Ebenezer Audio Podcast

Faith Over Fear | MaryWhat do you do when God's call disrupts everything you had planned?In this message from Luke 1:26–38, we step into the extraordinary yet deeply human moment when Mary—a young woman from an overlooked town—receives the most world-changing calling in history. Far from being distant or untouchable, Mary's story reveals fear, uncertainty, and the cost of obedience when God asks us to trust Him beyond our understanding.Gabriel's repeated words, “Do not be afraid,” remind us that God's calling often comes wrapped in discomfort—but never without His provision. Faced with the risk of shame, rejection, and loss, Mary chose faith over fear of people, surrender over self-preservation, and trust over clarity.This passage challenges us to wrestle with a timeless question:Are we willing to say yes to God when obedience feels risky?Mary's humble declaration—“I am the Lord's servant”—did more than change her life. It opened the door to salvation for the world. Her story invites us to consider how our own obedience, even in uncertainty, might become a blessing to others and a magnifier of Jesus.

In the midst of darkness, fear, and uncertainty, we encounter Joseph—a man facing an impossible situation that threatened to destroy his reputation, his future, and his sense of worth. This exploration of Matthew 1:18-25 takes us beyond the sanitized Christmas card images into the raw reality of what it meant to receive God's call during one of Israel's darkest hours. Joseph's story reveals two profound fears that still plague us today: the fear of shame and the fear of unworthiness. Whether Joseph suspected Mary of unfaithfulness or felt unworthy to participate in God's divine plan, his contemplation of divorce reflects the same struggles we face when we question our value and adequacy. The angel's message—'Do not be afraid'—carries two transformative truths that shatter these fears. First, God calls us personally, knowing us by name just as He knew Joseph. We are not nobodies lost in the crowd; we are individually known by the Creator of the universe. Second, God calls us purposefully, inviting us into something far greater than ourselves. Just as Joseph was reminded of his heritage as 'son of David' and his role in bringing the Messiah into the world, we too are called to participate in God's redemptive plan. The statistics are sobering: 70% of us experience debilitating shame and unworthiness. But the Christmas story offers hope—Jesus came to take our shame upon Himself at the cross, crucifying our unworthiness with His death and offering us freedom through His resurrection.

This powerful exploration of Luke 1:5-25 takes us into the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth during what the text describes as 'some of the darkest days' under King Herod's reign. Yet it's precisely in this darkness that God begins writing one of history's most beautiful stories. We encounter a faithful couple who have endured decades of disappointment and social shame due to their inability to have children. Their story reminds us that sometimes our deepest pain isn't in what we've lost, but in the good things we never got to experience—the marriage that didn't happen, the career that didn't materialize, the dreams that remained unfulfilled. But here's the breathtaking truth: God sees us in our suffering, and our story doesn't end with our disappointment. When the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah with news of an impossible pregnancy, we witness something remarkable—God is answering a prayer that Zechariah probably stopped praying decades ago. This teaches us that God's experience of time is radically different from ours; He picks up exactly where He left off 400 years prior in the book of Malachi, showing that He is never slow in keeping His promises, only patient. Even Zechariah's doubt and subsequent discipline reveals a tender truth: God will fulfill His plans in our lives even when we need correction along the way. The birth of John the Baptist wasn't just about one couple's redemption—it was preparing the way for a child who would take away not just one woman's disgrace, but the disgrace of the entire world.

This powerful message centers on humanity's universal search for meaning and purpose, drawing from both Scripture and profound human experience. We explore Ephesians 3:8-13, which reveals that God's eternal purpose is being fulfilled through the Church to demonstrate His wisdom to all creation. The content weaves together Viktor Frankl's observations from the Nazi death camps with personal testimony about confronting mortality and purposelessness. Frankl discovered that those who found meaning—even in suffering—were more likely to survive, which parallels our spiritual need to align our lives with God's greater purpose. The message challenges us to move beyond mere goals to discover true purpose through the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. We're reminded that the most meaningful life isn't found in career success or material achievement, but in helping others discover Jesus Christ. This eternal purpose transforms our daily existence from aimless wandering into purposeful mission. The call is clear: when we align our personal purpose with God's eternal purpose—making disciples and spreading the gospel—we discover the fulfillment our souls desperately crave. This isn't just ancient theology; it's the answer to modern emptiness and existential anxiety.

We all know the frustration of setting goals we can't keep—whether it's a New Year's resolution or a commitment to change a bad habit. This message takes us deep into Ephesians 2:1-7 to explore why we experience this disconnect between who we're called to be in Christ and how we actually live. The passage declares we are dead to sin and alive in Christ, yet many of us struggle with cognitive dissonance—knowing the truth but not feeling it. The sermon identifies three enemies we battle: the devil, the world, and the flesh. Against the devil's lies, we wield the truth of God's Word, just as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness. Against the world's pressure to conform, we find strength in Christian community—like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who stood together against idolatry. Against our own flesh, we align our will with God's will, discovering that grace doesn't eliminate effort but empowers it. This isn't about earning salvation through works; it's about cooperating with the transforming grace that has already saved us. When we engage these spiritual weapons consistently, the gap between what Scripture says and what we experience begins to close, and we truly live as people dead to sin and alive in Christ.

This powerful exploration of Ephesians 3:7-9 invites us into the revolutionary concept of 'standing in the gap'—a calling that transforms us from passive observers of faith into active participants in God's redemptive work. Drawing from Paul's journey from persecutor to servant, we discover that the gospel isn't just something we believe; it's something we embody. The message beautifully contrasts two approaches to danger: London's subway system warns passengers to 'mind the gap,' while Japanese workers actively help people cross safely. This distinction becomes a profound metaphor for our Christian calling—we're not merely called to point out spiritual dangers but to stand in the gap ourselves, helping others move from separation to reconciliation with God. The sermon challenges our self-sufficiency by emphasizing that standing in the gap requires complete dependence on God's power, not our own abilities. Paul's confession of being 'less than the least' reminds us that our effectiveness comes not from our talents or wisdom but from surrendering to God's grace. The heart-stirring story of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 children during the Holocaust, illustrates what it looks like to stand in the gap with courage and compassion. As we consider those in our lives who don't yet know Christ, we're invited to ask a transformative question: 'God, what would you have me do to stand in the gap for them?'

This message takes us deep into one of the most profound mysteries of our faith: how God's grace extends to everyone, regardless of background or past actions. Drawing from Ephesians 3:1-6, we encounter the transformative story of Saul, a violent persecutor of Christians who became Paul, one of Christianity's greatest apostles. The mystery Paul reveals is twofold: first, that Gentiles—those outside the Jewish covenant—are fully included in God's family through Christ, and second, that this inclusion comes only through the gospel, not through heritage or religious performance. What makes this truly mysterious is that we cannot reason our way into understanding it. No amount of intellectual pursuit or puzzle-solving will unlock this truth. Instead, it requires the Holy Spirit's revelation and a childlike posture of trust. We see this illustrated powerfully in Paul's Damascus Road experience, where divine encounter, not human effort, changed everything. This challenges us to examine our own journey: Have we been trying to figure God out completely before surrendering to Him? Are we waiting for all the pieces to make sense? The message reminds us that faith begins when we stop relying on our understanding and simply receive what God reveals to our hearts.

What does it truly mean to be reconciled? Ephesians 2:11-22 takes us on a profound journey beyond the familiar territory of personal salvation into the often-overlooked dimension of horizontal reconciliation. We discover that the cross doesn't just bridge the gap between us and God—it destroys the dividing walls between us and each other. The passage confronts us with uncomfortable truths about enmity, those barriers of hostility that have plagued humanity since Cain asked, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' From the physical balustrade in the ancient temple that excluded Gentiles under penalty of death, to the segregation signs and residential schools that have scarred our own history, we see how human brokenness creates walls. Yet the stunning revelation is this: Jesus didn't just die to get us into heaven. He died to create 'one new humanity' out of separated, hostile groups. The law, though good, became twisted in our sinful hands—turning 'love your neighbour' into 'but who is my neighbour?' Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly and then did something radical: He took all our blame, all our hostility toward each other, and absorbed it in His own body on the cross. The same place where sin is judged is the birthplace of a new world. As we gather around the communion table, we're not just remembering our vertical reconciliation with the Father—we're participating in a vision of humanity made whole, where our differences become a beautiful tapestry rather than battle lines.Ephesians 2:11-22 - Main passage of the sermonGenesis 4:9 - Cain's question "Am I my brother's keeper?"Acts 15:1-2 - The Jerusalem Council regarding circumcisionRomans 7:7-8, 10 - Paul's discussion on the law and sinLeviticus 19:18 - "Love your neighbor as yourself"Luke 10 - The lawyer's question and the Good Samaritan parable2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us"

In this powerful message Lou Leventhal takes us deep into Ephesians 2:8-10, verses we may have memorized but rarely stop to truly absorb. We're confronted with the reality that salvation isn't about cleaning ourselves up before coming to God—it's about coming as we are and letting Him transform us. The imagery is striking: we're like a shattered glass that can't hold water, or a cut Christmas tree that looks beautiful with decorations but is fundamentally dead, severed from its life source. This is our spiritual condition apart from Christ—not just flawed or messy, but genuinely dead. Yet the beautiful paradox is that while we're saved by grace through faith—both gifts we cannot earn—we're simultaneously called God's masterpiece, His handiwork, created with intentionality and purpose. The Steinway piano illustration drives this home: imagine a $225,000 instrument crafted over a year by master artisans, made from 200-year-old wood, then used to plant a garden or slice eggs. Absurd, right? Yet that's what happens when we ignore the purposes God designed us for. We're not saved simply to avoid hell; we're saved for relationship, for transformation, and to join God in His work. The question isn't whether we're good enough—we're not, and that's the point. The question is whether we'll receive what's freely offered and then live as the masterpieces we were created to be.

In our journey through Ephesians, we're invited to shift our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly. Paul's words in Ephesians 1:15-23 challenge us to look beyond our limited sight and embrace God's expansive vision. This passage isn't just about changing our view; it's about transforming our entire approach to life and faith. We're encouraged to lift our gaze from the 'newsroom' – the immediate concerns and distractions of our daily lives – to the 'throne room' – the eternal perspective of God's kingdom. This shift in focus has the power to revolutionize how we pray, act, and live as the body of Christ. As we contemplate this message, let's consider how seeing through God's eyes might change our responses to challenges, our interactions with others, and our understanding of our place in God's grand design.

This powerful message takes us on a journey from alienation to reconciliation, exploring one of the most profound truths in Scripture: we were once separated from God by our sin, but through Christ's death, we have been presented holy, without blemish, and free from accusation. Drawing from Colossians 1:21-23, we're reminded that humanity's story begins in perfect relationship with God in Genesis, but sin entered and corrupted both our minds and our actions. The passage challenges us to examine our disordered desires—those good things we've elevated above God himself. Whether it's relationships, success, security, or recognition, we're invited to ask ourselves what we're holding onto more tightly than our Creator. The imagery of the temple veil being torn from top to bottom at Christ's crucifixion beautifully illustrates how Jesus has opened the way for all of us to enter God's presence without fear. Yet there's a tension we must embrace: we are already made holy through Christ's finished work, and we are still being made holy as we partner with God in our sanctification. Like a sunflower seed that contains all the genetic potential but needs proper soil and care to flourish, we must cultivate the soil of our hearts. The call is clear: fear missing out on God's plan for your life more than you fear losing what you think you want.Copy

Step into a 3D reality of faith with Pastor Wes as he unpacks Ephesians 1:3–14. Discover the rich spiritual blessings in Christ and how God invites us beyond a 2D life of self and environment into the deeper reality of His presence. Perfect for anyone seeking Bible teaching, Christian encouragement, and a clearer understanding of living in the fullness of God's Kingdom.

As we delve into the book of Ephesians, we're reminded of our true identity in Christ. Paul's introduction as an 'apostle of Christ Jesus' challenges us to consider where our own identity lies. Are we rooted in Christ, or do we find our primary identity elsewhere? This powerful letter emphasizes that as believers, we exist in two realities simultaneously - in our physical location and 'in Christ.' This dual existence offers us strength and stability, even in the face of life's challenges. The grace and peace offered through Jesus Christ isn't just a pleasant greeting, but a profound statement of His divinity and power to transform our lives. As we navigate a world that often seems dark and broken, we're called to remember that our hope and healing come not from human efforts, but from the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.

In our journey of faith, we're called to embrace a transformative discipleship that goes beyond mere knowledge. This message challenges us to become mature disciples who not only abide in Christ, but also embody His character, ways, and mission. The core of this transformation lies in obedience - the engine that drives our spiritual growth. Just as the early church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, we're encouraged to engage in intentional community. Life groups emerge as a powerful tool for this, offering a space where we can truly know and be known, hold each other accountable, and grow together in Christ. This vision of discipleship isn't just about personal growth; it's about reproducing disciples and furthering God's kingdom. As we reflect on our own spiritual journey, we're challenged to identify areas where we need to mature and to consider how we can engage more deeply in discipling relationships that will shape us into the image of Christ.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to explore what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. The core of our faith isn't just about believing, but about living out Christ's teachings. We're reminded of John 8:31-32, where Jesus says that if we hold to His teachings, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. This isn't just abstract philosophy - it's a call to action in our daily lives. As we commit to obeying Jesus' words, we're promised a transformative encounter with truth and genuine freedom. This freedom isn't just from external constraints, but from the internal bondage of sin that affects us all. The message invites us to reflect on what we're truly living for and to consider how aligning ourselves with Jesus as 'the way, the truth, and the life' can lead to authentic liberation and fulfillment.

Pastor Santosh continues our new sermon series Amazing Grace. Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/

Pastor Cal continues our new sermon series Amazing Grace. Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Santosh continues our new sermon series Amazing Grace. Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Santosh kicks off our new sermon series Amazing Grace. Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Santosh shares our Easter Sunday message! Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Wes sharess our Palm Sunday message! Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Santosh continues our Lent series: The Cross, ROMANS 5:12 - 21 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Cal continues our Lent series: The Cross Romans 8:1-17 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Wes continues our Lent series: The Cross, Romans 5:1-8 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Cal continues our Lent series: The Cross, Galations 5: 1-5 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Wes continues our new sermon series Going Public ! Head to our website for more information and past sermons! https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/

Pastor Cal continues our new sermon series Going Public ! Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Will continues our new sermon series Going Public Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Santosh starts off our new sermon series Going Public Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Wes leads us in a service of prayer Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Cal wraps up our Advent service today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Cal leads us into the Advent Season Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Wes leads us into the Advent Season Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Santosh wraps up our Deuteronomy series today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Cal shares with Us Today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Pastor Wes shares with Us Today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Co-Lead Pastor Santosh Ninan Shares with Us Today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Co-Lead Pastor Santosh Ninan Shares with Us Today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Our Equipping & Teaching Pastor Cal Fong Shares with Us Today Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMV

Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Wes continues our new sermon series in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 8 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Santosh continues our new sermon series in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 10:12-22, 16:18-20 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Cal continues our new sermon series in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 5: 1-22 Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates? Head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Santosh continues our new sermon in Deuteronomy Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg www.ebenezerbaptist.ca

Join us as Pastor Santosh Kicks off our new sermon in Deuteronomy Head to our website for more information & the Study Guide for this series: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Shadi continues our summer series Upside Down: The Kingdom Parables Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as our District Pastor Matt Teichrob continues our summer series Upside Down: The Kingdom Parables Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Will continues our new summer series Upside Down: The Kingdom Parables Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Cal continues our new summer series Upside Down: The Kingdom Parables Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Santosh continues our new summer series Upside Down: The Kingdom Parables Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg

Join us as Pastor Grace continues our new summer series Upside Down: The Kingdom Parables Head to our website for more information: https://www.ebenezerbaptist.ca/ Would you like to hear this message again, catch up on other sermons or updates head to our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-qhAxAedqhGUAP0QmcMVg