ConnectCalgary

The idea of striking a deal with the devil is an old one, but is it a biblical one? In today's message pastor Dan answers this question, as well as what we mean when we say Connect is a baptist church. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Fathers (and father figures!) are incredible gifts from God. In fact, a Spirit-led earthy father provides one of the best windows to our Heavenly Father. Today we've selected 3 dads from the congregation to speak about how their faith impacts their fatherhood. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

In honour of today's baptism service, pastor Dan explains why Jesus (who never sinned) participated in John's “baptism of repentance.” And just as importantly, why baptism is such a vital step in our spiritual journey. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

In today's rapid fire edition of “You Asked For It,” pastor Dan responds to more of your questions, including: Why don't we see miracles like in the book of Acts? Would Jesus forgive the devil? Why pray if God just does His will anyway? What exactly does it mean for a couple to be “equally yoked?” -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Learning to hear God's voice is an important skill for anyone who wants to follow Jesus. But how do I know if what I'm hearing is God or simply my own thoughts? Pastor Dan addresses this important question in today's edition of "You Asked For It." -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

In today's installment of “You Asked For It,” pastor Dan addresses several of your questions, including: ❓ Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons? ❓ Which parts of the Old Testament should Christians follow? ❓ Should women preach and pastor? ❓ How to handle teens who don't want to attend church? ❓ Can a person be saved after they die? -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

In today's special Mother's Day message, three ladies from our church share about seasons of waiting in their lives and how God blessed each of their circumstances. Their testimonies are great reminders that waiting seasons are never wasted seasons! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

One of God's names in the bible is “Jehovah Rapha” which means “The Lord is my Healer.” We know that God does heal people of sickness and disease, but why doesn't He heal everyone? If I don't experience healing, am I being punished? Is it because I lack faith? In today's instalment of “You Asked For It,” pastor Dan shares how to think about physical, emotional and spiritual healing from a biblical perspective. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

The trinity is one of Christianity's most important and unique beliefs, but many people can't make much sense of it. In the first edition of “You Asked For It”, pastor Dan simplifies God's three in one nature and explains why it matters so much for our faith. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Most people know Easter is the day Jesus rose from the dead. But resurrection isn't just a one off event, it's a daily occurrence for all who trust in Jesus. In today's message pastor Dan reminds us that Easter is proof that we may be buried, but we are never defeated! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

You might think that the bible teaches that money is unimportant (certainly in comparison to more “spiritual” subjects like prayer, forgiveness and fasting). Yet, Jesus taught that money is more important than we realize, but for very different reasons than we think! In today's message, pastor Dan explains why wealth may be God's chief rival in your life. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

In today's message, pastor Dan continues the story of the construction of Solomon's temple in 1 Chronicles 29 and reveals how integrity and transparency in every area of your life invites God's blessing! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

When the Israelites set out to build the first temple for the Lord (1 Chronicles 28), King David reminded them that building something great isn't easy, but it also isn't complicated. In today's message, pastor Dan explains how each of us can build a life of significance in God's sight. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

King David is one of the most successful men who ever lived. From his days as a humble shepherd to his time as Israel's greatest monarch, his life has been an inspiration to millions over the centuries. In today's installment of “Make Room,” pastor Dan explains how David's story reminds us that success in every area of life is ultimately obtained in the spiritual realm first. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

The Kingdom of God is one of the most common subjects that Jesus spoke about. But what exactly is the Kingdom of God, and how do we fit into it? In today's message, pastor Dan examines the parable of the mustard seed to explain how the potential inside each of us is far greater than we could ever imagine! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Many people think they know what God says about divorce, but the scripture paints a far more nuanced picture than most Christians realize. In today's message, pastor Dan concludes our TOXIC teaching series with a message that is deeply helpful and deeply healing for anyone who has ever experienced a difficult marriage. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Many Christians believe their first priority is to keep themselves from being influenced too strongly by the world. And while protecting yourself from ungodly influence is important (James 1:27) you are called to have a godly influence on the world around you (Matt 5:16). In today's message, pastor Amber reminds us that we are empowered by the Spirit to change the world! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Unfortunately we weren't able to include the songs used during the sermon in the podcast. If you want to have a listen, here is a playlist of them: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G7k4DXRjnPvicA0pugsTJKA

Does the Bible really command wives to submit to their husbands? That sounds toxic in today's world! But what if we've completely misunderstood what this verse means? What if God's idea of submission isn't unilateral and forced, instead, it's mutual and voluntary? In today's message pastor Dan discusses Ephesians 5:21-33 and the power it could have to revive your marriage. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

How well do you really know your spouse? Many relationships experience an emotional distance over the years, leaving you feeling as though you don't even know your partner anymore. In today's message, pastor Dan shares two powerful things you can do to keep your marriage from drifting further apart. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

For 2,000 years Christians have used bread and wine to commemorate the death of Jesus. But the roots of this meal go back much further - all the way to the opening chapters of the bible, in fact. Join us today as pastor Dan shares a fresh take on communion! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

As difficult as it can be for adult brains to handle a hyperconnected and overstimulated world, children are especially vulnerable. In today's message, pastor Dan explains how parents can set healthy examples and expectations for their children's digital lives. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Social media allows us to highlight any aspect of our lives we want: Our sense of humour, our fashion, our politics, our successes (and even our failures). But who do my posts suggest is the hero of my story - Jesus or me? In today's message, pastor Dan draws from the life of John the Baptist to explain why Christ deserves the spotlight online and in real life. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Social media often leaves us with the sense that we are never enough: thin enough, rich enough, funny enough or spiritual enough. In today's message, pastor Dan explores whether it's even possible to be active on social media without falling victim to the comparison trap. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Social media offers a neverending feed of opinions, information and products. But is limitless knowledge and power really a good thing? In week two of “Take a Break,” pastor Dan explains how embracing your creaturely limits can help you overcome digital anxiety and anger. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

We'd all love a little more peace in our lives. Isaiah 9:6-7 explains how Jesus provides a peace (hebrew: “shalom”) that encompasses every aspect of your life! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Our phones are amazing tools - providing us with connectivity and convenience every day. But what should we do if we realize our devices are taking over our life? Psalm 119 offers a powerful word to pray when we finally realize it's time to Take a Break! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

True joy has nothing to do with our circumstances, and everything to do with our Saviour! Join us as Pastor Dan brings week 3 of our series ADVENT. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

For such a common word, love is surprisingly difficult to define. In today's message Pastor Dan explains why Jesus is the only one able to demonstrate what true love really is. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation. It looks forward to the arrival of Christ and the gifts He brings for all: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Join us today as Pastor Dan explains how Advent makes our Christmas celebrations even more meaningful this year. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Christmas is the season of giving, and as Jesus taught us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In today's message, Pastor Amber reminds us that the spirit of the season isn't found in the decorations or food - it comes from the joy of generosity! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Criticism is an unfortunate part of life. Even when you are sure you are doing the right thing, others will be happy to tell you that you're not. The Apostle Paul experienced this firsthand in his ministry, and the wisdom he offers in 1 Corinthians 4 is extremely helpful any time someone says something hurtful. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God fed them each morning with a mysterious food called “manna.” This miraculous substance became a daily reminder that God would meet every one of their needs. In today's message, pastor Dan highlights the parallels between manna and the Lord's Supper, and God's promise that He is always looking out for us. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

When the church is healthy, it is the greatest force for good on planet Earth. But when the church forgets its mission, it can become toxic and even toxic. In today's message, pastor Dan explains the danger of churches using their authority to coerce and control rather than love and serve. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

One of the most foundational beliefs of Christianity is that salvation is a gift, not a reward. So why do so many Christians and churches seem to believe that God's love is something that has to be earned? In today's message Pastor Dan reminds us that we must receive, not achieve, eternal life. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

There are many different claims about who Jesus was: A prophet. A guru. An enlightened soul. But Christians have always maintained that Jesus is more than a man: He is also God in the flesh. In today's message, pastor Dan explains why Christ's divinity is such good news for our humanity. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Some churches claim there are extra writings that have equal authority to the bible. Could they be right? How do we know the bible doesn't have a sequel? In today's message, pastor Dan explains the danger of adding to the word of God. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Cults are often known for bad beliefs and bad behaviours. But what exactly constitutes a cult? How do people get trapped in them, and what can we learn from their experiences? Today's message from Pastor Dan is an eye-opening look at what happens when religion goes wrong. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

The Book of Galatians introduces us to the “Laws of Sowing and Reaping.” When we try to avoid these laws, we often experience confusion and frustration. But, if we operate in harmony with God's commands, we will harvest more and better things than we ever imagined! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

One reason we often find it hard to change is that the problem can seem too big and the solution too far away. But in today's message, pastor Dan shares from the book of Nehemiah that change may be closer than you dared to imagine! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Change is hard! Perhaps that's why so few of us are able to make changes that truly last. Thankfully God has offered us supernatural help - which we desperately need - because our problems are often more spiritual than we realize! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

John 1:12 describes three things God wants to see come to pass in your life. They represent a divine growth plan for all of His children. In today's special “church birthday” message, Pastor Dan shares God's goals for you during the next year. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Once a year we invite 5 non-pastors to the stage to share a five minute message. This year, we've got grade schoolers and grandparents testifying to God's goodness, and you won't want to miss a moment of what they have to say. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

The final 4 chapters of the book of Revelation are packed full of details concerning the “last things.” But how much of what we believe about the apocalypse and the afterlife is actually in the Bible? The answer might surprise you! Join Pastor Dan for the final installment of our series on the book of Revelation. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

The Antichrist has always been a source of great speculation throughout history. But using the clues provided in the book of Revelation (including the number 666 and the infamous “mark of the beast”), we can uncover his identity. Who is he? Is he alive today? Should we be worried about him or unconcerned? In today's message, Pastor Dan Sweaza explains everything you need to know about the antichrist. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

What exactly is the "Great Tribulation" in the book of Revelation? Will any of us go through it? Why would a loving God judge anybody at all? Find out in today's message from pastor Dan Sweaza. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Many Christians are eagerly awaiting the rapture - a belief that God will one day remove believers from the earth en masse to spare them from the book of Revelation. But what does the Bible say? Is the rapture a real promise or escapist fantasy? Pastor Dan explains in today's message. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- NEXT STEPS: Interested in learning more about Connect Church? Simply click this link to see who we are, where we're headed, and how you can be involved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G6vCs4Kd-H9zJL6i197xdmK

Revelation's “Letters to the Seven Churches” (chapters 2+3) can feel like an easy section to skip over in favour of the book's more apocalyptic elements. But this section is critical to understanding the rest of John's vision, so pastor Dan is unpacking this text for week 3 of our series on the book of Revelation! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- NEXT STEPS: Interested in learning more about Connect Church? Simply click this link to see who we are, where we're headed, and how you can be involved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G6vCs4Kd-H9zJL6i197xdmK

Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name! “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” -- Jesus in Matthew 18:5 NLT -- SPONSOR A CHILD: https://www.compassion.ca/sponsor-a-child/ -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- NEXT STEPS: Interested in learning more about Connect Church? Simply click this link to see who we are, where we're headed, and how you can be involved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G6vCs4Kd-H9zJL6i197xdmK

When reading the book of Revelation, it's important to ask which parts may have already happened, which are currently happening, and which are yet to come. In today's message, Pastor Dan gives helpful insight on the different chronological perspectives from which to understand the book of Revelation and how to respond when the future is uncertain or we don't have all the details. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- NEXT STEPS: Interested in learning more about Connect Church? Simply click this link to see who we are, where we're headed, and how you can be involved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G6vCs4Kd-H9zJL6i197xdmK

The last book of the bible has thrilled and mystified people for millennia. In today's message, Pastor Dan introduces us to the Book of Revelation and explains how to make sure you read Revelation responsibly. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- NEXT STEPS: Interested in learning more about Connect Church? Simply click this link to see who we are, where we're headed, and how you can be involved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G6vCs4Kd-H9zJL6i197xdmK

In John 21, we read of the Apostle Peter's fall and restoration. His story is a powerful gospel reminder that God accepts us exactly as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- NEXT STEPS: Interested in learning more about Connect Church? Simply click this link to see who we are, where we're headed, and how you can be involved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrKGtjjN9G6vCs4Kd-H9zJL6i197xdmK