Central Baptist Message Archive

Marked By Worship - Rev 14

2012-02-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Feb 5, 2012 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #17
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

We are changed by what we choose. Examples are abundant; relationships, education and pleasure all fit the pattern. What we choose shapes us. Revelation 14 confirms this pattern. The gospel is presented as the open call of God to return to him, but there is an alternate competing and life shaping choice to be made, which marks and ultimately claims all who choose it. Revelation 14 concludes with two diametric outcomes: a harvest for the righteous and a harvest for the wicked. We learn that our choices matter.

Endurance and Faithfulness - Revelation 13

2012-01-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

Jan 29, 2012 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #16

David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Revelation 13 contains one of the most recognizable images of the book of Revelation, the beast and the mark of the beast, 666. We must remember that while this book and this chapter speak about the past and the future, they also help us define how to live today. Beastly forces are alive in this world today. We must learn to recognize the beasts and live with endurance and faithfulness.

The Cosmic Battle - Revelation 12

2012-01-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

Jan 22, 2012 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #15

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

A woman, a dragon, and a child are characters in the vision that John sees in Revelation 12. The call of Revelation, “LOOK!” or “SEE!”, comes to us once again. And it rivets not only our attention but our emotion as we see the action. It is a vivid vision; and like the dreams of our sleep, we are not just watching but we find ourselves in it. As the scene unfolds we discover how to win: “and they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death…”

Witness that Changes the World - Rev 11

2012-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

Jan 15, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #14
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

This chapter in Revelation is a description of realism, result and requirement for the Church of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the story of the Church in an unexpected way. He describes the Church as part of a field in which good (church) and bad (Satan’s counterfeit) seed is sown. The same environments or conditions produce diametric results: good fruit and bad. The Kingdom of God is in collision with the Kingdoms of Evil. Revelation describes the ongoing work of the church. It will not be easy; the outcome is fantastic and the condition is the display of our faith.

Reversed Thunder - Rev 8-11

2012-01-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Jan 8, 2012 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #13
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Sandwiched into the visual accounts of God‘s judgment are several comments that shape the Christian‘s world view. Revelation 9:20-21, and 11:18 are two of these mind shaping texts. In them we are given the reason for God‘s progressive judgments and the cause behind his just anger. God opens the stage of his actions in Revelation and as we understand His plan, purpose and outcome flowing from his righteous love for mankind and his creation, justice not only makes sense, but it moves us. The outcome of understanding God is that we fall before him in worshiping prayer, ―reversed thunder.

Christmas Message

2011-12-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Dec 25, 2011 AM
Dave Marttunen

Audio

A reason for Joy has been our December theme. Joy is deeper, higher and better than happiness. Happiness is rooted in outcome, while joy is rooted outside circumstance in the soil of grace, belonging, acceptance, and value. God wanting us, choosing to redeem us, adopting us, and maturing us fuels our Joy. The easiest way of summarizing our Joy is in a single name—Jesus. He is our reason for Joy! Merry Christmas! Thinking about
Jesus fuels your joy.

Made to Measure

2011-12-21T12:23:00.001-08:00

Dec 18, 2011 AM
Dave Marttunen

Audio

Every newspaper has them—coupons. You can buy books of them that promise great stuff at a fraction of the cost. Coupons fit whatever product is advertised. If you clip and carry the coupon to the store, you get real stuff. Coupons redeemed products. Coupons have real value. For Christians, coupons are a great way of understanding grace. There is no cost to the one using the coupon because someone else is paying the price. Today in our series, “A Reason for Joy”, we will consider the grace coupon offered to us in the Bible. God's coupon is Jesus, our made to measure Messiah.

Bringing Joy to Life

2011-12-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Dec 11, 2011 AM
Guest Speaker
Phil Callaway

Audio

Sermon Questions will resume Jan 8

This morning we warmly welcome Phil Callaway and his wife Ramona! He is an award winning author and speaker known worldwide for his humorous yet perceptive look at life. We look forward to hearing from Phil this morning as he shares, “Bringing Joy to Life”, from James 1:1-12.

Putting the Awe Back in Awesome God

2011-12-06T15:45:00.001-08:00

Dec 4, 2011 AM
Reason for Joy #1
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Some messages have the power to form, reform and transform those who receive them. Think about what the Doctor says: lose weight or you will have diabetes. That message is given to you in order to reform your life. If followed, this medical message will transform you from being at risk to being healthy. As the message is believed, it will inform the rest of your life. Use this idea in our faith. Is the message of Jesus, which the Bible claims to be the power of God (Romans 1:16), reforming, transforming and informing our lives? What are the marks or indicators that it’s working? One of the fruits of spiritual transformation is joy and this introduces our Bible messages over the next Sundays in December, ―A Reason for Joy‖, based on Galatians 4:1-7. Joy is a clear indicator of ongoing spiritual transformation. Joy cannot be pursued; it ensues. Joy follows the process of spiritual reformation in the same way that a flower follows a plant, or a fruit follows from a flower.

Sealed - Rev 7

2011-11-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

Nov 27, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #12
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Our name, signed at the end of a document, commits us to what we have written. Our name seals the deal. God has written his name on us. Revelation 7 is the answer to the cry of the judged in Revelation 6; “who can stand”. Christ’s Church knows the answer; we will! We are the sealed of God. The two scenes in chapter 7 are no secret to the Church. The two scenes form a security blanket that wraps the believer in courage, hope, perseverance and promise. We will not escape the collision of the kingdoms but we will overcome it. It is believers across the ages who are promised God’s seal which brings us into unrestricted intimacy with Christ; the Lamb who loved us and gave himself for us.

Come - Rev 6

2011-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

Nov 20, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #11
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

As Christ the heavenly champion opens the sealed scroll, the living creatures call out "Come". What issues forth is the descriptive forces of history symbolized by the four horsemen of the apocalypse. We are called to trust God in times of tribulation, partnering with God in our patient endurance and in prayer.

Look the Lamb - Rev 5

2011-11-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

Nov 13, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #10
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

At the epicenter of God’s majesty comes a new song in response to a new revelation of God. There is a champion who can fulfill God’s just destiny for humanity. What is surprising is that the champion is not at all what we expect. We expect a strong lion but we see a small sacrificed lamb. What is awesome and glorious is that the sacrificed lamb wins. Mercy wins over justice. Grace triumphs through the lamb. When we understand the vision, our lives, like history, are reordered. In light of this vision, all human triumphs fade and all worthy pursuits and efforts are like filthy rags in contrast. The lamb has won and Heaven erupts in euphoric worship. So how then shall we now live…?

Look the Throne - Revelation 4

2011-11-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Nov 6, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #9
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The heart of worship is found in Revelation 4. Everything in God’s presence freely, joyfully, and completely surrenders to him. And this is what worship looks like—surrender. This is what worship costs us—surrender. This is what God desires from us—surrender. When we see God as he is, we involuntarily fall, and then we voluntarily stay where we belong in surrender that announces his worthiness and supremacy above all. If you want a heart that is fully engaged in worship, it is found in truly knowing God as He is.

Let Me In - Rev 3

2011-10-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

Oct 30, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #8
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

My heart Christ’s home; the phrase has a comforting, familiar, warm, inviting, and hopeful sound to it. God, not just with us, but in us, bringing help, strength, and satisfaction that we cannot find by merit, or effort; it is all grace. So how is it that individuals and Churches can move away from the help they say that they want and believe that they need? One way of seeing the answer is in simple comparisons, like coffee cooling in a cup, or a slurpee left to warm on a counter. Lukewarm—yuck! No one sets out to be lukewarm spiritually. But it happens when something less becomes the focus of our affection, attention and attainment. We stop living in Christ, stop wanting Christ to live in us. We discover that Christ is in the outside knocking to gain attention and admission to his rightful place. Today, we will discover that Christ is calling us to open again the door of our heart and Church to Him.

My Child My Love - Rev 3:7-13

2011-10-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Oct 23, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #7
Guest Speaker: Colin van der Kuur

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The world can be an unstable, dangerous place. In less than a generation, a country can rise to world prominence and even more quickly a country can become only a memory. Whether you find yourself in the midst of apocalyptic events, or dealing with every day trials, we need to know how to endure. The church of Philadelphia received a letter from Jesus just before their whole world turned upside that filled them with hope during this troubled time. Hope was to be found in the identity of Jesus as the one with all authority and might. Jesus also promised to honour this church, protect it and cherish it all their days and beyond. The message to the church of Philadelphia is a declaration of love like a Saviour for his beloved, a husband for his bride, or a
Father for a child.

Confronting Death Finding Life - Rev 3

2011-10-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Oct 16, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #6
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

As I went to the McCall’s Brothers funeral home to ask if I could borrow a casket for this morning service, one of the funeral directors shared his concern with me that fewer and fewer people these days were taking the time to confront death. There is a trend away from having funerals and from having caskets at funerals. It seems that our culture is uncomfortable with confronting death. The same can be true spiritually. We are hesitant to admit the deadness in our life. Jesus however is a little more bold. He confronted the church in Sardis with the fact that they were spiritually dead. But as he did this he presented himself as the key to Spiritual life. My hope this morning is that we would be willing to confront our own spiritual deadness and that this would lead us to seek revival in Christ.

The Allure of Compromise - Rev 2

2011-10-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Oct 9, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #5
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Telling God that you love him is different than telling others that you love him. You can do one well and miss the other altogether. All Christians are called to love God and their neighbours. The book of Revelation tells us that Christ is walking among us. He sees us as we are, not as we want to be seen. In the letters to the seven Churches, we watch as Christ helps his bride, the Church, wash her clothes and iron her dress for the wedding. Today’s message is to the Church in Thyatira, Revelation 2:18-29, which is divided in its core. The Church has embraced a message of love without limits, and care without discernment which has produced a compromised mess. Part 5 in the series, “Discipleship on the Edge”.

The Battle for the Mind

2011-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Oct 2, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #4
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions

Behavior follows belief. We do what we think is right, good, OK, allowable, and what we want... When there is a collision between our behaviour and our beliefs, either we change our beliefs to match our behaviour or we change our behaviour to match our beliefs. This is why it's easy to spot the phonies; the ones who say one thing but live another. The point is easy... we don't really believe what we say with our mouths, we believe what we hold in our minds. Change your mind, change your actions. It is always mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Pergamum was losing the battle for their minds, and it was showing up in their behaviour. Today, Pastor Marttunen will teach from Revelation 2:12-17, "The Battle for the Mind", in our series, Discipleship on the Edge, part 4.

Keeping Faith Under Pressure - Revelation 2

2011-09-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Sept 25, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #3

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Human beings flee suffering. We move to safer neighbourhoods. We choose milder climates. We buy air conditioners. We take Aspirin. We come out of the rain. We avoid dark streets at night. We purify our water. So what is a Theology of Suffering, and why do we need one? The answer is simple. If you do not have it, you quit too soon, leave to early, check out when God says stay put. A city is not won by ease. Today, Pastor Marttunen is teaching the third part in our series on Revelation. We hear God speak to a Church built in the city that calls itself “the flower of Asia”. A city determined to extinguish the only light that can lead it to heaven. Today, we will learn that God‟s call to suffering is a call built on a clear view of Jesus Christ that willingly waits for the fruit God alone can make grow.

Lost Love - Revelation 2

2011-09-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Sept 18, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #2
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

If you were writing a letter to someone you loved deeply, who stopped returning the love they had always given freely, how would you start and conclude? Revelation 2:1-7 is the first of seven letters to a strong, healthy and vibrant Church. But something is missing in the heart of the Church and Jesus doesn't waste any time diagnosing the problem and outlining for them the solution. Heart ache is the hardest to heal because at the heart level we are the most vulnerable and able to be the most deeply wounded at that level. It is also the level at which we inflict the most hurt. "My heart isn't in it", "I've lost heart", "I am disheartened", "my heart is broken", "my achey-breaky heart", all tell us the same thing—that we know what it means to lose our first love.Today, Pastor Marttunen leads our study in Revelation titled “Discipleship on the Edge”, part two; "Love Lost".

Seeing the Risen Christ - Revelation 1

2011-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sept 11, 2011 AM
Discipleship on the Edge #1
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Your mental picture of someone determines how you respond, act, behave, and relate to them. Picture our Queen in your mind, and then imagine a conversation with her, and your discover that your language changes, your conversation topics are not the same as those you have with your close friend or even your neighbour. Your mental picture of someone determines how you relate to them. This is also true with Jesus Christ. If we view him as a simple type of person who walked dusty roads, and hung out with his friends, your relationship will be different than if you see him on a throne, crowned and being worshiped by the universe. Today Pastor Marttunen engages us with a teaching on the person of Jesus in Revelation Chapter 1. In “Seeing the Risen Christ”, he shows us that we see how Christ determines how we follow him. An inadequate picture of Christ results in adequate worship and inadequate obedience.

Journey to Jerusalem - Psalm 122

2011-09-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sept 4, 2011 PM
David Dawson

Audio

Every journey needs a destination. For the pilgrims of the Old Testament, it was the city of Jerusalem. For us today to appreciate a psalm like this, we need to understand the spiritual significance of Jerusalem. We, too, are journeying to the Jerusalem of God.

The Peril of a Promise - Romans 11

2011-09-07T16:56:00.001-07:00

Sept 4, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans #24
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

This morning we conclude our third installment in our summer series Rooted in Romans, with part 24 “The Peril of a Promise.” Our reluctance to make promises is founded on two rails. The first rests on the giving or making end. This rail of reluctance rests on our inability to see the future; circumstances make keeping our promises difficult, so we frequently determine not to make promises which we cannot keep. That is a good thing. The second rail of our reluctance to make promises rests on the receiving end. Our promises are often interpreted by those who receive them as entitlement. Parents know this rail all too well! They hear the cry…“but you promised”, all too often. Believers can make the same cry against God. When we cite God’s promises we mean “WE ARE ENTITLED!!!” In chapter 11 of Romans, Paul takes us into the orchard to explain how God’s promises are made and kept in God’s plan to bring and work grace into an obstinate world.

Where is My Help - Psalm 121

2011-09-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Aug 28, 2011 PM
David Dawson

Audio

Psalm 121 is a song about God’s protection. As one of the songs of ascent, this song was sung by pilgrims journeying to the temple. We too are on a pilgrimage in life, moving closer to God, moving through dangerous terrain. What kind of protection can we expect from God as we journey with him?

Our Gospel is hope to the City - Romans 10

2011-08-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

August 28, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans #23
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Canadian Marshall McLuhan made the famous statement, “The medium is the message.” We understand it to mean that we communicate with more than words. Followers of Jesus have known this for centuries. Francis of Assisi memorably said, “Go everywhere and preach the gospel; if necessary use words.” The gospel is embodied in changed lives who openly advertise their change agent; the message is always about Jesus. Today, in Romans chapter 10, we discover the hope for the nation of Israel and our world has always been Jesus. We learn that our God is the missionary God who patiently holds out hope to a stubbornly religious world which resists him.

The Agony of Love Part 2 - Romans 9

2011-08-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

August 21, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans #22
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

It can be very painful to see someone make bad choices and drift from the life God offers them. Paul experienced this anguish for his fellow Israelites and we feel this for our friends and family members. As we take a broad look at Romans 9 through 11, God offers us some encouragement to help us handle the agony of love.

Revisioning Ministry - Mark 5

2011-08-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Aug 14, 2011 PM
Dave Marttunen

Audio

Mark 5:1-20 teaches us the unpredictable outcome of community ministry. Jesus spectacularly heals a demonized man, and is asked to leave. It doesn’t make sense on the surface. Tonight, Pastor Marttunen will explore the anticipated cost of serving God in our city.

The Agony of Love

2011-08-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2011 AM

Rooted in Romans Part 21

Dave Marttunen

Audio

Blessed are those who mourn... The bible teaches us that caring leads us to mourn. As we care about others we will feel their brokenness, share in their loss, and experience their hurt, all because we love them. Love leads to weeping and weeping to prayer and prayer to adjusting ourselves to the only hope there is for the world, the gospel. Today in Romans 9:1-5, we have insight into a caring Christian's soul. Paul stands shoulder to shoulder with other great leaders: Moses, Nehemiah, David, and Christ; men who wept, prayed and acted. If we believe God wants to win our city then we must be prepared to experience God's heart for our city and that will lead us to mourn for our city.

The Believer's Unbreakable Life

2011-08-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

August 7, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans #20
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

My faith is too small. Have you ever felt that way? My action doesn't change anything. Have you ever concluded that? What does it matter that a small person, in a small place is doing a small thing? Can a life like mine, or a church like ours really have influence, or make impact, or dare to think that it brings lasting change? Can, will, does the Gospel work in a city like ours.

When faced with overwhelming challenges, most of us, most of the time, retreat. Most of us, most of the time, when swamped by the weight of our reality, give up before we think, pray, and act to make a difference. We quit before we start because we believe in our hearts and minds that nothing we do will really matter. Paul writes and captures this thinking... "we are like sheep to be slaughtered." Then he leans in and whispers hope... "no, in all these things we are more than conquerors." Today, Pastor Marttunen leads us into our battle to bring hope to our city as he teaches from Romans 8:37-39.

A New Sheriff in Town - Romans 8

2011-08-02T10:12:00.001-07:00

July 31, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans #19
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Given the chaos of life, along with the reality that the Christian will suffer before God puts all things right, how can we possibly survive the experience? How can the follower of Jesus exist in environments that are broken and hostile? Where can we find the hope that Romans 8:24-25 promises as we live in environments that are so determinedly antagonistic to our faith and purpose? The answer is anchored in Romans 8:31-36. God’s authority, rooted in His character is the answer. The five unanswerable questions posed in this short section of the Bible form the reason that the Christian thrives in any environment.

The Next Generation - Psalm 78

2011-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2011 PM
David Dawson

Audio

Having just completed a week of day camp, I have been reflecting on what it means to have a spiritual impact on future generations. We all have a responsibility to help those who are younger in the faith by teaching God’s will and telling of what God has done.

The God Behind Everything - Romans 8

2011-07-26T10:34:00.001-07:00

July 26, 2011 AM
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The inner workings of a wristwatch don’t make sense to the casual observer. There are many dials, some move opposite to each other, some change directions. The casual observer knows all of them are necessary, but does not fully understand the reasons behind their function. Paul writes to us, “all things work together for good…” It is the face of God’s great dial of grace. It works! It works together, and it works for our good. Then he lifts the dial and tells us why. Each piece is an essential component of God’s grace working its purpose in our world. Today, we will study a remarkable section of the Bible that teaches us why we can trust God to be the unseen hand behind everything working for our good in life.

Connecting communication - Romans 8

2011-07-19T13:33:00.001-07:00

July 17, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans #17

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Every Christian has a problem with prayer. Today‟s Bible reading identifies the root: our weakness. So what is the solution? The Bible also gives us the answer. The Holy Spirit is the greatest secret resource the Christian has to rely on. Today, in part 17 from the Book of Romans, Pastor Dave Marttunen explores the powerful promise God makes to each of us: “My Holy Spirit will help you.

The Price of Freedom - Galatians 6

2011-07-13T10:17:00.001-07:00

July 10, 2011 PM
Freedom in Christ #6
David Dawson

Audio

Paul’s closing comments in the book of Galatians are perfect for our celebration of communion. As we celebrate the sacrifice of Christ, Paul points us to the centrality of the cross and it’s power in our life. Come join us in this remembrance.

Hope: Treasure in Darkness - Romans 8

2011-07-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

July 10, 2011 AM
Rooted in Romans
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

This is the third summer that Pastor Dave Marttunen has taught through the book of Romans. Rooted in Romans is the overall title of the series. This week’s message is part 16 titled Hope: a Treasure of Darkness. Pastor Dave will explore God’s purpose in global suffering. Anchors must be set deep. Hope is such an anchor. Hope means more as we grow in our understanding of how deeply God sets it in the chaos of our life experience. The world groans and we groan, but the Christian groans with hope as she waits for the fullness of her promised salvation in Christ

I Can't Believe...

2011-07-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2011 AM
Dr. David Horita, Regional Director of FEB Pacific

Our guest preacher today is Dr. David Horita. Since 2007, David has been the Regional Director of our BC Church association called FEB Pacific (Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches). David and his wife Jo-Anna have served in both rural and urban churches, enjoying the ministry and lifestyle of both opportunities. For seventeen years, they served Parkland Fellowship in Surrey, BC. From the church planting stage in 1990 through to multiple staff and larger congregation, it was enjoyable for both the church and the Horita's. We recognize David as a gifted leader and teacher, who is leading us in a partnership of transformation. Today he will be speaking from Matthew 7:12

Audio

Freedom in the Spirit - Galatians 5

2011-06-28T11:11:00.001-07:00

June 26, 2011 PM
Freedom in Christ #5
David Dawson

Audio

The enemies of our freedom in Christ are law and sin. Sin distorts the ideals we live for and law has no power to achieve them. The solution to each of these is the Spirit. The fruits of the spirit define our freedom and the power of the Spirit enables it.

The Blessing of God - Genesis 48

2011-06-28T10:14:00.001-07:00

June 26, 2011 AM
Jacob the Scheming Dreamer #5
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Blessing the next generation is not as simple as it sounds. Blessings picture a future based on God’s purposes rather than our dreams and schemes. Jacob gives us a glimpse into how we can bless the rising generation as we let God shape our lives as well as our thinking. Jacob in his senior years is a different man; gone is the scheming and in its place is a generous yet realistic man who blesses others. His change is dramatic and his practice is awesome. Learn to bless the next generation as you let God shape your life.

Remaking of a Broken Heart - Psalm 38

2011-06-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

June 19 PM
Dave Marttunen

Audio

Psalm 38 is the honest cry of a breaking heart. God's work of restoration, King David writes, is not immediate, but slow, deliberate and without specified timeline. Tonight, we will explore the remaking of a broken heart in this Psalm. We will discover not only that it matches our experience, but its purpose is to give us hope. When we fall as unworthy sinners, destitute of any ability to change ourselves, we are at the complete mercy of a God whose purposes are terrifyingly holy.

Broken to Be Healed - Genesis 32

2011-06-19T18:13:00.001-07:00

June 19, 2011 AM
Jacob the Scheming Dreamer #3
Dave Marttunen

Audio

Blessing comes from beyond you. You cannot bless yourself, but we live as if blessing comes from our effort, that it grows out of our success, or to put it another way, that success itself is the blessing. Yet with our mouths and heads we say that we believe that blessing comes from God. Our quest for success, affirmation, approval, or applause, demonstrates that despite what we say we believe, we behave as if our blessing is tied to our success. Jacob searches all his life for blessing. He stole a blessing from his father by deceit and never felt its strength. Jacob gained success through scheming and never felt at rest. We discover Jacob as he looks for more. His heart is restless until he wrestles with God and loses. In today's message, we see Jacob given a limp so that he can walk in step with God.

Sons and Slaves - Galatians 4

2011-06-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2011 PM
Freedom in Christ #4
David Dawson

Audio

For Paul, freedom is described as being a son or daughter rather than a slave or a child in the custody of a tutor. A son and daughter is not without responsibility, but along with the responsibility comes great benefit. Paul helps us explore the joy of family relationship and warns us not to accept anything less.

Struggle for Significance - Genesis 29

2011-06-14T12:06:00.001-07:00

June 12, 2011 AM
Jacob the Scheming Dreamer #2
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

When we have a hole in our hearts, we can often anchor our future to a blind hope. One true love, security in possessions, significance through family, chiselling our way to the top of some heap and addictive consumptive behaviours are all indications of hope, and the means to disappointment. Today, in Jacob’s story we meet a cast of characters (Jacob, Leah and Laban) who find emptiness in their longing until the God of all grace steps into the scene.

Responding to the God Who Speaks - Genesis 28

2011-06-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2011 AM
Jacob the Scheming Dreamer #1
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The Bible is a talking book, because God shows us in the Bible that He is by nature a revealing, speaking, communicating, articulating, conversing and entirely coherent being. God does not make us guess about his will or ways; he reveals them. Our decision, response, or reaction to God’s revelation is alignment, obedience, and agreement. Today, through the first message on the life of Jacob, the scheming dreamer, we will learn that God chooses to communicate with us so that we can choose to respond to Him.

Re-Fuel - Colossains 3

2011-05-29T18:07:00.001-07:00

May 29, 2011 AM
Best Life Ever #5

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

No parent is required to whisper to their child at night “Grow”. No athlete is trained, coached or motivated to say to their muscles “Repair”. Growth in a child and muscle development in an athlete happen naturally. When nutrients, sleep, and exercise are in place, children grow and athletes heal. It‟s according to design. There is a parallel for the Church. In this message, we will learn that the three environments which foster growth require the disciple to choose them. The Best Life Ever happens when the follower of Jesus takes advantage of the essentials of spiritual growth.

Law and Promise - Galatians 3

2011-05-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

May 22, 2011 PM
Freedom in Christ #3

David Dawson

Audio

If we embrace Paul’s message that we have been freed from the law, it leads to questions about the value and purpose of the Old Testament. We will see tonight that the Old Testament picture of salvation is not different than the New, but that the principles of grace and faith can be seen in the promise made to Abraham. Gospel Freedom is not a new idea, but rather was God’s intention from the beginning.

You Gotta Have Heart - Colossians 3

2011-05-22T20:52:00.001-07:00

May 22, 2011 AM
The Best Life Ever #4

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The Best Life Ever is based on Colossians 3. In this chapter we have learned that the best version of me is formed by faith in Christ. My identity is rooted in his love for me; he died to buy me and He lives as my leader. My destiny is heaven, while my journey is on this planet. We have learned that as I cooperate with Christ's leadership in my life, I will weed out all the things that choke my new identity and purpose. Today we will learn that I can also plant good things in the soil of my life. Character is a matter of heart; choosing the good and embracing the virtues that support my identity in Christ.

Gospel and Law - Galatians 2

2011-05-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2011 PM
Freedom in Christ #2

David Dawson

Audio

It is very easy for us to be pulled into religious duty. The apostle Peter himself struggled with this as those steeped in Jewish culture pressured him to conform. We must guard against a wrong relationship with law and duty; instead, trust in Christ and the power of the Spirit

Thinking Your Way Clear - Colossians 3

2011-05-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2011 AM
The Best Life Ever #4

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Good soil, good seed, and good conditions still produce weeds. It’s a fact of gardening. Weeds happen. The cure is to remove them. Give the plants a chance by keeping the garden weed free. The principle holds for spiritual life. We must do more than add nutrients and keep conditions optimal. We will have to do some removal work. Gardening is a messy job. It requires knowledge, effort and skill. Maturity in the Christian life and maturity in gardening have much in common. Growth in both requires work, skill and knowledge. As we continue with The BEST LIFE Ever, we will learn to skilfully practice spiritual disciplines to sustain our quest for maturity as followers of Christ.

Gospel Freedom - Galatians 1

2011-05-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

May 8, 2011 PM
Freedom in Christ #1

David Dawson

Audio

The gospel is a message of freedom. As we are introduced to this letter, we will gain an appreciation for gospel freedom, a freedom that releases not only from evil but also from religion. Knowing that our culture
misunderstands the character of the freedom, equating it with self expression and independence, we will also begin to see that gospel freedom is expressed in partnership with Christ and the Spirit.

Prize and Ponder - Colossian 3

2011-05-08T20:14:00.001-07:00

May 8, 2011 AM
Best Life Ever #3
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Giving honour, like most good things in life, has two sides. It’s easy when we like the person, value them for who they are and what they have done. It’s hard, when it costs us something, like independence, or an adjustment of
our own values, priorities or interests. Easy to honour a Mother on the day set aside, harder to honour her with kindness, obedience, and value day to day when we must put the supper she made above facebook, or dishes above television, or… Honour is hard when we must sacrifice something to do it. Honour is easy when we love the person we honour more than ourselves. Honour deeply cuts the root of selfishness. Today pastor David Marttunen is speaking from Colossians 3:1-4 Prize and Ponder, part two in the series; the Best Life Ever.

God at Work - Philippians 1

2011-05-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2011 AM
Best Life Ever #2

Leigh Robinson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Today, we warmly welcome Pastor Leigh & Irene Robinson. Pastor Leigh is the Senior Pastor at Rosebank Union Church in South Africa and he previously served at Central as our Senior Pastor.

When our son was a boy, a little school friend would often come over to play in the afternoons. Seeing me at home busy in my study, she commented one day: "I've got a dad who works!" I guess she assumed that no dad at home could really be working! Every child of the heavenly Father can say, "I've got a Dad (Father) who works!" Yes, our Father is at work in us. Always! But what is his goal? How is he at work? What are his methods? Is he at work even when we don't see it or feel it? Will he ever give up on us? And what is our part? These are some of the issues we will grapple with today.

The Best Life Ever - Colossians 3

2011-04-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

April 24, 2011 AM
Easter Sunday
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The key to „The Best Life Ever‟ is summarized by this: simple grace triumphs over utter darkness. Knowing Jesus changes our identity, links us to God‟s purpose and establishes us as those who have God‟s provision and protection throughout life. „The Best Life‟ means that other kinds of life exist, but at a level that is lower than what it could be. When we know how much we are valued by God, our internal identity changes which enables us to live well in any circumstance. Those who follow Christ bring hope to any situation because our life force, our energy and our purpose are permanently linked to Christ; his death and resurrection. His grace triumphs over our darkness!

Well Done - Matthew 25

2011-04-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2011 PM
Byron Phillips

Audio

How are your investments? Is your portfolio good? If you were given a large amount of money and a large amount of time what would you do with it? How is that different than what you do with what you now have? Would you consider yourself a risk taker? Of any investment that you can make there is one that is most important. It will take risk and more than just time and money… but the return is worth it.

I am the Good Shepherd - John 10

2011-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2011 AM
Portraits of Jesus #7
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Sheep Video

There is precious little that we can count on in this world. Economies crash, relationships end and even the ground may not be stable under our feet. In this world of uncertainty it may seem unlikely that we can have any true spiritual stability. When Jesus portrays himself as the good shepherd he is offering us an opportunity to rest our souls safe within his fold. Have you heard the voice of the shepherd? Do you feel secure?

I am the vine - John 15

2011-04-10T17:50:00.001-07:00

April 10, 2011 AM
Portraits of Jesus #6
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

While we may feel overwhelmed knowing that God expects us to be fruitful, Jesus reminds us that God does not so much want us to do good works for him as to do good works with him. As a branch must remain connected to the vine, we find that we are fruitful when we connect with Christ.

Living Like Jesus - Philippians 2

2011-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

April 3, 2011 PM

Kevin Thiessen

Audio

In an era of western culture where a focus on self is so pervasive, how can the church proclaim and live the other-centered focus taught and lived out by Jesus? Of all people, Jesus had every right to feel entitled…he was the Son of God. Yet he gave up everything to save humanity. What shift in attitude could help us to reflect the example of Jesus spoken of in Philippians 2:5-11? “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.”

I am the bread of life - John 6

2011-04-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

April 3, 2011 AM
Portraits of Jesus #5

David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

I know nothing about true hunger. I have never had a serious worry about food. I know something of the satisfaction of a solid meal after the empty stomach of a hard day’s work. I know more about the pleasure of well made food. When Jesus portrays himself as bread, do you hear him as one starving for nourishment, as one feeling empty inside or as a contented connoisseur with a taste for more? Or has your appetite been spoiled by junk food?

Open My Eyes Lord - Luke 24

2011-03-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

March 27, 2011 AM
The Journey Final Message

Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

A blind-spot is a term for missing something. It’s a borrowed term applied to visual impairment when a driver looks in his side mirrors. Every driver, while learning to operate a vehicle, is taught to turn to check their blind-spot. While on their road home, two overwhelmed and despairing disciples meet up with Jesus, who is in their blind-spot. They don't see him. God does that at times in our lives. He occupies a blind-spot so that we are forced to turn (change our way of seeing). Today, we will discover that God often occupies a blind-spot in our lives so that He can open our eyes to see.

I am the Way - John 14

2011-03-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

March 20, 2011 PM
Portraits of Jesus #4

David Dawson

Audio

Do you live life with a destination in mind? Do you think of life in terms of a journey. This is a very Christian perspective on life, but this not a perspective shared by western culture. Many people resist when Jesus portrays himself as the only way to God. Don't be two quick to write of Jesus, because we all have a destination and not all ways are the same.

Let's Have a Party and Celebrate - Exodus 15

2011-03-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

March 20, 2011 AM
The Journey #14
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

One of the great reasons for a party is that it says to everyone what we, as God‟s people, are for—what a „Win‟ looks and feels like. Sadly, a few of his people pout outside of His will. This anti-party crowd, didn't get the memo (twitter): “The Kingdom of Heaven is a party; learn to celebrate now!” For this group of anti-partiers, the party never happens. After all, they reason, “Parties are extravagant, to the point of wastefulness, they demonstrate a lack of discipline and are full of self indulgence”. They are wrong and God is right! The kingdom of Heaven is a Party! Today we will learn together that our Journey has moments when the joy of the Lord must break out in celebration. We will learn to receive and grow a party spirit that celebrates God‟s grace, power and presence. This is the final message in our series, The Journey; Part 14 “Let‟s Have a Party and Celebrate”.

A Clearly Marked Path

2011-03-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2011 AM
The Journey #13
Dave Marttunen
Audio / Questions

Most of us long for a simple sign. We want God to make our decisions easy by making our path straight. And sometimes God does precisely this; He gives us his will through explicit instruction. He did this for Israel through a fiery cloud. But at other times God's guidance is not explicit; it must be discerned, and then as in the case of explicit instruction, it must be followed. We have all learned that knowing is not the equivalent of doing. Today, as we continue our series in Exodus entitled The Journey, we will consider decision making in the will of God.

The Glimpse that Changes Us - Exodus 33

2011-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

March 6, 2011 AM
The Journey #12
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Friendship changes us because by definition in friendship we must both give and receive. A relationship in which we give but do not receive or receive but do not give is not friendship, but something less. Friendship is love in action; by nature, it chooses the best for the other. Friendship when understood and chosen like this, is both extremely expensive and exceptionally beneficial. This kind of friendship is what God wants with each one of us. Remarkably, this does not point out a deficiency in God as if he lacks something that only we can provide, but instead, it opens up his own nature to us; he, content in himself, offers to share with us what his own nature celebrates —community, friendship, intimacy, and love. If we receive it we are profoundly changed. Today, as we Journey with Israel in Exodus, we can gain a glimpse of God that is reserved for his friends who choose Him.

Light of the World - John 8

2011-03-01T16:19:00.001-08:00

February 27, 2011 PM
Portraits of Jesus #2
David Dawson

Audio

Clouded by confusion, darkened by sin, we don’t know who to follow, we would rather not follow anyone. Jesus cuts through the darkness and offers himself to us as the light of the world. Will you step into his light and follow?

The Wrath of God - Exodus 32

2011-02-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

February 27, 2011 AM
The Journey #11
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

I deeply love the Bible. I refer to it most often, with its simple phrase of self-description—the Word of God. And I must confess that I am deeply disturbed by its content. I know that I am not alone in that response. Critics and believers alike are united in their descriptions of the Old Testament, in particular, as acutely distressing. This morning in our study of the Scripture, we will tackle one of the Old Testament accounts that will lead us into the wider consideration of a challenging topic—God’s wrath. The Old Testament and the New Testament are united in their description of God, although we might like to put the troubling bits and doctrines in the Old and imagine that the ones we prefer and like belong to the New. This is not possible. God’s wrath is declared, described and demonstrated in both. Today, as we continue our journey in Exodus, we will learn that God’s wrath is his just anger against all that stands in opposition to his glory.

I am from Above - John 8

2011-02-22T17:15:00.001-08:00

February 20, 2011 PM
Portraits of Jesus #1
David Dawson

Audio

We have no actual pictures of Jesus. The gospels don‟t give us even a hint of a description of his physical appearance. What the gospels do give us is a rich description of his character and powerful expressions of his core identity. The gospel of John in particular is full of meaningful descriptions of Jesus, many of which come from the words of Christ himself. This new series will reflect on the descriptions of Christ in the Gospel of John. In this first message, we consider Christ‟s divine origins as one not of this world.

Choose to Be and Stay God's Child - Matthew 18

2011-02-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2011 AM
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

In baptism and child dedication, there is much in common. In both cases we are witnessing the work of God in
life. In baptism we witness the commitment of self to God completely; we are by our own choice buried (put to death and lowered into a grave). In dedication, we witness and join parents in their commitment of themselves to God for the sake of their child. In both cases we see the willing abandonment of self to God. We witness in their declaration that without God in them not one of them can hope to live out an active and declared commitment. This is true for all of us. However, for most of us, our world is a collision over greatness, power and control. This introduces us to a moment when the disciples are disputing between themselves over this issue; in God‟s coming kingdom, who will be the greatest? Christ‟s answer to them helps us think through the radical difference between God‟s plan and ours. In Jesus‟ answer we will discover that his rule in our lives is not based on our self-empowerment but our willing self-abasement. Today, we will explore in more depth, what it means in attitude and practice to choose to be and stay a child of God.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall - Isaiah 6

2011-02-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

February 13, 2011 PM
Mike Millard

Audio

In those moments of honest self-reflection, most of us will acknowledge our tendency to be self-sufficient and self-satisfying. That’s because our nature has been infected with pride, and the object of pride is self. Since our
bent toward self hinders our relationship with God, He offers us an antidote – humility. But humility is elusive: the moment we claim to have it, we’ve lost it! Furthermore, the kind of humility God presents as the antidote to pride differs from the world’s idea of humility. Tonight, Pastor Mike Millard looks at some of the aspects of biblical humility necessary to be in a close relationship with God.

Meeting Christ in the Fearful Unknown

2011-02-13T18:22:00.001-08:00

February 13, 2011 AM
Delieverd from Fear #5
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

As I have explored the topic of fear, I realize that God does not want to deliver us from all fear. Sometimes God deliberately puts us in a fearful situation. He may deliver us through that fear, but he does not remove the fear itself. The point of fear is often an opportunity to grow. We can meet Christ in the fearful unknown as Peter did when he stepped out of the boat.

Fear No Evil

2011-02-08T10:42:00.001-08:00

February 6, 2011 PM
Delivered from Fear #4
David Dawson

Audio

Although our culture tends to ignore the possibility of spiritual forces of evil, we have a strange fascination with horror and the paranormal. As Christians, we must walk a fine line between underestimating and overestimating the power of evil. The Bible makes it clear that we must recognize our enemy, but never fear him, because greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.

For God Alone - Exodus 20

2011-02-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2011 AM
The Journey #10
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Today, we arrive with Moses and Israel at a place where God clearly forms the nation for himself. The question and answer that we hear in the story is this: what does a devoted follower of Jesus Christ look like, act like, and behave like? The answer is stunningly clear, yet anything but simple or easy. We will learn in the commands of God that it‟s all of me for all of him all the time.

Beyond Shame - 2 Timothy 1

2011-01-30T17:40:00.001-08:00

January 30, 2011 PM
Delivered from Fear #3
David Dawson

Audio

Fear is the number one sin that has hurt the church. Failed integrity has damaged the reputation of ministry, but fear prevents ministry from even starting. How many times have we held back from saying something or doing something, because we were afraid of someone else‟s response. How can we overcome fear so that we do not quench the Spirit‟s fire?

Trouble Finds You - Exodus 18

2011-01-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2011 AM
The Journey #9
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The Journey continues… Many of us have an expectation that problems, troubles, and disputes are a sign of ill health. The Bible teaches something different. Given our flaws and inclinations (self over others; away from the good) and our pursuit of maturity, integrity and wisdom, the Bible prepares us to expect trouble. Job (5:7) puts it this way; "For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward." However, many people at the first sign of trouble conclude that the only reasonable solution is to run. Jesus faced disputes from those who opposed him (no surprise there), within the group who followed him (some surprise) and directly from some who followed him (big surprise). Today, Pastor Dave Marttunen continues his series titled 'The Journey', following Moses and Israel in Exodus 18. The theme for this message is God's provision for your troubles.

Beyond Diversion

2011-01-25T16:17:00.001-08:00

January 23, 2011 PM
Delivered From Fear #2
David Dawson

Audio

We often attempt to deal with the fear of death by diverting our attention from it. We distract ourselves by keeping ourselves busy and entertained. The Biblical response to the fear of death, however, seeks us to move beyond diversion, encouraging us to face death and find our fears resolved in Christ.

Better Together - Exodus 17

2011-01-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2011 AM
The Journey #8
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

It is the same sun that melts wax and hardens clay. Have you ever noticed how people go through the same event but come away claiming different and on occasion opposite experiences? Today, we will journey with God into the empty place of life. He leads us there to give us hope we cannot find by any other means.

Beyond Terror

2011-01-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011 PM
Delivered from Fear #1
David Dawson

Audio

Psalm 34:4 celebrates the fact that God has delivered us from all our fears. In this series, we will explore how God has freed us from such things as the fear of death, the fear of our enemies and the fear of evil. In this first message of the series, we will explore the fear of God. There is a seeming paradox in the scriptures. Time and again when God appears to people, he tells them not to be afraid, but other times, the fear of the Lord is put forward as desirable and appropriate. Should we ever expect to be delivered from our fear of God?

Our Provider - Exodus 16

2011-01-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011 AM
The Journey #7
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

As we journey with God, we will find that he leads us to places on the
trail that will overwhelm us. Those spots are forks on our path,
choices must be made, our decision to trust will be recalibrated and
the rewards will be increased. Strength is built not in the planes, but on the inclines, not in the lush pastures, but scaling the heights. And God leads us through all these locations with purpose,intention, and promise. Today, as we journey with Israel in Exodus 16, we are faced with the choice to trust God. Do we believe God will care for us or not?

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

2011-01-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2011 AM
The Journey #6
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Signs and wonders abound in this chapter alongside the people’s doubt and grumbling. Often we think that faith and trusting God would be easier if we just had more evidence. Yet the barrier remains; we must make a choice to trust God in circumstances that limit our choices, restrict our hope, and force us to rely on God’s character and promises.

Ground Zero

2011-01-04T14:04:00.001-08:00

January 2, 2011 AM
The Journey #5
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The starting point to journey with God begins differently from every other journey we choose to take. A journey with God begins at ground level. It starts with a crisis of confidence. It focuses on who leads and who follows. Why does God resist the proud, but give grace to the humble? We will discover in Exodus the crisis of faith in Pharaoh, Israel and us. Is there really freedom in surrender?

What God Has Done / What God Will Do

2010-12-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2010 AM
David Dawson
Audio

On this last Sunday of 2010, we stand together in gratitude and expectation. We look back on what God has done this past year and we look forward in hope for what he will do this next year. We are privileged to hear a variety of personal stories as to how God is at work in people's lives. "Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."

Just Because - Exodus 5-6

2010-12-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2010 AM
The Journey #4
Dave Marttunen

Audio

Our God is both a promise maker and a promise keeper. What this means is that God seriously, tenaciously, relentlessly and jealously pursues those he has promised to love and keep. Knowing this brings inexhaustible confidence, as it fills the hearts of God's chosen people. Knowing God keeps His promises can transform us from weak to strong because His love is not based on our performance. What makes the believer insufferably arrogant in the eyes and ears of the world is when God's promises fuel their entitlement which excuses hypocrisy and wickedness. Today, we explore in Part 4 of The Journey: A Series in Exodus, what it means to be loved by God; he makes and keeps his covenant.

Holy Calling - Exodus 3

2010-12-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2010 AM
The Journey #3
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Exodus 3 is renowned for two things: a burning bush and the unpronounced name of God. Most every person who attended either a Church children’s program, knows about the burning bush. But most have missed the conversation that happens between Moses and God in the incident. What needs to amaze us, as it helps us, is the fact that God so often speaks to people. He breaks in to our lives with good news for us and others. The burning bush is no exception. God speaks, calls, invites, and leads for those who are willing to hear and follow. Today Pastor Dave continues his studies in Exodus. This morning’s message, part 3 in the series The Journey is titled “Holy Calling”.

Formed on an Anvil - Exodus 2

2010-12-05T15:33:00.001-08:00

December 5, 2010 AM
The Journey #2
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Authority is a powerful word that we like to scale to size. Like the man in Exodus 2, when we are caught with our hand in the cookie jar, we go on the defensive (passive but aggressive) and say, "Who made you the boss of me?" We scale down authority and excuse our innate rebellion. Caught and still defiant? Can we identify with the man who was confronted and still stubborn? What God uncovers for us in Exodus 2 is a heart matter that all of us face. And we face it in the mirror. God provides a great leader, but no matter how great the leader, if we will not yield, the leader will fail. The focus of Exodus 2 is not the credentials of the leader but the inclination of the heart of the man caught. This is the blunt truth: no one can make you follow. Confronted with the facts, unless we yield, we stay stuck. Today, Pastor Dave Marttunen continues his series, The Journey: A Series in Exodus, with Part #2 entitled, “Formed On An Anvil”.

Diversity of Gifts - 1 Cor 12

2010-12-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

November 28, 2010 PM
David Dawson

Audio

Although it is hard to resist, comparing ourselves to others is usually not helpful. One area of comparison that the scriptures forbid is in the area of contribution. We are all called to contribute to God’s mission, but each of us plays a unique role. When we envy the strengths of others, we often fail to make our own contribution. It is equally wrong for us to look down on others who do not share our abilities. God has given a diversity of gifts so that we can work together for his glory.

Recalibrating Our Faith

2010-11-28T18:18:00.001-08:00

November 28, 2010 AM
Paul Richardson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

This morning, we warmly welcome Paul Richardson and his wife, Cyndi. Together they lead a growing network of over 30 Christian schools, orphanages and youth ministries in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country. They have three children: Katie (14), Josiah (12) and Stephen (10). Paul is the author of A Certain Risk: Living Your Faith at the Edge (Zondervan, 2010). This morning, Paul will be speaking on “Recalibrating Our Faith”.

Faith, Hope and Evidence - Hebrews 11

2010-11-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

November 21, 2010 PM
David Dawson

Audio

There are many today who are suspicious of faith and belief; seeing it as contrary to knowledge and
reason. Faith is spoken of as blind and belief as that which is held despite the evidence. Tonight, we will explore Hebrews 11:3 in search of understanding the nature of faith.

Changing Times - Exodus 1

2010-11-21T18:08:00.001-08:00

November 21, 2010 AM
The Journey # 1
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Before we plan a trip, the very first decision on which all others hang is this: “Will I go?” No move happens until we are motivated to go. What would it take to make you move? For some, the answer is opportunity; they are moving towards something. For others, it‟s a move away from something. And for others yet, it‟s a bit of both; moving towards as we move away. The story of „The Journey‟ in Exodus follows a predictable formula, better to go than to stay. Staying put for Israel was a vote to be a slave, to have less, to be content with pain, hurt, humiliation, and deprivation. For Israel it was definitely better to go than to stay. In Exodus 1, we read the account of how God prepared Israel for moving day, and in their story we discover our own story; how God frequently works to move us from where we are to the future we have always wanted.

Forgiveness - Matthew 18

2010-11-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2010 AM
Mike Millard

Audio

We are rarely uncertain about Christ's command to love and forgive others as God loves and forgives us. Perhaps you are among the many who are haunted by your own inability to forgive. If so, you can take heart for here in Matt 18 Jesus tells his own disciples (and us) how to deal with our unforgiving hearts.

Body and Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6

2010-11-14T20:18:00.001-08:00

November 14, 2010 AM
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

It is quite clear that we live in a society that cannot fathom Christian sexual rules. Quite frankly, although I have understood Christian boundaries with regards to sex, I have not until recently fully appreciated the reason for these boundaries. When you are surrounded by the worship of sex and romantic love, it is hard to hold a contrary perspective. Yet, as I have grown to understand God‟s intentions for sex, I more fully appreciate God‟s guidelines.

Imitating Faithfulness - Hebrews 13

2010-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2010 PM
Kevin Thiessen

Audio

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Yet, do our lives imitate the consistency and faithfulness of our Saviour? Does our security and confidence lie in the faithfulness of God, or are we too easily swayed and moved by the various teachings of the day? Looking at Hebrews 13, we will consider these and other questions
regarding living out our faith in the nitty gritty of daily life.

Truth and Freedom - John 8

2010-11-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2010 AM
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Freedom is a high value in our culture. We have fought and died for it, as our poppies remind us. Our passion for freedom, however, sometimes collides with the concept of absolute truth. Anyone who believes there is truth that must be accepted by all people is an enemy of freedom. How then should we understand Jesus when he says in John 8 that knowing the truth will set us free? Freedom does in fact rely on the truth and the truth of Christ liberates our souls.

Who is the King of Your Castle - Haggai

2010-10-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

October 31, 2010 PM
Guest Speaker
Doug Fordham

Audio

Today, we welcome Doug Fordham, our guest speaker for both services. Doug is the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in BC and Yukon. He is a Chartered Accountant and for nearly forty years has been helping people manage their finances and other resources that God has entrusted to them. Doug speaks on what it really means to put God first in a me-first society.

Leveraging for Legacy - Luke 16

2010-10-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

October 31, 2010 AM
Guest Speaker
Doug Fordham

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Today, we welcome Doug Fordham, our guest speaker for both services. Doug is the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in BC and Yukon. He is a Chartered Accountant and for nearly forty years has been helping people manage their finances and other resources that God has entrusted to them. This morning, his message is entitled, “Leveraging for a Legacy”. Since you can‟t take it with you when you die, what will you leave behind that will be worth remembering?
Central

Halloween? - Romans 14

2010-10-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2010 PM
David Dawson

Audio

Halloween has become an issue of dispute in Christian circles. Some people feel that it represents evil and want nothing to do with it. Others feel that it is mostly harmless and allow their families to participate in some Halloween events. Some choose to fight the darkness and show a positive light. Others choose to avoid all associations with it whatsoever. Tonight, we will consider how the scriptures would lead us in responding to Halloween.

Furinish the Future - 1 Chronicles 22

2010-10-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2010 AM
Centered Life #7
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Dreams come from deep inside us. We can have dreams while we are awake and dreams while we are asleep. The waking, conscious and chosen dream belongs to more than our mind; dreams in this category are formed and reformed in a place the Bible calls our heart. Dreams have values, beliefs, desires, cravings, escapes, futures and more, all woven together in the secret place of our inner self. For this reason, dreams belong to our hearts. They can be good or bad; they can be nightmares based on fear, or visions based on grace, hope and purpose. Dreams are formed out of the stuff we feed our hearts. Good dreams require good stuff to form them. Today Pastor, David Marttunen will teach us from 1 Chronicles 22. As we study David's dream, we learn that owning our God given dream requires our willingness to "Furnish the Future". Our dreams reflect our hearts and determine what we will do with our treasure.

Solving the Mystery of Prayer - Luke 11

2010-10-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

October 17 , 2010 PM
Mike Millard

Audio

Everybody knows about prayer. Most of us value and practice prayer: it meets our need when we feel helpless, afraid, uncertain, or lost; we know that God the Father takes joy in answering prayer. Nevertheless, many of us struggle with prayer for a variety of reasons, including busyness, longstanding unanswered prayers, or even doubt. Our conundrum is that on the one hand we consider prayer important, but on the other hand we confess our prayer lives are frequently wanting. Despite our best intentions and efforts we cannot solve this puzzle. That's because God alone can give us what we need for a satisfying prayer life - the Holy Spirit.

Act Out Grace - Matthew 5

2010-10-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2010 AM
Centered Life #6
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

We live in a cynical culture, a culture suspicious of truth. We are gravely mistaken if we think we can preach grace without living it. People assume that words are like commercials. They may sound nice, but they don’t correspond to reality. People cannot hear the gospel if they do not see the gospel. If we claim to live lives centered on Christ, we must act out grace.

Become the Message - Galatians 5

2010-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2010 AM
Centered Life #5
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

As we center our lives on Christ, we become more like him, yet this spiritual growth is not easy to measure. It is difficult for us to see the movement in our souls in the moment of growth. More commonly we notice growth as we look back on our lives and compare today with last year. While it is important for us to remember last week’s message which tells us that spiritual growth requires help from others, this morning we will focus on the role of the Holy Spirit and the individual in spiritual growth.

Link for Life - Philippians 2

2010-10-03T16:18:00.001-07:00

October 3, 2010 AM
Centered Life #4
David Dawson

Audio / Questions / Leaders

A centered life is a life linked to other people. God never intended us to live alone. You cannot obtain the full riches of God’s blessing in your life without the help of other people. Sound a bit strong? Do you find yourself saying, “I can worship God just fine by myself?” No… You can’t. Of course, we all can approach God directly as individuals and much of our worship is personal, but we cannot obtain the fullness of God’s blessing in this life, without community.

Reason for Hope

2010-09-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

September 26, 2010 PM
Reason for Hope #1
David Dawson

Audio

As we focus today on the idea of inspiring faith in Jesus, I am reminded that we live in a culture that strongly resists faith. Our culture is skeptical of religion and there are many roadblocks to understanding the Christian message. What must we do to speak meaningfully about Jesus in our culture today?

Inspire Faith

2010-09-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2010 AM
Centered Life #3
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Faith, the Bible says, is equivalent to trust. Trust, the Bible says, can be put in anything. The better the object, the more certain the outcome. Faith in God is certain because it is not dependent on us but Him. Our belief does not make anything real; rather our faith claims what is real as the source of our confidence, which makes certain our hope. As we understand what faith is and how it works, Hebrews 11:1 begins to loom large in our thinking, and becomes the foundation for our living: ―Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.