Benediction Church, #HamOnt

Benediction Church, #HamOnt

By Benediction Church, Hamilton

We're a church in Hamilton, Ontario learning to practice the way of Jesus, and we pray for the day it'll be in Hamilton as it is in Heaven. These recordings are from our Sunday "Word and Table" gatherings, and are offered freely to all sinners, saints, and skeptics interested in learning what it might look like to *be* the Church.
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1: Ahab's Greed for Naboth's Vineyard

Benediction Church, #HamOntJul 01, 2025
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23:52
1: Ahab's Greed for Naboth's Vineyard

1: Ahab's Greed for Naboth's Vineyard

Date: Sunday June 29, 2025

Scripture: 1Kings 12:1-16

Speaker: Mike Mileski

Series: Money Talks


In a world of Ahab's, will we be a Naboth? In this ancient scam, the wealthy King Ahab and Queen Jezebel take advantage of a man with much less, and have him killed in order to seize his property.

Most of us won't be involved in something so cruel or underhanded. But this story forces all of us to ask: What are we willing to do to have what we want? What would we not do? Whose suffering will we tolerate if it means having more, or nicer things?


#greed, #money, #wealth, #possessions, #jesus, #gospel, #church, #hamont

Jul 01, 202523:52
In the Beginning, Part 4: The Image of God

In the Beginning, Part 4: The Image of God

Sunday, June 22nd, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28; Revelation 22:3-5

Teacher: Nathan Tomes


In this wrap up to our series on Creation, we're challenged to think of the Image of God not as some ability that we have that animals don't, but as an identity and a calling. It's two things not one, and it makes a huge difference for how we relate to ourselves, one another, and the world.


#imagodei, #identity, #calling, #vocation

Jul 01, 202524:27
The Lost World Session 3 + Question and Answer

The Lost World Session 3 + Question and Answer

Sunday June 8th, 2025

Teacher: Dr. John Walton.

Moderator: Mike Mileski


In this final lecture, Dr. John Walton addresses the ancient context and language of Genesis two. What does it mean that humans were created "from dust"? Was Eve really formed from Adam's rib?


Dr. Walton also answers questions submitted by conference attendees.

Jun 20, 202501:12:39
The Lost World Session 1 + Question and Answer

The Lost World Session 1 + Question and Answer

Teacher: Dr. John Walton.

Moderator: Mike Mileski


In this lecture, the first of our The Lost World conference, Dr. John Walton orients us to the ancient meaning of Genesis one. What is God trying to communicate in this story? What makes this passage so important? What does it NOT say?


Following his lecture, Dr. Walton answers questions submitted by conference attendees.

Jun 20, 202501:04:44
In the Beginning, Part 3: Creation in Ancient Cultures and the Bible

In the Beginning, Part 3: Creation in Ancient Cultures and the Bible

Sunday, June 15th, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 45:18–23; Philippians 2:9–11

Teacher: Dr. John Hilber


One of the thorny issues in Creation Conversations is the fact that many ancient Near-Eastern cultures told stories that greatly resemble what we read in Genesis. For some, this suggests that maybe Genesis isn't a reliable account of Creation after all.


Did ancient Israelites plagiarize the Babylonians, Canaanites, Mesopotamians? What beliefs did they have in common? What's unique about the biblical Creation account, compared with others'? How is our faith helped by knowing what other cultures were saying - before Genesis - about Creation?


#Genesis #Creation #Israel #Hebrew #Mesopotamia #Babylon #Canaan #hermeneutics #interpretation

Jun 20, 202530:24
In the Beginning, Part 2 : A Biblical Theology of Order

In the Beginning, Part 2 : A Biblical Theology of Order

Sunday June 8th, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23

Teacher: Dr. John Walton


What was God's aim in creating the world? Humanity? A garden? The tree? What did it all mean? In this message, Dr. John Walton, author of the "The Lost World of..." series presents Order as a unifying theme of the Genesis story, and indeed, all of Scripture.

At Creation, God's aim was to bring order, and He has called us to be participants in that work as order-bringers with Him. This message was also the second in our The Lost World conference.


#TheLostWorld #Genesis #Creation #Evolution #Order #NaturalSelection #CulturalRiver #AdamandEve #Paradise #Garden

Jun 20, 202533:56
In the Beginning, Part 1: Garden Tools

In the Beginning, Part 1: Garden Tools

Sunday June 1, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 8

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Our culture seems divided between those who trust *either* in science, *or* in the Bible. Yet this isn't a choice God asks us to make. Studying the biblical teaching about creation is like any other important work: we need to be equipped with the right tools and information. If not, we'll fail to see what's there, or, we'll impose meanings on the text that aren't true.

This is the first in a series of messages called "In the Beginning". In this message, we're introduced to some "Garden Tools" that will help see and reflect deeply on what Scripture does (and does not) teach about Creation.


#InTheBeginning #Gospel #Jesus #Genesis #Creation #inerrancy #authority #inspiration #Culture

Jun 20, 202531:33
Part 4: A Conversation about Aging

Part 4: A Conversation about Aging

May 25, 2025

Mike and Heather Mileski


While not yet "old" Mike and Heather have definitely learned a few things about aging, and wrestling with the implications. What's the hardest part of getting older? What are the blessings of aging? Should Christians retire and collect shells, or is there some other way we should look at our senior years?


#aging #retirement #thegospel #newlife #resurrection #church

May 29, 202530:18
Part 3: A Conversation about Mental Health

Part 3: A Conversation about Mental Health

Can a Christian's anxiety or depression be cured by trusting God more? Should we go to therapy, or is that dangerous? Isn't it true that our mental and emotional problems are really just spiritual warfare?


This week, Mike and Heather share candidly about their own journey as a couple navigating diagnosed mental illnesses - what it's meant for their family, their marriage, and their faith.


#mentalhealth #mentalillness #depression #ptsd #BDP #trauma #anxiety #thegospel #jesus #church

May 29, 202537:52
Part 2: A Conversation about Church

Part 2: A Conversation about Church

May 11, 2025

Mike and Heather Mileski


What are the signs of a healthy church? How can we know if it's time to leave a church? Is there really such thing as a "good" church, and what's our responsibility?


In this session, Mike and Heather discuss some of their best and most painful church experiences, and what they've learned from it all.


#church #membership #jesus #thegospel #religion

May 29, 202540:04
Part 1: A Conversation about the City

Part 1: A Conversation about the City

Sunday May 4, 2025

Mike and Heather Mileski


How is practicing our faith in Hamilton different from other contexts, like the country? What are the challenges that come with being a Christian in the city? What are some unique advantages or opportunities?In this recording, Mike and Heather kick off our Life Lessons 2025 series with a conversation about what it's like to practice the way of Jesus in the city.


#Hamont #Hamilton #YMCC #church #thegospel #jesus

May 29, 202530:28
A Morning of Contemplative Passion Prayer

A Morning of Contemplative Passion Prayer

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Teacher: Mike Mileski


This morning we concluded our Passion series with some review and reflection on the meaning of the Cross. By creating space and time this contemplative prayer exercise, we hope you'll invite God's Spirit to internalize all these beautiful truths about what happened when Jesus died.


#prayer #contemplativeprayer #scripture #church #thegospel #visodivina

May 01, 202530:55
At the Cross, Jesus has Defeated Death Forever!

At the Cross, Jesus has Defeated Death Forever!

Sunday April 20, 2025

Scripture:  Acts 2:22-36

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Peter explained how when Jesus died, death couldn’t hold Him. It was impossible for Him to stay dead. In that case what was the point of the Cross? Jesus went down into Death and blew it up from the inside, freeing those who'd been trapped there. And in case there was any doubt, He proved it by rising from the dead on Easter Sunday morning! The Cross is a picture of the end of death!


#easter #resurrection #heisrisen #harrowingofhades #sheol #hades #death #newlife #thepassion

May 01, 202530:59
At the Cross, Jesus Succeeded where Adam Failed

At the Cross, Jesus Succeeded where Adam Failed

Sunday April 13, 2025

Scripture:  Rom 5:12-21

Teacher: Mike Mileski


When Adam disobeyed God in the Garden, all humanity was brought under a curse and God’s image in us was distorted. God has sent a second Adam: His Son Jesus. Where the first Adam failed and disobeyed, Jesus has succeeded by obeying all the way to the cross. The Cross is a picture of a new start, and the decision each of us must make. We will follow one Adam or the other - which Adam are you following?


#AdamandEve #Eden #curse #fall #sin #obedience #jesus #recapitulation #thepassion

May 01, 202529:48
Satan was Disarmed and Defeated at the Cross

Satan was Disarmed and Defeated at the Cross

Sunday April 6, 2025

Scripture:  Col. 2:9-15

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Since the beginning of time, we’ve been tempted, deceived, and shamed by Satan, our accuser. He uses the Powers against us, and his schemes leave us feeling defeated. But at the Cross, Satan was disarmed of his greatest weapon and utterly defeated by Jesus. The Cross may not have looked like a victory, but it was! This what the defeat of Satan looks like!


#jesus #satan #thecross #thepowers #christusvictor #thepassion #gospel

May 01, 202534:24
Peace was Made on the Cross

Peace was Made on the Cross

Sunday March 30, 2025

Scripture:  Eph.2:11-22

Teacher: Lane Fusilier

Our culture is divided across all sorts of lines: Race and religion. Liberals vs conservatives. The wealthy vs the poor. Traditional vs modern. As often as we participate in these divisions, we are rebuilding the very walls that Jesus died to destroy. On the Cross, Jesus died to make peace and tear down all the walls between us.


#peace #peacemaking #gospel #jesus #racism #classism #poverty #wealth #liberals #conservatives #division #unity #church #thepassion

May 01, 202537:32
Jesus Ransomed Us from Slavery to Sin at the Cross

Jesus Ransomed Us from Slavery to Sin at the Cross

Sunday March 16, 2025

Scripture: Romans 6:15-23

Teacher: Mike Mileski


In Scripture, slavery is a metaphor for sin. And from the beginning, God has made provision for slaves to find freedom, through a ransom. Once we realize the price that's been paid for our freedom from sin, it transforms us. We'd never go back to our old masters. Or would we?


#slavery #gospel #redeemer #ransomtheory #atonement #devil #sin #jesus #Christianity #church

Mar 26, 202530:28
Jesus was our Substitute on the Cross

Jesus was our Substitute on the Cross

Sunday March 16, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 53

Teacher: Danielle Visser


The image of Jesus on a cross strikes some of us as an overreaction - like "surely there's nothing I could have done to deserve THAT". Others assume that as horrible as the Cross is, it's not enough - like "My sins are too serious; I'm unforgivable. THAT would never work for me."

In this message, Danielle goes to the Scripture to show how it corrects both assumptions: The Cross is good news: Yes, there's a penalty we all deserved, but it's been borne by Jesus. And yes, we all deserve to be separated from God, but a substitute has settled it for us!


#Gospel #Jesus #church #PSA #atonement #cross #lambofGod #passover

Mar 19, 202533:35
God's Justice was Demonstrated at the Cross

God's Justice was Demonstrated at the Cross

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Scripture: Romans 3:21-26

Teacher: Mike Mileski

The Cross means different things to different people. And yet, the Scriptures tell us many reasons why it was necessary for Christ to die. In this message, we study what some have called "the most important paragraph in the Bible" to understand how Jesus solved the most serious problem facing the world.


#gospel #righteousness #atonement #cross #jesus

Mar 11, 202527:38
Blessed are the Persecuted!

Blessed are the Persecuted!

Date: Mar 2, 2025

Scripture: Matt. 5:10-12

Speaker: Mike Mileski


In our culture, it's hard to imagine having to endure opposition on account of our faith, but there have been times when identifying as a Christ follower resulted in terrible, painful persecution. In this message we wrap up our study of the Beatitudes by exploring the reasons for persecution, its roots, and its results for the Church and our witness.


#persecution #peace #powers #spiritualwarfare #gospel #church #jesus

Mar 11, 202538:38
Blessed are the Peacemakers!

Blessed are the Peacemakers!

Date: February 23, 2025

Scripture: Matt 5:1-9

Speaker: Mike Mileski

Anyone who has spent time in a church community knows that Christians are not immune to conflict. When it comes, some will go on the attack; others will run and hide from it, and some will try and ignore it and pretend everything is okay.

The choices we make about how to resolve conflict show whose we are - and in this beatitude, Jesus says that it's the peacemakers who'll be called God's children!


#peace #conflict #reconciliation #forgiveness #gospel #shalom #unity #jesus

Feb 25, 202538:38
Blessed are the Pure in Heart!

Blessed are the Pure in Heart!

Date: February 16, 2025

Scripture: Matt 5:1-8

Speaker: Mike Mileski

People wear masks for all kinds of reasons - we want to appear different than we are because we fear rejection, or because we crave acceptance.

In this study, we learn that our greatest problem is the problem of a divided heart - we anchor our hearts to too many different, unhelpful things, instead of one glorious, beautiful thing: Christ. Jesus' promise for us is that it's those with undivided hearts who'll see God!

#hypocrites #hypocrisy #masks #augustine #heart #religiousaffections #gospel #jesus

Feb 25, 202527:13
Blessed are the Merciful!

Blessed are the Merciful!

Date: February 9, 2025

Scripture: Matt 5:1-7

Speaker: Mike Mileski

Many of us divide the world into good guys and bad guys; safe and unsafe, lawbreakers and law abiders. And on that basis, we'll make all our decisions about who deserves our friendship, our time, and our kindness.

In this beatitude, we learn how mercy - according to Jesus - upends all of that. Mercy is a challenge, and choice, and a crisis. But it's the merciful who'll be shown mercy!


#lesmiserables #jeanvaljean #24601 #mercy #merciful #gospel #church

Feb 25, 202529:55
Blessed are those who starve for righteousness!

Blessed are those who starve for righteousness!

Date: February 2, 2025

Scripture: Matt 5:1-6

Speaker: Mike Mileski


There are people who hunger and thirst for righteousness - they long to know that they're been forgiven, seen, and loved by God. Assurance can seem elusive, and many will struggle to find it. In this study, we learn that the struggle for righteousness IS our assurance! And those who hunger and thirst for it will be satisfied!


#assurance #salvation #justification #sanctification #HolySpirit #gospel #jesus #luther #martinluther #church

Feb 25, 202528:60
Blessed are the Meek!

Blessed are the Meek!

Series: Beatitudes (part 3)

Date: January 26, 2025

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Who are the "meek"? This might be the most counter-cultural of all the Beatitudes!

Jesus embodied meekness, yet He wasn't weak. How do we know whether we're meek?What will it look like for His people to follow His example, and inherit the earth?


#beatitudes, #gospel, #jesus, #beatitudes, #meekness, #Kingdom, #vangogh, #lotr, #frodo

Jan 30, 202531:44
Blessed are Those who Mourn!

Blessed are Those who Mourn!

Series: Beatitudes (part 2)

Date: January 19, 2025

Teacher: Mike Mileski


The pain and suffering we face cause people to react differently: we escape it, we numb ourselves to it, or we may lose our faith. Yet we have a God who can handle our questions, our doubts, and our pain. He welcomes it, and says "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." We hope this message will be a comfort to you.


#beatitudes, #gospel, #jesus, #beatitudes, #grief, #lament, #mourning, #Kingdom

Jan 23, 202530:37
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit!

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit!

Series: Beatitudes (part 1)

Date: January 12, 2025

Teacher: Mike Mileski


The Sermon on the Mount is regarded by many as one of the greatest, if not the greatest collection of teachings ever shared. In it, Jesus shares many of His most important, counter-cultural ideas.


This week, we're introduced to the Sermon on the Mount, and the first of Jesus' Beatitudes. What's Jesus' goal in the Beatitudes, and what could He possibly mean by this first one: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven"?


#beatitudes, #SermonontheMount, #deconstruction, #happiness, #blessed, #theGospel, #jesus

Jan 14, 202529:33
6. Prayer - Advent in Review

6. Prayer - Advent in Review

Series: The Perfect Gift (Part 6)

Date: December 29, 2024

Teacher: Mike Mileski


It's so easy to rush ahead to thoughts about the new year ahead, and forget to reflect on what's happened in the year gone by. So this week's recording is a prayerful reflection exercise: We review each of the themes of Advent (hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ) and created quiet space in which to examine, and hear God speak. We hope this recording might help you unpack and appreciate the ways God blessed you over Advent this year.


#prayer, #Advent, #reflection, #contemplation, #ContemplativePrayer, #ListeningPrayer, #Rest, #NewYear2025, #HappyNewYear

Jan 10, 202527:26
5. Christ - The Story of the Light's Return

5. Christ - The Story of the Light's Return

Series: The Perfect Gift (Part 5)

Date: December 24, 2024

Scripture: (John 1:1-13)

Teacher: Mike Mileski


At this time of year, Jews celebrate Hanukkah, or as a reminder that when things seemed darkest, a miracle occurred, and the light was restored. It points the way to God's true and greater light: Christ who is God incarnate. He said so while celebrating Hanukkah. There is a lot of darkness, but Christ has come - He proves that God is not done doing miracles; His light still shines in the darkness.


#light, #Advent, #Christ, #incarnation, #theGospel, #Hanukkah, #FeastofDedication

Jan 10, 202519:45
4. Love - The Story of Joseph

4. Love - The Story of Joseph

Series: The Perfect Gift (Part 4)

Date: December 22, 2024

Scripture: (Matthew 1:18-24; 2:13-23)

Teacher: Mike Mileski


It turns out that a lot of what we call "love" in our culture really isn't. It's often self-serving, fragile, and conditional. God's love is not, and we see it demonstrated in the choices of Joseph, who married Mary, and served as father to Jesus. If you struggle to know what real love looks like, this message should encourage and challenge you.


#love, #Joseph, #Advent, #theGospel

Jan 10, 202523:12
3. Joy - The Story of Mary

3. Joy - The Story of Mary

Series: The Perfect Gift (Part 3)

Date: December 15, 2024

Scripture: (Luke 1:26-56)

Teacher: Nathan Tomes


When Mary of Nazareth received the news that she'd be mother to the Messiah, it would have been easy for her to react with self pity over the disruption of her plans and goals. Instead, she bursts out in one of the most beautiful, joyful, important, and disruptive prophetic songs ever recorded. Where does her joy come from? How can this joy be ours?


#joy, #Mary, #theGospel, #advent

Jan 10, 202517:21
2. Peace - The Story of Zachariah, Elizabeth, and John

2. Peace - The Story of Zachariah, Elizabeth, and John

Series: The Perfect Gift (Part 2)

Date: December 8, 2024

Scripture: (Luke 1:57-79)

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Often, what passes for "peace" really isn't - like in the Pax Romana, when Rome conquered and destroyed and enslaved, and the world called it "peace".

John's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth weren't deceived because because they'd been praying for God's TRUE peace: His Shalom. Advent is their story too - the story of prayers answered, and a son who would prepare the way for Messiah, who'd teach us all the "path of peace".


#peace, #shalom, #pax, #paxromana, #violence, #paxamericana, #paxeuropa, #ukraine #gaza #war

Dec 12, 202424:35
1. Hope - The Story of Simeon and Anna

1. Hope - The Story of Simeon and Anna

Series: The Perfect Gift (Part 1)

Date: December 1, 2024

Scripture: (Luke 2:22-39)

Teacher: Mike Lewis


The years before the arrival of Jesus were dark, difficult ones for God's people. As an oppressed, conquered people, many in Israel had given up hope that things could get better.

Two important exceptions were Simeon and Anna. Their hope - in spite of appearances - is a powerful testimony to all of us that Jesus is God's perfect gift for people who struggle to trust that God CAN and DOES keep His promises.

Dec 10, 202422:09
9. Listening Prayer (Series Conclusion)

9. Listening Prayer (Series Conclusion)

Series: Formed (Part 9)

Date: November 24,

Scripture: 2Corinthians 3:12-18

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Over the last several weeks we've learned about spiritual disciplines by which God forms us - like a potter with clay - into the image of Jesus. In this final message, we review and reflect on what we've heard and invite God to speak to us. This guided listening prayer creates space for us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and listen for the Spirit's voice. We trust it'll be helpful for you!


#prayer #listeningprayer #contemplativeprayer #spiritualformation #formed

Dec 10, 202426:03
8. Gospel Proclamation

8. Gospel Proclamation

Series: Formed (Part 8)

Date: November 17, 2024

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Many of us have cringey evangelism stories to tell. Somehow we learned that evangelism is about proving Christianity is the best religion, and those who reject it are fools.

In this message, Philip's conversation with the Ethiopian Eunuch gives us helpful lessons about what Gospel proclamation is and isn't. And, we saw why anyone who believes this Gospel - literally anyone - is qualified to announce it to others.


#evangelism #gospel #jesus #witnessing #defeaters #apologetics #conversion #sexualminorities #holyspirit #church

Nov 21, 202430:24
7. Celebration!

7. Celebration!

Series: Formed (Part 7)

Date: November 10, 2024

Scripture: Psalm 96

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Everyone is a worshipper, and everyone worships. What happens when Christians gather for corporate worship?

In this message, we learn to see the regular gathering of God's people for worship as one more spiritual discipline that God will use to make us more like Jesus. It's not about "going to church" - it's about being the Church by showing up to celebrate the one who formed the Church, and become more like Him!

Nov 14, 202429:47
6. Stewardship

6. Stewardship

Series: Formed (Part 6)

Date: November 3, 2024

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Teacher: Mike Mileski

Jesus had more to say about money than virtually any other subject. He knew that sometimes, what we own actually owns US. In this message, we're challenged to relate to our wealth and possessions as stewards - managing what God has entrusted to us - in order to find freedom from greed, materialism, coveting, consumerism, etc.


#wealth, #money, #greed, #thegospel, #covetousness, #materialism, #consumerism, #hamont, #thegospel, #jesus

Nov 05, 202432:37
5. Suffering

5. Suffering

Series: Formed (Part 5)

Date: October 27, 2024

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14

Teachers: Lane Fusilier and Mike Mileski


This week is a special one on one conversation on suffering between Pastor Mike and retired pastor Lane Fusilier. Lane's stories of personal loss and suffering make him a powerful voice for those of us wrestling with how to go through suffering in a way that makes us more like Jesus, not less.


It's true that suffering isn't like other spiritual disciplines - because it's not something we choose; on the other hand, it's just as much a tool that God will use to form us, if we're aware of His presence with us while we're in it.


#suffering, #theGospel, #thecross, #jesus, #theChurch, #loss, #grief, #sorrow


Oct 30, 202436:31
4. Scripture

4. Scripture

Series: Formed (Part 4)

Date: October 20, 2024

Scripture: Psalm 119:97-106

Teacher: Mike Mileski


The aim of reading Scripture isn't just to add more Bible knowledge to our brains, but to internalize God's Word. What method(s) of study will help us do so? How do we know we can trust the Bible? What do we do when we find apparent mistakes in there? This message sets out to show why and how the regular reading of Scripture is an essential practice for followers of Jesus.


#theBible, #scripture, #authority, #inerrancy, #sufficiency, #GodsWord, #spiritualdisciplines, #practicingtheway #formed

Oct 22, 202428:50
3. Prayer

3. Prayer

Series: Formed (Part 3)

Date: October 13, 2024

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Corrie Ten Boom said "When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy.”

More recently, Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen said "The only way to pray is to pray, and the way to pray well is to pray much.”

Prayer is central to the Christian life, and we cannot become more like Jesus without spending time with Him, and contemplating Him in prayer. In this message we set out to answer common questions about prayer, and to introduce several different kinds or forms of prayer.


#prayer, #contemplativeprayer, #lectiodivina, #visiodivina, #examen, #walkingprayer, #journalling

Oct 15, 202431:26
2. Sabbath

2. Sabbath

Series: Formed (Part 2)

Date: October 6, 2024

Scripture: Mark 2:23-3:5; Luke 13:10-17

Teacher: Mike Mileski


By nearly every available measure, we live in an Anxiety Culture. Like the Ancient Hebrews, we live in fear of we know not what or whom.

To that culture, and to ours, God calls us to practice Sabbath. It's perhaps the greatest tool in our anxiety toolbox, and the most ancient spiritual discipline.

We ought to Sabbath for all sorts of reasons, and if we do, we can start to believe and live like our time is holy; who can trust God with all the things on our 'to-do' list that didn't get done, and whose decisions are no longer made from fear, but faith.


#anxiety, #sabbath, #exodus, #moses, #jesus, #thegospel, #sunday, #lordsday, #genesis, #miracles


Oct 11, 202427:52
1. Apprentices of Jesus

1. Apprentices of Jesus

Series: Formed (Part 1)

Date: September 29, 2024

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Teacher: Mike Mileski

We make choices every day about the kind of people we'll be. We pattern our lives after rabbis who (rightly or wrongly) form our thinking, our loves, our practices, and send us out to make more disciples of them.

In this message we're introduced to Jesus not as a head of a world religion, but as a Jewish rabbi followed by His apprentices. He invites us to do the same - because whether it's Him or another, SOMEone is our rabbi.


#Discipleship, #TheGospel, #RabbiJesus, #TheDustoftheRabbi, #Disciples, #TheChurch, #Jesus

Oct 03, 202428:41
Ekklesia 3. Called into Discipleship

Ekklesia 3. Called into Discipleship

Scripture: Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 10:13-16

Date: September 22, 2024

Teacher: Mike Mileski


In the conclusion to this series, we ask what it really looks like to "carry our cross" and follow Jesus.

We need to be really honest: the Christian life isn't usually a choice between A and B, where A is clearly God's will and B is clearly not.

We need to learn the NORMAL rhythm of preaching the Gospel to our hearts. There really is no substitute or alternative. This is how we become like Jesus, or it doesn't happen.


#discipleship, #theChurch, #carryyourcross, #jesus, #theGospel



Sep 24, 202430:10
Ekklesia 2. Called Into Mission

Ekklesia 2. Called Into Mission

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

Date: Sunday September 15, 2024

Teacher: Mike Mileski


Of course Jesus' followers want others to hear about Him, to be saved, and to follow Him their whole lives long. But the HOW matters.

In this message we learn what it should look like when the Ekklesia - Jesus' "called out" people - are on Mission.


#mission, #evangelism, #church, #ekklesia, #Jesus, #theGospel

Sep 18, 202442:28
Ekklesia 1. Called Into Community

Ekklesia 1. Called Into Community

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Date: Sunday September 8, 2024

Teacher: Mike Mileski


There are all sorts of reasons (some good, some bad) why people are leaving the Church. This message is an honest, warts-and-all, biblical description of what the Church has always been since its earliest days: beautiful, messy, and necessary. Why should our experience of Church community be any different?

Rather, we should realize we will NEVER outgrow our need to be in this sort of broken, beautiful, imperfect community.


#church, #theGospel, #community, #deconstruction

Sep 11, 202429:24
Un-Busying Your Life

Un-Busying Your Life

Date: September 1, 2024 (Labour Day)

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Teacher: Mike Mileski

Most of us spend our days feeling crazy busy, like our schedules are out of control, and we can't get done the things we need to. Interestingly, all the studies show that we're less busy than any previous generation.

In this study of Jesus' visit with Mary and Martha, we learn that we probably have a lot more in common with Martha than we think. And Jesus' command for her is the same one He has for us. If we obey Him, it doesn't have to be this way. We really can un-busy our lives!

Sep 04, 202429:27
10. Jesus Raises Lazarus

10. Jesus Raises Lazarus

Date: August 25, 2024

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Teacher: Dwayne Cline


Death is the ultimate enemy. When His good friend Lazarus died, Jesus' pained and angry reaction show us just how much He hates death. In this message, our friend Dwayne Cline shows us that this miracle is a signpost of a new world where there's no death, no dying, no goodbyes.

Sep 04, 202441:11
9. Jarus' Daughter and the Woman who Bled

9. Jarus' Daughter and the Woman who Bled

Date: August 18, 2024

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Teacher: Nathan Scott


Sometimes we feel sure we know how God should work, and when He doesn't, it's easy to get frustrated with Him. Imagine being Jairus, who pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and on the way to do so, He stops instead and heals someone else. In this message, Nathan Shares how stories like this don't weaken our faith; they strengthen it.

Sep 04, 202445:37
8. Jesus Heals a Paralytic

8. Jesus Heals a Paralytic

Date: August 11, 2024

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26 (ESV)

Teacher: Rony Mikhael

Though one paralyzed man was healed, this is also a story of how three communities view Jesus: the religious leaders, the crowds, and the ones who carried this man into the presence of Jesus. In this message, our friend Rony Mikhael shows that Jesus isn't only about meeting physical needs; He's building a community that loves each other, bears one another's burdens, and trusts in Him.

Aug 14, 202439:16
7. Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

7. Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

Date: August 4, 2024

Scripture: Mark 8:22-26

Teacher: Rolf Nanninga

This miracle raises a lot of good questions because Jesus doesn't heal the man born blind in the way that we might have. That's the way of Jesus - sometimes He doesn't behave the way we expect Him to, or answer our prayers the ways we wish He did. In this message, our friend Rolf Nanninga challenges us with the question: Will we trust Him still?

Aug 14, 202435:50