Forward City Church Messages

Opening Doors

Mon, 25 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc shared an update on the next steps in the location of Forward's gatherings. Marc also wrapped up our series on Colossians, focusing on the way God uses our character to open doors to conversations for the Gospel. We were also encouraged to carry a wholistic approach to evangelism: prayer, love, and speaking the truth.

New Life New Family

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer led us in communion together, reminding us that this is one of the few rituals that Jesus himself gave to us.

Marc continued our series on Colossians by speaking from Colossian 3:18-21, discussing the need for the character of Christ to be evident within our homes. Marc discussed the various dynamics at play within homes, especially among married couples.

Colossians - Putting On Christ

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Anika opened the gathering in prayer and thanksgiving for moms and mothers. Courtney read from the message's passage, Colossians 3:12-17.

Spencer shared about the "wardrobe of the Christian life," leaping form Paul's comments on clothing ourselves in the character of Jesus. Spencer challenged us to reflect on our character and motivations being similar to God's uniform or jersey, while reminding us that the power truly comes from god who works in us to do his will in the earth.

Colossians: Dead to Sin

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400

This week, Cam reads to us from Colossians 3:1-11, while Spencer speaks on the same passage.

Spencer challenges us that e can't step into the new life if we're still holding onto the things that expired and died a long time ago with Christ. Spencer explained to us that our new life and identity in Christ needs to shape our actions. We participate in this transformation of our lives by putting to death our old ways of sin and pursuing the new life and goodness of God. By doing this experience the fulfillment and supremacy of Christ in all things.

Sufficiency and Obedience

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

This wee, we celebrated baptism for nine individuals in our Forward family. Each of them shared their testimony of how God has been faithful to them throughout their lives, whether they are grown adults with families, or young children. We are so grateful for God's work in our midst, bringing everyone to repentance and knowledge of God's love.

Marc quickly shared a quick teaching on sufficiency and obedience, focusing on the prodigal son who was lost and came home to receive his father's grace (Luke 15:11-31).

Colossians: Jesus is Better Than Everything

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

This week, one of young family members, Elijah, shared a Psalm that God led him to at one of our monthly prayer meetings, Psalm 24:7-10.

Marc then shared from Colossians 2:6-15 on our problem of dissatisfaction. Marc discussed how Jesus fulfills all of our needs. He challenges us that we often understand that Jesus is enough to save us from sin and death, but that we struggle to consider him enough to fulfill the needs we have today.

Colossians: The Mystery Revealed

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This week, we announced the result of the Opportunity Fund raising over $10'000 at our Cold Plunge Fundraiser. We praise God for the way he works in our hearts to be generous as a community.

One of our Elders, Josh, led us in communion together to remember Christ's death for us.

Spencer shared on Colossians 1:24-2:5 about the mystery of Christ. Spencer noted that the mystery of Christ is revealed to the world through our partnership with him at the Cross. Our love for the world resembles Christ love for us, and in this way, we reveal the glory of the Gospel to the world.

Jesus > ?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

This week, we read Colossians 1:15-23 as a church. Marc shared about how Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. Marc also shared that Jesus is greater than everything else, and that nothing is able to overcome or overwhelm him. Jesus conquered death and is raised into all authority at the right hand of the Father.

Colossians: Jesus Over Everything

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

This week, we started a series on Paul's letter to the Colossians. Spencer introduced the letter and challenged us to read the whole book this week on our own time. Further, Spencer encouraged us to reflect and evaluate the priority that Jesus has in our lives. Do we live as though Jesus is sufficient? Do we live as though Jesus is enough? What other priorities are we adding to our lives that are obstacles to Jesus' goodness bearing more abundant fruit in us?

Heart of the House: Living in Light of Eternity

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc leads us in our final message of the series of Forward City's Values as a community of faith. Marc leads us in thinking through 2 Peter 3:3-15, meditating on both the justice and salvation of God that we have coming in the return of Christ.

Heart of the House: Margin... Making Room for God to Work

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400

This week was packed with collective sharing of God's work. Malachi shared Psalm 33, while we also reflected on Revelation 5 and how Jesus in worthy of our devotion and praise. Colleen then shared the testimony of how she grew closer to Jesus in the midst of health and medical issues.

Marc discussed the need for margin in our lives, seeking to prioritize God's kingdom work with our time, energy, and money. Marc discussed that margin is where our resources (primarily time) are non-scheduled.

The Heart of the House: Intentional Growth

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc updated the congregation on the progress of finding a new space. Currently, the eldership is looking for a space by June. There are also a number of events going on, so we encourage you to pay close attention and take note of things that you would like to be involved and attend!

Spencer spoke on the value that Forward views faith as an everyday practice, not just a Sunday attendance. Spencer was clear to encourage us that Forward already lives out this value, and that it is an embodied value. We were encouraged to pursue this value and seek God's guidance to go further and find more of God's presence and blessing in our lives.

We ended our time together by sharing in communion, led by Ben.

The Heart of the House: Community

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

This week, Spencer shares with us about the role of community in Forward as a value that helps move us forward to a full life in Christ. Spencer highlighted that we need each, we belong to one another, and that our communal love for one another bears witness to Christ's redemptive power in humanity.

Being A Sweet Aroma

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

This week Marc discusses Mark 5 and the impacts of God's redemptive power over the man possessed by Legion. The man's life was radically altered and when he shared with his community how God had transformed his life, his home community were all amazed.

Marc challenged us this week to consider the ways in which our lives are showcasing the goodness of God in our lives. Marc unpacked the ways that the sweet aroma of God should be present wherever we live and interact with others.

Knowing God's Direction: Getting Practical

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc capped off our series on prayer by discussing the various ways we discern and confirm God's specific direction in our lives. Marc emphasized that above all, our character needs to be in line with God's will. When our character and our hearts are aligned, we then are ready to join with God in his will for our lives regarding specific decisions. However, often, these decisions are left up to us as God allows and gives good gifts to his children.

When God Says No

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

We had a robust service together. We had friends share on prayer and Life Groups, while also participating in communion together. Spencer spoke a number of passages as he led us in a discussion about God answering our prayers with "No."

Spencer discussed a number of factors that lead to the answer of no from God. Sometimes, it is because we are selfish, and sometimes, it is keep us grounded in trusting God's strength and favour over us, despite our experience of struggle and suffering in this world. Finally, Spencer brings us to Jesus in the garden, where God says no to taking away the cup of wrath that our sins have caused. Often, the way we willingly sacrifice in order to see some know Jesus is worth the eternal reward we are promised when we pick up our cross.

Knowing God's Direction Part One

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

This week Marc continued our series focusing on prayer. Marc discussed how there are different aspects of God's will and how his will works out practically in our lives. Many of us think of God's will as specific direction in the big decisions of our lives. Marc focuses on how the most important understanding of God's will comes from knowing his character and us partnering with him in being molded into his image.

Marc ended the message by sharing a prayer that he prays regularly, "God give me the wisdom to know what is right as you define right and give me the courage to do it regardless of the cost." This was a helpful reminder that we are seeking to be his people and not just looking for God to serve us and direct our interests.

How To Wait Well

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc discusses the normal angst that we feel as we wait on God for good things, but it seems to us that God is slow in answering or quiet. We turn to Psalm 13 where David pours his anxious and desperate heart to God as he endures incredible hardship. We are reminded to be honest with God, to come boldly into the throne room, while also remaining understanding that he is God and we are not. Marc encourages us to wait in a posture of expectation and praise, for our salvation and our inheritance of good gifts come from God alone.

What Role Do Our Prayers Play In God's Plan

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

This week, Spencer leads us in communion, calling us to reflect on our standing with God and be aware of the weight of his goodness that we are remembering when eat and drink this meal together.

In the message, Marc unpacks the difficult question of the relationship between God's sovereignty and our prayers. Mark digs into Exodus 32:7-14 to examine how Moses appears to have changed God's mind, and yet, we have an unchanging God.

Marc explains that our role is to pray and trust God, that by praying, we are acting out God's plan and surrendering the situation to him, allowing whatever result to be used for his glory in our lives.

Prayer as Priority

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Marc opens the new year with a new series on prayer. Marc walks us through both Luke 11 and Matthew 6 discussing the different ways the disciples approach Jesus and how Jesus responds to their requests to be taught how to pray.

Marc explains that prayer is how we surrender to God, how we transfer our burdens to him, and finally, how we deepen our relationship with God. God does not waste our prayers, and he cares for us in such a way that seeking his face will not return void to us.

The Way of Humility

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500

This week, Spencer walked us through the Christ Poem of Philippians 2:5-11, helping us to see this beautiful theology about Jesus’ coming as not just theology about Jesus, but as a call that Paul gives to the Philippians and us to be made into Christ’s image of humility.

Spencer discusses three characteristics of humility: not clinging to status, willingly becoming a servant, and embracing costly obedience. These characteristics led Jesus to the cross, but in the end of the poem, we hear that these characteristics are how Jesus fulfilled the law of God and rewarded him with enthronement in Heaven. Spencer ended our discussion by noting to us that our end goal is to be with Jesus, enthroned in glory, but that we only gain that crown by following Jesus by taking up our cross in humility, loving and serving the world.

Light of the World

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc shares from Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Marc leads us in asking who we consider Jesus to be in our lives. We also ask the question of whether Jesus is coming into our deep darkness as a light that dawns and brings new life. Jesus is able to restore our lives and give us purpose, meaning, joy, and love. May we submit to this King who can come into our hearts, give us new life, and in being the light of our lives, he becomes the light of the world evermore.

Christ in Revelation

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc led us in communion, remembering and acknowledging the purpose for Christ's coming as we enter into this Christmas season.

Marc also began a new series in Revelation, discussing how God showed up to John in power in his darkest time of need and persecution. Marc reflects with us on God's power to sustain us and uphold us through any persecution and trial in our lives, no matter how the world treats us. We can have peace because our God does come to our aid and does come in power when we need him.

Staying On Mission

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Marc provided an update on Forward’s plans for a new location and introduced the Opportunity Fund and a season of prayer. We were encouraged to see this opportunity as a call to be God’s people more than a call to a building or location.

Spencer continued our study in Nehemiah. Spencer highlighted and taught about the opposition that is coming to those who pursue God’s mission. We are likely to face external opposition where Satan attempts to sow seeds of insecurity in our hearts. We are also likely internal opposition through dissension, selfish exploitation, or division. Sometimes, we are faced with temptation to be distracted from the mission.

Spencer encouraged us to stay on task and stay on mission through discerning God’s will through prayer and understanding of Scripture. As a congregation, we are settling into these principles for ourselves as we seek God’s mission in Forward City as we pursue our next home.

God's Vision Requires Our Participation

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc continued our study in Nehemiah. We focused on chapter 3 and the listing off of every member of the Jerusalem community who were building various sections f the wall. Marc notes that each person builds the part of the wall in front of and beside their home.

Marc noted for us that in the building or rebuilding of God's Kingdom, we are all partner's in what God has envisioned for Forward and the Church at large in Chatham. As members, we all have some part of the Kingdom that is placed in front of us and beside to build. Marc encouraged us to seek out the aspects of our lives where God is moving and building his Kingdom.

Pray First

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc began a new series on Nehemiah. Chapter 1 of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah, a Jewish exile who is an official in Babylon, receiving news of the Jerusalem community. Jerusalem's walls were destroyed and much of the city was in ruin.

Marc unpacks for us that Nehemiah's immediate response was prayer and fasting for God to give Nehemiah favour to bring a remedy to this tragic situation. Marc notes that we ought to have our hearts broken when we hear and see the tragedy happening around us in our world.

Marc invites us to pray to God for what is breaking his heart and how we can serve the communities in which he has placed us. Marc noted that Nehemiah does not pray in hopes that God handles the problem, but in hopes that God would be gracious to Nehemiah, providing for Nehemiah's partnership with God's will.

Handing Off Well

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc leads us into thinking about the transition from a faith that is ours to a faith being laid down for the next generation to pick up. Marc emphasizes that God's grace is most active and enabled through our obedience.

We study the generation of people in the wilderness with Moses, a generation whose parents would not receive the law of God. We are reminded that even in our disobedience, the next generation may still receive the call to pick up on God's law and trust him. Our role is to make this easier, while also entrusting the work of salvation to our God, not taking it into our own hands.

Freeing Ourselves To Run Well

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400

This week, we celebrated communion together, intentionally coming to the Lord together to reaffirm our commitments and remind ourselves of to come back to Jesus.

Marc discussed the story of Samson and the need to cast off burdens in order to run our race with endurance. Marc discussed that we can trust that our Father is faithful to help us up and finish the race when we stumble, fall, and may be hobbling.

We are reminded that not every burden that we need to cast off is sin, but by prioritizing even good things over our Lord, we are more vulnerable to sin. Marc tells us that we must be careful to cast off the burdens that keep us from God while acknowledging that God stands ready to pick us up and brings us back into his family.

Joy in the Journey

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc walks us through what it means to focus on Jesus, who has begun and will finish our faith. Like Jesus, we are to look beyond the trials of the present world into the everlasting joy in Christ.

Marc reminds us that we can have this everlasting joy right now as we rejoice in what God has done, what he will do, but most importantly, what he is doing right now by transforming and blessing us as his children.

May we seek God's face and may it shine upon us and renew our hearts in the midst of a broken and chaotic world.

God is Bigger, God is Better

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc leads us through Hebrews 11 and 12 to speak to the challenges we face in life as believers in a God who is not of this world. Marc emphasizes that God is bigger and better than every miracle he gives and every trial we experience.

The Yoke of God's Peace and Rest

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week Marc led us in communion and then shared from Matthew 11:28–30 about how Jesus calls us to himself to lay down our burdens while finding rest and peace in learning his burdens and his ways. Marc discussed how Jesus’ yoke is easy, how his training is not overwhelming, but leads us gently into the way of peace and rest.

Courage in the Midst of Persecution

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc walked us through the challenge of living without fear. Marc reminds us that fear is not from God and that we cannot allow fear to control our lives and shape our interactions with the world.

In a world that is becoming increasingly more hostile, we need to have courage to be bold for our faith, not giving in or giving up for what our faith calls us to uphold. May we step into this world and boldly love our God and neighbour, in spite of what how hostile they may be toward us.

Our Good Father Disciplines Us

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

This week Marc teaches from Hebrews 12 about our Good Father who disciplines us. Marc clarifies that this discipline is not about spiritual practices, punishment, or consequences. Rather, the discipline is a spiritual condition that comes to form us into the image of Christ.

Through discipline, we will be confronted by God in prayer, in reading Scripture, and through wise and godly friends. Marc encouraged us to find at least one person who will help us be faithful to Christ.

Children of the Living God

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Marc discusses with us what it means to find our value in how God sets our value. Marc notes that the creators and the buyers of things are the ones who set the value of something. We are then led to see God as both our Creator and the one who Buys us back in redemption with his life.

As God's children, God has the only right to label and set our value is God. We are encouraged to embrace this new identity that we have as God's children. We can give up our pursuits that we think give us value and pursue God's kingdom and value for us.

Laying Down Our Idols

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0400

This past week, we had Matt Clever join us and give us a message on Psalm 97. Matt exhorted us to acknowledge, as David does, that the Lord reigns.

Psalm 150 - Praise Him Everywhere with Everthing

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This week, we take communion, acknowledging how our iniquity was poured out on Jesus and by the stripes of our iniquity, we are made whole. Spencer then walks us through Psalm 150 discussing how, when, and where we Praise the Lord.

Jesus is always worthy of our praise. Jesus has paved the way for us to follow him through the cross and into eternal life. We celebrate that every day is a Glorious Day because we have been raised to newness of life in Christ Jesus. We are his temple, and we are his instruments being played to the glory of God every day.

Psalm 15 - Who Ascends the Mountain?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer walks us through Psalm 15 to examine what it means to be identified with Jesus and find ourselves ascending the mountain of God to worship. Spencer discusses our need to examine ourselves as we come to worship and come into God's presence, to reflect on our positioning and posture towards God.

Psalm 51 - Humble Acknowledgment of Sin Leads to Humble Experience of Grace

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0400

This week elder Ben Martin leads us in a reflection upon Psalm 51 and David's repentance in the wake of his sin against Uriah, Bathsheba, and ultimately, the Lord himself. We examine the need to humbly acknowledge the depths of our sin in order to experience the depths of God's forgiveness and grace over our lives.

Ben Charron also leads us in reading Psalm 23 to understand the depths of God's grace and how he cares for us when we are humbly submitted to him.

Feeling Like God is Absent - Psalm 88

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Spencer discusses Psalm 88 and Paul leads us in communion. Spencer talks about the reality Psalm 88 seemingly has no resolution, but ends with darkness being the writer's only friend. Spencer talks about how the Psalm empathizes with the human experience where God feels absent while sorrow and darkness seem to fill our lives.

But Spencer reminds us that while the writer expresses these emotions and feelings, he is still praying and still seeking God's life and blessing. God is still present, even though it seems like he is not, and faith continues to pursue God, even when despair seem to have overcome us.

Psalm 8 - Displaying the Majesty of God

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer speaks to us about Psalm 8, meditation on God's majesty in creation. Spencer then turns the topic to discuss how we are called to be God's majestic presence in the earth by taking up our crosses and following Jesus, becoming the fulfillment of God's image in the earth for the world.

Guarding Our Hearts by Hearing and Believing Truth

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0400

This week, our Elder and Chair of the Board, Tyler Dam, delivers us a message on Proverbs 4:23 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows form it."

Tyler walks us through personal testimony of how he intentionally believes God's word over him. Then, he leads us through intentional ways to orient our life toward hearing God's voice and resting in his promise to always seek to bless us and care for us. Further, Tyler explains that when we guard our hearts and hold the truth of God's favour over us, we then begin to seek out opportunities to share God's truth and favour for others.

Psalm 46 - Refuge and Hope in God

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer walks us through Psalm 46, where we end up finding refuge in our God who cares for us and requires nothing except our loyalty to his promise.

Psalm 1 - Choosing the Righteous Path

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer kicks of our Summer series with Psalm 1. Spencer takes us through the importance of wisdom literature and the need to delight in God's Law. He discusses how we ought to meditate by continually rethinking and reapplying Scripture to our hearts and lives. Ultimately, we are called to delight in God's law, finding true treasure and life in God's word, that we might bear much fruit in a dry world.

Free in Christ to be Unified

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer takes us through the Romans 14 and how Paul helps the Roman church work out their differences in conscience. We are not pass judgment on one another for differing opinions, but to seek unity by pursuing the interests of others.

God's Grace to Serve

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

The beginning of the recording is a prayer from Ben Martin where we meditate on the goodness of Jesus as God who came to us and showed us mercy. This moment of worship reflected Paul's discussion in Romans 11:35-36 that leads us into our living sacrifice:

"who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Afterward, Marc led us in a discussion of Romans 12 where spiritual gifts are discussed. Marc shares about our need to recognize and engage our spiritual gifts, trusting that God has made us with purpose to build others up in the faith. In this way, we live out our living sacrifices in partnership with God's will for us. We pray that your week is filled with serving God and seeing his favour and kindness over you and those you love.

A Living Sacrifice

Fri, 16 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Marc discussed Romans 12:1 with us and the nature of being a living sacrifice in our world today. Marc ended the message with a self-examination of the priorities we have in our life, including a reflection of how these priorities can become idols. God is not simply interested in our words or attendance. God is interested in us. . . all of us. We ask, "Lord, what are the things in my life that keep me from being fully devoted to you?"

Mercy

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0400

This week, Spencer shared with us about the nuances of God's mercy to both Israel and the Church. Spencer walks us through Romans 9 and 11 to discuss the riches of God's mercy toward us and all of humanity.

He Is Risen!

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

He is risen indeed!

This week, we celebrate Jesus' rising from the dead and his promise of eternal life! Marc discusses the resurrection and how it ought to shape our hearts to rejoice.

A Sweeping Victory

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Spencer walks us through the end of Romans 8, where we get the famous "We are more than conquerors" phrase from the Apostle Paul. Spencer discusses that God has overcome the world and that God's love, care, and concern for his church will outlast any evil this world can throw at us. Even though we experience the suffering of this world, we know that our God and Father outlasts it all.

All Things For Our Good

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This week Marc discusses the second half of Romans 8, explaining how verse 28 works and does not work. Marc discussed how God overcomes our sin and the sin of others to bring us deeper into relationship with him.

We may see the fruit of God working all things together for us who love him in this life, but we are assured that God works all things together for our good when this life ends and eternity with him is known in fullness.

Heirs with Christ

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0400

We led this week by introducing our first week in the 21-day fast. This first week is focused on media fasting, by taking time away from news, podcasts, music, televisions, among other forms of digital media.

Afterward, Marc discussed Romans 8 with us, detailing how we set our minds on the spirit by first recognizing and embracing that we have been adopted and made God's children. This discussion led to us explaining how we are inheritors of God's promises and eternal life with Jesus.

Choosing Righteousness

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0400

This sermon was given on March 9th.

Marc discussed Romans 6 and how we are meant to choose righteousness over sin. Marc explained to us that being a Christian means we give up our old ways and choose a new way of living by following Jesus.

Hearing God

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400

This week, Marc introduces our three weeks of fasting that will start on March 30th. Marc teaches how fasting helps us to quiet our hearts and lives in order for us to hear God more clearly. We fast in order to grow closer to God and receive guidance for significant decisions and seasons in life.

Dead to Sin

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0500

This week Marc discussed Romans 6 and how the Gospel frees us from sin to live in righteousness and resurrection life. Our unity with Jesus grants us freedom from sin and we do not re-dig up our old lives.

Why Get Baptized? (With Testimonies)

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0500

This week, we celebrated the baptism of 3 people! Praise God!

Before the baptisms, Marc spoke on the nature of baptism. Marc explained why we do baptisms along with an encouragement to be baptized if we trust Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Finally, we listen to the testimonies of those who were baptized, along with an extra testimony of a previous baptism. What a joyous day celebrating the work of God in our community!

Blessings of Justification

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

This week, Spencer walks us through the beginning of Romans 5. We learn about having peace with God through our faith which has brought us justification. In our peace with God, we are able to boast in our suffering and trials, knowing that God's love is continually being poured out toward us.

Not Cancelled

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc discusses Romans 4 with us, discussing God's eternal faithfulness toward us. God is never letting us go and never stops forgiving. Jesus' work on the cross is sufficient to cover all our sin for all of time, while also providing us all our righteousness for all of time.

Who Needs The Gospel?

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week, Marc unpacks the uncomfortable truth revealed from Romans 1:8 through 3:20. We all need the Gospel. Those of us who do what is "right" and those of us who struggle more visibly. Jesus came to save and all are in need of his salvation.

Becoming Unashamed

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0500

We begin a new series on the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the church in Rome. Marc discusses the background and social dynamics of the Roman church that is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. This introduction to Romans focuses the key verse of the message, that Paul is unashamed of the Gospel. Marc encourages us to memorize Romans 1:16 as a congregation and meditate on the ways we can become unashamed in our love for Jesus.

Running The Race

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0500

This week, Spencer walks us through Hebrews 12:1-2 discussing how we run the race of faith with endurance. He leads us through what it means to cast off the things that burden our faith, abandon sin, and fix our eyes of Jesus. Spencer reminds us that Jesus is capable of sustaining us through the trials and obstacles of faith.

We pray that your holidays have been exceptional, restful, and brought you great joy!

I Am The Vine

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0500

This week we enjoyed worship with the Journeys Men's Choir, hearing their testimonies of freedom in Christ.

Marc shared from John 15:1-6 where Jesus states, "I am the true vine. . ." We discussed how just like Jesus is the exclusive way to be with the Father, it is also true that we do not have the strength to bear God's fruit in our lives. Jesus alone can bear God's fruit and it is only by being attached to Jesus and his transforming work that we can showcase God's goodness in the world.

The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0500

John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

After a wonderful time in the snow at Sloan's last week, we return to our message series on Jesus' "I am" statements with John 14:6. Marc leads us in wrestling with the exclusivity of Jesus as Lord and way to the Father. We also examine how despite Jesus being the only way, his way is open to everyone who will believe and trust him.

I Am the Good Shepherd

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Our journey through Jesus' "I Am" statements brings us to John 10:11-18. In our study this week, Marc discusses how those who knew Jesus, know Jesus, and will know Jesus all hear his voice. In hearing his voice, we follow him into the safety of his leadership. We also learn that hearing Jesus' voice also means acknowledging him as Lord and following him.

The Gate

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Marc takes us through John 10:1-10 where Jesus calls himself "The Gate." Marc explains to us how Jesus protects us and creates for us a safe space to live our spiritual lives. We learn that we are not just secured for eternity, but have an abundant life to live today.

Light of the World

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0500

John 8:12 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."

The world in which we live is full of hardship, tragedy, and suffering. It is dark, but there is hope in Jesus. In knowing Jesus, we also become the embodiment of this living hope. Our message this weeks outlines how Jesus is the light of the world, and how through knowing him, we are called to also be the light of the world and shine bright (Matt 14-16).

Bread of Life for Our Empty Hearts

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0400

In a world with prosperity abounding, the question of significance and fulfillment remains. We instinctually pursue good things and yet, those things do not fill our hearts and leave us longing for more.

This Sunday, Marc walks us through Jesus' statement, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)" We discuss how our ultimate need is to know Jesus and find our fulfillment in his saving grace.

Who Will You Serve?

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0400

This week we wrap up our series on Joshua by looking back at the things Joshua learned and encouraged the Israelites in Joshua 23-24.

We began our study by praying and asking God how he was working and moving in our personal lives and community. We end our series discussing the need to continue in trusting God in what he will continue to do. Having witnessed God move in our lives and hearing him direct our future, we ask ourselves, “Who will we serve?”

Guest Speaker Spencer Osmond

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

July 21 Forward City's Guest Speaker
Spencer Osmond

Follow God when it doesn't make sense

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Some of you have been asked by God to go somewhere or do something without a clear reason.

Today we are going to learn two principles that will help us when God called us to something that doesn't make sense or when you don't know the why.

You don’t have to fully understand God’s plan to obey it.

You don’t have to understand the plan of God to trust that God has a purpose.

Stepping Out By Faith

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400

God all over the Bible and in our lives reveals Himself in the critical moments when we obey when it will cost us something.

Through Joshua's obedience we learn how not to be passive observes of God's work like some people tapping on the glass or sitting in the stands. And we learn how we can instead step out in bold faith to join Him on the field.

Loving with the Gospel

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400

When our Saviour Jesus ascended back to Heaven, He commissioned His followers to GO in to the world ... into the brokenness ... into the hurt ... with the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father and walk with them as the begin to follow Jesus.

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

We are created and gifted to shine on those who live in darkness to guide them to the path of reconciliation and healing and forgiveness Through Jesus Christ!

The only way darkness will overcome light is when light refuses to shine

Submit and Love

Tue, 21 May 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Ephesians 5

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Today, we tackle a passage the culture has misunderstood and through it we learn a different way of thinking about our needs. Instead of making your spouse responsible for your happiness, we to learn how to leverage our lives to make their priorities a priority over ours.

Marriage: Expectations

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

James4:1
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

For most of us, our default position is to think that the reason we are having challenges in our marriage is because our spouse isn't meeting our needs.

But in this message James reveals to us that the problem between you and your spouse isn’t because of what’s going on around you. The real problem is what is going on within you.

A Theology of Work

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

If following Jesus has to do with all of our lives and with a huge majority of our lives is going to work, then surely there should be a connection.

The Way you work matters to God.

No matter what your profession or occupation – whether you’re a parent, a bus driver, an artist or an engineer – God cares about your work.

Walking In Freedom

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Imagine what this would be like if we Stopped looking for loopholes and look for ways to love othe

Imagine what this would be like if we we Stopped looking at our new life in Christ like a membership reward card.

The more I do the more points I get and one day I can cash them in on some pretty cool stuff.

Imagine what it would be like if we Stopped asking what is in it for me and instead asked what does love ask me to do for you.

Easter: 6 words that changed everything

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Christ’s work on the cross paid the price for our sin in full, which is why Jesus said, “it is finished,” But it is the resurrection that seals the deal. When Jesus rose from the dead, he demonstrated he was Lord over sin, death, and the grave. His resurrection also proved Jesus was who he said he was.

Whosoever believes or places their trust in that sacrifice and resurrection will receive forgiveness of their sin. and we can be confident that Because Jesus Christ, risen from the grave we will one day rise with Him

How deep does your transformation go?

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In this Message, Matt Charron teaches from the tragic story of Ananias and Sapphire in Acts 5:1-11. Through this message we are faced with the question, "Are we seeking worldly gain or are we seeking the heavenly reward?"

Reflecting the Character of Christ

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Philippians 2:3-5
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

This message is the beginning of a series that will challenge us to Reflect the Character of Jesus Christ in all areas of your life.

Over coming the victim mentality

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Philippians 4

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

In this message three of our young friends help us understand how to overcome the victim mentality by taking time to "Think about what you think about."

God's Care For You In Your Wilderness Moments

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Are you in a struggling? Are you hurting? Are you feeling hopeless? In 1 Kings 19 we see how God cares for Elijah when he is alone in the wilderness and together we learn principles that will help us when we are in the low moments of life.

Generosity a pipeline to blessing

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0500

Tyler Dam teaches on generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

We love because He first loved us.
We give because He first gave to us.

Submitting our Identity to the Lordship of Christ

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

This week Ben Martin teaches from Romans 12:3-6 and we learn that God has uniquely made and gifted His children to build up the Body of Christ.

Stuart and Barklee's Testimony

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Hear how God moved in the hearts of a young family to put their lives on the altar and how through that decision, God brought Kingdom blessing.

Surrendering Our Plans

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Do you ever find yourself wrestling with God? Today we will learn what to do when God puts us where He wants you to be even if you aren’t where you want to be.

Renewing Our Minds

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Romans 12:2
Do no conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Christian, there is a battle going on for your mind.
satan is lying to us, trying to make us think we have the right to decide what is true, what is wrong and what is right.

Renewing our mind helps us recognize the lies of the enemy, by comparing them to God’s Word.

Living Sacrifices

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

One Hundred Hours

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

There is a theory called the 100-hour rule that suggests that to master a topic, someone only needs to dedicate 100 hours within a year (approximately 18 hours per day) to that topic. As we lean into abiding in the love of our Heavenly Father, we believe God is challenging the Forward City family to make a regular practice of spending time with Him for at least 18 minutes per day. We trust Him to form us into Christ's likeness more and more as we abide in His love.

Lessons from a Fishing Boat

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Sunday, October 29th, 2023, we had the privilege of hearing a message from The Bible League's Bob Beasley, and more importantly, father to our very own Colin Beasley.

Enjoy this excellent encouragement to our church family.

Note: The intro was not recorded due to technical challenges, but the "meat" of entire message is captured in this recording. We pray it blesses you!

Finish Well (Throwback message)

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2 Timothy 6:6-8

The Apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy as a letter during his last days, to prepare Timothy to take over his ministry. The mission of Paul and Timothy is the same mission that unites us believers today.

One of the consistent themes throughout this letter, and Paul's life as a Christian is endurance and perseverance, especially in the face of trials.
As we dig into this strife-soaked, hope-filled conclusion, let's be honest. Are we living for Christ with the ambition, zealousness, and discipline of an athlete, eager for their prize?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Abide

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

We're about to take a deep dive into the idea of "abiding", as described in John 15, over the next few months. Our prayer is that our hearts would desire an intimate, maturing relationship with Jesus, and a growing longing for fellowship with the Lord.

Marks of Maturity

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We're entering into a long series on maturity; praying that each of us as individuals would let God be our everything, and lead us to maturity as His followers.

Wrong things some smart Christians believe: Life should be fair

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

"If God is just, shouldn't life be fair?"

The Bible tells us about a good God whose mercies for mankind are new everyday; who sent His Son as a Saviour to pay for our sins with His own blood; who gifts us with talents and opportunities for His own wise purposes, according to His plans (not ours). Our God is very gracious, but that also means that if we're comparing situations from our own human perspectives, life is definitely not "fair". The question for us as His people is whether we will be faithful with what God has given us, and will we be faithful to Him?

Wrong things some smart Christians believe: A valley means a wrong turn

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Sometimes we find ourselves in dark and difficult situations as a result of the choices we have make. Sometimes, as truly loved as we are, God simply allow us to enter hardship. To believe otherwise means misunderstanding God when things go wrong, and possibly missing out on the peace of His promises and the sufficiency of His comfort.

Me and My Big Mouth

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
James 3:7-9

Wrong things some smart Christians believe: Loving everyone means accepting everything

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

God loves everyone, and desires that everyone find true life and abundance in Him. Because He loves everyone, He cannot accept sin. The satisfaction of sin is temporary. It eventually disappoints those it gratifies, and destroys the gracious intent of everything good God has created and designed for mankind.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us [Jesus], and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth...For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. -- John 1:14,16

Wrong things some smart Christians believe: God wants us to be happy

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

God desires much more for us than circumstance dependent happiness.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. -- Philippians 4:12-13

Faithful to leave an imprint

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 22:00:00 -0400

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. -- 1 Timothy 4:12

God's Kindness, Our Peace

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep. --- Psalm 127:1-2

God has an answer for our restlessness and anxiety -- Himself. This message from our own Ben Martin encourages us to rest in the truth that God knows us and loves us; that He knows our needs and takes care of us. The kind disposition of our sovereign Father is more than enough to be our peace.

Praying for the Lost and the Broken

Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done.
Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. -- Ezekiel 18:21-23

There is an end to all wickedness, and we are closer to it now than we were moments ago. The Bible tells us that God's desire is not that anyone would perish, but that all will come to repentance. The Bible also tells us that some people will reject God and salvation, and suffer eternal consequences for their sins. This message is a call to compassion that urges us to pray; not just for our friends, but our enemies.

God's Work In Us As We Pray Through Trials

Mon, 08 May 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4

We believe God is faithful and works everything for our good. God also tells us that we will face trouble. When difficulties come, it is natural to want God to take it all away, and our prayers often reflect that — which is okay. However, the Bible tells us that God uses our circumstances to accomplish good purposes within us. As we pray, we have the opportunity to be grateful and rejoice in God's faithfulness to us as He takes us through our troubles.

Praying for Healing

Mon, 01 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
James 5:13-15

We believe in a God who can do anything. This message is an invitation to act on our faith -- to give our sorrows, weakness, pain, suffering, sickness and brokenness to God, asking that He would comfort, strengthen, free, restore, heal and reconcile. We know God's will for today may not line up with our desires, but we believe He is faithful, and He clearly commands us to pray and ask for even the unthinkable. Let us lean into His love and grace, and trust He will act on behalf of our prayers and faith.

Praying for Help

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth! -- Psalm 121:1-2

The Bible describes the Lord as an "ever-present help in times of trouble" (Psalm 46). This message is a call to pray, and a reminder of God's power and inclination to move on our behalf. He is not just with us through the storm; trusting Him is also our way through.

To get the most out of this message, please read 2 Kings 18-19.

Big Picture Promises

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 22:00:00 -0400

This message from our own Tyler Dam is a call to faith in God and His promises, even when waiting on the Lord is long and difficult. When we are disconnected from the reality of God and His desire to continue doing a good work in us, the world's invitation to hope in things that fail us, can seem appealing. May this message put confidence in your soul to seek God, and build your life on His good big picture promises. May it remind you to participate in the exciting and beautiful story of redemption we've been invited into.

The Significance of the Resurrection

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:22-23

Praying for Forgiveness

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0400

God commands us to come to Him for forgiveness. He also loves us, and has proven His desire to reconcile us to Himself. This message is a call to action — a call to confession and repentance in view of accepting God's mercy, and walking in step with Christ. God is faithful and eager to forgive.

Praying for Wisdom

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400

I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth! -- Psalm 121:1-2

The Maker of Heaven and Earth loves us, and COMMANDS US to come to Him for wisdom. This message is an invitation to experience the wonderful grace of humility before God, understanding that as insightful as we may be, the God of the universe is the ultimate authority on what is right and good. He alone has the power to bless and judge perfectly, and grant wisdom to us -- his beloved kids.

As in the days of Noah

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this message, we are encouraged by one of our Elders, Donovan Jacobs. Although we are navigating opposition to God's ways and design every day, God has given us kind and empowering Words and His Spirit; and He is walking in and through us.

What do we believe: We, the Church, are missionaries

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we believe that God has sent us out to deliver the good message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ to people near and far.

What do we believe: The Church is a body

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we believe the Church is "the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). TOGETHER, united by the Spirit of God and with the mind of Christ, we serve different roles — roles God has equipped and gifted us for.

We value our differences; we support each other's weaknesses; and we love one another deeply, even when we are not functioning in full strength. We are better together. We are meant to serve Christ and build His kingdom together.

What do we believe: The Church reflects Christ

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we believe the Church is made up of Christ-followers, saved, called and commissioned to reflect the heart and likeness Jesus Christ.

What do we believe: The Church is a family

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we believe Christ has made His followers family. The Church is a legitimate, forever, bearing-with-many-differences-and-weaknesses family.

Abiding in Christ - with guest preacher Scott Stephenson

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

“[Jesus speaking] Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5

It was a blessing to have Scott Stephenson of Bluewater Baptist Church (Sarnia, ON), with us on Sunday. We belong to a beautiful, global Church Family, and an unbelievably good God who has invited us to flourish and bear fruit.
May we submit to His design and embrace His ways.
May we flourish; abiding in Him (no matter what life throws at us).

What do we believe: God has plans for each of us in His Church

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we know God loves His Church; and by "Church", we don't mean the buildings we meet in, but God's people/followers.

We believe the Church is the people of God, called to follow Jesus and model His love to the world. We believe our identity in Christ speaks into every aspect of our life, and we have the privilege of being the Church every day.

What do we believe: Eternity (Somewhere Forever)

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we believe that our souls are eternal, and that after life in our earthly bodies, we live on somewhere forever. We believe that because of God's great love for us, He made a way for anyone to opt into an eternity with Him. We also believe in a second option — eternity apart from God, often called "Hell".

Hell is a scary concept (and real destiny), but this message is not meant to be scary. We are talking about what we believe so you can explore spiritual, eternal realities for yourself. We also want to encourage you because Jesus Christ is the way to enter an eternity filled up with the presence God and all His grace — and all we need to do is put our hope in Him.

Christmas Past, Part 2: Waiting

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500

The people of Israel were holding on for the fulfillment of a special prophecy that promised them a Saviour and King. When he finally entered the world, they had been waiting for over 600 years, and from start to finish, his life was nothing anyone had expected. God's plans may not look the same as our plans, but they are truly good (better than ours) and He is everything.

Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Christmas Past, Part 1: Hiding

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Adam and Eve sinned, and then tried to hide from the Lord. As fellow humans, we have many similar inclinations -- both to sin and to hide.
In response, God initiated our rescue, and is ever pursuing us because He loves us as we are. Maybe it's time we stop hiding, and run to our Father.

Genesis 3:1-10
The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

What do we believe: The Fall (and what it means for humanity)

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we believe that God created mankind to experience true “Shalom” (a Hebrew noun taken from the root word Shalam, meaning, “to be safe in mind, body, or estate"). This concept of shalom refers to an inward sense of completeness or wholeness, free of conflict in every aspect of life, and primarily in our relationship to God. This shalom was broken when Adam introduced sin into the world and brought brokenness to the human condition. However, God did not leave us 'shalom-less' without Hope. He has given us an ultimate, abiding, eternal, abundant answer for our hearts' desire for shalom in Jesus Christ.

What do we believe: The Holy Spirit

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we confidently believe that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Helper given to God's beloved church (His family). He is the Spirit of God, and a person of the trinity (God in His united, three distinct persons), present with God's people to guide, comfort, convict, empower, etc. God has not left us alone, and through His Spirit, the power of God is at work all over the world in and through the Church.

What do we believe: Jesus

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we confidently believe that Jesus is fully God and a person of the trinity (God in His united, three distinct persons). We know that although He is God, He subjected Himself to death on a cross so His precious perfect blood could pay (or atone) for the sins of the world. We believe He lives today, and this message focuses on the heart of Christ, in light of how He defines greatness.

What do we believe: God the Father

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0400

What we believe matters. As believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

At Forward City Church, we confidently believe in the trinity (God in His united, three distinct persons). This message focuses on God the Father and how faith in who He is shapes and transforms our hearts.

What do we believe: Full Life

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

What we believe matters. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we may not always land on the exact same page about everything, but as believers, there are some important foundational truths that shape what we pursue, what we protect, what we say no to, and how we carry ourselves.

To start, we want you to know that we at Forward City Church confidently believe that God invites each of us to experience a full, abundant life through a relationship with the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ.

Real Love: Love is...

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0400

We have been talking about Real Love (the Greek word 'agape', meaning unconditional love or the highest form of gracious love; the kind of love that is only perfectly demonstrated by God in His love for us).
In this message we discuss what love is!

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends"
- John 15:13

Real Love — God's love for us

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:10

Note: The recording was set up to pick up from the wrong microphone. Our apologies for the echo!

What's most important

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Many of our pursuits and achievements are not bad, and some are likely very honourable. However, in light of knowing Christ and becoming like him, some of these things are just not as significant.

May our external pursuits never distract or detract from the most important things, like what God desires to accomplish in our hearts.

Gideon: Found Faithful

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

In this message series, we are studying the life of Gideon (Judges 6-8). May you be blessed by the amazing reality that God has tremendous plans for ordinary people like Gideon; and like you and I.

Stand Firm — A message from Matt Clever of Anthem Church

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0400

A message from Matt Clever of Anthem Church in Sarnia, Ontario.
God holds all of the power, which means our enemy satan holds none. Let's be bold, courageous and stand firm.

Baptism, New Life & Surrender

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400

In this testimony message, our own Katrina shares about her experience of coming to Christ, getting baptized and experiencing the significance of what baptism represents through God's work in her life.

Gideon: Empowered

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0400

In this message series, we are studying the life of Gideon (Judges 6-8). May you be encouraged by the reminder that God has prepared good and great work for you to do, and He is with you, strengthening and upholding you, as you step out in faith for Him.

Gideon: Chosen

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0400

In this message series, we are studying the life of Gideon (Judges 6-8). May you be blessed by the amazing reality that God has tremendous plans for ordinary people like Gideon; and like you and I.

Words for Flawed Christians About Freedom - Part 3

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 22:00:00 -0400

I may be allowed, but will it build up or tear down?

Corinth was a city of diversity in many ways, including its experiences of brokenness. Early Christians brought the good news of Jesus there, but over time, the church stopped seeking ways to bring light to the darkness. Instead, the church began to blend in.

The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter by the Apostle Paul, written to address the mess the Corinthian church was in. It was and is a letter of correction, direction and love in view of God's good plans for His people. This letter is for each of us — deeply loved but flawed Christians.

Brother Bechara: An encouraging update on God's growing kingdom within Arabic communities

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Our brother Bechara takes us through Matthew 15:21-28, as he encourages and challenges us with stories of church planting in Arabic-speaking communities in Canada, and abroad.

The church (God's people) has been commissioned to bring the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to all nations, and it is happening because God is faithful.

Words for Flawed Christians About Freedom - Part 1

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Corinth was a city of diversity in many ways, including its experiences of brokenness. Early Christians brought the good news of Jesus there, but over time, the church stopped seeking ways to bring light to the darkness. Instead, the church began to blend in.

The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter by the Apostle Paul, written to address the mess the Corinthian church was in. It was and is a letter of correction, direction and love in view of God's good plans for His people. This letter is for each of us — deeply loved but flawed Christians.

Margin and Your Proximity to Sin

Tue, 17 May 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We live in a culture that pushes us to the limit — do more, accomplish more, conquer more. But the more you schedule, the more you plan, and the less margin you have...and God does amazing things when we hold margin for Him.

In this message, we discuss the foolishness of flirting with sin, when we are lovingly commanded to flee it.

Margin With Our Schedules

Mon, 09 May 2022 22:00:00 -0400

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."
Ephesians 5:15-17

We live in a culture that pushes us to the limit — do more, accomplish more, conquer more. But the more you schedule, the more you plan, and the less margin you have...and God does amazing things when we hold margin for Him.

Margin With Our Extra

Tue, 03 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400

"Honour the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce."
Proverbs 3:9

We live in a culture that pushes us to the limit — do more, accomplish more, conquer more. But the more you schedule, the more you plan, and the less margin you have...and God does amazing things when we hold margin for Him.

Margin - Series Intro

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” - Psalm 39:4-5

We live in a culture that pushes us to the limit — do more, accomplish more, conquer more. But the more you schedule, the more you plan, and the less margin you have...and God does amazing things when we hold margin for Him.

Praising God before the rocks do

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

This Palm Sunday message is a reminder that we have the privilege of getting to praise God as recipients of His grace. Let's not let rocks beat us to it!

Words for Flawed Christians About Claiming Freedom From Sin

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0400

Corinth was a city of diversity in many ways, including its experiences of brokenness. Early Christians brought the good news of Jesus there, but over time, the church stopped seeking ways to bring light to the darkness. Instead, the church began to blend in.

The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter by the Apostle Paul, written to address the mess the Corinthian church was in. It was and is a letter of correction, direction and love in view of God's good plans for His people. This letter is for each of us — deeply loved but flawed Christians.

Words For Flawed Christians About Confronting Sin in Love

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Words for Flawed Christians About Judging Others

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Words for Flawed Christians about Immaturity

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Daily Victory

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

A message from our very own Tyler Dam, encouraging us to let the Holy Spirit fill us, so we can walk in His strength, peace, joy and love. Learn from Tyler's experience, meditating on Romans 8:1-17.

Words for Flawed Christians About Wisdom

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Words for Flawed Christians About Divisions and Quarrels

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Words for flawed Christians - Introducing our series in First Corinthians

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

A Christian is Commissioned

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0500

A Christian is connected to an imperfect, incredible family brought together by the love of Christ. A Christian is called out of darkness, and into God's marvellous light to proclaim the glorious truth of who He is. A Christian is commissioned to be beautiful, allowing God to use them to fill the world with His goodness and grace.

In this message series, we're talking about what it means to be a Christian, using the Bible and Christ Himself as our reference point. It is in following Him we find life, and we are praying that you would move forward to full life in Christ.

A Christian is Called

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 23:00:00 -0500

A Christian is called. As children of God, we are called and gifted for something extraordinary.

In this message series, we're talking about what it means to be a Christian using the Bible and Christ Himself as our reference point. It is in following Him we find life, and we are praying that you would move forward to full life in Christ.

A Christian is Connected

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:00:00 -0500

A Christian is connected to an incredible (sometimes messy) family in Christ.

In this message series, we're talking about what it means to be a Christian, using the Bible and Christ Himself as our reference point. It is in following Him we find life, and we are praying that you would move forward to full life in Christ.

A Christian is... (Series Introduction)

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Would it surprise you to hear that God did not ask anyone to become a Christian? Rather, Jesus asked people to follow Him.

In this message series, we're going to talk about what it means to be a Christian, using the Bible and Christ Himself as our reference point. It is a disservice to ourselves to let us define Christianity our way because God has called us to more than a belief system, culture, or Sunday morning ritual. God has called us to be part of Christ's mission — a mission that costs us and has us walking step by step with Jesus. It is in following Him we find life, and we are praying that you would move forward to full life in Christ.

God is with us in the storm

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 22:00:00 -0500

The Hebrew word ʿimmānū'ēl (Romanized as “Emmanuel”) means “God is with us”.

In this message series, we are meditating on the significance of God’s willingness to be with us and for us where we are.

Storms come, but God is the calmer of the storms; and He is with us when we are in them. You can fixate on your fear, or fix your eyes on the One your storms answer to.

...and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us'
Matthew 1:23

God is with us in the wilderness

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0500

The Hebrew word ʿimmānū'ēl (Romanized as “Emmanuel”) means “God is with us”.

In this message series, we are meditating on the significance of God’s willingness to be with us and for us where we are.

God loves us and is with us when the way seems clear and we feel confident; and He loves us and remains close when the path seems lost to us and we are deeply discouraged. He is with us in the wilderness.

...and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us'
Matthew 1:23

God is with us in the valley

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0500

The Hebrew word ʿimmānū'ēl (Romanized as “Emmanuel”) means “God is with us”.

In this message series, we are meditating on the significance of God’s willingness to be with us and for us where we are.

God isn’t just with us on the mountaintops. He is also with us in the valley; when we are struggling. He is with us when we can’t put the past in the past.

He [Jesus] gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.
Philippians 2:7

Personal Ministry

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 22:00:00 -0500

In this Forward City message, we chat about about living to let God work powerfully through our lives here on earth. We hear from our Forward City family and chat plainly about committing our lives to Christ's service and praying for His heart.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
..Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

Christ gave His life to reconcile people to Himself. So will we.

Throwback Message - "Sermon on the Mount" (Sep 2018)

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

We are unable to bring to you last Sunday's message on podcast, so here is a throwback from September 2018 -- the majority of a message on The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

Enjoy, and be encouraged and challenged by Christ's extraordinary heart.

Isn't the church the cause of so much injustice?

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 22:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the message series "I'm asking for a friend". At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you. Actually knowing and experiencing Christ (not pretending or performing) transforms your life, and God's not afraid of your honest skepticism.

In this message, we tackle the question "Isn't the church the cause of so much injustice?"

Note: Working through questions like these usually takes time and conversation. If you are really struggling with your faith in God during this message series, please reach out by email - info@forwardcity.ca.

SHOW LESS

If God is loving, why is there evil and suffering?

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the message series "I'm asking for a friend". At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you. Actually knowing and experiencing Christ (not pretending or performing) transforms your life, and God's not afraid of your honest skepticism.

In this message, we tackle the question "If God is loving, why is there evil and suffering?"

Note: Working through questions like these usually takes time and conversation. If you are really struggling with your faith in God during this message series, please reach out by email - info@forwardcity.ca.

Thankfulness at all times

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

How can there be only one way?

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 21:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the message series "I'm asking for a friend". At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you. Actually knowing and experiencing Christ (not pretending or performing) transforms your life, and God's not afraid of your honest skepticism.

In this message, we tackle the question "How can there be only one way?"

Note: Working through questions like these usually takes time and conversation. If you are really struggling with your faith in God during this message series, please reach out by email - info@forwardcity.ca.

You said Your yoke was easy

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

This message is for every believer who has ever wondered why they aren't experiencing the rest Jesus promised.

In this message, guest preacher Tyler Dam helps us make sense of our disappointments in light of Matthew 11:28-30, and encourages us to find our all in our life-giving Saviour Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus: God or Man?

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0400

At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you. Actually knowing and experiencing Christ (not pretending or performing) transforms your life, and God's not afraid of your honest skepticism.

In this message, we tackle the question "Jesus: God or Man?"

Note: Working through questions like these usually takes time and conversation. If you are really struggling with your faith in God during this message series, please reach out by email - info@forwardcity.ca.

Can we trust the Bible?

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 22:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the message series "I'm asking for a friend". At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you. Actually knowing and experiencing Christ (not pretending or performing) transforms your life, and God's not afraid of your honest skepticism.

In this message, we tackle the question "Can we trust the Bible?"

Note: Working through questions like these usually takes time and conversation. If you are really struggling with your faith in God during this message series, please reach out by email - info@forwardcity.ca.

Hasn't science disproven God?

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the message series "I'm asking for a friend". At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you. Actually knowing and experiencing Christ (not pretending or performing) transforms your life, and God's not afraid of your honest skepticism.

In this message, we tackle the question "Hasn't science disproven God?"

Note: Working through questions like these usually takes time and conversation. If you are really struggling with your faith in God during this message series, please reach out by email - info@forwardcity.ca.

An FCC Testimony: Fearing & Knowing the Lord

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 21:00:00 -0400

A Forward City Testimony -- Forward City's Ben shares about his experience reading God's Word this past year, and ultimately, how his fear of the Lord (or reverence for Him) is guiding him through the tensions of life and culture.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble (and really know God)

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 21:00:00 -0400

At Forward City Church, we want you to know God, and if it's going to take wrestling with your doubts and questions, we want to wrestle along side you.

It is terribly easy for people to attend church gatherings Sunday after Sunday, and call themselves Christians, and spend their entire lives ignoring the fact that they don't actually believe what they say they do. This is tragic! Actually knowing Christ transforms your life, but pretending won't.

Join us this September (2021), as we tackle the questions many people in the world and in our church family wrestle with.

The Life of Samson: Redemption

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400

In a world that doesn't expect a lot from people, and seems to encourage everyone to indulge in whatever they desire (good or bad), God calls us to something higher, better and glorious.

This message encourages us to see the redemption God brings to Samson's life, and reminds us to see failure clearly — as a single event, not an identity. We will fail God on this side of heaven, but that is never the end of the story. This very day, we get to choose to honour God and trust He will redeem every mistake, and every trial.

Encourage

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This message is from August 2020.

Learn from the legacy of a lesser known Joseph in the Bible — a man nicknamed Barnabas (meaning "Son of Encouragement"). May we become more like Christ in compassion and the way we love others.

Who in your life can you encourage?

An FCC Testimony: Discovering God's Compassion

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0400

A Forward City Testimony -- Our own Trina shares some stories from her journey learning to understand God's compassion. May her testimony encourage all of us to savour God's design for His people, and tell others about the "pleasant land" of being part of God's family.

Psalm 16:6
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

The Life of Samson: Greatness to Disgrace

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400

In a world that doesn't expect a lot from people, and seems to encourage everyone to indulge in whatever they desire (good or bad), God calls us to something higher, better and glorious.

This message reminds us that Samson's infamous foolishness is renowned in spite of decades of leadership in Israel (Judges 16:31). This mirrors so many falls from disgrace. Would-be legacies of greatness are ruined step by step; choice by choice.

God's word encourages us to walk closely and humbly with Christ, so that we may finish well.

The Life of Samson: Managing Emotions

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 22:00:00 -0400

In a world that doesn't expect a lot from people, and seems to encourage everyone to indulge in whatever they desire (good or bad), God calls us to something higher, better and glorious.

This message takes a looks at Samson's struggle with managing his emotions, the ways his lack of self-control brought him grievous consequences, and his inability to acknowledge his role in his demise. It also offers us hope in the One who created our emotions.

Maturity

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0400

This message, from July 2018, is from our "Face Palm" series through the book of James.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4

Lessons from the life of Samson

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0400

In a world that doesn't expect a lot from men, and seems to encourage everyone to indulge their desires (good or bad), God calls us to something higher, better and glorious.

This Father's Day message takes us through the life of Samson, so that we can learn from his mistakes. It also urges us to bask in the grace God poured on us at the cross, and the power given to us through the Holy Spirit.

You are not in this alone, and we can be the people God called us to be in Christ. We pray you would believe and see God at work in and through.

Made for More: Putting away former things to enjoy the new

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode is a message from our "Made for More" series (June 2019), inspired by Ephesians 2:10:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

As followers of Christ, we know that loving Jesus, does not mean we are void of sinful desires and inclinations. However, God gives us an abundance of grace, and Himself through the Holy Spirit.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:21-24

Made for More: God used David and has plans for you too

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode is a message from our "Made for More" series (June 2019), inspired by Ephesians 2:10:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Like David (of David and Goliath), you have unique abilities, experiences and passions, and God has incredible plans for you. We pray you would know and love Him, and desire His good will for your life.

I Choose to Look at the Inside Instead of the Outside

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 22:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

We are looking to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity.

History tells us that humans favour and harm people for various reasons, but the book of James, commands believers to put favouritism aside, and see people as God sees them. Will you make the choice to be faithful to this command? Will you take the time to let God expose favouritism in your own life?

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you favour some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
James 2:8-9

I Choose Important Over Urgent

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

We are looking to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity.

This message begs us to examine how we spend our time, as we study a story about Jesus’ friends Mary and Martha.

"So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Matthew 6:31-33

I Choose Stepping Out Over Opting Out

Mon, 31 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

We are looking to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity. In this message, we hear from two of our own Forward City Family — a story of some things that come when God's people step out with the message of Jesus.

Make no mistake — when we choose not to step out with the gospel, we miss out on seeing people reconciled to God; we miss out on seeing God at work firsthand; we miss out on the most amazing privilege we were made for.

"And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 4:29-30 (a prayer of the early church believers)

I Choose Comission Over Omission

Sun, 23 May 2021 14:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

We are looking to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity.

In this message, our own Matt Charron challenges us to choose obedience to God's call on His people to make disciples.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

I Choose Surrender Over Control

Mon, 17 May 2021 08:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

In this message, we are going to look at our options when our will and God's will are at odds, as well as the bondage to disappointment, bitterness, anxiety and worry we step into when we try to control things or people that aren’t ours to control.

The good news is this: when you surrender control to God, you find freedom and peace.

Discussion Questions:

What or who do you try to control?
What is something God is asking you to surrender to Him?

I Choose Purpose Over Approval

Sun, 09 May 2021 20:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

We are looking to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity. This message is about valuing God's plans for your life over the opinions of man; choosing purpose over approval.

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.
Hebrews 11:24-26

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

In what areas do you choose approval over God’s purposes?
What is something you can choose to do this week that may not please people but will please and honour God?

I Choose Discipline Over Regret

Tue, 04 May 2021 15:00:00 -0400

This message series is called "I Choose..".

Over the next few weeks we will look to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity. This message is about having a right perspective on discipline, and valuing what God produces in and through us, when we submit to it.

Hebrews 12:7-10
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

"I Choose" - Series Introduction

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0400

The Apostle Paul had the privilege and burden of pastoring a group of new Christians in Corinth — an international hub and metropolis, filled with people of different backgrounds, where idol worship was prominent. God's people there had had their lives changed by Jesus, but they were still learning how to live as "new people" in this diverse culture, that very much opposed the message of the gospel.

To help them make sense of how to live, Paul wrote:

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25

What prize do you choose to live for?

Over the next few weeks we will look to God's word to help us navigate some of the choices that we face today, as we set our hearts on Christ and eternity.

David: Trust in disappointment

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Psalm 13
O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.

When David was let down, betrayed, and given over to danger, he trusted and praised the Lord for being good to him.

How do we respond when we are disappointed?

April 11, 2021 - "The world needs the Church" (A Special ZOOM Gathering)

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Hebrews 10:19-24
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

The flow of our culture is never towards a greater faith in Jesus Christ. If we are not pursuing a deeper knowledge and love of God, we will drift away from where we want to be. We must continue to draw near to Christ, and continue to be active in encouraging one another in Him.

God is doing some incredible things all over the world and right here in Chatham-Kent. Let's be part of it. And let's love the people around us enough to demonstrate for them the grace and goodness of Jesus Christ. Let's do what we were made for! Our neighbourhoods and our city need the Church!

Easter 2021

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0400

In this message, Marc shares the good news of Jesus Christ, and what He accomplished for us on the cross.

Stop stressing to atone for mistakes and stop grinding to be "good enough".
Come to Jesus and truly live.

David: The man after God's own heart

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0400

"David was actually a very, very flawed individual...Yes, he had a lot of victories, but he had a lot of moral failures."

The Bible calls David "a man after God's own heart", which seems to line up with the David we know from the story of David and Goliath. However, by the end of David's life, his "rap sheet" includes a ton of sexual sin, the murder of a loyal soldier, and other grievous failures.

How in the world could David be credited such a fantastic title? A better question is this — who is like our God?

The grace of God is incredible. He is incredible. And like He did with David, God offers incredible grace to us.

"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you."
- David, Psalm 51:7-12

David: The Trusting Shepherd

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7

David is outraged to hear the name of God mocked.
He is surrounded by warriors, both more mature and experienced than he is, but they are cowering away from this giant named Goliath who is taunting and challenging the Lord — the one true God.

You know the story. You know the outcome.

David saw the same gigantic soldier that his fellow Israelites saw, but unlike the rest, He trusted in the unseen might of His God. Unlike the rest, he did not get his confidence from armour or his own ability. He trusted God and acted on it.

We put our hope in what and who we truly depend on. What are you hoping in?

Missing out on this will stunt your growth

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0400

We cannot make the most of Christ alone. We were not made for isolation and we've been commanded into community. As fellow believers, we are a gift to one another. Missing out on relationships with the family of God will stunt your growth.

Enjoy the gift of one another, church!

Ecclesiastes 4:7-11
I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

Forward City Church - Our desire for us in 2021

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0400

As we study 2 Kings 4, we want you to ask the question, "WHAT BLESSING IS GOD GOING TO POUR OUT THROUGH US WHEN WE PUT OUR FAITH INTO ACTION?"

We are not saying we are not living out our faith now, but we also know that there are commandments God has given us that we neglect because our time and energy go into other things that seem more sensible or important to us moment by moment. We often don't have faith to trust that God does incredible things when we act on our trust in Him, rather than what we see right in front of us.

Please read 2 Kings 4:1-7, and let God speak to your heart.

2 Kings 4:1-5, 7
One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.”

“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?”

“Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.

And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbours. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.”...

....When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.”