah not end at chapter 3? Jonah obeys, Nineveh repents, and God relents. Sounds like a perfect storybook ending! Well not exactly. Jonah still has sin in his heart that God needs to deal with. And we, the readers, are confronted with those same sins in our lives. Will we be like Jonah? Or will we be like Jesus?
Chapter 3 begins with Jonah right back where he started. God has given him a second chance at obedience, and in doing so, He is giving Nineveh a second chance at repentance. Will Nineveh repent? What is repentance? How does God maintain his justice and his mercy to those who repent?
Pick up a children’s storybook about Jonah and the majority of them talk about how Jonah repents and asks for forgiveness in the belly of the whale. But does Jonah actually repent of running from God, or is he just thankful he didn’t die? Does Jonah just pay lip-service to the grace of God, or does he actually understand and experience it? Are you like Jonah in any of these ways?
Jonah, for some reason, thinks he can flee from God. He realizes pretty soon the absurdity of his actions and recognizes that only two options are available for him; Repentance or Death. Will his idolatry lead him to death? Will yours?
Everyone and their mother has heard of Jonah and the whale. But the book of Jonah is about far more than just a man and a fish. It is about God's mission, our ineptness, and His grace and mercy. In this sermon, we look at some of the themes running throughout the book.
Paul says that in whatever circumstance he is in, he has learned the secret of being content. We all desire contentment, and we all long for the secret so that no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, we can give thanks to God.
As we finish the book of 1 Peter, Peter gives his final words to his listeners. He encourages them to humble themselves, trust in the Lord, finish strong, and stand firm in the Lord!
Peter takes Old Testament passages and themes and applies them to the church. The church, in Christ, has become the new Israel. Now how do we live in light of the fact that we are priests of God?
It's the age old question, What is love? What does it look like to love one another? What is the source of our love? What are some sins that will kill the love in your life and in your church?
How should Christians relate to the governing authorities that have been placed over them? When do we submit? When do we not submit? Did Peter violate his own command to submit to the government?
An unparalleled cultural crisis demands from the church a hard gaze into Scripture to provide light to the world. As in any conflict, a helpful starting point is to ask: who is in charge around here?
When you make your own righteousness the foundation for your life, Christ is an offensive Rock - yet when you submit to His righteousness, He is life giving.
How can God morally choose who is saved, and who is destroyed in judgement? Because He created everything, says the Scripture.
Christians are certainly called into a battle, but we don't engage in the hopes of gaining our freedom - God adopts us and puts us into the fight as His own children, the reward of which is an eternal inheritance with His Son Jesus Christ. So fight with joy and confidence!
When Jesus died, He redeemed every Christian in all of time, all at once. That holds tremendous assurance for you today.
The Christian life is to believe the gospel, proclaim the gospel, defend the gospel, and embrace the implications of the gospel. This large portion of Scripture describing Jesus' resurrection contains all these realities.
This message shows the great contrast between where we were before God saved us, and where we stand now.
Kevin Shaw demonstrates the abiding use and relevancy of God's perfect Law for the Christian life.
Do you have the same salvation as all the famous people in the Old Testament? Its more important than you might think to know the answer to that question.
Should Christians abide by, follow, and hold to the 10 Commandments after they're saved, or should we move on to a more "simple, New Testament Law"? Paul's answer: "we establish the law"
Why was Jesus' blood spilled? The answer to that question is the difference between life and death for every sinner.
At this pivotal moment in salvation's history, we learn how God overcomes our sinfulness in a moment in history, by extending the righteousness of Jesus to dead sinners through faith. What a hope!
Learn the critical difference between participating in religion, and believing in God for salvation.
The religion of idolatry produces a worship culture of sexual perversion, where the only remedy is a return to true worship.
God reveals His nature and existence through the created world, but instead of giving Him thanks, men in sin push away that knowledge, which leaves us accountable and guilty before God.
Even Paul's introductory greeting in the book contains some of the major seeds of worldview shaping truth to be discovered throughout the book of Romans.
Final sermon from Acts series focusing in on the ultimate reason Jesus came for Israel, and why their rejection has lead to hope for the whole world.
From the summer of 2020, MacArthur speaks to the necessity of the church and the hope of the gospel. We hope this encourages you.
When institutions fall to evil ways, persecution of Christians moves from private plans to public policy.
As the church tries to faithfully follow the pattern, wolves will come, trying to destroy God's people and Jesus' work - but victory is assured by God's provision of courageous elders, governing by the Word of God.
Paul holds an elders' meeting near Ephesus to warn them that wolves will come to destroy the church, and gives them everything they need to defend the sheep.
Part one in a series examining the origin of conflict in the church, and how the church can navigate towards unity through eldership and grace.
How can Christians participate with God in strengthening the City of God, and secure the witness of His life in us? In large part, it is how we invest our money.
Setting the course for 2020 means remember our commitments as a church, the first of which is biblical literacy. In this, we affirm the need for bible saturated thinking, worship, preaching, and education, but we must also negotiate the need for confronting falsehood and deception among God's people.
The climactic conclusion to our Advent 2019 Series puts our eyes upon the vacant throne of David during Israel's anticipation of a king whose reign would never end. To a couple in Bethlehem, an angel said "He shall receive the throne of His father David...".
Am I doing enough to please God? If you have ever asked yourself that question, please take some time to listen to the critical answer God provides.
After being freed from slave, God's people learned how much they would need a trustworthy leader. We are the same, and God provides for us the Good Shepherd.
In advent, we see Messiah not only free us from slavery, but pardon our guilty records of rebellion against God. The result is total forgiveness - words we all need to hear from God: I forgive you.
The curse of sin has wrapped itself around every experience of humanity - find out where it comes from, and how God addresses our pinnacle need through the advent of the Promised One.
God speaks to His people: How long will you wobble between two opinions? We are called to not only believe the Word, but to wield it: taking dominion in the church, in private life, and in wider culture.
When we consider spiritual warfare, there is only one thing that gives us confidence to rush into the heat of battle: its our future hope and security in God's salvation, worn as a helmet.
With the first half of this message audio lost, we learn that Satan's attacks come in the form of temptation to indulge sin, instead of looking to God for the resource to endure. Our faith turns to God saying "I trust you, whatever happens".
This aspect of our armour makes us ready to mobilize, to respond to crisis, and to stand firm under attack. Our shoes must be the right understanding of the gospel of Christ.
This short series will help to open the church's eyes to kingdom warfare in which were engaged. God has given the armour and promised the victory. The enemy is great, but our God is greater.
How the gospel clashes with a pagan worldview. Helps us to get traction in a similar culture where there is no background of Christian worship for most people.
The Christian message persuades people, preserves believers, divides the world, and bears the authority of God. How should we live in that light?
The good news of the gospel also comes with a sober warning to respond, to which some will, while others reject. Yet God's progress is made clear in the midst of every circumstance.
Here is the connection between the promises God made, and how they actually come to us today.
As Paul opens his mouth to encourage the Jews, we find a history of unworthy and unresponsive people to God's goodness. Yet only knowing that reality do we find true courage to trust in God.
Tracing the line between right and proper worship in the church, and the degree to which God uses it powerfully in His plan.
When we come seriously to God, He takes notice and acts powerfully for His own glory. Will we come series to behold and worship God?
Godless political operatives who use the church to garner power are under God's judgement, especially when they aim to put the gospel and Jesus to shame. Peter is broken from prison to spare being displayed before the Jews, and it says a lot about with whom God stands.
Inclusivity is the mark of modern humanity - what does the Bible teach us about being included in God's people? Do we have something to teach the world about true inclusivity?
One crippled man, one dead woman; Peter the Apostle demonstrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ through his interaction with those in each community.
Philip reaches Samaria and meets a man high on his own fame - when the Gospel encounters new frontiers we find a confrontation between two visions of reality.
When the Church faced her first persecution, Jesus lead them abroad to spread the Gospel.
The culmination of a series on walking with Christ and with the local church. Listen to all 4 messages and ask of God, am I living the way You've called me?
This message narrows in on maturity as the collective goal of discipleship in the local church. In short, maturity looks like stability in the truth, and it happens as a group. Don't forget to catch up on the previous two messages in this series if you missed them!
In part 2 of Discipleship 101, we come to understand the great freedom Christ won on our behalf upon His taking the throne of Heaven and how He administers that authority through His Church.
What exactly is a disciple of Jesus? If you want to know, follow along this short series to see how the Bible describes one of those people.
The pinnacle of Stephen's speech lands him amid the rage of his listeners. What could be so offensive about the gospel?
The glorious conclusion to Easter weekend. Discover what God is achieving in the world because of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.
The salvation of Jesus Christ begins with a death; not without tragedy, but much more with purpose and profound effect on humanity. Good Friday 2019.
How can a Christian endure in faith until the end? The big answer is that God preserves us, but what we might not understand is that He does so through actively remaining the object of our worship and obedience.
Moses and the burning bush tells us something unmistakable: that all man's attempts to secure freedom are counterfeit to what only God can do, which is to provide sacred salvation. "Remove your shoes, for the ground upon which you stand is holy". Why? Because God declared His intent to save.
Does the Christian faith preserve the meaning of Moses? In this passage, the promise and judgement are both in view, and are both fully expressed in Jesus Christ.
Tim provides an account of the description facing a minister of the gospel in the church as to his priorities and convictions, and the purpose of it all: to know the riches of the glory of Jesus Christ who is in us.
When we face anxiety or insecurity about our position before God, we do no better than to look at the history of Israel - beginning with Abraham - which answers this question: what does God expect of me?
This is part of the ongoing exploration of what it means to belong to the local church, in partnership with Christ to bring about His mission. His mission is to redeem and reign, ours is to advance liberty in Smiths Falls under His reign. This track includes an introduction to church membership, followed by a Q&A.
When the Church cares for its own, she becomes the city on a hill, the city of God as Jesus noted - and that inevitably leads to a clear witness, even conflict, before the city of man
Growing pains always accompany growth, especially in a spiritually healthy church. But the Apostles wisely use a conflict to establish good working order in the church, and everyone ends up happy and the church grows even deeper and larger.
As God's people grow into a practical community called the Church, God makes an unmistakable statement on the effects of secret sin. The end game is for the Church to exist as a city on a hill, purified of sin and shining into a dark world.
In the face of opposition, the Church comes together for prayer. How, and what they pray is instructive for us today.
Anytime the Church asserts a faithful witness to Christ, there will be legitimate and committed opposition. Who's in?
After healing the paralyzed man, Peter uses the attention to preach the Gospel to the people of Israel.
Christmas Eve Service 2018. The gospel promises freedom from our enemies - the question that remains is, who or what is that?
What does Pentecost mean for human history? It is the day that God sent His Holy Spirit as part of His promise to Israel. The true inauguration of the New Covenant.
In this message, we learn the threefold manner in which the Church of Jesus Christ mediates Jesus' own ministry to the world. Through the lease of prophet, priest, and king, do we see a clear blueprint for ministry.
The concluding episode from our Wise Living series asks: what does wisdom set out to accomplish? Better asked, what does living in God's Kingdom look like, through Jesus Christ?
Episode 02 of the podcast Some Might Say with pastor at Evergreen Chapel, Tim Tysoe in an interview with Ryan Eras of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity (EICC). We discussed the implications of a convention debate from the provincial conservatives in November 2018.
Beneath the surface, the Proverbs yield a powerful apologetic for the existence of God, and how we ought to live in light of that fact. Learn the language of wisdom as an evangelistic tool in your life and church
From God speaking the universe into existence, to the language curse at Babel, to the tongues of fire at Pentecost - The Bible illustrates the essence of life through language. Find out how our speech serves to advance the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Proverbs shed a watchful light on every part of our lives. How we work is a reflection of the reality of God's creativity and His authority over all His creation.
While these passages give grave warning about sexual indulgence, they offer us life to the fullest. Don't be fooled by the messaging of sexual freedom offered by the world - hear God's warning and love for you by living sexually wise lives.
The first installment in our new series WISE LIVING. The Scriptures hang together, and through our study in Proverbs we gain a deeper sense of the covenant blessings we have as the people of God, through the obedience of our Lord Jesus. Call to wisdom lays out wisdom in comparison with foolishness.
The concluding message in FORWARD TOGETHER looks at a universally critical question: what about love? We aren't talking about a generic emotion or a badly manipulated concept, but the truth behind what it means to own genuine love.
As Evergreen Chapel continues our remodel in FORWARD TOGETHER, we turn our attention to serving in the Church, and why it must be rooted in worship of God. At the heart of this passage is the need for the church to commit to a counter-cultural way of life in order to fulfil her call.
Looking ahead to the work to be done at Evergreen, we examine the role and necessity of biblical eldership in a local congregation. Sorry, the first 15 minutes are missing.
Our last message from John's Gospel ends this series in the simplest way possible. Jesus calls to those who believe to follow Him. What that looks like might take different forms in each of us, but its all for Jesus.
This is the dramatic view of the death of Jesus Christ, reminding us that the ultimate work of God was completed through the obedience of Jesus.
The Jews commit their chief error: the outright rejection of Jesus according to His royal title.
Is Jesus a King? What is His Kingdom like? The answer may surpirse you - and the implications are inexhaustible. Don't miss this message on the absolute claims of Jesus Christ.
One faced a servant girl and denied that he knew Jesus. The other faced the authority in Israel and wouldn't take back one syllable He preached. That's the difference John shows us between Peter and Jesus.
Witness the dramatic betrayal and arrest of the Son of God in the Garden of Gesthemane - and find some incredible paralells to another garden the Scriptures describe.
As part of our anniversary, we spent some time drilling down into why we exist as a church, and how we believe we will accomplish the Great Commission which has been assigned us by Jesus.
June 24, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary as a gospel witness in Smiths Falls. For the occasion we examined Paul's exhortation to the Church in light of becoming effective in our personal lives and public witness.