Welcome to Moose Jaw Church of God Podcast where you can listen to our weekly messages. OUR MISSION: To love God and people passionately; to lead people to Christ; To equip them for His purpose and mobilize them for His service (Matthew 22:37-39; 28:19). OUR LEAD PASTORS: LARRY & CONNIE HASMATALI Larry is a respected and gifted minister of the gospel holding two leadership positions within the Church of God. In 1996, he became the lead pastor of the COG-MJ. In 2012, he was also appointed as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God in Western Canada. He serves in both of these roles with great devotion and passion for leadership development and church growth. Larry and his wife, Connie, have made their home in Moose Jaw since 1986. They have a son, Brandon, and a daughter, Maddison, who are living and working in Saskatoon and Edmonton. *"Since COG-MJ began with a radio program back in 1943, it has been marked by generosity, innovation, vision and empowerment. We're grateful for those who went before us so that we could be where we are today. We see a church full of people who generously give themselves to be innovative in proclaiming the hope of the gospel with a vision that is far beyond what we alone can accomplish. It’s a vision that can only be brought about by God Himself as He empowers each of us by His Spirit to serve the people in our community. We believe the best years are still yet to come and we hope you will journey forward with us as we follow Christ’s lead."* - Pastor Larry
As we honour dads this weekend, we'll take a look at Gideon, whom God called out of hiding to become a mighty warrior. God met Gideon right where he was, gave him a sense of peace and purpose, and used him to give Israel victory over their enemies.
Fear, anxiety, and a lack of confidence robs too many of us from living the life God intended. However, we can live with Holy confidence when we are grounded in the knowledge that we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us helping us apply the truths of Scripture in our lives. Listen in as Dr. Michael Pawelke, President of Briercrest College & Seminary, shares an inspiring message with us for Pentecost Sunday.
In any relay race, there's a moment when the baton gets passed; a critical point that, if dropped or delayed, forfeits the whole race. God has called us to invest in the next generation before it's too late, and promises to help us every step of the way. Listen in as Pastor Larry brings an inspiring message called, 'Don't Drop the Baby'!
Listen in as we hear from the National Overseer of COG in Canada, Dr. Lennox Walker, speak about passing your faith on to the next generation. Bishop Walker exemplifies visionary leadership and is committed to missional kingdom-building. You're sure to be inspired by his message!
Your story is powerful, and no one can refute it. People crave authenticity, not just answers, and sharing your testimony with others helps connect the dots for them between religion, relationship, ritual, and rescue. Listen in as Pastor Larry brings an inspirational message on "Faith that Speaks!"
Deborah was an anointed judge, military strategist, prophet, and worship leader in Israel's history who stepped up to help conquer an unbeatable foe. Be inspired by her powerful story of maternal leadership this Mother's Day weekend as Pastor Larry begins a brand new series through the Book of Judges, 'Our Messes, God's Faithfulness'!
People are naturally drawn to insider status. Jesus offers us access to His inner circle, but the weakness of our flesh leads us to abandon him. Jesus still becomes the ultimate outsider on our behalf so that we can regain insider status with God. Listen in as Rom Jukes unpacks this truth for us.
Listen in as our Children's Ministry Outreach Coordinator, Bethany DeWalt, helps us consider what it means to be shipwrecked and the power Jesus has to heal us! We'll also get an update on what happened at VBS this week, and celebrate all God is doing in and through our kids!
Even though Jesus has risen from the dead, we still walk through 'Fridays' in this world, but we don't walk through them alone or without hope that 'Sunday' is coming! So may this Easter message continually remind you that when everything feels like it's falling apart, we can trust that God is still working, and that our King has one more move.
Listen in as AJ Crocker helps us dig into the lessons of Mark 11 as we prepare for Easter Weekend. After Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Gospel of Mark follows Jesus as he curses the fig tree, cleanses the temple, and returns to that fig tree. These passages offer us lessons on the power of God within those who live lives of fruitfulness for the Kingdom.
One of the most potent weapons in the battle for your family is prayer. It's a vital way to connect with God, express needs, and to seek guidance and strength. Satan is constantly seeking to destroy the sacred institution of family that God created, but through prayer, we can see God move powerfully in our homes. Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks this truth for us.
What foundation is your family built on? Though no family is perfect, obeying God's Word enables us to build strong foundations for our marriages and family relationships that can withstand the storms of life. Listen in as Pastor Larry inspires and challenges us to consider the foundations we're building our lives on.
If you were to describe yourself using a brand label, what would it be? While labels are helpful for products, they can be harmful when placed on people, and cause us to look at life based on what we carry from our past, holding us back from the blessings and success God has prepared for us. Listen in as Pastor Larry reminds us to look at ourselves using only the mirror of God's Word.
In Genesis 2:24, the Bible states: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Listen in as Pastor Dwight Cameron looks at 3 components of intimacy: emotional, physical and spiritual. We will discover what the Bible has to say about it and explore the practical ways we can apply it to our relationships, specifically marriage, so we can remain as one flesh.
Do you tend to believe everything you hear, read, or see? The Apostle John warns believers not to trust every spirit or believe every spiritual experience, but rather to test the spirits to determine whether they are from God. With the Holy Spirit to help us, we can discern with grace and speak the truth in love, overcoming the lies of the enemy.
What does it mean to be an authentic Christian? How can this be tested? The Apostle John in 1 John reminds his readers that the answer is love and that love is an action. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross demonstrated the ultimate love, and as His disciples we are to follow His example and love one another.
Questions have the power to change things. They have started movements. They have sparked discoveries. This weekend, as we host Cornerstone Christian School, we are going to explore a question and answer that will change your life, forever. Join us as Adam Driscoll and the student worship team leads our weekend services. The CCS mission team will also be promoting their upcoming service experience in Merida, Mexico.
The Bible has great love stories, but the greatest of all is the unfolding story of God's love for us, His children. Not only does He save and redeem us, but He adopts us into His family and is preparing a home for us with Him in heaven! Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks the greatest love story ever.
In a world of counterfeits, forgeries, and fakes, it's often hard to determine what's true. The Apostle John, who knew Jesus personally, warns first-century believers of the antichrists among them, reminding them of the anointing they have to discern the Truth. Listen in as Pastor Larry continues through the book of 1st John!
One of the tests of true Christianity is not loving the world, but what does 'the world' mean? The Apostle John explains that we need to guard against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, remembering that our citizenship is in Heaven and not in the world, which is passing away.
The way we start a difficult conversation often determines its course. In his letters, the Apostle John demonstrates a thoughtful and intentional approach to addressing sin: connection before correction. God deals with us in the same way, reminding us of His love and its power to help us obey.
Ready to take that next step in your faith walk, but don't know how? Listen in and be inspired to find the step that's right for you, and empowered with what you need to know to take it! At COG, your best days are still ahead!
How do you speak the truth in love? The Apostle John dealt with the complex subject of sin in a firm but gentle way by reminding the early church that God is light, and encouraging them to walk in it. For what light accomplishes, God can achieve in your life.
We all experienced a redirection when we encountered and surrendered our lives to Jesus. The Apostle John was an eyewitness of the miracles of Jesus, and testified of His transforming power in his letters to the early Church. Listen in as Pastor Larry begins a new sermon series through the book of 1st John, 'The Father's Heart'!
Are you anticipating a happy new year? Regardless of your circumstances, things will be looking up so long as you are looking up. The Bible repeatedly states 'lift up your eyes' - up off your problems and onto God. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi each had to keep their focus on God to see the miracle unfold, and so must we. Listen in as Pastor Larry reflects on this theme on the threshold of a new year.
Do you trust in God's sovereign plan and His timing? Though ruled by Rome, God sent His Son Jesus to Israel at the right time, and in just the right way to fulfill every prophecy spoken of Him. We may not understand God's ways or timing, but let's reflect on God's sovereignty over the events of the Christmas story and in our own lives today.
Life often feels like a pressure cooker, especially during the holidays. When Mary first heard the news from Gabriel, she could have dwelt on bleak consequences and worse-case scenarios, but instead she chose to recall Scripture, stand on God's promises, and praise. Let's follow Mary's example this Christmas, focusing on worship and generosity, and trusting God to meet our needs.
Mary was a poor, teenaged girl from the humble town of Nazareth, yet she was considered 'highly favored' by God and chosen to bear the Savior of the world! Though confused and disturbed by the angel Gabriel's appearing, she drew comfort from his greeting, reassurance that the Lord was with her, and confidence to accept the news given. Listen in as AJ Crocker unpacks this intimate yet powerful moment in history, reflecting on Mary's response and the implications in our lives when we are faced with similar callings of the Spirit.
Waiting is one of the hardest tests of faith. Zechariah and Elizabeth lived in a season of silence and waiting, until God sent an angel to Zechariah telling him his prayers had been heard and his wife would bear him a son in her old age. Their story reminds us that God is always working, even in silence, and His timing is always perfect. Listen in as Pastor Larry launches his Christmas series, 'The Wonders of Christmas: From Anticipation to Miracle'.
While the world offers only fleeting solutions to our worries surrounding finances, relationships, health and the future, Jesus extends an invitation to a peace that is not only lasting but transformative. Listen in and discover how His words and presence can replace your worry with confidence and your fear with faith.
Are you a collector or a connector? Wealth itself is not evil, but greed is. Greed prioritizes self over service, hoarding over helping, collecting over connecting. Jesus warns us that the pursuit of more for the sake of security or status is not only shortsighted by spiritually destructive. Listen in Pastor Larry shares the lesson taught in the parable of the rich fool from Luke 12 to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season.
The book of Jude focuses on a battle for freedom. Not a battle that takes place on the battlefield but rather a spiritual battle that's played out in the church. The book was written to Christians facing deception and hostility, much like us today. Listen in as Pastor Larry explores Jude's warnings and encouragements, inspiring us to find strength in God's promises even in times of turmoil.
We see many promises in Scripture for those who believe in Jesus: Peace, joy, freedom, and forgiveness. But often this is not what we experience in our day-to-day lives. Jesus gave us promises but also a pathway to them: Abiding in Him. Listen in as Cher Dombowsky shares God's Word with us!
As human beings, we are subject to forgetfulness. In his letter to the early church, Jude reminds believers not to forget the history of those who compromised the truth - a reminder that is as relevant to us today as it was then. Truth must be reinforced, recalled, and repeated often so that it continues to inform our lives and those of the next generation. Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks this timely message from this tiny book.
Anniversaries are a perfect time to reflect on the past, celebrate milestones, and give thanks for God's faithfulness. But those content to live only in the past miss the opportunities of the present and fail to lay hold on the promise of the future. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to keep our eyes on Jesus and run the race set before us. Listen in as Dr. Mark Williams, Third Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God, delivers a timely message on the occasion of our church's 80th Anniversary.
We live in a world that encourages us to grumble, but as believers in Christ, we are called to live differently. Thanksgiving is an intentional decision we must make daily, regardless of suffering and trial. Jesus himself, on the night He was betrayed to be crucified, still gave thanks. Thanksgiving is powerful, building our faith and keeping us in God's will.
Is your faith under fire? The challenges are real, but the truth of the gospel remains unshakable. Like Jude, we are called to contend for the faith, to stand firm against falsehood, and to hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ. Listen in as Pastor Larry begins a new sermon series through the book of Jude - a short letter with a powerful call to action.
As we wrap-up our series on Romans 8, we look at the closing of Paul's argument in verses 31-39. Paul gives us great reason to celebrate the work and love of Jesus Christ. The very things that hold us secure despite the many forces at work against us. Listen in as AJ Crocker brings the Word this weekend!
Are you adopted? The Apostle Paul in Romans 8 picks up the theme of adoption from Roman culture and uses it to illustrate how we become children of God and joint-heirs with Christ through the Holy Spirit. Listen in as Pastor Larry unpacks this truth!
Have you ever struggled to understand why God allows suffering? Romans 8 offers a perspective of endurance and hope, reminding us that the challenges of this present life pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits those who believe in Jesus. Furthermore, this present pain has great purpose: to grow us and make us more like Christ. Listen in as Pastor Dwight Cameron unpacks this incredible passage of promise.
Listen in as Pastor Dwight Cameron, Pastor Dalton Fichtner, Pastor Becky Adams, and Pastor Kaddie Obispo share their heart for the ministries they do! You're sure to be inspired to get involved and make a difference! Already serve as a volunteer with Team Hope? Wear your Team Hope shirt and join us!
Being a Christian means having a new life: a life transformed and lived in the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are enslaved to their sinful nature, but those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit walk in God's righteousness and believe He will meet their needs. So ask yourself, are you living according to the flesh, or are you living according to the Spirit?
In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees our fundamental freedom of religion, a liberty we must never take for granted. In a greater way, the Holy Spirit offers us liberty from the control of sin on us, offering us forgiveness and goodness. Yet to receive the fullness of this freedom we must continually surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit's power.
Romans 8 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible; a multi-faceted diamond of deep truths meant to pour blessing upon blessing on those who study them and walk in them. Romans 8:1 alone is a powerful reminder that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; a truth that never changes regardless of what comes your way.
The Book of Ruth is all about redemption. All the main characters have suffered loss, who then experience redemption through Boaz, the Kinsman-Redeemer. Boaz is a picture of what Jesus Christ has done for us - the only one qualified to redeem us and pay the debt of sin we could not pay. Feeling discouraged? Listen in as Pastor Larry brings a powerful message of hope!
We all want that picture-perfect life, but what does your story look like from behind the scenes? Ruth's story may appear on the surface to be just a love story, but it's really about God's divine providence and planning. Listen in as Pastor Larry takes us behind the scenes to the greater truth in the story of Ruth.
We do so many things as a church to reach, connect, and support people but we must not lose sight of the main things Jesus commanded - baptizing and discipling. So what does the Bible say about baptism? Listen in as Pastor Larry teaches on this important ordinance and prayerfully consider how you might respond.
The story of Ruth is much more than just a love story - it's a story about how God restores those who look to Him with hope. He is faithful to His people even when we are unfaithful, and is constantly working within the ordinary to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
It's easy to love those who love you, but it's a challenge to love those you despise. Listen in as Dwight Cameron, our Pastor of Discipleship & Community Outreach, reminds us who our neighbors are and how we can treat them.
Rom Jukes is no stranger to COG, having attended since 2003 as a youth with Pastor Larry's son Brandon while Dwight Cameron was the Youth Pastor. In 2019, Rom married Grace and began working as a mental health therapist at the hospital. They've since had two daughters, Marcy and Noa, and Rom now works in Public Health. Listen in as Rom shares with us from God's Word!
Are you waiting on God for something right now? Sometimes waiting can be a step of faith, but other times it can be because of fear. Ruth had an active faith, and her prudent actions worked in alignment with God's plan and purpose for her. In the same way Boaz was blessed by God because he was a good steward of the resources entrusted to him. God's providential hand then moved in marvelous ways to write their love story and legacy. Nothing just happens.