Messages from Christian Fellowship Chapel

James 1:19–27 provides some very practical advice for Christians to live out their faith.  And while this passage may have been called controversial, Pastor John walks us through it to show that it is not nearly so controversial a thing.

The book of James is written in the style that more resembles Wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes than an epistle like Romans.  It is an incredibly helpful book for helping Christians understand topics like the relationship between faith and works, and how to live lives reliant on God.

In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul uses the metaphor of armour to describe what we as Christians need to "put on" in order to be complete, and prepared for the spiritual battles we face.

Do you still see the beauty of life and forgiveness?  Does grace still havehold of you?  Join us as we explore these questions, in the hopes that if our answer is not "yes" as of now, we can recapture that answer.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. Jesus' final commands to His disciples are this: Walk in the Light, and Make more Disciples.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. This week, we learn more about Jesus' commands to His disciples that we owe other people - respect and honour to the government, and care for our fellow people.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. Last week, we explored what Jesus meant when He commanded us to be careful about judging others.  This week, we explore what He meant when He told His disciples to care for others.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. One of the most often-misused command is, "Judge not," but what does it actually mean?  Is there a way for Jesus' disciples to engage in judgement that honours God?

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. In Matthew 6:19-34 we are provided examples of the subtle dangers of worldly-mindedness, and Jesus' commands that we not store up treasures for ourselves here on earth, and do not worry.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. Matthew 6:1-18 lays out this next command for us: Do not look for human approval or fame in your worship and obedience.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.  In this message, Pastor John examines a few more of Christ's commands: Do not think Christ came to overturn the Law; settle disputes quickly, and; be a person of your word.

In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people.  The last command Christ gave His people - even those who are His people now - is to go out and make disciples.  But how?  What does that mean?  Join us to learn more about Christ's commands.

As Christians, we have been commanded to go everywhere and make disciples.  Guest speaker Chris Harwood shares with us about what it means for us to go everywhere, and everywhere we go, to make disciples. This is a part of CFC's focus on being and making disciples - Be, Grow, and Go.   Credit:  "Cataclysm" by Nick Benoit - https://vimeo.com/64262722

How are we to grow as Jesus' disciples?  What does that even mean?  Guest speaker Mike Reimer shares from Hebrews 12 what it means to throw off every encumbrance as we obey Christ's command to grow. This is part of CFC's focus on being and making disciples - Be, Grow, and Go.

Early Christians faced immense pressure to turn their backs on the Gospel.  What kept them from doing that?  Guest speaker Jake Froese helps us understand Paul's encouragement in Hebrews 12 to not grow weary in the pursuit of God's truth.

In this episode Pastor John returns to Joseph as the focus of the story in an exploration of his trials and successes in Egypt. He explores, in particular, the conflict with Potiphar's wife and how Christians often face trials and unfair affliction, but, as it says in Romans 8:39, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Passages covered are Genesis 39.

In this sermon Pastor John does a detailed exploration of Joseph's family and God's plan for the nation of Israel. Passages covered are Genesis 38, 49:3–4, 49:5–7, 49:8–12 

In this first episode of a series on the story of Joseph, we see how God uses imperfect people and difficult situations for his glory and to help his people. From the sermon: "God uses men and women where they are in their circumstances to accomplish his purposes. God can also guidepeople into making decisions and taking actions that suit his purposes." Passages covered are Genesis 37:2-22 with references from elsewhere.

In this sermon Pastor John discusses the Great Commission: the authority with which Christ gives it, what the Commission is, and Christ's promises in that context. Covers Matthew 28:18-20 and various other passages.

Last time, we examined the question of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.This week, the question we will explore is, what are disciples of Jesus to do? Pastor John explores what Christians are commanded to do in their lives - not to be saved, but to serve the Lord. Whether in our work, our family lives, or with our enemies, God commands us to aim high, to pray, to love Him, and to love one another. 

Pastor John explores the three "C"s of what it means to be a disciple: It begins by hearing Christ's call and positively responding. Then, one considers what it means to be a follower of Christ: both the joy and the difficulty. Finally, a disciple commits to taking up his or her cross and following Christ.

When was the last time you thought hard about what happened before creation existed? And how often do you think about what happens after we pass from this world? Pastor John explores the terror and the power of what it means to live in fear of the Lord. Passages from throughout scripture are explored.

These are some final thoughts on the entire chapter dealing with servitude, wealth, and adherence to scripture. Paul addresses how those who serve others should behave towards their masters. While he details it in the context of slavery, this is applicable in workplaces and other hierarchies today as well. He also covers a Christian attitude towards wealth and warns against itinerant preachers who stray from the Word of God - equally as applicable today as it was then.

In chapter 6, Paul gives practical advice to Timothy on how to treat different members of the church family appropriately. Here we get a window into how the church is to support and provide for both younger and older widows as well as church elders. Verses covered are 1 Timothy 1-21.

We must never forget that we are in a spiritual battle. It is a situation that our western thinking makes difficult for us western Christians to grasp, because we have been conditioned to think scientifically and such thinking is founded in, and focussed on, the material world not the spiritual world. Perhaps that is one reason why we have trouble understanding how some can abandon the faith because of demonic influence. Paul speaks of that very problem in 1 Timothy 4 as he outlines for Timothy how to deal with false teachers who fall under the influence of the lies of demons.

Having explained the origin of headship in the church, Paul now instructs Timothy regarding choosing the men who would be leading the church in Ephesus. He lays out for us the qualifications that are necessary for good and godly leadership. He deals first with the qualifications of elders, and then of deacons, in 1 Timothy 3:1-12.

1 Timothy 2:8-15 is a passage that, over time, has been clouded by controversy, which is not what Paul intended at all. Some parts of his teaching have been co-opted over the centuries to support different theological and social agendas, resulting in damage to, and disunity in, the church. Paul speaks on the topic of women here, and how we engage this passage is important. Join Pastor John as he continues this series in 1 Timothy.

Last time, we were introduced to this first letter of Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, and learned of Paul’s purpose for writing it—to give Timothy some wise instruction for shepherding the congregation in Ephesus. Paul began his letter with a reminder to Timothy that he was in Ephesus to confront doctrinal error in the church and the practice of some who were wasting time on speculation, rather than focusing on the work of God. In chapter 2, Paul begins by providing instructions to Timothy regarding public worship. Join Pastor John as he continues our series in 1 Timothy

Who is Timothy?  One four of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to a specific person, and the figure of Timothy is an important one.  Join us as we begin a new series, this one on 1 Timothy.

He is risen!  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in history.  Perhaps you know in whom your faith is, or perhaps you have doubts.  Pastor John explains the reasons why we can have confidence in the evidence.

As Jesus enter Jerusalem before His crucifixion, a celebration breaks out!  Throngs calling "Hosanna to the Son of David!" line the streets.  But this is no mere celebration, but a deeply meaningful event.  Join Pastor John as he outlines the significance of this incredible moment in history.

The author of Hebrews has exhorted us to run the race, and now he speaks to us about what we ought to do when we're feeling like we might not make it.  How can we support each other?  What promises does the Bible have to encourage us?  Pastor John continues his series in Hebrews.

When the players of a sport discover that a famous individual from the history of their sport is present in the stadium or arena, those who are on the field of play try to play their very best game. They want to give of their best as a means of honouring the man or woman who has gone before them in their sport.  This is not new, as the author of Hebrews notes: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

What is faith?  Why are the answers to that question so important? What do we understand about what faith is?  How does faith influence our thoughts and our actions? We go through our day, or week, or year thinking and acting based upon our perception of the world, but too often we don’t contemplate how our view of the world came to be. Nor do we consider that our view of the world influences and guides our interactions with it and with others. So, what is faith?  Pastor John explores these questions continuing his series on Hebrews

Hebrews 10:12-39 is loaded with paired statements: "Therefore... Let Us..."  The author of Hebrews takes the time to connect the truth of what Jesus does as priest with a call for us to act.

Melchizidek is something of an enigma in history.  A priest and a King, he is only mentioned once in the Old Testament, and then again in Hebrews.  The author of Hebrews takes the time to contrast the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Jesus Christ - not to denigrate the former, but explain how much superior Jesus Christ is as High Priest.  Pastor John continues the series in Hebrews with a look at Hebrews 7-9.

The author of Hebrews has just exhorted us to grow up, to persist in our faith, and remain grounded in the truth. As he finishes his exhortation, he encourages us not to become lazy or sluggish in our pursuit of maturity but to imitate those who through faith and patience in Jesus inherit what was promised. That prompts two questions: what is it we have been promised, and who are we to imitate? Join us as Pastor John continues his series in Hebrews with an examination of Hebrews 6:13-20.

Something is very wrong when believers are not able to teach others the basics of Christianity.  Every Christian should be able to teach others the very basic doctrines of Christianity: every believer, unless a brand new born again child of God, should be able to explain what it is they believe. In Hebrews 5:11-6:12 the author has a very stern warning for those who cannot - or worse, will not - grow up spiritually.

Jesus is our Great High Priest.  But what does this mean, given how far separated we as Christians are from the religious practice of the Jews of the New Testament's time?  What is the writer of Hebrews saying about Jesus?

The most common direction given to people in the Bible is "Do not be afraid."  In Hebrews 4, we discover there is something we are supposed to fear - unbelief.  But what does it mean?  And how do we overcome unbelief? Our series in Hebrews continues.

The sinful, disbelieving heart is brought on by the deceitfulness of sin. The deceitfulness of sin originates from outside sources, both Satan and men. Whether it is the twisting of the truth or the presentation of hollow human philosophies, the end-game is to cause us to withdraw from the living God. For that reason, the author of Hebrews urges us to encourage one another every day while we still live on this earth. We are to encourage one another to hear and live the truth that Jesus taught, so that we will not succumb to the outside influences trying to lure us away from the living God. Pastor John shares the warning and encouragement from Hebrews 3.

Why did Jesus come in the flesh?  Why did He become human, given the limitations of such a thing?  Why set aside His godhood as He did? Join us as Pastor John explains using Hebrews just how Jesus shows us what we are supposed to be.

As we begin a series on the book of Hebrews, Pastor John provides an overview of the book - who wrote it, when, to whom, and major themes.  Join us for a look at this most unique book.

New Years Resolutions. It is the phenomenon where we resolve in the coming year to do something or more than one thing to “improve” ourselves. Then, when we get to the end of the year, we can share with each other the satisfaction of not having achieved one single resolution. What are your New Years Resolution?  Join Pastor John as he offers some suggestions, rooted in the Bible, about what we might choose to do differently in 2020.

Love, apparently, is a many-splendoured thing, an elusive thing, the goal of all things. It is the driving force of knights in shining armour and the sighing aspiration of fair maidens. Love is a puppy licking your face, but love is also holding hands as you rock together on the porch in the twilight of life. The fact is, we human beings are desperate for love. That great love for which we search, is God.  Pastor John shares in the fourth week of Advent - Love.

Why is it that so many Christians have gained a reputation of being dour and joyless? Why do unbelievers looking into the church too often see no room for joyous expression? Is it because we don’t practice expressing our joy? Or perhaps we wrongly associate joyful expression only with the things of this world? Have we come to believe that expressions of joy are inappropriate when worshipping together? Are we so overcome by our sinfulness we forget our salvation? It may be a combination of these things, or many other reasons, but whatever the explanation, Christians actually have the greatest reason for rejoicing. Join us for the second week of Advent, to hear more about Joy.

Every Christmas, a visitor arrives to share with us his perspective on events surrounding the birth of Christ.  Join us to hear the tale told by one of the fathers in Bethlehem during Herod's terrible holocaust.

The first week of Advent centers on Hope.  To mark this festive time, Pastor John takes us through Psalm 14 and Romans 3 to show just how hopeful we can be, even in light of the words, "All have sinned."

Nehemiah has convinced the people to get on with repairing the walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem damaged a century before when the people of Judah were taken captive and led into exile by Nebuchadnezzar.  While the work continued, the people faced scorn and ridicule by those outside the city who wanted them to fail.  Join us as Pastor John completes the series in Nehemiah to learn more about how this prophet moved the people, and succeeded in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, even in the midst of opposition.

Nehemiah faced a massive task in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.  How did he accomplish such a task, being a relative newcomer to the city?  Join us as Pastor John shares a few helpful lessons in leadership and faith by looking at Nehemiah's life.