Jesus went to the cross for more than only paying for our sin (rebellion) against God. Jesus' death was an act which Paul said exposed or disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities. These were the spiritual rulers created by God, who also rebelled against God. Jesus' death and resurrection was a demonstration to humanity of there being another way to live than offered by our world. A way of love and sacrifice which evil could not overcome. Do we believe the cross and resurrection of Jesus still has the power to overcome evil, not only in the world, but in our day to day lives?
Upside Down Entrance: Upside Down Messiah #1 Series
Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem was planned. Jesus intended for people to see Him as a King who came in peace, as a fulfillment of the covenant promises of God. Yet, Jesus was not exactly the kind of king the people expected. He claimed creation would cry out with injustice if the people didn't celebrate Him as the King, yet He wasn't coming to destroy the Roman occupiers. He came and wept over Jerusalem knowing how many were going to reject Him as their true King and the cost they would pay because of it. Not the kind of Messiah they expected at all.
Talbot Missions Update
Chuck and Shannon Talbot (and family) have spent the last 14 years serving in the Philippines with Ethnos360 (formerly New Tribes Mission), largely with the Ga'dang people group. As they are now making the transition into a new chapter of life and ministry, Chuck shares how he has seen God's grace and God's plan work through their ministry.
Identity Crisis
Canadian and western society in general over the past decades has shifted in the variety of views on identity, including gender and sexuality. How, as followers of Jesus, do we understand the foundation for our identity as human beings? How should we engage those who views and lifestyles may differ greatly from ours? We will look at the story of the Bible to begin to answer this questions.
The First Martyr - Acts Series #14
Stephen was the first person to die for following Jesus. He was challenged by the religious leadership as being against the Temple and the law of Moses. This became a common challenge of Jews against Christians. Stephen's response to this challenge was striking, bold and instructive for us today. His example of courage, witness and character still inspires.
Spiritual Discernment Acts Series #13
Rumbling of discontent: Discernment is knowing what to do, when to do it and how to do it. God is always speaking to us. Discernment is recognizing the signs of divine messages, marching to the beat of a different drummer (Henry David Thoreau) and knowing the truth.
Taking A Whipping For Jesus Acts Series # 12
Sometime we want God to make things in our lives go well. God; however, has bigger concerns than our comfort. He is looking to bring His message of salvation to others through you…even if it may cost you. What level of discomfort are we willing to go through for Him?
The Cost of Selfish Generosity - Acts Series #11
The account of Ananias and Sapphira can be difficult for us to process. Why would a loving God cause a couple to drop dead over one lie? What we often forget or underestimate is the nature of the holiness of God, our sin and the call on our lives as followers of Jesus to live holy lives.
Unselfish Generosity - Basic Practices #7
Another dynamic of the early church was the voluntary, sacrificial giving of those who had extra financially and materially for those who were in need within the church community. This kind of generosity was a fruit of the unity the church experienced because of their shared faith in Jesus. How do we form the kind of unity that leads to this kind of generosity today?
Evangelism for Normal People - Basic Practices #6
For many followers of Jesus sharing our faith is something most agree is something Christians should do, but many struggle with doing for all sorts of reasons. But what might evangelism for normal people look like? It would and should look like how Jesus did evangelism. How Jesus blessed and invited people into the Kingdom was based out of a foundation that is the same for His followers. Have your Bibles ready to skip through the gospel of John as we look at Jesus' pattern for doing evangelism.