Intro/Outro song Shame On Me - Joseph Habedank

NOTE: EPISODE IS NUMBER 19, NOT 18. SORRY FOR CONFUSION.

Introduction:

Welcome to Christ Talk Canada, where we explore God's Word and apply it to our lives. I'm your host, Pastor Michael, and today's episode is about how obedience to the Lord is more important to Him than sacrifice.

Message:

We can find this message throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. But let's start with 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel said to Saul, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams."

This passage is a reminder to us that God desires obedience more than sacrifice. In fact, obedience is a form of sacrifice, as it requires us to lay down our own will and desires in order to follow God's will. When we obey the Lord, we show our love for Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." And in 1 John 5:3, it says, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

We truly hope you have enjoyed today's podcast. As always I am praying for you all that the Lord will continue to lead you and strengthen you.

As always you can reach me at https://ChristTalk.ca or by email at [email protected]

If you feel led by the Lord to donate to the Ministry, you can do so on the website by clicking on the donate button on an page of the website.

Thank you,

Pastor Michael

Intro/Outro song - Why God By Austin French

PLEASE NOTE: ERROR IN AUDIO RECORDING. THIS IS ACTUALLY EPISODE 18 NOT 17.

Introduction:

The Christian life is a journey that is full of challenges and battles, and spiritual warfare is one of those challenges that we face. Spiritual warfare refers to the battle that we face against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. As Christians, we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). In this document, we will explore the topic of spiritual warfare and how to rely on the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and God for help. We will also discuss what to do when facing spiritual warfare and how to defeat the enemy Satan.

The Importance of Spiritual Warfare:

The Bible is clear that there is a spiritual realm that is just as real as the physical world we live in. This spiritual realm is populated by angels, demons, and other spiritual beings. In this spiritual realm, there is a constant battle between the forces of good and evil. The forces of evil are led by Satan, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). As Christians, we are called to engage in this battle against the forces of evil.

The Bible tells us that we are not fighting this battle alone. We have the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and God on our side. The Holy Spirit is our helper and our guide. Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Lord. God is our Father and our protector. We can rely on these three for help in the midst of spiritual warfare.

Relying on the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is our helper in the battle against the forces of evil. He is the one who gives us power and strength to overcome the enemy. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and he guides us into all truth (John 16:13). When we face spiritual warfare, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and to give us the strength we need to overcome the enemy.

One of the ways we can rely on the Holy Spirit is by praying in the Spirit. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:18 to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. When we pray in the Spirit, we are praying in the language of the Spirit, which is a language that only God can understand. This kind of prayer is powerful, and it helps us to connect with the Holy Spirit in a deeper way.

Another way we can rely on the Holy Spirit is by reading and meditating on the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is the one who inspired the writers of the Bible, and he is the one who helps us to understand it. When we read the Bible, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and to give us understanding. As we meditate on the Word of God, the Holy Spirit speaks to us and gives us the wisdom and understanding we need to face the battles of life.

As always if you would like to contact me you may do so by going to the website https://ChristTalk.ca or directly by email at [email protected].

Thank you for all your love and support.

Intro/Outro Song - What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship

EP17 - The Bible and Today - Part 2

Introduction:

Welcome to today's podcast, which is our 16th episode here on Christ Talk Canada. We will be covering a topic today in which I believe is vastly important and

This is Part 2 - Once again if you would like to Reach me you can do so at https://ChristTalk.ca or by email at [email protected]

Intro/Outro Song - What A Beautiful Name By Hillsong Worship

Welcome to today's podcast, which is our 16th episode here on Christ Talk Canada.

We will be covering a topic today in which I believe is vastly important and where we will be discussing the Bible and its relevance today. As Christians, we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and provides us with guidance, wisdom, and truth. But with the changing times and shifting cultural norms, some may question the relevance of the Bible in today's world.

Podcast Message:

As a Christian pastor, it's important to understand the historical context in which the Bible was written. The Bible is not a book that was written in a vacuum, but rather it was written during a specific time in history, by specific people, and to specific audiences.

The Old Testament was written over a period of approximately 1,000 years, from around 1500 BC to 400 BC. During this time, Israel was a nation that was constantly at war with its neighbors, and the people of Israel were constantly struggling to remain faithful to God. Many of the Old Testament books, such as Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, were written during this time, and they give us a glimpse into the history of Israel and its people.

The New Testament was written in the first century AD, during the time of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was a powerful empire that controlled much of the known world at the time. The New Testament books, such as the Gospels, Acts, and the letters of Paul, were written during this time, and they give us a glimpse into the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as the early Christian church.

It's also important to understand the cultural and social context of the Bible. For example, in the Old Testament, the concept of sacrifice was a common practice among many ancient cultures. The Israelites, however, believed that their sacrifices were an act of worship and obedience to God. In the New Testament, the concept of baptism was a common practice among many Jews and Gentiles. The early Christian church saw baptism as a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and a way for believers to publicly identify with Christ.

As always you can contact me at https://ChristTalk.ca or by email at [email protected]

Intro/Outro Song - Nobody Loves Me Like You - Chris Tomlin

Introduction:

Welcome to Christ Talk Canada, I am your host Pastor Michael, and today we will be discussing a topic that is both familiar and unique to many of us, and that is The Long Walk Home.

Message:

The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years until God sent Moses to lead them out of bondage and into the Promised Land. Despite facing many challenges along the way, the Israelites learned to trust God's provision and guidance, even when they didn't understand what was happening or where they were going. Their long walk home was not an easy one, and they repeatedly grumbled and complained, longing to go back to their former way of life. However, God never gave up on them, and he continued to love them and to lead them, even through the wilderness.

One of the key lessons we can learn from the Israelites is the importance of obedience. Throughout their journey, God gave them specific instructions and commandments to follow, but they often failed to obey. This disobedience led to consequences, such as the plagues that came upon them in the wilderness, or the wandering that lasted for 40 years. But God gave them these instructions because he knew what was best for them. When they followed his guidance, they were blessed and protected.

Another lesson we can learn from the Israelites is the importance of perseverance. The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was not a short one. It took years of walking, wandering, and waiting. There were times when the Israelites were tempted to give up and turn back, but they kept going. They kept trusting in God's promises, even when they couldn't see the end of the road.

Likewise, as we journey towards home, we may face challenges and obstacles. It may take years or even decades to fully experience the love and grace of God. There may be times when we feel like giving up, when we're tempted to turn back to our old ways. But we must keep persevering, keep trusting in God's promises, and keep walking towards the home that he has prepared for us.

We can also learn from the Israelites the importance of community. Throughout their journey, the Israelites were a people on the move. They traveled together, camped together, and shared their experiences together. They had their disagreements and their conflicts, but ultimately, they were united in their shared goal of reaching the Promised Land. Likewise, as we journey towards home, we need to be part of a community of believers. We need to find other people who are also on the same path, who can support us, encourage us, and hold us accountable.

Trust is another key theme that emerges from the Israelites' journey. Throughout their journey, the Israelites had to trust God's guidance and provision. They had to trust that God was leading them to a land flowing with milk and honey, even when they couldn't see it. They had to trust that God would provide for their needs in the wilderness, even when they lacked food and water. Similarly, as we journey towards home, we must learn to trust God completely. We must trust that he has a plan for our lives, even when we can't see it. We must trust that he will provide for our needs, even when we're in the midst of a difficult season. And we must trust that he is leading us to a place of rest and peace, even when the journey seems long and difficult.

As always you can contact Pastor Michael at https://ChristTalk.ca or by email at [email protected]

Intro/Outro Song - Red Letters by Crowder

Introduction:

Welcome to Christ Talk Canada, I'm your host, Pastor Michael, and today we're going to be discussing the Cultivating a Daily Devotional Practice. As a Christian, cultivating a daily devotional practice is a powerful way to deepen your relationship with God and grow in your faith. By setting aside time each day to focus on prayer, scripture reading, and reflection, you open yourself up to God's presence and guidance in your life.

Through this daily practice, you can develop a deeper understanding of God's will for your life, find strength and comfort in difficult times, and experience a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your daily activities. By making your devotional time a priority, you can also cultivate a greater sense of discipline and self-control, which can help you in all areas of your life.

As you embark on this journey of daily devotion, it's important to remember that it's not about perfection or legalism, but rather about seeking God's presence and love in your life each day. With an open heart and a willingness to grow, you can develop a rich and fulfilling relationship with God that will sustain you throughout your life's journey.

Section 1: The Importance of Daily Devotionals

The Bible tells us in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Daily devotions provide an opportunity to spend time in the word of God, learning and growing in our faith. Through daily devotionals, we can connect with God and gain a deeper understanding of his plans for us. Daily devotionals also help us to stay grounded in our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.

As followers of Jesus Christ, it is crucial that we develop a strong and consistent relationship with God. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through daily devotionals. In this document, I will explain the importance of daily devotionals and provide practical tips on how to make them a regular part of your life.

Daily devotionals are a way to spend intentional time with God each day. This time can take many forms, including prayer, reading the Bible, meditation, and worship. The purpose of daily devotionals is to draw closer to God and to grow in our faith.

One of the primary benefits of daily devotionals is that they help us to stay focused on God throughout the day. When we begin our day by spending time with God, we are more likely to have a positive and God-centered outlook on the world. This can help us to avoid temptation and make better choices in our daily lives.

Another benefit of daily devotionals is that they help us to deepen our understanding of God and His Word. By spending time reading and studying the Bible, we can gain a better understanding of God's character, His plan for our lives, and His promises to us. This can help us to grow in our faith and to become more confident in our relationship with God.

Daily devotionals also provide an opportunity for us to pray and seek God's guidance. When we pray, we are inviting God to work in our lives and to guide us in our decisions. This can help us to make better choices and to have a greater sense of peace and purpose in our lives.

As always if you would like to contact me you can do so by going to the website at https://ChristTalk.ca

Intro/Outro Song - Hosanna By Hillsongs

Introduction:

Welcome to Christ Talk Canada. I am your host, Pastor Michael, and today we will be exploring the last week of Jesus. This week is often referred to as Holy Week, and it marks the final days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. It is a time of reflection and contemplation, as we consider the profound sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

Throughout history, many scholars and theologians have studied the events of Holy Week, seeking to understand the significance of each moment. Today, we will be exploring the historical and biblical evidence surrounding the last week of Jesus. We will look at the events leading up to his arrest, his trial, and ultimately, his crucifixion. Through our discussion, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the love and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated for us.

Historical Evidence:

Now, let's look at the historical evidence surrounding the last week of Jesus. Many historians agree that Jesus was a real person who lived in first-century Palestine and was crucified by the Roman authorities. The historical record also supports the fact that Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and that he was celebrated by the crowds as a Messiah.

Historians also agree that Jesus was tried by both the Jewish and Roman authorities, and that he was sentenced to death by crucifixion. Some historians suggest that Jesus may have been executed alongside other criminals, as was the custom of the time.

The historical impact of Jesus' sacrifice cannot be overstated. Christianity has become the world's largest religion, with over 2 billion followers worldwide. The death and resurrection of Jesus have inspired countless works of art, music, and literature throughout history.

Many historical figures have also been influenced by Jesus' teachings, including Martin Luther King Jr., who cited Jesus' message of love and nonviolence as a key inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement.

Biblical Evidence:

Let's begin by examining the biblical evidence surrounding the last week of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, riding on a donkey as the people shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9 NKJV).

Throughout the week, Jesus taught in the temple and shared many parables with the crowds. He also celebrated the Passover with his disciples, during which he instituted the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Later that evening, Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the authorities.

Jesus was brought before the Jewish authorities, who accused him of blasphemy and ultimately handed him over to the Roman authorities for execution. He was sentenced to death by crucifixion and was crucified on the Friday, which is now known as Good Friday.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians, "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV).

The Scriptures speak of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, whose death and resurrection reconciled humanity with God. The book of Hebrews states, "And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:11-12 NKJV).

If you would like to reach out to me, you may do so at https://christtalk.ca or by email at [email protected]

Intro/Outro Song - Rescue By Lauren Daigle

Welcome to Episode 11

Yes, we all have moments of uncertainty and questioning, and it can be challenging to navigate these emotions while also holding onto our faith. But the good news is that doubt is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith - it's a natural part of the human experience. In fact, even some of the most faithful people in the Bible experienced doubt and uncertainty at times. Take Thomas, for example. When the other disciples told him that they had seen the resurrected Jesus, he famously said, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25, NKJV) But when Jesus appeared to Thomas and allowed him to touch His wounds, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28, NKJV) Thomas's doubt was not a barrier to his faith - it actually led to a deeper understanding of who Jesus was. So, if you're struggling with doubt or unbelief, know that you're not alone. And remember that God is big enough to handle our questions and uncertainties. In fact, the Bible is full of examples of people who brought their doubts to God in prayer.

In the book of Psalms, for example, we see many examples of the psalmist pouring out their hearts to God in times of distress and uncertainty. Psalm 13 begins, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?" (Psalm 13:1-2, NKJV) But even in the midst of these doubts and questions, the psalmist declares their trust in God. "But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me." (Psalm 13:5-6, NKJV) So what can we do when we're struggling with doubt and unbelief? Here are a few practical tips:

Acknowledge your doubts: It's okay to have questions and uncertainties. Don't try to suppress them - instead, bring them to God in prayer.

Seek wise counsel: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a pastor about your doubts. They can offer support and guidance as you navigate these emotions.

Study the Bible: Dive into the Scriptures and seek to understand what God has to say about doubt and faith.

Pray: Prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with God and seeking His guidance. Don't be afraid to pour out your heart to Him in times of doubt and uncertainty.

Remember that doubt is not the opposite of faith - it's a part of it. And when we bring our doubts to God, He can use them to deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith.

As we come to the end of this podcast, I want to leave you with a few key takeaways:

If you feel led to donate by God to the Ministry or Podcast you can do so on our New Website at https://ChristTalk.ca

Intro/Outro Song - Reckless Love by Cory Asbury

Introduction:

Welcome to Christ Talk Canada, where we discuss the Word of God and its relevance to our lives today. In this episode, we will be diving into Hebrews chapter 11, also known as the Hall of Faith. Hebrews 11 is one of the most inspiring and encouraging chapters in the Bible, as it showcases the faith of many men and women throughout history. As we study this chapter together, may it strengthen our own faith and inspire us to live for Christ.

The Definition of Faith (Hebrews 11:1-3)

Hebrews 11 begins with a powerful definition of faith: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things

Verse 2 goes on to say, "For by it the elders obtained a good testimony" (Hebrews 11:2, NKJV). The elders referred to here are the Old Testament heroes of the faith, such as Abraham, Moses, and David. These individuals obtained a good testimony because of their faith in God. They trusted Him even when the circumstances around them seemed impossible, and their faith was credited to them as righteousness.

Verse 3 reminds us that it was by faith that we understand that the world was created by the word of God. We were not there to witness it, but we trust in God's word that it is true. Our faith in God's word is the foundation of our Christian faith, and it is through faith that we are saved.

Examples of Faith in Action (Hebrews 11:4-40)

After defining faith in the first three verses, Hebrews 11

Abraham is highlighted as a key example of faith throughout Hebrews 11. He left his home and country to go to a land that God promised to him, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). He believed God's promise that he would have a son, even though he and Sarah were well beyond childbearing years (Hebrews 11:11-12). He was even willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, trusting that God would provide a way out (Hebrews 11:17-19). Other examples of faith in action include the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:29), Rahab's protection of the Israelite spies (Hebrews 11:31), and the willingness of many to suffer persecution and death for their faith (Hebrews 11:32-38).

The Importance of Faith (Hebrews 11:6, 12:1-2)

Hebrews 11:6 states, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (NKJV). This verse emphasizes the critical importance of faith in our relationship with God. We cannot please God without faith, and we must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to run the race of faith with endurance, looking to Jesus as our ultimate example. It reminds us to lay aside anything that hinders us and to focus on Jesus, who endured the cross and is now seated at the right hand of God. Our faith in Jesus as our savior is what gives us the strength to endure and finish the race.

As always if you feel led to support the Ministry/Podcast you can do so now Directly from our website at ChristTalk.ca and click the little button that says Donate. We also hope you all will like the website and its ease of use.

Thank you for listening.

Intro/outro - Who Am I by Casting Crowns

Introduction:

Welcome to Christ Talk Canada, where we talk about all things related to Christ and His message. I am your host, Pastor Michael, and today we will be discussing a topic that is fundamental to every Christian's life - Finding your identity in Christ.

Message:

Finding your identity in Christ is a journey that every Christian must undertake. It is a process of discovering who we are in Christ and living out that identity in our daily lives. So, what does it mean to find our identity in Christ? According to the New King James Bible, in 2 Corinthians 5:17, it says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." This verse reminds us that when we become Christians, we are no longer the same person we once were. We have been transformed by Christ, and our identity is now found in Him.

As Christians, our identity is no longer based on our job, our status, or our possessions. Instead, our identity is rooted in Christ, and who He says we are. We are children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and we have been redeemed by His blood. So, how do we find our identity in Christ? The first step is to look to the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and it tells us who we are in Christ. As we read and meditate on God's Word, we begin to understand our identity in Him.

Another way to find our identity in Christ is to spend time in prayer. Prayer is our direct line to God, and it is through prayer that we can ask Him to reveal our identity in Christ. As we pray, we can ask God to show us who He created us to be, and how we can live out our identity in Him. As Christians, finding our identity in Christ is a vital part of our faith journey. It is not always easy to discover who we are in Christ, especially in a world that often defines us by our achievements and material possessions. However, when we root our identity in Christ, we find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that cannot be found anywhere else.

One of the challenges we face in finding our identity in Christ is letting go of our old selves. We must let go of the things that used to define us and embrace our new identity in Christ. This can be a painful process, but it is necessary if we want to grow in our faith. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:8-9, writes, "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him."

Paul understood the importance of letting go of his old identity and embracing his new identity in Christ. He realized that everything else was worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. We too must adopt this mindset and be willing to let go of our old selves, so that we can be found in Christ. Once we have found our identity in Christ, we must also learn to live it out in our daily lives. This means that we must align our thoughts, words, and actions with our new identity in Christ. We must seek to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ and brings honor to His name.

Finding our identity in Christ is not only crucial for our spiritual growth but also for our emotional and mental well-being. When we base our identity on things such as our job, our appearance, or our relationships, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and insecurity. These things are fleeting and can change at any moment, but our identity in Christ is unchanging and everlasting.

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