The Renew Church Canada Podcast

The one where Jacob did nothing. / ICYMI - Week 2 / Pastor/Elder Darcy MacCallum

In the second week of our "In Case You Missed It" series, Pastor/Elder Darcy MacCallum delves into the profound connections between two poignant biblical stories that offer a message of healing and hope. By examining the story of Dinah in Genesis 34 and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Pastor Darcy shows how places of deep pain can be transformed into spaces of redemption and blessing. This sermon challenges us to confront the discomfort of our darkest experiences, assuring us that God's presence brings restoration and peace to even the most brokenhearted. Whether you are grappling with personal trauma or seeking to understand the transformative power of Scripture, this message is a reminder that you are known, loved, and called by name.

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 God's people win a battle by singing. / ICYMI - Week 1 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

Pastor Bartley kicks off our summer series, "In Case You Missed It" (ICYMI), with an inspiring message titled "The One Where God's People Win a Battle by Singing." Dive into the compelling story from 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat leads Judah to victory through faith and song against overwhelming odds. Explore how spiritual battles are not fought alone but with God at the forefront, and learn practical lessons on responding to fear with prayer, community, and praise. This week's exploration of an obscure yet powerful biblical story will encourage you to embrace faith in action and discover the transformative power of worship in the face of life's challenges.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
Each week, we are uncovering Bible stories you probably missed—strange moments, forgotten names, and powerful truths hidden in plain sight. These aren’t your usual Sunday school lessons. They’re the ones that make you pause, ask questions, and see God in unexpected places.

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!

Surrendering Authority: From challenging to conceding. / Challenging Authority - Week 8 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

In the concluding message of the series "Challenging Authority," Pastor Bartley Sawatsky emphasizes the journey from skepticism to acceptance of biblical authority, using examples of individuals who transitioned from disbelief to belief in Christianity. He reflects on the Bible's comprehensive worldview, asserting its coherence and superiority in addressing life's fundamental questions. Pastor Bartley encourages listeners to consider the Bible's overarching narrative rather than getting lost in its details and to see God as a personal, loving being who desires a relationship with his creation. Amidst common objections to faith, he challenges listeners to let God be God, to trust in his wisdom, and to embrace a personal relationship with Him, emphasizing the transformative power of accepting biblical truth.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Built Different: The Bible compared to other “holy” books. / Challenging Authority - Week 7 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

In week seven of the series "Challenging Authority," Pastor Bartley Sawatsky presents "Built Different: The Bible Compared to Other Holy Books," a compelling examination of the Bible's uniqueness amidst other major religious texts. He challenges common perceptions by highlighting the Bible's extraordinary internal consistency, historical reliability, and prophetic accuracy, comparing it to texts like the Quran and the Book of Mormon. Pastor Bartley emphasizes the Bible's transformative power and divine origin, ultimately showcasing its unparalleled role in shaping individual lives and societies, and framing it as a narrative where divinity reaches down to humanity, unlike other texts that emphasize human effort to attain divine favor. Join this insightful exploration into why the Bible stands superior among global sacred writings.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Dead Man Walking: How the resurrection factors into the Bible’s credibility. / Challenging Authority - Week 6 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

In this sixth installment of the "Challenging Authority" series, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky delves into the profound significance of the resurrection and its impact on the credibility of the Bible in his message entitled "Dead Man Walking: How the Resurrection Factors into the Bible's Credibility." Pastor Bartley examines whether the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event or a monumental hoax in human history. Through a series of propositions, he explores the apostles' sincere beliefs, the public nature of the resurrection, and the integrity of the New Testament writers, providing compelling historical and logical arguments to affirm the reliability of the biblical narrative. Join this thought-provoking journey as you consider, challenge, and potentially solidify your confidence in the Bible's testimony.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Lost in Translation? How the Bible was preserved over time / Challenging Authority - Week 5 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

In week five of the series, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky addresses the common criticism that the Bible cannot be trusted due to supposed corruption over time. He delves into the meticulous preservation process of the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the dedication of the scribes, particularly the Masoretes, and the abundance of manuscripts that support the credibility of the scriptures. Through a fascinating exploration of translation history and textual accuracy, Pastor Bartley reassures listeners of the Bible's unwavering authenticity, challenging them to view the Bible not only as a historical document but as divine wisdom with steadfast authority. Join us as we uncover the intricate journey of how the Bible has been carefully sustained through centuries, reinforcing our faith in its timeless message.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Fake News? Examining the evidence, inside and out / Challenging Authority - Week 4 / Nathan Bryant

In the fourth message of the "Challenging Authority" series, Nathan Bryant explores the authenticity and reliability of the Bible in a sermon titled "Fake News? Examining the Evidence, Inside and Out." Reflecting on how Christianity is an evidence-based faith, he delves into both internal and external evidences that support the Bible's validity. Internally, he highlights the coherence and interconnectedness of the 66 books written by 40 authors over 1,500 years, underscoring the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. Externally, he presents archaeological discoveries, such as the Tel Dan Stele and the Mesha Stele, that corroborate biblical accounts. Encouraging open-minded inquiry, Nathan reinforces that the Bible is not only a spiritual document but also a historically verifiable one, urging seekers to continue their exploration with an assurance of finding truth.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Gatekeepers of Truth: Who decided on the 66 books of the Bible? / Challenging Authority - Week 3 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

In Week 3 of the "Challenging Authority" series, titled "Gatekeepers of Truth: Who Decided on the 66 Books of the Bible?" Pastor Bartley explores how the Bible's canon was established. He discusses the process and criteria used to recognize the authoritative books of the Old and New Testaments, examining key debates around texts like the Apocrypha and the New Testament gospels. By highlighting the historical and spiritual coherence involved in forming the Bible, the message reinforces the unity and divine oversight guiding its assembly, encouraging believers to trust in Scripture's reliability and purpose.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Hard Pass: Why so many people dismiss the Bible / Challenging Authority - Week 2 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

In this message, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky delves into why many dismiss the Bible, focusing on criticisms around its supernatural claims, moral dilemmas, and perceived contradictions with science and history. He argues that many objections are rooted in philosophical naturalism and cultural influences, encouraging a reevaluation of the Bible's credibility. By challenging skeptical perceptions, Pastor Bartley invites listeners to explore the Bible's validity and its enduring significance in the upcoming sessions. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with these compelling discussions and reexamine longstanding assumptions.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!

Says Who? What the Bible actually claims about itself / Challenging Authority - Week 1 / Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

Pastor Bartley Sawatsky kicks off an intriguing new eight-week series, "Challenging Authority: The Bible in a World that Questions Everything." In this first installment, "Says Who? What the Bible Actually Claims About Itself," Pastor Bartley invites you to explore the bold claims the Bible makes about its divine inspiration and authority. Are these claims credible in a skeptical world? Discover what’s at stake if they're true—or not—and why it's worth investigating. This series is perfect for truth-seekers, skeptics, and anyone eager to understand the Bible's role in society today. Prepare for an honest and respectful examination of faith, authority, and truth. Don't miss this thought-provoking journey as we dive deep into the essential questions surrounding the Bible's reliability. Remember to subscribe and stay tuned for the upcoming topics, including miracles, morality, and how the Bible compares to other holy texts. Let's challenge authority together!

ABOUT THE SERIES:
In this eight-week series we take an honest look at one of the most important—and most questioned—books in history: the Bible. We’ll dive into challenging topics like its authority, reliability, authorship, and how it came to be. Along the way, we’ll confront the growing cultural view that the Bible is just an outdated, ancient text, and explore why it still matters today.

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!