Jubilee Sermons

Passage: Matthew 14:22-32. It's likely our last official sermon. What should we say? What's important to remind each other? How about: Do not be afraid. A common Bible refrain. Yes, sometimes we end up in scary unknowns. Sometimes Jesus leads us there himself. But we are not to fear. This is the journey of faith and the choice we have to trust and follow, especially when it's hard!  Disclaimer: this sermon has borrowed from material in "Three Levels of Faith" a very great message by John Mark Comer.  

Passage: Luke 24:13-35. As Jubilee continues to take steps toward our final commissioning, we resonate with disciples on Emmaus Road. Feeling as if all is lost, with many questions, we desire the presence of Jesus to illuminate our way and reorient us to His purposes and big story. 

Passage: Genesis 22:1-18. Following our sad news that Jubilee will be taking steps to close in the coming months, Jonathan led us in remembering the unchanging character of God, demonstrated in the stories of people like Abraham who trusted even when he couldn't understand. 

This is the difficult public announcement that Jubilee will be taking steps over the coming months to close our church community. We are grieving but choosing to follow Jesus in the midst of it all! 

Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6. What if Trust is what this is all about? The case can be made that this is our part in the thru-story of God's activity: learning to trust. Wisdom will counsel us that things will be better if we choose this road! But why doesn't my road look very straight? 

Passage: Ephesians 4:1-6. It really isn't enough for someone to believe that God loves them and has imparted every spiritual blessing possible. There eventually comes the moment when people might ask, yes but does it change your life? And the answer is that it should. It is fitting. It makes sense. This kind of earth shattering news (that Jesus came to change everything) must eventually result in resounding life transformation.  This is part of the Beautiful Resistance sermon series on Ephesians. 

Passage: Ephesians 3:1-11. If you know what our mission is, then don't be surprised that things are hard for us. Not because we're trying to be controversial, but because grace runs counter to the world's philosophy. As Christians, we've been entrusted with a message of hope and there will be resistance. This message is part of our Beautiful Resistance series on Ephesians. 

Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22. How many ways do we need to hear the Good News? Answer: a lot of ways. Paul challenges us to remember the things that used to divide us and then rejoice that Jesus has removed the barriers. Jesus brings in the outsiders and then we join Him in proclaiming this radical welcome. And, of course, don't forget we become part of the never-ending building project! This message is part of our Beautiful Resistance sermon series on Ephesians. 

Passage: Hebrews 11. Ever wonder if what you're doing matters? Are you seeing fruit? Do you struggle with understanding God's purposes? With characteristic authenticity, Madi shares about her big lessons from her recent YWAM DTS experience. We can't help but hear our own questions and learn along with her! 

Passage: Ephesians 2:4-10. Grace. A name for a girl and also a thought that changed the world (says Bono). We're allowing the vast beautiful implications of God's lavish grace to wash over us. God didn't just save us for niceness but so we could become something world-changing!  This is part of our Beautiful Resistance sermon series on the book of Ephesians. 

Passage: Ephesians 1:22-23. It's Easter Sunday and we couldn't think of more fitting celebration message than that Jesus has changed everything by rising from death. There is nothing He doesn't rule over, fill or transform in His redemption plan for all humanity! What joyous Good News! 

Passage: Ephesians 1:15-21. Paul prays a long run-on prayer... and Jon preaches his longest sermon ever. Fitting. There is so much packed in to this prayer that teaches us both how we can form our prayers and also what kind of stuff Paul would pray for people immersed in an anti-Christ culture.  Turn on the lights and have an apocalypse! This message is part of our Beautiful Resistance sermon series. 

Passage: Ephesians 1:11-14. In part three of our mini series on the incredible spiritual blessings available to all Christians, we are reminded again of our kingdom wealth. We have access to exactly what we need at every moment. The covenant language of inheritance applies to us and of course, the wild implications of the Spirit alive in us! This is part of our Beautiful Resistance sermon series of Ephesians. 

Passage: Ephesians 1:7-10. Welcome to part 2 of our mini series. We're breaking down one of the longest run-on sentences in ancient literature. It's an exclamation of praise for all our incredible spiritual blessings. Today we tackle redemption and revelation and see it all neatly summarized in Jesus.  We are richer than we think!  This is part of our Beautiful Resistance series on the book of Ephesians. 

Passage: Ephesians 1:3-7. Paul's opening run-on sentence was just too good to lump into one sermon, so we made it three. Christians are spiritual billionaires (according to Paul) with access to every spiritual blessing imaginable. So what are some of these blessings and what difference do they make in our day-to-day lives? Part of The Beautiful Resistance sermon series. 

Passage: Ephesians 1:1-3. We're starting a new sermon series on the book of Ephesians. A letter about identity and formation. A how-to for the new Christian on what it means to follow Jesus in a world that doesn't know Him. And, as always, we should understand who and why Paul writes this letter. Once we do, we'll see how it speaks to us more than 2,000 years later. Part of our Beautiful Resistance sermon series. 

Passage: Psalm 84.  At some point, we all experience the sense that something is missing. Even those who know Jesus and have been satisfied on some level. That's because we are creatures of longing. Made for something complete. Something else.  

Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. We could try a lot of things to change our lives. And we do. But self-help and will power only go so far. They'll shift little stuff, but how on earth will we change the big stuff. As in, becoming like Jesus. For this, we'll need outside help. Someone who stands alongside. With and in us. Accessing the full power of the godhead. The Holy Spirit. This is part of our ongoing Practicing the Way sermon series. With credits to John Mark Comer and Bridgetown Church. 

Passage: 1 John 1:7. As a culture, we are lonely. Alone. We think we're connected by technology but feel more alone than ever. But this idea of community feels so hard in real life. How do we do it? Why? And what does Jesus think about all this? Part of our Practicing the Way series on How We Change. Credits to Bridgetown Church and John Mark Comer. 

Passage: Mark 1:14-15. New Year's resolutions abound and we want a silver bullet solution to our problem. Our problem being that we want to change but don't know how. Shifting the direction of our loves, not just our minds, might be a starting point! This is part of our ongoing Practicing the Way sermon series. With credits to John Mark Comer and Bridgetown Church. 

Passage: Matthew 1:18-27. What kind of season is this for you? Difficult? Beautiful? The Christmas story holds something for us all, if we are willing to take a piece and taste and see. There is a miracle here for all of us! 

Passage: James 5:7-11. This is a story about waiting, so why do we have such a tough time with this? A wise Bible writer will counsel us on how to develop patience. A few good analogies and some encouragement for those who are feeling the long road. This is the second message in our Advent series (but third advent) 

Passage: Matthew 3:1-12. John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. What does this have to do with Christmas? Advent means anticipation and we prepare our hearts. This message is a how-to. This is our first sermon in the Advent series (but second advent).  

Passage: 1 John 4:16-17. We want to be invitational... but do we even like people? Do we know what community looks like? It's possible Jesus was laying out a life worth imitating when he was here living in community! 

Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3. A famous piece of the Bible. But what does it mean? How do we become these people who finish with endurance? Maybe the running picture can help us get a handle on the disciplined life of a Jesus-follower. 

Passage: Luke 5:1-11. Jesus is calling His followers to mission. But what if it's both easier and harder than we think. Mmmmaybe like fishing? 

Passage: 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. Maybe we're all stunned or experiencing PTSD, but it seems like Church has changed. Maybe how we see Church has changed. This message is a call to intention and commitment. Maybe the Church could do with some of that intense focus the armed forces shows toward mission. And what a mission we have!  

Passage: Philippians 4:11-13. We're all searching for that elusive feeling of being content. But can you keep it when you find it? How do we lay hold of it permanently? There is a secret. And I'll spill the beans. But it won't be enough. You'll have to apply it. 

Passage: Matthew 7:7-8. What happens when you combine an infectious love for the Good News of Jesus with a genuine person? Overflow. Maybe you're jaded by talk of evangelism or maybe you've been the target, but either way, this message is a refreshing invitation to live and share Good News with everyone around us. We can do this.  This message is part of the Church Life series. 

Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Why are we here? What's our church about? What does it mean to be a new creation? A famous Bible passage gives us direction into living lives that show the world a hope! Jubilee is on about Good News for every heart! 

Passage: Jeremiah 17:5-8. We have a choice. Even in the drought and the challenge of this season. Even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard. You can still choose trust. You choice leads to curse or to blessing. The road of trusting Jesus leads us to a full and flourishing life. To vibrant never-fail-fruit bearing. This is part of our September Church Life Series. 

Passage: Romans 8:28. God is working all things for my good. Thank you evangelical Christianity for making this verse into a trite and annoying slogan. Is there more to it? Can we take it down and unpack it? Maybe there is something beautiful to discover in the great hope that God is always working for His eternal purposes and glory in us. This sermon is part of the Summer Baggage Series.

Passage: Matthew 11:28-30. How many times can we preach a sermon on one passage? This summer, the answer is: at least three. Amazingly, each preacher brings a fresh and unique perspective to what Jesus promises. Today, Dennis connects us to his own story and the beautiful promise of an unforced rhythm of grace. 

Passage: Luke 7:36-50.  What happens if you ask a lawyer to preach? This sounds like the start of a joke. But seriously, ours started talking about liability, bankruptcy, debt and yes, redemption.  You'll be surprised how he puts it all together. 

Passage: Luke 7:18-23. If you've been around awhile, then you've probably experienced disappointment. And let's not get started about the last two years... definitely disappointing. So we can take encouragement that a famous Bible character came to Jesus with his disappointment and maybe, just maybe, Jesus has a response for ours too. This sermon is part of the Summer Baggage Series. 

Passage: Matthew 11:28-30.  One of the ways we push back against our heaviness and weariness is to worship. This is the call and invitation of Jesus to come. Connection with God in worship brings refreshing and vitality. We can choose this! 

Passage: Matthew 11:28-30. Most of us are still feeling worn out. Burdened. There is a lot going on in the world. A lot to weigh us down. This summer we are unpacking some of our burdens and looking at what Jesus offers us in exchange. This message is part of the Summer Baggage series. 

Passage: Genesis 1:27.  There's a lot our world is concerned about. Most of our issues are connected to this one question: What makes us human? And What makes us valued?  In our Better Way series, our goal is to question the story our culture is peddling. To remind each other that Christians believe everyone matters because of one commonality. You should listen to find out. 

Passage: 1 Corinthians 7. Our Better Way series seeks to poke a stick at the story culture sells about all sorts of things. Today we unpack marriage and singleness. Which one is better? How can we live out a life of holiness and devotion to Jesus? It turns out, Paul was talking about all this stuff a long time ago, to people just like us. 

Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.  Where did you learn what you believe about sex? Netflix. News. Social media. Psychologists. Politicians. TikTok. Today, Pastor Jon dives into the taboo subject of sex and God's heart for us in our sexuality. Will this message offend you? Maybe. But how many sermons have you heard on the topic of sex? Should the Church be talking about all this stuff? Yes, without doubt. 

Passage: Matthew 18-23-35. Forgive. This is what we're supposed to do. We know that. Everyone knows that. But why? And how much? And have you seen this world? What are the parameters? Please explain. Part of the Practicing the Way Series. 

Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:23-27. Why are we doing all this stuff? Maybe we forget. Maybe we get confused. Maybe other reasons start to drown out the one thing, the one reason we began  this Jesus-pursuit. I'd venture to say, it was love. 

Passage: Matthew 6:33. Why are we here? How do we find happiness? Yes we all want to know. With disarming humour and humility, Madeleine leads us to Jesus as the source of fulfillment as the embodiment of the Kingdom here and coming. 

Passage: 2 Timothy 2:8-9. Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead. This in itself is pretty wild, but even crazier is the idea that this resurrection life spills over into our whole existence. So what are these resurrection people like? 

Passage: Psalm 118:21-29. Jesus enters Jerusalem and everyone is waving branches and shouting Hosanna. Why? What on earth does this mean? And what does hosanna have to do with me? 

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12. How does Church even work? How is it meant to be? What's my part? Springing from Paul's illustrations, we see that finding our place and participating is a beautiful expression of practicing the way. 

Passage:  Colossians 3:9-21  . Guest preacher Tim challenges us giving and generosity. But where does it start? How do we approach this subject without getting bogged down in stereotypes and pressure tactics? We're part of an eternal Kingdom and this causes us to abound. 

Passage: 1 John 2: 15-17. Are we supposed to love the world or not? What about TickTok? Or Baby Shark? And what does John mean when he uses the word "world"? How on earth can we stand up to the constant barrage and clamour of a system opposed to God? WARNING: this message will challenge you. This message is based on the book Live No Lies by John Mark Comer and is part three of three. 

Passage: Galatians 5:13, 16-17.  We want what we want. And what do we do about that? Should we restrain our desires, or give in? How are we meant to live so we end up the most happy? Jesus and New Testament writers counsel us to use our freedom for restraint. Warning: a part of you won't like this message at all. This message is based on the book Live No Lies by John Mark Comer and is part two of three. 

Passage: John 8:32. Red cape. Twin horns. Pitchfork. Is there really a devil? If so, what's he doing and how does it affect me? And maybe most importantly, how do we resist his schemes? As we imitate Jesus, we learn some apprenticeship practices for spiritual warfare.  This message is based on the book Live No Lies by John Mark Comer and is part one of three. 

Passage: Acts 2. Have you ever wondered what is 'Church' exactly? What is it supposed to be... or mean? Is it a building? An organization? A charity? A people? We're wrestling all this and more as we talk about why Church is important.