Freedom House Church and Healing Centre

Zacharias and Elizabeth - an older godly couple waiting for their miracle amidst the numerous trials and disappointments. The difficult journey leads to realized expectations - will faith continue through to the end? Mary learned from the angel that, "with God all things are possible". Will we endure the gestation period till the promise is realized?

We have the Spirit of Joy since we are in Christ and He is in us. We still need to choose to walk in the Spirit, so we can experience His joy.  Joy is a choice!

Colossians 2:6-7 - Are we overflowing with gratitude for our salvation in Christ? Jude gives us reasons for thanksgiving in Christ.

Jesus' incredible grace, mercy and forgiveness is demonstrated with His disciples during the Last Supper and His final resurrection meal on the shores of Galilee.

Psalm 4 is a picture of David's trust in a God with whom he was in covenant. He knew God as:

• A Father who hears the call of His children
• A God who saves from the enemy
• A Lord who is always present

Mark 4:1-20 let's do heart surgery with Jesus so the Word of God can really transform our lives

Dire circumstances lead to great opportunities - the world was a mess but God's mercy and grace was being offered to those who would run to the ark with Noah - are we in the days of Noah now (Matt. 24:37-39). More darkness, more light! This could be the church's greatest hour!

Romans 5:1-11; 1Peter 1:3-8 and many more. Do you love God? Proof is that you are experiencing His joy and peace. 

God is preparing a people for battle. Will we submit to His training and equipping?

David knew how to be prepared by the Lord for the challenges of life. (Psalm 18:31-36)

The Apostle Paul's desires is to know Christ, to know the power of His resurrection, and to share in Christ's sufferings, becoming like Him in His death (Phil. 3:10). Paul's desire is really the desire every believer should have. How do we get to that place of welcoming the suffering of Christ into our lives? What attitude and perspective do we need to embrace so we welcome His suffering into our lives with joy?

Christ in us; Holy Spirit is in us to conform us to the image of Christ in Holiness and Righteousness. His sanctifying work requires lots of patience for a people that are prone to wander. But, as our Helper, Counselor, Teacher and Guide, His persevering love for us means He will succeed in accomplishing the work of making us like Jesus - His loving patience will get it done!

When you read the word of God, you can see the authors are amazed by the love of God revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As they write, they seem to shout in awe, as they exclaim the magnitude of God's love:

1.  1John 3:1 - God's love is our identity - it is the reason we are children of God
2. Ephesians 2:4-5; 3:17-19 - God's love is our life - as we comprehend it we experience the fullness of God
3. Romans 8:28-39 - God's love is our victory (Rom. 8:37)

God sent Jesus into the world to offer forgiveness of sins, restoration of relationships, healing of the heart and peace between us and God, us and others, and within ourselves. Jesus is peace and the cross is the means by which we experience peace. That is the message of Christmas!

The Tabernacle of the Old Testament reveals Christ in all His glory, and provides for us a pattern to get into the presence of God so we can hear His voice for such a time as this. The path to God is one of holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Christ is our path to the Holy of Holies. Sermon powerpoint attached.

Do we long to see each other? Are we truly united in our hearts by Christ's love for us, and united in our mission to make Him known? Philippians 1:1-11 shows us how much Paul loved the believers in Philippi. What would our churches be like, if we really loved each other with Christ's love?

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God" (Rom. 8:14) - what does Holy Spirit lead us into:

1. The person and work of Christ - no condemnation in Christ (8:1-4)
2. The Mind of Christ - Led in to holiness by the Spirit not the flesh because of Who lives in us! (8:5-10)
3. True Life - New creation life, eternal life, abundant life is all ours because of the work of the Spirit of Christ (8:10b-13)
4. Sonship - from slave to the law, to child of God with a new identity and future because of the Spirit of God in us guaranteeing our inheritance (8:13-16)

John was very clear in his letter 1st John to identify those who were in the faith because of the work of Christ in their lives. Their fruit was evidence that they were not impostors. Will you pass the test to make sure you are in the faith, and part of the family of God? This interactive sermon looks at the marks of a true follower of Jesus: Saved by faith in the finished work of Christ, obedience to His commands, love for the family of God, an accurate understanding of the Godhead, and the indwelling presence of Christ and Holy Spirit, etc.

Naomi is in the land of hardship, suffering the consequences of the sin around her. She needs to get back to her people, and back under the blessing of her God. The book of Ruth is the story of Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing - a transformation that takes place because she made a choice to allow Yahweh to restore her life. God can do the same for you if you make God your King.

Matthew 18:1-14 - Jesus teaches His disciples that the Kingdom is not about who is best, but who is least - a child is our example.

Hagar and Sarah are examples to us of God being faithful to fulfill His promises despite the circumstances. God has chosen them, and intimately watches over them to bring about His purposes. (Genesis 16 & 21)

What is a genuine faith, that is "not hypocritical"? 1st and 2nd Timothy reveal what true faith entails. For Timothy, his true faith began in his home with his godly mother and grandmother. Mom's are invaluable in ensuring that their children discover a true persevering faith in Christ.

2Tim. 1:5; 2Tim. 3:15-17; Acts 16:1

The power of the resurrection was not only displayed by the Godhead on the day Jesus was raised from the dead, but it is continually on display as followers of Jesus live in the Power of the Resurrection

Comfort, Comfort yourself in the fact that God is trustworthy,  sovereign, all powerful God who controls all the leaders of the world, He is the beginning and the end, the everlasting and eternal Holy One of Israel who can get us to the finish line. Let us turn from dead idols and put our faith in our faithful God.

Revelation 19 is the picture of the reunion of the Bride with her Groom. She has made herself ready. What do we need to change to make ourselves ready to meet Him - forsake the world and the things of the world - devote ourselves fully to our King and Bridegroom.

Isaiah 9:6 & 7 declare Jesus to be the Son who will one day reign and rule! It gives Him four or five titles that describe who He is: Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. As Followers of Jesus we ought to desire to know Him as all of these.

God is Moving!!! He has always been on the move seeking and saving. But it seems that as He has in various times and places, He is moving by His Spirit again in these days. I am continually hearing of salvations and deliverances in and through Christ. Acts 2 records a move of God that changed the lives of all involved. A harvest of souls was brought in then, and it is happening again today. Listen and be encouraged!

1Peter 4:7-11 instructs us how we should live in a godless world. Love God; Love and serve our fellow believers to the glory of Christ.

Psalm 110:3 describes a chosen people following their King into battle - these individuals are willing to fight; set apart from the world, holy unto God; and filled with fresh fire and empowerment for the battle. It is time for followers of Jesus to rise up and advance the kingdom of our King, and resist the enemy advance on every front!

The Book of Zechariah is one of the most encouraging books in the Bible. It is written to encourage a people to keep doing God's work, by focusing on God's future plan for His people and not the immediate circumstance we find ourselves in. Jesus is coming back! He will save and deliver His people! Press on till the end!

Zephaniah, a prophet who teamed up with a righteous King Josiah, to call the people back to God, by proclaiming the word of the Lord, repentance and the hope and joy of a victorious Savior who desires to sing over His people with songs of love and joy.

This prophet speaks to our culture today in that he clearly announces a day when God will no longer tolerate the blatant sins of a nation, and surely bring judgment upon it. Canada and USA wake up!!!

Obadiah - a book declaring the Kingdom is promised to God's people, but judgment reserved for those who reject God, and don't do as He says.  Key Issues:

1. Deal with your pride
2. How do you treat your brother
3. What side of eternity will you be on

Choose jesus and experience the Kingdom of God!

Today's sermon is preached by Dr. Wendy Tolmie. It is on the whole book of Hosea - A story of how much God loves His people, is jealous for them, but they continue to reject Him, event commit spiritual adultery against Him. Yet, despite God's anger and judgment, He continues to extend mercy and grace, and desires them as a pure spotless bride. What a message to today's church! 

The book of Jonah is the story of a follower of God, who does not want others to be saved. He knows the truth; his theology is good, but his life does not result in sharing the good news revealed to him, with those who need to hear it. What a message to a church, that is amiss on fulfilling the great commission it has been given. Read Jonah and realize that as a follower of Jesus, we might not be much different.

Colossians 4:2-6 instructs us how to live out our faith in the world, as new creations that we are in Christ.

Three things characterize a true follower of Jesus:

• They are people who are devoted to prayer;
• They are people who are devoted to proclamation of the gospel;
• They are people who are devoted to practically living out their faith.

The truckers' freedom convoy happening in Ottawa has united millions of people together for a common cause. It is time for the church to unite and declare freedom in Christ. There is power in numbers! Colossians 3:12-17 is a passage encouraging unity amongst believers, working together to serve one another. The church needs to rise up and demonstrate the importance of living life together, not in isolation and division.

Colossians 3:1-4 - If there was ever a time to focus on Jesus, this is it. We are raised with Christ and seated with Him in heaven. If that is where we are, why do spend so much time chasing the world, and so little time seeking Him, and the things of heaven. Let's agree that it's time for a shift!

ps. sorry about the sound quality

Anothere amazing Gospel passage on the work of Christ to free the sinner - Colossians 2:9-15

This teaching starts out with a word for the church for today - a warning we have been hearing along with others in the body of Christ. Then the teaching focusses on maintaining a spirit of unity, through the bond of peace and love, especially in our relationships.

It is incredible what Christ purchased for us on the cross. Today we learn about reconciliation.

To know Christ is to know His will - what He expects of you. When you have this understanding, you will live a life that pleases Him. Colossians 1:9-12