Sermons and other audio from Resurrection Church Ottawa
This sermon invites us to see Jesus in both His severity and His kindness. He begins by confronting the cities that witnessed His miracles but failed to repent. His words are not cold judgment, but a sorrowful warning rooted in love. He mourns the hardness of hearts that are familiar with Him yet unmoved. Then, with stunning gentleness, He opens His arms to the weary. To those burdened by effort and exhaustion, He offers rest—not through escape, but through Himself. The contrast is striking. There is a responsibility to respond to what we have seen and heard, and there is also a gracious invitation to lay down our burdens and trust the One who carries them for us. In a world shaped by pride and performance, Jesus calls us to childlike humility, to take His yoke, and to find the rest our souls were made for.Congratulations Jim!
When Faith Feels UncertainEven the strongest believers can find themselves in places of doubt. In this sermon, we encounter John the Baptist—once bold in proclaiming the Messiah—now sending a question from prison. Are you the one, or should we look for another? Jesus does not respond with condemnation but with compassion. He points to His works, His mercy, and the quiet unfolding of God's kingdom. This message reflects on what it means to follow Jesus when expectations are unmet and certainty feels out of reach. True wisdom, Jesus says, is not measured by appearance or quick answers, but by trust that holds steady. In a world full of disappointment and unmet hopes, we are invited to bring our questions to Jesus and rediscover who He truly is.
Jesus prepares His disciples for a mission marked by both opposition and purpose. He speaks honestly about the realities they will face—rejection, betrayal, and even threats to their lives—but He also offers deep assurance. In the face of fear, He reminds them of the Father's care and the promise that nothing done in faith is ever wasted. This sermon invites us to consider what it means to follow Jesus with our whole lives, even when the way is costly. The call is not to comfort but to faithfulness, and through it all, Jesus promises His presence, His Spirit, and His reward. He does not ask for perfection but for loyalty, even in the hardest places.
Before Jesus sends His disciples, He sees the crowds and is moved with compassion. This message explores the heart of Christ as He looks upon those who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. His response is not immediate action, but a call to prayer—asking the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers. From that place of prayer, Jesus commissions His followers with authority and purpose to proclaim the kingdom, heal the hurting, and go in simplicity and faith. This sermon invites us to share in the heart of Jesus, to see the world as He sees it, and to join Him in the work of love that begins with compassion, not guilt.
Jesus moves through a broken world—not just healing bodies, but restoring what's been lost to sin and sorrow. In one sweeping passage, we witness five transformations: from death to life, from incurable to healed, from isolated to included, from blind to sighted, and from mute to speaking. Each miracle points beyond itself—a sign of what Jesus has come to do in every life He touches. He doesn't just fix symptoms; He renews creation. Grace restores nature, and Jesus restores us. The question isn't whether He can—it's whether we'll come close enough to be changed.
Matthew 9 shows us that Jesus doesn't come to improve our religious systems—He comes to replace them. In this message, He forgives sin before healing, dines with outcasts, and challenges long-standing traditions around fasting. His grace is disruptive because it is both lovingly accepting and radically transforming. Jesus meets people where they are—but never leaves them there. If your faith makes room for comfort but not change, you may be resisting the very grace you need. Jesus is new wine, and He won't be poured into old wineskins. The question isn't whether He's welcome—it's whether we're willing to follow.
Each day presents a decision: how will we respond to the presence and power of Jesus? This message challenges us to consider whether we'll be like the disciples—crying out in fear with little faith, like the herdsmen—curious but detached, or like the townspeople—so unsettled by Jesus' power that they ask Him to leave. Even the demons recognized Him as the Son of God, yet recognition is not the same as trust. In a world that often resists surrender, we're invited to move from fear to faith, from panic to trust, and from distance to discipleship. The question is not whether Jesus is near, but how we will respond when He is.
Matthew 8:1-17 shows as Jesus steps down from the mountain, His hands and His words bring restoration to outcasts, outsiders, and the overlooked. A leper is touched, a Roman servant is healed from afar, a woman is raised from sickness, and many oppressed are set free. But the miracles are more than moments of relief—they are signs of a kingdom breaking in. Healing is not the final promise, but a foretaste of a day when death, disease, and decay will be no more. This message invites us to see in Jesus' compassion and power the first glimpses of the world remade, and to wait with hope for the day when every wrong is made right.
Easter is more than a moment—it's the beginning of something vast, unfolding, and world-changing. Christ's resurrection is described as the first fruits, the first sign of a harvest still to come. In Adam, all died—but in Christ, all will be made alive. This message explores what it means to be united with Christ, how His victory over death guarantees our own, and why Easter is not just a day we look back on, but a future we live toward. The tomb is empty, and death itself is on borrowed time. Christ has risen—and everything is beginning again.
At first glance, the cross appears as nothing but shame, powerlessness, and failure. A humiliated man, dying slowly in public, surrounded by mockery. Yet woven through this scene are deeper truths—clues to why Christians call it wondrous. The crucifixion is a curse that lifts our curse. The stripped garments point to a shame that removes our shame. The taunts reveal a power stronger than violence—the power of love held back for the sake of others. And the refusal to save Himself becomes the very act that saves us. This is the cross that changes everything—for those who see and believe.
There are two ways to live. One is wide and easy, promising freedom but ending in ruin. The other is narrow, demanding surrender, and leading to life. In this final movement of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks in vivid contrasts—gates and roads, trees and fruit, voices and foundations. It's a call not just to listen but to live differently, to be known by the one who speaks with true authority, and to build a life that will not fall. These words are not suggestions—they are the shape of a life rooted in the kingdom of God.
Matthew 7:1–12 brings together Jesus' call to self-awareness, discernment, and radical mercy. This episode explores what it means to live under God's rule with humility—refusing to condemn others while pursuing righteousness with wisdom. Through vivid imagery and practical commands, we're invited to embrace a posture of grace, persistence in prayer, and the transformative ethic of the Golden Rule. It's a vision for life on the narrow way: honest, prayerful, and marked by love.
1 Kings 11 marks a turning point in Israel's history, showing how a divided heart leads to a divided kingdom. Despite his wisdom and blessings, Solomon's compromises—his foreign marriages and turn to idolatry—fractured his devotion to God. As a result, his kingdom faced inevitable division and decline. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual compromise carries real consequences. True wisdom is not just about knowing God's ways but walking in wholehearted obedience. While Solomon's reign ends in brokenness, this message points to a greater King—one whose heart remains steadfast and whose kingdom will never be shaken.
1 Kings 10 showcases the height of Solomon's reign—his unmatched wisdom, international fame, and overwhelming wealth. The Queen of Sheba arrives, amazed by his insight and prosperity, confirming that Solomon's greatness is even beyond what she had heard. Gold flows into the kingdom in unprecedented amounts, and Solomon's throne stands as a symbol of his dominance. Yet beneath this grandeur lies a subtle warning. The accumulation of wealth, horses, and alliances foreshadows a coming downfall. Just as Solomon's wisdom and riches were gifts from God, they also became the very things that would lead his heart astray. This passage reminds us that blessings, when held too tightly, can become burdens, and only in Christ do we find a kingdom that will never fade.
1 Kings 8 records the grand dedication of Solomon's temple, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history. As the ark is placed in the Most Holy Place, God's presence fills the temple in a cloud, a powerful sign of His approval and nearness. Solomon's prayer of dedication highlights the temple's purpose—not as a place to contain God, but as a house of prayer for Israel and the nations. He pleads for justice, mercy, and forgiveness, acknowledging that God alone is faithful to His promises. This passage reminds us that true worship leads to gratitude, obedience, and deeper trust in the God who dwells with His people.
1 Kings 5–6 recounts the construction of Solomon's temple, a grand and holy place where God chose to dwell with His people. Built with the finest materials, overlaid with gold, and adorned with intricate carvings, the temple symbolized both God's majesty and His desire to be among His people. Yet, the temple was only a foreshadowing of something greater. Through Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a building but dwells in His people. This passage invites us to consider the privilege of direct access to God, the call to worship Him in spirit and truth, and the hope of a future where He will dwell with us forever.
1 Kings 4 paints a picture of Israel at its peak—prosperous, secure, and flourishing under Solomon's wisdom. The people are numerous, joyful, and dwelling in peace, while Solomon's vast knowledge and leadership attract the attention of surrounding nations. This passage showcases God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, foreshadowing the greater kingdom to come. While Solomon's reign was temporary, it points to the eternal reign of Christ, where true wisdom, justice, and blessing will be fully realized.
Faced with an impossible case, Solomon demonstrates the wisdom of God by discerning the true mother of a disputed child. With no witnesses or evidence, he issues a shocking test that exposes the hearts of both women, bringing justice through wisdom. This moment reveals Solomon's role as a wise and just king, pointing forward to the perfect wisdom and justice found in Christ. As we long for truth and righteousness in a broken world, this passage reminds us that ultimate justice is found in the kingdom of God.
When Solomon is given the opportunity to ask God for anything, he humbly requests wisdom to govern his people well. Pleased with his request, God not only grants him unparalleled wisdom but also riches, honour, and the potential for a long life. This passage highlights the generosity of God, who gives abundantly beyond what is asked. It also serves as a reminder to seek God's wisdom in our own lives, trusting that He provides for His people out of His limitless grace. True wisdom begins with recognizing our need for God and relying on His guidance.
As Solomon takes full control of his reign in 1 Kings 2, he navigates challenges from rivals and former allies. Through a series of decisive actions, he removes threats, fulfilling David's instructions while securing his rule. This passage highlights the complexities of leadership, showing how even wise rulers make morally ambiguous decisions. Yet, despite human failings, God's kingdom is established not by perfect leaders, but by His sovereign will and grace. It serves as a reminder that while leaders will err, God remains faithful, working through flawed people to accomplish His redemptive plan.
This chapter from the first book of Kings begins Solomon's reign as King of Israel, highlighting his father's final instructions. David commands Solomon to obey God fully, walking in His ways to ensure prosperity and a lasting kingdom. However, David also urges Solomon to be shrewd in safeguarding the kingdom, giving morally complex advice to address lingering threats and honour past loyalties. This chapter reflects God's ability to work through both wisdom and human imperfection, using flawed leaders to fulfill His promises. It ultimately points us to Christ, the perfect King, whose reign brings true justice and redemption.
Nahum 3 vividly depicts God's judgment on Nineveh, the “bloody city” full of lies, violence, and relentless evil. Despite its strength, Assyria's oppressive empire crumbles under God's justice, leaving it desolate and without comforters or leaders to restore it. The prophecy warns that undealt sin brings disaster, while pointing to a deeper hope for God's people. Unlike Nineveh, they are promised a shepherd who will bind their wounds, gather the scattered, and lead them to restoration. Through Christ, the Good Shepherd, this promise is fulfilled, offering hope and redemption to those who trust in Him.
Nahum 2 vividly portrays God's justice against Nineveh, the seemingly invincible capital of Assyria. The chapter describes the city's downfall—floods, sieges, and desolation—as God's response to their oppression and pride. Yet this passage also speaks of restoration for Judah: God promises to rebuild what was plundered, repair what was ruined, and restore their dignity. It's a reminder that vengeance belongs to the Lord, who confronts evil and defends the oppressed. Through Christ's ultimate triumph over darkness, we find both justice and hope.
The opening passage of Nahum reveals a God who is both merciful and just. He is a jealous protector of His people, slow to anger and abounding in power. This passage reminds us that God's justice is unstoppable, confronting the proud and the wicked, while His mercy offers refuge and strength to those who trust in Him. Nahum assures Judah that God sees their oppression and will act to deliver them, pointing to a future where evil is defeated and His people find peace.#BookOfNahum
Revelation 22 paints a vivid picture of the new creation—a world filled with life, joy, and closeness to God. Flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb is the river of life, while the tree of life offers healing for all nations. This message reflects on three key themes: the fullness of eternal life, the joy of dwelling in God's presence, and the promise that this renewal is coming soon. Through Christ's sacrifice, God is making all things new, offering hope, peace, and everlasting joy for those who believe.
John 1:1-18 reveals the eternal nature of Christ, describing Him as the Word who was with God, who is God, and through whom all things were created. This message explores five themes from the passage—Word, Life, Light, Darkness, and Dwelling—to unpack the profound truths of the incarnation. Jesus is the light that overcomes darkness, the life that awakens our souls, and the Word that communicates God's love. His arrival is not distant but intimate, as He dwells among us, offering grace, truth, and the invitation to be part of His family.
Isaiah 9:1–7 foretells the coming of a Savior who brings profound reversals: turning darkness to light, contempt to glory, and oppression to freedom. This message reflects on how the birth of Christ fulfills these promises, showcasing Him as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Through His reign, Jesus offers a kingdom marked by justice, righteousness, and expanding peace. Explore how these ancient prophecies remain a source of hope and transformation for us today.
Romans 6:1–14 invites believers to reflect on their identity in Christ, highlighting the profound truth of being dead to sin and alive to God. This message explores the freedom found in breaking sin's power, the significance of living under grace rather than the law, and the practical ways this new life shapes our actions. Discover what it means to walk in the newness of life as part of God's kingdom.
Romans 5:12-21 contrasts the first Adam, whose disobedience brought sin and death, with the second Adam, Jesus Christ, whose obedience offers grace and life. This episode explores the theological concept of "Federal Headship" and how one act can transform the world—for better or worse. Christ's redemptive work reconciles us with God, offering the hope-filled truth of justification. Explore questions about sin, grace, and our shared humanity in Adam and redemption in Christ.
Romans 5:1-11 reveals three profound realities of justification by faith: peace with God, access to grace, and hope in tribulation. These truths show how justification transforms our relationship with God and equips us to stand firm in His grace. A vivid analogy of Magnetic Hill illustrates how God's grace, though it may feel counterintuitive, remains undeniably true.
Psalm 84 invites us to rediscover the joy of dwelling with God and the strength found in journeying alongside Him. The psalmist's deep longing for God's presence encourages a renewed faith, highlighting the surpassing beauty of God's dwelling place and the blessings that flow from trust and worship.
Romans 4:13-25 highlights God's promise to Abraham, showing that faith—not adherence to the law—makes one righteous before God. Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises serves as an enduring example for all who share that same faith. This reflection explores the connection between God's grace, human trust, and the hope found in Christ.
Romans 4:1-12 explores the lives of Abraham and David as compelling examples of salvation by faith, not works. Abraham believed God's promise and was credited with righteousness despite his flaws, while David rejoiced in the forgiveness of his sins. This reflection emphasizes how God's grace enables believers to live with humility and confidence, trusting not in their own righteousness but in the righteousness of Christ.
Romans 3:21-31 unveils the righteousness of God revealed apart from the law. Key themes include justification by faith, grace as a gift, and Christ's sacrifice as a propitiation for sin. These truths align with the Reformation principles—Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, and glory to God alone. Explore how this passage lies at the heart of the gospel, offering hope through God's justice and mercy.
Romans 3:1-20 reveals God's judgment on humanity's universal sinfulness, distinguishing sin as not just wrongdoing but a pervasive, corrupting power. Paul's reflections emphasize that no one—Jew or Gentile, moralist or sinner—is righteous before God. Yet, within the weight of this verdict lies the foundation for grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.
A sermon preached by Intern Jim Poopalapillai on Sunday October 13, 2024
A sermon preached by Pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday October 6, 2024
A sermon preached by Pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday September 29, 2024
A sermon preached by Pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday September 22, 2024
Part two of a sermon series titled “An Orientation to Resurrection Church” preached by Pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday September 15, 2024
Part one of a sermon series titled “An Orientation to Resurrection Church” preached by Pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday September 8, 2024
A sermon preached by pastoral intern Jim Poopalapillai on Sunday September 1, 2024
A sermon preached by pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday August 25, 2024
A sermon preached by Pastor Ben Jolliffe on Sunday August 18, 2024
A sermon preached by guest pastor Mason Bramer on Sunday August 13, 2024
A sermon preached by intern Jim Poopalapillai on Sunday August 4, 2024
A sermon preached by guest preacher Adam Callaway on Sunday July 28, 2024
A sermon preached by intern Jim Poopalapillai on Sunday July 21, 2024
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