Mount Hamilton Baptist Church

Every follower of Jesus is called. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul pushes back against the idea that only certain gifts, roles, or people are “spiritual.” Instead, he shows that the Spirit is at work in every believer, giving different gifts to different people for the common good. The church is not a stage where a few gifted people perform while everyone else watches; it is a family that work together, a body where every part matters, every gift contributes, and every person is needed. Calling is not something reserved for pastors, missionaries, or especially impressive disciples, but is the shared vocation of the whole church. We are all called because we all belong to Christ, and we are especially equipped with the gifts to serve in our own lives.

If you don’t know what the CBOQ is, this is the perfect Sunday to learn about the family of churches we are part of. Darlene, Hildegard, and I will report to you all on how the Assembly went and give you a little look at what CBOQ is, and CBOQ’s executive minister, Leanne Friesen, will be preaching. It will be great to be together.

Joshua’s farewell calls the people to intentional faithfulness and service. At the journey’s end, he points forward — reminding them that identity is sustained through ongoing choice to serve and follow God. Our lives are shaped by the direction we repeatedly choose.

As the Hebrews stand at the edge of the River Jordan, they are about to enter the Promised Land to receive their inheritances. Joshua has words of challenge and warning for them. He tells them to “take good care…. to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments….to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” The people would face many temptations, but the key was staying close to God. They were to persevere in their faith, and to learn the lesson of endurance. On this Pentecost Sunday, we are called to finish the race in the power of God’s Spirit.

The defeat at Ai reveals how hidden disobedience disrupts communal identity and purpose. This week explores how setbacks can become defining moments that either harden or shape us. God’s journey with us includes grace, correction, and restoration. After failure, God invites Israel back into obedience and worship. The covenant is reaffirmed publicly, showing that identity is continually reshaped through repentance and renewed commitment. Our journeys often include second chances marked with deeper clarity about who we are. The Gibeonite story highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance as even sincere leaders can make missteps when they rely solely on their own understanding. Even in failure, we learn to follow God’s plan, rejoice in God’s provision, and continue to renew our trust in Him.

Jericho’s fall shows that success in the journey is not achieved through human strength but through faithful obedience. The strange strategy teaches Joshua and Israel that God’s ways redefine what victory looks like and that we can overcome any obstacle through His ways. We discover ourselves most clearly and can achieve the impossible when we surrender control and live in obedience.

Before major victories, Israel pauses for covenant renewal. God reminds them that their identity comes from belonging to Him. In our own journeys, God often calls us to slow down, re-centre, and rediscover who we are throughout following Him.

Crossing the Jordan marks a decisive step into God’s promises. The people must physically move before the waters part. This moment teaches that identity is formed through action—we become people of faith by walking into the unknown. Remembering God’s faithfulness and what He has done up to this point becomes essential as we continue the journey.

Rahab’s story reminds us that God often works through unexpected people andcircumstances. As Joshua prepares to move forward, the community learns that faithis not about perfection but about alignment with God’s purposes. On our journey, wediscover that who we are becoming is shaped by trusting God, even when we make mistakes.

Joshua stands at the threshold of leadership after Moses’ death, facing uncertainty and overwhelming responsibility. This opening moment reminds us that new seasons often begin before we feel ready. God’s command to be strong and courageous is not rooted in Joshua’s abilities but in God’s presence. Our journey of discovering who we are begins when we step forward in faith, trusting that God goes ahead of us.

He Is Risen Indeed!

We reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus.

Today Jesus marks the end of his journey. He has arrived in Jerusalem amid the cheering crowds who are waving palm branches. Today marks the culmination of three years of ministry. Palm Sunday becomes his final destination. Before him lies the spectre of the cross. Matthew tells us the whole city is in turmoil, asking the question “Who is this man?” When all is said and done, this is the ultimate question we all have to answer: “Who is Jesus?”

How are we doing this together? As we’ve looked at all these things in this series, we are called to do this individually and collectively. Are we a church that puts Jesus at the centre of what we do? Are we content with what and who we are, or do we desire transformation? Do we steward all God has given us well? Are we known as a generous community that meets the needs not just of ourselves but of the greater community around us? We are called not only to do this together, but also to help each other on our journeys.

Where is our trust? Giving is less concerned about the amount we give and more about the posture of the heart. Jesus honours giving that flows from trust, humility, and faith. Giving becomes less about obligation and more about alignment, a practice that speaks to where our heart is. It is part of generosity and the practice of freeing our hearts from the control of more.

We’re exploring generosity—not as obligation, but as something deeply woven into who God created us to be. Scripture shows a God whose generosity is so radical it sometimes offends our sense of fairness, and who invites us to live open-handed lives in response. What might change in our lives and our community if we truly trusted that there is enough grace, enough provision, and enough love to share?

What stuff are you clinging to and what do you need to let go?Jesus reminds us that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. We are often conflicted about the things we own. We all struggle with greed and the desire for more. Too often our “stuff” determines what we value most in life. St. Augustine put it well when he said: “God gave us people to love and things to use. Sin is a reversal of these two ideas, where we love things and use people.” 

What is at the center of your life?Our world is one of more, but so often the more you get, the more you want. No matter what we are talking about - money, stuff, power, comfort, pleasure - we never feel like we have enough. Anything that our heart and life are built on that can be lost puts us in the position of having to protect it at all costs, leaving us anxious, stressed, discontent, greedy, and lonely, and often living for a different mission and mindset than that of a kingdom one.

What is at the center of your life?Simplicity in different areas of our lives is great, but we need to understand the why and to simplify around something (or someone, in this case). It’s knowing what the center of your life is and allowing that to form you. As we start this new series, we will explore why we are called to live a simple life.

Jesus lived constantly connected to God; His relationship with His Heavenly Father was His priority so He made time to invest in that relationship. Prayer wasn’t just asking Father God for things, but two-way communication within a relationship. The Gospels routinely have prayer as something Jesus did all the time: before hard seasons or a difficult decision, in celebration and rejoicing, when in pain or need, with others and by Himself. His life was marked by this connection to God. It was such a central part of Jesus’ life that it is the only thing recorded in the Gospels the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to do.

Jesus is less concerned with drawing boundaries to keep people out of the kingdom, and more inviting people to move towards the kingdom. That doesn’t mean there are no standards, but they are about movement towards a center, not a static boundary that we cannot cross. Jesus kept company with sinners, was on the side of the downtrodden and outcasts, the “lesser” of society. He routinely was harsh with the Pharisees who were constantly obsessed with following the rules and keeping everyone in line, so much so they missed the point and the Kingdom.

Jesus is always being interrupted. It might seem like Jesus does more miracles in the interruptions than planned. Mark 5 alone has a demon-possessed man approaching Jesus, Jarius approaching Him to plead for his daughter to be healed, and then, even on the way to do that, a woman who has been sick for 12 years interrupts that journey. Christ works in the interruptions, using them as opportunities for God to work. Jesus moved slowly, intentionally, and interruptible to allow room for God to do a lot of work.

Jesus had lots of teachings to large groups, public miracles and works, and interactions with the people of Israel, but He spent most of his time investing in twelve close relationships - His disciples. This was more than just the cultural practice for Rabbis and students, but an understanding that transformation requires proximity and relationship. Jesus was present in all the in-between moments for the disciples, meeting them where they are, working with them, and being patient with them when they don’t get it. He was inviting them to be involved and represent their Rabbi in the world.

We began a new series on the rhythms of Jesus, starting with the practice of stepping away to be still with God. In a world full of noise, hurry, and constant demands, Jesus regularly chose silence and solitude. What if silence isn’t empty, but a space rich with the potential to meet God and remember that God is near? Join us as we slow down and practice it together.

After the rush of Christmas fades, Rev. Dale Rose invites us into a quieter, deeper moment of the story.Drawing from Luke 2, this post-Christmas message reflects on Simeon and Anna: two elders who spent a lifetime waiting, watching, and trusting, only to be surprised by joy when they finally held hope in their arms. Through stories of unexpected visitors, masked mummers, bucket lists, and patient faith, Rev. Rose explores how God often shows up in disguise, and why waiting can sharpen our eyes to see Him.A thoughtful sermon for the Sunday after Christmas, reminding us that faith, joy, and purpose don’t expire with age, and that God is still at work as one year turns into the next.

In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Aaron shares the true story behind a song written about him, and uses it to reflect on waiting, hope, and the long expectation that leads to the birth of Jesus. From decades of saving coins to centuries of longing for light, this episode reframes Christmas not as a perfect moment, but as God stepping into the mess to walk with us.A story about patience, promise, and why Christmas Eve still matters, especially when life feels unresolved.

Of all the greatest things that break in from God’s future Kingdom, this is the one we’re called to be known for! Love is a response to what He has done in our lives, and Jesus is our example and source of world-changing love. It’s the kind of love that changes everything, that upends your life as you know it, and places it on a greater adventure that God is calling you on. Sometimes that means new chapters, sometimes that means different journeys, and sometimes that means new perspectives and life on familiar stories. Each is marked when we go in love and say as Mary did: "I am the Lord’s servant," 

We are exploring the idea of joy. Like peace, sometimes we don’t feel very joyful amid all that is going on in our world. Yet, joy is different than happiness and more than just a feeling - it’s a state of being we can access as part of God’s future kingdom breaking into the now.How can we find joy in every circumstance, true joy that comes from God?

What is peace? How do we find it? Is peace just the absence of conflict? Is it based on our surroundings?Jesus' birth is surrounded by and even causes some chaos. Often, our picturesque envisionment of a peaceful, beautiful, silent night is far from the reality of how Jesus came into this world. Yet, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace and His peace would have no end.This Sunday, we will explore the birth of Jesus, God becoming flesh, and why that redefines what peace is and how we can now access this true peace.

We all have things that we've prayed for and that didn't happen. When that happens, it's temping to blame ourselves or doubt God. Were we hoping for the wrong things? Not praying enough? Or is God not as good as we thought? This Sunday, we will look at Zechariah and his journey of finding hope in the Lord after a lifetime of disappointment.

Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 is simple: "Come to me… and I will give you rest." Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity woven into creation itself. In Sabbath we find the "easy yoke" of Christ. True rest is not just sleep for the body but renewal for the soul, a rhythm of trust that God is at work even when we are not.

Sabbath is not merely absence from labour; it is presence to God. Sabbath is re-orientation—a weekly turning of our face toward the One who made time holy. In worship, we come to centre ourselves: Scripture read slowly, songs sung as prayer, community without a time limit, bread and cup received as grace. Sabbath is the day when sacred presence fills the vacancy created by stopping. This is why the gathered church matters on Sabbath; community turns our hearts away from self-preoccupation and back to praise. Worship doesn’t ignore our exhaustion, it transforms it. We bring our week—its wins and wounds—to the altar and let God hold it and speak to it. Sabbath worship is a rehearsal for eternity and a recalibration for Monday, forming us into people whose first reflex is not hurry, but hallelujah.

What if Sabbath isn’t just a rule to follow, but a rhythm to live by from the very first page of the Bible in Genesis 1? This Sunday we’ll explore how Sabbath is God’s gift of “enough” — a call to stop striving, put down our tools, and say “yes” to His invitation. The Sabbath isn’t about doing less, it’s about remembering what matters most.

In a culture that confuses busyness with holiness and productivity with worth, Sabbath is a holy protest of resistance. It is God teaching His people to say “enough” when the world keeps saying “more.” Sabbath exposes the lie that we are machines as we refuse to be driven by anxiety, achievement, or algorithms. We cease from buying, selling, scrolling, and striving so we can receive time as a gift rather than grind. This is not laziness; it’s loyalty—an embodied allegiance to the Kingdom where people are not commodities, and where rest is not a reward but a sign of trust. To keep Sabbath is to resist a world that never stops—and to witness to a God who did.

CBOQ Executive Minister Reverend Leanne Friesen delivers a message of hope and connection for CBOQ Sunday, reminding Mount Hamilton Baptist Church that they are part of a diverse family of congregations united in Christ. Drawing from Jesus’ call to “keep watch” in Gethsemane, she reflects on the power of community care and staying attentive to one another in faith.

A life of gratitude leads to a life of devotion, not the other way around. When we are thankful for all that God has done for us and who He is, we are moved to live a life of worship, service, and praise. We are going to explore this psalm as a prayer of thankfulness we can adopt in our lives, doing a reflective prayer experience in the service to help practice.

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most misused verses, and we do it even more injustice when we leave out verses 12-13 - The beginning of realizing any plans God has for us is seeking Him and shaping our lives in pursuit of a relationship with Him. With so much going on in our lives, God’s way of life is not to take on more, but simplify and focus on what really matters.

"People who keep Sabbath live all seven days differently.” Sabbath is a practice for us outlined on page 1 of Scripture - God Rested. Sabbath is built into the DNA of creation as a rhythm for us to follow, with Jesus reminding us that Sabbath was created for us, not the other way around. Sabbath is what brings life, not a burdensome obligation.

Desire is endless; it is never filled or enough. We are torn, pushed, and pulled in multiple directions as we go through life, which wears us down. We live busier than ever, but never at peace. We are more connected than ever, but experience more loneliness and isolation. True life is not found in doing more, but in the pursuit of God, which leads to abounding love, limitless peace, eternal joy, and true satisfaction.

The most common response when you ask someone how they’re doing is likely something with the word “busy.” We wear it as a badge of honour to always be constantly on the go. We have this message blasted at us to do more, be more, consume more, produce more - yet that does not lead to the life of contentment that we think it does. The way of Jesus is a different rhythm of life. Jesus lived his life creating space for relationships and Kingdom work, and invites us to do the same. True life is not found in pursuing more, but actually in a refocus on less; we gain our life when we lose it. 

On Anointing Sunday, Aaron reflects on Luke 4 and the meaning of being set apart for God’s work. With stories and scripture, we’re reminded that each of us is God’s masterpiece, invited to activate our faith and partner with Him in every season.

The Gospel of Luke uses the verbal formula, “the son of man came,” only twice: once about Jesus' mission, and the other about Jesus’ method. This Sunday’s favourite story shows us how Jesus did ministry and operated within his culture, which set up how the early church did things for the first 300 years of its existence.

Fady talks about the story of Jonah and what it reveals about God’s love and mercy. Drawing from his work in Bible translation and his own experience as a Christian minority in the Middle East, Fady explores why Jonah fled from God’s call and how fear, hatred, and history can keep us from sharing God’s love.Through Jonah’s journey, from fleeing to the fish, to Nineveh’s surprising repentance, Fady shows that God values every human life, even those we may see as enemies. Jonah’s reluctance points us to Jesus, who spent three days in the grave and rose again, embodying God’s relentless love and hope for humanity. The challenge for us: to surrender to God’s presence, gain His perspective, and learn to see every person as created in His image, worthy of love, mercy, and restoration.

Learn how to bring God’s heavenly kingdom while living in the earthly kingdom.

We’re looking at a famous story found in all four Gospels - Jesus flipping the tables and driving out the moneylenders and merchants. What’s going on here? Is Jesus against people making some money? Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Was he upset they weren’t making WWJD bracelets instead? Well, the Gospel of Mark gives us stories on either side of this incident that shed some light on what Jesus is trying to say at the temple.

What do you do when you’re sure God has called you somewhere, but everything seems to fall apart? In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves beaten, chained, and forgotten — yet in the darkest hour, they discover God was working all along.

This week, we have a story with three main characters, all with lessons to learn from. David learns patience and teachability. Nabal serves as the object lesson on who not to be or act like. Abigail is an example of doing the right thing even when it means risking it all. As we unpack this story together, we see where God’s wisdom in following Him can play out in our own lives.

We say, usually around Christmas time, that Jesus is "incarnational" - that He came in flesh so that He could be with us. The reality is that throughout time, God has always been with us - He is an active and relational God who meets His people where they are so that He can be in relationship with them and guide them. He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, He heard the cries of His people in Egypt and delivered them, He guided and provided for them through the wilderness, He gave His people a king even when they didn’t need it, He sent prophets to point the way, and finally the culmination was Jesus walking in flesh with us. We’re looking at a story this week that's close to my heart: Jesus walking with His disciples, meeting them where they are, and revealing to them that He is always with them.

In this episode kicking off our new series My Favourite Bible Story, we explore the powerful story of Moses and the burning bush from Exodus. Through personal reflection and biblical insight, we look at how God often calls ordinary, imperfect people, like Moses and like us, to do extraordinary things. You'll hear about Moses' doubts, God's unwavering presence, and how divine nudges can show up in our own lives.

🎙️ We're Relaunching the MHBC Podcast! 🎙️It’s been a while—over five years, in fact—but we’re excited to share some big news:The Mount Hamilton Baptist Church Podcast is back!At MHBC, we’re all about helping people find and follow Jesus. And we know that life gets busy, so we’re bringing the messages, stories, and voices from our community straight to you wherever you are.Whether you’re part of MHBC already or just exploring faith, we’d love for you to listen, follow, and grow with us.🎧 First new episode drops soon—make sure you’re subscribed!📱 Available on all major podcast platformsThanks for sticking with us. We can’t wait to journey with you again.🌐 For more information about our church, visit: www.mhbc.ca