The Renew Church Canada Podcast

Philippians: Praying beats anxiety. Generosity ensures sufficiency. / Week 5

PHILIPPIANS: A CALL TO COUNTERINTUITIVE LIVING
In the final week of our series "Philippians: A Call to Counterintuitive Living," Pastor Bartley Sawatsky dives into Philippians 4:1-23 to explore how living counterintuitively can bring profound peace and fulfillment. Discover why prayer is a powerful antidote to anxiety and how generosity assures that all your needs will be met. This message challenges us to embrace a mindset that defies conventional wisdom, urging us to lean into faith and practice these countercultural principles. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of standing firm in the teachings of Philippians.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The book of Philippians challenges us to live in ways that run against our natural instincts and the values of our culture. This five-week series highlights Paul’s counterintuitive teachings that call believers to embrace suffering as privilege, place others above themselves, find joy in sacrifice, and see loss as gain. We will discover how the gospel advances through hardship, how true greatness is found in humility, and how our citizenship in heaven reshapes our identity and priorities. Each week explores a fresh perspective: God completes our sanctification, the way up is down, worldly loss brings spiritual gain, and contentment is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. As Paul reminds us, prayer, service, and generosity are not burdens but the pathway to joy and peace. This series invites us to follow Christ in ways that may seem upside down, but in reality lead to life, freedom, and lasting hope.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

Philippians: Mature people are forgetful. Heaven is your home country. / Week 4

PHILIPPIANS: A CALL TO COUNTERINTUITIVE LIVING
Join Director of Communications Marek Kowalsky for an insightful message exploring the counterintuitive nature of spiritual maturity through the lens of Philippians 3:12-21. In "Mature people are forgetful. Heaven is your home country," discover how true growth in faith involves pressing past both our failures and accomplishments as we journey towards our ultimate destination. Learn what it means to live as citizens of heaven, embracing a life where the pursuit of Jesus' example surpasses earthly distractions. Unpack Apostle Paul’s pro tips on maintaining spiritual direction and setting your mind on higher things. Let this message inspire you to keep moving forward in your faith journey, acknowledging the hopes and promises of your heavenly homeland.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The book of Philippians challenges us to live in ways that run against our natural instincts and the values of our culture. This five-week series highlights Paul’s counterintuitive teachings that call believers to embrace suffering as privilege, place others above themselves, find joy in sacrifice, and see loss as gain. We will discover how the gospel advances through hardship, how true greatness is found in humility, and how our citizenship in heaven reshapes our identity and priorities. Each week explores a fresh perspective: God completes our sanctification, the way up is down, worldly loss brings spiritual gain, and contentment is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. As Paul reminds us, prayer, service, and generosity are not burdens but the pathway to joy and peace. This series invites us to follow Christ in ways that may seem upside down, but in reality lead to life, freedom, and lasting hope.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

Philippians: It’s a joy to sacrifice your life. Worldly loss is spiritual gain. / Week 3

PHILIPPIANS: A CALL TO COUNTERINTUITIVE LIVING
In the third installment of our series, "Philippians: A Call to Counterintuitive Living," Lead Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores the profound truths found in Philippians 2:12-3:11. Titled "It’s a Joy to Sacrifice Your Life. Worldly Loss is Spiritual Gain," this message delves into the paradoxical nature of Christian living. Pastor Bartley challenges contemporary believers to embrace the tension between seemingly contradictory truths: the divine gift of salvation and the call to actively participate in our spiritual growth. Using vivid illustrations and personal anecdotes, he unpacks the joy found in self-sacrifice and the spiritual gains that come from relinquishing worldly identities to fully embrace Christ. Join us in discovering how living out these counterintuitive principles can transform our faith journey and bring deeper joy and fulfillment.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The book of Philippians challenges us to live in ways that run against our natural instincts and the values of our culture. This five-week series highlights Paul’s counterintuitive teachings that call believers to embrace suffering as privilege, place others above themselves, find joy in sacrifice, and see loss as gain. We will discover how the gospel advances through hardship, how true greatness is found in humility, and how our citizenship in heaven reshapes our identity and priorities. Each week explores a fresh perspective: God completes our sanctification, the way up is down, worldly loss brings spiritual gain, and contentment is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. As Paul reminds us, prayer, service, and generosity are not burdens but the pathway to joy and peace. This series invites us to follow Christ in ways that may seem upside down, but in reality lead to life, freedom, and lasting hope.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

Philippians: It’s a privilege to suffer. The way up is down. / Week 2 / Bartley Sawatsky

PHILIPPIANS: A CALL TO COUNTERINTUITIVE LIVING
In the second week of our series, Philippians: A Call to Counterintuitive Living, Lead Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores the challenging idea that suffering is a privilege and that the path to true exaltation lies in humility. Drawing from Paul's teachings, Pastor Bartley examines how embracing hardship and putting others first can lead to a deeper connection with Christ and a more authentic Christian life. This message invites us to rethink our approach to suffering and exaltation, showing that the way forward may not be what we expect.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The book of Philippians challenges us to live in ways that run against our natural instincts and the values of our culture. This five-week series highlights Paul’s counterintuitive teachings that call believers to embrace suffering as privilege, place others above themselves, find joy in sacrifice, and see loss as gain. We will discover how the gospel advances through hardship, how true greatness is found in humility, and how our citizenship in heaven reshapes our identity and priorities. Each week explores a fresh perspective: God completes our sanctification, the way up is down, worldly loss brings spiritual gain, and contentment is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. As Paul reminds us, prayer, service, and generosity are not burdens but the pathway to joy and peace. This series invites us to follow Christ in ways that may seem upside down, but in reality lead to life, freedom, and lasting hope.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

Philippians: A Call to Counterintuitive Living - Hardship Is Progress, Death Is Gain / Week 1

In week 1 of our series, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky reminds us that the Christian life often runs against what feels natural. In Philippians 1:1–26, Paul shows that God Himself will complete our sanctification and that hardships are not setbacks but tools to advance the gospel. Even when people act from selfish motives, God can still use their efforts for His glory. Paul goes further, declaring that to die as a Christian is actually better than living, because death brings us into the presence of Christ. This first message set the foundation for the whole series by calling us to see suffering, struggle, and even death through the lens of God’s greater purpose.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The book of Philippians challenges us to live in ways that run against our natural instincts and the values of our culture. This five-week series highlights Paul’s counterintuitive teachings that call believers to embrace suffering as privilege, place others above themselves, find joy in sacrifice, and see loss as gain. We will discover how the gospel advances through hardship, how true greatness is found in humility, and how our citizenship in heaven reshapes our identity and priorities. Each week explores a fresh perspective: God completes our sanctification, the way up is down, worldly loss brings spiritual gain, and contentment is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. As Paul reminds us, prayer, service, and generosity are not burdens but the pathway to joy and peace. This series invites us to follow Christ in ways that may seem upside down, but in reality lead to life, freedom, and lasting hope.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

It's Time to Make New Wine - Vision Message 2025-2026 / Bartley Sawatsky

In this visionary message, Lead Pastor Bartley Sawatsky revisits themes of transformation and adaptability, drawing parallels between the church's current journey and the parable of the new wine and wineskins. As he outlines the strategic focus for 2025-2026, Pastor Bartley emphasizes the importance of creating new structures to meet the evolving demands of ministry in a changing cultural landscape. He articulates a bold plan to deepen community ties, engage younger leaders, and broaden outreach efforts, particularly in reaching people from diverse faith backgrounds. Through these initiatives, the congregation is called to adopt an active role in spreading the love of Jesus with courage and intentionality, while embracing the challenges of geographical and demographic shifts. Anchored in a commitment to faithfulness and mission, this message challenges everyone to make "new wine" by living out their faith dynamically and creatively in anticipation of Christ's return.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

The one where Mephibosheth is treated with grace. / ICYMI - Week 12 / Barry Jones

In the final week of our ICYMI series, Pastor Barry Jones delves into the compelling story of Mephibosheth found in 2 Samuel 9. Uncover how King David's unexpected grace towards Jonathan's son reflects the profound love and compassion that God extends to all of us, illustrating the transformative power of divine adoption. This sermon not only highlights the incredible reality of being embraced as God's children but also challenges us to be conduits of Christ's love in our own communities. Don't miss the powerful conclusion to this enlightening series.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
Summer is for stories! We’re rewinding to rediscover some hidden gems in the Bible that you may have breezed over. Throughout the summer, Pastor Bartley and a lineup of guest speakers from Renew will explore lesser-known stories of Scripture. Get ready to dive into the overlooked, the unexpected, and sometimes, the downright unusual.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

The one where Paul picked up the tab. / ICYMI - Week 11 / Jake Troughton

In Week 11 of our series "In Case You Missed It," Ignite Youth Director Jake Troughton dives into the fascinating and often overlooked book of Philemon with a message titled "The One Where Paul Picked Up the Tab." Join us as Jake explores the intricate dynamics between Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon, uncovering powerful lessons on grace, reconciliation, and spiritual transformation. Discover how a simple, personal letter became one of the most revolutionary texts in the New Testament, and learn why this small yet profound book continues to resonate with us today. Don't miss this engaging sermon that challenges us to see ourselves in the roles of Onesimus, Philemon, and Paul, urging us to embrace the call of the Gospel in all aspects of our messy, imperfect lives.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
Summer is for stories! We’re rewinding to rediscover some hidden gems in the Bible that you may have breezed over. Throughout the summer, Pastor Bartley and a lineup of guest speakers from Renew will explore lesser-known stories of Scripture. Get ready to dive into the overlooked, the unexpected, and sometimes, the downright unusual.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

The one where a hesitant man stepped out in faith. / ICYMI - Week 10 / Jaime Ting

In week 10 of our series "ICYMI (In Case You Missed It), The Stories You May Have Skipped," Jaime Ting delves into the inspiring story of Barak in a sermon entitled "The one where a hesitant man stepped out in faith." Often overshadowed by the likes of Deborah and Jael, Barak's story reminds us of the power of stepping out in faith despite our hesitations and insecurities. Jaime explores how Barak moves from doubt to decisive action, relying not on his own strength or understanding but on the promises and presence of God.

Join us as we uncover the lessons Barak's life holds for us today and discover how faith in action can lead to miraculous outcomes. ABOUT THE SERIES: Summer is for stories! We’re rewinding to rediscover some hidden gems in the Bible that you may have breezed over. Throughout the summer, Pastor Bartley and a lineup of guest speakers from Renew will explore lesser-known stories of Scripture. Get ready to dive into the overlooked, the unexpected, and sometimes, the downright unusual.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!

The one with the baldhead and the bears. / ICYMI - Week 9 / Marek Kowalsky

Join Pastor Marek Kowalsky as he unravels one of the Bible's most intriguing and unusual stories: the tale of the bald head and the bears from 2 Kings. As part of our ICYMI series, Marek dives into the context, characters, and deeper meanings behind these perplexing three verses that often get skipped over. Discover surprising connections to Jesus’ ministry and reflect on how seemingly obscure passages can hold profound truths. Don't miss this week’s sermon that promises to shed light on the overlooked and embrace the unexpected.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
Summer is for stories! We’re rewinding to rediscover some hidden gems in the Bible that you may have breezed over. Throughout the summer, Pastor Bartley and a lineup of guest speakers from Renew will explore lesser-known stories of Scripture. Get ready to dive into the overlooked, the unexpected, and sometimes, the downright unusual.

We meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Cineplex Cinemas, 1175 Maple Ave, Milton. We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us there!