I love God…I prayed a prayer and invited Him into my life…ISN’T THAT ENOUGH?  Some people think that’s all there is,But this week the Apostle Paul shows us the side of the Christian faith which relates to those around us…and our responsibility to one another. 

In Christ we are free - able to choose the path our lives will take.  Does that mean that “anything goes” - we can do whatever we like?  Since we’re saved by faith and not works can’t we “live like the devil” and still get to heaven?  The Apostle Paul addresses these misunderstandings in a pretty strong and powerful way - and in so doing will challenge each of us in how we’re living…and the love we’re showing to others!  

Galatians 3:26-4:7When you look in the mirror, who do you see looking back at you … and how does that affect your life?  This Sunday the apostle Paul will link a key doctrine of Christianity with the answer to those questions as he shows us how God's grace affects who we are … and what we see when we look in the mirror!

Why should a holy God let you into His heaven?  Who is in charge of your life?  How are you being influenced by others in what you think and do?  Those are some of the questions we’ll wrestle with as the Apostle Paul tells us about a fight he had with Peter - the implications of which affect us even today - 2,000 years later!

There's something about getting a gift from someone which seems to bother some people.  It's hard for them to receive it - somehow they feel they have to pay it back in some way.  It's not just with gifts wrapped in paper and ribbon that people struggle. Today, as we begin a new series on "How Great a Salvation", we'll discover how many people struggle with receiving God's gift of forgiveness - and what we can do about it.

Walking by faith - trusting God and never worrying - sounds GREAT, in theory.  But sometimes it’s not that easy to trust…especially when your life gets turned upside down by unexpected trials!  This week it’s Joseph who will give us an example of faith-walking…one that doesn’t come from a book, but rather from his own experience!

A mother and a baby … a manger … God in human flesh - Why?  We know the story.  The beauty and wonder of Christmas moves us.  But why did it have to happen?  Did it really have to happen?  That's what we'll explore as a baby in a manger reveals incredible truths about ourselves and our God!

We all make mistakes - even big ones.  What comes next determines what kind of person we are.  Jesus' story of a run-away son, a loving father, and a condemning older brother will force each of us to decide how we will respond when we encounter failure in our lives or the lives of others.

As we dig into the story Jesus tells us in Luke 16:19 – 31! Many people think, “Sure, we’re all going to die - just don’t remind me of that!”  With that attitude they try to avoid a discussion of critical importance to us both now as well as when our time comes to leave this earth.  Here’s why Jesus told us this story which will force us to come face to face with what happens next - and what we can do now about it!

One of the most well-known and yet difficult to swallow verses in the Bible is, "Eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also", is what we will cover this Sunday. What was the law, 'eye for an eye' for? And how do we become people who can emulate the heart of this verse? 

"Praise God" is a phrase you'll hear in many churches.  We have a time of "praise and worship" in our services.  Many of our songs talk about "Praising Him".  But what do we mean when we say "praise God"?  How do we do it?  Does it only happen in the church building?  And … WHY do we even believe that God should be praised?  Those are the questions we'll explore during this exciting Thanksgiving service!

We're all in a war whether we realize it or not.  Every day a battle rages inside of us … a raging fury so secret that most times our closest friends don't know what's really going on.  The effects of that war … and whether we win, or lose it, will colour every part of our lives for now and eternity.  Here's why Jesus deals so strongly with this as He continues the greatest sermon every preached … and here's why we need to understand today how to come out on the winning end of this battle!

Did you ever have a boss, or a teacher, who was never satisfied with what you did? Is God like that? What does it take to be "good enough" is His eyes that you can relax and celebrate your faith rather than always be striving to be better? This week's installment  of our "Greatest Sermon" series will help answer that.

What is the love of God? Our answer to this and our knowledge of this directly affects our joy and vitality as people of God. Why some disregard it while others delight in it. If we know this love, what are we to do with it? What’s it for? How can we partake of this “precious love”? I encourage you to read to Psalm 36 this week, praying through each verse before you all gather to hear the Word of God.-Sincerely, Pastor Devin

Psalm 37Life can be unfair and sometimes there's nothing you can do about it.  It's times like that which can make us angry and bitter, destroying our souls and robbing us of joy - OR we can follow the advice of King David and be used by God in a powerful way even in the face of injustice!

We all want to be remembered when we leave this earth … we want some claim to "greatness" that will say our lives counted.  But what, or Who, really defines "greatness" … and how do we achieve it in the years we have on this earth? Jesus' teaching on an upside-down kingdom will clue us in to looking at things much differently than we normally do!  

It's money that makes the world go round … right?  Cash, possessions, things - here's what will enrich your life and give you peace and fulfillment! Or will it?  What happens when you get to the top of the ladder - with everything you want - and you're still thinking: "There's got to be something more!" This Sunday it's Jesus who will give us an important lesson on investing our lives in things which will truly satisfy - don't miss out on this investment tip!

Do you ever feel that you're "good enough"?  That God is pleased with you?  Or is the opposite true?  That you're constantly nagged by the thought that you're missing the mark with God and falling short?  What is it that defines "good enough" in God's eyes?  How do we attain this?  Come hear some truths on this subject.

Over the course of this series, we'll explore some of Jesus' teachings which left people back then and now scratching their heads. The first lesson is on judging. We'll learn that "don't judge" is a clear teaching of scripture and yet we make necessary evaluations of other people every day.  What is Jesus telling us when He forbids judgment on others?  How do we avoid the arrogance which can so often cloud our perceptions and fill us with pride?  Come out this Sunday to find out some deep truths on this topic.  

This is a two-part sermon series on the Jealousy of God. This Sunday is about God being jealous for His glory. What does it mean when is God is jealous? What exactly is glory? Doesn't this make God out to be egotistical and self-seeking? And what are ways that we rob God of His glory? Join us this Sunday as we encounter The King of Glory!

last Sunday we looked at what it means to be have peace with God, namely being in right relationship with Him through His Son and to begin to enjoy that peace! This upcoming Sunday we will look at the "peace of God", which is this supernatural enabling of God's Spirit which brings a believer an experience of peace when they need it! How do we have peace in trial, hardship or difficulties? Let's learn together as to what God has revealed in His Word!

How do we look at problems and opportunities is a huge factor in determining whether we succeed or fail in life.  Sometimes our viewpoint fails to factor in the difference God can make in the situation.  That was the case for one of Jesus' disciples 2,000 years ago and what he learned not only changed the way he acted - it becomes the model for us as we seek a new way to look at ourselves, our world, and our church.

A day filled with joy as Christians celebrate the momentous event of Jesus walking out of the grave!  But why is that event so important?  How is something that happened 2,000 years ago supposed to impact us today?  What are we supposed to do with this historical fact?  That's what we'll be exploring Easter morning as we walk in the sandals of several women who came to look at things in a new way.  

Responding to the needs of the world takes a whole lot more than just wringing our hands or even praying.  God has called His people to do something to be part of the answer.  Responding to World Vision's Matthew 25 challenge will show us that bringing mercy and justice to a fallen world will not be easy, but it will make a difference in the lives of others and in our own as well.

Sweatshops and child labour! Oppression of women and children! Religious persecution! Unjust business practices!  It seems like everywhere you turn you encounter a lack of justice and a whole lot of oppression in our world today.  What does God think about all this? What responsibility do we have to live justly and care for those in need?

Does God care about what happens in my bedroom? Why should homosexuals be treated any differently by the church than those who are straight? Haven't the verses in the Bible speaking about this been distorted? This week we'll wrestle with questions like these as we seek to see our sexuality from God's perspective and identify a truthful and caring response.

Have you ever opened your Bible and read some obscure verse or passage and had no idea what it meant?  You're not alone!  Many of us wrestle with the Bible to understand it.  This week we'll look at some useful insights that can help guide your Bible reading and understanding.

This Sunday we start our Q & A series. The bible is the BOOK for Christians but can it be believed?  Where did we get it from? Isn't it filled with errors? Can a book with parts of it written over 3,000 years ago still have anything to say about life today?  The historical and spiritual validity of Scripture is what we'll be wrestling with this week and the answers we'll discover will profoundly affect every area of our life! 

God blessing us means that we get what we want, right?  Isn’t He like Santa Claus, or a genie in a bottle, there to give us whatever we ask for?  Some ancient Jews were of that opinion – but then they learned something which we need to grasp about what God’s blessing really looks like…and how we get it.

As we usher in 2019 we'll be starting a new series called “Bless Me!” - a 4 part series on Haggai exploring the prophet’s four messages to the people and discovering what it takes to receive God’s blessing in our lives. It doesn’t seem fair!  We pray…we ask God for His help and blessing – and then NOTHING HAPPENS!  That’s what was happening to God’s people over 2,000 years ago…and from what they learned we’ll discover a vital truth about receiving God’s blessing in this new year of 2019!

“To obey or not to obey, now that is the question”…and that’s what we’ll be wrestling with this morning as some travelers from the East enter the Christmas story and are presented with the dilemma: Obey the King or obey God.  Sometimes the choices we face about obedience won’t seem as drastic as their choice…but every day we need to choose who we’re going to obey and what price we’re willing to pay to do it.

The excitement of living for God is found in finding out what He’s already up to…and joining Him!  Just imagine what can happen when we join hands with God in changing our world – and He’s the One in control of it all!  That’s what Mary did 2,000 years ago in a rather unique encounter with an angel…and it’s from her story that we discover the joy – and the struggle – of saying “Yes” to God!

With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, the world might be asking us as Christians, “What do you think about this?”. What does Word of God say about this very relevant subject?  

Dig into John 10 as we discover Jesus’ meaning behind the life He offers. What is this life? Do we even have it? How much do we have of it? And how do we gain more of it?

Reflections on Psalm 103

We can live our lives focused on the “giants” which scare us,or focused on God who can be our strength.  What will you choose?

 Last in our “The Church You’ve Always Dreamed Of!” Series talking about what Faith Church must be in order to serve our Lord well

Devin and Jenn Ryckman Testimony

Learning what it takes for Faith Church to be everything God has meant for use to be as a Family

Faithfulness is really what the Christian life is all about

There’s a sense of justice inside of us that rebels at the idea of being picked on because we’re Christ followers.  How dare they…it’s not right…it’s got to stop!  But sometimes it doesn’t stop, and sometimes there’s nothing we can do to stop it – what do we do then?  Peter’s advice to some early Christians is just as relevant today he gives practical advice on dealing with persecution.

A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” – That’s how Christians are described by the Apostle Peter…but it’s probably not what we think of when we look at ourselves in a mirror!  And yet, God’s Word doesn’t lie…there’s something about these descriptions we need to understand, and live out!  

The message of Revelation seems confusing and shrouded in many symbols, signs, and unknowns.  However, the message is really clear, God has a plan, God has made a way, We have free will, We have a choice, God has a final resting for us.  Join us as we start a three part series by Ron Hallman this Sunday. 

God's love for a woman sets an example for us as to understand how to love.  To reconcile to one another. To lift one another up in our faults. To be ambassadors for God toward each other - specifically today for mothers

Life can be tough – ESPECIALLY when you purposefully live for Jesus!  We sometimes think that Christianity is the “easy way,” but some first century believers discovered the exact opposite as their faith and values put them in conflict with their world.  At times like that, how do you remain faithful?  What difference does heaven play as we face things here on earth? 

Is it okay to question the Christian faith?  Aren’t we supposed to just close our eyes to reality and believe?  Are there really answers?  This morning it’s the person who doubted – Thomas – who takes center stage in helping us explore tough questions about what we believe!

Learning the languages of prayer: Information, Request, and Intimacy.

In Christ I have a great future!

It all boils down to a choice: Are we in, or are we out?  Sitting on the fence only works for a while as we try to understand and decide what to do about Jesus…we finally have to make that decision and go one way or the other.  That’s the challenge which Jesus issues to a church 2,000 years ago that was “lukewarm.”  He tells them, and us, to be either hot or cold…all in, or out the door.  How can we make a decision like that?  Will God help us to choose well and live it out?

The line that separates life and death is extremely thin…and it’s crossed in the twinkling of an eye.  At what point can a church or a believer with a reputation being spiritually alive pass from real life into death?  Is it possible for an active, bustling church to really be dead and not even know it?  How does spiritual death creep up on a Christian, and at what point might we recognize it?  Let’s discover some answers as we read an ancient letter from Jesus to Christians in danger of passing away.

The whole idea of life is to get more and more…and have as much fun as we can while we’re doing it…right?  We’ve all read the bumper sticker, “He who dies with the most toys wins” – haven’t we?  But what happens when our Christian faith puts us on a collision course with life’s goal of getting more and more?  What will we do…and how will we choose…when following God leads to difficulty and not prosperity?  Let’s discover what’s really important as we read Jesus’ letters to two ancient churches who were struggling with this decision!

Sometimes we’re so focused on what’s coming next that we forget about what has already happened…and what we need to learn from those events.  An ancient story about twelve stones teaches us an important lesson about how looking back is an important part of moving forward.

Why did Christmas have to happen?  Besides giving us an excuse to blow our budget…and diet…what’s the real reason Jesus was born?  This morning it’s a look at a HUGE PROBLEM shared by every man, woman, and child which provides the backdrop for an understanding of the real reason for this season!

We’ve seen that sometimes God takes us on a zig-zag path toward our goals…the dreams He has put in our heart.  But what happens if we never get to the end of our zig-zag path?  What happens if we become comfortable with the way things are – and never strive to reach our goals?  The experience of an ancient people thousands of years ago teaches us some important lessons about this!

"For God so loved the world…” – that’s the beginning of one of the best known verses in the Bible – John 3:16.  But do we really understand it?  Do we share God’s tremendous love for the 7.4 billion inhabitants of this planet?  Or do we limit our love to people we like…friends and family.  This morning a lesson learned thousands of years ago by an ancient preacher teaches us about sharing the good news of God’s love with EVERYONE! 

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Do you see someone - created by God with special talents, abilities, and resources – who has a “divine agenda” given by God Himself for making an eternal difference in our world?  That’s who the Bible says you are…but do you believe it – is that what you see?

The Christian church is “counter-cultural” in many ways – different from the rest of society.  Here at Faith Church, trying to be an intentionally intergenerational family is one of the ways we’re doing things differently.  But why do we do this?  Is it really necessary that we be a family where old and young can worship and serve their Father TOGETHER?  Are there any benefits from this approach?

 VALUE: “We will give priority to developing meaningful relationships within the Faith Family.”- What’s so bad with being a “Lone Ranger” Christian?  Why do I have to bother investing time and energy in building meaningful relationship with others in the church family?  How do I build “togetherness” – and what does it look like?

Christianity is a “team sport.”  Our goal is not just to get to the “finish line” – heaven – by ourselves…it’s to also help others to join us there!  But what happens when those around us struggle in their faith?  What’s our responsibility to those who turn away or fall into sin?  James helps us to find answers to those questions as he wraps up his very practical letter on Christian living!

“More!”– It’s one of the most addicting words in the human language.  People will devote their lives, their health, and even their families to seeking to get more things – and at the end, they’ll find themselves empty and hollow.  James helps us see the lies hidden within the pursuit of “More” – and how to avoid them, as we continue our study of Practical Christianity.  

Ron Hallman continues his series on searching with a sermon on our personal worth

“But I WANT it!” is not just the cry of a petulant three year old. We as well can be pretty headstrong in what we want and what we’re willing to do to get it – even when it means ignoring what our Father has to say. No wonder James is so strong about our need to humble ourselves before God and submit to His will…trusting that our Father knows best!

Not all “wisdom” is the same!  One form produces peace and godliness…the other brings hurt and pain.  But how can you discern between the two?  They both sound so “right” when we first hear it.  James helps us this week to wrestle with this important subject as he shows us the qualities of true wisdom.

It’s easy to “talk a good talk” when it comes to the Christian faith.  We can know the right things to say…but do we ever put those things into practice?  Today James challenges us to align our actions and our words – living out our faith in very practical and caring ways.  But that’s hard to do – it’s a lot easier to just talk about it – why should we?

Most of us KNOW what we’re supposed to do, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to get done!  Standing in the middle between knowing and doing is wanting – and that’s where many of struggle.  We know what’s right and good, we just don’t want to do it.  James helps us wrestle with this reality of life as he challenges us to live out our faith even when we would rather not!

This Sunday we start a new series on the book of James. None of us enjoy trials…we’ll do almost anything to avoid them!  And yet they show up anyway in our relationships, work, finances, health – practically everywhere.  Christianity doesn’t promise to take all our problems away, but it does tell us how our faith can help us to find joy – even in the worst of situations!

Loving others “like Jesus loves us” – even to the point of laying down our lives for others – that’s not what most of us think of when we profess our love for someone.  Who in their right mind would want to love with that kind of love?  What in the world would motivate us to do this? 

It is common in our day to think that how we live our lives really doesn’t matter as we know God. God and sin can go together because – after all – isn’t God the “friend of sinners”.  This isn’t a new idea. It started way back in the early church…and the Apostle John takes it on in the section of his letter that we’ll be looking at today as he talks about what it means to walk in the light!

Are you ready for an awesome study of one of the most endearing books of the New Testament?  This Sunday we start a multi-week, verse-by-verse study of I JOHN…”REAL FAITH”…by looking at I John 1:1 – 4 – “More Than Just a Fairy Tale!”  This ancient letter is just as relevant for us today as it was back then as the Apostle John calls believers to a standard of moral, social, and theological purity unheard of in society back then…or even today!  Come prepared to be encouraged, and challenged, but God’s Word as His Spirit looks deep within us, helping us to see where we’re at in living for Him.

What do you do when your world comes crashing in? How do you keep going when it seems that everything you believed in has fallen apart? A crisis experienced by one young couple 2,000 years ago teaches us timeless truths about faith…and trust…and holding tightly to our God.Matthew 1:18-25Luke 1:26-38

Christmas is a time when we marvel at the Son of God in a manger and celebrate the proclamation of “Emmanuel – God with us.”  But do we realize that God is with us all the time?  2,000 years ago three groups respond to the message of God’s coming – and today we look at our response.  Fear?  Apathy?  Or worship?   

Christianity, at least the way Jesus describes it when He says “Deny yourself and take up your cross,” is definitelyinconvenient.  Why would we ever want to do this?  What would doing this look like in our daily lives?  This morning the Apostle Paul helps us get a handle on these important questions as he talks about the what, and why, of paying the price to follow Christ.

What do you do when your best friend is speeding toward a cliff in some area of their life?  What do you say?  Do youjust ignore the problem, knowing that they’re going to crash and burn? This Sunday, as we complete our “Body Life” series, we’ll deal with one of themost important, yet difficult, parts of being a friend – challenging others.

Division is a powerfully destructive force in relationships.  In the home, the church, amongst friends –misunderstanding and hurt feelings can drive people apart.  What does it take to stay united with others – even when we’re so different in so many ways? What role does our faith in God play in this?Passage:  Romans 15:1-7Speaker:  Rich Kopanke

Sometimes we can't do it all alone - we need those around us!  God understood that, and invented something we call the "church".  This Sunday we start a series exploring how God designed the church to help us in our journey through life ... and what we need to do to make this a reality!

Zechariah 8: 15-23 – right relationships God’s heart for everyone is seen here as he guides them into right a better relationships with each other; rebuilding as a nation is also about rebuilding as a community of people relating to each other. 

Israel is returning from exile and is looking for leadership as it rebuilds.  This Sunday, we start a three part series with Pastor Ryan which will focus on the change God is calling for in the restoration of His people.  Right repentance - beyond our asking for forgiveness; what is a more right understanding of repentance?  God is calling His people to not only learn from the past but be honest with themselves about the consequences of their actions.

What does God really expect of us? Isn't a little bit of Christianity better than nothing at all? We're busy people, with a whole lot of different passions and interests. Shouldn't God be glad for the little part of our time and passion that He does get? What more could He want? Join us this Sunday as we expose deadly lies and discover truth which will help us view our lives from a new perspective.

We conclude our verse by verse study of Paul's letter to his friends in Phillippi

It's not good enough to start out well as a Christian - we need to also end well!  Paul is vividly aware of this as he shares his heart, and encourages his friends, to do what it takes to live their lives well for God and achieve the goal - the purpose - for what God has them here on this earth.  We do well to hear Paul's heart, and listen to his advice, as we strive to live cheerfully in a challenging world!

If we are going to live a cheerfully in a challenged world then we need the help of others! And yet, it's often " others" that we the most problems with. Those close to us can get under our skin and frustrate us to no end. 2000 years ago the Apostle Paul understood that problem-and provided some sage advice to some folks who at the time where bickering. Times have changed...but his advice is still as good today as it was back then!

“Blessing” means that things are going to go well for us – right? We’ll be rich, famous, comfortable? And yet as Jesus opens His “Sermon on the Mount” He puts an entirely different spin on things as He talks about the poor in spirit, meek, mourners, persecuted – and calls them “blessed”! What is it about even difficult things which God can use to bring blessing

Have you ever gotten yourself so mixed up that you don’t know which way is up anymore? Many of us have done this when it comes to understanding God’s blessing in our lives – we’ve got things totally turned around! Fortunately, the author of Psalm 67 has things figured out…and he helps us understand why God chooses to bless us like He does – and what we should do as a result.

EASY or HARD? The decision seems to be a “no-brainer.” And yet, choosing the easy way through life has consequences which will affect us for a very, very long time. Jesus talks to us about this…and about how the decision we make will show itself through our actions…as he describes for us two roads we can take.

Money is a huge part of our lives – and a constant focus of many people’s thoughts. This Sunday Jesus gives us some investment advice that you’ll never hear from your broker…but which will ensure that you get the most “bang for your buck”!