• Quantitative vs. Qualitative Faith
    Jan 26 2025

    In this episode we look at Mark 10:17-31. This passage reflects on Jesus' interaction with a wealthy man who seeks guidance on what he must/can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus teaches that no one is truly good except God and that our worldly reliance on ourselves (that can lead to wealth or possessions) can be a barrier to entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus teaches that salvation is not achieved through human effort but is only possible through God's grace and Jesus' sacrifice. Therefore we need to surrender what holds us back, (again) embrace humility in service, and trust in God's power, not our own.

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    27 mins
  • How to Achieve Greatness
    Jan 19 2025

    As we continue in the season of Epiphany, we reflect on Jesus further revealing his true identity and purpose as the suffering servant. Jesus’ teachings in Mark 9:30-50, emphasizes humility, servanthood, and caring for the disadvantaged as central to the Kingdom of God. It encourages us to embrace spiritual maturity, prioritize serving others over personal status, and support the church's mission to nurture new believers and future leaders.

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    19 mins
  • A Matter of Perspective
    Jan 12 2025

    As we continue in the season of Epiphany, we reflect on Jesus further revealing himself through the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration in Mark’s Gospel reveals a glimpse of Jesus' divine identity and mission from the Kingdom of God's perspective, as the voice of God declares, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." This passage challenges us to trust God’s greater perspective, follow Jesus in faith, and rely on prayer during struggles, even when doubt arises.

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    29 mins
  • Is Christmas Worth It?
    Dec 24 2024

    It's Christmas Eve and we reflect on if Christmas is really worth it.

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    24 mins
  • What are You Being Asked to Give This Christmas?
    Dec 15 2024

    In this episode we reflect on the 3rd Sunday in Advent focused around joy. John the Baptist “denied his own comforts and was prepared to die for what he believed because He wanted to share this joyful news with others.”

    Jesus has been sharing his message with all who have ears to hear (and eyes to see). Though many have rejected the message, many have accepted and received Jesus. However, they still do not fully see who Jesus is (illustrated literally when Jesus heals the blind man).

    Peter is the first to confess Jesus is the Christ, but even He doesn't fully understand as Jesus follows this by explaining that he must die and that the trust cost of discipleship that that we pick up our cross and follow him – making ourselves a living sacrifice, being willing to give up our individual ambitions (and more), and willing to go where Jesus leads us.

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    30 mins
  • Was Jesus Racist?
    Dec 8 2024

    Pastor Jonathan takes us through Mark 7 when Jesus has an interaction with a Phoenician woman seeking deliverance for her child from a demon. At first, it appears that he is being very harsh and dare we say possibly racist? Her child was healed because of her faith, and we learn what Jesus was communicating and that our task is to share hope, peace, joy, love and light with the world.

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    28 mins
  • A Distilled Drop: Blasphemy!
    Nov 24 2024

    This week we are joined by the Rev. David Fuller who brings a message of the immense power of forgiveness that Jesus provides and how our Christian lives should demonstrate that.

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    32 mins
  • Expect the Unexpected
    Nov 17 2024

    In this episode the Rev. Lynne Ellis joins us as we continue through the gospel of Mark. We look at how knowing the Lord is about expecting the unexpected, and also how Jesus exercised his authority, challenging the expectations of the day. He also leaves us with the challenge to feed on things that draw us closer to God so we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2)

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    www.opengatechurch.ca
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    22 mins