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Why Jesus, Only Jesus? (Does Roman Catholic Doctrine Lead to Salvation?)
Turn with me to Hebrews 1 and we’re going to read some scriptures there about the supremacy of Jesus. The whole message of Hebrews is an argument about how Jesus is better than anything and anyone. The people who first heard this message were Jewish Christians who were under a lot of growing…
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How Do I Experience The Power of God? (HC:LD18c)
Imagine following in the footsteps of Moses – how huge a task that would be. Moses is probably the most important person in the Old Testament. It was through Moses that the nation of Israel was delivered from Egypt. It was Moses that led and judged the people for decades. It was Moses…
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Why Did Jesus Leave? (HC:LD18a)
A Farewell Address in the Upper Room On the night before Jesus went to the cross, He had a lot of things to say to His disciples in the Upper Room. Matthew, Mark and Luke give some of the story like what Jesus said and did, but it is the Gospel of John,…
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Jesus Rose From the Dead? So What!? (HC:LD17B)
Last week we looked at 1 Corinthians 15 in light of how critical the resurrection of Jesus Christ is to not only Christians but to the very meaning of life itself. We read it last week during the Easter service and I said that we’d be revisiting it today because there’s more to…
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The Resurrection is EVERYTHING. (HC:LD17a)
A lot of us are like those two followers walking down the road to Emmaus. They start out, perplexed, anxious, disappointed in how things have turned out, confused about God’s plan, talking to one another about things they don’t understand, and hoping that if they keep walking away, that somehow they will…
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EPIC (for Palm Sunday)
Chapter 1: The Beginning “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) This is the start of our story. Notice how I said that it’s the start of our story. Not the beginning of The Whole story. Just our part. God is eternal, existing before there was either heaven…
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Lord, Is This Normal? (Jesus, Founder and Perfecter – HC:LD16)
When doing any kind of experiment or making any kind of change, you need to establish a “baseline”, a starting point that serves as the one, known point of measurement that everything else will be compared to. Whether you’re studying climate change, time zones, altitude, typography, medicine, or physics, you need somewhere to…
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Lent & The Beatitudes (Lent 2019)
“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the…
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Jesus: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord? (HC:LD14)
*Sorry, no audio this week. 😞 * One of the people in that video, the artist, Makoto Fujimura said that at one point in his life Jesus became real to him. He said, “This historic figure was no longer just this historical figure… and he wanted to reveal himself to me in a way I…
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Why is Jesus Called “Only Begotten Son” and “Lord”? (HC:LD13)
The question we’ve been answering for the past few weeks is “Who is Jesus?” We’re going through the Heidelberg Catechism, which, at this point, is taking us through a line-by-line, word-by-word study of the Apostles Creed, the oldest and most reliable summary of Christian beliefs we have. It goes all the way back…
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Why is Jesus Called “Christ”? (HC:LD12)
Turn with me to Mark 8:27-33. This scripture occurs in the final year of Jesus’ earthly ministry as His focus has grown more steadily towards His journey to Jerusalem and the cross. He has already gathered His disciples and they have been with Him for a couple years. He has already done much travelling…
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Why is Jesus called “Jesus”? (HC:LD11)
“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins…
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Jesus of the Advent Candles
Over the past while our church has been going through a study of the Heidelberg Catechism, a 400-year-old summary of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. When we paused for Christmas a couple weeks ago we were only on Day 8, but we’ve already covered a LOT of material. We covered the bad…
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Awesome Wrath, Amazing Grace (Thanksgiving)
Audio: Text: How many here have Instagram? I do. I’m pretty much done with Facebook these days, and I’ve mostly shifted over to Instagram. I like it a little more because it’s a little more dumbed down. There’s not as much going on in the feed as there is on Facebook. It’s just a…
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Why Do Christians Serve Others? (Volunteer Appreciation Sunday)
Audio: Text: Macy’s story is packed with some wonderful truths. First, that we never really know what’s going on in people’s lives, do we? We are pretty amazing at covering up our feelings and putting on a brave face for the world. Macy cried herself to sleep every night but didn’t want to share…
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Believe in Jesus (HC:LD7a)
Audio: Text: Turn with me to John 3:16-21 and we’ll read it together. We talked about this passage a little bit last week when I highlighted the exclusivity of the claims that Jesus was making as being the only one to have faith in, the one and only way path to forgiveness and restoration…
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The Nature of Christ (HD:LD6)
Audio: Text: I heard an ad on the radio for the Canadian Legion that started with something like, “Think of all the things you enjoy in life, like summer fun, going out with your family, kissing your kids goodnight. We can take these things for granted because a veteran didn’t. They fought so we…
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A Mighty Mediator (HC: LD5)
Audio: Text: The more I study the Heidelberg Catechism, the more I like it. It appeals to me on so many levels – it’s beautifully written, theologically rich and complex, but is also laid out in such a logical way that it’s very readable and straightforward to follow. I wish that I had been…
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The LAW of God (HC: LD2)
Audio: Text: If you recall last week, question 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism told us how a Christians greatest comfort is found in life and in death is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, and then question 2 asked, ““What do you need to know in order to live and die in the…
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The Most Important Day
Audio: Text: If you were to ask people what their favourite day of the year is, you’ll get a lot of answers. For some, it’s a holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving or Halloween. For some, it’s tied to a cultural festival like New Years or Hanukkah or Cinco De Mayo. Others are more personal…
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Advent Devo: Jesus The King (by Steve) (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 105)
This week Steve shares some scripture and devotional thoughts about Jesus as the Coming King. Advent is a special time of year when Christians remember the incarnation of the Son of God at Christmas and prepare our hearts for the time when Jesus will come again. As we’ve done each year, Carnivore Theology is…
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God’s Plan of Salvation Shakes Our World
*Sorry, no audio this week. People, as much as they are creatures of habit, are also addicted to novelty. I think it’s part of the coming of sin in the world that humans not only hate change but we get bored if things stay the same for too long. Have you noticed this? We…
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How to Find Hope When Hopelessness Strikes
Audio: Text: Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament and shines like a beacon in a dark place. And those who first heard it really needed a beacon because even though things weren’t at their darkest, it still wasn’t a great time in the life of Israel. Malachi was a prophet that…
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The Good News (Why The Resurrection Means Everything)
Audio: Text: The Gospel Truth Today I want to talk about the “Gospel”. That word has been hijacked a bit by our culture so I want, at the outset, to clarify what that word even means. The term “The Gospel Truth” has actually become an idiom in our culture – meaning a group of…
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EPIC: How Christians View History
Audio: Text: This morning, in the light of Palms Sunday, I want to talk about the history of the world — from the beginning to the end — the story of God and humanity. Chapter 1: The Beginning Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This is the start…
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Christians & Depression IV: The Truth
Audio: Text: Ok, just for fun we’re going to start today with a True or False test of some random questions I found around the internet: Approximately one-quarter of human bones are in the feet. (True – 52 bones in the feet and 206 in the whole body.) In ancient Rome, a special room…
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Christians & Depression III: Jesus Knows How You Feel
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: We’ve been talking for the past few weeks about Mental Illness and Depression, something that is all too common in our community. We’ve talked about what Depression is, what causes it, and a bit of what it’s like to live with it. Last week we talked about the stigma of…
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Christians & Depression II: Fighting The Stigma
*Sorry, no audio. Tattoos & Human Branding I don’t have any tattoos, but I know lots of people who do – and a few that don’t have one yet but want one. As far as the Bible goes, there’s no problem with getting or having a tattoo, so long as it’s not done in…
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Christians & Depression: A Few Things Your Pastor Wants You to Know
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: Well, we took down the Christmas decorations at home this week. No more tree, lights, or socks on the wall (nothing says Christmas like decorating the wall with fancy socks you’ll never wear, right?). The socks have been replaced with our standard portrait, the tree has been boxed up and…
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Yes, Christians Believe in the Virgin Birth (And No, We’re Not Crazy)
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: Doctor Luke Tonight we’ve read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. Luke, the man whom the gospel was named after, was Greek Gentile (or non-jewish), who was trained as a doctor. He was a friend to the ailing Apostle Paul and accompanied him on some of his missionary…
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If Jesus is My Saviour, Why Don’t I Feel Saved?
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: Tigger & Eeyore Have you ever met a super-happy person? One of those folks that just seems to have a good attitude all the time, glowing about life, full of energy, optimistic about the future? I’ve met a couple of them, though not many. They’re awesome to be around because…
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Love: An Advent Reflection from Chad (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 83)
Chad gives us some Advent reflections the love of Jesus Christ. Podcast Audio:
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What God is Doing When We’re Not Looking
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: We read a scripture last week from the Isaiah 8-9 and I want to take this week to revisit one of those verses. Open up to Isaiah 9:6-7 and let’s read it together again. Last time we emphasized verses 1-5, as we discussed God coming as the child Jesus, making…
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Hope: A Christmas Reflection from Steve (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 82)
Steve gives us some reflections on Advent hope. Podcast Audio:
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A Christmas Perspective on “The Worst Year Ever”
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: Maybe I spend too much time on the internet, but there seems to be a fair consensus that 2016 wasn’t anyone’s favourite year. Political insanity, environmental disasters, racial tension, war, famine, terrorism, genocide… plus Alan Rickman and Gordie Howe died… argh. It was kind of a lousy year. I’ve personally…
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What Are Christians Allowed To Do? (or “Don’t Let Imaginary People Tell You What to Do”)
Sermon Audio: Handout / Small Group Questions: Own Your Why – What Are Christians Allowed To Do – Handout.PDF Sermon: Sin Ruins Everything Culture presents to us a whole lot of options for things to do, but as Christians who want to do all things to the glory of God we often struggle to…
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God’s Temple: The Church Needs To Stay United – OR ELSE!
Let’s start with a quick review and then close of the section of 1 Corinthians 3 that we’ve been studying for the past few weeks. If you recall, we’ve been looking at Paul’s threefold illustration to describe why the Christian church needs to ensure that they remain united. Remember that in this section Paul…
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How to Give a Christian Testimony (Carnivore Theology – Ep. 74)
Chad, Steve and Al are finally back together and talking about the pluses and minuses of the modern testimony movement and the best ways to share your personal faith journey — and things to avoid while doing it. Podcast Audio How Can You Help Carnivore Theology? 1. Pray for us! 2. Subscribe and rate us…
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5 Reminders for Students (Carnivore Theology – Ep. 73)
Whether you’re going into High School, College, University or Post-Grad, Pastor Al gives some important reminders to students returning to school this semester. 1. Guard your reputation. 2. Remember why you’re there. 3. Find a good church. 4. Keep your devos going. 5. Try to find balance. Podcast Audio: How Can You Help Carnivore…
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How To Pray Better (Carnivore Theology Season 3 Begins!!! – Ep.71)
Why is prayer so difficult sometimes and what are some practical ways to become better at it? Our first episode of Season 3 kicks off with one of the most important topics we could think of: prayer. Podcast Audio: Book Recommendations: The Hour that Changes the World – Dick Eastman The Book of Common Prayer…
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Forbidden Fruit: Why We Keep Changing What We Believe About Who God Is and What He Has Said
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about how important it is for us to realize that we don’t have the right, or the need, to make up things about who God is or what God wants, because He has already told us everything we need to know. All through scripture, we are…
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God’s Plan For Your Life is Revealed Not Discovered (Stop Looking, Start Listening)
If you remember last week, we learned that regardless of what the multitudes of unbelievers in this world think, there really is objective truth and objective morality, and those things were written long, long ago by God Himself. And therefore, despite all of the dramatic changes of opinion which seek to envelop us, and all…
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Christians and “The Wrong Side of History?”
A lot of people are very concerned about being on “the wrong side of history” these days. They’re terribly worried about being “stuck in the past” and spend a lot of time thinking about how they can be assured that they will be remembered by historians as being on the “right side” when it’s…
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When “Count Your Blessings” Isn’t Good Enough (How to Give Thanks in Every Situation)
Somehow this sermon got missed in the shuffle, so it’s a little our of order and the illustrations are a little dated. Sorry! Every year I watch the SuperBowl. It’s the only football game I watch all year long. I don’t watch the CFL or the NFL at all. I don’t keep track of…
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Listener Questions from the Mailbag: Magic Handkerchiefs, Bacon & Guns (Carnivore Theology. Ep 70)
What’s the deal with prayer handkerchiefs? Are there rules for what Christians should eat? Can a Christian carry a gun? Chad returns from his special assignment to help Al and Steve answer some listener questions. Podcast Audio: Behind-The-Scenes: How Can You Help Carnivore Theology? 1. Pray for us! 2. Subscribe and rate us on…
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The World’s Most Dangerous Idea (Easter Sermon)
Festival of Dangerous Ideas Today is Easter Sunday, the day that the Christian church has set aside for hundreds of years – dating back to the third century – to celebrate and remember the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! This event is the single most important event in the history of humanity! To…
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Why We Don’t Pray More (and How to Start!)
Most of you who have been here for the whole series knows that the book of Habakkuk is essentially a prayer conversation between God and one of his priests. Habakkuk’s country is going through some difficult times and as he’s bringing his concerns to God, the Lord inclines to answer him – in surprising…
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Life Sucks Then You Die
Please open up to Habakkuk 2, and as you get there let me give you a quick reminder of what we’ve covered so far. Quick Review Habakkuk is a book that show us a conversation between God and one of his prophets about the incredibly sinful things he’s seeing around him. His whole nation…
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A Carnivore Christmas Devo with Steve (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 58)
We’re continuing our annual advent tradition by taking some time to give some personal, devotional reflections on the season. Steve, Chad and I thank you for listening this year and hope you have a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas. Podcast Audio: How Can You Help Carnivore Theology? 1. Ask us a question in…