The Olive Branch Markham • Audio Podcast

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,...

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. T...

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 somethi...

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...

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 ei...

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 stead...

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 unexpect...

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 be...

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, eve...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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