Elim Church

Privilege has become a negative word in the conversation about race. But what if acknowledging one's privilege and using it for the betterment of others could actually be something positive? What if by considering others, putting them first and finding ways to offers others equity is an opportunity for the church?

In this episode Pastor Josh & the panel talk about generational wealth, the hurdles that people of colour face in the race of life and the opportunity the church has to show the world a better way.

"I don't see color" is a statement that people make because they want others to know that they value a whole person, not just their race, ethnicity, or background. The intention can be good, but what someone who is a visible minority might hear is something completely different than what is intended. In this episode, Pastor Josh along with the panel explore what someone from a minority group might hear when "I don't see color" is said. They will also look at the beauty of diversity within the family of God and why it is a reflection of God himself. **** We apologize in advance for the technical issue that we experience with one of the participant's microphones. We believe that the content of her words is more important than the perfection of the production, thus we have left it in.****

For many black, indigenous, and people of color, racism isn't just a series of comments, looks, or overt actions. It's also the realization that perhaps there are engrained societal factors that either knowingly or unknowingly may not be in their favor. This is a conversation about perspectives that are worth listening to. In this episode Pastor Josh asks the panel the question: "How does racism affect you personally? **** We apologize in advance for the technical issue that we experience with one of the participant's microphones. We believe that the content of her words is more important than the perfection of the production, thus we have left it in.****

This past week has been filled with pain, confusion & conversations in the news & social media that have left many people divided, scared, and offended. Without a doubt, the murder of George Floyd has put a spotlight on the issue of Racism in society. It has also become a catalyst for the church to evaluate itself and ask the question: "Where do we find ourselves in all of this?"

In the first part of a multi-episode series, Pastor Josh has a conversation with other followers of Jesus from diverse cultural & ethnic backgrounds about multiculturalism, race & the church. We hope you're encouraged.

**** We apologize in advance for the technical issue that we experience with one of the participant's microphones. We believe that the content of her words is more important than the perfection of the production, thus we have left it in.****

Depending on your background and your experience with the Holy Spirit, you can see Him as a joy, a confusing character or a mysterious force. The truth is though that He is the person of the God head that connects us to God the Father & God the Son. He's also the one that helps us, comforts us, advocates for us and guides us. So why then is the Holy Spirit so misunderstood, misrepresented & sometimes seemingly forgotten? In this episode, Josh and Carl start the deep dive into this new series on the Holy Spirit.

Every Christian knows that God forgives, but are there failures in a person's life they can never come back from? We all fall and fail at times. God might forgive us, others might forgive us, but if we're honest, our bad decisions, our poor choices have a way of haunting us. When someone we trusted or looked up to falls, it oftentimes shakes us and changes the way we see that person. In this episode, Carl and Josh talk about the failure of Peter. They look at his shame, his struggle, and how Jesus not only forgives Peter but also restores him. We hope you're encouraged.

If God is sovereign, do you have a say? If you fail to follow God's plan for your life, do you get put into a purposeless "no man's land"? Questions about calling/destiny and how God's will plays onto it are at the forefront of a Christian's mind. In this episode, Josh and Carl explore the tension of believing that God is in control/in charge & that our response to him matters for our lives. 

Doubting is not a sin. Let's just get that out of the way. Many Christians equate doubt with disbelief and unfortunately treat those who have questions or curiosities as people who are trying to disprove faith altogether. In this episode, Josh and Carl explore Pastor Marvin's sermon about Jesus' conversation with Thomas after the resurrection. How should we approach our doubts? How should we treat other Christians who have doubts? What is the difference between doubting and disbelief? This and so much more got covered this week. 

Fear can drive you insane. The fear of losing your job, the fear of being trapped in your house for months, or the fear that you or that someone you love will get sick can drive the way people live. In this episode, Josh and Carl explore the conversation that Jesus has with his disciples after his resurrection. Jesus calms their fear with reassuring them of his presence with them, by giving them His Spirit and by refocussing the thoughts in their minds. 

Have you ever doubted that God is with you? Have you ever thought "Does He even know who I am? Does He even care that I exist?" Well, the truth is that we all have had those moments. Maybe even right now, in the middle of this pandemic, you're wondering if God even cares that you can't see loved ones, that your business is suffering, or that your kids are going insane at home? 

In this episode, Josh and Carl explore Jesus' conversation with Mary Magdalene that happens right after the resurrection. As you listen, we hope you're encouraged and that in the middle of this cultural moment that you are reminded that God knows who you are & is with you.