Celebration Edmonton: Audio Podcast

What happens when you trade your identity just to fit in—and still don't belong? This episode unpacks a real-life story of image, insecurity, and a one-week career fail, all leading to Jesus' powerful words: You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world. Discover why the world needs your distinct voice and how standing out might be exactly what God called you to do!Support the show

Throughout history, we have seen the influential power one individual can have through a willing 'yes'. Drawing from Scripture, history, and personal insight, Pastor Dennis challenges us to embrace our unique calling, not waiting for a group of people to make a change, but starting change with our individual 'yes'. Discover how your obedience, identity in Christ, and willingness in the moment can impact generations, because that's 'the power of one'!Support the show

What does it mean to be truly happy in life? As lead Pastors Joel & Jessica kick off this new series, we look at Jesus' unexpected words in the Beatitudes. While our culture chases happiness through success, image, and comfort, Jesus points us in a different direction—toward humility, mercy, and deep joy. Discover how the happiness we want can start where we may least expect it!Support the show

What does it truly mean to be the Church? Looking at the story in Mark 2, we see how Jesus shattered expectations, challenged crowds, and called us to do the heavy lifting for those who can't get to Him on their own. From carrying others in faith to living a life of real transformation, this message will push you beyond spectating and into purpose!Support the show

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Glad you liked it! Here's a more casual ending without the joke:The Bible is full of shadows that point to Jesus—Old Testament stories, people, and events that foreshadow the salvation and healing found in Him. From the blood of the Passover lamb to the bronze serpent in the wilderness, these types reveal the fullness of Jesus' sacrifice: providing the forgiveness for sin and healing for the body. Pastor Dennis Varty helps us explore how typology brings the Gospel to life—and how it reminds us that Jesus has always been the center of the story.Support the show

What does Easter mean? In this message, Pastor Joel Varty shows us that Jesus's resurrection isn't just a historical event—it's a personal invitation to hope, forgiveness, and freedom. The stone wasn't rolled away so Jesus could get out, but so we could come in and see the overwhelming love of a God who still changes lives today!Support the show

The crowd's shouting, the palms are waving, and Jesus finally lets them call Him King—but He rolls in on a donkey, not a war horse. What kind of King shows up like that? As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we unpack how a humble King came to bring victory, peace, and freedom in a way that was not expected.Support the show

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How willing are we to be inconvenienced for Jesus? Through the story of Zacchaeus, we explore the power of curiosity, the blessing found in stepping beyond comfort, and the transformation that happens when we truly seek Him!Support the show

How are you living intentionally? In this episode, Guest speakers, Pastors Adam & Rebecca Peterson, help us understand the powerful call to "wake up" and live intentionally, drawing from Ephesians 5:14-16. Lean into this message as we reflect on making the most of every opportunity, using our God-given gifts to serve others, and investing in the Kingdom of God through community, giving, and growth!Support the show

Have you ever found yourself caught up in the moment, forgetting there's more than enough to go around? Pastor Joel Varty shares a story about bread, hunger, and an unexpected emotional moment at the Old Spaghetti Factory—leading to a powerful realization of God's abundance. Join us as we unpack how generosity isn't just about giving but about trusting that God provides more than we could ever imagine!Support the show

Have you ever worked hard for something, only to have it taken away in an instant? In this episode, we explore what Jesus meant when He warned us about storing up treasures on earth and how to invest in something that lasts forever. As Pastor Joel tells relatable stories, real-life lessons, and biblical wisdom, we'll unpack what it means to trust God with our resources and the eternal impact our giving has!Support the show

Family is God's design for support, connection, and legacy—but what happens when family isn't always there? Pastor Leslie Varty shares valuable lessons through a personal story about an unexpected ‘Olympic-level' tumble and how family, both biological and church, showed up in the hardest season. Join us as we explore how God created family—both in our homes and in the church—to walk with us through every high and low of life!Support the show

No matter how crazy your family may seem, you're not alone—every family has its share of chaos, misunderstandings, and hurt. But when conflicts arise, how do we move past the pain and choose forgiveness? Pastor Isaac Varty helps in discovering principles through the story of Joseph and how his journey from betrayal to restoration reveals the power of forgiveness in healing relationships and reshaping our families!Support the show

Without clear values, life can feel like a series of obligations rather than intentional choices. As we continue our "Faith-Filled Family" series, Pastor Joel Varty helps us explore how defining what truly matters can transform everything—from your family's schedule to your personal mission. Drawing from Joshua 24:15, practical examples, and real-life stories, we'll explore how setting intentional values can shape your direction, deepen your faith, and create a lasting legacy!Support the show

Marriage reflects Christ's love—built on mutual sacrifice, submission, and servanthood. Pastor Joel Varty helps unpack Ephesians 5 and what it truly means for husbands to lead like Christ and for wives to submit "as to the Lord." Discover how rooting our identity in Christ will help flourish our relationships from a firm foundation!Support the show

Family is God's idea, and from the very beginning, He has worked through families to accomplish His purposes. In our new series, "Faith-Filled Family," we'll explore how marriage is the foundation of a strong, God-honoring home and a reflection of Christ's love for His Church. Whether you're married, single, or in a challenging season, this series will encourage you to build relationships that honour God and stand firm in His design!Support the show

Through the story of David in 1 Samuel 23, we explore the impact of living a life focused on others. Guest Speaker Pastor Shane Johnston unpacks the power of living an other 's-focused life through the story of David in 1 Samuel 23. Discover the joys of walking with others and seeing God bring victory, along with the sacrifice that costs us in the journey!Support the show

Does it feel awkward to pray at times? In this message, we dive into the heart of prayer—how to pause, rejoice, ask, and yield in a way that transforms your connection with God. Whether you long for deeper intimacy or clarity in your prayer life, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the simplicity and power of talking to God in our day-to-day lives!Support the show

The Bible talks about seeking The Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), but what does it look like to do that? As we live out our schedules and routines, we are reminded that there is an invitation to see through a Biblical lens that focuses on seeing people and moments in the way God sees them. Dr. David Campbell helps us grasp how we can have a Kingdom mentality inside our everyday living!Support the show

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What is fasting? And how does practicing it bring us closer to God? Drawing from Isaiah 58, we unpack the transformative power of fasting to reset our hearts, amplify our prayers, and align us with God's promises. Whether it may look like a Daniel fast, a partial fast, or simply skipping a meal to seek Him, join us in discovering how fasting fuels a deeper hunger for His presence and unlocks the spiritual breakthrough we need to start the year strong!Support the show

Episode Description:As we step into 2025, what changes are you dreaming of for your life? As we reflect on the fresh opportunities a new year brings, Matthew 28:18-20 helps us learn that Knowing Jesus, Growing in a relationship with Him, and sharing the Good News of Jesus can guide us into deeper relationships, intentional growth, and purposeful mission. Let's embrace the reset into this new year ahead and allow the Lord to lead us into something new this year!Support the show

What is the meaning of Christmas? Is it receiving presents? Pastor Joel Varty tells the Christmas story as it unfolds the true hope and meaning of this time of the year. Wherever you may find yourself this Christmas season, find hope in knowing the arrival of Jesus at its core is about Him coming to help bring meaning and purpose to the world! Support the show

What's the true meaning behind Christmas? The arrival and birth of Jesus demonstrate the heart of God's love towards humanity. Pastor Dennis unpacks how God's love isn't just a feeling but a powerful action demonstrated through serving and giving. Discover how the story of the Good Samaritan and the heart of Christmas can transform the way you love, give, and grow this holiday season.Support the show

True joy is found beyond what happens externally around us; it is found in Jesus! In this episode, we explore how joy is a choice and a gift, filling the void in our hearts that nothing else can satisfy. Discover how staying connected to God produces lasting joy, even in life's toughest moments, and why the joy of the Lord truly is our strength!Support the show

Christmas promises peace, but how do we live amidst life's challenges? Pastor Dennis Varty helps us explore the peace announced at Jesus' birth, contrasting the world's pursuit of peace with the unshakable peace Jesus offers. Discover practical, biblical insights to embrace peace that surpasses understanding, even when life feels like an endless game of "Whack-a-Mole"!Support the show

What does it mean to have a Biblical hope? While the world often ties hope to achievements, possessions, or personal efforts, we'll see how lasting hope is found in Jesus. As we go through the weeks of Advent, Pastor Joel Varty helps us understand what this can look like in our lives as we reflect on God's grace, authority, and faithfulness, and discover how to place our trust in Him for a hope that never fails!Support the show

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a task that seemed beyond your capacity? Whether at work, in relationships, or even in faith—there are opportunities to grow our capacity and align with God's greater purpose. Through personal stories, biblical insights, and practical steps, discover how to embrace the process of growth, steward what you've been given, and rise to the potential God sees in you!Support the show

How do we fight through our suffering? As we wrap up our series 'Where Is god In Our Suffering?', we uncover profound truths about perseverance, humility, and trusting God's wisdom during trials. Tune in as we discuss how to embrace honesty in prayer, build strength through struggle, and find peace in the One who has overcome the world. Support the show

Who is surrounding you when you are going through hard times?? In the book of Job, we see Job's journey of suffering and explore the importance of having the right friends during tough times. Through Elihu's wise intervention and God's ultimate response, we see how suffering can deepen our faith and draw us closer to God's goodness, reminding us to choose friends who lift us up!Support the show

As we face hardships in life, we may ask how our suffering can shape us. Using the story of Job, we explore how God's testing can reveal blessings hidden in our trials.  Pastor Joel Varty will help us understand that through faith, suffering can draw us closer to God, strengthen our trust, and give our pain purpose!Support the show

We may often ask ourselves: Why do bad things happen to good people? In this new series, "Where is God in Our Suffering?" Through reflection and gaining insight, Pastor Joel Varty helps us understand lessons from the book of Job, a man known for his unshakable faith and integrity who experienced profound loss and pain. If you've ever asked, “Why me?” or struggled to find God in times of hurt and confusion, this episode is for you—listen in as we uncover how suffering can lead us closer to God!Support the show

The Church has continued to exist from being passed on from generation to generation. Senior Pastor Dennis Varty helps us reflect on how each generation, from children to grandparents, plays a vital role in fulfilling God's plan, with lessons from both successes and failures in biblical relationships like Esther and Mordecai, and Moses and Joshua. Finally, we discuss the importance of bridging the gap between generations in the church today, ensuring that the next generation continues to grow in faith and take God's mission even further!Support the show

What are you grateful for? In this episode, Pastor Joel Varty helps us explore the deep connection between Thanksgiving and gratitude, diving into the importance of recognizing the blessings in our lives. From the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones to reflecting on how familiarity can dull our appreciation, we're reminded to stay amazed at both the people in our lives and the blessings God provides. Tune in as we discuss practical ways to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, avoiding the trap of discontent and embracing a spirit of gratitude that leads to true joy and spiritual growth!Support the show

Throughout our lives, Jesus calls us to go into the world and make disciples. We live with a mission to tell the world about the Good News. This week, Pastor Dennis shares stories that remind us about the importance of continuing to live a life on this mission. Tune in as we learn to be the Church and stay committed to the core calling we have been given: rescuing those who are far from God!Support the show

What is your mind focusing on? As we wrap our 'What's On Your Mind?' series, Pastor Joel Varty helps us understand the power of focus and how it shapes the flow of our energy. Drawing from Colossians 3:1-4, we discuss what it means to "seek and set" our minds on things above and how small decisions made with a heavenly mindset can transform our lives. Learn how to eliminate divided attention, keep God as your primary focus, and live a life filled with purpose and peace!Support the show

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How does the way we think shape how we live our lives? As we continue in our 'What's On Your Mind?' series, Pastor Joel Varty dives into the power of self-talk and how it shapes our thoughts and actions. By drawing from Scripture and personal experiences, we explore the importance of speaking life over yourself, shifting from listening to negative thoughts to speaking God's truth. Join us as we uncover five key principles to transform your self-talk, aligning your words with God's purpose for your life!Support the show

What's on God's mind? In this episode, Pastor Joel Varty helps us understand how the enemy lies to us about God's nature, the truth that our needs and healing are on His heart, and how understanding God's thoughts toward us transforms how we live. Discover how God's purpose for your life is unwavering and how His kindness and love lead us into a deeper relationship with Him!Support the show

How does the way we think affect our daily living? And if so, what kind of thoughts should we think of? In our new series "What's on Your Mind???", we dive deep into the power of our thoughts and their impact on our lives. From the mundane, like choosing lunch or doing chores, to deeper reflections on how our recurring thoughts shape our reality, we explore the incredible design of our minds and how God intended them to protect us and build pathways. Let's talk about mental fitness and how we can create new pathways for peace and purpose in our lives!Support the show