Reality Vancouver church | an eastside Jesus community | an intersection of the Gospel & Culture | WWW.REALITYVANCOUVER.COM
By Reality Vancouver church
To listen to an audio podcast, mouse over the title and click Play. Open iTunes to download and subscribe to podcasts.
Podcast Description
Reality Vancouver is a Jesus-loving, Gospel-centred, culture-engaging, Spirit-led church on mission in east Vancouver - for the glory of God & the good of the city. This channel features audio content from sermons preached by Reality's teaching team.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Ephesians 5 | Alive With Christ | Speaker: Pastor Kris Martens Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 Date: May 20, 2012 | 5/24/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
2 |
Ephesians 4 | Living in Wonder | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Ephesians 1:15-23 Date: May 13, 2012 | 5/13/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
3 |
Ephesians 3 | Our Great Inheritance | Speaker: Pastor Matt Menzel Text: Ephesians 1:11-14 Date: May 6, 2012 | 5/6/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
4 |
Ephesians 2 | The Great Plan of God | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Ephesians 1:3-10 Date: April 29, 2012 | 4/29/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
5 |
Ephesians 1 | urban culture - idolatry - and the great pursuit | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Ephesians 1:1-2 Date: April 22, 2012 Series: THE CLARITY & MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL | 4/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
6 |
Baptism | Speaker: Joe Gebhardt Text: Romans 6:1-14 Date: April 15, 2012 | 4/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
7 |
God Came Down | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: John 6:35-40 Date: April 8, 2012 | 4/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
8 |
Gospel Blessing | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Ruth 4:13-22 Date: April 1, 2012 | 4/3/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
9 |
Ruth 6 | Gospel Redemption | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text:Ruth 4:1-12 Date: March 25, 2012 | 3/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
10 |
Gospel Risk & Rest | Speaker: Johannes Gebhardt Text: Ruth 3:1-18 Date: March 18, 2012 | 3/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
11 |
Ruth 4 | Gospel Grace | Speaker: Pastor Matt Menzel Text: Ruth 2:14-23 Date: March 11, 2012 | 3/11/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
12 |
Ruth 3 | Gospel Providence | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Ruth 2:1-13 Date: March 4, 2012 | 3/4/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
13 |
Suffering & Salvation | Speaker: Pastor Kris Text: Ruth 1:6-22 Date: Feb 26, 2012 | 2/26/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
14 |
Intro To Ruth | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Ruth 1:1-5, John 4:27-39 Date: Feb 19, 2012 | 2/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
15 |
Gospel Service | Speaker: Pastor Matt Text: Matthew 22:36-40 Date: Feb 12, 2012 | 2/12/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
16 |
Gospel Worship | Speaker: Pastor Dallas Text: John 3:1-8 Date: Feb 5, 2012 | 2/5/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
17 |
Gospel Community | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Acts 2:36-47 Date: Jan 29, 2012 | 1/29/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
18 |
Identity 1 | Gospel Reality | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Date: Jan 15th 2012 | 1/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
19 |
New Sodom | The book of Judges, in fine 21st century storytelling form, ends with a prequel - a 2-part story that chronologically occurred before any of the famous judges were raised up. This epilogue forms one of the most heinous, uncomfortable and depraved stories in the whole of Scripture. And it serves to shed light on the reality of life & community & identity apart from God. The narrator illuminates the reality of evil and its devastating consequences on religious life, on community & on the individual. But tucked into this tale of blood & gore & civil war, there's a remarkable story of grace. Tenacious grace that's stronger than utter depravity. Yet we're left with the bitter aftertaste of life without a King & Savior. Judges concludes with its oft-repeated cadence: in those days there was no king in Israel; and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. But this is not the end. For a True King, a True Deliverer, a True Judge is coming. Come Lord Jesus, come. | 1/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
20 |
Jesus is Reality | Speaker: Johannes Gebhardt Text: Colossians 2:16-23 Date: Jan 1st 2012 | 1/1/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
21 |
Christmas 2 | Light brings Life | Speaker: Pastor Matt Menzel Text: Isaiah 9:1-7 Date: Dec 18th 2011 | 12/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
22 |
Christmas 1 | A Light Has Dawned | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Isaiah 9:1-7 Date: Dec 11th 2011 | 12/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
23 |
Samson 4 | Death by Lust | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Judges 16 Date: Dec 4th 2011 | 12/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
24 |
Samson 3 | Revenge and Redemption | Speaker: Pastor Matt Menzel Text: Judges 15 Date: Nov 27th 2011 | 11/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
25 |
Samson 2 | Providence and Perspective | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Judges 14 Date: November 20th 2011 | 11/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
26 |
Samson 1 | A Saviour is born | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Judges 13:1-25 Date: November 13th 2011 | 11/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
27 |
Fallen Glory Seekers | Fallen Glory Seekers | 11/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
28 |
Choosing your vows | Choosing your vows | 10/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
29 |
Despised & Rejected | Despised & Rejected | 10/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
30 |
Crouching Lion - Hidden Sin | Judges 10:6-16 Crouching Lion - Hidden Sin | 10/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
31 |
Corruption and Power | Abimelech | Power & Corruption | 10/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
32 |
Gideon 6 | Greater Grace | Speaker: Pastor Matt Menzel Text: Judges 8:4-35 Date: October 2 2011 | 10/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
33 |
Unshared Glory | judges 7 | 9/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
34 |
Gideon 4 | Unrighteous Test Righteous Response | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Judges 6:33-40 Date: September 18 2011 | 9/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
35 |
Gideon 3 | smashing idols | Speaker: Pastor Kristian Martens Text: Gideon 6:28-32 Date: September 11 2011 | 9/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
36 |
jonah1 | man's depravity and God's holy pursuit | Speaker: Pastor Dallas Michayluk Text: Jonah 1 Date: September 4 2011 | 9/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
37 |
Gideon 2 | call and confirmation | Title: Gideon 2 - Call and Confirmation Speaker: Kristian Martens Text: Judges 6:11-24 Date: August 28 2011 | 8/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
38 |
Gideon Intro | You Have Not Listened | Title: Judges part 8 Intro to Gideon | But You Have Not Listened Speaker: Kristian Martens Text: Judges 6:1-10 | Deut 28 Date: August 21 2011 | 8/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
39 |
If Justice is Not Your Thing... | Title: If Justice is Not Your Thing... Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Text: Judges 5 Date: August 7 2011 | 8/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
40 |
Who is the Hero? | Title: Who is the Hero? Speaker:Brett Landry Text:Judges 4 Date: July 31, 2011 | 7/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
41 |
A Fat King is Killed -- So What? | Title: A Fat King is Killed -- So What? Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Text: Judges 3:12-30 Date: July 24/ 2011 | 7/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
42 |
Escaping Guilt | Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Title: Escaping Guilt Text: Judges 3:7-11 Romans 2 & 3 Date: July 17 2011 | 7/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
43 |
Generation Degeneration | Title: Generation Degeneration Speaker: Kris Martens Text: Judges 2:6-3:6 Date: July 10 2011 | 7/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
44 |
Idolatry - Geography & Theology | Title: Idolatry, Geography & Theology Speaker: Kris Martens Date: July 3 2011 Scripture: Judges 1:1-2:5 | 7/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
45 |
Intro to the Book of Judges | Title: Intro to the Book of Judges Speaker: Johannes Gebhardt Scripture: Judges 2, Hebrews 11 & 12 Date: June 26, 2011 | 6/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
46 |
Title: Reality Summer on Mission 2011 | Speaker: Kris Martens Date: June 19, 2011 Title: Reality Summer on Mission 2011 What has called called us to this summer? To live out the rhythms of life with gospel intentionality, so many might come to know and love Jesus. | 6/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
47 |
Is God a Monster? | Title: Is God a Monster? Date: June 12, 2011 Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson There are some disturbing events in the Old Testament -- This issue of God sanctioned violence from ancient times is one of the major defeaters for belief in the gospel. So since we are on the edge of several months of study in the particularly violent Old Testament book of Judges, We decided that it would be helpful for us to come to a better understanding of the God who is love, but who is also responsible for what we read in these passages. | 6/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
48 |
Dating and Marriage (Part 2) | Speaker: Kris Martens Title: Dating & Marriage (Part 2) Date: June 5, 2011 | 6/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
49 |
Dating and Marriage (Part 1) | Speaker: Kris Martens Title: Dating & Marriage (Part 1) Date: May 29, 2011 | 5/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
50 |
Gospel Gender and Identity | Speaker: Kris Martens Title: Gospel Gender & Identity Date: May 15, 2011 Texts: Romans 1, I Peter 2, Genesis 2 & 3, Ephesians 2:1-10 ...although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. ...Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, Romans 1:21,24-25 In this 2nd week of our series on the Gospel & sex in our culture, we'll unpack the state of our culture's confusion related to gender, roles & identity. We'll look at the church's historical understanding of, and response to gender & identity - and spend time addressing the reality of homosexuality and varied orientations influencing our culture. It is my great conviction that the church has to get this one right - if it is to have a relevant & effective Gospel response in our city. We need a robust theology of identity that is biblical, gospel-centred, God-glorifying, fully-satisfying - and that doesn't elevate particular sins & sinners into separate categories. Starting with the creation story in Genesis and moving through the New Testament, we'll see how God's design for our identity & roles in relationships was always rooted in Him, as Triune. We were made for so much more than our culture suggests, and we so easily settle for cheap counterfeits. Let's live in the freedom, joy & expression that Jesus calls us to - and in doing so - be Good News to our city. There is so much brokenness in the world of sex, much of it coming from confusion surrounding our understanding of gender. The gospel of Jesus brings us badly needed clarity. | 5/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
51 |
Gospel Parenthood and Adoption | why parent? | Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Text: Rom 5:10, Rom 8:21-23, James 1:27 Date: May 22, 2011 TEXTS: Matthew 28:19, Romans 5:10, 8:23, Ephesians 1:5, James 1:27 In this 3rd week of our series on the Gospel & sex in our culture, we'll unpack the state of our culture's confusion related to parenthood, adoption & family. Is there really a gospel reason to love this idea of family and to joyfully embrace the rigours of the Christian life which, for most, will include the challenge of parenting? YES. The longer and deeper we look into gospel, the more clearly we will see that this whole concept of family is a beautiful thing in God's mind, a beautiful thing that he is calling all of us to be a part of. This morning we are going to look at the gospel from three different directions, and as we do I hope God will birth in you a love for him, that grows so deep that your love for your self begins to dim and fade away. | 5/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
52 |
Gospel Sexuality | Speaker: Kris Martens Text: Gen 1:26-28, 2:18-25, Prov 5:18-19, Rom 1:16, 20-25, I Pet 2:11-12 Date: May 8, 2011 In this first week of our series on the Gospel & sex in our culture, we'll unpack the current state of our culture's preoccupation with sex as a religion, and how the Christian church has historically responded. It is my great conviction that the church has to get this one right - if it is to have a relevant & effective Gospel response in our city. We need a robust theology of sex that is biblical, gospel -centered, God glorifying, fully-satisfying - and that doesn't turn sex into an idol or into something dirty or gross. Starting with the creation story in Genesis, we'll see how God's design was not for sexual desire to be killed, but directed towards marriage & fuly enjoyed. Sex was God's idea. We were designed to be naked without shame in the context of covenant marriage (Gen 2:24-25) We were created for love to be expressed in a beautiful God-designed rhythm - that moved from companionship & commitment to sexual intimacy. Sexual intimacy is not simply an act between 2 bodies, it is the intimate mingling of souls. We were made for so much more than our culture suggests. Let's live in the freedom & joy that Jesus calls us to - and in doing so - be Good News to our city. | 5/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
53 |
Tree of Life (Part 4) Purpose | Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Date: May 1 2011 God's Mission is to restore all things. Our purpose is to be God's missionaries in restoring people back to God through the message of Jesus. We exist to spread the good news of Gods story everywhere. We do that by telling God's story, showing God's story, and welcoming people into God's story. | 5/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
54 |
Face in the Crowd - John 12:9-19 | Date: April 17, 2011 Preacher: Dennis Wilkinson The ground shakes with the cheers of the thousands as Jesus winds his way down to the very foot of the Eastern gate. What a moment in history! But on this triumphant day we find Jesus crying. Who is this Jesus? What is breaking his heart? There were many faces in the crowd that day, our goal is to find our own faces among them, and make sure we have turned them properly toward our king. | 4/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
55 |
The Fellowship of the King (Acts 2:41-47) | Date: April 10 2011 Preacher: Kris Martens Title:The Fellowship of the King A brush of idealism paints the early church in Acts 2 as a wonderfully warm, faithfully loving, radically generous, conflict-free community free from pride, sin & interpersonal friction. Considering most of the New Testament letters to follow are dedicated to exposing the folly of the early church, the picture from Acts 2 didn't last long. And no wonder - how would we handle 3000 new believers overnight? Who'd do the cooking? Who'd do the teaching? Who'd clean up the mess? Who'd do the laundry? Who's deal with the kids? Who's deal with the tambourine lady. or the guy with the handbells? The early church was a beautiful mess - filed with the Spirit -trained by the best - but a redemptive, beautiful, life giving, contagious mess. Today we'll simply look at the Jesus community depicted in Acts 2 - its elements, its character, its fruit - and the current cultural & spiritual barriers to truly living in the Fellowship of the King. | 4/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
56 |
Tree of Life (Part 3) Identity | Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Date: April 3 2011 If we have embraced Gods book as our authority and if we have embraced Gods story as our hope then God now identifies us as his people. All through history God has been pursuing broken, lost, sinful, hurting people from all over the globe. He gathers us up, dusts us off, and says you are my child now, because of Jesus I forgive you and I love you. God's people have certain unmistakable qualities. Today we look at three of those. If we have been chosen by God we will be humble, if we are alive in the Spirit we will be joyful, and if we are United in Christ we will be a loving family. | 4/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
57 |
When God Shows Up | Date: 3.27.11 Preacher:Dennis Wilkinson Title:When God Shows Up Jesus has risen & ascended. A small group of his closest friends & followers is gathered - wondering - waiting. Then the Spirit of God descends upon them - as wind & as fire. They break out in a raucous proclamation of Jesus as Lord - in languages that reach the city. Some think they are drunk, but then Perter steps up to bring order to the chaos. His message - Jesus is who he said he was, and here is why I know it's true. Look around! The Spirit has come. The prophet Joel's word has been fulfilled. Not only that, but the reality of Jesus as God in flesh should come as no surprise. He is all over the Old Testament!The question back then is the same today; what will you do with Jesus? If you believe the truth about him, and he becomes your Saviour, the Spirit of the living God will take up residence in your life and you will never be the same. | 3/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
58 |
O for a Thousand Tongues & Prophecies | Date: 3.20.11 Preacher:Kris Martens Title:O for a Thousand Tongues & Prophecies This week we finish off our series on the gifts of the Spirit by looking at some of the most controversial & divisive gifts -- tongues and prophecy Through the first letter to the church in Corinth, particularly chapter 12 through 14, we'll see how Paul addressed the purpose, value & proper use of these great gifts. As in previous weeks, we'll see who exhibited this gift in Scripture & history, and provide questions to assist in your discovery of your gifts My prayer is that as we rightly understand tongues & prophecy, the secrets of our hearts would be laid bare, and we would fall down and worship our Lord, Jesus. (see I Cor 14:24-25) | 3/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
59 |
Gifts of the Spirit -helps-encouragement-giving-leadership-mercy-hospitality | Date: 3.13.11 Preacher:Kris Martens Title:Gifts of the Spirit -helps-encouragement-giving-leadership-mercy-hospitality This week we'll pick up where we left off - wrestling and exploring the theology & implications of Spiritual Gifts. Through the letter to the church in Ephesus, we'll see how Paul addressed the purpose of the gifts and the motivation of the gift-giver. Specifically, we'll look at the gifts of service/helps, encouragement, giving-leadership-mercy & hospitality. As in previous weeks, we'll see who exhibited this gift in Scripture & history, and provide questions to assist in the discovery of your gifts. | 3/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
60 |
Gifts of the Spirit: apostle-evangelist-teacher-pastor-helps-admin | Date: 02.20.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Gifts of the Spirit: apostle-evangelist-teacher-pastor-helps-admin This week we'll pick up where we left off - wrestling with & exploring the theology & implications of Spiritual Gifts. Through the letter to the church in Ephesus, we'll see how Paul addressed the purpose of the gifts and the motivation of the gift-giver. Specifically, we'll look at the gifts of Apostle -Evangelist - Teacher - Pastor - Helps & Administration. As in previous weeks, we'll see who exhibited this gift in Scripture & history, and provide questions to assist in your discovery of your gift(s). | 3/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
61 |
Gifts of the Spirit: Faith|Miracles|Healing | Date: 02.20.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Gifts of the Spirit: Faith|Miracles|Healing This week we'll pick up where we left off - wrestling with & exploring the theology & implications of Spiritual Gifts. Using the seriously jacked up Corinthian church as a model of what NOT to do, we'll see how Paul addressed the importance & purpose of the gifts. We'll also look at the abuse of gifts - and how dangerous it is to confuse gifts with spiritual fruit. More specifically, we'll look at the gifts of Faith, Healing & Miracles. | 2/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
62 |
Spiritual Gifts | Date: 02.13.11 Preacher: Dennis Wilkinson Title: Spiritual Gifts | 2/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
63 |
The Spirit & the Church | Date: 02.O6.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: The Spirit & the Church | 2/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
64 |
The Spirit & the Church | Date: 02.O6.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: The Spirit & the Church | 2/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
65 |
Sent | far & away & round the corner | Date: 01.30.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Sent | far & away & round the corner Throughout Luke's account of Jesus' life, teachings & mission - his goal has been to bring certainty to those reading this work (Luke 1:1-4) Luke sticks the landing in chapter 24 - summarizing the major themes of the Gospel & emphasizing the reality of Jesus' return. Most notable in Luke, and all Gospel writers, is the promise of the Holy Spirit given by Jesus. Today - we'll explore the reality & necessity of the Holy Spirit in the life & mission of the church. By God's grace, we'll see our need for the Spirit in every area of life - depend upon Him as we share & live out the Gospel in our 'Jerusalem's' 'Samaria's' and to the 'ends of the earth' Praise God for the perseverance to work through all of Luke's Gospel - and for the incredible foundation it has laid for our community. | 1/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
66 |
Doubt | Jesus & the Skeptics | Date: 01.23.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Doubt | Jesus & the Skeptics Throughout Luke's account of the Gospel, his goal has been to bring certainty to those reading this work (Luke 1:1-4) Luke is a man of science, facts, answers. He knows hypotheses & how easy it is to disprove false or convenient ones. He also recognizes the magnitude of the claims of Jesus. So he interviews & investigates in great detail, double-triple checking sources - all to give us an account of Jesus' life - death - resurrection that can be trusted. He wants to share Truth. He wants us to question, but he wants us to believe. Luke 24 is his summary - bringing in the major themes of his account. Today - we'll see how Jesus addressed the skeptic - the doubter - and explore his grace, compassion & call to believe | 1/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
67 |
Are You Aware? | Date: 01.16.11 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Are you Aware? ... I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning... so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:3-4 niv Throughout Lukes account of the Gospel, his goal has been to bring certainty to those reading this work (Luke 1:1-4). Luke is a man of science, facts, answers. He knows hypotheses & how easy it is to disprove false or convenient ones. He also recognizes the magnitude of the claims of Jesus. So he interviews & investigates in great detail, double-triple checking sources - all to give us an account of Jesus life - death - resurrection that can be trusted. He wants to share Truth. He wants us to question, but he wants us to believe. Luke 24, on the road to Emmaus, is his summary - bringing in some of his major themes of his book. It is a wonderful, moving story. It is both a proclamation of the resurrection, and an explanation of the empty tomb. May we learn from this account what it means to walk with our Rabbi, Lord & Saviour, Jesus. And may we place our hesitations & skepticisms under the microscope of Lukes truth claims. May we walk in the Light. | 1/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
68 |
Mission Possible | Date: 1.02.11 Preacher: Brian Postlewaite | 1/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
69 |
Tree of Life (Part 1) | Date: 1.02.11 Preacher: Dennis Wilkinson Life lived without authority, hope, identity, and purpose is a disaster every time. Life lived with false or lesser authority, hope, identity, and purpose is only delayed disaster. Is the Christian answer to these for critical life categories compelling? I invite you to find out with me as we answer this question using the analogy of a tree. Gods book is the soil in which we are firmly planted. Our roots go down deep into Gods book, it is here that we are filled with hope as we come to love Gods story. We break the soil and grow upward as a healthy tree when we discover our true identity as Gods family. As Branches of a mighty tree stretch out, we as Gods family joyfully fulfill his purpose for us by spreading the good news of Gods story everywhere. (part one Authority, & Hope) | 1/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
70 |
What Ralph Doesn't Have | Date: 12.19.10 Preacher: Dennis Wilkinson Title: What Ralph Doesn't Have Ralph is an atheist. I am a Christian, we both seem to be at peace, so what's the difference? What do I have when it comes to peace that Ralph doesn't? The Christian has peace with God, peace when pain comes, and peace experienced within the body of Christ. and these things makes all the difference in the world. Key Passages: Romans 5:1, 6-11 John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid and then later in John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. Col 3:15 -- And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. | 12/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
71 |
Good pain good news & great joy | Date: 12.012.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Good pain, good news & great joy In this sermon we'll delve into the wonder of Grace & Truth come down in flesh - and why celebrating Jesus - the hope of glory who inserted Himself into the dust of humanity - is indeed a cause worthy of Hope, Joy & Peace. We''ll explore how we too easily settle for cheap counterfeits to the true & Wondrous JOY of Christmas. We'll also explore the seeming contradiction of Pain and Joy - and how they are an intricate part of the Gospel narrative. The story of Christmas depicts the reality of both - always pointing to the Joy found only in Jesus. May the reality of Jesus: his birth -life - message - mission - death - resurrection & glory - be the centre of all we do over the holy-days. | 12/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
72 |
HOPE | What are you settling for? | Date: 12.05.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: HOPE | What are you settling for? Most of the traditions often associated with Christmas from the trees, to gift-giving to mistletoe, to the date - have been ripped off from other cultures & traditions... some pre-dating the manger, shepherds & the midnight clear. In this sermon we'll look at the absurdity of putting Christ back into Christmas - since Christians are the ones that wedged him into a few pre-existing traditions in the first place. But well delve into the wonder of Grace & Truth come down in flesh and why celebrating Jesus - the hope of glory who inserted Himself into the dust of humanity - is indeed a cause worthy of Hp, Joy, & Peace. We'll explore how we too easily settle for cheap counterfeits to the true & wondrous HOPE of Christmas. May the reality of Jesus: his birth- life- message - mission - death - resurrection - glory be the centre of all we do over the holy-days. Merry Christmas, one and all. Jesus has come, for one and all. | 12/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
73 |
Resurrection Changes Everything | Luke 24:1-12 | Date: 11.28.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Resurrection Changes Everything Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die John 11:25 niv The literal resurrection of Jesus is one of the most disputed claims of his life & ministry - as quite literally, the entire Christian faith hinges on its reality. Disprove the resurrection of Jesus and you the whole things falls apart. The apostle Paul says exactly that in his 1st letter to the Corinthian church... ( '... if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.' I Cor 15:17) Despite the wonder & power of the resurrection - it is all too common for Christians to emphasize the cross alone - somehow disconnecting it from the resurrection. Yet that's not what we see in recorded biblical sermons - where the 2 always went together. The good news & glory of the empty cross & empty tomb should be the highlight of every sermon, every lesson, every song & every gathering of our community. In this sermon, we'll look at Jesus' resurrection through the lens of Luke and highlight what he emphasized. In particular, the radical faith & reckless folly of the major characters who witnessed the crucifixion. May the resurrection of Christ empower us - renew us - regenerate us - justify us - changing everything. | 11/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
74 |
The Glory of the Cross | Luke 23:26-49 | Date: 11.21.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: The Glory of the Cross | Luke 23:26-49 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 niv The crucifixion of Jesus is the central point of history, literally the crux of the grand narrative we find ourselves in. It is simultaneously the most painful, unjust scene - and the most glorious & beautiful. What was accomplished on the cross & in the subsequent days transformed all that was & will be. The good news & glory of the cross is the highlight of every sermon, every lesson, every song & every gathering of our community. In this sermon, we'll look at Jesus' crucifixion through the lens of Luke and highlight what he emphasized. In particular, the forgiveness of Jesus, the response of the co-crucified criminals, and the response of the centurion, the crowd & the watching women. May the cross of Christ radically transform us from the inside out - and may we live in the reality & beauty of Jesus' death by love. | 11/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
75 |
The Glory of Injustice | Luke 23:1-25 | Date: 11.14.10 Preacher: Dennis Wilkinson Title: The Glory of Injustice | Luke 22:66 - 23:1-25 | 11/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
76 |
Theology of Mockery | Luke 22:63-65 | Date: 11.7.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Theology of Mockery | Luke 22:63-65 The lead up, the event & the follow-up of Jesus' crucifixion were filled with mockery. This included verbal jabs, visual punches (the sign, the robe, the crown) & physical blows (beard-pulling, spitting, etc). The mockery of Jesus was relentless - designed to shame the person & work of the Messiah. It was also prophesied & necessary to the completion of the Missio Dei. In this sermon we'll look at the dynamics of mockery in the Bible & in our own context, working towards a theology of scorn. We'll explore how mockery WAS used (both abusively-by man, & redemptively-by God), how it IS used, WHY it's used and WHEN mockery may indeed be acceptable. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! Isaiah 50:5-8 niv | 11/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
77 |
Darkness Falls | Luke 22:28-62 | Date: 10.31.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Darkness Falls | Rejection & Response Texts: Luke 22:28-62, Isaiah 53, Colossians 1:13, I Thess 5:4-6 | 10/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
78 |
What's the Big Deal about Dinner? | Date: 10.24.10 Preacher: Dennis Wilkinson Title: What's the Big Deal about Dinner? | Luke 22:1-38 | 10/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
79 |
Signs and Stands | Luke 21:5-38 | Date: 10.17.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Signs & Stands | Luke 21:5-38 Few areas of theology elicit more intrigue, passion and controversy than that of the end times (eschatology). In Jesus' final conversation before his Last Supper, He goes big - reminding his followers of His end-time prophecies while inspiring never-ending Christian-fiction series. Specifically, we know that the Temple and Jerusalem will be destroyed, that there will be tremendous signs in the heavens & on the earth, and that the Lord will indeed return in Glory. Remarkable detail is given in relation to persecution, causing many to speculate on timelines, world events & the end times. Yet all we can truly be confident of are these: Jesus will return. None of us know when. We'll all meet Him. It would be good to be ready. | 10/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
80 |
Cleverness and Clarity | Luke 20:27-40 | Date: 10.10.10 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Cleverness & Clarity For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures... But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4,12-14 niv There are innumerable objections people hold to discount, minimize, marginalize & otherwise reject the person & work of Jesus. While most in our city are open to Jesus as a good teacher (rabbi), or simply as the dude cruising around the middle east, wearing a flowing gown and throwing out pithy statements about life while sipping a chai latte - everybody's cool with that Jesus. But it gets sketchy when you consider what Jesus actually taught about himself - and the implications & authority from a man who claimed to be God. This week we'll see a futile attempt at entrapment by a group of religious Jewish men, Sadducee's, who denied the resurrection. More importantly, we'll see Jesus turn their cleverness on its head - bringing Gospel clarity - and either silence or repentance to his critics. S.D.G. | 10/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
81 |
Live in Light of your Reconciliation | Date: 10.10.03 Speaker: Dennis Wilkinson Texts: John 19:30, Heb 10:19-22 Title: Live in Light of your Reconciliation | 10/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
82 |
Welcome to Reality | Community | Date: 10.09.26 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Revelation 21:1-5 Title: Welcome to Reality | Community | 9/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
83 |
Welcome to Reality | theology | Date: 10.09.12 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Colossians 2:17, John 1 Title: Welcome to Reality | Theology | 9/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
84 |
Question Reality | What's the deal with healings miracles & the Holy Spirit | Date: 10.09.05 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Question Reality | What's the deal with healings, miracles & the Holy Spirit | 9/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
85 |
Messengers & Madness | parable of wicked tenants | Date: 10.08.29 Preacher: Kris Martens Title: Messengers & Madness | parable of wicked tenants | 8/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
86 |
Anything But Comfortable | Phil 2:1-11 | Date: 10.08.15 Preacher: Matt Menzel Title: Anything But Comfortable Texts: Philippians 2:1-11 | 8/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
87 |
ANGER and AUTHORITY | Luke 19_41-48 | Date: 10.08.08 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 19:41-20:8 Title: Anger & Authority | 8/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
88 |
BELOVED and BEHEADED | John the Baptizer | Date: 10.08.01 Pracher: Mark Burch Title: Beloved & Beheaded | JOHN THE BAPTIZER Texts: Mark 6, Luke 7 | 8/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
89 |
Possession and Provision | Luke 18_18-30 | Date: 10.07.18 Speaker: Lance Odegard Texts: Luke 18:18-30 Title: Possession & Provision A certain ruler asked him, | 7/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
90 |
RELENTLESS | prayerful nagging & prideful posturing | Date: 10.07.11 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 18:1-14, 35-42 Title: RELENTLESS| prayerful nagging & prideful posturing And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 | 7/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
91 |
ALL THINGS NEW | Date: 10.07.04 Speaker: Lance Odegard Title: All Things New Texts: Genesis 1 & 3, Colossians 1:15-23, 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 | 7/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
92 |
GOD and FATHERS | Date: 10.06.27 Speaker: Kris Martens Title: God & Fathers: the role & responsibility of biblical fatherhood Texts: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:4 | 6/27/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
93 |
Luke 17:20-37 | The end of the world as we know it | Date: 10.06.13 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 17:20-37 Title: KINGDOM| the end of the world as we know it Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, | 6/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
94 |
WATCH YOURSELF | folly forgivness & faith | Date: 10.06.06 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 17:1-19 Title: WATCH YOURSELF| folly, forgiveness & faith Jesus said to his disciples: | 6/6/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
95 |
WHAT SHALL I DO NOW | living with the end in view | Date: 10.05.30 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 16:1-31 Title: What shall I do now? | Living with the end in view The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. - Jesus Luke 16:8-9 NIV The Kingdom of God is one of those big ideas woven through the entire Bible. Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus repeatedly describes the Kingdom through stories about common events & customs. In this passage, well see Him teach about the kingdom through an intriguing, profound, and somewhat confrusing parable. Known as the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, this story is rarely taught on for reasons readily seen. But however awkward this unique account, its point rings clear throughout the Gospels- and its lesson is as challenging today as it was when first spoken. Note: For an expository sermon on Luke 16:19-31, see our QuestionReality sermon archives from March 22, 2009. Sermon entitled: What the Hell? of judgment, wrath, hell, fire & El Diablos red stretchy-pants | 5/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
96 |
Lost | the older brother | Date: 10.05.16 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 15:25-32 Title: Lost | the older brother I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. - Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, Isaiah 61:10 Luke 15 contains three of the most famous & profoundly Gospel-centred stories Jesus tells in Luke's account: lost sheep, lost treasure & lost sons. Last week we looked at the rebellious younger son: his character, his requests - and the Fathers gracious response...throwing a party for his return. But the story of the prodigal sons doesn't end with a party. Almost half the story is about the older brothers response - revealing his profound lostness. This week well look specifically at the older brothers condition, the signs that demonstrate it (so we can recognize them in ourselves), and what we can do about them. Most importantly, well see Jesus as the necessary, true & perfect older brother. My prayer is that through the story of this father & son - well have our sin, idolatry & religious folly exposed - and be encouraged by the response of the father, and the wonder of grace. May we see ourselves as sheep, treasure & prodigals, and may we see God as the Ultimate Prodigal: recklessly extravagant - having spent everything for us. | 5/16/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
97 |
Lost | the younger brother | Date: 10.05.09 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 15:11-24 Title: Lost | the younger son I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. - Isaiah 61:10 Luke 15 contains three of the most famous and profoundly Gospel-centred stories Jesus tells in Luke's account: lost sheep, lost treasure & lost sons. Last week we looked at the audience Jesus shared with - tax collectors, sinners & the religious - and their response to Jesus searching for lost sheep & treasure. This week Jesus delves into what is probably his most famous parable, that of the prodigal sons. In vv.11-24 Jesus exposes the sin of the younger brother - the rebellious & passionate one who runs away and then returns to the father. We'll look specifically at the request of this son - to have his share of his father's estate, and what it meant in his culture. More importantly, we'll explore the father's response to the request & to the return of his wayward son. My prayer is that through the story of this father & son - we'll have our sin, idolatry & religious folly exposed - and be encouraged by the response of the father, and the wonder of grace. May we see ourselves as sheep, treasure & prodigals, and may we see God as the Ultimate Prodigal: recklessly extravagant - having spent everything for us. | 5/9/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
98 |
Lost | Sheep and Treasure | Date: 10.05.02 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 15:1-10 Title: Lost | Sheep & Treasure We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - re: Jesus, Isaiah 53:6 Luke 15 contains three of the most famous and profoundly Gospel-centred stories Jesus tells in Luke's account: lost sheep, lost treasure, and lost sons. Over the next 3 weeks we'll look at the idea of being LOST and of being FOUND, and we'll explore the character of the Pursuer and the pursued. In the first section (vv.1-10), Jesus teaches on lost sheep and a lost coin, but the key factor is His audience - consisting of sinners, tax collectors, pharisees and scribes. Their presence and cultural significance in the 1st century have profound implications to our own walk as spiritual seekers and sojourners. That this conversation happens should push us to rethink our life, purpose and meaning. My prayer is that, as we become the audience, Jesus would destroy any categories or assumptions we have regarding sin, the Gospel, salvation and the Kingdom of God - and that we would see Jesus as the Great Shepherd, and as the Forgiving Father who searches for lost sinners and throws extravagant parties when they're found. May we see ourselves as sheep, treasure and prodigals, and may we see God as the Ultimate Prodigal; recklessly extravagant - having spent everything for us. | 5/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
99 |
Invitation | to the scandalous party | Date: 10.04.25 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 14:12-24 Title: Invitation | to the scandalous party "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' - Jesus, Luke 14:23-24 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. - Jesus, Rev 22:17 The Kingdom of God is one of those 'big ideas' woven through the entire Bible. Throughout the Gospels accounts, Jesus repeatedly describes the Kingdom through stories about common events & customs. In this passage, we'll see Him teach about the kingdom in terms of a great feast - a wedding banquet. And we'll see that in many ways the banquet is scandalous. Through the text in Luke 14, we'll see: 1. that Jesus invites us to a free party (v12-17) 2. that despite the invitation the party surprises many (18-20) 3. that the invitation list is filled with party-crashers (13,21-22) 4. that we have a role in distributing the invitations (21-23) 5. that the party will be packed out (23) | 4/25/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
100 |
Humble | Date: 10.04.18 Speaker: Matt Shantz Texts: Luke 14:7-11; 18:9-14 Title: Humble: If You Think You Are, You Probably Aren't "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12 NIV "Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self." Charles H Spurgeon While our society tells us that we should jostle for the best positions and be full of self-interest in order to succeed, Jesus makes it clear throughout the gospels that God's Kingdom works completely differently. Rather than be full of self-interest, Jesus commands us to be self- sacrificing. Rather than be served from lofty positions, we are to be meek and serve others. When Jesus told parables there was often a religious person and a "sinful person". To the shock of His hearers, the "sinner" was the one whose sins would be forgiven, who would be accepted by God. Again this is the case. The proud, God will make low. The humble, God will exalt. And true Christians humility finds itself at the cross of Jesus. We are humbled when the cross is in view because we recognize our dependence on the grace of God. It is there that we receive grace and it is there that we find peace. | 4/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
101 |
Kingdom | Small Seeds & Narrow Doors | Date: 10.04.11 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 13:18-35 Title: Kingdom | Small Seeds & Narrow Doors This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. - Jesus, Matthew 6::9-10 NIV "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." - Jesus, Matthew 4:13 NIV The Kingdom of God is one of those 'big ideas' woven through the entire Bible. Prophets foretold it - wars were fought for over it - people died for it - Jesus came to proclaim & establish it - and there remains much confusion around it. The King of Kings and His Kingdom. For much of Scene V through our study of Luke's Gospel account, this will be the big theme. The Kingdom of God that is here, near & coming. The Kingdom that is both the journey & the destination. In this sermon, we'll look at the historical, future & present perspective of the Kingdom. Through the text in Luke 13, we'll see: 1. the mystery & reality of the Kingdom [past] 2. the mystery surrounding who's in & who's not [future] 3. some straightforward implications for us all [present] | 4/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
102 |
Nothing Less | Date: 10.04.04 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: John 20 Title: Nothing Less Nothing Less | The Great Reality of Easter Texts: John 20:25-29; 21:17-19; Luke 24:38-47; Acts 2:23-25; 1 Peter 1:3-9 | 4/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
103 |
Repent | Date: 10.03.28 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 13:1-9 Title: Repent I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying, | 3/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
104 |
Greed Grace & The Gospel | Date: 10.03.21 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 12:13-34 Title: Greed, Grace & The Gospel "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." - Jesus Luke 12:15 NIV 'Greed is good' - Wall Street (1995) Jesus talks about money, riches & greed more than any other subject - and the Bible references the poor & oppressed over 2100 times. His disciples had little question as to His priorities: kingdom living - freeing the poor, oppressed & those in slavery - pushing back the darkness of sin, religion & idolatry - and eventually making all things new. Many of His stories involved a contrast between rich & poor - haves & have-nots - with Jesus almost always siding with the poor while likening the rich to camels squeezing through needles. I wonder today... if the church addressed money as often & as forcefully as Jesus did with his disciples - if it would lead to empty pews or full-on revival? Maybe we should find out...In this mornings text, Jesus will address money & greed specifically - warning us of its power, & deception over our hearts. He'll brazenly confront our comfortable western culture - where few even acknowledge greed as an 'issue' - while we spend time & energy worrying about clothes, housing & food. Jesus will call for generosity, good works and being rich towards God. We will then look at the only thing able to break the power of money over us: the Gospel itself. note: credit to pastor Tim Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC) for some of the main points & Gospel-application. Specifically, his sermon entitled 'treasure vs money' (May 1999). | 3/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
105 |
Be Ready | The Master's Return | Date: 10.03.14 Speaker: Matt Shantz Texts: Luke 12:35-59 Title: Be Ready | The Master's Return ...I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' Zechariah 13:9 Jesus came into the world as Gods divine plan for the redemption of the world. Jesus, on the cross, made a way for us to approach the Father: through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross, rising 3 days later. And that victory will be fully realized upon Christs return. Hes coming again. A lot of people spend a lot of time trying to figure out when exactly He will return and what exactly will happen when He does. Scripture tells us everything that we need to know, and leaves out details that we don't. What we know is that Jesus is coming again and we are instructed [in Luke 12:35-59] to be ready. Most practically, we are instructed to have faith in Jesus and that faith will display itself in the way we live our day-to-day lives. Then, when the Master returns, He will find us faithful and He will serve us at the great banquet table (12:37), which is our eternity with Him! | 3/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
106 |
Woe Is Thee | Date: 10.02.28 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 11:37-54 Title: Woe Is Thee Throughout history men & women have sought to hide their hearts from Jesus while putting on the appearance that all is well. While this may fool some people, it never fools Jesus. He relentlessly pursues our hearts with his tenacious, ferocious love. He gently addresses those who approach him in humility & brokenness - but to those who approach with religion and put up barriers to His life - Jesus goes Old Testament. In this sermon we'll look at Jesus and some religious leaders & teachers. It'll be a contrast between the burden & drudgery of religion and the grace & joy of the Gospel. My prayer is that it leads to repentance - for those who struggle with sin & for those who struggle with religion. The cross of Christ is big enough for both - and His grace is deep enough to transform the most broken, and most religious sinner. | 2/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
107 |
The Prayer of Jesus | Date: 10.02.21 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 11:1-13 Title: The Prayer of Jesus One of the greatest gifts given to the Christ-follower is that of prayer: communicating with God in a real & personal way. Luke's Gospel is filled with accounts of Jesus praying & teaching on prayer. Tragically, prayer has become a subject of much guilt & avoidance in the Christian church today. Frankly, many Christians remain in a state of spiritual immaturity because they have an undeveloped prayer life - only talking with God when in crisis or when busted. Some feel intimidated by those who pray with great eloquence & skill - not realizing that Jesus taught repeatedly on the folly of such a spectacle. In this sermon we'll look at the WHAT - WHEN - WHERE of prayer and then unpack the HOW using the pattern of prayer Jesus taught his disciples. Commonly known as | 2/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
108 |
The Kingdom | Here & Not Yet | Date: 10.02.14 Speaker: Matt Shantz Texts: Luke 4:16-21 Title: The Kingdom | Here & Not Yet | 2/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
109 |
Seeing With New Eyes | Date: 10.02.07 Speaker: James Bonney Texts: Luke 11:14-37 Title: Seeing With New Eyes | 2/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
110 |
The Compassionate Eye | Date: 10.01.24 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 10:25-37 Title: The Compassionate Eye Summary: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8 The parable of the ?good Samaritan? is one of Jesus? most famous, most embraced & most controversial. It puts flesh & blood on the greatest commandments: to love God and love our neighbours. And in doing so, challenges the religious and the well-intentioned: those with big heads - big hearts & big hands. In the parable, Jesus emphasizes that both Gospel messaging (preaching & teaching) & Gospel neighbouring (mercy & justice) are essential to this new way of living. May we embrace His call and his challenge to proclaim the spiritual reality of Jesus - engaging the minds of our neighbours, and to do so with radical compassion - meeting the physical needs of our neighbours, near & far. And may we see ourselves as the broken & needy, and Jesus as the Great Samaritan - who at great cost, reconciled us through the cross. | 1/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
111 |
The Urban Harvest | Date: 10.01.17 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 10:1-24 Title: The Urban Harvest | 1/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
112 |
Count The Cost | Date: 10.01.10 Speaker: Kris Martens Texts: Luke 9:51-62 Title: Count The Cost | 1/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
113 |
This Time This Place | Date: 01.03.10 Speaker: Mark Burch Texts: Jeremiah 29; Acts 17 | 1/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
114 |
GOSPEL DATING | m4m5 | Date: 12.06.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Genesis 1-3, Proverbs 31:10-31, Ephesians 5:31-33, 1 Cor 7:8-9, Hebrews 13:4-6, 1 Peter 5:6-7 Summary: This week we wrap up our study of sexuality, gender & relationships through the lens of the Gospel. We'll look at both the gift of singleness and the joy of marriage, and some of the biblical guidelines for moving from the former to the latter. This will be one of the more practical sermons thus far at Reality, taking on more of a pastoral / counselor tone. If you're not married but would like to be, this may act as some pre-marital counseling. If you're married but less than satisfied, some of this material may give you and your husband/wife much to pray about & work through together. If you're married and are in bliss, consider yourself blessed by God. That's what your marriage was intended for. My prayer is that whether you're divorced, married, single, widowed, or some combination thereof - and whether you are submitted to Jesus as Lord or not - that this message will resonate in your heart & soul. You were made for so much more. You are an image bearer of Jesus - and your relationships either point people towards Jesus or away from Him. Turn to Jesus & receive forgiveness for the past & hope for the future. | 12/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
115 |
GOSPEL WOMANHOOD | m4m4 | Date: 11.29.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Genesis 1-3, 4:17, Proverbs (all), esp 31:10-31, 1 Corinthians 11:3-12, Ephesians 5:21-33, Titus 2, 1 Peter 3:1-7 Summary: As we study the God-given gift of sexuality, it is essential to look at our God-directed gender as it relates to others and to God. We were not designed as gender-less robots - but male & female. Equal in value & worth - but unique & distinct by Gods design. We desperately need to hear what the Bible teaches about women as it relates to being single, married, a wife and a mother - as well as a follower of Jesus. In this sermon, we will look at the historical & current state of femininity in Canada, how Jesus dealt with women - and then begin to lay out a biblical, Gospel-centred model for womanhood. Starting in Genesis, we'll see their original purpose - and how it has become so corrupted today. We'll identify the common sins of women - and end with a call to Gospel-centred beauty from Proverbs. | 11/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
116 |
GOSPEL MANHOOD | m4m3 | Date: 11.22.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Genesis 1-3:19, Proverbs 2,4,14, Ephesians 5:21-33 I Corinthians 11:7, 16:13, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:7 Summary: As we study the God-given gift of sexuality, it is essential to look at our God-directed gender as it relates to others and to God. We were not designed as gender-less robots - but male & female. Equal in value & worth - but unique & distinct in many ways. While historically men have held a high place in society - a position often abused - ours is a culture where masculinity is in crisis. Boys are growing up without positive role models - and often without a father. The media portrayal of men tends towards either chauvinist bullies or - more commonly - irresponsible cowards. Contrast that with our design as men: the very essence of masculinity is courage & responsibility. We need to hear what the Bible teaches about men as it relates to being a husband and a father - as well as a follower of Jesus. In this sermon, we will look at the historical & current state of masculinity in Canada - and then begin to lay out a bibilical, Gospel-centred model for men. Starting in Genesis, well see our original purpose - and why everything now seems to war against this design. Well identify the common sins of men - and end with a call to Gospel-centred dudeliness from 1 Corinthians 11 & 16. | 11/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
117 |
SEX IN THE CITY | m4m2 | Date: 11.15.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Genesis 1 & 2, Songs 4 & 7, Ephesians 5, Matthew 5:27-30, Romans 6:5-6, I Corinthians 6 & 7, Galatians 6:7-8 Summary: When God designed us, he gave us a cultural mandate - be fruitful & multiply - cultivate & have dominion over the entire earth. In our day we dont seem to be capable of having dominion over even our underwear. In this 2nd week of our Made for More series, well look at some common distortions & deceptions our culture holds regarding sexuality & love. Well then shine the light of the Gospel on the subject and seek the Scripture for truth & wisdom as it relates to sexuality & our identity. Purposes of sex will include: oneness/intimacy, pleasure, procreation, knowledge & security - but will emphasize the glory of God. Sex is designed as a pointer to Gods glory & character, and Christian marriages should reflect that beauty in the time & place were called. Christian sex in the city should be radically distinct from the worlds view of sexuality. And that happens by applying the truth of the Gospel to our whole being. We were made for so much more than our culture suggests. May we live in the freedom & joy that Jesus calls us to - and in doing so - be truly Good News to our city. | 11/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
118 |
GOSPEL SEXUALITY | m4m1 | Date: 11.08.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18,22-25, Proverbs 5:18-19, Romans 1:16,20-25, I Peter 2:11-12 Summary: In this first week of our Made for More series, well unpack the current state of our cultures preoccupation with sex (as religion), and how the Christian church has historically-pathetically responded. It is my great conviction that the church has to get this one right - if it is to have a relevant & effective Gospel response in our city. We need a robust theology of sex that is biblical, Gospel-centred, God-glorifying, fully-satisfying - and that doesnt turn sex into an idol or into something dirty or gross. Starting with the creation story in Genesis, well how Gods design from the beginning was not for sexual desire to be killed, but directed towards marriage & fully enjoyed. Sex was God's idea. That we were designed to be naked without shame - in the context of covenant marriage (Gen 2:24-25). And that we were created for love to be expressed in a beautiful God-designed rhythm - that moved from companionship & commitment to sexual intimacy. So that sexual intimacy is not simply an act between 2 bodies, it is the intimate mingling of souls. We were made for so much more than our culture suggests. Lets live in the freedom & joy that Jesus calls us to - and in doing so - be Good News to our city. | 11/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
119 |
TRANSFIGURATION | Speaker: Lance Odegard Date: 10.25.09 Texts: Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10; 2 Pet. 1:16-18; John 1:14; 2 Cor. 3:7-18; Heb. 1:3, Psalm 24:7-10 TRANSFIGURATION The transfiguration comes at a point where perspective is needed. Jesus has just predicted his passion, a way that includes suffering, rejection and death. He has revealed a shocking truth that his way involves going to the cross and he calls his followers to do the same. Jesus reveals that his identity includes being a crucified messiah. Now on the mountain with Peter, John, and James, Jesus reveals another part of his identity the glorified Son of God. On the mountain we are given a vantage point, a view that looks backwards and forwards: back to Israels story in the Old Testament and forward to Jesus empty tomb and the ascension, where Jesus stands in glory at Gods right hand. After Jesus reveals that his journey involves going to the cross, he reveals what will follow the cross- resurrection. The transfiguration provides a glimpse at the only source of hope for the transfiguring of a disfigured world. Here we see more clearly who Jesus is, as the transfiguration reveals the ultimate goal of his journey to the cross. And its too much to take in. | 10/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
120 |
TAKE UP/ DENY/ FOLLOW | Date: 10.18.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Matt 10:38, 16:17-28, Mark 8:30-38, John 12:24, Luke 9:18-27, Rom 12:1-2, 1 Cor 3:11, 2 Cor 4:11, 12:8-10, Gal 6:14, Heb 12:1-3 TAKE UP/ DENY/ FOLLOW If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save him life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Jesus (Luke 9:23-24 niv) One day, after Jesus had spent time with His Father praying, he asked his followers some tough questions: Who do the crowds say I am, and what about you? He knows they dont fully understand His identity yet, but like a good teacher He reveals in clarifying terms the path He is on. Notably, on His way to suffer & die on the cross- and then rise to live on the third day. His brothers dont take too kindly to Jesus hard words. Thats not what they were expecting thats not the role of the Messiah... right? He then challenges his brothers (& us) with a call to suffering. A call to take up our cross, deny our selfish ambition, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It is on this reality of suffering & cross-bearing that this sermon will focus. Specifically on the reality that our spiritual journey will come at a great cost & likely with much pain. Its the way of Jesus its the way of the cross it is the way. Death comes before life. Life comes through death. Jesus for us. This is a radically & ridiculously counter-cultural idea and one worth deeply reflecting upon. In a city that appears to have gained the whole world but has lost itself... are your expectations lined up with the world, or with Jesus? What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Jesus (Luke 9:25 niv) Suffer well. | 10/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
121 |
ON THE BOAT | Date: 27.09.09 Speaker: Russ Otterbein Texts: Lk 8:22-39 Jesus grabs attention, healing, saving, and transforming lives. | 10/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
122 |
HEY KID THANKS FOR THE FISH | Date: 11.10.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Matthew 14:15021, Mark 6:35-44, John 6:4-13, Luke 9:1-17, John 6:25-51, John 20:21, Luke 6:13-16, 1:37 HEY KID, THANKS FOR THE FISH Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. Jesus (John 6:35, niv) Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Jesus (John 20:21, niv) Lukes gospel is the missionary gospel. Over & over Luke depicts Jesus choosing, training, and then sending his followers out to do His will. It is clear that we follow a sent & sending God (John 20:21). In Luke 9, well se Jesus sending his boys out poorly equipped it would seem to preach & heal, from village to village. He has given them power & authority so it is likely that many respond well to this Jesus. When the disciples report back to Jesus, theyre probably feeling pretty good about themselves. Thinking: Hey we preached, the people we healed... Jesus you should have seen us... But Jesus sends them out again, not village to village but to the crowd simply to feed them. A logistical and economical nightmare, for sure. 15-20 000 men, women & children far from Safeway, Subway & Starbucks not an easy task. It is a test of the disciples faith. They have seen the power & authority of Jesus up close & personal. Theyve seen his authority over wind, waves & even death. They have just been used by Him to heal & transform lives with His Gospel. Is it too much to believe He could feed a hungry mob? On their own power, yes it is. But Jesus teaches that it is not the mission strategy, effort spent or even willingness but what (who) you have to offer that feeds hungry souls. He will go on to call Himself the Bread of Life. And it is He alone who satisfies hungry bodies & souls, then & now. For nothing is impossible with God. the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:37) | 10/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
123 |
Faith in Real Life | Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb 11:1 | 10/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
124 |
ANOINTED by the WOMAN | Date: 13.09.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 7:29-50 | 9/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
125 |
The BEST LAID PLANS | Date: 06.09.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 7:18-28, Isaiah 61 The BEST LAID PLANS John the Baptist was stuck in prison, hungry and feeling abandoned. He sends some of his friends to Jesus to check, You are the one, aren't you? The message Jesus responds with is one of hope, but not necessarily hope for this world. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Jesus didnt release John from his prison and set the captives free. That part of the prophesy in Isaiah 61 is for a time yet to come. Sometimes we have the best laid plans, but all too often they get shaken up. And we will too if our hope isnt in Jesus, and if He isnt the rock on which we stand. When your plans are changed, how do you respond? In this message, Pastor Kris looks at our mission in the city, from where we came from and where we are headed, with Jesus at the helm of the boat, steering the ship. | 9/9/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
126 |
REDNECKS on the ROOF | Date: 30.08.09 Speaker: Lance Odegard Texts: Luke 5:17-26, 7:1-17 Title: REDNECKS on the ROOF When four rednecks, rough around the edges, unorthodox and inventive, brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus, it was their faith that so impressed Jesus that upon seeing it, He forgave the man on the mat his sins. Then to show that not only could the Christ forgive sins, but do more than we could ever ask or imagine, Jesus goes and heals the man as well, commanding take up your mat and go. This and two other stories of faith in Jesus authority are brought under Lances scrutiny as he breaks it down for us, explaining how Gospel is freedom. When our creator God says Do not fear, He is creating courage in us, because every time God speaks, He creates. Jesus continues to amaze us as he is constantly interrupted and responds with compassion. Take some time to look at Jesus, and consider how His life may be interrupting yours. | 8/31/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
127 |
FRUIT and FOUNDATIONS | FRUIT and FOUNDATIONS Date: 23.08.09 Speaker: Russ Otterbein Texts: Luke 6:43-49 Title: FRUIT and FOUNDATIONS We all bear fruit, and our close family and friends are the ones who notice most if it is good fruit or bad. The fruit is our what makes up our reputation. You could be known for your thankful attitude, or for badmouthing your family like everyone else does. The question that Russ helps us struggle through today is Do people see a different paradigm in my life? or put another way, Does my life evidence anything different? Because evidence, not words, is the fruit. | 8/30/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
128 |
Plank and Speck | PLANK, SPECK Date: 16.08.09 Speaker: Lance Odegard Texts: Luke 6:37-42, James 4:11-12, Romans 8:1, Luke 15:11-32 Title: PLANK, SPECK Summary: Pixar's | 8/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
129 |
RETALIATE WITH LOVE | Date: 9.08.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 6:27-36, Acts 7:54-60 Title: RETALIATE WITH LOVE Summary: Todays question is What is love? In Jesus sermon on the plain he answered this question in a way that was completely unexpected by his hearers. Jesus changed the rules and showed us a different way to live than our natural, retaliating, vengeful selves would choose. When someone offends us and hurts us, we are called by God to respond with love. This is not a call to allow injustice to happen to the poor, marginalized and those weaker than ourselves, but to not demand our own individual rights be met. Jesus says Give to everyone who asks. If someone asks for your jacket, give him your shirt as well. Be generous. How do we live this out? How do we overcome our desire to retaliate? Does this mean we are supposed to be allow ourselves to be taken advantage of? Lets look at the example of Stephen, and see how a true Jesus follower lives and dies this truth. | 8/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
130 |
JESUS vs RELIGION. | Today we start off with the song A New Law by Derek Webb, a tongue in cheek story about how the religious establishment has us given rules to live by that Jesus never lived by, and never condoned. But how did Jesus live? And if He was living on Earth today, would I want to go to a BBQ with him? In this scene, we check out Jesus at a wedding feast, performing His first public miracle and teaching about how He has a new life planned for us. A life not full of rules, but ruled by love and truth. | 7/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
131 |
JESUS IS OUR SABBATH. | Date: 7.19.09 Speaker: Johannes Gebhardt JESUS IS OUR SABBATH. Healing on the Sabbath? Jesus was good at confounding the religious experts of His day, and healing a man with a crippled arm on the holy day was enough to get them up in arms in this passage. For some of us, its hard enough to comprehend miracles of healing, much less why anyone would be upset about this happening on a Saturday. Johannes breaks it down for us, explaining Sabbath and this Jesus we keep talking about. Why did He come? How did Jesus live out this mission? How do we extend Jesus mission of love and restoration to our world? | 7/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
132 |
MISSION OF GRACE. | Date: 7.12.09 Speaker: Johnny Thiessen Texts: Ephesians 2:8-10 Title: MISSION OF GRACE. How God has called us on an epic journey with Him. There are two extremes in the way we can look at our status before God. One is that we are not good enough to be accepted by God, so why even try. Or there is the flip side, thinking that we are basically good and just come to church for our Jesus supplement in the way that we eat healthy but take some vitamins to top it up and make sure. In todays message, guest speaker Johnny Thiessen, a missional church-planting pastor from Abbotsford, tells us that we are all screw-ups, God is holy and none of us are basically good. But the story doesnt end there. Instead, God has called us to live out an epic story with Him, in which He chose us before Creation (Ephesians 1:4), where our purpose is to do good works (Matthew 5:16) which he prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Because of what Christ has done for us, the grace He has shown us, we go and give grace to the people in our world. | 7/12/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
133 |
WILLING. CREATIVE. UNCONVENTIONAL. | Date: 7.05.09 Speaker: Lance Odegard Texts: Luke 5:12-26 Title: THE WILLING. CREATIVE. UNCONVENTIONAL. Why breaking the rules and ignoring the worms has everything to do with it. In contrast to the traditional view that uncleanness was contagious, Jesus regarded holiness/ wholeness as contagious. The Physician is not overcome by those who are ill, but rather overcomes their illness. Holiness for Jesus was not something to be protected; rather it was Gods miraculous power of transformation. Gods holiness cannot be soiled; rather, it is a cleansing and healing agent. It does not need to be shut up and quarantined in the temple; it is now, through Jesus healings and fellowship with the despised and rejected, breaking out in the world to transform it. - Walter Wink Jesus continues his overturning of the kingdom of sin, death, and the devil. Here we read of Jesus healing a leper a man completely cut-off from the rest of the society. Jesus said that he had good news for the outsiders and the oppressed and now were going to see what that news looks like physical, social, and spiritual restoration. Jesus shows us that He is willing to heal this man. We also see how far a few guys will go to get a friend to Jesus, even if it means getting really creative, taking a few risks, and destroying someone elses private property. These friends are willing to think outside the box and the surprise is that they play a larger part in their friends healing than they bargained for. Lukes stories are showing Jesus gospel in action. Jesus is bringing people back to Gods good intentions healed and whole, forgiven and connected. | 7/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
134 |
TO FISH AND FOLLOW | Date: 6.28.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Texts: Matt 4:18-22, 9:10-13, 11:28-30, 14:29-31, 28:18-20, Luke 5:1-11, 5:27-32, 6:12-16, John 1:35-51, 13:13-15, 15:16, Acts 4:13, 1 Pet 2:9 Title: THE CALL, THE CALLER & THE CALLED: TO FISH & FOLLOW Summary: Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.... When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break... When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus knees and said, Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! Then Jesus said to Simon, Dont be afraid; from now on you will catch men. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:4,6,7,10-11 niv Theres this crazy scene (Matt 14) where Peter, Jesus lead disciple, sees Jesus walking on water and decides to give it a go himself. The story has a soggy ending but the idea of Peter wanting to be like his rabbi is the big idea of this weeks passage in Luke. In Luke 5 & 6 were introduced to the call (follow me), the Caller (Jesus) & the called (broken, sinful & ordinary people like us). This idea of discipleship following the Rabbi (teacher) is essential to the whole Gospel message & mission and is one of the threads that weaves its way through the Gospel according to Luke. Well look at the various accounts of Jesus calling his disciples, what it meant & means to be a follower, what a yoke is and how its carried (Matt 11:28-30), and the reality that it is the Caller who calls, or chooses us no the other way around (John 15:16). But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 niv | 6/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
135 |
ANGELS AND DEMONS | Date: 6.21.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 4:31-44 Title: ANGELS & DEMONS: PUSHING PAST THE DARKNESS. There are two equal & opposite errors into which our race cn fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters Jesus has gone from hero to zero, from rockstar preacher to false prophet, in front of his hometown fans. In a matter of minutes, His initially well-received Kingdom proclamation was misinterpreted into an offensive message of hate inspiring a murderous response. His message of freedom, liberty, healing & favour not only offended his neighbours, but it engaged the spiritual dimension. From this point on the revolution is at hand. And Jesus, the light of the World, is no longer on defense, but offensively taking back stolen territory, opening blind eyes and pushing back the darkness. In this scene, well see Jesus speak with authority, engaging demons & the suffering of humanity under sin. Well explore the reality of the spiritual dimension angels & demons and look for cues as to rightly responding to these powers & principalities. And well end off with Jesus announcing his mission to proclaim the Good News of his Kingdom to the world (v43) and to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8). This 2000 year-old revolution continues today and is, in fact, the mission of Jesus church. | 6/21/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
136 |
BREAKING IN AND OUT | Jesus preaches his first sermon. | 6/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
137 |
Responsible Riches | Money & Riches | 6/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
138 |
BAPTISM: Then and Now | Date: 5.24.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 3:21-26; John 3:29, Matt 3:13-15; 28:19-20; 1 Cor 15:3; Romans 6:3-4; 8:15-17; Acts 8:36-39; 2:37-41; Ephesians 4:4-6 Title: BAPTISM: THEN AND NOW When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22 niv How do you identify yourself? With whom do you identify? The concept of baptism has much to do with our identity how we see ourselves how God sees us how the world sees us. Its about our old identity and our new identity. This week we focus on the baptism of Jesus what it meant in the 1st century and its practical implication for us today. The message will do double-duty acting as both the sermon and in lieu of a separate baptism class. For those who are Christians and havent yet been baptized, this will be an exercise in asking why not. For htose who are not yet Christians, hopefully this will answer some questions about the identity and character of a Christian. Baptism defined: The Christian act of immersing a believer under water and then bringing him or her up out of the water. It is a practical representation of the Gospel of Jesus, as the person being baptized is plunged beneath the water (death) and brought forth (new life) in the same way that Jesus was buried in the earth, and resurrected on their behalf in forgiveness of their sins. 1. Baptism is about Jesus not about us. 2. Baptism is commanded by Jesus 3. Baptism symbolizes and expresses our identity with Jesus 4. HOW? Baptism is done by immersion under water 5. WHEN? Immediately or shortly thereafter and once 6. WHO should be baptized? Christians. All of them. | 5/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
139 |
ASTONISHED | Date: 5.17.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 2:21-52 Title: ASTONISHED: ABOUT THE FATHER'S BUSINESS Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Simeon (Luke 2:34b, 35) How does Jesus affect you? When he was only 40 days old, he brought praise to the lips of an oddly passionate, tambourine shaking, devoted old widow named Anna. Who, at 84, became the first evangelist declaring the Messiah's arrival. The same day, Holy Spirit-filled Simeon believed, after seeing Jesus, that he could die in peace. At 12, Jesus bewildered the religious leaders when he stayed at the temple with them for three days, both listening and asking questions. When his mother and Joseph came looking for him, anxious for his safety and exhausted, he simply responded: Did you not know I had to be about my Fathers business? (Luke 2:49). His parents were amazed. In Luke 2 we're given this example from Jesus' young life. That we are to be about the Father's business. And what IS the Father's business? The following passages can get us started in the right direction: Colossians 1:15-20 | Luke 4:17-20,43 | Luke 19:10 | John 3:16-17; 10:10; 18:37 | 1 John 3:8 | Mark 2:17 | Colossians 3:23 | 5/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
140 |
UNLIKELY HERALD | Date: 5.10.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 1:13-17, 67-80; 3:1-14, Matt 3: 11:11-12; Mark 11-8; John 16-9; Deuteronomy 18:15; Malachi 4:5-6; Isaiah 40:3-5 Title: UNLIKELY HERALD: PROFILE OF JOHN THE BAPTIZER. Summary: A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see Gods salvation. -Isaiah [40:3-5] On this Mothers Day weekend, were given a wonderful example of Godly motherhood from Elizabeth, Johns mother. After literally decades of prayer, God answers her prayer for a child and she is given a son who, next to Jesus, is the greatest man ever (Matt 11:11-12) This week we focus on the prophecy, the life & teaching of John the baptizer. On the surface, John appears more than a bit unstable and would probably be diagnosed with some hyperactivity disorder if he grew up in our day. He walks the line between bold & crazy. But he is filled with the Holy Spirit, is available to God, has great courage & humility. Hes got nothing but Gods call, Gods Spirit & the Bible. At around age 30 he emerges wearing leather; on a diet of bugs and honey, & yelling at people the simple message: Repent! Turn from sin & turn towards God! Remarkably, his message resonated with many and John baptized people in preparation for the Messiah. But, not surprisingly, his message was not received so well by the religious or political leaders. And in the end, John preached for only a year was put in prison and eventually beheaded because of the insane sexual lust of the current king Herod. John the baptist, the cousin of Jesus, plays an important role in preparing the people to receive the Messiah. He is a herald whose life & teaching points us to Jesus. And his is a reminder of how God uses our lives, our words, our families, our actions, our career to herald Jesus to the world. The Good News, from the 1st century to the 21st, is the same... Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near. (Matt 4:17) | 5/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
141 |
Absurd Promises | Rightly Responding to Absurd Promises | 5/3/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
142 |
Intro to Luke | For the next year we will be studying | 4/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
143 |
Magnificent Resurrection | He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. | 4/12/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
144 |
Magnificent Expectation | Date: 4.05.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 19:28-44, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Psalm 118:25-26, Zach 9:9, John 12:12-43, Colossians 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 2:2 Title: MAGNIFICENT EXPECTATION King on a Colt Summary: ... the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, Teacher, rebuke your disciples! I tell you, he replied, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out, Luke 19:37-40 NIV This Easter, well look at our Magnificent King Jesus and what was accomplished on His cross. As U2 recently wrote, we are to Magnify the Magnificent. On this Palm Sunday the beginning of passion week well see how Jesus entrance to Jerusalem was pregnant with meaning & symbolism. During the Jewish Passover, where lambs were sacrificed for atonement, Jesus comes as the Passover lamb perfect & unblemished to be sacrificed for our sins. EXPECTATIONS: All of us have expectations. The question is: how do we respond when theyre not met or have a different form? In this sermon well look at Jesus entry into Jerusalem during Passover week. Welcomed by huge cheering crowds chanting Save us now Jesus knew these same people would be yelling out Crucify him a few days later. What a contrast. What a disconnect, a great chasm between the crowds expectation and the reality of Jesus offering. Eternal freedom from Satan, sin & death was on the table and the crowd couldnt see past their own noses seeking only temporary, political freedom from their oppressors. They envisioned their Messiah as a mighty war hero, riding in on a stallion to amass a great army. And in rides Jesus on a humble donkey. What are our expectations of Jesus, as He enters our world? What are our expectations of His work during this season where we celebrate the cross & the empty tomb? How has He changed you? | 4/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
145 |
What the Hell? | WHAT THE HELL? Date: 3.22.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 16:19-3,? 19:41-42, John 3:36, Romans 1:25, 2:2-8. 5:8-9, Matt 8:12, 9:43-48, 10:28, 25:41-46, 2 Pet 3:9-10, Rev 20:10-15 Title: WHAT THE HELL? Is the God of the Bible some sort of angry judge? (of judgment, wrath, hell, fire & El Diablos red stretchy-pants) Brimstone for the broad-minded. Summary: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. 2 Peter 3:9-10a Todays challenge could be posed like this: JUDGMENT & HELL: How could a good, all-loving God send good people to hell? The God of the Bible appears to be mean, angry, vindictive, abusive & judgmental. The Christian doctrines of judgment & hell simply cannot be reconciled with the idea of a loving God. Therefore this loving God cannot exist. In other words, as bus adverts promote, stop worrying and enjoy your life. In this sermon well acknowledge that judgment and hell are indeed highly controversial & often misunderstood but that they are essential if we are to understand our own hearts, truly live at peace in the world, and to grasp the depth of Gods love. 13% of the New Testament, including nearly half the parables, concern this subject and Jesus, himself, taught more on hell than anyone else. If Jesus cared so much about it we need to look deeply, thoughtfully, humbly, biblically, & prayerfully at it. In doing so by Gods grace well glimpse the depth of Gods love for us and appreciate His perfect justice. | 3/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
146 |
INJUSTICE: Isn't religion the enemy? | Title: INJUSTICE: Isnt religion the enemy of minorities, the weak & the poor? (a historical & biblical perspective on justice) Summary: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. James 1:27 - 2:1 Through March well seek to address - biblically, practically, and personally - some of the most common & powerful arguments against Christianity. Todays challenge could be posed like this: Isnt religion (including Christianity) the enemy of minorities, the weak & the poor? Doesnt the Christian church have a long history of engaging in economic, cultural & racial oppression - especially towards the weak & poor? In this sermon well acknowledge that injustice is everywhere & always has been. And that while horrific, indefensible injustice has been done by the christian church - it is one of a long list of oppressors - including atheists and groups from nearly all other religious worldviews. However - Christianity has a unique resource for rightly addressing the issue of Justice & Mercy - Jesus. From this passage in James - well see that, far from rejecting the poor & oppressed, Jesus actually chooses them. And therefore - anyone who follows & believes in Jesus - should do the same. In addition well see the reality of Justice in Jesus name - a call to action for the Christian community. Lastly well apply this to ourselves - called to serve as Jesus did & does. The solution to the problem of injustice in the world is not less Christianity - but a truer - deeper - more humble faith - rooted & empowered by Jesus. Well see at the cross and in the life of Jesus the perfect picture of grace, truth, justice & peace. And how Gospel-centred Christianity can indeed produce the peace-loving, city-serving, compassion-motivated, & radically humble agents of reconciliation our world so desperately longs for. --------- | 3/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
147 |
INCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVITY | The problem of EXCLUSIVITY: Aren't Christians intolerant? A biblical guide to inclusive exclusivity. Date: 3.08.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Passage: 1 John 4:1-10, Proverbs 14:12, Hebrews 10:20 Luke 22:42, 23:32-34, John 1:1-5, 14, 8:32, 14:6-7, 18:38 Title: Inclusive Exclusivity: Arent Christians Intolerant? There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 Exclusive religious claims are the enemy of peace in the world. Since truth cannot be proven, no one should claim to have it exclusively. Christianity makes exclusive truth claims. Therefore it is intolerant, archaic & should be discarded & replaced with either a multi-cultural, open & free-thinking spirituality - or none at all. In this sermon we'll see that while exclusivity does tend to lead people down the slippery slope of superiority separation unfamiliarity marginalization discrimination - & hatred... this is a challenge for both the religious & the irreligious/atheists. All of us make exclusive truth claims, including those who claim there is no truth. That is a truth claim in itself. But unlike other religions, Christianity has a unique, counter-intuitive resource that should lead in a different direction. Well see at the cross and in the life of Jesus the perfect picture of grace, truth, justice & peace. And how exclusive, Gospel-centred Christianity can indeed produce the peace-loving, city-serving, compassion-motivated, & radically humble agents of reconciliation our world so desperately longs for. Unlike exclusive religions & secularism, the Gospel of Jesus leads to inclusivity a place where the rich & poor, black & white, educated & simple can sit together under the throne of Grace. A grace that comes only through Jesus, who died for his enemies and for us. | 3/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
148 |
QUESTION REALITY: Pain and suffering? | Date: 3.1.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Passage: Daniel 3, Isaiah 43, 53, 1 Peter 1:3-12, 2:19-25, Matthew 11:2-4, 1 Cor 15:55, 2 Cor 4:8-18, 12:8-10, Philippians 4:4, Heb 2:18 Title: THE PROBLEM OF PAIN & SUFFERING: Why is there so much evil in the world? | 3/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
149 |
Gospel Reality. | Good news. A joy-inducing report. Glad Tidings. The Gospel. | 2/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
150 |
ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS | As the first public gathering of the Reality Vancouver community we went back to the foundations of Christian faith & the motivation for Christian ministry. Essentially, our foundation, motivation, & message is Jesus - and its His story - found on every page of the Bible - that transforms, saves & sends us out as missionaries. Despite the misconception that Jesus works best in the suburbs, or in rural communities, we find in the Bible and in human history that Christianity was strongest in urban environments. The reality is that Jesus loves the city because thats where the majority of His people live. Just because Vancouver is currently home to very few Christ-followers doesnt mean Jesus intends for it to stay that way. | 2/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
151 |
The Time Has Come | Pre-Launch gathering | Date: 2.08.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Passage: Mark 1:14-15 Title: THE TIME HAS COME: the decisive, strategic call of Jesus on this expression of His church. Summary: Pre-Launch gathering. A reminder of Jesus' words as he called his disciples & sent them to preach the Gospel. In this sermon we also look the definition of success & our motivation - whether it's to be 'different than' (other churches, etc) or 'faithful to' Jesus & His Kingdom. | 2/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
152 |
Advent Conspiracy- Contentment - Philippians 4 | Date: 12.14.08 Speaker: Kristian Martens Passage: Philippians 4:11-13 Title: CHRISTMAS & CONTENTMENT Summary: Watching the news, it sometimes appears as if the world is falling apart - at least economically. House devaluation, RRSP contraction, market fluctuation, unemployment growth, industry collapse, decreasing security.... (Hey - we may even see a name change on the Canucks home arena). The financial house of cards has come crashing down in many parts of the world - and the new reality of living simpler, more frugal lives seems to be upon us. This current economic dynamic speaks to the deeper issues that surround the Christmas season: greed, coveting, consumerism, idolatry, & lust. They point to a root issue affecting us all: the search for contentment. For peace in the world. This Christmas, instead of getting all fired up about Christmas presents, Reality joins a movement of Christians & churches to promote the Advent Conspiracy (adventconspiracy.org). Our prayer is simply to WORSHIP fully, SPEND LESS on gifts, GIVE more presence, and LOVE like Jesus. And in doing so - find the great gift of Christmas: Jesus - and the true & lasting contentment only He brings. | 12/14/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
153 |
The Contenders - Part 4 | Date: 12.07.08 Speaker: Kristian Martens Passage: Jude 20-25 Title: A RIGHTEOUS RESPONSE TO FOLLY: Inward - Outward - Upward Gospel Response Summary: Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, after 30 years as a missionary, offers a timely warning for any new church...watch out! False gospels & religion, peddled by self-serving shepherds masquerading as Christians, will repeatedly & relentlessly attempt to undermine the truth of the Gospel. Dont let them! Stand firm. Be on guard! Contend for the Gospel given once for all. As Jude closes his letter of warning, his pastoral heart breaks through - leading us towards a Gospel-motivated response to folly & deception. His exhortation is straight-forward: prepare first, then respond with discernment towards others & in worship towards God. Its an inward - outward - upwards Gospel-motivated response, and not a one size fits all formula. Judes big idea is that we contend for the faith and in his closing remarks he graciously outlines how to do so, for the Gospel. | 12/7/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
154 |
The Contenders - Part 3 | Date: 11.30.08 Speaker: Kristian Martens Passage: Jude 11-19 Title: LOST SHEEP & LOST SHEPHERDS: of Spirit-less Leaders & Spirit-Filled Donkeys Summary: Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, after 30 years as a missionary, offers a timely warning for any new church...watch out! False gospels & religion, peddled by self-serving shepherds masquerading as Christians, will repeatedly & relentlessly attempt to undermine the truth of the Gospel. Don't let them! Stand firm. Be on guard! Contend for the Gospel given once for all. Perhaps knowing our propensity to gloss over details, get lazy with our theology, and blindly trust charismatic communicators - Jude gets specific on the methods & madness of these lost shepherds - dropping names along the way. And in doing so - he gives us not only a warning of what can come - but a reminder of how easy it is for us to embrace these same patterns. In the end - Jude's message is less about pointing fingers at others - and more about soberly reflecting on the person & work of Jesus - recognizing the depth of our own brokenness apart from Him. While lost shepherds will vainly attempt to lead us astray - there is a Great Shepherd who promises to protect, guide, advocate for & pursue us when we get lost. His name is Jesus. Lost shepherds beware. | 11/30/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
155 |
The Contenders - Part 2 | Date: 11.23.08 Speaker: Kristian Martens Summary: Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, after 30 years as a missionary, offers a timely warning for any new church...watch out! The false gospel of religion will repeatedly & relentlessly attempt to undermine the truth of the Gospel. Dont let it! Stand firm. Be on guard! Contend for the Gospel. Jude warns us that false prophets will continually attempt to change the grace of God - promising freedom but delivering only bondage. This week, we will look at the intersection of the Gospel, Truth & Freedom taking on one the toughest criticisms to the Christian faith: that truth claims are the enemy of freedom. Are they? Is freedom only found in the absence of laws, or is there a true & better freedom to be found? We believe there is, and it comes through the Truth of Jesus. | 11/23/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
156 |
The Contenders - Part 1 | Date: 11.16.08 Speaker: Kristian Martens Summary: Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, after 30 years as a missionary, offers a timely warning for any new church...watch out! The false gospel of religion will repeatedly & relentlessly attempt to undermine the truth of the Gospel. Don't let it! Stand firm. Be on guard! Jude writes to a Christian audience - reminding them that are called by God, loved by God and kept by God. He then prays that mercy, peace & love would be multiplied to them. But then, just as hes about to pen a nice devotional replete with Thomas Kincade-like illustrations, he becomes compelled to change directions - offering instead a hard & contentious message. In essence, he calls us to Content for the Faith! | 11/16/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 157 | VideoSigns of Revival | Date: 09.07.08 Speaker: Kris Martens Text: Nehemiah 8:1-12, Acts 17:26b Summary: Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?...and grant us your salvation. Ps. 85:6-7 | 9/7/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
|
158 |
Renewing the City with Salt...Light...Prayer | Date: 08.31.08 Speaker: Kris Martens Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11, Matthew 5:13-16, Jeremiah 29:7-13 Summary: | 8/31/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 158 Episodes |
Listeners also subscribed to
- Westside Church Vancouver BC
- Westside Church
- View In iTunes
- Vancouver Bible Fellowship- Weekly Audio Sermons
- Pastor Greg Lundstedt
- View In iTunes
- Limitless Youth Movement
- Pastor Chris Rea
- View In iTunes
- Willingdon Church Sermons
- Willingdon Church, Burnaby, BC
- View In iTunes
- Free
- Category: Christianity
- Language: English
- © All materials are copyright Reality Church of Metro Vancouver
