Following Together (Central Baptist Edmonton)

What if God wants to bring more people into his family than you've ever imagined? What if he's asking you to actually make room in your life—for faith to grow deeper, for joy to overflow, and for others to be welcomed in? Join us as we step into a new season with courage and discover what it means to stretch wider and dig deeper with God's help.

Jesus began His ministry by calling ordinary fishermen, showing that God doesn't call the qualified but qualifies the called. He invites us to walk in courage and serve faithfully in the unique places He has planted us, whether that means sharing the gospel or discipling others. True discipleship happens through deep, intentional relationships that help us grow together in Christ.

When Jesus calls, He calls us personally, gives us purpose, and asks us to make Him our highest priority.

There are countless reasons to support our decision to follow Jesus. Much like when He calls the fishermen in Matthew 4, we follow Jesus because He fulfills Old Testament prophecy about being the Messiah and He shows us the way out of darkness, teaching us to love the light. As we are discipled by Him, He transforms us and we can't help but share the joy and hope we have with the people around us.

This passage in Acts takes us into a deeper understanding of what it means to love our enemies. What is sometimes called the "Gentile Pentecost" is an opportunity for us to see the vast love of God and why He calls us to love others like he does, especially if the "other" happens to be our enemy. We all need the courage to love our enemies because it is our only hope.

Some of the greatest moments of faith occur not when life is shifting, but when nothing is changing — when we're still waiting on God.Joseph's story is one of the Bible's clearest portraits of faith. In today's passage, it moves in two parts: first, Joseph is in a difficult place but still speaks God's truth; second, even after his faithful obedience, nothing changes — reminding us that even when our hardship does not resolve, our call is to keep courageously waiting on God.

Where will you find the vision to break out beyond what you can now see into God's purpose for your life? “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus went to a lonely place to pray.” In Christ, we are invited by grace, into profound communion with God that transforms us into people of grace and vision.

It is in the most desperate times of our lives that courage is most needed.  Here in this passage we see the 3 faceted nature of a spirit of courage on display: that of power, love & self-discipline.  Even when our courage fails, God is still with us.

Paul and his friends experience the pain of leaving a beloved church family, showing that deep love often comes with deep cost. Along the way, believers, through the Spirit, warn Paul of the suffering ahead, but he courageously stays the course. His response shows that true obedience doesn't avoid hardship but embraces God's will, whatever the cost. These verses invite us to live with the same courage: to love deeply, listen carefully, and follow Jesus boldly.

Taking a courageous step can be exciting. But it can also be frustrating especially when things get worse. Today, we're going to follow an account of Moses who took a courageous step in God only to see things get worse. We will see three hard realities that can come with a step of faith and four promises from God that can help us keep going in spite of these difficulties.

Naaman was a powerful military leader brought low by a physical affliction and asked to take a humbling, simple step of obedience to receive healing from God. His story reminds us that godly courage often begins where we feel the most powerless and that courage grows best in places of humility, often through the simplest of actions. God invites us to take those simple steps of courage — and often, to let others help us along the way.

As we look this summer at all these stories that include great acts of courage, it can leave us wondering if we would be the kind of person who would respond like them in moments we face that require a great act of courage. The story of David and Goliath isn't really about David and Goliath as much as it being a story about David's journey up to that point that had made God bigger and Goliath smaller that allowed him to have the courage he needed. Great courage is developed and the training happens in everyday moments that often seem uninspiring, unimportant, and even unnoticed.

God has placed a calling on your life—but fear can easily keep you stuck. Maybe you're just beginning to sense that calling, or maybe you felt it long ago and it's grown cold. In this passage, Paul reminds us that the Spirit gives us everything we need to move forward with courage. Discover how to rekindle your calling and step boldly into what God has for you.

God has graciously given us every resource we need to live with courage. His provision stirs our gratitude, his promises form our vision, and his presence powers our courage. In Joshua, God tells his people to be strong and courageous—not because the path is easy, but because he will be with them wherever they go. The same is true for us today.

Jesus performed public signs that demand a response. He made bold, unmistakable claims about who he is—claims that either offend or transform. And now, he invites us to trust him, not just with our minds, but with our lives. Faith is about more than mental ascent—it's about surrender, and the transformed life that follows.

This passage is a beautiful reminder that failure isn't the end of the story. Peter had really messed up, but Jesus meets him with grace, restores him, and gives him a new purpose. It's the same with us when we fail, Jesus doesn't give up on us. He calls us to follow Him, even when it's costly, and to disciple the people He's placed around us. We're reminded not to get caught up in comparing our path with someone else's. Jesus simply says, “You follow me.” Jesus is still writing His story in the world today and He's chosen to do some of that work through you.

There are so many reasons for you and for me to believe that there is no possible way for us to make a difference in our world today. The problem is that Jesus tells us that our primary call is to go and do just that! In this conversation between Peter and Jesus, Jesus addresses 3 major lies Peter and many of us can believe that keep us from experiencing God's desire, willingness and ability to transform lives and change the world through us as we follow Him and go.

John's gospel concludes with a striking parallel moment for Peter - after his shocking denial of Jesus leading up to the crucifixion, Jesus now reinstates Peter into his inner circle of beloved and trusted disciples, not only offering him grace over his prior betrayal, but expanding his role in God's Kingdom work to include the shepherding of the early church. It's a powerful story of redemption brought on not by Peter's work, but by the work of Jesus.

Sometimes we give our all and still feel like the nets are coming up empty. But Jesus shows up, invites us to listen again, and calls us to cast the net where we hadn't thought to try. When we follow his lead—especially in unfamiliar ways—we experience power, joy, and real impact. And in the end, he's not just after the tasks… he's after relationship with us.

Are you living the life you were made for—or just the life you stumbled into? So many of us are searching for purpose, but we're looking in the wrong place: within ourselves. What if the key to joy, freedom, and direction isn't found in chasing your own truth—but in responding to God's calling? This talk will help you rediscover what that calling looks like, and how to start walking in it.

Thomas and the disciples had reason to doubt or to be skeptical of a risen Messiah; there had been a few failed ones before Jesus. This prompted Thomas, despite the witness of his companions, to ask for evidence absolutely no one could give him except Jesus himself. Have you ever been in a position where someone, whether due to skepticism, doubt, or past experience, asked you questions about your faith and about Jesus you couldn't answer? Do you have questions and doubts that you wrestle with? What do we do when we don't have an answer? This passage shows us what we can do, what only Jesus can do, and the opportunity we have in the midst of those who doubt.

We all struggle with doubt at times, and in our society, “deconstruction” has become a common way to describe the process of re-examining and sometimes dismantling inherited beliefs. Thomas embodies this tension as he refuses to believe in Jesus' resurrection without tangible proof. His journey of discovery leads him back into the community in a sincere search for truth. When Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, it doesn't lead to shame but to a deeper, more personal faith, reminding us that questioning can be a pathway to genuine belief and worship.

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything- how we understand the world, God and our own lives.  When we look deeply at the truth of the resurrection of Jesus we can see that it transforms our lives in various ways, while also sending us out to tell the world about the Good News of the risen Jesus.

Have you ever found yourself in a moment that completely knocked the wind out of you—grieving, confused, and unsure where to turn next? You're not alone. This talk explores how Jesus meets us in those moments—and why he never leaves us where he finds us. If you've ever wondered how to move forward when life doesn't make sense, this is for you.

Changing the world starts with changing our hearts—and that's where following Jesus comes in. The real work of transformation begins when we turn away from our old ways, choose to live with Him at the center, and surrender our personal ambitions to His mission. Jesus invites us to follow Him into new life, a life that's focused on loving God and loving others. When we choose to follow Him, we become part of His mission to bring healing and hope to the world.

Ever feel like faith should come faster or make more sense by now? You're not alone. For a lot of us, belief doesn't show up in a single moment—it rises slowly, like the sun breaking through fog. If you're in the middle of questions or waiting for clarity, this talk might be exactly what you need.

Ever wish someone would just understand what you need and make a way for you—especially when life gets hard? That's exactly what Jesus does. This Good Friday reflection explores how Christ endured suffering not in weakness, but in strength—so that you don't have to carry the weight alone. He knows betrayal, abandonment, pain, and shame firsthand… and still, he won. And now? He meets you in your Good Friday moments—not just as a distant Savior, but as the one who walks with you and gives you rest. If you're weary, this message is for you.

“You will all fall away.” With these haunting words, Jesus invites us into the Good Friday story—not just as observers, but as participants. This message walks through the painful unraveling of loyalty and faith in Jesus' final hours: betrayal, denial, abandonment. But it's not just their story—it's ours too. If you've ever felt distant from Jesus or wrestled with your own failures, this Good Friday reflection invites you to come face to face with the truth of who we are… and the greater truth of who Jesus is: the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his scattered sheep. Come and see. Come and confess. Come and remember the one who was mocked as king—and truly is.

In the darkest hour of Jesus' life, something unexpected shines through—not weakness, but strength. This message invites you to the foot of the cross, where mockery and true worship stand side by side. Through Jesus' suffering, the curtain separating humanity from God is torn, and the way is opened for you to walk a new road. Will you keep going down the same path—or will you surrender and follow the one who made a way for your freedom? This isn't just a story of sacrifice. It's an invitation to live differently.

Jesus was humiliated and stripped of everything, yet lifted up as a King for the whole world to see. Even as he suffered, he showed love, fulfilled Scripture, and finished the work only he could do. Blood and water flowed from his side—the beginning of new life. And as he died, hearts were drawn to believe—including some who had followed him in secret until that very moment.

As we get closer to the Easter weekend, it's natural and good that we take time to remember and celebrate the incredible, sacrificial work Jesus did on our behalf. So many of us can tell and retell stories of how life changing the decision to follow Jesus has been for us. The Easter season also reminds us of the great responsibility and opportunity we have to share this good work of Jesus with the people in our lives who don't yet know about the love, hope, and grace of Jesus. How do we do this? Whether through word or deed, the call for us as Christians is to be delicious: to believe and live in a way others take notice of, recognize their hunger and thirst for something more, and that would lead them to taste and see that the Lord is indeed good.

Every believer is called to step forward in sharing their faith because Jesus' mission to save the world includes us. When we are empowered by the Spirit and strengthened through prayer, we can boldly share the gospel that saves. With wisdom and grace, we must communicate His truth in a way that reaches people where they are, from their worldview. We need the Spirit's help to guide us in discovering the most fitting context for sharing our faith.

When Jesus first called his disciples to share the message of the gospel with others, he also initiated the movement of the Christian church. Since that moment of commissioning those initial disciples to share their faith, the church has continued to grow. As those who follow Jesus today, we are called to share our faith with others as well, partnering with the Holy Spirit and relying on his power to help us share our faith generously and with joy.

They mocked Jesus like a joke, judged him like a criminal, and rejected him like a threat. But through it all, he stayed steady—he wasn't reacting, he was reigning. He wore their insults like a crown, stood calm in the face of power, and gave himself up not as a victim but as the King stepping into his purpose. And the unexpected part? He did it for us.

Sometimes, we get it wrong—and even when we know it, we double down. We twist truth, hold onto control, and redefine grace to fit what we want. But what if there's a better way? In this talk, we look at one of the most famous trials in history to see how Jesus meets us in our mess and turns everything upside down.

Have you ever felt betrayed, falsely accused, or failed when you needed to stand firm? This passage offers a powerful look at how Jesus responded when His closest friends betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. In this message, we explore the profound lessons Jesus teaches us through His unwavering love, sovereignty, and boldness. How does Jesus respond when we fail? Discover the grace and strength He offers us, even in our weakest moments.

Just prior to the events of Jesus' arrest, John's gospel offers us a glimpse of Jesus' heart, through the words of his prayer in John 17. In this prayer, Jesus reveals again that nothing he has done or taught throughout his ministry has been meant for any purpose other than inviting people into a relationship with God. His prayer earnestly reminds us that relationship is at the core of the gospel message.

When was the last time you pulled up a photo of yourself from years ago and thought about how much drift has happened without you noticing: relationships, age, knowledge, and thatstairs seemed so much easier to climb back then? Drift is part of life but what if the drift is dangerous? Jesus, in John 17, prays for his disciples and for believers with his main concern being their spiritual drift. In what is often called, "The High Priestly Prayer" or "Jesus' Pastoral Prayer", Jesus prays that the Father would protect believers from spiritual drift as we're sent into the world. How? By making them one.

What if Jesus' final words weren't just for pastors or missionaries—but for you? His command to “go and make disciples” isn't a solo mission, and it's not just about personal growth. It's a call to be part of something bigger—leading people to Jesus, shaping new communities, and trusting that He is always with us. Join us as we unpack what this looks like in our lives, our church, and even the future of our city.

Life can feel like a sudden fog rolling in, making it hard to see what's ahead. The disciples felt that confusion, but Jesus pointed them toward something deeper—His resurrection would change everything. Because He rose, we can see God's plans more clearly, we can have direct fellowship with Him, and we can live with peace even in the middle of life's hardest struggles. Jesus never promised an easy road, but He did promise this: “Take heart! I have overcome the world!”

The call of John 15 is to abide in Jesus….to be connected to the true vine. However, with that connection comes exposure to the same worldly hatred and persecution that Jesus received in his time on earth. As Jesus continues to teach his disciples in this chapter, he instructs them (and us!) that while a life of following him can be hard, he will not abandon us to navigate that life on our own. In fact, he will give us the gift of the Holy Spirit so that even as we follow him through difficulty, he can use our challenges to strengthen others and encourage them to follow him as well.

Coming right out of Jesus' call for his disciples to abide by remaining in His love, he prepares the disciples for the reality that some of the fruit they will bear from abiding will be a share in His suffering through persecution. Jesus tells tells them and us that, like he was persecuted because of His Words, His walk, and His witness, we too should expect to experience the same kind of suffering as our words, walk, and witness is transformed by His life and love as we abide in Him. In the same breath, Jesus further complicates things by telling them he is leaving them. So, how will they face persecution? And how can we today?

In this passage, we will examine some Kingdom realities that are part of the package as we recognize and submit to King Jesus. Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face from the world due to their allegiance to Him. He contrasts the world's hatred with the love and joy found in Christ, reminding them of the Holy Spirit's coming support and guidance.

Do you ever feel stuck—like no matter how hard you try, you're not growing or moving forward? Jesus gives us a simple but powerful truth: real growth only happens when we stay connected to him. Without him, we wither, but with him, we thrive. What would it look like to stop striving on your own and start abiding in the life he offers?

Life can feel uncertain, lonely, and confusing, but what if God has already given us everything we need to walk in truth and confidence? Jesus' words in John 14 reveal a powerful promise—one that changes how we experience His presence, hear His voice, and follow His way. If you've ever struggled to understand what it really means to love and obey Jesus, or if you feel like you're doing it all on your own, this is for you.

How do you feel about the future? When life feels uncertain, it's easy to get caught up in fear or worry about what comes next. But what if you didn't have to face those fears alone? Today, Jesus invites you to receive his peace, direction, and lasting purpose—three things that can change your perspective from anxiety to hope.

When's the last time you were betrayed or hurt by someone close to you? Jesus faced this with Judas and Peter—one betrayed him, the other denied him—but he still chose to love. Jesus was deeply hurt, but he didn't let pain define him. Instead, he chose to love, and he calls us to do the same.

Ever feel like you're the one always doing the work, while others seem to slack off? Or maybe you're in charge and can't understand why people don't follow through?  In this talk, we take a closer look at Jesus washing His disciples' feet, an act of love and humility that flips our expectations upside down. Discover how this powerful moment not only reveals God's heart for us, but also shows us how to find joy and freedom through serving others.

Life is full of threshold moments—big transitions that can shape us in powerful ways. Some bring joy, others bring challenge, but all require wisdom and courage. How do we navigate these turning points well? In this talk, we'll uncover six essentials for stepping into life's next chapter with trust, hope, and a steady confidence in God's good plans.

God actively led the wisemen to the Christ child.  Yet the wisemen had to take steps to follow God's leading.  We need to take the necessary steps to follow God's leading in our lives.  

How do you feel about the future? Do you have hope or find yourself anxious about what lies ahead? In this message, we'll look at a surprising way to awaken greater hope for tomorrow. Join us as we explore how God's presence, promises, and people can transform your outlook on life.