Life with Jesus is not about avoiding difficulty but about finding God in the midst of it. This Christmas (and always), we are called to embrace the mess, trusting that God's presence is found in it, and that His blessings — the real ones — are often hidden in the places we least expect.

Mercy is not merely an action, but a lens through which we are called to see others, especially the undeserving. In this message, Pastor Robyn Elliott explores Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes and his interactions with outcasts like tax collectors and sinners that reveal mercy as a transformative power, rooted in compassion and love for the broken. By shifting our perspective—embracing our own belovedness and extending it to others—we reflect God’s heart of mercy, which transcends retribution and offers restoration.

In this message from Mike Carmody, we explore the Beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” The concept of purity often seems unattainable, tied to perfection. However, upon deeper reflection, we find that "purity" (Greek katharoi) means sincerity, being unsoiled, and free from guilt—not perfection. Through Jesus, we can experience God’s presence and love, regardless of our personal struggles or imperfections.

CONTENT WARNING: This message includes sensitive themes related to sex trafficking.

This Christmas season, Lakeside is launching a special giving campaign that runs from Advent to Lent, focused on bringing hope and healing to those affected by human trafficking. With two key initiatives – one local (SEEDS) and one global (IJM Canada)– we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Learn more at https://www.lakesidechurch.ca/compassion-in-action/

As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk alongside those who mourn, sharing in their grief and offering the hope of God's presence, even when we don’t always recognize Him. In this message, Pastor Robyn Elliott explores how God’s blessing often meets us in the midst of pain, grief, and brokenness. Drawing from the Beatitudes, we’ll see how grief is not something to avoid, but a doorway to comfort, healing, and restoration.

Peacemaking, as taught by Jesus in the Beatitudes, is a costly and transformative endeavour. True peace—shalom—goes beyond mere absence of conflict; it is about wholeness, justice, and healing, particularly in contexts of oppression and marginalization. In this message, Joash Thomas calls Jesus followers to actively seek the welfare (shalom) of their communities, even if it means sacrificing privileges or facing resistance.

Are the Beatitudes a list of things to do to earn God’s favour or something else entirely? In this first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Pastor Robyn Elliott suggests that the blessing is found not in poverty itself but in the perspective it offers. With the story of the Good Samaritan playing in the background we see that circumstances are not the condition for blessing, rather circumstances condition us for blessing.

We often associate the good life with comfort, wealth, and power. However, according to Jesus, true fulfillment is found in the face of persecution and hardship, where genuine faith is demonstrated through action and justice. In this message based on Matthew 5:10-12, Pastor Robyn Elliott challenges us to confront our comfort and examine what it means to live for and like Jesus.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Contrary to cultural perceptions that equate meekness with weakness, we uncover the true essence of meekness as a form of strength under control. By embracing our vulnerabilities and recognizing our need for help, we open ourselves to God’s grace and the hope of restoration. In this message, we will reflect on how lowering ourselves in humility can lead to a deeper understanding of our identity as beloved children of God, ultimately guiding us in how we respond to life’s challenges.

In this introductory message to our Blessed in the Mess series, we uncover the revolutionary nature of Jesus’ message in Matthew 5—a manifesto for a new kingdom that upends worldly values and speaks directly to the marginalized. Throughout this series, we’ll challenge ourselves to reexamine these powerful blessings, not as mere platitudes but as life-changing proclamations meant to transform society. Together, let’s consider whether our faith communities reflect this new way of being or simply perpetuate the status quo. Join us as we dive deeper into what it means to embody the Beatitudes in our lives and in the world around us.