Campbell River Baptist Church

This week in our sermon we are looking at what it means to get baptized. Some denominations sprinkle babies, some pour water over adults, some immerse people in a pool of water. Why do churches baptize in different ways? Is there a right way? Why do we baptize the way we do? Join us this Sunday as we explore these questions.

Everyone has an opinion about Jesus. Some say prophet, some say teacher, some say myth. But on Easter Sunday we're asking the most important question in history: Who is Jesus really? From the whispers of the crowd to the bold confession of the disciples to the thunderous announcement of the angel at the empty tomb, we'll explore three powerful perspectives that demand a response. This isn't just a question for history, it's the question that defines your future. Join us this Easter as we discover why the resurrection of Jesus changes everything.

What words do you live by? There are words that exist at the deepest level of each of us that drive us to get out of bed every morning, that cause us to act the way we do, and that motivate us to move in the direction we are heading in life. At the end of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, he challenges listeners to replace the words we live by with the words he speaks. He says if we're willing to live “these words” that our lives will not be shaken, even through life's storms. In Matthew 7:24-27 Christ concludes his sermon with a parable drawing from his profession as a carpenter. He assures us we can build an unshakable foundation for our lives on his words.

We are all on a path searching for belonging and meaning, but the question is, where are we going to find it? What is truly going to satisfy us, and are we looking in the right places? In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus warns that many take the easy, wide road that leads to destruction, while few find the narrow path that leads to life. The difference is not just what we believe but how we live, the choices we make, and the voices we follow. Join us as we explore Jesus' call to walk the narrow way, reject false guidance, and find true belonging and fulfillment in Him.

Can you receive what you need from God? Do you ask once or twice and then give up? Or do you keep seeking until the door opens? This Sunday, we'll dive into Matthew 7:7-12, where Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock with persistence and faith, trusting that God hears and answers. We'll explore what it really means to pursue God with all our hearts, how our good Father delights in giving us what we truly need, and how we can receive His gifts with confidence. When we understand the power of bold, persistent prayer, we begin to experience God's provision and presence in life-changing ways. Don't miss this chance to discover how pressing in closer to God can transform your walk with Him!

Have you ever stepped on a scale that gave you the wrong number? Maybe it said you were lighter than you are—giving false confidence. Or maybe it made you heavier—leaving you discouraged. Jesus warns us about using a broken scale when we judge others—one clouded by hypocrisy, pride, and blind spots.But does that mean we should never judge at all? In Matthew 7, Jesus doesn't tell us to abandon judgment—He calls us to refine it. He invites us to examine ourselves first, to see clearly, and to discern rightly. This Sunday, join us as we explore what it means to judge with truth, humility, and wisdom—not with a broken scale, but with the heart of Christ.Please pray for Pastor Josh and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

To see Jesus is to see the light of the world. To walk with him is to no longer walk in darkness. It is in this way that we become lights, illuminated by the Holy Spirit of God, who speaks the word of his law in our hearts. We, like lamps set on a lampstand, are to illuminate the whole of the world. Join us this Sunday as we encounter this light, receive him, and see how we can let the light he has given us shine more brightly.

Worry can consume our minds, pulling us in opposite directions and stealing our peace. Jesus calls us to something better. In Matthew 6:25-31, He reminds us that our heavenly Father knows our needs and cares for us far more than the birds He feeds and the flowers He clothes. Worry is unproductive and unnecessary because God is faithful, and He invites us to trust Him instead of being overwhelmed by anxiety. Rather than being trapped in a cycle of fear, we can surrender our worries to God, seeking His kingdom and His righteousness first. When we fix our eyes on Him, our worries lose their grip, and we find peace in His perfect provision.

Many religions teach that fasting is an important part of life. But does the Bible command us to fast? In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says "when you fast" you must do it in a certain way, which seems to imply that fasting is a normal part of the spiritual life. Does that apply to us in the modern world? Join us this Sunday as we explore what the Bible says about fasting and whether we should fast as well.Please pray for Pastor Dayle and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

Ever feel like your prayers are stuck in airplane mode, going nowhere? What if Jesus gave us the ultimate passcode for prayer—one that actually connects us to God rather than just checking a religious box? This Sunday, we're diving into the way Jesus taught his disciples to pray. It is a form of prayer that has directed countless wandering hearts to simply and powerfully experience God. Come learn how to align your heart with God's will, ditch the meaningless words, and experience prayer the way Jesus intended.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus says about dealing with difficult people or our enemies? More specifically, those who hate, curse, and mistreat you? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus flips the historical understanding of what it means to love your neighbour, challenging us to redefine who our enemies are and how we see them. But He doesn't stop there—He calls us to love them in ways that seem impossible. Is it even possible to love those who purposely mistreat us? This week, we'll uncover how to love like Jesus and how to reflect His grace, even toward those who hurt us. Don't miss this powerful message that could change how you handle the hardest relationships in your life!

In 2003, Aron Ralston was rock climbing in Utah. While scaling down a rock face, a boulder became dislodged and pinned his hand against the rock wall. For four days he sat there thinking he was going to die. On the fifth day he cut his own hand off to free his body and walked until he found help, showing that sacrifice was required to survive.In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus gives us a similar picture when he warns us that the sin of adultery is more than an act, it begins in the mind as lust. And in order to battle sin, sacrifice will be required. Jesus is not calling us to literally maim ourselves, but we will need to be deliberate on the things we cut out so that we can pursue holiness and intimacy with God.

Is anger silently killing you, or are your emotions anything but silent? Whether it's a quiet grudge or an explosive outburst, anger has a way of seeping into every corner of your life, damaging relationships and stealing your peace. This Sunday, we'll unpack Jesus' transformative words from the Sermon on the Mount, where He challenges us to look beyond our actions and confront the deeper issues fueling our anger. Learn how unchecked anger harms not only our relationships but also our connection with God, and why reconciliation is essential for true worship. The good news is Jesus offers us freedom from anger and a better way to live, one marked by peace, grace, and restored relationships.

This Sunday, we are diving into Matthew 5:10-12, where Jesus flips our understanding of suffering on its head. He tells us, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,” showing us that hardship and opposition aren't signs that we're failing—they're actually opportunities to grow and flourish in our faith. Following Jesus doesn't come with a promise of an easy life, but it does come with the strength to stand firm, even when the world pushes back. We'll explore how staying faithful through tough times brings a deeper connection with God and lays up eternal rewards that far outweigh any earthly struggle. Jesus shows us how to flourish even in suffering, and this message will help you find hope and purpose, no matter what you're facing. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

As Christians, do we still need to read the Old Testament? Does it still have anything to say to us, or was it for another time and place? And if we do read it, what are we supposed to get out of it when so much of it seems to be about things that don't apply to us. Join us on Sunday when we will look at Matthew 5:17-19 where Jesus talks about the place of the Old Testament in our lives and shows us how we can only truly know God and Jesus if we start with the Old Testament. Please pray for Pastor Dayle and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

How do we know if we are truly flourishing? In Matthew 5:7-12, Jesus teaches that flourishing looks like showing mercy, pursuing purity, and striving for peace—even when it's costly. He reminds us that suffering and persecution are not the end but a pathway to eternal reward. True flourishing is not about ease or applause but about living faithfully in God's Kingdom. Don't miss this message as we uncover the path to a life that truly thrives.

In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus flips our understanding of a “blessed life” upside down, showing that true blessing isn't found in wealth or status but in hearts that reflect God's kingdom. He begins with the paradox of spiritual poverty, teaching us that acknowledging our need for God opens the door to His Kingdom. Jesus challenges us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising that those who long for Him will find true satisfaction. He calls us to the courageous path of being peacemakers, even when it means enduring persecution, assuring us that a great reward awaits in heaven. If you've ever wondered what it truly means to live a blessed life, Jesus' words will challenge, inspire, and invite you into a joy that the world cannot offer.

Have you ever asked yourself "who am I"? What you think about this fundamental question informs so many pieces of who you are, why you have value, IF you have value. What you think about yourself is one of the most foundational things you can examine. Who gets to determine this? To avoid thinking about it does not change the outcome, eventually you will have your value constructed for you. The real question is who (or what) is going to construct that value.

As we approach Christmas, this sermon invites us to reflect on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose extraordinary faith and obedience demonstrate three profound truths: God's divine calling, His limitless power, and His unchanging faithfulness. Mary, a humble young woman from Nazareth, was chosen not because of her status but because of God's sovereign grace. Her story challenges us to trust in God's plans, even when they seem beyond our understanding, and to believe in His ability to accomplish the impossible. Mary's unwavering faith in God's promises, despite the uncertainty she faced, reminds us that God's faithfulness endures across generations. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us also prepare our hearts for His return, living with faith, hope, and anticipation. Like Mary, may we respond to God's calling with a heart of surrender and trust in His perfect plan.

Do you long to hear a joyful sound? Or to experience joy in a dark, difficult season? In Luke 2:8-21, the silence of the night is interrupted by the angels, bringing a proclamation of joy so powerful it lights up the sky and transforms the hearts of shepherds. Some believe it was a song sung by angels or simply a magnificent announcement, but either way, it revealed the majesty of God's glory and the wonder of Christ's coming. The shepherds couldn't help but respond with awe and action. How will you respond? Can you hear God's message calling you to worship Him and share the joy of Christmas with those around you? This Advent, let the angels' announcement fill your heart with the glory, hope, and unshakable joy of Jesus' birth.

This Sunday we will encounter the Wise Men who traveled to meet the infant Jesus. In a certain way the Wise Men seem very familiar to us, as foreign kings we recognize from our nativity sets. But they stand out from the rest of the characters in a number of interesting ways. Perhaps we actually have more in common with the wealthy foreign Wise Men than we may think, even more than the shepherds or Mary and Joseph. We look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday! Please be in prayer for the team as they prepare, and for all those who will be hearing this message.

In Matthew 1:18-25, we step into the shoes of Joseph, a man blindsided by life-altering news: Mary is pregnant before they are married—and he knows he isn't the father. Imagine the weight of shattered dreams, public scandal, and personal betrayal pressing down on him. Yet, in the chaos of his emotions, God intervenes with an extraordinary message, unveiling a divine purpose behind this unexpected turn of events. God calls Joseph to trust and obey. Joseph's decision to lean into faith rather than fear is a powerful example of courage in the face of uncertainty, reminding us that bad news can be a doorway to God's greater plan. How do we respond to life's trials and bad news? Will we cling to fear or step forward in faith, believing that God's plans—no matter how hard—are always for our ultimate good?

In Acts 28, Paul and his shipwrecked companions are shown unusual kindness by the islanders of Malta, reminding us that generosity received in times of need often warms the heart and fosters gratitude. Paul responds by giving generously of his time and spiritual gifts, healing the sick and serving others, illustrating that true generosity moves outward in action. When generosity is given, it multiplies. When the people of Malta are blessed by Paul's ministry, they supply the crew with everything they need to continue their journey. Generosity, whether received, given, or multiplied, transforms us by cultivating humility, love, and a greater reliance on God's provision. This story challenges us to reflect Christ's generosity in our lives, allowing His love to ripple through our acts of kindness to bless others abundantly. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

The storms we experience in our lives can be terrifying. When the winds are fierce and our security feels shaken, where do you turn? In Acts 27:13-32, we see Paul in the storm, and it leaves us wondering: Could it be that God sometimes calls us into storms—not to break us, but to shape us? What if the storms that disrupt our plans are meant to reveal a deeper purpose, one we may not yet understand? As we face these storms, might God be inviting us to respond with a courage that goes beyond our fears, stepping forward in faith? When the winds are fierce and our security feels shaken, can we trust that His presence is our anchor, whispering that we're never alone? And if God calls us to sacrifice something precious, could it be that He's preparing us for a life and calling far greater than we imagined?

In Acts 23-26, we see the Apostle Paul being arrested and dragged through the court system on false charges. As he sits on trial, instead of defending himself, he preaches the Gospel by giving his testimony. Why? Because he believes there is power in what Jesus has done, the resurrection. Christianity rises and falls on the historical event of resurrection, so what do we do with it? This Sunday, we will be looking at the evidence for the resurrection, why the early church were willing to put their lives on the line to preach the risen Christ, and what that means for us today

Have you ever gone for a long walk or a run and been unable to go as far as you planned? The bench by the side of the path or the car in the parking lot looked better than continuing the walk or run? The Bible often compares our relationship with God to a race and encourages us to continue running with God, even when we feel tired or discouraged. This week in our service we will be looking at some of the things that slow us down or stop us in our relationship with God, and find some simple ways to find encouragement to help us restart or keep going with him.

What is your midnight? In the darkest part of the night what keeps you awake? Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and thrown into the worst part of the prison, but instead of giving up, they worshipped. In this message, we'll explore how to use worship as a powerful weapon when life feels overwhelming, and we'll be reminded of who truly holds all the power and authority. Don't miss this chance to discover how your praise can break chains and transform not only your life but the lives of those around you! Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

In Acts 15, we see a crucial conflict arise as some believers began adding requirements to salvation, threatening the purity of grace (Acts 15:1). This conflict challenged the very heart of the gospel, but rather than ignore or avoid it, the early church leaders addressed it head-on (Acts 15:6). Through open discussion and a return to the truth of Scripture, the apostles and elders reaffirmed that salvation is by grace alone, without additional burdens (Acts 15:11). Addressing this conflict brought clarity and unity to the church, strengthening their witness (Acts 15:12). It shows that when conflicts are approached with humility and truth, they can lead to growth and deeper fellowship. Sometimes, God uses conflict to clarify His will and unite His people in the truth. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

In a world drowning in sexual imagery and distorted views of intimacy, the Bible reveals sex as a sacred, life-giving gift designed by God for marriage (Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4). Yet, our culture has reduced it to a mere transaction, leaving many broken and unfulfilled. Like Paul, who was deeply disturbed by the idolatry in Athens (Acts 17:16-17), we too face a culture saturated with sexual idols. How do we flourish in a sexually saturated culture? Do we ignore it and pretend it's not happening? The gospel illuminates the path forward with God's truth, offering hope, healing, and a radical alternative to the world's empty promises. On Sunday, we will explore what that looks like today, in our church and city.

Sometimes when discussing our homes we talk about starter homes and our forever home. The Bible promises us that we can have a forever home for all eternity.  God calls it heaven. This week we will look at what heaven is like. We will see that it is a place where everything is always perfect. When all we could ever want is there. A place where God is our closest friend. A place that is different and better than we can imagine. And a place we can know for sure that God has prepared for us. Please be in prayer for our team as they prepare. We look forward to worshipping with you!

What is the nature of hell? Matthew 25:41 portrays hell as a place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him. In other scriptures, Jesus describes hell as a place of fire and torment, which can be difficult for us to accept and understand. If hell is a real place, does that mean God is unfair or cruel, instead of loving? What is the appropriate punishment for sin? The doctrine of hell is one of the most challenging and debated topics in Christian theology. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare for the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

Looking for real friendships that last, even in tough times? This Sunday, we'll tackle the question, “How do we find our people?” Proverbs 18:1 reminds us that isolation is dangerous—we're meant to walk together! Jesus modeled deep, meaningful friendships, and we can too. Join us as we dive into how to build authentic relationships that challenge us, strengthen us, and draw us closer to Christ. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

This Sunday, we're kicking off a new series called “Tough Questions,” starting with one that hits close to home: “Do Christians need to go to church?” Come discover why the Bible calls the church Christ's bride and how being part of a local church community helps us grow in faith, find support, and fulfill our mission. Let's explore together why church matters—not just in theory, but in our everyday walk with Christ. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

Where do you lose control? This is a difficult question, because deep down we usually know the areas of our life where we are weak. But often we avoid the things in ourselves we feel are too difficult or hopeless to change. As we set into our final message in the Fruit of the Spirit series, we come to self-control. In Galatians, Paul shows us the tug of war we are in with our flesh and the Spirit. Self-control is necessary because we're at war with our own sinful desires. James described those desires as dragging us away and enticing us into sin (1:14). Peter said they war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11). Paul spoke of them as deceitful (Ephesians 4:22) and what makes these sinful desires so dangerous is that they dwell within our own heart.

As we near the end of our series on Fruit of the Spirit, our sermon on Sunday brings us to the Fruit of Gentleness. What does it even mean to be gentle? I'm sure we have some ideas of what being gentle looks like, but do we view God as gentle? If we read through the entire Bible, would we say God is gentle? How does our view of God affect the way we treat others? As we open God's Word, we will see how God has consistently dealt gently with His people throughout time, that Jesus came not to browbeat, but to give us an easy yolk. Our call as Christians then, is to be gentle and our gentleness is to be evident to all. Whether we are disappointed, confused, angry, or any other emotion, we are to walk in humility, and gentleness with patience.

In Galatians 5:22, Paul talks about faithfulness as a Fruit of the Spirit, reflecting on what it means to live by the Spirit. What exactly is faithfulness? Let's consider the example of one of Jesus' closest disciples who was unfaithful. In Luke 22:31-34, we see how Jesus remained faithful to Peter, even predicting his denial and praying for his faith not to fail. What does this show us? Can we see God's faithfulness in His unwavering love and promises, never abandoning us despite our failures? Can we recognize how our faithfulness is closely tied to our affections? In other words, what we love the most will determine what we act on and pursue. Do we have a desire to cultivate faithfulness? If so, what does that involve?

This Sunday we are looking at goodness; doing and being good. Most of us would like to be thought of as good people, but what does that mean? Is goodness more than what we do? Is there a difference between doing good and being good? Where does the ability to do good actually come from? And why aren't we more good than we are? Join us this week to find some answers to these big questions.

Would you call yourself a kind person? When we look around us, it seems that kindness has become somewhat of a novelty in our culture of rudeness and self-seeking self-promotion and self-centeredness. Yet, the internet is filled with videos of people doing random acts of kindness, we even have a day devoted entirely to kindness. What if kindness had a deeper purpose than simply making the world a better place? In our message today we are going to look at a profound act of kindness by King David that shows us what it looks like to live out the spiritual fruit of kindness on a daily basis.

What happens when God asks us to be patient longer than we know how? Do we expectantly look forward or take matters into our own hands? If you're anything like me, the struggle of knowing how to be patient can at times cripple us. God how long, why are you asking me to wait, Lord there is no end in sight, what do I do? If these are questions you have asked don't worry you are in good company. The spiritual fruit of Patience has an unappealing exterior but hides an incredible life sustaining gift that God longs for us to eat and share with others.

How do we find peace in life? Summer is all about slowing down and relaxing. It is a time when we try to find the peace that we don't always feel during the rest of the year when work or school or other commitments can make life busy and stressful. Yet the Bible says that we can have peace in the midst of everyday life. This week we look at what peace can look like in our lives, and how we can experience true peace at all times.

One of the strange and wonderful markers of a Christian is a surprising kind of joy. It is a joy that is unique from worldly happiness, because it is not dependant on our circumstances being favourable and it is not self-centred. If you google search “happiness” you'll quickly see that happiness is a billion dollar industry. It is on the contemporary mind. It's easy to be swept away in the tide of media that says you deserve your personal happiness above all things. Is this what Jesus says to us? Does God care about our joy, or does he want us to carry our cross? Do we have to give up our toys to carry our cross? How can we find this unshakeable joy that loves others? We can find it through faith in Christ, we can hold onto it through hope in suffering, and we pour our that same joy to others in sacrificial love.

As we begin our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, it is becomes quickly evident that we are in a battle with our fleshly nature. The flesh wants to be prideful, boastful, and arrogant, but the Spirit wants us to be patient, kind, and loving. In our time on Sunday we will explore the first aspect of our fruit, love, and what it actually looks like to live this out in our day to day walk. Paul will also show us the things in our life we may need to give up so that we can love like Christ. God in His LOVE gave up His only begotten son so that we may have eternal life.

Often in Scripture we see people getting tripped up by focusing too heavily on their own needs or their own experiences rather than seeking a better understanding of God's overall mission.  Acts 13 provides an important example of this and challenges us to always consider God's kingdom-building plan.

In Acts 12, we see bad things happening to good people. Two Apostles are captured by Herod, and one is executed while the other is set free. But wait, that doesn't seem fair! At some point in our lives, we will wrestle with the sovereign hand of God, but the question is how do you respond when life doesn't seem fair? Are you quick to blame God and deconstruct your faith in Him? Or do you turn to the truth of Scripture and trust in who He says He is? As we unpack our passage, let's pray that God would help us to trust in His providence, that He truly wants good things for us, even if the answer to our prayers is no or not yet.

What does God's blessing look like in our life? Why do some people suffer so much while others seem to have it easy? Where is God in all of this? In Acts 11:19-26, we explore how to follow the voice of God and recognize His blessings in our lives. First, we consider “What is the hand of the Lord?” understanding it as God's active presence and guidance. Also, how does God's hand help us remain faithful and steadfast when we face struggle and hardship? Lastly, Barnabas and Paul are blessed as they are led by the hand of the Lord to equip the church in Antioch. Again, what does God's blessing look like in our life? Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

Throughout the book of Acts, we have seen God's miraculous hand over the Christian church. People were coming to faith, being baptized, and experiencing a new kind of community. But there was still one problem, the Jewish Christians couldn't break their traditions and accept the new Gentile believers without circumcision. So what does God do? He breaks through and surprises the apostle Peter by redefining what it means to be clean and unclean, paving the way for Gentiles to be accepted into this new community. What traditions might God need to break in your life so that He can surprise you? What does it look like to be open to receive what God is trying to teach us?

In Acts 9:23-31, we see how the early church was faced with immense pressure, and yet, it led to the growth and strengthening of the church. First, the pressure they experienced produced surprising peace and the building up of people, as the early believers found unity and encouragement even in difficult times. Second, pressure fosters a deeper walk in the fear of the Lord, driving us to greater reverence and commitment to God's will. Third, pressure highlights our profound need for the Holy Spirit, as we rely on His guidance and power to navigate challenges. So, what do you do under pressure? What comes out when life squeezes you? Let's pray that we can be led to encourage others, fear the Lord, and depend on the Holy Spirit. Please pray for Pastor Steve and the team as they prepare the service. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday!

In Acts 9:1-19, we witness the profound transformation of Saul on the road to Damascus. This passage illustrates “The Road to Transformation,” where Saul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus and is radically changed. “The Road to Seeing” follows as Saul, blinded by the encounter, gains new spiritual insight through Ananias' obedience and God's healing power. And finally, “The Road to Sharing Good News” begins as Saul, now Paul, is filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately starts proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. Paul starts to share his transformation story with the world. Reflecting on Saul's journey prompts us to ask ourselves: Is my story worth sharing even if it's not as dramatic as Paul's? If so, what do I share? Who do I share it with?

As we carry on in our study of Acts, we find another clear example of God's faithfulness and His loving plan for all. In fulfilment of his promises throughout scripture, the gospel goes from Jerusalem to Samaria and to us. Join us as we explore another example of God's love and his goal for our lives.