Join us today while we discuss some background on "All Saints Day," a liturgical holiday in which we recognise all of those good and faithful servants that have come before us, paving a way for us to continue in the ways of faith and a deep spiritual life. Often, when we talk about end times, we think of chaos, cinematic scenes filled with drama and billowing smoke. Advertisers love to play on these images and talk about the end times of relationships, states of the economy and social eras as being harkened by horsemen of various sorts. However, when we look at the end times, it can be exceedingly powerful to look toward those who have come before us, and laid the groundwork for us to live lives of faith and stewardship. We can be inspired by the legacies of faith created by the lives of those that came before us.
Evangelism and Discipleship - October 17th, 2021 (Sermon)
All of us are drawn to success. We want to see our lives, families, and fortunes multiply. Churches today will often use this desire as a means of attracting people to their congregation, but what does the Bible have to say about discipleship and evangelism? When Jesus is confronted by two of his disciples, and asked to give them the two highest positions that they could occupy, Jesus responds by saying that the outcome is not his to give, but they surely can endure the trial that he will soon endure. Jesus tells us that there may not be any glory in it, but we are given the opportunity to offer hardwork, give, care, stand up for those in need and give our lives in service. This may not be a new car or a beautiful mansion, but it is a way of being that lifts others up and makes the world a better place for everyone.
Thank you for joining us.
Divorce and the Law of Moses - October 3, 2021 (Sermon)
Marriage and the responsibility that accompanies the commitments we make to each other are complex and deeply fulfilling. The Bible comments on the nature of these commitments in such a way as to highlight their sacred nature and how important it is that we are true not only to ourselves, but to those that put their trust in us. Today we are going to look at why it is that in both the Old Testament and New, we are encouraged to hold these vows with the highest degree of care, and how compassion for each other in our modern era allows us to live more fully in Christ's injunction to love each other. Thank you for joining us!!
Embracing the Struggle: Frustration - September 26th, 2021 (Sermon)
This is the final part of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy." In the midst of all of our lives, we must confront expectations that we have of others and the world around us. Without realising it, we walk into situations every day filled with expectations about how we should be treated or interact with each other, but it is an all too familiar feeling that these expectations are not met and then we leave frustrated, not knowing what to do or where to turn. How do we have conversations with each other about our expectations? How do we have conversations with God about our expectations? King David expresses this in the Psalms and we are given clues about how to handle these complex feelings we must all confront.
Psalm 39 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. 1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” 2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.[b] 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath. 12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. 13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
Embracing the Struggle: Doubt - September 5th, 2021 (Sermon)
This is part one of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy." In this sermon, we will explore the experience of faith, how God's presence is powerful enough to withstand tough questions, and how "The Dark Night of the Soul" can help us embrace the beautiful mystery of God. Thank you for joining us!
The Action of Love - August 29th, 2021 (Sermon)
Our lives are filled with moments that demand us to demonstrate love to one another, but in an increasingly fast-paced, disconnected world it can be difficult to know what to do. Join us as we explore what the Bible says about living in love!
"Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers[...]" James 1:22