Community Church

Today's focus is on the reality and significance of the second coming of Christ, and the events that will precede it. The teaching begins by affirming that, as believers, we already share in Christ's victory. However, this victory does not exempt us from the trials and tribulations that will come upon the world before Christ's return. Scripture, especially Matthew 24 and 25, makes it clear that the end times will be marked by increasing turmoil—wars, famines, earthquakes, and, most significantly, a period of great tribulation where faith in Christ will be severely tested.Jesus warns that many will fall away during these times, their love growing cold due to the intensity of persecution and deception. False prophets and false Christs will arise, performing signs and wonders to mislead even the elect if possible. The call is to endurance: only those who remain faithful to the end will be saved. The gospel will be preached to all nations, and then the end will come, but not before believers face significant hardship.A key point addressed is the widespread teaching of a “pre-tribulation rapture”—the idea that Christians will be taken out of the world before the tribulation begins. Careful examination of Scripture, however, reveals no clear support for this view. Instead, the biblical narrative points to believers enduring tribulation, with the rapture occurring after this period, just before God's wrath is poured out on the unrepentant. The distinction is vital: tribulation is Satan's attempt to destroy faith, while God's wrath is His judgment on those who have rejected Him.The teaching challenges the comfort-driven theology prevalent in much of the Western church, which promises escape from suffering. This is contrasted with the experience of persecuted believers worldwide, who understand tribulation as a present reality. The danger of false expectations is highlighted—if believers are not prepared for suffering, their faith may falter when hardship comes.Ultimately, the encouragement is to trust in God's faithfulness. Christ does not promise to spare us from all suffering, but He does promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to carry us through whatever may come. The call is to steadfastness, courage, and a faith that endures to the end, knowing that our hope is secure in Christ.

Victorious living is not about achieving a life free from struggle or pain, but about living in the reality of Christ's victory, no matter our circumstances. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are not simply making a decision to follow a set of rules or to improve ourselves; we are choosing a new Master. This surrender is not partial or conditional—it is an unconditional surrender, much like the conquered generals in a Roman triumphal procession, chained to the chariot of the victorious general. In the same way, we are called to be “chained” to Christ, following Him wherever He leads, trusting that His victory is our victory.The reality is that, as followers of Jesus, we inherit an enemy—Satan—who seeks to discourage, defeat, and even tempt us to reject Christ. Yet, the victory has already been won by Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection. Our role is not to fight for victory, but to walk in the victory that Christ has already secured. This does not mean that life will be easy or that we will not face hardship. Paul's own life was filled with suffering, persecution, and apparent defeat, yet he could say with confidence that he was always being led in Christ's triumph.The key to living in victory is not in our own strength or ability to “figure it all out,” but in our willingness to remain surrendered to Christ, no matter where He leads us. This surrender is not passive resignation, but an active, daily choice to stay “chained to the chariot,” trusting that Jesus is leading us, even through the darkest valleys. Our victory is not measured by outward success or comfort, but by our faithfulness to remain with Christ, knowing that He has already overcome every situation we will ever face.God's victory becomes ours through submission, and it remains ours as long as we choose to stay surrendered, regardless of the circumstances. There is no place, no situation, no hardship where Christ's victory does not reach. Even in the most painful moments, we can have confidence that if we are still following Jesus, He has already overcome, and we are walking in His victory.

After coming to faith in Christ, the question naturally arises: what now? Scripture gives us clear direction for life after salvation. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God. This means our lives are no longer our own; we belong to Christ, bought with His blood. Our daily choices, actions, and even our physical bodies are to be used for His glory. This is not a one-time act, but an ongoing surrender, echoing Jesus' own words: “Not my will, but yours.”We are also called to resist being shaped by the world's values and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The world's thinking is often at odds with God's truth, so we must intentionally allow God's Word to reshape our thoughts, convictions, and desires. This renewal is the foundation for discerning God's will and living a life that is good, acceptable, and perfect in His sight.Humility is essential in this journey. We are warned not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought, but to recognize that every ability and opportunity we have is a gift of God's grace. Each believer is uniquely gifted and placed within the body of Christ. Just as a physical body has many parts, each with its own function, so too the church is made up of many members, each necessary and valuable. No one is insignificant; even the unseen or “weaker” members are vital for the health and mission of the whole.Serving is not reserved for a select few. Every believer has been given a spiritual gift to be used for the building up of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. Whether it's teaching, serving, giving, leading, or showing mercy, all are needed. The call is to discover, develop, and deploy these gifts in love, for without love, our service is empty.Barriers to serving—feelings of inadequacy, guilt from the past, comparison, or lack of love—are addressed by the gospel. Christ redeems, equips, and calls each of us. The church is not a spectator sport; all are called to get out of the stands and onto the field. In Christ, we find our purpose, our place, and our calling to serve as part of His body.

When a person receives Jesus Christ by faith, a profound transformation takes place: the old life passes away, and a new life begins. This is not simply about adding Jesus to an already existing lifestyle, but about surrendering one's entire life to Him. The difference is crucial—rather than fitting Jesus into our plans, we are called to step into His life, allowing Him to shape our goals, desires, and actions. This new life is marked by freedom, joy, and a radically different perspective on what truly matters.The evidence of this transformation is not found in a mere profession of faith or a prayer prayed long ago, but in a changed life. Scripture is clear: those who are in Christ are new creations, and the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should increasingly characterize our lives. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean progress. If nothing has changed, if the old patterns of sin and self-rule remain unchallenged, then we must ask whether we have truly surrendered to Christ.Living as a Christian is not about following a list of rules, but about cultivating a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides, convicts, and empowers us to live in a way that honors God, often leading us beyond what any rulebook could cover. Our aim should be to bring joy to God's heart, not just by avoiding sin, but by actively pursuing what is good, true, and praiseworthy. This means daily surrender, ongoing repentance, and a willingness to let God transform every area of our lives.Following Jesus is more than believing certain truths; it is a call to discipleship, to pick up our cross and follow Him wherever He leads. This journey will require sacrifice, courage, and continual growth, but it is the only path to true life. The challenge is clear: will we merely believe, or will we follow? The invitation is to step fully into Christ, allowing Him to live His life through us, so that the world may see the reality of Jesus in us.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 1:6

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…”– 1 Peter 2:9

Today is a day to honor fathers, but also to acknowledge the reality that none of us are perfect. Every dad carries regrets, failures, and moments of brokenness, yet God is not limited by our imperfections. In fact, God specializes in using broken people—imperfect fathers, flawed men, and those who feel disqualified by their past. Throughout history, God has fulfilled His purposes through men who made serious mistakes, from Abraham and Moses to Gideon and David. Their stories remind us that God does not require perfection, but rather a willing and humble heart.God knows our weaknesses and remembers that we are but dust. Just as a compassionate father forgives his children, God extends grace and forgiveness to us. Our failures do not disqualify us from being used by God; instead, they become opportunities for His grace to shine through. The key is to stop believing the lie that we must be flawless to be good fathers. Instead, we are called to invite God into our weaknesses, to reflect on the ways He has already worked through us, and to trust that He is not finished with our story.God redeems our failures for His purposes. Even when others intend harm, God can turn it for good, as seen in the life of Joseph. Our past mistakes, when owned with humility and confessed openly, can become testimonies that bring hope and healing to others. Walking in repentance is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and authenticity. When we model repentance and forgiveness in our homes, we teach our children how to fail forward and experience God's grace.God blesses the faithful, not the flawless. Integrity is not about never failing, but about being genuine, confessing our shortcomings, and moving forward in faith. Every father has a calling to lead his family, not by being perfect, but by being real—pointing their children to a perfect God through their own redeemed lives. God delights in using broken vessels, and our brokenness, when surrendered to Him, becomes a channel for His blessing. As long as we are here, God is not done with us. Let us walk in humility, trust in His mercy, and remain faithful, knowing that His blessing rests on us.

The story of Oskar Schindler, a man who risked everything to save Jewish lives during World War II, serves as a powerful illustration of transformation and sacrificial love. Initially motivated by self-interest, Schindler's heart changed as he witnessed the suffering around him, leading him to spend all he had to protect those in danger. This story echoes the greater reality of what Christ has done for us. While Schindler's actions were remarkable, Jesus' sacrifice is even more profound—He gave Himself for us not out of obligation or after a change of heart, but from the very beginning, knowing fully who we are and what we would do.Ephesians reminds us that we were dead in our sins, following the ways of a broken world. The evidence of this brokenness is all around us: division, hatred, and judgment, even within our own communities. Scripture is clear that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Yet, God's response is not wrath, but mercy. Because of His great love, He made us alive with Christ, offering us grace as a free gift. This grace is not something we can earn or repay; it is given freely, even though we are undeserving.The temptation is to believe that we must do something to earn God's favor, or that our past disqualifies us from His love. But the truth is that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Whether we have a dramatic story of transformation or have known Christ from a young age, the gift is the same. God's love is not measured by our past, but by His purpose and design for us. He calls each of us His masterpiece, created to do good works that He has prepared in advance.The invitation is simple: accept the gift. God is not waiting for us to become perfect or to reach a certain level of brokenness before we come to Him. He has been waiting for us from the very beginning, longing to guide us and fulfill His mission through our lives. The only thing left is to receive what He so freely offers.Key Takeaways- Transformation Begins with Awareness of Brokenness Recognizing our own spiritual deadness and the brokenness of the world is the first step toward transformation. Just as Schindler's eyes were opened to the suffering around him, we must allow God to reveal the reality of our need for mercy and grace. This awareness humbles us and prepares our hearts to receive what only God can give.- God's Mercy Is Greater Than Our Sin No matter how far we have fallen or how undeserving we feel, God's mercy reaches further still. His love is not conditional on our performance or our past; it is rooted in His character. Even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating a love that is both sacrificial and unconditional.- Grace Is a Gift, Not a Transaction In a world where nothing seems free and every favor comes with strings attached, God's grace stands apart. He offers salvation without expectation of repayment, knowing we could never earn or deserve it. This challenges our natural suspicion and invites us to trust in the generosity of God's heart.- Our Testimonies Are Unique, but the Gift Is the Same Whether we come to faith after a dramatic conversion or have known Christ since childhood, the value of God's gift does not change. Each story is precious to Him, and He is not waiting for us to reach a certain level of brokenness before offering His love. Embracing our own journey allows us to celebrate the diversity of God's work in every life.- God's Invitation Is for Now, Not When We're “Ready” God is not waiting for us to clean ourselves up or conquer every struggle before we come to Him. He calls us as we are, inviting us to accept His gift today. The only requirement is a willing heart—He will lead, transform, and fulfill His purpose in us as we trust Him.

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM', and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”- Exodus 3:14

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.”- Psalms 19:1-2

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'"- Proverbs 31:28-29

“Therefore be patient, brethren until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.- James 5:7

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.”- James 5: 1-2

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4

Good Friday

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”- Acts 4:12

Baptism Candidates: 1. Banman, Benny 2. Banman, Nathan 3. Bergen, Emily 4. Boschman, David 5. Dyck, Cloe 6. Fehr, Bennie 7. Fehr, Matthew 8. Fehr, Michael 9. Friesen, Lacee 10. Friesen, Ruthie 11. Froese, Michelle 12. Giesbrecht, Glenda 13. Hamm, Kathryn 14. Hamm, Michael 15. Harms, Alyssa 16. Klassen, Angie17. Klassen, Christopher 18. Koethler, Martha 19. Krahn, Joey 20. Letkeman, Cloe 21. Neufeld, Kristina 22. Sawatzky, Ramon 23. Thiessen, Aganetha 24. Thiessen, Daniel 25. Thiessen, Henry 26. Wall, Dave 27. Wiebe, Alondra 28. Wiebe, Katy 29. Wiens, Maryann 30. Wiens, Zahna 31. Woelke, David 32. Woelke, Peter

“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it to him it is sin.” - James 4:17

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”- John 14:13

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God...”- James 3:8-9 (NIV)

“But someone may well say, “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”- James 2:18

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself' you do well.”- James 2:8

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”- James 1:2-4

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.”- 1 Peter 5:2a

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'”- Genesis 2:18

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”- John 1:4-5

“And He answered them and said, ‘Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them Male and Female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'”- Matthew 19:4-5:

“But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. But if they do not have self- control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”- 1 Corinthians 7:8-9

“By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”– 2 Peter 3:7

“But Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'”- Ruth 1:16

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”- Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, - Matthew 28:19

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that we might receive adoption as suns."

“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.”- Luke 1:32

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”- Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV)

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”- 2 Corinthians 9:7

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.”- Luke 2:4-5

“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.- Jeremiah 31:33

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."– John 3:16

“Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive-to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon.”– Jeremiah 29:1

“'Am I a God near at hand,' says the LORD, ‘and not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?' says the LORD; ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?' says the LORD.”– Jeremiah 23:23-24.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will bring disaster upon this city and its surrounding towns as I promised, because you have stubbornly refused to listen to me.'”- Jeremiah 19:15

“But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.'” - Jeremiah 7:23

“If you, Israel, will return, then return to me,” declares the Lord. “If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray, and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,' then the nations will invoke blessings by him and in him they will boast.” This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. Disaster From the North “Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: ‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!' Cry aloud and say: ‘Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities!' Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction.”- Jeremiah 4:1-6

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns – broken cisterns that can hold no water.”- Jeremiah 2:13

Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to save you, declares the Lord.- Jeremiah 1:8

James

A psalm of David.1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.- Psalms 23:1-5

Jesus Ministry first 300 years and Church Ministry the last 100 years.

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Instructions for Christian Households18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.- Colossians 3:17-24

Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.Praise the Lord.- Psalms 150:1-6