Sermons About Kelowna
Reaching the Least Reached
It is so easy to be content with the pleasures and treasures we enjoy here in North American culture. The team that went to Mongolia serves as a reminder to each one of us to reach out missionally to those right here in Kelowna, in our country, and around the world. Are you willing to pray, give and go to spread the message of Jesus?
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A Well-Oiled Ministry Machine
The most powerful engines in the world are useless without the lubricating effect of high-quality oils, grease, or synthetic polymers. They would literally burn themselves up as the internal friction of the engine heated the motor to dangerous temperatures, and the engine seizes -- so too with the engine of ministry. Key Passage: 1 Peter 4:10
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A Peculiar People
Robert Munger has said, "In our time it may well be that the greatest single bottleneck to the renewal and outreach of the church is the division of roles between clergy and laity that results in a hesitancy of the clergy to trust the laity with significant responsibility, and in turn a reluctance on the part of the laity to trust themselves as authentic ministers of Christ, either in the church or outside the church." Key Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10
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A Cause Worth Living For
Writing about climate change, Al Gore says: “The climate crisis also offers us the chance to experience what very few generations in history have had the privilege of knowing: a generational mission; the exhilarations of a compelling moral purpose; a shared and unifying cause; the thrill of being forced by circumstances to put aside the pettiness and conflict that so often stifle the restless human need for transcendence; the opportunity to rise...When we rise, we will experience and epiphany as we discover that this crisis is not really about politics at all. It is a moral and spiritual challenge.” Lofty words....inspirational....visionary... Question: Should we not be even MORE passionate about matters that will impact eternity? Do we have a compelling moral purpose, cause, or generational mission that we will give our all to fulfill? Key Passage: 2 Timothy 2:3-4
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Risky Faith
When was the last time you took a risk for Jesus? I mean something that you could’ve totally failed at and made a fool out of yourself? To be honest, it’s probably been a long time when I did something that fit that category. So what is keeping us from taking more risks for Jesus? How can we address our fears and lack of faith in such a way that we become the kind of risk-taking, faith-stretching followers He’s looking for? Today, we will look at a woman in scripture who set aside her fears and embraced her faith in such a way that her life was dramatically changed. And you will be challenged to step out of your comfort zone to experience what risky faith is all about! Key Passage: 2 Kings 4:1-7
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Can We Change?
Perhaps one of the key reasons that so many churches close their doors each year across North America, is because of the inability to adapt or change for the times. One generation founds the church with a passion and mission to impact their community...but without an intentional and regular "re-tuning" of the missional instrument (the church) it can easily fall out of step with the times and places and people it has been called to reach. From the birth of "the church" in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago, the journey of Jesus' family has been one long journey of change and adaptation. The MESSAGE has remained the same (the offer of life through Jesus Christ) but the methods and approaches to ministry have changed again and again. So...what will it take for Willow Park to adapt to the time, place, and culture we live in today? How can we with relevance and authenticity bring the message of Jesus to our generation? Bottom line...Can we Change?
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The Porch Light's On
"Home…" At it's very best, "home" is a place we all long for…a place that is safe…a place we are unconditionally loved…a place we can let our hair down and know that we will not offend….a state of being…secure…safe…at ease…."home". So many in our day have not experienced this kind of "home" in growing up, nor have they understood the offer of "home" that our heavenly Father extends to us. Instead of seeing a loving Father waiting at the door, they have feared an angry God. But the New Testament paints a much different picture of God – and maybe its an image you need to embrace. The image of the porch light being left on at night…the picture of a daddy worried sick as He waits for His runaway child to come home. The truth is, we are ALL runaways in our own way. Some of us have begun the journey home, others still need to turn around…but ultimately we walk the same path. Maybe it's time you headed for home. The porch light is on…the door is unlocked…the family is waiting! Key Passage: Luke 15:11-31
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On the Shoulders of Giants
As we look back in history, we should be challenged AND encouraged by the godly example of so many who have gone before us! As we seek to build the kingdom of God in our day – we do so – "on the shoulders of giants!" Hebrews 11 tells us that the "world was not worthy of them!" Will history say the same of us? During these next few weeks, we are going to be looking together at the mission we believe God has called us to live out in our city and region. As we talk of the impact He would have us to have on the world around us, I pray that you will be personally challenged to step into His call on your life. There are two basics that anchor everything we do: Loving People... And Following Jesus! Key Passage: Hebrews 11:13 & 38
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A Good Return
Invest yourself in any venture, and you want to see a good return...it's simply human nature. No one wants to spend time, money or energy on a project or enterprise that seems to be headed no where...or as the saying goes..."no one wants to be the last rat on a sinking ship..." Not only is this principle of investment true in our own lives – in the pursuits we choose to take up – but it is equally true when we entrust our valuable goods to others; leave your children with a sitter – you expect all to be well when you come home! Leave your house for the neighbors to watch while on vacation – you anticipate they will look after things! Leave your money with a financial planner – you expect it to grow! In the kingdom of God, God is the investor. He has placed His possessions in our hands to steward...our time, our talents, our money, and He looks for a good return... Key Passage: Matthew 25:14-30
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The Return of the King
In His final hours with His disciples, Jesus promised that even though He was going away, that He would return again. He said He was going to prepare a place for us in His Father's house, that He would come to take us to His Father's home. It was a well-known wedding custom of the day.... A groom would announce his intentions to marry, and then return to his father's home to build on a room where he and his new bride would live. When the room was finished, he would come to the bride's home and escort her back for their wedding celebration. As in many of the stories we've looked at this summer, this weekend's parable comes in response to a question. The disciples asked: "...what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). The text, and the surrounding context leaves us with the challenge: Will I be watching and waiting when the King returns? Key Passage: Matthew 25:1-12
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You're Invited
The parable we're looking at this weekend is one of the last few Jesus told in the days just before His crucifixion. The atmosphere around Jerusalem is charged with tension as the confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day grow more heated. Matthew 22:45 tells us that they KNEW Jesus was talking about them! And so they were determined to destroy Him. Jesus gives them one more story ... one more invitation. In a long series of invitations that has begun with the prophets, we are invited to the king's house! The preparations have been made, the table is spread, the celebration is about to begin - and we're all invited - just one item remains - my "RSVP" - your "RSVP". The King waits for a response! Key Passage: Matthew 22:1-14
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The Vineyard Owner
When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, what is it that you think He was talking about? Maybe it's not what you've thought... maybe the "good news" of the gospel is actually that... good news for the whole world! How do you respond to God's generosity? Do you receive it with gracious thanksgiving, or is it so offensive to your way of life that it is possible that you might not have ever really experienced or understood it? Key Passage: Matthew 20:16
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Unmerciful Servant
Don't miss the lines from this song: "Oh the Glory of it all, is He came near. For the rescue of us all, that we may live, for the glory of it all, oh He is here. Redemption from the fall, that we may live..." That's big. Massive. Almost incomprehensible. The weight of understanding what Jesus did coming down here for us - you and me and the guy across the the row from you too. All of us. In your day to day, in your coming and going it sometimes is hard to remember, isn't it? In your problems, in your hurts, in your debts, in your debtors in can be hard to remember as well. But that doesn't mean it is any smaller. It is still glorious. You are forgiven. You are accepted. You need to frogive. You need to accept. You need to remember. Key Passage: Matthew 18:23-35
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Living Upside Right in a Upside Down World
In our world we often associate greatness with such things as fame, fortune and influence. The icons and heros of our culture - those whom we esteem and look up to are often athletes, actors and artists. The kingdom of God is radically different for in Matthew chapter 18, Jesus turns our understanding of greatness on its head. In Jesus' mind we are greatest when we humble ourselves like that of a helpless little child. How countercultural! How subversive! Yet, how true for us today! Key Passage: Matthew 18:1-9
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Going on a Treasure Hunt
Summer is a great time to go on an adventure, and today we're talking about hunting for hidden treasures. Treasure hunting is popular these days, thanks to movies and books which advance the theme of treasures waiting to be uncovered. But are people after the right kind of treasure? What does Jesus have to say about the whole concept of treasure hunting? And what are we willing to spend to uncover what He describes as the most valuable treasure? Key Passage: Matthew 13:44-46
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Life as Dirt
Over the years, I've had opportunity to share about Jesus with lots of people, and it never ceases to amaze me their varied responses. Some flatly refuse. Others quickly respond, but then wilt away. Still others seem to get side-tracked mid-way along the journey. And another group goes on to accomplish much for the kingdom of God. There are lots of times I am frustrated that not everyone responds to the Gospel message with the same vigor and excitement. I want everyone to bear much fruit. But it doesn't seem to be the way. That's what Jesus is talking about today. I hope you're okay playing the role as "dirt", because that's what you are in this parable! Our receptiveness to the Gospel is represented by four types of soil. The key distinguishing factor of good soil, as we will discover today, is that it produces a harvest. What type of spiritual fruit is being produced in your life? Key Passage: Matthew 13:1-23
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How Does Your Garden Grow?
How critical is it that we weed out all the evil in the world around us? So much of the political agenda of the evangelical church seems to be the opposition of evil. This is not all bad, but should it be our main agenda? Jesus seems to calm his disciples' fears about all the evil in the world by simply acknowledging that the weeds grow alongside the wheat. The prudent farmer doesn't worry about ripping out the weeds - but about growing healthy wheat. On the harvest day, the good and bad will be separated. In the meanwhile, our focus is to be on growing the good! Key Passage: Matthew 13:24-30, 47-50
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Little is Much
This week we start our summer series of messages based on the stories Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven. About a dozen of his stories began with the words "the kingdom of heaven is like." In trying to understand what our world would look like if the values of God's kingdom really took root - these stories are a good starting point. Today, we pick up the concept that the kingdom will not come in a radical, military or political takeover, but rather, through the small but powerful and pervasive infl uence of kingdom agents spread liberally throughout the existing structures of society. The revolutionary influence of the kingdom has been called by some "the quiet revolution" but it's power is incredible! "True evangelical faith cannot lie dormant. It clothes the naked, it feeds the hungry, it comforts the sorrowful, it shelters the destitute, it serves those that harm it, it binds up that which is wounded, it has become all things to all people." (quote from Menno Simons, 1496-1561)
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Into the Water
This weekend we celebrate the accomplishments God has made in the past ministry year. As we respond to the missional call of God on our lives, we need to look into the future and ask ourselves: What would Kelowna look like if the rule and reign of God were made real among us? How would our lives have to change? How would the ministry focus of WPC need to change? Today, will talk about some of the dreams God is placing on our hearts for the coming months and years. Together we need to cry out - "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Key Passage: Numbers 13 & 14
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Roots
350 degrees, 4 turns, 16 minutes = medium well steak hot off the barbeque. Give me a nice hunk of beef or chiicken, a good barbeque, the right spices and I am laughing. I know how to barbeque. I know what to expect when the conditions are right and I know the quality of food that is produced - delicious. For fear that I am setting myself up for failure the next time you are over for a bite to eat, work with me on this illustration. Rick Warren in his book "Purpose Driven Life" says "God is not just the starting point of your life; He is the source of it. To discover your purpose in life you must turn to God's word, not the world's wisdom. You must build your life on eternal truths, not pop psychology, success-motivation or inspirational stories." To me, that statement describes perfectly, Transformissional Living. Being established on a foundation that gives you the confidence to live the life God has called you to. Authentic, passionate and fun. It should be a life that comes as naturally as what you know you can do well, like cooking steaks. Key Passage: Colossians 1:9b-10
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Standing in the Gap
Over the next 4 weeks we are going to talk about the call to transform our culture through missional living. "Missional" seems to be the latest "buzz-word" in the evangelical world; it describes a life that is lived "on mission". It is a concept that fits well with Jesus teaching that we are to be agents of change in our world. Jesus used metaphors of salt and light and yeast. Paul called us to be ambassadors. How should Kelowna be different because we were here? To begin this series, we begin by looking at the incredible power God has entrusted to His people, and the expression of that power through our prayers. We have been given authority to bind and loose on earth in the name of Jesus. Do we have any idea of the power given to us? Key Passage: Ezekial 22:30
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Through Jesus... Only One Way?
The most politically incorrect passages in the New Testament may well be those exclusive passages that present Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation. To a world that revels in do-it-yourself religion and multiple-choice spirituality, Jesus' words, and those of the early apostles seem almost abrasive. To stand with courage and say that the "only way to the Father" was through Jesus Christ, brought early Christians under harsh persecution. The same is happening increasingly today. If Jesus' words are true - there are vast implications for our lives. Love would compel us to share this message of hope, this message of reconciliation, this message of restoration with as many as we possibly could. So the questions remains... do we REALLY believe that Jesus is the only way? Key Passage: Acts 4:1-22
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Science & Faith: Allies or Adversaries?
Have you ever wondered whether belief in God makes you unscientific? Let's be honest... does belief in God mean you're naive and stupid, not up with the times? A lot of people think so. Maybe you've been told science is for smart people and faith is for blind people. Is that true? We're going to go on a journey today, a journey of discovery, to see whether we have reason to hold unswervingly to belief in God in an age of science. The good news is that as you dig, you'll find God is deeper still. Science and faith do not have to be adversaries, but can and should be allies. In fact, good science can bring you closer to God. Let's jump in! Key Passage: Hebrews 11:1-3
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Life on the Other Side
No one enjoys thinking about the reality of hell, yet Jesus actually had more to say about hell than He did about heaven. In today's spiritual climate, the doctrine of eternal punishment has come under heavy scrutiny and debate. Many people, including some prominent evangelical scholars, have moved away from a traditional interpretation of the enternal torment in hell, to either a teaching of universal salvation or a view of judgement that results in the annihilation of the sinner, rather than an eternal, conscious punishment. Some feel that the subject is so far beyond our understanding and that it should be left alone in the hands of God, but one's belief in regard to judgement, punishment, and the justice of God will dramatically affect how we live, and how we reach out in love to others. Today's topic may raise more questions and debate in your mind than we are able to answer in our short time together, but if it motivates you to study the scriptures for yourself - great! Key Passage: John 5:16-30
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God, Are You There?
In this week's message Pastor Joel tries to explore the age-old question we all ask when life gets tough: "God, are you there?"
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Missions Now 2007 Service # 4
Missions Now 2007 Service # 4 - Vishal Mangalwadi, guest speaker.
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Do All Roads Lead to Life?
Matthew 7:13-14 says"...broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." One of the most common misconceptions about the world religions is that at the core of their beliefs, they are all the same. The analogy of a mountain with many roads that lead to the top, or the picture of an elephant surrounded by blind men trying to describe what they are touching, is used to explain that religion is really "ONE" but that the roads or paths to getting there are simply different. On a simplistic level, one might affirm the common spiritual desire that points people toward a spiritual reality. The pursuit of the transcendent is common in all cultures – anthropologists call it the "god-consciousness". But upon closer evaluation, one quickly sees that each religion has exclusive claims that set it apart from the other. In the midst of our pluralistic culture, one must ask: so which road does indeed lead to life? Key Passage: 1 Kings 18:16-39
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Right or Wrong
What would happen if we had no laws? What would happen if everyone simply set their own standards and own agendas for what was right and wrong? Could society survive? Judges 21:25 says: "There was no king in Israel, and everyone did as he saw fit." Our North American culture is not too far removed from that statement. We are told that "no one can tell us how to live;" that our choices and preferences are simply private matters of conscience and that no one has a right to "legislate morality." But where will such thinking take us? Romans tells the story of people who cast off the restraint of God's law, and the chaos that ensued. We would do well to learn from their example. But here's a difficult question: Do we have the right or responsibility to enforce our view of right and wrong on anyone else? Key Passage: Romans 1:18-32
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Life Swap
An exposition of the parable of the prodigal son. Easter Sunday, 2007. Key Passage: Luke 15:11-24
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The Master's Keys
We’re wrapping up our study in Hebrews this weekend. If you take nothing else with you - remember the call to persevere. God has uniquely called and destined you for glory. To be a reflection and manifestation of His glory here in this world - and in the world to come; co-regents with Him on the throne; given the keys of the kingdom. But far too often, we’ve been content to simply muck it out in the mud-puddles of life instead of stepping into our destiny. I believe if we could glimpse just a brief view of the glory for which we were created, it would astound and shame us all at once. Astound us at the grace and mercy of a loving God - and shame us that we were still so far short! It’s time to step into your destiny. The keys are in your hands....what are you doing with them? Key Passage: Hebrews 12:14-18 & 13:1-25
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The Race
The Christian life is often compared to a race... make that a marathon! The starting gun has gone, and it's time to run! Others have run this race before us... but only One has won this race, and we are to keep our eyes focused on Him - Jesus! We may grow weary along the way, but the key to finishing well is discipline. Will you run with us? Key Passage: Hebrews 12:1-13
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Step of Faith
People of faith win God's approval because they walk in obedience and keep their eyes on him. When Jesus asked Peter to step over the side gunnels of the boat and onto the water he was asking him to take a big step of faith - He was asking him to do something that could only be done if God took over. What is a step of faith that you could take today that would stretch your 'spiritual comfort zone'? Key Passage: Hebrews 11:1-40
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Going Past Mile 20
Marathon runners tell us that one of the greatest obstacles to finishing a race is mile 20. Many runners refer to mile 20 as half way through the race because of the difficulty in completing the last 6.2 miles. The Christian life requires perseverance because doing the will of God involves times of hardship. However, in our North American culture it tends to be too easy to retreat and live a "safe" Christianity. Are you willing to really get into the race? Key Passage: Hebrews 10:19-39
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Beyond ABC's
In this series, we've talked about the "glory" for which we were created. We get a glimpse of it in the opening pages of Genesis and in the final Revelation of John. We were created to rule and to reign along side Jesus! But the path to greatness in the kingdom of God is a path of servant hood and perseverance. It's a path that many miss. As we dive into the most controversial text in Hebrews, I believe it is this inheritance of ruling with Christ that we are in danger of missing. Are you ready to reign? Key Passage: Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12
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I Did This For You
"Yom Kippur" - the Day of Atonement - was the pinnacle of the Jewish festival year. While god-fearing Jews were invited to attend many other sacred events, none could compare with this day! On this day, the sins of the nation were cleared away! The imagery, the sights, sounds, & smells of that day must have formed lasting images in the minds of those who attended. Such pomp & circumstance! But for all it’s ceremony - the sacrifices made that day could never fully pay the penalty or satisfy the debt of sin they had incurred. And next year, they would be back here again. Until Jesus entered... Key Passage: Hebrews 9:11-10:18
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Jesus, Worthy to Reign
In this week's message we delve further into Hebrews chapters 4 through 9. This section of the book clearly teaches on the sovreignty and priesthood of Christ. Jesus came to this earth and lived a blameless life; He experienced the world that we live in yet, even to death, he remained pure and wholly dependant upon God. Through Jesus' example we too are challenged to depend on God fully, so that we can reign, as priests, with Him. Are you reigning, today? Key Passage: Hebrews 4:14 - 9:10
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Don't Miss This
In this week's message Pastor Mark Burch examines Hebrews 3 and 4 and speaks about our identity as Christ followers. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to claim our inheritance and find our rest and strength to do that in Christ. We are not to sit back and let this world pass us by; instead we are to engage our culture and influence our world as co-heirs with Christ. Are you willing to take your inheritance? Key Passage: Hebrews 3:1-4:13
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Greater Than...
We’re starting a new study in the book of Hebrews and it calls us to the reality of the spiritual conflict that takes place in the heavenly realms and in our daily lives. The challenge to stand firm, to not drift, to not shrink back, is woven through the pages of this great book. It is a call to persevere, a call to dependence, and a call to GREAT FAITH! I’m excited and overwhelmed by the study! I believe God has some power- ful things to teach us as we take a quick 9-week flight over this text! Dig in deep! Key Passage: Hebrews 1:1-2:16
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Living in the Dash
C.H. Spurgeon once said "A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you. So carve your name on hearts, and not on marble." How are you living your life? When it is all said and done...what will you have done with the talents and abilities God has given you? Key Passage: Matthew 25:14-30
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We Were Made for This
In this message, Pastor Mike shares the secret to NOT having a boring Christian existence. Author Rick Warren has said "Jesus measured greatness in terms of service, not status. God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you." Get inspired, as you learn what you were made for! Key Passage: Romans 12:11
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Missions Now: Tony Campolo
Tony Campolo, guest speaker at Willow Park Church at the Missions Now 2005 Conference, November 27, 2005.
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