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Why does life sometimes get harder after we repent—and what is God doing in those moments? What does true repentance look like—and what does it lead to? In his sermon, “True Repentance & Divine Deliverance,” centered on 1 Samuel 7:2–17, Pastor Josiah shared how Israel turned from idolatry and returned to the Lord with a repentant heart. Yet, just as they turned back to God, new trouble arose. But God, faithful to His covenant and powerful to save, delivered His people—not because of their strength, but through the intercession of His appointed mediator, Samuel. This passage reminds us that while repentance may invite hardship, it always places us under the care of a God who is faithful to forgive, fights for us, and never fails to be there for us.
Summer Anthem:In part two of this series, Pastor Josiah explores the concept of God's original blessing and favor upon humanity, which was lost due to sin but restored through Jesus Christ. We as believers can rediscover and live out this "anthem" of being blessed and favored by God, impacting every area of our lives. By aligning ourselves with God's perspective and speaking His truths over our lives, we can experience the fullness of His empowerment and favor.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church: https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca
Are you tempted to approach God on your own terms rather than according to His will? How does the holiness of God shape your worship, your obedience, and your view of Christ? In today's message we find out what happens when God's people treat His presence with irreverence! In 1 Samuel 6:1–7:1, both the Philistines and the Israelites dishonor the holy presence of Yahweh—not by defiance alone, but by casual disobedience. In his message, “Who Can Stand?” Pastor Josiah explores how God's holiness is not something to manage, manipulate, or presume upon. Through the tragic actions of Beth-shemesh and the fearful question, “Who is able to stand before this holy God?”, we are brought face-to-face with our own unworthiness and the absolute necessity of a Mediator.In a world that often reduces God to sentimentality or ritual, this message calls us back to the fear of the Lord—a fear that leads not to fleeing from God, but to obedience under His Word and submission to His final Prophet, Jesus Christ. True life is found in fearing God and obeying His Word through Christ alone.
The famous “Good Samaritan” parable has a lot of nourishment for us as believers. At its core, the desire to live full of love and compassion for those all around us. Within the story we can learn a lot how we're intended to treat others, but we can also learn where the pitfalls are and attitudes and mentalities we sure should steer away from. If we're not seeing the person standing right in front of us, we're going to be blind to the needs all around us and it will make it quite difficult to live and act like Jesus.
Studying deep into the New Testament, looking particularly at the life of Christ we see dreams saturating the story of how Jesus was kept safe while in infancy. Dreams was a vital method of choice the Father utilized to communicate to Jesus' parents. There was also an interesting incident occurring when Jesus was put on trial to be crucified dealing with dreams. Pastor Josiah also shares a personal dream he received from the Lord while recently in Rome and walks us through interpreting what the Lord was speaking to him in a moment of vulnerability. Without dreams and valuing God's voice no matter how He chooses to speak to us, we'll always be missing a powerful tool from the Lord which we cannot afford to forfeit.
Are we trying to manipulate God or worship Him? Is God's presence in your life a source of joy or judgment? In 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines believed they had conquered the God of Israel by capturing the ark, but what unfolds next is a powerful revelation: God cannot be controlled, co-opted, or contained. His hand brings victory over idols, judgment upon His enemies, and—ultimately—redemption through Christ for those who turn to Him in faith. In his sermon, “The Hand of the Lord,” Pastor Josiah unpacks the triumph of God's holiness over Dagon, the terror that falls on the Philistines, and the redemptive hope that shines bright in our lives when we reach out to the One who bore the hand of judgment in our place—Jesus Christ!
Summer AnthemIn part one of this sermon series, Pastor Josiah explores the concept of 'magnifying' God in our lives. Just as David wrote this psalm while fleeing from his own son, we too can choose to bless the Lord at all times, even in our darkest moments. This summer, let's make magnifying God our anthem, transforming our outlook and approach to life's ups and downs.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church: https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca
In this powerful conclusion to our forgiveness series, Pastor Josiah unpacks how to forgive others without becoming bitter. Drawing from Colossians 3, Proverbs 19, and the teachings of Jesus, this message offers practical and biblical tools for navigating relational pain, confronting with grace, and releasing real-time forgiveness. Whether you're struggling with reconciliation, healing from deep wounds, or trying to overlook offenses, this sermon will help you experience freedom through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“We become what we behold.” In this powerful message from 1 John 3:11–20, Pastor Josiah Kish unpacks how love—not hatred—is the true test of our spiritual vitality in Christ. From toddler questions to apple cider donuts, and from honest moments of road rage to stories of deep sacrifice, Pastor Josiah weaves humor, Scripture, and truth into a call to become people of loving action.
Stretch In part 4 of this series, Pastor Josiah explains the concept of the 'fear of the Lord' through the inspiring story of Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1. These courageous women chose to honor God over Pharaoh's murderous decree, demonstrating that true fear of the Lord leads to bold faith and action.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church: https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca
When was the last time you slowed down enough to hear God's voice? What do you do when God's Word is hard to receive? In a time when God's voice was rarely heard and spiritual darkness covered the land, the Lord broke His silence—not through a priest or a king, but through a young boy named Samuel. This moment would mark a turning point in Israel's history and reveal something essential about how God speaks—and how we must respond. In his message, “When God Speaks,” centered on 1 Samuel 3:1-21, Pastor Josiah explores the critical difference between those who reject God's word and those who receive it in faith. God is still speaking. The question is—are we listening?
Stretch In part three of this series, Pastor Josiah explains how we often find ourselves yearning for God's clear direction, much like the dramatic signs and wonders of the Old Testament. This message reminds us that God's voice today is often a gentle whisper. God's proximity to us determines how He communicates. Unlike the distant relationship in Old Testament times, we now have the indwelling Holy Spirit, allowing for intimate communication.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church: https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca
Something remarkable happens when believers truly take ownership of the things and people that God has called them to take ownership of. To “stake a claim” on behalf of our families is one of those Godly areas we should be fighting for. Our families are people that God has given us ownership of and we ought to be fighting for our families. We spend too much time fighting with our families instead of fighting for our families. Nehemiah found a way to rally the families to fight for each other against a common enemy. God honored it. Jesus fought for the disciples whom the Father gave to Him to take care of — and He did. Then later in Acts 16 there's a remarkable story of a woman of God who fought on behalf of her family and stewarded the resources God gave her to accomplish much for the Kingdom. This all happens when we take ownership and stake a claim for the those God has given to us!
Pastor Josiah breaks down some very practical tools of how to interpret dreams. Discerning if they're from the Lord or not leading into what to do with the dream step by step to discover what God may be saying to you if it is a message from the Lord. This balanced approach to a passionate pursuit of the Lord is extremely helpful. This message come laced with grace to begin hearing the voice of the Lord through dreams and the knowledge of what to do when hearing Him while at rest in the night season. Use these tools and grow in your intimacy with God.
Does your worship reflect a heart that fears and honors God—or is it centered on yourself? Are you faithfully serving the Lord even when no one notices? In a world where spiritual leadership is often compromised and worship reduced to performance, 1 Samuel 2:12–36 reveals a sobering truth: God is not indifferent to how He is worshiped. As the sons of Eli defile the priesthood with selfishness and sin, God is already at work raising up a faithful servant—Samuel—who will honor Him. In his sermon, “The Heart of Worship,” Pastor Josiah explores the contrast between corrupt and faithful worship, reminding us that God sees every heart, judges unfaithfulness righteously, and exalts those who walk humbly before Him.
StretchIn part two of this powerful series, Pastor Josiah challenges us to examine our spiritual maturity through the lens of personal preference versus kingdom purpose. We're called to let go of our own way and take up our cross, just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. This letting go is not just a one-time act, but a continuous process of spiritual growth. This journey of faith asks us to align our priorities with God's, even when it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. It's a call to live out Matthew 6:33, seeking first the Kingdom of God in all aspects of our lives.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church: https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca
Jesus sent out the 70 into the harvest field and they were blown away at how effective they were. They said, “Even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” Jesus rejoiced when He heard this! He knew that so much was riding on the success of this endeavor and what a success it was. Just as they were sent, we too are sent! Us being sent is not a gentle nudge out of the nest — rather it's an intentional thrust into the harvest fields. We're equipped with everything we need and it's time get going with all confidence knowing that He's completely backing us.
King Solomon had a unique encounter with God during a unique season. In that time, God met him in a dream and imparted something remarkable to him that nobody else even came close to. Humility helped open the door for it. All of these are incredible tools that take us deeper into the realm of intimacy with God. Pastor Josiah uncorks a deep well on this one. Prepare your heart listen and receive!
Are you looking for hope in the middle of your brokenness? What if the silence you're experiencing is the soil where God is preparing your heart for the King? In a time of deep spiritual darkness, God heard the cry of a broken woman named Hannah—and through her sorrow and surrender, He began a redemptive movement that would ultimately lead to the true King. This week, Pastor Josiah preached a message centered on 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, in which he showed how through Hannah's story, we see God remember the lowly, raise up a prophet, and prepare His people for the hope they didn't yet see coming. Hannah's story is not just about answered prayer—it's about how God works in and through our times of brokenness and despair to bring about salvation and redemption.
The powerful story of the woman caught in adultery thrown at the feet of Jesus is filled with the revelation on the true heart of God. The reality is that He is not afraid to put His hands right smack in the middle of our dirt. We're the ones we too often believe He doesn't want anything to do with our dirt. He feels quite different. Chew on this delicious story of grace and let it sit in your spiritual belly to nourish you.
As we're discussing intimacy with God, we're hiking the mountain of dreams. Dreams is a language of intimacy with God as it requires vulnerability. Pastor Josiah teaches on dreams and visions and shares some incredible biblical accounts on dreams whereby powerful and practical tools of revelation await. Listen in, and then put into practice right away. God is speaking to you through dreams but are we listening with a heart posture ready to obey.
We make up the bride of Christ — the collective body of believers the world over. The church is the bride which always speaks to intimacy through covenant. We've entered into covenant with the Lord by the blood of Jesus Christ which sets the stage for intimacy with Him. In Matthew 25 there's a remarkable story of 10 bridesmaids awaiting the Groom to arrive. 5 were foolish and 5 were wise. Looking deeply into what made them wise and what made the other foolish through this deep parable is so necessary. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through this powerful story.
Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate the Triumphant Entry of Jesus coming into Jerusalem where the people rejoiced calling out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” It was a fulfillment of prophecy according to Zechariah 9:9 and Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. This was a climactic moment for the people who had been long awaiting the public declaration of the Messiah. He came humble, riding on a donkey in peace. However, there was still a declaration of war! The declaration was not agains the Roman rule, it was against the chasm sin had created separating man from God. That gap was forever being closed. Through the shed blood of Jesus man could come back into relationship with God, PRAISE GOD FOR THAT! This is a celebratory must hear message. Receive & reflect and let the Holy Spirit minister to you as you listen.
This is the Gospel. Pastor Josiah takes us on a concise yet thorough journey through the Gospel. Where we started and where we've ended up. The work of Jesus Christ bringing us to His shed blood at The Cross and ultimately the resurrection. This is a must have message for everybody!
Are you searching for hope but not sure where to find it? Have you heard the Resurrection story but never truly experienced the risen Jesus for yourself? Mary came to the tomb expecting death—but instead, she encountered the risen Christ. In this Easter message centered on John 20:1–18, Pastor Josiah shared how Jesus meets us in our brokenness, calls us by name, and sends us out with joy. This isn't just Mary's story—it's the story of every believer! Christ's resurrection may seem like the end of the story, but it's actually the beginning of a new one. For those who profess faith in Christ, the best part of Christ's resurrection – is that it guarantees ours!
All four of our passages for today remind us that we are dependent on God for every detail of our lives. Reading Plan: Old Testament - Joshua 7-8Psalms - Psalm 46:8-11Gospels - Matthew 28:11-20New Testament - Romans 8:1-7Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
When everyone else abandons you, who will stand with you? When the time comes, will Christ be your Advocate—or your Judge?In his final words to Timothy, the apostle Paul describes a time when it appeared as if he stood defeated and alone in a Roman courtroom—but Paul wasn't truly alone. In this powerful conclusion to 2 Timothy, Pastor Josiah shared how as believers, Christ stands with us in every trial, equips us for every moment, and will one day stand for us in the final judgment. Are you trying to stand on your own when you were never meant to? This message is not just about Paul's courage to stand firm for the gospel — it's about the unmerited grace that we receive from Christ and serves as a timely reminder that those who endure in Christ are never alone!
Who do you turn to when life gets tough? Could your friends count on you to stand by them in their darkest hours? In this week's message, based on 2 Timothy 4:9-15, Pastor Josiah explores how the Apostle Paul, facing his final days in a Roman prison, longed for the companionship of faithful friends like Timothy, Mark, and Luke to help him endure his hardships—emphasizing that true friends are vital for surviving life's toughest moments by pointing us to the gospel and Christ's unwavering presence. Dive into the full sermon to discover how faithful friendships not only reflect God's love but also equip us to endure until the end!
We cannot afford to have a victim mentality. How we're thinking matters so much. If we can begin to have the mind of Christ and think in accordance to what He says is true about us we will thrive. Too often Christians blame the devil for absolutely everything when the truth is our thinking is what is setting us up for failure This incredible message from Pastor Josiah‘s uncle is a must hear!
Some staggering statistics are shared to help motivate the church to not be another ingredient of the problem but rather an anecdote to what's plaguing the body of Christ especially in America. Pastor Josiah shares on how it's the heart of God to leave the 99 to go and find the 1. But only 1% of the church is actually doing this! Something needs to happen within that 1% where that number grows rapidly in order to retrieve more of those who are no longer in the sheep fold or who never were to begin with. We may not all be evangelists but we have no right to not be a witness. He breaks down The Great Commission in a very simple and easy to understand way that can be applied to each of the lives of believers everywhere. This type of message will provoke you to truly do what Jesus has called you to do and stop making excuses as to why not. Be the church and fulfill all He's called us to fulfill.
In a world where the end often feels near, Paul's words to Timothy ring out with unshakable hope and enduring resolve. In his sermon, “The End Is Near” centered on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Pastor Josiah shared how even though Paul is facing his final days in a cold prison cell, he has no reason to fear, because the reward waiting for him in eternity, far outweighs the hardships he has experienced in this life. As Paul reflects on a life poured out like a drink offering to God—fiercely fought, faithfully completed, and steadfastly anchored in faith, there is a crown of righteousness that is waiting for Paul. This reward is not earned by his works but secured by his Redeemer. And the best part is, that same prize isn't just for Paul—it's for all who endure, who cling to Christ through every trial, and endure to the end by placing their faith in Him. So, as the clock ticks and eternity looms, the question remains: Are we living for ourselves, chasing fleeting highs “our way,” or are we ready to die for the One who promises life beyond the grave? The end is near, but for the faithful, it's only the beginning of glory.
When Christ says, "On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets," what is He saying? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Numbers 24-25Psalms - Psalm 36:7-12Gospels - Matthew 22:34-46New Testament - Acts 25:1-12Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
In his sermon, “Keep On Truckin'” based on 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Pastor Josiah emphasizes the importance of holding fast to Christ and His teachings, especially in times of suffering and persecution. He reminds us that, just as Timothy was encouraged to stay rooted in what he had learned, we too must cling to the truth of Scripture, which is inspired, profitable, authoritative, and beneficial for the work that God has given us to do. By standing firm in God's Word, we gain the strength to endure challenges and finish well in our faith journey. Pastor Josiah urges us to remember that true resilience comes from relying on Christ and remaining steadfast in His truth.
It takes both faith and discipline to live the Christian life. Reading Plan: Old Testament - Numbers 12-13Psalms - Psalm 34:8-14Gospels - Matthew 21:18-27New Testament - Acts 22:1-16Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
In his sermon entitled "Mentorship Matters," Pastor Josiah emphasizes the importance of learning from godly mentors by looking at Paul's relationship with Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-13. He highlights how Paul's example—his teachings, way of life, faith, patience, and endurance—serve as a model for us today. Pastor Josiah encourages us to seek out mentors who will guide us in our faith journey and reminds us that living for Christ often comes with challenges, including persecution. However, by staying rooted in Scripture and following the example of strong Christian mentors, we can stand firm and grow in our walk with God.
What does it look like to confess, forgive, and be forgiven? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Numbers 1-2Psalms - Psalm 32:1-5Gospels - Matthew 19:1-15New Testament - Acts 20:1-6Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
In his sermon, “Surviving Hard Times” centered on 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Pastor Josiah examined Paul's counsel to Timothy about the last days, where people will turn away from God and false teachers will lead many astray. Just as Timothy faced challenges in Ephesus, we, too, navigate a broken world filled with deception and hardship. Yet, Paul's words serve as an encouragement—reminding us that hardships in life are a sign of the times, not a reason to lose heart. As believers, we must stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, avoid distractions from false teachings, and embrace the reality that following Christ will often be difficult, but always worth it.
Why does Jesus say to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” How can we have more faith? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Leviticus 6-7Psalms - Psalm 25:16-22Gospels - Matthew 14:22-36New Testament - Acts 15:30-41Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
What is the best way to combat false teachings in the church? What role do all Christians—not just pastors—have in rightly handling God's Word? In his sermon, "An Approved Worker," based on 2 Timothy 2:14-19, Pastor Josiah unpacks these questions and challenges believers to stand firm on biblical truth. As followers of Christ, it's important that we take the time to know and teach Scripture accurately so that we are equipped to share the gospel with confidence in any situation.
Why did Jesus suddenly start teaching in parables? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Exodus 32-33Psalms - Psalm 22:16-24Gospels - Matthew 13:10-23New Testament - Acts 13:26-41Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
We unpack three reasons why church planting is difficult and three reasons why it's worth it. Reading Plan: Old Testament - Exodus 30-31Psalms - Psalm 22:9-15Gospels - Matthew 13:1-9New Testament - Acts 13:13-25Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
Where are we tempted to find refuge other than the Lord?Reading Plan: Old Testament - Exodus 6-7Psalms - Psalm 18:1-12Gospels - Matthew 9:27-38New Testament - Acts 9:1-19Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.Listen to "Rescued"
What's the big difference between those who hear “Well done good and faithful servant” and those who hear “I never knew you; depart from me”? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Genesis 42-43Psalms - Psalm 14Gospels - Matthew 7:21-29New Testament - Acts 7:17-29Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
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