In this episode we reflect on the ascension of Jesus.  Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He prepared his disciples (inspired by the Holy Spirit) for their ministry and mission to present their eye-witness testimony of the gospel message to the world. Jesus was then glorified, ascending back into heaven, and the disciples were left with nothing to do but wait…and worship Him. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, enlighten us and open our minds to his will and rely on his strength to help us follow that.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we continue to reflect on how believing in the name of Jesus, loving our brothers and sisters, and living morally upright lives is not possible without the Spirit of God living in us. God is love and He lives in us so our ability to love flows through us from Him.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

This week we are joined by the Rev. Alastair Sterne with an encouraging message on what complete joy looks like in the Christian way of life. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we look at how the road to love is paved with faith in Christ. Faith keeps the commandments of God.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Over the last couple of years at our Easter services, the message has focussed on how we celebrate that the gospel accounts of the resurrection are not theological lessons about the meaning of the resurrection, they are an account of the details of what happened that day. That the gospels don’t tell us what it means, they just tell us that it happened. We have celebrated that the resurrection isn’t an idea or a philosophy, it is a historical event that happened!Now that we have established that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried, and on the third day, he rose again from the dead and was seen by numerous eye witnesses and then many more I witnesses in the days that followed… We can celebrate what it means: that because of this, we have been granted forgiveness of sins AND life everlasting.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode focusing on the reading from Philippians, we will see how Jesus’s example of divine kingship is one of humility, even to the point of servanthood and death on the cross, but that because of this God has exalted Him above all earthly rulers.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we will look at how, through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised his people in exile a new covenant - a next step in their relationship with Him.  Even though the majority of Israel had failed to keep the covenant of the law and rejected God, this was not enough to cause God to turn away from his everlasting covenantal, relational love (which was always based on grace) And so this new covenant that was promised emphasizes radical shift through challenging traditional religious structures, the internalization of God's law, and pointing towards universal knowledge of God and forgiveness of sins – all brought about by Jesus’s work on the cross.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we are looking at 2 Chronicles 36:14-23 which highlights themes of sin, judgment, redemption, and restoration, showcasing God's enduring love and faithfulness to His people even in the face of disobedience.We first see the consequences of sin - the persistence of idolatry (despite persistent divine warnings) leads to the fall of Judah, the destruction of the temple, and exile into Babylonian captivity.However, even amidst God divine wrath and just judgment, His patience and mercy is apparent. The people are not completely destroyed , instead a remnant of the people is preserved.The passage concludes with hope for repentance and renewal as it describes the renewal of the covenant, return to Jerusalem and rebuilding of the temple.. The fulfilment of prophecies also demonstrate God's faithfulness as well as His sovereignty over earthly rulers like Cyrus the Great, who plays a pivotal role in the restoration of the exiled Jews.Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

We continue our Lent series this week, looking at how the Old Testament prophesies point us towards to Jesus and his death and resurrection. God gave the law through Moses as the foundation of his covenantal relationship with His people Israel. The law is not merely guidelines or suggestions, it is the law. Jesus came, not to abolish the law but to fulfill it and to uphold it. During the season of Lent we intentionally face our disobedience, that we have broken God's laws. But we do so remembering that Jesus' fulfilling the law also means He bore the consequences for our sins. Though we all have failed to live up to our covenantal vows, because of Jesus we are forgiven by grace through faith. However, this doesn't give us a free pass to do whatever we want, nor does it mean ignoring our fellow Christians when they falter. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we begin a series that looks at how the Old Testament points us towards Jesus and his death and resurrection. We begin with Genesis 9, God's promise to Noah. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we look at the Transfiguration of Jesus and see how we are also transformed by His power and grace in our lives. It may be hard for us to see ourselves as the "communion of saints", but He has made us all worthy to play our part in the kingdom. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we reflect on how God came to earth to bring us out of darkness into His light, joy and life. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. - Luke 1:38 (NIV)In this episode we will be looking at Mary's response of submission to the angel's message that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we focus on the Prince of Peace during this second Sunday of Advent where we celebrate Christ's birth and look forward to His return. Connect with Us!www.opengatechurch.caFacebook: @theopengatechurchInstagram: @theopengatechurch