Archived Messages
Palm Sunday
March 28, 2010
Today, Pastor Tim interviews Seleshi Michaels, a member of our congregation who recently returned from his homeland of Ethiopia.
On this Palm Sunday, as we reflect on the
hope that Jesus brought with Him into Jerusalem so many years ago, let us be mindful that we are to be conduits of
hope to people in our community and our world.
Serving, With Love, Our Church, Our Community and the World
March 21, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Today we consider the last of FCBC's seven behavioral values: serving, with love, our church, our community and the entire world.
Growing Spiritually and Relationally Through Biblical Truth and Meaningful Worship
March 14, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Today we continue our examination of the Vision/Mission/Values statement for FCBC as prepared by our elders team. Another value we hold dear at FCBC is
growing spiritually and relationally through biblical truth and meaningful worship.
Building One Another Up Through Prayer, Encouragment, Care and Compassion
March 7, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Part of the behavior of a healthy church is
building one another up through prayer, encouragement, care and compassion.
Today’s theme explores this trait.
Communicating With Openness, Honesty and Respect
February 28, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Our focus today is on the third behavior that we value here at Faith Community Baptist Church:
Communicating with openness, honesty and respect.
Celebrating God's Grace in our Daily Lives
February 21, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
One of FCBC’s elders, Linda Ray, speaks on the second behavior that we value as a congregation: Celebrating God’s grace in our daily lives.
Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ
February 14, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
This Sunday we identify the first of seven behaviors that we highly value at Faith Community Baptist Church. #1: Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Providing an Experience That Will Inspire, Refresh and Bless
February 7, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Have you had an experience recently that inspired, refreshed or blessed you? If so, was there a church anywhere around when such occurred? One of our ministry objectives at Faith Community Baptist Church is to “provide an experience that will inspire,
refresh and bless.” But—SURPRISE!—did you know that success in this regard presupposes a two-way street? That’s right—there’s the church’s role….everybody knows about that. But, of equal if not occasionally greater importance, there’s also the individual worshipper’s
role involved in successfully being inspired, refreshed and blessed. Today’s message may offend you, but we’d like to think that sometimes that’s just part of what it takes to be “inspired, refreshed and blessed.”
Displaying Behaviours That are Affirming and Accepting
January 31, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Today’s message introduces the second of three steps regarding how we intend to accomplish our mission as a congregation: by displaying behaviours that are affirming and accepting.
Creating an Inviting and Hospitable Environment
January 24, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Today we continue our new series of messages entitled BECOMING A MORE EFFECTIVE CHURCH. Today’s message introduces the first of three steps regarding how we intend to accomplish our mission as a congregation: by creating an inviting and hospitable environment.
To Enrich Lives with the Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
January 17, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Today we continue our new series of messages entitled Becoming a More Effective Church. Today’s message introduces our mission as a congregation: to enrich lives with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ…
Being a More Effective Church
January 10, 2010
Series: Becoming a More Effective Church
Today we begin a new series of messages focusing on FCBC’s Vision, Mission and Values. Today’s message addresses our desire to be a more effective witness for Christ in our community and introduces our Vision statement: We will be a welcoming and engaging
church that is growing with Airdrie.
Good News for a New Year
January 3, 2010
What are some of the promises of God we carry into a new year?
Year-End Celebration
December 27, 2009
On this year-end Sunday, we pause to look back and worship God for his faithfulness to us as a congregation and as families and individuals throughout 2009. Come with a voice prepared to sing God’s praises and share his faithfulness.
The Wisdom of Wonder
December 20, 2009
Series: All I Want for Christmas is...
Today marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the conclusion of a series of Christmas meditations entitled All I Want For Christmas Is… The Wisdom of Wonder—relearning the art of awe in a high-tech age
Joy to the World
December 13, 2009
Series: All I Want for Christmas is...
Today marks the Third Sunday of Advent and the continuation of a series of Christmas meditations entitled All I Want for Christmas Is… Joy to the World—being committed to brightening a stranger’s life this season
Peace On Earth
December 6, 2009
Series: All I Want for Christmas is...
Today marks the Second Sunday of Advent and the continuation of a series of Christmas meditations entitled All I Want for Christmas Is… Peace on Earth—what am I doing to contribute to peace in my little corner of the earth?
A Silent Night
November 29, 2009
Series: All I Want for Christmas is...
Today marks the First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a series of Christmas meditations entitled All I Want for Christmas is… Today—A Silent Night—thoughts on building times of stillness and reflection into a hectic time of year!
Part 9: Gideon—Speaker: Don Somerville
November 22, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
Like Gideon, perhaps the ultimate demonstration that we are Living Like You Really Mean It! is when we are willing to step out of our comfort zone.
Part 8: Deborah and Jael
November 15, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
The message today continues a series entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! Today’s mentors are Deborah and Jael who teach us that what really matters is not so much the instrument God uses as the power behind the instrument.
Part 7: Joshua
November 8, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
The message today continues a series entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! Today’s mentor is Joshua who models what it means to live with your focus on God rather than on people.
Part 6: Balaam
November 1, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
Today we continue a series of messages entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! by deriving some lessons from the life of Balaam who had to learn how to keep his priorities straight and resist compromise.
Part 5: Moses
October 25, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
Today we continue a series of messages entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! by deriving some lessons from the life of Moses who had to learn how to maintain his focus while dealing with a fickle tyrant and a cranky congregation.
Part 4: Aaron
October 18, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
Today we continue a series of messages entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! by deriving some lessons from the life of Aaron who had to learn how to play second fiddle to Moses.
Guest Speaker - Cal Bombay
October 11, 2009
Rev. Cal Bombay, long-time Canadian missionary, shares today concerning his remarkable ministry in Africa.
Part 3: Moses
October 4, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
Today we continue our series of messages entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! by deriving some directives from the life of Moses.
Part 2—Speaker: Gary Hellard
September 27, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
This morning Pastor Gary Hellard leads us to the next step of Living Like You Really Mean It!
Introduction to New Series
September 20, 2009
Series: Living Like You Really Mean It!
This morning we begin a new series of messages entitled Living Like You Really Mean It! We will consider the lives of various Bible characters to derive important directives regarding what it means to undertake all we do in life with "all our might".
Airdrie Public Worship Service
September 13, 2009
We will join with other Airdrie churches in a public worship service celebrating Airdrie’s 100th Anniversary as a part of the city’s 100th anniversary celebrations. The service will be held in Nose Creek Park’s central area behind the Catholic Church.
THERE WILL NOT BE A SERVICE AT FCBC THAT DAY. Plan to bring a lawn chair and a friend.
Labour Day
September 6, 2009
On Labour Day weekend, we will take a few minutes to consider some of the things the Bible has to say about labour—its origin, purpose, necessity, etc. We will also use the occasion to worship God for the ability to labour that He gives us by virtue of
healthy bodies, sound minds—and pray for those who do not enjoy such.
What is Truth?
August 30, 2009
John 18:37, 38: “What is truth?” a cynical Pilate once asked an accused criminal who stood in front of him. It’s a good question and one that we do well to occasionally ask ourselves in a day when truth claims are a dime a dozen. This morning we will borrow
Pilate’s question and apply it to ourselves and the world around us.
Aw, ah, oh...
August 23, 2009
John 4:1–30: How...ow...ah...ohthyn...awthentik...outhentyk...ahthentyc...authentic are you as a human being? As a woman, man, wife, husband, mother, father, daughter, son? As a Christian? Or are you content with merely being a reasonable faxsim...faksimilee...faximilly...
factsym...facsimilly...milli vanilli...facsimile of the above? In today’s message Pastor Tim reminds us that, like the woman at the well, we all need those occasions when Jesus interrupts our inauthenticity to speak some truth into our lives and awaken us
from the lies we have come to believe about ourselves.
Interview with Frank King
August 16, 2009
Don Somerville interviews Frank King.
A Transformed Heart
August 9, 2009
Series: Transformation
Gary Hellard concludes his three-part series on transformation.
Transformation Blockers
August 2, 2009
Series: Transformation
Gary Hellard continues his series.
Transformation—An Attitude
July 26, 2009
Series: Transformation
Gary Hellard begins a three-part series on transformation.
NAB Triennial Update
July 19, 2009
Pastor Tim will report on decisions/discussions that took place at the North American Baptist Triennial Conference held in Winnipeg this past week. We will also observe The Lord’s Table in our time of worship.
The Miracle Worker
July 12, 2009
Does God still perform miracles? Or only in Pentecostal circles? Why does God sometimes do miracles and sometimes not? Today’s message affirms that God is indeed a miracle-working God. We will consider some practical truths from the psalmist’s affirmation:
“The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!” (Psalm 118:15–16)
You Can Worship on Weekdays (and Weak Days) Too!
July 5, 2009
We’re delighted to have veteran Christian musician Chuck Girard lead us in worship today as we remind ourselves that worship is not just something we do on weekends. It’s a daily discipline that requires a willing heart.
Addressing the Pharisee in Every One of Us
June 28, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Luke 12:37–54: Truth be told, all of us know better than we do. Nevertheless, it is usually easier to identify such a tendency in others before we see it in ourselves. As we conclude the series of messages on ESSENTIALS LESSONS FROM THOSE WORDS IN RED,
let’s allow Jesus to address the Pharisee that resides in each of us with a few of his pointed words.
Bad News for Guys!!
June 21, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Mark 12:18–27: If we are honest, most of us would acknowledge that domestic relationships can be one of the most meaningful things we enjoy in this life. So what’s this when Jesus tells the Sadducees that marriage will be unknown following the resurrection?
If that’s the case, and according to Jesus it is, what are some practical realities that we do well to consider on this Fathers’ Day?
Is God Guilty of False Advertising?
June 14, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Mark 11:22–25: In these verses, Jesus appears to make getting our prayers answered as easy as pushing the button on a vending machine. The experience of most of us is otherwise, however. The point Jesus is making in this passage is that having our prayers
answered is conditional on God being able to forgive our sins which is conditional on our forgiving those that have sinned against us. Today’s message addresses why we find it so difficult to forgive others yet assume God should forgive us at the snap of a
finger.
The Real Big Shots
June 7, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Mark 10:35–45: We live in a world that is very impressed by titles, designations and accomplishments, and doesn't hesitate to step on fingers and heads to get to the "top." This is a part of the innate greed that comes from within each one of us. The distinguish
mark of seniority in Christ's economy is servanthood. Today's message discusses the challenges and joys of being a servant.
Understanding the Poverty of Wealth
May 31, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Mark 10:17–31: Slice it any way you like, the biggest hurdle to genuine faith in Christ is the greed that prompts us to place so much value on material assets, affluence and acquisitions. Until we are willing to cut those apron strings, we are keeping
ourselves out of the kingdom of God. Today’s message uses the story of the wealthy man to offer several suggestions as to what God may be trying to say to believers and unbelievers alike in the current economic downturn.
What About That D Word—Divorce?
May 24, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Mark 10:1–12: There are those who would tell you that some churches today treat divorce as the unpardonable sin. Conversely, there are those who would say that the modern church is too flippant when it comes to dealing with divorce. Today’s message focuses
on some of the cultural considerations behind the words of Jesus on divorce and stresses that, for Jesus, faithfulness in marriage was unquestionably the paramount consideration.
Is Your Heart Diet-Friendly?
May 17, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Mark 7:14–23: In Christ’s day there were those who believed that the consumption of certain foods defiled a person. In our day, there are still those who want to point to certain behaviors or practices as “worldly” and “ungodly.” In these verses Jesus
clearly teaches that the real problem in life is not with what’s “out there” but with what’s “in here,” that is, in our hearts. Notice that Jesus lumps what we consider those “big” sins right along with what we’d label “little” sins in the course of communicating
that He is looking for people with hearts devoted to God.
Cut the Apron Strings!
May 10, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Matthew 10:34–39: We live in days when many see family values and Biblical ideals as synonymous. Jesus would not concur. In fact, Jesus realized that the greatest distraction to whole-hearted discipleship is a pre-occupation with familial relationships.
Where was Jesus coming from when He articulated ideals like this? Did He celebrate Mother’s Day? This message identifies several considerations that are essential to letting go of human relationships that would hold us back from being a radical Christ-follower.
The Greatest of These is Not Fear!
May 3, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Today we continue our new series entitled ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THOSE WORDS IN RED by reminding ourselves that Jesus never ever advised his followers to be fearful or afraid. In fact, the gospels are filled with precisely the opposite admonition = “do
not fear,” or “do not be afraid.” Living in days that do, on occasions, inspire fear, what are some of the presuppositions behind Christ’s advice to not be afraid that we need to rediscover and reclaim? This message identifies several faith-building and fear-defeating
truths the contemporary believer needs to keep in mind.
Don't Circle the Wagons!
April 26, 2009
Series: Essential Lessons From Those Words in Red
Today we begin a new series of discussions entitled: ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THOSE WORDS IN RED, an examination of some of the pointed teachings of Jesus. Matthew 9:9–13; 10:16–20: Where do some believers get the notion that Jesus wants us to live in holy
huddles? The notion of keeping oneself physically and relationally separated from sinners did not originate with Jesus. Implicit in Jesus’ directive that his followers were to be salt and light is the assumption that they would associate with and be in relationship
with those who need such. A contributor to this practice so common in church history is fear—fear of man, fear of opposition, fear of our children being corrupted, fear of not knowing what to say to those who oppose our faith. This message is a strong reminder
that the message of Jesus to his followers is never “run for cover,” or “shrink back,” but always “advance boldly.”
The Distinctive of Christian Leadership
April 19, 2009
Today we formally bless and appoint five new elders to the leadership team that oversees ministries at FCBC. Two deacons will also be affirmed and several people will be welcomed as new members of the church. We praise God for and celebrate these steps
forward in the life of our church.
Think on What Things?
April 5, 2009
Palm Sunday is a good day to be reminded that the sentiments of the populous can be fickle, misleading and transient. Living in a day when we are increasingly deluged by the pressure to think and acquire whatever is popular, today’s message reminds us
to THINK ON WHAT THINGS?
Putting It Into Practice
March 29, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
This morning we wrap up the series of messages on Getting There From Here which identified several directives for moving our church forward in terms of effective ministry to our community. One of the challenges of living in the information era is coming to the understanding
that information alone does not change the way we live. Putting what we have learned over the last few weeks into practice requires…
Community Needs
March 22, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
Getting There From Here in our progress as a congregation requires a concerted effort to look beyond our own concerns to the needs of our community. Given the rapid growth of Airdrie in recent years, leaders in our city are regularly identifying new challenges and needs.
It’s our desire that FCBC be a part of answering and addressing some of those needs as effectively as Jesus did in his day.
Rewarding Fellowship
March 15, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
Getting There From Here requires that each individual in a church family feels loved, needed and fulfilled in their walk of faith. Such cannot happen in isolation from one another or as a member of a large group – it requires meaningful relationships based on close friendships.
Today we focus on the importance of small-group ministry in fulfilling the vision God is giving us for our church fellowship.
Excellence in Children's Ministry
March 8, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
A good church experience includes excellent programming for children. Few things are as important to people as their children. At FCBC we desire to give our best to our children as a means of attracting new families to our fellowship – our best in what
we presently offer, hope to soon offer and dream of offering.
What Are Your Worship Preferences?
March 1, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
What are your personal preferences when it comes to worship? That’s nice. At FCBC, our primary objective in our worship services is to be obedient to what God has to say in his Word about the kind of worship he desires. Our time together this morning will
be directed to that end.
What does your Church stand on..?
February 22, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
This morning we continue our series entitled Getting There From Here by thinking together about some of the challenges related to retaining our commitment to Christ and His Word as participants in a society that elicits strong feelings on a variety of "hot" topics.
What Does Your Church Believe?
February 15, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
Most residents of Airdrie wouldn't know the difference between a Baptist and a Pentecostal even if their grandmother was both. What then is the significance of having the name "Baptist" in our church name and how does that relate to the way many of today's
Canadians think? How does it relate to our church's primary vision and mandate?
I Don't Do Church Because...
February 8, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
We continue our series Getting There From Here today by considering that if we want more people to come to church we need to be conversant with why so many Canadians today are not inclined to attend church regularly.
Expanding Our Understanding of Friendship #3
February 1, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
This morning we take a third crack at the very significant issue of: Expanding our Understanding of Friendship. Understanding the times we live in 21st century Canada requires that we focus more on being a link in the chain of grace for people than with
"making a sale", spiritually speaking.
Expanding Our Understanding of Friendship #2
January 25, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
This morning’s message is called Expanding Our Understanding of Friendship #2. Building relationships with unbelievers is often elusive because most of us don’t have to look far to find good excuses for not doing so. Changing that tendency requires bold confrontation of our ultimate priorities
as well as unashamed obedience/allegiance to Jesus.
Expanding Our Understanding of Friendship
January 18, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
This morning we continue a new series of messages entitled Getting There From Here. Today's message is Expanding Our Understanding of Friendship. We'll explore why it is that believers often have no relationships whatsoever with unbelievers and how this was never, ever what Jesus intended to be a reality.
The Authority of Jesus
January 11, 2009
Series: Getting There From Here
This morning we begin a new series of messages entitled Getting There From Here. Today's message is The Authority of Jesus and reminds us that anytime we attempt to accomplish something new or different in the spiritual realm, we are well advised to recognize the spiritual resources we have
at our disposal.