Sermons

Why do we fast? Why do we pray? Why do we do any of the things we do when it comes to following Jesus? Are we following Him blindly, just going through the motions of religious tradition because someone – a pastor, a parent, someone in the church – told us that’s how it’s done? In this message, Pastor Marc Gagnon leads us through a section of Luke 5 as Jesus calls out the religious people of the day for following rules and traditions without thoughtful reflection. This unexpected response takes us deeper into scripture as we examine what it means for us as we follow Jesus today!

Think of a time you had a disagreement with someone. This person may have treated you poorly, said something offensive, or made it clear that they don’t believe in the same things you do. How did you react? Today, Pastor Marc is going to lead us through another section of Luke as we watch Jesus’ encounter with one of the most hated groups of people of his time, his unexpected decision to join them for dinner, and what we can learn from how he treated those outcasts and criminals.

Have you ever tried to meet a celebrity? Maybe you heard they were coming to town for a show, book signing, or to give a lecture. Maybe the crowds were too big, and you couldn’t even catch a glimpse of them. Today, Pastor Jeff Groenewald leads us through another passage in Luke, where Jesus is surrounded by so many people. We’ll see how some of these people were there for unexpected reasons, how some people kept others from encountering Jesus, and how some men did something totally unexpected to get their friend an encounter with Jesus.

How often do you find yourself in a place of silence and solitude? Our souls long for this – we were designed for it – but we’re busy. We’re addicted to our phones. We replace moments of boredom (standing in line, driving, walking to the mailbox, or eating breakfast) with a constant and continual scroll. What is it about silence that we find so difficult? In this message, Pastor Daniel Bell leads us through a section of Luke 5 as we look at how Jesus’ ministry was effective because he knew the value of time alone with God and how we can have a greater impact on others when we recognize the unexpected value of spending time alone in the wilderness.

Make a donation. Sponsor this cause. Get involved. There are so many stories out there of injustice and suffering that trying to help seems like a daunting task. How do you choose which issues to tackle, what causes to support, or where to give your time? In today’s message, Pastor Marc Gagnon walks us through a section of Luke 5 as we see how Jesus reacts when faced with people who demand his help and attention, and how his unexpected response can shape the way we approach those in need.

Have you ever felt too lost, too dirty or too damaged for God? Maybe you grew up around people who told you that you were only worth something if you were good, clean, and perfect. Do you think God views you that way? Today, Pastor Robyn Elliott takes us through a section of Luke and we see Jesus deal with the unclean, outcast, and imprisoned in a way that might be unexpected.

What are your expectations of Jesus? Maybe you want him to show up in a situation at work, stopping your arrogant co-worker from getting that promotion, or you want financial success, a relationship to develop, or some kind of blessing in your life. Maybe you’re waiting for a miracle – a loved one to know Jesus, a disease to be healed, or a financial situation to improve. In today’s message, Pastor Marc Gagnon leads us through another section of Luke as we discover that sometimes we want the benefits of a relationship with Jesus without the relationship.

What comes to mind when you think of being tempted by the devil? Usually the more obvious things come to mind like cheating, substance abuse, lying, and pornography. But often the Devil is far more insidious, using perfectly fine or benign actions to slowly drive a wedge between you and God. Today as Pastor Marc Gagnon leads us through Luke 4, we look at the Devil tempting Jesus, and how we can react to fight temptation in our own lives.

What comes to mind when you think about God’s character? Is He loving and invested? Angry and vengeful? Only happy with you if you follow the “rules”? In this message, Pastor Marc Gagnon leads us through a section of Luke 3 that reveals God’s heart and leaves us with the question, “What does this teach me about who God is?”