The Open Gate Church Podcast

Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

In Mark 12:1-17 Jesus continues to hit the beehive with a stick, openly confronting the religious leaders through a parable that calls out their rejection of God’s representatives (the law and the prophets and now Jesus) to protect their own self interests.  The religious leaders try to trap Jesus into either taking side with the Romans or committing treason, but He calls out their hypocrisy and r...

This week, we're joined by Bishop Mike Stewart who takes us through Mark 11:12-33 and the story of the cursed fig tree. While it may seem like an unusual event, it actually represents the fruitlessness of God's people. There was only the outward appearance of faith and no evidence of true worship and the righteousness God wants to see in His people.  Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.c...

In this episode we look at Mark 10:17-31. This passage reflects on Jesus' interaction with a wealthy man who seeks guidance on what he must/can do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus teaches that no one is truly good except God and that our worldly reliance on ourselves (that can lead to wealth or possessions) can be a barrier to entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus teaches that salvation is not...

As we continue in the season of Epiphany, we reflect on Jesus further revealing his true identity and purpose as the suffering servant.  Jesus’ teachings in Mark 9:30-50, emphasizes humility, servanthood, and caring for the disadvantaged as central to the Kingdom of God. It encourages us to embrace spiritual maturity, prioritize serving others over personal status, and support the church's mi...

As we continue in the season of Epiphany, we reflect on Jesus further revealing himself through the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration in Mark’s Gospel reveals a glimpse of Jesus' divine identity and mission from the Kingdom of God's perspective, as the voice of God declares, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." This passage challenges us to trust God’s greater perspectiv...

It's Christmas Eve and we reflect on if Christmas is really worth it. Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode we reflect on the 3rd Sunday in Advent focused around joy. John the Baptist “denied his own comforts and was prepared to die for what he believed because He wanted to share this joyful news with others.” Jesus has been sharing his message with all who have ears to hear (and eyes to see).  Though many have rejected the message, many have accepted and received Jesus.  However, they s...

Pastor Jonathan takes us through Mark 7 when Jesus has an interaction with a Phoenician woman seeking deliverance for her child from a demon. At first, it appears that he is being very harsh and dare we say possibly racist? Her child was healed because of her faith, and we learn what Jesus was communicating and that our task is to share hope, peace, joy, love and light with the world.  Connect wit...

This week we are joined by the Rev. David Fuller who brings a message of the immense power of forgiveness that Jesus provides and how our Christian lives should demonstrate that.  Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

In this episode the Rev. Lynne Ellis joins us as we continue through the gospel of Mark. We look at how knowing the Lord is about expecting the unexpected, and also how Jesus exercised his authority, challenging the expectations of the day. He also leaves us with the challenge to feed on things that draw us closer to God so we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) Connect...

In this episode, the Rev. Lynne Ellis takes us through Mark 6: 1-6 when Jesus tried to minister in his own home town the atmosphere of doubt was not conducive to miracles. We are challenged to have faith in the absolute authority of God to heal and answer our prayers and what that should look like as followers of Jesus. Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram:...

In this episode we are joined by the Rev. Lynne Ellis as we go further into the book of Mark and look at to how the heart of faith knows that God alone has the power to do all things.  Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

As we continue through the book of Mark, our passage Mark 4:35-5:19 again answers the question: Who is Jesus?  The first thing we see is human reactions to human circumstances – Jesus (and the disciples) are tired by the burden of ministry.  But rather than finding rest, they encounter a storm (as is so often the case).  The disciples panic and rebuke Jesus for his lack of awareness.   We then see...

In this episode we are joined by the Reverend Deborah Moyo from StreetHope Ministries. We look at the parable of the sower and the seed and we are challenged to live out our faith in all circumstances. Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

Our passage today (Mark 3:20-35) answers the question: Who is Jesus? As people start to question whether the power he was demonstrating came from God or the forces of evil… And it’s not just the jealous Pharisees that were asking these questions, even Jesus’ own family had begun to question his sanity.   Jesus teaches that He is not a servant of the forces of evil, of Satan but that He was sent by...

In this episode we continue through the book of Mark, chapter 2:13-3:19. Our passage opens with the calling of Levi (Matthew) – a tax collector, a despised, unclean, traitor.  Jesus then proceeds to (appear to) break one of the 10 Commandments by ignoring the mandate to fast and do no work (he heals a man with a withered hand).  He then calls the remainder of the 12 disciples.  Through all this we...

In this episode we conclude Chapter 1 of Mark and move to Chapter 2. We see Jesus continue to assert his spiritual authority through his healing ministry.  We see that in cases where Jesus heals there is most often an approach, petition & response, healing & instruction.  In the case of the healing of the leper, a social and religious outcast approaches Jesus. Jesus shows no concern for co...

In this episode we are joined by Clarke Scheibe, who takes us through Mark 1:21-39 and how Jesus' authority was undeniable, yet brought conflict. We are challenged with questions regarding our faithfulness and if we are declaring the full authority of Jesus in our lives, even if it means we will also experience conflict.  Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Ins...

As we continue in Chapter 1 of Mark, we see Jesus’ next step in his ministry was calling his followers. And we see that the disciples do not choose Jesus, he chooses and calls them -we are called by grace. The disciples leave everything behind (their careers and even their family) to answer this call- we follow by faith. Jesus gives them a new purpose in life…they go from being fishermen to fisher...

Connect with Us! www.opengatechurch.ca Facebook: @theopengatechurch Instagram: @theopengatechurch

As we get set to start a series journey through the Gospel according to Mark in its entirety, we simply ask ourselves the question: What is the Gospel? What is the point?  Why do I need to hear this again? Why does this matter to the world today? We will again recognize that even though we live in a culture that considers itself though self righteous eyes, we actually life in a broken world.  And...

In response to challenges to his leadership, Paul feels compelled to reestablish the church in Corinth’s trust in him.  Because his opponents were going about boasting about their spiritual experiences and visions, Paul is also forced to verify his credentials by “ boasting” about his own visions and revelations. However, he is able to outdo his opponents by pointing out that this is actually boas...