The Olive Branch Markham • Audio Podcast

God is our possible and involved in the details of our everyday lives. He meets us in restorative and beautiful ways in the book of Ruth. This is for everyone today as God challenges us, moves us and shares His redemption story for, in and through relationship.

Acts 2:1-14The waiting is over. The Spirit falls, the Church is born, and 3,000 people believe in a single day. But here's the detail we often miss: those 3,000 came from across the Roman Empire, and when they go home, they take the gospel with them. The mission doesn't just begin at Pentecost. It explodes.

Acts 1:1-14Before Jesus ascends to heaven, He makes an extraordinary promise: power is coming. He entrusts the mission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth to the twelve disciples, several key women, and 120 ordinary, largely unknown followers. Then He's gone. And they wait. What happens next will change everything.

Matthew 13Jesus didn’t announce the Kingdom with fanfare, he described it in stories. We open our series “To the end of the Earth not in Acts, but directly from Jesus in the gospel of Matthew, because before we can understand the mission, we must first understand the Kingdom that drives it.

The world’s promises disappoint. People’s promises fail. But the Bible makes a great claim, every single promise God has ever made finds its absolute Yes in Jesus Christ. We will unpack four promises every believer can cling on to that will never be broken.

John 20:1-31A sealed tomb. A missing body. A skeptic who refused to believe without proof.On Easter Sunday, Jesus showed up: scarred hands outstretched, inviting Thomas to see for himself. John recorded every moment so that you might believe: Jesus is not a memory. He is alive!

John 1:29-34From the first Passover to the temple sacrifices, God’s people lived by the blood of a lamb. Then John the Baptist points to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God.”On Good Friday, we see what that means — the innocent in the place of the guilty, the judgment we deserved falling on Him. Join us as we reflect on the sacrifice that changes everything.

John 12:12-15“Hosanna in the Highest!” The crowd cries out as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Hope is rising. Expectations are high. But what kind of King is He?This Palm Sunday, we encounter Jesus as the King of Kings — not ruling by power, but through humility and surrender. Join us as we ask the question: is He truly our King?

John 15:1-8Jesus said, ‘I AM the Good Shepherd’We live in a culture of effort and exhaustion. Try harder. Do more. Be better.But on the night before the cross, Jesus offers a different invitation: “Abide in me.” He is the True Vine. Real change — love, joy, peace — flows from connection to Him.What does it mean to truly abide? And how does staying connected to Jesus transform us from the inside out? Join us as we lean into His life-giving presence.

John 8:12Jesus said, ‘I AM the Good Shepherd’In Psalm 23 King David wrote “the Lord is my Shepherd.” Now, in John 10, Jesus identifies himself as this “Good Shepherd” and speaks of his coming sacrifice on the cross to protect and save his “sheep” and his defeat of death by his resurrection.

John 8:12Jesus said, ‘I AM the Light of the World’Jesus declares, “I AM the light” — not just a light by which we see, but a light that gives life to all that we are. How does this brilliant truth impact our lives today; for now and for all eternity?

John 6:1-69Jesus said, ‘I AM the Bread of Life’In this life, we all hunger for something more.In John 6, Jesus makes a bold and startling claim: “I AM the Bread of Life.” He doesn’t just offer nourishment — He offers Himself. “Whoever feeds on me,” He says, “will live forever.” What does it mean to receive Him as our sustenance? What kind of hunger is He speaking to?

1 Corinthians 7In a culture that often treats marriage as the goal of adulthood, the Bible offers a broader and more hopeful vision. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul teaches that singleness is not a problem to fix but a meaningful way to live faithfully before God.This message explores how both marriage and singleness are shaped by the truth that this life is not the end of the story. When eternity is kept in view, neither status becomes ultimate and neither is wasted. Singleness becomes an opportunity for focused devotion to the Lord and deep connection within the family of God. Whether single or married, the gospel reminds us that true wholeness is found in Christ, who is preparing what is still to come.

Marriage isn’t just a social contract or a personal preference—it’s something Jesus speaks about with weight, intention, and permanence. In Matthew 19:1–12, Jesus points us back to God’s original design, reminding us that marriage is meant to be a lifelong covenant, not something disposable when things get hard. But He also names the real struggle beneath broken relationships: the hardness of the human heart.In this message, we’ll wrestle honestly with why hearts grow hard, how that affects our view of commitment, and what Jesus offers as the way forward. This isn’t just about staying married—it’s about having hearts softened and restored by God, so His original purpose for marriage can be lived out with faith, grace, and endurance.

We will be taking a look at Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 where we see that Christ’s sacrificial love forms the foundation of Christian marriage – a radical concept in the first century – and in the 21st century. 

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul pauses twice to pray—not for changed circumstances, but for deeper understanding and inner strength. These prayers reveal what Paul longs for believers to know, experience, and become. This message explores how prayer shapes the church from the inside out, anchoring us in God’s power, love, and purpose.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that prayer is not something we generate on our own—it begins with the Holy Spirit living within us. The Spirit draws us toward God, crying out, “Abba, Father,” and even prays on our behalf when words fail us. In this message, we’ll discover how the Spirit shapes, strengthens, and sustains our prayers, inviting us into a deeper, more confident life of prayer.Scripture: Ephesians 6:18, Romans 8:26-27

Jesus tells a story about a persistent widow and an unjust judge to teach his followers not to lose heart when answers seem delayed. This message explores the space between our cries to God and the answers we long for—the waiting, the wondering, and the faith required to keep praying. What does trust look like when the response feels slow in coming and heaven seems silent?Scripture: Luke 18:1–8

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reshapes how his followers think about prayer—not as performance, but as relationship. He invites us to pray to our Father, who sees, knows, and listens. This message explores the posture of the heart Jesus calls for in prayer: sincerity over show, trust over many words, forgiveness over resentment, and quiet attentiveness in God’s presence. Prayer, Jesus teaches, is learned by drawing near to the Father.

Jesus disciples asked him to teach them how to pray and he gave them the beautiful words of the “Lord’s prayer” —the most famous and frequently used prayer in all of history. It provides the core understanding of how to pray. Join us in the practise of prayer as we begin 2026; praying for God’s mission to advance in our individual lives, our families, schools, workplace, our church and the world.

Jesus describes a Kingdom worth everything. We’re surrounded by opportunities promising success, fulfillment, and “the life you’ve always wanted.” But Jesus teaches that the opportunity of a lifetime isn’t about money, status, or achievement—it’s about investing in what lasts beyond this life. His Kingdom is the treasure in the field, the pearl of great value, the seed that multiplies endlessly. The real question is: whose counsel are you following? This message calls us to stop chasing short-lived gains and respond to the invitation of Jesus—the only investment that brings eternal return. God is calling your name. Don’t settle for anything less.This is the last message with Pastor Ken Davis as our Lead Pastor at The Olive Branch. We will miss him!

In a world full of noise, God still speaks—clearly and personally. In a noisy world filled with competing voices—algorithms, opinions, and endless online noise—hearing clearly can feel impossible. But Christmas reminds us that God has spoken, and continues to speak, through the Word made flesh: Jesus. While every other voice is trying to get your attention, shape your thinking, or sell you something, God is calling you by name out of love, not manipulation. In a season where it’s easy to get lost in the noise, this message points us back to the one Voice that brings clarity, truth, and life.

On the Sunday before Christmas, anticipation fills the air as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Scripture tells us that Christ came “in the fullness of time”—after centuries of waiting, prophetic promises, and longing hearts. The birth of Jesus was not only the most significant moment in history, but a turning point that infused the world with hope and a new way of living. And it didn’t stop there. That first Advent also points us toward Christ’s return, when He will make all things new. As we wait, God has already given us incredible gifts through His Son. Galatians 4:1–7 helps us understand what those gifts are—so this week, let’s open them together.

We may feel swallowed up in the chaos of crowds—especially at Christmas—but God never sees a mass of faces. He sees you. Scripture shows a God who knows every person individually, right down to the details of their story, their DNA, and their purpose. The same God who orchestrated the intricate lines leading to Jesus is still personally involved in every part of your life today. In a world of eight billion, you are not anonymous. God knows your name, your circumstances, your strengths, and your struggles—and He is closer than you think.

The most surprising thing about joy is where you find it. Happiness comes in chunks; it’s a solid. But joy? Joy is liquid…always flowing underneath the surface. Uncertainty and difficulty sabotages happiness — but it cannot touch joy. Joy is God’s equal-opportunity gift to everyone. And that’s what Mary had. Despite the discomfort, difficulty and danger she found herself in, she had joy; the steady flow of God’s power and calm in her life. And then, her extraordinary circumstances that made it possible for her to bring the source of joy to everyone — even until today.[Previously recorded for our December 10, 2023 service.]

Acts 16 gives us two powerful “unexpected to glory” moments: Paul and Silas were beaten and unjustly imprisoned—yet in the darkest place, God brought a miraculous escape that turned suffering into praise. And the jailor, expecting his life to end, instead encountered the hope of Jesus. In one night, both the prisoners and the guard were led from crisis to salvation, from fear to joy, from unexpected circumstances to God’s glory. That same grace reached not only the jailor but his entire household, who heard the gospel and were baptized together. This week, we celebrate the God who still turns the unexpected into glory—for you, for your family, and for every household that opens its door to Him. Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Only God can give life. Every person—no matter how they began—is His creation, His design, His idea. There are no mistakes when it comes to human life. That’s why we celebrate every birth and every new beginning in faith. Baptism is the Entrance of a lifetime—and the exit of a lifetime too. It’s stepping off the ramp of regret and onto the road of redemption. It’s the public declaration: “I belong to God.” This is the Good News On Ramp—where heaven rejoices, lives change, and angels throw a party. Scripture: John 3:1-17

Most of us will have plenty of jobs in our lifetime—but only one calling. Jobs change, careers shift, and sometimes we’re pushed onto new roads we never planned to take. But our calling? That’s what God builds into us from the start. It’s not about money or titles—it’s about purpose. When we confuse a job with a calling, the exit ramp just feels like an ending. But when we know the difference, every change becomes an on-ramp to what God’s doing next. So—what road is your calling leading you down? Scripture: 2 Kings 2:5-15; Matthew 28:18-20

Saul was convinced Jesus was a fraud—until Jesus showed up. What began as a life entrenched in disbelief became the start of a life filled with purpose and power. When Saul met the risen Christ, the persecutor became a preacher, and doubt gave way to faith. That same invitation still stands today: to believe, to be changed, and to step into the life Jesus offers. Scripture: Acts 9

Solomon had it all—wisdom, wealth, and a deep connection with God. But his downfall came through the relational on-ramps he chose. The companions he invited onto his journey pulled him off course. Ironically, he warned others about that very danger in Proverbs! Some companions are naïve, some reckless, and some destructive—but all influence where we end up. And once you’ve hitched yourself to the wrong vehicle, letting go isn’t easy. The question is—who’s traveling with you, and where are they taking you? Scripture: Matthew 5, 22:35-40

We resist endings, but in God’s Kingdom, every ending opens a new beginning. The Cross looked like the ultimate exit—but it became the entrance to life itself. Wherever you find yourself today—at a closed door, a loss, a transition—remember: God’s exits are never dead ends. The way out is always the way in. Scripture: John 16:5-7, 12:24-26

Life is a series of entrances and exits. Even gravestones mark the dates of our arrival and departure—and all that lies between is a dash. That dash is ours to define: the meaning, impact, and influence of our life. Exits aren’t just endings—they often lead to new beginnings. Careers, relationships, and seasons of life rarely last forever, but each exit can be an intentional on-ramp to what’s next. Exits aren’t just endings—they’re opportunities to merge onto a new road. Where might your next exit take you? Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Matthew 7:13-14

This Sunday’s message, The God Who Makes Us Laugh, takes us to Psalm 126—a song of joy, gratitude, and hope. As Israel once celebrated God’s deliverance from exile, we too are invited to remember how He has been faithful in our own lives. Thanksgiving isn’t just about looking back—it’s a way to look forward with confidence, trusting that the same God who brought joy in the past will bring renewal again. Scripture: Psalm 126

Why does God rescue some and not others? Why me? The disciples wrestled with that same question when John the Baptist was executed and Lazarus died. There’s no easy answer—but there is hope. Join us as we find how Jesus meets us in our pain and refuses to leave us alone.Scripture: John 11:1-44

Among Jesus’ disciples were sworn enemies—a Zealot and a tax collector—brought together by His call. To follow Him was to declare, “I am a forgiver.” This week we’ll discover why forgiveness isn’t optional for His followers, and how choosing Jesus always means choosing to forgive.Scripture: Matthew 6:9-14, 5:21-26, 38-42, 43-48, 18:15-35

The eyewitnesses staked their lives on the conviction that Jesus was the ONE all of history pointed to. Yet even they wrestled with unmet expectations and unanswered questions. Join us this week as we explore what it really means to let Jesus be Lord—when He doesn’t fit into our plans.Scripture: John 1, John 3:22-36

We live in a world overflowing with promises that never deliver—politics, money, power, and even our own strength often leave us disappointed. In the middle of this struggle, Revelation gives us a breathtaking vision: a throne in heaven that is not empty, and a Saviour who is worthy.This message invites us to lift our eyes above the chaos, to see Jesus—the Lamb who was slain yet lives—as the only true source of hope, peace, and worship. Come and be reminded that your life has an anchor stronger than the world’s uncertainty, and that heaven’s throne is not shaken.Scripture: Revelation 4-5

This week: “The Seat Only You Can Fill”God’s table is set for a reason and every seat matters. You’re not an afterthought, and your place can’t be filled by anyone else. This week we’ll discover how Christ not only calls us to Himself but equips us to take our place in His mission, shaping a community that reflects His Kingdom.Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

This week: “Known at the Table”At Christ’s table, you are not just another face in the crowd; you are fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. Jesus didn’t share meals to fill stomachs; He shared them to reveal hearts. This week, we explore how the Gospel makes room for authenticity: no masks, no pretending, just grace. Around His table, strangers become family, and disciples learn that being known by God is the starting point of true transformation.Scripture: John 4

This week: “Compelled to Come In”God’s invitation is not passive; it’s relentless. In His Kingdom, no one is left to wander outside the door. Christ calls us to Himself, not as a polite suggestion, but as a life-altering summons. This week we’ll see how His grace doesn’t wait for the willing—it seeks, finds, and draws the lost home.Scripture: Luke 14:15–24

Ever been in a season where “God is great, God is good” feels like a cruel joke? Hezekiah knew that place well—facing an unbeatable enemy, a terminal diagnosis, and the question, “Was my devotion to God all for nothing?” This week we’ll step into his “pain journal” in Isaiah 38, and discover how God can turn anguish into life, humility, and perspective. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of your hurt, this message is for you.Text: Isaiah 38:10-20

In our world—and even for those who follow Jesus—joy seems to be this serendipitous fleeting thing. Like we’re almost there… and then something bad happens, and there it goes!Joy was the unexpected core value we chose for The Olive Branch, and this Sunday we'll talk about how to make it stay in your life.Text: Philippians 1:12-19

So, here’s the truth about transparency: If you won’t be transparent—authentic with others—you make friendship almost impossible. If you won’t be transparent and authentic with your spouse, your marriage won’t last. If you won’t be transparent and authentic with your children, you’ll lose your credibility. If you won’t be transparent and authentic with yourself, you’ll wreck your life.And what if you will not be transparent and authentic with God...?Text: John 8:42-47; Acts 5:1-11

One of Jesus’ most stunning comments was about leadership and true greatness. He said that leaders in His Kingdom – the most important ones – would be servants, first. That the greatest leaders would be the servants of all. He punctuated that by saying, "Even the Son of Man did not come to be served – but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many." But does this actually work in today's world?Text: Mark 10:35-45, John 13

We return to our series, “Walk the Line: Core Values to Live By”Pastor Ken Davis returns with Part II to our message series, "Walk the Line: Core Values to Live By" and he'll be talking about how absolutely central LOVE is, not only to our expression of faith to others, but what it reveals to ourselves about our own character.Text: Matthew 5-7, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4

he Beautiful Fear: Where Holiness Meets the Human Heart This week: “The Life that Bows” What does it really mean to live in the awe of God—not just on Sundays, but every day? This week, we’ll explore how reverence isn’t just a feeling; it’s a way of life. From our choices and character to our worship and purpose, true reverence shapes everything. Join us as we discover what it means to live with a heart that bows daily before a holy God. Text: Hebrews 12:28–29; 1 Peter 1:13–19; Ecclesiastes 12:13

This week: “When Awe Awakens” What happens when you truly see God for who He is? In this opening message, we step into Isaiah’s vision and rediscover a holy God who is not only high and lifted up—but deeply personal. Awe isn’t a feeling—it’s a response to holiness. And when that awe awakens, it humbles us, heals us, and sends us with purpose. Text: Isaiah 6:1–8; Hebrews 12:28–29; Proverbs 9:10

Fred Penney is a seasoned pastor with 38 years of ministry experience, including planting a new church congregation in Toronto. His educational journey has been extensive, with degrees and diplomas from several prestigious institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Diploma in Ministry from EPBC, a Master of Divinity from Wycliffe College, a Master of Sacred Theology from Regis College, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon Conwell Seminary. Fred has been teaching at Tyndale Seminary since 1999, and his passion for education has taken him internationally. He has taught in Ukraine, Mongolia, India, and the United States, sharing his knowledge with students across the globe.

Jesus’ instructions for those who follow Him seem very strange sometimes. Before He returns to the Father, He tells His immediate followers to go everywhere and make disciples. That is, gather people together and help people know what it means to follow Jesus, and then help them receive the life He promised. But then baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and pass on everything He taught them. We understand ‘gather’ and we understand ‘teach’… but dunk people in water in front of others? Why? That’s actually a great question! The answer is the best news!   

Jesus told us to be IN the world but NOT be of it — that is, don't take on its value system. And that’s why Jesus came... God became one of us. He didn’t have to do that; He could’ve just said, "Figure it out on your own!" But, He didn’t.