Anchor Point Church - Messages

Faith - what is it? Why is it important? Why is it a gift? How do we grow in it? What can we learn from Paul's faith? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that the three things that remain are “faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” We spend a lot of time focusing on love - however faith and hope are close runner ups. So in this message we are going to explore the gift of faith. Let's dig in!

As we have been going through the book of Acts - we have been given insight into the equipping gifts that Jesus gave to the body of Christ. Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. These are gifts of leadership for equipping the saints for works of ministry. In todays message we come to the gift of evangelism. In its simplest form it is to share the good news about Jesus with those who don't yet know Him. In Pauls case, sharing the gospel leads to riots, death threats and beatings. There are many things that the author Luke writes about to help equip us in sharing the gospel. Lets explore this together. Scripture references Eph. 4:11-16 Acts 21:37-40 Acts 22 Acts 23:1-11 Heb 3:1 Matt 21:10-11 Matt 4:23 John 10:11 John 13:13

Throughout the book of Acts we have been finding important insights into the purpose and function of the Church. Here we experience the gift of Prophecy. Prophecy has been an integral part of the Church throughout all of history. Like every gift - there is a process of testing to see if the gift is true or the gift is mature. We are going to look at the difference between emotions, words from God, maturity in the gift, the role of prophecy in the church - and the humanness connected to all of it.

The author of the book of acts intentionally writes each and every word for a reason. He isn't just ‘winging' it - and hoping something connects. Every word is written with intention - helping the reader to understand something. It would be easy to skim right through the passages to feel like we have finished our christian duty - reading the Bible. Here we have a divine mentor (Luke) inviting us to ask questions, explore, wonder and be changed. In this sermon we are going to learn to engage in the Word and be transformed. We will look at 4 of the topics in Acts 20: Luke and Paul as travelling companions; breaking bread; church leadership; and generosity.

Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth and the life. It seems as though people often believe they have arrived at the truth - but the truth is a person. With that in mind what is the Sabbath all about? Why was Eutychus raised from the dead? Why was Paul not afraid of death or imprisonment? We will look at this through the lens of the person of truth - Jesus.

Our culture has shifted so fast in the last 20 years. It is hard to keep up. How do we react and respond? There are things that society has put in place that can appear as though it is for our good. But the kingdom of God is not the Mob. We dont accomplish the purposes of Jesus by becoming a mob - we become renewed and live wholehearted for a kingdom not of this world. To change the world we must live out Romans 12:2.

Our culture teaches us to depend upon ourselves, to read self-help books, to self medicate etc. But it seems that we may be forgetting that God is powerful and he transforms us from the inside. God is not a nice idea - he is the living king of kings. In addition to sanctification - The Holy Spirit also desires to come upon you with power. This is the power that changes the world.

In Acts 18:1-22 we see Paul reach the end of his second missionary journey, spanning 3 years. He finishes his tour around the Mediterranean Sea with visits to Corinth and Ephesus, where he plants churches that he will visit again in the future, as well as to whom he will write lengthy letters that are part of our scriptural canon. The issues and challenges he faces are so familiar, he might as well have been writing to Winnipeggers as he was to Greeks!

Acts 17 recounts Paul's experiences at three different stops on his second missionary journey into Greece. All three cities respond in different ways. The beautiful reality of this is it shows us so much about Paul's character, and so much about the ways in which he shares the truth of the Gospel. We have so much to learn about the ways in which we live out and share the Gospel today, and how to respond to either receptivity and adversity to its redeeming message.

Paul and his companions went through all kinds of spiritual warfare as they set about planting churches and encouraging believers in the days of the early church. Acts 16 marks a notable shift in their ministry and with it come several attacks from the devil that the determined missionaries skillfully avoid. This message looks at some of the common attacks of the enemy and how to overcome them.

Jesus made a lot of outrageous comments throughout his time on the earth. At least that is how those living in that time would have felt. He was flipping a whole culture on his head. Either you searched for truth - and followed him, or you opposed truth and came against him. The question to ask ourselves is - do we believe the truth or tradition? What if your traditions aren't actually true? Is your heart one that seeks truth or just wants to be right? Lets explore the truth about easter.

Everyone needs a friend. But what type of friend? Today we say good-bye to our Icelandic pastor and his family. They have served faithfully for 5 years and our lives are forever changed. Thank you Pastor and friend, Armann. Thank you for using your gifts for the body of Christ at Anchor Point Church. We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through your family across the ocean.

The church is a family. We live in close proximity to and relationship with each other. And we are human—so conflict at some point and at some level is inevitable. When it happens, how do we process and work through it in a way that is both honest and God-honouring? How do we balance justice and grace? How should our response to relational conflict look when compared to those not living in relationship with Jesus?

When the New Testament authors speak about the law - what are they referring to? Are we required to abide by ‘the law'? All of the laws? Some of the laws? Does it make a difference that we are living in the ‘church age' (the new covenant)? In this message we are going to answer these questions and more. We will discover freedom, hope, and excitement in regards to our faith. Jesus and the New Testament authors have made it much clearer than most of us have likely realized before. Grab your bible and a journal - perhaps the message will encourage further questions and discovery. At least with a journal you will have the tools to write down your thoughts.

A lot happened when God himself showed up on earth. Jesus was the fulfillment of many covenants that God made with his people. Jesus didn't just fulfill them - he also gave a new covenant. A new promise. A covenant that was foretold over and over - since the garden of Eden. We now live in the New Covenant. In this message we will bring clarity to the old and New Testament through the lens of God's covenants.

Upon hearing the gospel for the first time, every person must choose how to respond. Acts 14 demonstrates three very different responses to the same message. During the days of the early church, it seems the Good News was not good for everyone, and the difference was humility.

In a culture filled with power, money and fame - we can easily be tempted to pursue this lifestyle. Is this bad? In Acts 12-13 we see two pictures of fame. One is fame on this earth and one is fame in the Kingdom of Heaven. These are two very different ideas - and they lead to very different ways of living in the here and now.

In today's message we will look at the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom on earth by comparing the logic and reason found in the Bible with logic and reason commonly found elsewhere. At first sight, many things in the Bible don't seem to make sense as we filter the information through the filter of human understanding and reason. Consequently, it is important to judge and interpret scripture according to the governing framework that inspired the text. With God's kingdom on earth it seems up is sometimes down, and down is at times up. If we inject our notions of up and down into the text we might potentially hurt our relationship with God in the long run because we expect certain things based on how we understand the text.

This service is a bit more like a "family meeting". Our worship pastor, Melinda Campbell is passing the torch and this service was an opportunity to hear her heart and what the Lord has been saying to her. Also to thank and honour her for her time of leadership at Anchor Point and a time of corporate worship and prayer as a Church body.

How do we connect to the life God uniquely designed in advance for us to live? What do we need to start doing? What do we need to stop doing? What is holding us back? What is our role in partnering with God? How do we get from here to there? In this message, we'll look at the often contrast between man's view and God's view of the best version of our life highlighting examples in scripture and since.

I love the confidence that we can have in the nature and character of God. He doesn't change, he always loves and he seems to always have our best in mind. In this message we look at how he engages with his people - drawing us into increased faith; spurring us along in our walk with Him; adjusting our theology etc. The story of Peters life being transformed in the course of a few days is a remarkable example of how the master planner engages the world we live in. This is an exhilarating story of God adjusting someone's plan to help fulfil the master plan.

What we believe changes the way that we live. If Christianity is a set of beliefs that we ‘know' - we may be deceived. Throughout the book of acts we see people encounter Jesus in a variety of ways. Through miracles; other people; visions; observation of lives transformed; angels etc. When we encounter Jesus and his kingdom - we are changed and we are able to live out Acts 1:8. Lets meet Jesus today.

In this message we are continuing through our series on The Book of Acts. Today we're going through Acts 9:1-31. Do you ever feel like something is beyond hope? If you are struggling with that feeling, we can find great comfort in the life of Paul and how Jesus chose to produce something positive out of a negative situation.

In Acts chapter 8 we see some really disturbing things happen to the early church. Our hind site typically causes us to see the good. But what about those living in it at that time? Why does God allow evil to happen? Isn't he just? The early church demonstrates a profound faith and trust in God - even though they were really new believers and were being hunted because they were Christians. In this message we explore the nature of God; our response and Gods response to evil; and how to live in such a way that generation after generation the kingdom of heaven continues to increase on the earth.

Advent - Heaven Part II - Making Earth More Like Heaven For so long we have thought of heaven as a place way off in the clouds. Something we can't even grasp or imagine. But that is inaccurate - heaven is a physical place, where we eat, play, work, worship, create, explore, learn and wonder forever. Heaven is coming back to earth - to be rejoined - the new heaven and the new earth. We see the creation of heaven and earth in Genesis. We watch as God puts man in the garden - and then they are banished from it. And from there on in we watch mankind become really sick - and we observe God stepping in over and over - to move us back to restoration and the way true life was meant to be. Ending all of scripture back at the garden of Eden - restored once again. Come explore this mystery with us - Together with Jesus - making earth more and more like heaven.

When we think of heaven, what comes to mind? Most likely questions like what will we do in heaven? What will it be like? In today's message, we will explore clues within the Bible that lead us to a Biblical answer to these questions.

Join us Christmas Morning as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!

The kingdom Jesus came to usher in was not one of military might or political prowess but of countercultural humility; a society where those who are the least are actually the greatest... but what does this mean practically? How willing would you be to sit beside a manger in a smelly old barn and worship an obscure baby who was helpless to do anything for you? In this sermon we look at what sort of humility the King of kings requires.

We are all writing our life stories but what if you could write a story and everything you wrote in it would transpire. What if you lived in a perfect place, where you had everything you needed, you would never grow old, sick or die. Yet you knew that in a different place there were people that without your help would die. These people while needing your help generally didn't accept it or want it and mock you for trying. Would you write that you would leave your perfect place to go and become one of them and eventually die for them?

In a society where we are taught to look out for number one - there is a very different narrative that is supposed to be in the church. Have unity, work together, share food, be together, encourage, build up, sharpen, strengthen, pray for, give to….on and on it goes. The Holy Spirit gives us each specific roles and responsibilities for the common good of all believers and the mission of God in the world. If we fulfill our call - the kingdom of heaven grows. Let's grow in becoming known that we are ‘filled with the Spirit and wisdom.' For more information about Anchor Point Church, check out www.youranchorpoint.com or download our app. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/your-anchor-point/id1400986719 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_C4PC6Z For more information about Anchor Point Church, check out www.youranchorpoint.com or download our app. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/your-anchor-point/id1400986719

Throughout the book of acts we have seen how the Holy Spirit came upon the believers and the church began. From day one the church expanded. Throughout history It seems that every time there is a move of God - significant opposition chases the move down. So how do we respond? Does our joy diminish? Do we throw in the towel? Let's explore how the early church handled significant opposition.

Throughout the early church we see an explosion of people coming to faith in Jesus. Not just the Jews - who believed in God. But faith in Jesus spread beyond every boundary and people group. The kingdom of Heaven was invading earth. Acts 5 is one of the many passages that reminds us that a significant part of the mission of the early church were miracles. Supernatural encounters and transformations - in a moment. And the church spread like wildfire. The church in Canada is in need of a supernatural encounter - to see a movement of God. Perhaps the miraculous is needed once again. In this message we are going to explore the supernatural gift of healing.

As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit continually leads us towards the heart of God. We are not coerced into following God we are drawn in by his love. We are given a choice to accept the gift of God or not. We have a choice to submit to God or not. We have a choice to obey God or not. Free will is a gift - and with it comes responsibility. In this passage we see two examples of free will regarding generosity - and two different heart motives are revealed - eye opening. Following Jesus leads us to loosen our relationship with things and tighten our relationship with people.

In Acts chapter 4, Peter and John are arrested and brought before the political, judicial, and religious rulers of Israel. How do Peter and John respond to their threats, do they stop preaching about Jesus and obey the governing body at that time or do they model something different for Christians?

In this sermon, we look at Acts chapter 3. I want to emphasize certain things that I believe we as a church need to hear and focus on. The importance of prayer regardless of responsibilities, success or business in life. What is our expectation when we gather as a church? To receive a few coins of Christianity or to expect something more? What gets our attention daily? What are we looking at as a church? The final thing I want to extract from chapter 3 is that we cannot give something away that we don't possess, either as a church or individually.

The church was birthed when the Holy Spirit came upon the people. Their lives were changed. It would be easy to look at the end of acts 2 and put together a formula for what a church community should look like. Rather, I think it is more important to understand what internal motivators were changed as a result of being filled with the Spirit. generosity, togetherness, love, purpose - some of the marks of the Spirit. For more information about Anchor Point Church, check out www.youranchorpoint.com or download our app. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/your-anchor-point/id1400986719 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_C4PC6Z

Today we look at Acts 2:14-41. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, opens his mouth to speak to the Jews and all who are in ear shot. He lays out the most compelling argument to prove that Jesus is both the Messiah and Lord. He helps them see that the very one they have longed for and desired to see - had been in their midst. Jesus was and truly is the answer for their salvation. After a powerful message the people are cut to the heart - and ask what shall we do? Peter replies - and the church explodes. From a few people in the upper room to thousands. How did they respond and how should we?

We will be looking at Peter's words in Acts 2:19-21. They seem out of place at first glance, yet that's only the case if we put them in the wrong literary genre. We will look at hermeneutics, the art and science of reading scripture and move over to Jesus's words in Matthew 24. Did Jesus make a mistake? Was he a false prophet? Are his words a roadmap for the end times as many think?

This message focuses on Peter and how his life is an amazing picture of the restoring power of Christ. We also discuss how we need the Holy Spirit to live out what Christ has commanded us to do as Christians.

As we continue our series on the book of Acts, this week we will be going over Acts 1:15 - 2:13. Should Christians cast lots, or flip a coin to decipher the will of God? We will also look at the Holy Spirit in the early church and look at the difference between then and now.

We are beginning a new series - the book of Acts. As we come out of a world pandemic, there are many questions about ‘church' that have risen to the surface. What is church? Why should we gather? Is online acceptable? Is my faith strong? Where do we head from here? These are really important questions to consider. We determined that it would be beneficial to go back to the start of the church - the book of Acts. In this sermon we will look briefly at the history, the author, context of Acts - and then spend most of our time learning about the role of the Holy Spirit. This is a foundational message for the Christian walk.

As we finish off our series called ‘it's not about you', we want to take a turn and look at the practical ways to live whole hearted for the kingdom of heaven. This message is a message filled with a bunch of small messages. We will look at prayer, groups, worship, seeking truth, the kingdom of heaven, direction of the church and journaling. Practical ways to be the body of Christ without making it about you. For more information about Anchor Point Church, check out www.youranchorpoint.com or download our app. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/your-anchor-point/id1400986719 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_C4PC6Z

Despite many surface-level similarities between humanist philosophy and Christianity, and even acknowledging that much of humanism sounds pretty good (at first!), it is ultimately entirely incompatible with Christianity, both in terms of our theology itself and also the practical applications to the ways in which we are called to live our lives.

If it's not about you, who is it about? Do you struggle with your new identity in Christ? Do you believe that you are no good and you need to perform for God to love you? We will look at all of these questions and see what scripture says about them. This includes the message as well as post service dialogue. For more information about Anchor Point Church, check out www.youranchorpoint.com or download our app. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/your-anchor-point/id1400986719 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_C4PC6Z

What did the culture that produces the New Testament value? Has 21st-century Western individualism lost some of the key attributes that protected and propelled the group known as Christians to advance the Kingdom of God?

The title of this series indicates the direction that it is heading. But if it is not about you - who is it about? That may be an easy answer. But why is it important? What are the benefits and why did God intend it to be this way? We will discover the answers in this message - setting the foundation for the remainder of the series.

The Christian life has been compared to as a race. Who knew that our race would include the last 16 months? Church life being flipped on its head has caused us to ask a lot of questions. Asking the One who leads the church (Jesus), how he views this last season and where He wants to lead us at Anchor Point. In this message we are going to examine what we have learned, where Jesus is leading us and how we will move forward. We believe this is one of the most exciting times for the church - to become a movement again:) Let's brace ourselves. On your marks… For more information about Anchor Point Church, check out www.youranchorpoint.com or download our app. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/your-anchor-point/id1400986719 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_C4PC6Z