The Renew Church Canada Podcast

In the second week of our "In Case You Missed It" series, Pastor/Elder Darcy MacCallum delves into the profound connections between two poignant biblical stories that offer a message of healing and hope. By examining the story of Dinah in Genesis 34 and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Pastor Darcy shows how places of deep pain can be transformed into spaces of rede...

Pastor Bartley kicks off our summer series, "In Case You Missed It" (ICYMI), with an inspiring message titled "The One Where God's People Win a Battle by Singing." Dive into the compelling story from 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat leads Judah to victory through faith and song against overwhelming odds. Explore how spiritual battles are not fought alone but with God at the forefront, and l...

In the concluding message of the series "Challenging Authority," Pastor Bartley Sawatsky emphasizes the journey from skepticism to acceptance of biblical authority, using examples of individuals who transitioned from disbelief to belief in Christianity. He reflects on the Bible's comprehensive worldview, asserting its coherence and superiority in addressing life's fundamental questions. Pastor Bar...

In week seven of the series "Challenging Authority," Pastor Bartley Sawatsky presents "Built Different: The Bible Compared to Other Holy Books," a compelling examination of the Bible's uniqueness amidst other major religious texts. He challenges common perceptions by highlighting the Bible's extraordinary internal consistency, historical reliability, and prophetic accuracy, comparing it to texts l...

In this sixth installment of the "Challenging Authority" series, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky delves into the profound significance of the resurrection and its impact on the credibility of the Bible in his message entitled "Dead Man Walking: How the Resurrection Factors into the Bible's Credibility." Pastor Bartley examines whether the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event or a monumental...

In week five of the series, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky addresses the common criticism that the Bible cannot be trusted due to supposed corruption over time. He delves into the meticulous preservation process of the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the dedication of the scribes, particularly the Masoretes, and the abundance of manuscripts that support the credibility of the scriptures. Through a f...

In the fourth message of the "Challenging Authority" series, Nathan Bryant explores the authenticity and reliability of the Bible in a sermon titled "Fake News? Examining the Evidence, Inside and Out." Reflecting on how Christianity is an evidence-based faith, he delves into both internal and external evidences that support the Bible's validity. Internally, he highlights the coherence and intercon...

In Week 3 of the "Challenging Authority" series, titled "Gatekeepers of Truth: Who Decided on the 66 Books of the Bible?" Pastor Bartley explores how the Bible's canon was established. He discusses the process and criteria used to recognize the authoritative books of the Old and New Testaments, examining key debates around texts like the Apocrypha and the New Testament gospels. By highlighting the...

In this message, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky delves into why many dismiss the Bible, focusing on criticisms around its supernatural claims, moral dilemmas, and perceived contradictions with science and history. He argues that many objections are rooted in philosophical naturalism and cultural influences, encouraging a reevaluation of the Bible's credibility. By challenging skeptical perceptions, Pasto...

Pastor Bartley Sawatsky kicks off an intriguing new eight-week series, "Challenging Authority: The Bible in a World that Questions Everything." In this first installment, "Says Who? What the Bible Actually Claims About Itself," Pastor Bartley invites you to explore the bold claims the Bible makes about its divine inspiration and authority. Are these claims credible in a skeptical world? Discover w...

Join Pastor Bartley Sawatsky in a journey that will reignite your understanding and appreciation of Resurrection Sunday. In this insightful message, Pastor Bartley reveals the often overlooked yet profound "evidence of the Easter egg" found throughout scripture. Walk with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and uncover the hidden connections that bring the Old Testament prophecies into sharp focus, valida...

In The Pursuit: The End of the Matter (Week 15), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky concludes the series with Ecclesiastes 12:1-14, where Solomon calls us to remember our Creator before life slips away. As the Teacher reflects on aging, death, and the ultimate purpose of life, he reminds us that fearing God and keeping His commandments is our true calling. Pastor Bartley challenges us to live with eternal pe...

In The Pursuit: Sowing for Eternity (Week 14), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky teaches from Ecclesiastes 11:1-10, encouraging us to live lives of faith, generosity, and purposeful action. Solomon urges us to invest wisely, not just in this life, but with eternity in view, trusting God with outcomes we can’t control. Pastor Bartley challenges us to overcome fear and passivity by living boldly and joyfully,...

In The Pursuit: Words That Build or Break (Week 13), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores Ecclesiastes 10:12-20, where Solomon contrasts the words of the wise with the words of fools. This passage reminds us that our speech holds great power—to uplift or to destroy, to reveal wisdom or expose folly. Pastor Bartley challenges us to use our words carefully, speaking with grace, integrity, and reverence...

In this powerful exploration of Ecclesiastes 10, Pastor Bartley challenges us to confront the reality of life's randomness and our own potential for folly. The central image of 'dead flies in perfume' serves as a stark reminder that even small acts of foolishness can corrupt a lifetime of wisdom. We're urged to be spiritually prepared at all times, recognizing that Satan is always scheming against...

In The Pursuit: The Race of Life (Week 11), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores Ecclesiastes 9:1-11, where Solomon reflects on the unpredictability of life and the certainty of death. He reminds us that wisdom, strength, and success do not guarantee outcomes, but God’s sovereignty governs all things. Pastor Bartley challenges us to run life’s race with faith and purpose, making the most of each day w...

In The Pursuit: Living Under Authority (Week 10), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky examines Ecclesiastes 8:1-17, where Solomon wrestles with the complexities of power, justice, and submission to authority. While human leaders hold influence, their wisdom is flawed, reminding us that ultimate authority belongs to God alone. Pastor Bartley challenges us to live with discernment, trust in God’s sovereignty, a...

In The Pursuit: The Limits of Wisdom (Week 9), Pastor Marek Kowalsky explores Ecclesiastes 7:14-29, where Solomon wrestles with the tension between human wisdom and life’s unpredictability. While wisdom is valuable, it has its limits and cannot fully explain the mysteries of God’s plans. Pastor Marek challenges us to trust in God’s sovereignty rather than relying solely on our own understanding, r...

In The Pursuit: Wisdom in the Shadows (Week 8), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky examines Ecclesiastes 7:1-13, where Solomon contrasts fleeting pleasures with the deeper wisdom found in life’s challenges. This passage reminds us that sorrow and adversity can shape us more than comfort and ease, leading us toward greater dependence on God. Pastor Bartley challenges us to embrace God’s wisdom, even in diffic...

In The Pursuit: Wealth Without Joy (Week 7), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores Ecclesiastes 6, where Solomon reflects on the emptiness of wealth without the ability to enjoy it. This passage warns that prosperity alone cannot bring true fulfillment if God is not at the center of our lives. Pastor Bartley challenges us to seek contentment in God rather than in material success, reminding us that joy...

In The Pursuit: The Fear of God (Week 6), Pastor Bartley Sawatsky unpacks Ecclesiastes 5:1-20, emphasizing the importance of reverence and humility before God. Solomon warns against empty words and misplaced trust in wealth, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from honouring God and finding contentment in His provision. This message challenges us to approach God with awe, integrity, and grati...

In The Pursuit: The Lonely Road (Week 5), Pastor Marek Kowalsky explores Ecclesiastes 4:1-16, addressing the isolating nature of ambition and the pursuit of success. Solomon observes the loneliness that can come from striving for power, wealth, and recognition, reminding us that without meaningful relationships, even great achievements feel empty. Pastor Marek challenges us to seek community, humi...

In this sermon, Eternity in Our Hearts, Pastor Darcy MacCallum explores Ecclesiastes 3:9-22, reflecting on God’s perfect timing, the purpose of life, and the eternal longing placed within our hearts. He reminds us that while life’s seasons may feel fleeting, God’s plans are eternal, and our work and joy find meaning in His sovereignty. Discover how to embrace the present with contentment while liv...

In this reflective sermon, Pastor Bartley Sawatsky dives into the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes, exploring the often paradoxical journey of life under the sun. Join us as Pastor Bartley unpacks the Koalath's introspective struggles with control, injustice, and the fleeting nature of toil, ultimately leading to a profound realization: true enjoyment and satisfaction come only through God. Learn w...

In this thought-provoking sermon from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky, we dive into Ecclesiastes chapter 2, exploring the pursuit of pleasure and the quest for meaning amid life's fleeting nature. Pastor Bartley challenges us to move beyond the façade of routine and self-indulgence, urging us to seek lasting purpose by prioritizing our relationship with God. He discusses the allure of worldly pleasures an...