Grace Church of Cochrane

We all have a natural proclivity to live by the principle: "Do unto others as they have done unto me". But those who have been born from above live by the law of love; they respond not with retaliation, but with loads of mercy and kindness to those who mistreat them.

The scars that tell the greatest story

Have you seen those signs that advertise "quick, easy, and cheap divorces"? In our country, no-fault divorce laws have been legalized for years. But Jesus will not permit such low and cheap views of marriage. He's serious about the sanctity of marriage.

1. Listen to Jesus' Definition of Adultery (vs. 27-28) 2. Listen to Jesus' Strategy and Motivations for Mortification (vs. 29-30)

School shootings. Disease. Debauchery. Division. Death. These are days of trouble. We need to learn how to lament in a way that honors God and is healthy for the soul.

The ascended Christ has conscripted his captives to serve in building up his church. In this passage we see that Jesus assigns our roles and defines our goals.

Jesus says his disciples are salt and light in the world. We're saved to have a net-positive influence in a world full of decay and darkness. But the mission of the church isn't doing good works for their own sake. Jesus has a much higher goal in mind: that people would see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven

As Christians, we're conscripted by the King of Heaven into his peace corps on earth. But it's not a call to pursue peace at all costs. For Jesus reminds us that if we truly live like citizens of heaven, we will be hounded by the world. We're blessed in this and should rejoice and be glad for our reward

What does it mean that Jesus emptied himself? This phrase has created a lot of confusion and false teaching. This Lord's Day we're going to marvel at the humble mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. His self-humiliation serves as a foundational motivation and model for all Christian ethics.

Christmas season is full of mythical tales. But many people scoff at Christians for believing "myths" such as the virgin conception of Jesus. Too many professing Christians turn down the volume and try to make the miracles and message of Christ's birth more acceptable to modern ears. But this advent, we're turning up the volume to celebrate and defend the fact that nothing is impossible with God.

Do you feel the world is broken? Do you wish that you could see it all made new? We do. And we will! This is the triumphant note the angel leaves ringing in Daniel's ear and one we need to hear.

There's a lot of historical predictions and details in Daniel 11. It's another reminder that the kingdoms of this world are in constant conflict, but God is always in control. He ordains fiery trial and tribulations with purpose: to define and refine his people

Chapter 10 is a long introduction to the final vision. We're confronted with the reality of angels and demons and conflicts behind the scenes. But most importantly Daniel was comforted and strengthened by the repreated truth that even in the midst of all-out war, he was greatly loved. Hearing this truth will also serve to strengthen us as we experience great conflicts, seen and unseen.

The vision of the 70 weeks is dizzying in all the details. Faithful Christians have disagreements over how to interpret the particulars, but the main message is clear enough: Jesus' death guarantees the greatest reset and redemption history has ever seen

There's a lot of things we don't know. However, we know we will suffer and groan under the curse. But knowing this, God has also given to us precious promises that we can know. In these verses, God gives us some of the most precious guarantees given to man, aptly called by some "the golden chain of salvation".

One of the distinguishing traits of truly being a Christian is how we relate to each other. Having been loved by God in Christ, we are transformed into a people who reflect the same love to one another.

We're taking a short break from apocalyptic visions of vicious beasts and heavenly beings. These verses are a masterclass in prayer. They show us how to pray out of meditation on the Scriptures and how to confess our sins and petition God for mercy

We come to the next vision Daniel sees. This vision was sealed and later revealed to remind God's people to trust the truth of God's Word completely even when others throw it to the ground.

The vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man on their thrones is one of the mountaintop moments in the Old Testament. It's written to grab your mind's eye and help us focus on the facts - that Jesus Christ rules now and forevermore - even as we face ferocious beasts who wear us down.

Things are about to get apocalyptic for the next while. It might feel confusing, but these next few chapters are actually designed to do the opposite - they're designed to reveal reality. In Daniel 7 we come to one of the most important, revelatory passages in the Old Testament.

We're jumping back into our Daniel series.. We'll see that the handwriting on the wall is a message with profound relevance not only for kings, but for all humanity who are by nature boastful and blasphemous Belshazzar's in their own right

As we close out the summer and get ready for our fall ministry launch, we're going to look together at this first petition in the most famous prayer.

We’re redeemed by Jesus to be conduits of refreshment to Christ's people. The letter to Philemon shows us what that looks like in action.

Many voices call for our response. Most can be tuned out. But God's voice must never be ignored. The story of Israel reminds us that if we harden our hearts and refuse to obey God's command to endure in faith and obedience today, we won't enter the Sabbath Rest that remains for the people of God.

God is Lord over time, and his Word teaches us that rest time is not waste time. It's necessary and profitable for both our body and soul. This week we're looking at God's design for the Sabbath Schedule in Israel and how those principles apply to our stewardship of time today.

This summer we're unpacking some of what the Bible says on the theme of rest and refreshment. What is it and how do we properly enjoy it now even as we anticipate the fullness of our rest in the future? In this first sermon we begin looking at one of the most comforting invitations Jesus gave to all who "labour and are heavy laden".

The sin of pride is contrary to all reason and common to all men. Nebuchadnezzar learned first hand that God is able to humble those who walk in pride. We'd be wise to learn from his testimony and repent of our pride.

How do we navigate and respond to the pressures we face in an increasingly anti-Christian age? Daniel 3 reminds us that we have a duty to defy the world's transgressive agenda. But God doesn't leave us alone in the battle. Most importantly, we see that God is able to deliver his servants who trust him from all kinds of fiery furnaces.

In Daniel 2, God reveals the mystery of history through a dream and through his humble interpreter, Daniel. The mystery of history is this: He will shatter all earthly kingdoms and his kingdom will endure forever! This dream is a nightmare for some but a source of comfort and stability for God's people. But rest assured: this dream will come true!