City Baptist Church - Weekly Sermons

Last Sunday's message began a two part study on the familiar, yet transformational story of David and Goliath. The greatest obstacle we may face in this journey of life is unbelief. Whether it's God revealing His will or speaking to us - it is so easy to be held back in fear and doubt. Unbelief can also cause us to cast shame on others, who may be boldly stepping into the will of God. Fear can paralyze us, but we must renew our faith in the One Who goes before us. What is causing fear in your life today? God is on your side, and as He did for David, is with you and will go before you.

Our message last Sunday focused in on David's season of preparation to be the King of Israel. This season was definitely one of trying and difficulty, but God was sovereign through it all and was using every circumstance to grow David and lead him towards His purpose. The application is a question we should ask ourselves. How is God preparing you? What does He want to do and how can we give Him free rein in our hearts to have His way?

The message from last Sunday introduced us to David, and we were reminded that the Father is after our hearts. David may not have appeared as a mighty king should, but God knew His heart and had appointed Him to be the next ruler of Israel. The humble Shepherd boy was greatly used of the Lord and would play a significant part of revealing God’s love and grace to the people. Man always looks on the outside, but the Father searches deeper within. He sees our hearts, and is after them.

Our time in the Word last Sunday was both challenging and thought provoking - but a reminder we desperately need. Saul, the first King of Israel, went down a dangerous path. He lived with a pattern of sin, that eventually lead to destruction. Sin will always take us farther then we want to go. The enemy wants to destroy us, but we must remember that Jesus is stronger. His death on the cross and resurrection has paid the price for all sin, and there is healing and victory available in His sacrifice. We can always return to His love and grace.

Last Sunday we began a brand new sermon series that will go through the life of David. We begin with the Israelites longing for a king. Samuel warned the people of what would become of this, but the people were set in their ways. They wanted what they felt was best for them in the moment. The application is a reminder for us to trust in the Lord no matter where we find ourselves. Our own present desires and agenda may not always align with His, and we should seek to trust what His Word says for us.

Guest speaker Levi Tyrell brings a meaningful challenge on stepping into the "risen life". From Colossians 3, we focus in on seeking first the Kingdom, and setting our affection on things above. Choosing to pursue Jesus and His presence in our lives - this is how God intends for us to live. Following Him and experiencing victory as we seek Him first.

The final message from "King of Heaven, Come" focuses in on Simeon and Anna. Throughout this study we have been focusing in on our response to the arrival of our King. Jesus entering the human story and the Word becoming flesh. His birth ushers in hope, peace and joy - but it is not only available during the Christmas season. Our response to this should be daily, and we should walk in faithfulness and obedience to His voice. We are reminded to surrender to His will and trust His plans. Bringing an offering of worship to Him, with our very lives.

Last Sunday's message was from our Christmas Day Gathering, and we focused on the response of the Shepherds regarding the arrival and birth of King Jesus. The Shepherds received the good news and proclamation of the angels. They were anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, and received the peace and joy of this glorious news. The Shepherds then went to see baby Jesus. This is the Word made flesh, God dwelling among us - and this Christmas season we join in and behold His glory.

For the next instalment of our Christmas series, we see Mary and Elizabeth's response of joy. They responded with joy because of what God was doing through them as they anticipated the arrival and birth of the promised Messiah. The challenge for us is simple - this Holiday season, does the news of His coming, fill you with joy? The same Holy Spirit that caused them to proclaim what God had done is the same One that fills and empowers us today. His coming invites us to partake in His joy and share it with others. We say "King of Heaven, come."

Last Sunday's message began a new Christmas series entitled "King of Heaven, come." In this study, we will be revisiting the Christmas story and pressing into the hope, peace, joy and love that this found in the birth of our Saviour. We begin with the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. In this first instalment, we are reminded that even in the waiting, the Spirit is working. We ought to be busy doing His work, and believe that nothing is impossible with Him. Busy serving the King, with a heart of hope, expectant for what He will do.

We continue "King of Heaven, Come" by looking at Mary's initials response. The angel Gabriel gave Mary news that would change the course of history. His announcement was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy centuries ago - "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Despite this feat seeming impossible, Mary believed that God had a perfect plan. Her response is one realizing God's grace in her life and believing His Word. This is a beautiful example of how our response should be when God speaks to us. We must believe that His plans are better than we could ever imagine. The Christmas story is one of Grace - God pouring our His grace and favour into the human story.

Last Sunday's message brought our EVIDENCE series to a close. We are challenged to stand firm on the truth of God's Word and to be fill our minds with His Word. As we do so, we can walk with confidence, and with one another in boldness. Seeing the Word lived out in our lives will reveal our faith, and it is a foundation that will last.

Last Sunday's message continues on the theme of experiencing victory as an evidence of our faith. Because Jesus has overcome, we can overcome. He has defeated sin and the grave - and His victory also belongs to us in Jesus Name and by the power of His Spirit working through us. Stepping into this realization can drastically change our walk, and we again are reminded to surrender to His Spirit. We are overcomes!

Another way to prove our faith is to experience victory that is found only in Jesus Name. To do this, we are reminded to walk in the Spirit and choose to intentionally surrender to Him. We should also remember Jesus' promise to never let us face any temptation or trial we can't overcome in His strength. Because of Who Jesus is and what He's done, we can and should experience victory here and now.

Our message from last Sunday continued on the topic of serving. The more we become like Christ - the more it will impact how we serve one another. This effect will be seen in our families, communities and local church body. We are reminded that we must return to a place of surrender, and serve for Jesus alone - a heart’s place of service to Him, as King and Lord of our lives. Serving is evidence of our faith.

Last Sunday's message began a two-part study on the topic of serving, and how this can be such a powerful way to reveal our faith. God has given us liberty, and we should seek to use it to serve Him. Not for the approval of men, but only because of our love for Jesus. When our hearts are surrendered in this way, His Spirit can work through us and glorify the Father.

Part 2 of EVIDENCE focuses in on spiritual growth. Our own spiritual formation is such an impactful way to prove our faith and our growth is something that can point others to Jesus. We are challenged to reevaluate the steps we are taking to experience growth.

Last Sunday's message began a brand new series entitled "EVIDENCE". As we move into this new season, we ask a simple, yet meaningful question - "What does a difference-making faith look like? How can I truly show the evidence of my faith?" We will be studying through Hebrews 11 to answer this. Our first instalment lays the foundation for our study ahead as we must ensure we place and prioritize our faith in Christ alone.

Prayer For The Church by City Baptist Church Vancouver

Serving Together by City Baptist Church Vancouver