Airdrie Baptist Church

This sermon delivers a powerful, convicting exhortation against spiritual and practical laziness, drawing from Proverbs 6:6–11 to illustrate the dangers of the sluggard's mindset. It emphasizes that laziness—manifested in procrastination, lack of self-motivation, and neglect of responsibilities—leads to both material and spiritual poverty, warning that even small acts of sloth can spiral into devastating consequences. Pastor Friesen uses the ant as a divine model of diligence, highlighting its self-directed, forward-thinking labor as a call for believers to be proactive in their faith, work, and service, even without oversight. The message underscores the urgency of the present moment, urging Christians to seize the opportunity of Christ's great harvest by being faithful in small things, exercising their spiritual gifts humbly, and resisting the temptation to wait for perfect conditions. Ultimately, it calls for disciplined, intentional living rooted in biblical wisdom, where every believer, regardless of perceived insignificance, is accountable for their role in advancing God's kingdom.

Drawing from Proverbs 6:1–5, the sermon delivers a sobering warning against becoming a surety or incurring debt, framing it as a spiritual and financial trap that ensnares the unwary. Central to the message is the biblical principle that debt binds the borrower to the lender, making them a servant rather than a free agent, and that such entanglements can choke out spiritual fruit, as illustrated by Jesus' parable of the sower. Pastor Friesen emphasizes that while prudent lending and suretyship are not inherently wrong—citing Paul's role in Philemon—such decisions must be guided by wisdom, not sentiment, and grounded in the character and responsibility of the individual involved. The sermon calls for urgent, deliberate action to escape unwise contracts, advocates for strict budgeting and debt repayment strategies like the 'avalanche' or 'snowball' methods, and urges a shift from consumerism to stewardship, reminding listeners that true freedom comes from avoiding servitude to debt, whether through credit, loans, or misplaced generosity. Ultimately, the passage is not a blanket condemnation of debt but a call to discernment, self-control, and faithfulness to God's will over worldly desires.

The sermon centers on the vital call to spiritual reproduction through faithful soul winning and discipleship, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the example of Christ's suffering. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3:15, it emphasizes that the church is the pillar and ground of truth, with leadership and doctrine forming the foundation for effective evangelism. Pastor Friesen underscores that every believer, regardless of role or background, must become a reproducer—someone whose life reflects Christ and who invests in others' spiritual growth. This involves personal holiness, readiness to preach, patience in nurturing souls, and willingness to bear reproach, all rooted in a deep, personal relationship with God. The message calls for lifelong commitment, rejecting temporary efforts in favor of enduring faithfulness until Christ's return, with the ultimate reward being joy in heaven when souls are brought to glory.

The sermon centers on the Christian's eternal victory through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that believers are not striving toward victory but are already triumphant because of Christ's resurrection. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:57 and Psalm 18, it highlights David's life as a testament to God's faithfulness amid trials, illustrating how true victory is found in surrendering to God's work from the inside out—beginning with spiritual regeneration, progressing through soul transformation, and culminating in a life that manifests God's 'savor' even in defeat. Pastor Friesen confronts unthankfulness in the last days, urging believers to recognize their spiritual victory, reject worldly pressures, and live with the confidence that Christ has already conquered death, making gratitude not a reaction to circumstances but a posture of faith. Ultimately, the message calls all listeners—both the unconverted and the struggling believer—to embrace the certainty of salvation and the joy of living from victory, not toward it.

The second part of the sermon centers on the transformative power of the heart in the life of a believer, emphasizing that true spiritual renewal begins with God's work in the heart through the Holy Spirit and Scripture. Drawing from Proverbs 4:23 and numerous New Testament passages, it highlights how salvation enables a believer to live from a renewed heart—casting down evil imaginations, submitting to authority, doing God's will with sincerity, singing with grace, fearing God, serving with a pure conscience, and drawing near to Him with a true heart. The message underscores that the heart, once corrupt, is now sanctified by God's word and established by grace, with the critical need for singleness of purpose—keeping Christ first—to avoid the deception of the 'evil eye' that leads to spiritual darkness. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to prioritize a heart aligned with God, where obedience, purity, and meekness reflect a life transformed by grace and truth.

The sermon centers on the vital principle of spiritual reproduction within the church, emphasizing that every believer is called to actively participate in the growth and discipleship of others, not merely as passive attendees but as co-laborers in the ministry. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3:15–16, it underscores the church as the pillar and ground of truth, with a clear call for godly leadership—specifically pastors and deacons—whose qualifications reflect moral integrity, spiritual maturity, and a life of service, not personal ambition. Pastor Jeff Friesen stresses that leadership is not about power or prestige but about sacrificial responsibility, with pastors required to be blameless, circumspect, and sober in conduct, while deacons are to be humble servants whose faithful service opens doors for greater spiritual impact. The message challenges the congregation to examine their own behavior, rejecting criticism and rebellion, and instead embracing a posture of encouragement, accountability, and selfless support for the pastor and the body of Christ, recognizing that every action either fosters or hinders the church's mission to reach and transform lives for Christ.

The sermon centers on the Apostle Paul's affirmation of the Roman church's spiritual maturity, emphasizing that true ministry is rooted in divine grace, humility, and a life submitted to Scripture. Paul commends the believers not for empty praise, but for being 'full of goodness'—a sign of the Spirit's fruit, which arises from obedience to God's Word and a life of virtue. He further highlights their 'all knowledge,' not as mere intellectualism, but as a deep, God-fearing understanding of truth that comes through continual engagement with Scripture and results in spiritual freedom. The church's ability to 'admonish one another' reflects a mature, discerning love that adapts to individuals' needs—whether they are unruly, weak, or struggling—while maintaining patience and grace. Ultimately, the message calls the congregation to self-examination: to recognize that genuine spiritual fruit is not self-earned but flows from surrender to Christ, and to live as humble servants who, by grace, help others grow in truth and holiness. The sermon emphasizes that authentic Christian maturity is marked by grace-filled humility, Spirit-led virtue, deep Scriptural knowledge, and the ability to lovingly admonish others with discernment and patience, all rooted in a life surrendered to Christ.

The sermon centers on the biblical imperative to 'keep your heart' as the foundation of a transformed life, emphasizing that the heart is the seat of thoughts, emotions, and will—where true spiritual obedience and moral integrity originate. Drawing from Proverbs, Romans, and Ephesians, it argues that the natural heart is deceitful and darkened by sin, yet salvation involves a radical inward transformation through repentance, faith, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, resulting in a circumcised heart that obeys God from within. The believer is called to actively renew the mind, cast down rebellious imaginations, submit to authority, and live in forgiveness and service, not out of legalism but from a heart surrendered to Christ. The message challenges both non-believers and Christians to examine whether their lives reflect genuine heart transformation rather than mere outward conformity, urging a life of bold, Spirit-led obedience that defies worldly pressures and embraces God's sovereign authority.

The sermon centers on the divine plan of redemption as revealed through the promises of God, tracing a progressive movement from the Jewish people's role in confirming those promises to the Gentiles' eventual participation in worship and unity with Israel. It emphasizes that Christ's ministry to the Gentiles was not a replacement of Israel but a fulfillment of God's eternal purpose, rooted in the Proto-Evangelium of Genesis 3:15 and confirmed throughout Scripture, culminating in a future millennial reign where Jews and Gentiles will jointly glorify God. The practical application calls believers to live as living testimonies—praising God among the lost, rejoicing with the redeemed, and ultimately uniting in worship—by embodying Christ's example of patience, mercy, and unity, especially toward the weak and culturally different. Central to this transformation is the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to abound in hope, joy, and peace through faith, surrender, and reliance on God's promises, not human strength. Ultimately, the message affirms that true ministry is not merely activity but a state of being—being rooted in Christ, where receiving God's glory enables one to give it back, and every trial becomes a pathway to divine glory.

The sermon emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the Christian life, urging consistent communication with God as a personal decision, not a ritual. It highlights prayer as a challenge to prioritize supplications, practical communication, fervent intercession, and gratefulness, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and a preparedness for life's temptations. The message underscores that prayer is not merely about asking for blessings, but about aligning one's heart with God's will, fostering forgiveness, and trusting in His power to navigate challenges and ultimately lead to a life of purpose and spiritual growth.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving others with grace and patience, mirroring Christ's own acceptance of both Jews and Gentiles. Drawing from Romans 15, the message highlights Christ's ministry to the Gentiles and underscores the significance of serving others, not seeking power or recognition. The preacher connects this to the broader theme of God's promises, emphasizing that true ministry involves confirming God's word and extending mercy, ultimately calling listeners to a life of service and faith rooted in the example of Jesus.

The sermon emphasizes the vital importance of embracing wisdom as a pathway to a long and purposeful life, cautioning against the allure of the wicked and the dangers of unchecked desires. Drawing from Proverbs, the message underscores the need for diligent instruction, highlighting that wisdom isn't merely about acquiring knowledge but retaining and applying it to daily living, while also warning against the deceptive nature of evil and the necessity of separation from its influence. Ultimately, the speaker encourages listeners to walk in the light of God's truth, recognizing that every choice carries consequences and that a life guided by scripture leads to a fulfilling and eternally significant journey.

The third sermon of this series explores the concept of friendship with God, drawing heavily from the story of Abraham as an illustration. It emphasizes that becoming a friend of God requires more than mere salvation; it demands submission to God's direction, separation from ungodly influences, and a willingness to sacrifice what is cherished, even if it defies natural understanding. Through Abraham's example, the message underscores the importance of faith, dependability, and a commitment to living a life that prioritizes God's will above personal desires, ultimately advocating for a life of separation from the world and a dedication to God's purpose.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of patience and compassion in dealing with weaker believers, urging Christians to prioritize the spiritual growth of others over personal convictions and self-promotion. Drawing from Romans 14, it highlights the need to bear the infirmities of the weak, demonstrating selfless love and accommodating their needs, while maintaining a firm foundation in scripture and trusting in God's work in their lives. Ultimately, it calls for a commitment to Christ-like humility and a willingness to serve, recognizing that true strength lies in bearing the burdens of others and glorifying God through unity and shared purpose.

The sermon emphasizes the vital importance of passing down wisdom and truth from one generation to the next, drawing heavily from Proverbs to illustrate the father-son relationship and the enduring value of godly instruction. It highlights the necessity of actively teaching children the Word of God, not merely imparting knowledge but cultivating obedience and a heart for Christ, as exemplified by David's influence on Solomon. The message underscores that true wisdom, rooted in faith and sacrifice, leads to grace, honor, and ultimately, a crown of glory, encouraging parents to prioritize spiritual guidance and model a life of selfless devotion to God, ensuring the preservation of truth and the flourishing of future generations.

The sermon emphasizes the profound friendship God desires with believers, extending beyond mere salvation to a relationship built on faith, obedience, and unwavering trust. Drawing from Genesis 12, the message highlights Abraham's example of submitting to God's direction, even when it meant forsaking familiar comforts and embracing the unknown, demonstrating that true friendship requires active obedience and a reliance on God's promises rather than worldly security. Ultimately, the speaker underscores that a life of genuine friendship with God involves relinquishing control, trusting in His provision, and recognizing that our own efforts are insufficient, instead embracing His grace and purpose for our lives.

The sermon emphasizes the profound importance of friendship with God, drawing upon John 15 and Proverbs to illustrate the depth of this relationship. It asserts that God desires a personal connection with humanity, offering friendship rather than servitude, and underscores the significance of free will and genuine belief, not mere adherence to religious practices. The message highlights the necessity of a heart-felt response to God's love, emphasizing the transformative power of faith, and the importance of a personal relationship with Christ as the pathway to salvation, ultimately calling listeners to embrace God's friendship and experience the joy of a renewed life.

The fourth sermon centers on the transformative power of divine wisdom, illustrated through Proverbs 3:22–26, emphasizing that true grace is not merely internal but visibly demonstrated in a life of humility, obedience, and submission to God's will. It unpacks the metaphor of 'grace to the neck' as a symbol of both spiritual humility—opposite a proud, stiff neck—and the liberating freedom found in bearing Christ's yoke, which brings rest rather than bondage. The message underscores that genuine safety and confidence come not from self-reliance or worldly success, but from trusting God as one's inheritance, refuge, and protector, even in suffering, as exemplified by Paul's imprisonment and joyful obedience. Through biblical narratives and theological reflection, the preacher affirms that walking in wisdom ensures spiritual stability, peace in sleep, and divine protection, assuring believers that they are safe in God's will, not immune to trials, but empowered to face them with unshakable confidence, knowing that every circumstance is under God's sovereign care.

The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of sound doctrine as the foundation for a healthy Christian life, drawing from 1 Timothy to underscore the need for unwavering commitment to truth and the avoidance of false teachings. It highlights that genuine faith manifests in a pure heart, a good conscience, and a focus on eternal values, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual growth, accountability, and a life of service, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and a positive impact on the world. The message stresses that a life of faith is not about avoiding responsibility or seeking temporary comforts, but about embracing God's purpose and living with an unwavering focus on eternity.

The third sermon in this series emphasizes serving God acceptably through a commitment to righteousness, peace, and edification rather than judgment. It explores the concept of imputed and imparted righteousness, highlighting the importance of meditating on God's word and presenting one's body as a living sacrifice. The message underscores the need to separate from unrighteousness, prioritize spiritual growth, and embrace suffering for Christ's sake, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and blessing for both the individual and those around them.

The third sermon of this series explores the profound value of wisdom, presenting it as a life-giving force rooted in the divine. Drawing parallels between Proverbs and Genesis, it emphasizes wisdom as a connection to the Creator, manifested through salvation, the renewal of the inner man, and a life-sustaining force akin to the Tree of Life in Eden. The message underscores the individual's responsibility to actively pursue and safeguard wisdom through diligent study of Scripture, teaching others, and embracing a transformed mindset, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's nature and purpose.

The sermon explores the dual nature of wielding the sword of the Spirit, emphasizing that it represents both life and division. Drawing from Ephesians 6:17 and John 16, the message highlights the Holy Spirit's crucial role in interpreting Scripture, bringing conviction, and guiding believers into truth. It underscores that the Spirit is the author of the Word, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a deeper, transformative engagement with God's message, ultimately calling for submission to Christ's yoke and a willingness to embrace the consequences of standing for truth, even if it leads to separation from those who reject it.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of demonstrating Christian love and avoiding judgmental attitudes towards fellow believers, particularly those still growing in their faith. It highlights that true spiritual maturity involves prioritizing righteousness and peace within the church, rather than focusing on minor doctrinal disagreements or personal preferences. The message underscores that genuine acceptance and encouragement, rooted in a concern for the kingdom of God, are essential for nurturing new believers and preventing them from being discouraged or lost, ultimately leading to a more unified and impactful expression of faith.

The sermon emphasizes that wisdom bestows lasting value, extending beyond earthly happiness and treasures to encompass honor, peace, and pleasantness. It contrasts worldly validation with the profound satisfaction of divine approval, drawing parallels to the Apostle Paul's life, marked by hardship and rejection for the sake of Christ. The message underscores that true peace and contentment stem from trusting God, renewing one's mind, and seeking His guidance, rather than relying on fleeting worldly pleasures or external validation, ultimately leading to an eternal reward and a life marked by God's favor.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of wielding the Bible as a sharp, two-edged sword for spiritual defense and personal transformation, drawing connections between Roman soldiers, biblical passages like Ephesians 6 and John 1, and the teachings of Peter and the Nicolaitans. It underscores the necessity of self-examination and allowing the word to cut deeply within, rather than relying on external defenses, and affirms the King James Bible as a trustworthy source, advocating for a commitment to its principles as a foundation for faith and fellowship within the church.

The second part of this sermon emphasizes the importance of self-judgment and charitable living among believers, urging them to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over personal liberties. Drawing from Romans 14, the message highlights that while nothing is inherently unclean, actions can stumble the weak in faith, necessitating a willingness to hold back from certain behaviors for the sake of others. Ultimately, the speaker calls for a shift from judging others to examining one's own actions, cultivating a spirit of love and sacrifice, and recognizing that true Christian living involves putting the needs of others above personal preferences and rights.

The sermon emphasizes the paramount value of wisdom, portraying it as more precious than silver, gold, or any earthly desire. Drawing from Proverbs, it highlights wisdom's ability to bestow length of days, riches, and honor, ultimately leading to a life of happiness and fulfillment. The message underscores that true wisdom, personified as a woman offering blessings, is found in Christ, urging listeners to prioritize seeking understanding and aligning their decisions with God's will, rather than chasing fleeting material gains, to experience lasting joy and favor in their lives.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination and avoiding actions that could lead others to stumble spiritually. Drawing from Romans 14, the message encourages believers to prioritize building others up rather than winning arguments or defending personal convictions, highlighting the need for humility and a focus on the well-being of fellow Christians. The preacher underscores that true spiritual leadership involves setting a positive example and fostering a culture of grace, rather than imposing rigid rules or judgmental attitudes, ultimately aiming to glorify God through the growth and edification of the entire church.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing God's discipline, viewing it not as a punishment but as a loving correction essential for spiritual growth and conformity to Christ. It clarifies that chastening encompasses instruction, rebuke, and training, highlighting the need to avoid despising or becoming weary of these experiences, as they ultimately lead to strength, stability, and fruitfulness in the believer's life. The message underscores that God's loving correction, though sometimes painful, is a vital process for aligning individuals with His purpose and bringing them into a deeper relationship with Him, ultimately glorifying Him through their lives.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of persevering in faith, particularly through enduring trials and temptations, to receive the crown of life. Drawing from James chapter 1 and 1 Corinthians 3, the message explores the concept of enduring works, highlighting the need for unwavering commitment to sound doctrine, joy, and patience, even when faced with adversity. The speaker underscores that true perseverance involves submitting to God's will, trusting in His faithfulness, and recognizing that trials are opportunities for spiritual growth and reward, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Christ.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance through trials and temptations to receive the crown of life, a reward reserved for those who endure until death. Drawing from Scripture, it highlights the necessity of sound doctrine, resisting the allure of fleeting desires and worldly pursuits, and maintaining a focus on the joy set before believers – the promise of eternal reward and the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual well-being of future generations. Ultimately, it calls for a commitment to sacrificing personal comfort and embracing a life of faithful endurance, recognizing that true victory lies in relinquishing control and aligning oneself with God's will.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a victorious mindset amidst spiritual warfare, highlighting the helmet of salvation as a crucial defense against discouragement and despair. Drawing from Ephesians, the message underscores that battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and that true hope and preservation come from trusting in Christ and claiming God's promises, rather than succumbing to pessimism or relying on personal strength. The speaker illustrates this with examples from scripture, emphasizing that even in challenging circumstances, believers can experience God's deliverance and victory through faith and a steadfast commitment to His will, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and hope.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of principled and passionate works for receiving divine rewards, drawing heavily from 2 Timothy 3:16 and 4:7. It asserts that true faith is demonstrated through actively contending for the truth, submitting the body to the spirit's guidance, and prioritizing obedience to God's word above personal desires. The message underscores that a life of genuine faith involves laying aside weights and sins, running with patience, and presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, ultimately leading to a crown of righteousness bestowed by a righteous judge.

The sermon emphasized the importance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, contrasting it with works-based religion and highlighting the necessity of trusting in God's grace rather than striving for self-righteousness. Drawing from passages in 1 Corinthians 3, the message explored the concept of rewards for faithful works, stressing that these are granted through adherence to biblical principles and a willingness to submit to God's will, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace a life of faith, repentance, and service, while also offering a call to salvation for those who have not yet received Christ.

The sermon emphasizes humility and fear of the Lord as the foundation for a blessed life, cautioning against self-sufficiency and pride which ultimately lead to disappointment. Drawing from Proverbs 3, it highlights the importance of departing from evil and seeking God's guidance rather than relying on personal wisdom, advocating for a posture of lowliness and obedience in all aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal desires, ultimately leading to spiritual and physical well-being and a deeper understanding of God's will.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of faithful works, particularly the seemingly small or insignificant actions, as the foundation for genuine reward and spiritual growth. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3 and Matthew 25, the message underscores that true service to God involves obedience and a willingness to relinquish personal ambition, trusting in His guidance even when outcomes are unclear. Through examples like Abraham and Raymond Barber, the speaker illustrates that a focus on the 'precious stones' of daily faithfulness, rather than seeking recognition or pursuing grand schemes, is the path to a blessed and fruitful life, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and a place in His eternal kingdom.

The sermon explores the concept of works rewarded by God, emphasizing the importance of willingly participating in His purposes, particularly soul-winning and generous giving. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3 and other Scripture passages, the message underscores that salvation is a gift received through faith in Christ, upon which believers are responsible to build through prepared, pious, and purposeful works aligned with God's pattern, not driven by personal preference or feeling. Ultimately, the speaker encourages listeners to surrender themselves to God, embracing a spirit of willing service and anticipating the judgment seat of Christ, where faithfulness and generosity will be recognized and rewarded.

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

The sermon explores the concept of judgment for believers, emphasizing that it's a future event where God scrutinizes their works to determine rewards, not salvation. Drawing from passages in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and 1 Peter, the message clarifies that while salvation is a gift of grace through faith, believers are called to perform ordained works that glorify God and impact others, ultimately preparing for a future where they will cast their crowns at Christ's feet, demonstrating a life dedicated to His service and reflecting His character.

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca

https://www.airdriebaptist.ca/