sermon archive 2009

Sermons from 2009 are available on this page.
For sermons from 2008, click here.
For sermons from 2010, click here.

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27 Dec 2009 — Communion Service. Today we celebrated communion.

20 Dec 2009 — The Taming of the Tongue — Part 2; James 3:1-12. “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

13 Dec 2009 — The Taming of the Tongue — Part 1; James 3:1-12. “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

6 Dec 2009 — Are you even on the track? — Part 2; James 2:14-26. Jesus’ stunning sords from Matthew 7, where He tells certain people who thought they were His followers, “I never knew you…” ought to make us, at the very least, stop and take serious note! In our text today, James makes similar statements. The topic at hand is faith, and specifically what sort of faith actually renders regeneration and a right standing with God. These words were pertinent in James’ day and they are timeless into the 21st century, too. May God give us clarity of thought and understanding in our hearts!

29 Nov 2009 — Are you even on the track? — Part 1; James 2:14-26. Jesus’ stunning sords from Matthew 7, where He tells certain people who thought they were His followers, “I never knew you…” ought to make us, at the very least, stop and take serious note! In our text today, James makes similar statements. The topic at hand is faith, and specifically what sort of faith actually renders regeneration and a right standing with God. These words were pertinent in James’ day and they are timeless into the 21st century, too. May God give us clarity of thought and understanding in our hearts!

22 Nov 2009 — Communion Service. This morning we’ll spend our time reflecting on the payment Jesus Christ made on the cross at Calvary. We have incorporated different helps that will guide your thoughts during this meaningful time.

15 Nov 2009 — The Deadliness of Acceptable Church Sins; James 2:1-13. We have, as the church of Jesus Christ, whether we like it or not or whether we’ll admit it or not, often categorized sin. What’s even more tragic or unbelievable is that, not only have we minimized the seriousness of some sins, we’ve actually elevated certain sins to be “acceptable church sins”. God addresses this very issue through these verses in the second chapter of James. May we take heed and treat all sin with the seriousness that God demands.

08 Nov 2009 — Religiously Deceived; James 1:26-27. If the enemy can get people to think they are religious through the practice of “religious” rites and ceremonies, then he wins and that sort of religion is rendered worthless in the sight of God. We find clear instruction as to what pure and undefiled religion looks like, namely a vibrant relationship with
God and with those around us, particularly those around us who are in need. May God speak to our lives if perhaps we’ve been duped into thinking that we’re “OK” when in reality we’re not!

01 Nov 2009 — Bible: Everyday power; James 1:19-25. God has provided a source for us, His children, to live a life of joy and victory. His Word, blessed by the Holy Spirit, acts as an agent in our lives to not only reveal Himself to us, but also show us things that we ought to be pursuing as disciples of Jesus and things that ought to change in our lives. As we live daily, in communion with God through His Word, His desire is that we take what He tells us and put it into action. May we embrace the gift of God’s Word as power for everyday living.

25 Oct 2009 — Staying On Track: Understanding temptation; James 1:13-18. There’s not a day that goes by that our fleshly desires don’t raise their ugly heads. What makes this internal battle for Chirst-followers so difficult is that at every turn there seems to be temptations that we enounter. These temptations arouse our fleshly desires and try to entice and lure us away from holiness and Christ-like growth. So we need to stand firm in the midst of the temptations and find victory with the power that God supplies in our lives.

18 Oct 2009 — Staying On Track: A TAC Reminder. FOR GOD’S GLORY…we will have MAXIMUM IMPACT in our world by seeing lives changed in their depth of love for God and for people! This is the Vision that God has given us here at Transcona Alliance Church and we need God’s empowering to help us stay on track. How the enemy would love to de-rail us and distract us from this Vision and render us ineffective in Kingdom advancement. May God pour out His grace in our church and then be glorified in our lives as we make vertical progress in our walk with Jesus and horizontal progress with each other and the world around us

11 Oct 2009 — Staying On Track: Through the Trial (Part 2); James 1:2-12. Jesus told us that in this life, we, his followers, would face struggles and tribulations. Not a week goes by that our lives aren’t touched by some sort of trial or another. The trials of life come in all different shapes and forms, and we are called to embrace the trials we face with an attitude of gladness and cheerfulness… ARE YOU KIDDING? “GLADNESS AND CHEERFULNESS”???. Yup, and God tells us exactly how that’s possible. May God grant us His grace to navigate through trials successfully in a God honoring way.

04 Oct 2009 — Staying on Track: Through the Trial (Part 1); James 1:2-12. Jesus told us that in this life, we, his followers, would face struggles and tribulations. Not a week goes by that our lives aren’t touched by some sort of trial or another. The trials of life come in all different shapes and forms, and we are called to embrace the trials we face with an attitude of gladness and cheerfulness… ARE YOU KIDDING?!? GLADNESS AND CHEERFULNESS?!? Yup, and God tells us exactly how it’s possible. May God grant us His grace to navigate through trials successfully and in a God-honoring way.

27 Sep 2009 — Staying on Track: Guidance for our journey with Jesus. There’s a great hymn that, sadly, describes the heart of every human being, including followers of Jesus. The lyrics go like this: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love”… and so, even as Christ-followers, we find ourselves in a daily battle to fight against straying from our magnificent and gracious God. We need help, and by God’s grace, He’s provided not only His Spirit Who dwells in our lives, He’s also provided clear instruction for us on our journey with Him. That’s what the Book of James is all about. Let us ask God to give us understanding of His Word, to hear, to commit, and then to do what He has clearly spoke to us!

20 Sep 2009 — What’s the big deal about truth? As big and disturbing as the earthly wars are that we observe in our world today, a much more severe and treacherous war is being waged in our generation. It’s a battle for the minds and hearts of every living person. Satan battles with falsehoods, outright lies, and half truths. God, the Supreme and Always Sovereign Lord, brings forth the only weapon that will utterly and totally destroy the enemy and his lies: TRUTH. That truth is found in Jesus Christ Himself. May we renew our resolve today to anchor our hearts in the Truth and be messengers in this dark and deceived world.

6 Sep 2009 — Communion Service. This morning we’ll spend our time reflecting on the payment Jesus Christ made on the cross at Calvary. We have incorporated different helps that will guide your thoughts during this meaningful time.

30 Aug 2009 — The daily fight against complacencyf. There is an enemy so dangerous to our souls that if allowed, will, with full vengeance, derail us from our high call of following Jesus with all our hearts. And so our duty is to be vigilant and take up the daily challenge to fight against the treacherous enemy of complacency. Would that we as followers of Jesus and children of the Most High God embrace repentance as a regular discipline in our lives and may God grant great victory over complacency and sin in our lives.

Community pancake breakfast and Extreme Rescue Team wrap-up. No sermon recorded.

16 Aug 2009 — Extreme Rescue Team Kick-off. We’ve been working on it for nearly a year… and now our Extreme Rescue Team VBS is about to begin! Get a “sneak preview” of what the stories will be each day this coming week and learn how the truths of these stories are as relevant to the seasoned Christian as they are to the unchurched children in our community.

9 Aug 2009 — His Season concert. No sermon was recorded this week; the band His Season performed at Transcona Alliance Church. Learn more about His Season from their website.

2 Aug 2009 — The (renewed) call of duty. The music has started for me again, the “play button” of my ministry here at TAC has been hit and the pause from regular routine and duty is over. It’s been an amazing four months of rest, refocus, and rejuvenation. I feel like my tank is full again. During these days, God has been so good, particularly in demonstrating his grace by renewing my sense of calling to service and reminding me of my call of duty.

26 July 2009 — Hebrews 11. Hebrews 11 is known as “the faith chapter”. Today, Sean talks to us about what God has laid on his heart concerning the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11.

19 July 2009 — Finding light in the land of oblivion. Lament psalms reflect our anguish but usually call us back to a
state of patient trust. However, Psalm 88 (which has been called “the darkest psalm”) ends with the phrase “the darkness is my only friend.” Today, we’ll take apart Psalm 88 to see if it’s as bleak as it first seems.

12 July 2009 — What’s in a name?. Depends… What’s your reputation? Joseph was known to be a great encourager, a cheerful follower of Christ. His nickname was Barnabus, which translates to “son of consolation (or encouragement)”. Because of his selfless obedience in Christ, he was able to build into some of the biggest names in the New Testament and rock the early church world.

05 July 2009 The Great Commission. Rod Fehr is no stranger to our pulpit. He is a seasoned preacher and always has a word of challenge and encouragement for us as a church family.

No audio is available for June 28th.

14 June 2009 — Reflections on the Journey. Every so often we have a deep need to hit the pause button. Stepping back allows us to gain perspective on what the Grand Weaver’s been up to in our lives. With a year of home assignment in “Winterpeg” rapidly concluding, I’d like to share some thoughts on the journey thus far.

7 June 2009 — The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same. What does this mean for me in an ever changing world? I am constantly pushed and pulled for my time and attention. The information highway is out of control. Am I along for the ride? What do I do? Where is the Gospel? Is it also on the information highway? Times are not what they used to be, or are they still the same . . . but different?

31 May 2009 — The Most Important Thing. It is wise to step back, look at our lives, and reflect on if we are living for what is really important. This Sunday we will be looking at what it means to live out what Christ calls “the greatest commandment”.

24 May 2009 — Becoming what Jesus Envisioned. When Jesus chose the twelve men who became His disciples, He envisioned a future for them. Jesus envisioned a future for each of us too. Jesus gave His twelve disciples an opportunity to respond to four invitations. He wants each of us to respond to the same invitations. Are you becoming what Jesus envisioned?

17 May 2009 — Prayer that Transforms. Prayer should be a rich, compelling experience that believers look forward to. But it often isn’t. It’s often dry; an after-thought. This morning, hear about one reason why that might be, discover how the problem can be solved and take part in the prayer challenge this week!

10 May 2009 — The Right Time. Whether it’s a football game, a pregnancy, or a job offer, it seems like more often than not the timing just isn’t quite right. Somehow, God’s calendar isn’t quite in sync with ours. Ted Hull looks at this challenge through the eyes of history with the assurance that Someone is in control of making sure that the right person is at the right place at the right time. You are the right person, here is the place, and now is the time… and no, you are not the one in control.

3 May 2009 — The Right Person. Ever felt like if only you had certain capacities, characteristics or circumstances you could just do so much more for God? If only He had known what you needed, how much more you could have done.

26 April 2009 — The Holy Spirit. God has made every provision for us to understand His Word, obey His Word and communicate His Word. All this happens through the Holy Spirit within us, as we walk in dependence upon Him step by step
throughout our lives!

No audio available for April 19th.

12 April 2009 — Resurrection Sunday. Today we celebrate the most significant day in history since Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garde of Eden, drawing all creating into destruction throught death. This is Resurrection Sunday! Death has been conquered! Jesus arose from the dead! The tomb is empty! There is new life on the other side of the grave for all those who place their trust in Jesus Christ!

5 April 2009 — Where do you fit in?. The challenge this morning is for each of us to find out where we fit into God’s description of people in this world! God wants us all to become spiritual people who will never stop developing and growing in our relationship with Him. Where do you fit in?

29 March 2009 — Communion Service. This morning we’ll spend our time reflecting on the payment Jesus Christ made on the cross at Calvary.

22 March 2009 — e4 Spiritual Formation. As followers of Jesus and so also then the church, we should be focused on glorifying God by being consumed with 2 primary things: (1) our forward movement and growth in our relationship with Jesus; and (2) our forward movement and growth in our relationship with those around us. It’s how Jesus summed up the Greatest Command… that we ought to give our lives to loving God and loving each other! And so we should be premeditative about how we might best grow in these areas. There is great gladness in the journey of growth and Jesus has promised to do His work in our lives as we allow Him to.

15 March 2009 — Tips and the Great Hospitality Experiment. This week, we review some really practical tips to easily integrate hospitality into our lives, and we begin the first TAC hospitality experiment!

8 March 2009 — Life Around the Kitchen Table: Hospitality and our mission. So here’s what we’ve learned over the past weeks: hospitality was born in the heart of God… in his grace and mercy, God invites us to join Him around His table so He can “do life” with us… as followers of jesus, this communion and sharing life together ought to be a marquee in our lives! Now here’s the reality: there are many people who haven’t yet tasted of God’s hospitality. God would push us as His followers to invite them to our table so that through our doing “life around the kitchen table” with them, they might be intrigued to heed the invitation of God Himself to join Him at His table, too!

1 March 2009 — Life Around the Kitchen Table: A theology of hospitality. The idea of hospitality was born in the heart of God. In His loving kindness He creates humankind and immediately initiates community with them. When sin and it’s awful consequences enter our world, God once again does all He can to call us back to His table. The invitation still stands today. God calls us to join Him at His table so that we can experience life with Him. This is amazing news that we most certainly
should never keep to ourselves. We need to be diligent inviters so that many others might join us at His banqueting table.

22 February 2009 — Life Around the Kitchen Table: A theology of hospitality. The idea of hospitality was born in the heart of God. In His loving kindness, He creates humankind and immediately initiates community with them. When sin and its awful consequences enter our world, God once again does all He can to call us back to His table. The invitation still stands today. God calls us to join Him at His table so that we can experience life with Him. This is amazing news that we most certainly should never keep to ourselves. We need to be diligent inviters so that many others might join us at His banqueting table.

15 February 2009 — Life Around the Kitchen Table: A biblical glimpse of hospitality. It’s amazing how much life can happen around a meal at the kitchen table. Eating together and deepening relationships are intrincically linked somehow. No wonder then that the Bible is full of pictures of people doing life in each other’s homes and around a meal. It’s not common in our culture or society today, but it’s biblical, and the challenge for us at TAC is to embrace and practice this teaching, and that all for the glory of God!

6 February 2009 — Marie Ens. Marie Ens was born in Saskatechewan and moved to the Lower Mainland as a young girl. Beginning in 1961, the Ens family spent a number of years working in Cambodia. After the country fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 they relocated to France where they worked with Cambodian refugees. After her husband passed away in 1991, Marie returned to Cambodia in 1994 to resume her ministry in the land that she loves. Now in her “retirement years”, she works at Place of Rescue, an AIDS hospice and orphanage outside of the capital city of Phnom Penh. Marie has been called “the Mother Theresa of Cambodia”, providing education and medical care in the name of Jesus to the poor of this SE Asian nation. For more information visit Place of Rescue.

1 February 2009 — Satisfied with Jesus (alone). It’s a constant battle — it truly is… The propensity in all of our lives to wander away from the God of our salvation and look for satisfaction in other places. Because it’s our natural tendency, God in his mercy, throughout the pages of scripture, reminds us over and over again of the tragedy and destruction of idolatry in our lives. May we once again, today, recommit to chasing after Jesus as the greatest treasure of our lives!

This sermon is in two parts: 25 January 2009 — Focus on the World – Part 1 and 25 January 2009 — Focus on the World – Part 2. For every Christ-follower, the call is identical. We have been called to give our lives to the mission Jesus clearly laid out. This month we’ve been challenged with God’s “global heart” and the mandate of being Jesus’ witnesses, and making disciples. Today our focus goes way beyond our own backyard… God has raised up organizations that work alongside the local church in order to witness to the far reaches of our world for Jesus. This happens through evangelism, church planting and development, discipleship ministries, mercy, justice, compassion ministries, and other very tangible ways. When the church of Jesus engages in these sorts of activities, people’s eyes will be opened to the hope-giving,
joy-delivering message of the Cross and their hearts will be captivated with the
heaven sent treasure — Jesus. May God use this day to propel us into more intense
and strategic missional living… and would we be available for whatever or
wherever God would call us.

11 January 2009 — Focus on the World. For every Christ-follower, the call is identical. We have been called to give our lives to the mission Jesus clearly laid out. Today our focus is on our own church community and those whom God has raised up to fulfill the missional call internationally. Susan Hibert has been living out the mission in Mexico City. Beside enjoying a wonderful climate and speaking the heavenly language of Spanish, there are major differences compared to how people live here in Transcona. The biggest difference might be the opportunity people have of meeting Jesus in their lifetime. Today, Sue will share with us why and how the Alliance is targeting the people of Mexico City.

11 January 2009 — Focus on the World. For every Christ-follower, the call is identical. We have been called to give our lives to the mission Jesus clearly laid out. Today our focus is on our own church community and those whom God has raised up to fulfill the missional call internationally. Susan Hibert has been living out the mission in Mexico City. Beside enjoying a wonderful climate and speaking the heavenly language of Spanish, there are major differences compared to how people live here in Transcona. The biggest difference might be the opportunity people have of meeting Jesus in their lifetime. Today, Sue will share with us why and how the Alliance is targeting the people of Mexico City.