• Become A Blessing
    Oct 13 2024

    Pastor Ian explores the pivotal moment in Genesis 12:1-3, where God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. This call marks a significant shift from Abram’s past, symbolizing a break from his family’s pagan traditions and the beginning of a new lineage blessed by God. He discusses the importance of surrendering to God’s will, drawing parallels to Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 10:37-39 about prioritizing one’s relationship with God over familial ties.

    Pastor Ian further discusses the concept of being a blessing to others, as highlighted in Genesis 12:2-3, challenging us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can be a blessing to those around us, not just within our comfort zones but also in broader, more challenging contexts.

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    35 mins
  • Hurry Up & Wait
    Oct 6 2024

    Looking at Luke 11:5–13 and Luke 18:1–8, Pastor Joni delves into the importance of persistent prayer. She illustrate how we can boldly approach God with our needs, trusting in His responsiveness emphasizing that waiting on the Lord does not mean passive inaction, but rather an active, expectant faith. Joni also unpacks the true meaning of biblical patience, which is about persevering in purpose rather than simply remaining calm.

    Throughout, she encourages the congregation to maintain a vibrant relationship with God, persistently bringing their requests before Him, confident in His care and provision. This sermon offers a powerful message about the transformative power of unwavering, faith-filled prayer.

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    39 mins
  • Saltiness Unto The Lord
    Sep 29 2024

    Pastor Ian explores salt in the context of Mark 9:33-50, emphasizing the importance of humility, service, and purity in the Christian life. Pastor Ian reflects on the disciples’ argument about greatness and Jesus’ response that true greatness comes from being a servant to all, including children. He discusses the metaphor of salt, highlighting its role in purification and preservation, and how losing one’s “saltiness” equates to losing one’s spiritual integrity and effectiveness.

    Pastor Ian also addresses the challenges of sin and the need for radical measures to avoid it, and how true discipleship involves both personal sacrifice and communal harmony.

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    40 mins
  • Unintended Diversion
    Sep 22 2024

    Pastor Joni explores how it's easy for us to become distracted in our spiritual lives and wander off the path that Jesus has set for us.

    She discusses the importance of receiving the kingdom of God with childlike faith and simplicity, as well as the challenge of denying ourselves and fully following Jesus, even when it requires giving up things we value.

    Pastor Joni calls on us to examine our lives to see what God may be asking us to deny or give up in order to follow Him more closely.

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    36 mins
  • Aren't You With Him?
    Sep 15 2024

    Pastor Ian explores the theme of denial in the Christian faith, focusing on Peter’s denial of Jesus as depicted in John 13:36–38. He discusses how denial can manifest in rejecting, withholding, or disowning, and draws parallels between biblical examples and modern-day actions of Christians. Political and social pressures influence how Jesus’ teachings are interpreted and followed. Pastor Ian emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus fully and highlights the possibility of restoration through Jesus, using Peter’s story as a key example.

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    34 mins
  • What's In A Name
    Sep 8 2024

    Pastor Joni discusses the significance of names and how God reveals Himself through various names in the Bible. Names reflect relationships and identities, and God wants to be known intimately by His people.

    Pastor Joni explores the meaning and importance of God's names, such as Elohim, Yahweh, and the many Jehovah names that describe His character. She also discusses how God changes people's names in the Bible to reflect their new identities, like Jacob becoming Israel.

    The central story is about Jacob's encounter with God, where he wrestles with God and receives a new name. This represents how God desires to transform us, even through painful experiences, to align us with His purposes and bless us, and the depth of God's desire to be in a personal relationship with each of us.

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    49 mins
  • To Choose Is To Love
    Sep 1 2024

    Discover the untold layers of Samson’s story beyond his legendary strength and bravery. Join us as we explore how his life challenges us to understand true love and divine purpose in our own lives.

    We delve into the story of Samson, exploring his life as a Nazirite and the complexities of his character. We look Samson’s struggles with his vows, his impulsive actions, and how his story reflects broader themes of human fallibility, divine plans, and the nature of true love. We also examine how Samson’s life serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys, emphasizing the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will and the transformative power of love.

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    43 mins
  • A Different Kind of Different
    Aug 25 2024

    Join us as we uncover the extraordinary story of Samson’s birth—a tale of divine promise, unwavering faith, and the beginning of Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines. Discover how a barren woman became the mother of a Nazirite, and what this ancient story teaches us about God’s unexpected interventions in our lives. Are we ready to say ‘yes’ to God’s call, even when it leads us down a path of sacrifice and challenge? Pastor Ian looks at the biblical narrative from Judges 13, focusing on the miraculous birth of Samson. The story begins with the Israelites once again turning away from God, resulting in their subjugation by the Philistines for forty years. Amidst this turmoil, an angel of the Lord appears to Manoah’s barren wife, announcing that she will conceive a son who will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This child, Samson, is to be a Nazirite from birth, adhering to strict vows that set him apart for God’s service.

    We explore the implications of these vows, the faith and obedience required from Samson’s parents, and the broader message of God’s rescue plan, which often comes in unexpected ways. The narrative challenges us to reflect on our own faith journeys, the sacrifices we are willing to make, and the unique ways God calls each of us to serve.

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    46 mins