https://www.gfcto.com no false en-us ℗ & © 2026 Grace Fellowship Church: Toronto, ON, Canada Messages from Grace Fellowship Church: Toronto, ON, Canada Grace Fellowship Church: Toronto, ON, Canada Weekly sermons from Grace Fellowship Church of West Toronto Weekly sermons from Grace Fellowship Church of West Toronto Allie Martin information@gfcto.com What Kind of Church Sends out Missionaries? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-08-16/what-kind-of-church-sends-out-missionaries It should be no surprise that a book that is all about the Gospel would include a section that speaks to the responsibilities of the local church in selecting, sending and supporting those who would take that Gospel to places where it has never been heard. Paul makes it clear every church needs to be a missionary-sending church. And in the process he helps each one of us understand our specific role in the grand scheme of worldwide Gospel proclamation. It should be no surprise that a book that is all about the Gospel would include a section that speaks to the responsibilities of the local church in selecting, sending and supporting those who would take that Gospel to places where it has never been heard. Paul makes it clear every church needs to be a missionary-sending church. And in the process he helps each one of us understand our specific role in the grand scheme of worldwide Gospel proclamation. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-08-16/1605/what-kind-of-church-sends-out-missionaries Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0400 How Can I Become a Christian? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-08-02/how-can-i-become-a-christian https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-08-02/1603/how-can-i-become-a-christian Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Lord of Life https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-26/the-lord-of-life Death is an inescapable reality all humans face. While some people live in fear of it, others choose to ignore it, and still others work to fight against it. Yet, no matter who we are or what we do, death will come for us all. Yet, for the Christian, death is not something to be feared. Through two stories from the life of Jesus, Luke shows his readers that for those who humble themselves and hope in Jesus, death is not the end. In Jesus' healing of the centurion's servant and his raising of the widow's son, we receive the teaching that Jesus is, without a doubt, the Lord of Life. Those who humbly trust in him can enjoy spiritual life in the present and look forward to eternal resurrected life in the future. Death is an inescapable reality all humans face. While some people live in fear of it, others choose to ignore it, and still others work to fight against it. Yet, no matter who we are or what we do, death will come for us all. Yet, for the Christian, death is not something to be feared. Through two stories from the life of Jesus, Luke shows his readers that for those who humble themselves and hope in Jesus, death is not the end. In Jesus' healing of the centurion's servant and his raising of the widow's son, we receive the teaching that Jesus is, without a doubt, the Lord of Life. Those who humbly trust in him can enjoy spiritual life in the present and look forward to eternal resurrected life in the future. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-26/1602/the-lord-of-life Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Are You Following the King? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-19/are-you-following-the-king Christians, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, have a King: Jesus Christ. But what does it mean and what does it look like to follow this King? Through Luke's account of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, we are given clear instructions from Jesus himself that following him means seeking ultimate satisfaction in God, loving radically, and rejecting hypocrisy. He also explains how and why following him, despite the cost, is entirely worth it. Christians, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, have a King: Jesus Christ. But what does it mean and what does it look like to follow this King? Through Luke's account of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, we are given clear instructions from Jesus himself that following him means seeking ultimate satisfaction in God, loving radically, and rejecting hypocrisy. He also explains how and why following him, despite the cost, is entirely worth it. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-19/1601/are-you-following-the-king Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400 External Righteousness Won’t Save You https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-12/external-righteousness-won-t-save-you Whether we acknowledge it or not, sin is a fatal sickness we all have to deal with. What Jesus' debates with the self-righteous Pharisees helpfully make clear is that God will not be impressed by pious reputations, tricked by disciplines, or satisfied by rule-keeping. Our only hope to be free from sin and saved from God's just judgment is to look to, trust in, and rest upon Jesus, the great physician of souls. Whether we acknowledge it or not, sin is a fatal sickness we all have to deal with. What Jesus' debates with the self-righteous Pharisees helpfully make clear is that God will not be impressed by pious reputations, tricked by disciplines, or satisfied by rule-keeping. Our only hope to be free from sin and saved from God's just judgment is to look to, trust in, and rest upon Jesus, the great physician of souls. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-12/1600/external-righteousness-won-t-save-you Sun, 12 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Are you Forgiven? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-05/are-you-forgiven Due to our sin and its stain, we must grapple with the reality of being unholy creatures facing the justice of holy God. Thankfully, in Jesus, we have a source of hope. Through two amazing stories of Jesus healing the physically sick, Luke teaches us that Jesus has the power and desire to heal and cleanse us of the much greater problem of sin. Therefore, we can confidently go to Jesus in faith and expect and trust that he will forgive us our sins. Due to our sin and its stain, we must grapple with the reality of being unholy creatures facing the justice of holy God. Thankfully, in Jesus, we have a source of hope. Through two amazing stories of Jesus healing the physically sick, Luke teaches us that Jesus has the power and desire to heal and cleanse us of the much greater problem of sin. Therefore, we can confidently go to Jesus in faith and expect and trust that he will forgive us our sins. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-07-05/1599/are-you-forgiven Sun, 5 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Heed the Call of Jesus https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-28/heed-the-call-of-jesus Many aspects of the Kingdom of God seem counterintuitive, and that's true from the very beginning, starting with Jesus' call to join His kingdom. Yet, in this passage, we see that the seemingly counterintuitive nature of Jesus' call is wonderfully intentional. As His inconvenient calls to Simon and the first disciples demonstrate, Jesus helpfully directs his followers to embrace Him as the Lord of Creation who offers new life. Many aspects of the Kingdom of God seem counterintuitive, and that's true from the very beginning, starting with Jesus' call to join His kingdom. Yet, in this passage, we see that the seemingly counterintuitive nature of Jesus' call is wonderfully intentional. As His inconvenient calls to Simon and the first disciples demonstrate, Jesus helpfully directs his followers to embrace Him as the Lord of Creation who offers new life. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-28/1598/heed-the-call-of-jesus Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Can I Be Confident of Future Deliverance? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-21/can-i-be-confident-of-future-deliverance Is it possible to be confident that God will deliver you? Is your future secure or up in the air? Is there any hope at all as you suffer today? In Psalm 18 the righteous king leads every believer in a song of praise to God for his great faithfulness. And what it makes clear to believers is this: you can be confident in God, and God has secured your future in Christ. So yes, you can be confident of future deliverance, and by God’s grace, you can love and praise him even now. Is it possible to be confident that God will deliver you? Is your future secure or up in the air? Is there any hope at all as you suffer today? In Psalm 18 the righteous king leads every believer in a song of praise to God for his great faithfulness. And what it makes clear to believers is this: you can be confident in God, and God has secured your future in Christ. So yes, you can be confident of future deliverance, and by God’s grace, you can love and praise him even now. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-21/1597/can-i-be-confident-of-future-deliverance Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Race Is Won (and You Didn’t Run It) https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-14/the-race-is-won-and-you-didn-t-run-it Once you understand who is the Author of salvation, you begin to gain clarity on the way we all lived before God called us to Himself. In this sense, the Nation of Israel in Paul’s day (and ours) serves as a picture of how people attempt to appease God by their religious efforts. It never works. Which only highlights our great need for a real Saviour! Once you understand who is the Author of salvation, you begin to gain clarity on the way we all lived before God called us to Himself. In this sense, the Nation of Israel in Paul’s day (and ours) serves as a picture of how people attempt to appease God by their religious efforts. It never works. Which only highlights our great need for a real Saviour! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-14/1596/the-race-is-won-and-you-didn-t-run-it Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Problem of Israel / The Problem of God
, Part Two: God Keeps His Promises https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-07/the-problem-of-israel-the-problem-of-god-part-two:-god-keeps-his-promises Paul continues to prove how it is we can be sure that God keeps all of His promises when it appears to us like He might have broken a few to Israel. Paul continues to prove how it is we can be sure that God keeps all of His promises when it appears to us like He might have broken a few to Israel. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-06-07/1595/the-problem-of-israel-the-problem-of-god-part-two:-god-keeps-his-promises Sun, 7 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Problem of Israel / The Problem of God
, Part One: God is the One Who Chooses https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-31/the-problem-of-israel-the-problem-of-god-part-one:-god-is-the-one-who-chooses There are some parts of the Bible that are hard to understand (See 2 Peter 3:16!). There are other parts we may just find, well, kind of offensive. We don’t like what they say. Romans 9 has come across that way to lots of people over the years, but often that is because they do not take the time to follow the line of Paul’s logic throughout. In this sermon we will start to make our way toward solving the problem of Israel, which ends up being a problem for God. Does He keep His promises? There are some parts of the Bible that are hard to understand (See 2 Peter 3:16!). There are other parts we may just find, well, kind of offensive. We don’t like what they say. Romans 9 has come across that way to lots of people over the years, but often that is because they do not take the time to follow the line of Paul’s logic throughout. In this sermon we will start to make our way toward solving the problem of Israel, which ends up being a problem for God. Does He keep His promises? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-31/1594/the-problem-of-israel-the-problem-of-god-part-one:-god-is-the-one-who-chooses Sun, 31 May 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Spillover Effect https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-24/the-spillover-effect Theological convictions cannot and should not be held in isolation. What Christians believe about church governance ties directly to what they believe about Scripture's authority and the gospel itself. Through a comparison between Eastern Orthodoxy and Biblical Christianity, this sermon explores how theological truth is a package deal, and what a person believes about the Church, Scripture, and the gospel will spill over into every aspect of their spiritual life. Theological convictions cannot and should not be held in isolation. What Christians believe about church governance ties directly to what they believe about Scripture's authority and the gospel itself. Through a comparison between Eastern Orthodoxy and Biblical Christianity, this sermon explores how theological truth is a package deal, and what a person believes about the Church, Scripture, and the gospel will spill over into every aspect of their spiritual life. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-24/1593/the-spillover-effect Sun, 24 May 2026 11:30:00 -0400 A Romans Kind of Christian https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-17/a-romans-kind-of-christian Every once in a while it is good to pause and take stock of the health of your relationship to God. Having carefully looked at the first 8 chapters of Romans, now seems like a good time to do just that. Taking all of that text into consideration, what behaviours or values should be marking all of our lives now? Every once in a while it is good to pause and take stock of the health of your relationship to God. Having carefully looked at the first 8 chapters of Romans, now seems like a good time to do just that. Taking all of that text into consideration, what behaviours or values should be marking all of our lives now? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-17/1592/a-romans-kind-of-christian Sun, 17 May 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Who Gets the Final Word? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-10/who-gets-the-final-word Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism have numerous important differences. Yet, at the heart of all those differences is the question of authority: Is Scripture or the Church the ultimate authority? By walking through the book of Hebrews and other biblical texts, we will see that Christians must reject the temptation to build our faith on human authorities. Rather, our faith must be built directly on Christ, guided by Scripture as the sufficient, infallible, and final rule of faith. Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism have numerous important differences. Yet, at the heart of all those differences is the question of authority: Is Scripture or the Church the ultimate authority? By walking through the book of Hebrews and other biblical texts, we will see that Christians must reject the temptation to build our faith on human authorities. Rather, our faith must be built directly on Christ, guided by Scripture as the sufficient, infallible, and final rule of faith. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-10/1591/who-gets-the-final-word Sun, 10 May 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Entrust Yourself to the Just Judge https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-03/entrust-yourself-to-the-just-judge In this evil age every Christian will need to endure unjust suffering. Psalm 7 helps prepare you to endure it and to endure it well. In this psalm you will see two big action steps to get to work at when this kind of suffering comes your way; and the good news is this: you’re not the first to encounter this kind of suffering. Your king has already gone before you, and he will carry you through. In this evil age every Christian will need to endure unjust suffering. Psalm 7 helps prepare you to endure it and to endure it well. In this psalm you will see two big action steps to get to work at when this kind of suffering comes your way; and the good news is this: you’re not the first to encounter this kind of suffering. Your king has already gone before you, and he will carry you through. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-05-03/1590/entrust-yourself-to-the-just-judge Sun, 3 May 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Welcome the Weak: the Stairway to Real Unity https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-26/welcome-the-weak:-the-stairway-to-real-unity There are so many ways the world tries to creep into the church, but when the people of God begin to think more like their God, their display of God looks more like God. God is not afraid of disability, brokenness or old age. He takes pleasure in using the weakest among us to magnify His power and grace. A wise church will jump on the escalator and live according to God’s values so they can see the glory of God in real time, in real ways, in their very real church. There are so many ways the world tries to creep into the church, but when the people of God begin to think more like their God, their display of God looks more like God. God is not afraid of disability, brokenness or old age. He takes pleasure in using the weakest among us to magnify His power and grace. A wise church will jump on the escalator and live according to God’s values so they can see the glory of God in real time, in real ways, in their very real church. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-26/1589/welcome-the-weak:-the-stairway-to-real-unity Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Every Soul of Great Worth https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-19/every-soul-of-great-worth The world is a harsh place and we easily slip into its way of thinking. We value people based on their supposed contributions to us or society, and often avoid the ones we do not understand or find difficult to be around. Is this the way Christians should live? How can we correct it if not? The world is a harsh place and we easily slip into its way of thinking. We value people based on their supposed contributions to us or society, and often avoid the ones we do not understand or find difficult to be around. Is this the way Christians should live? How can we correct it if not? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-19/1588/every-soul-of-great-worth Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Sufficiency of Christ’s Finished Sacrifice https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-12/the-sufficiency-of-christ-s-finished-sacrifice While Roman Catholicism often uses the same words and refers to the same events as biblical Christianity, in actuality, it teaches a totally different understanding of the cross and therefore promotes a very different gospel. In this sermon, we see how seemingly small deviations from the Bible's teaching on Christ's sacrifice lead to several anti-biblical Roman Catholic beliefs: the sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacrament of Penance, and the doctrine of Purgatory. While Roman Catholicism often uses the same words and refers to the same events as biblical Christianity, in actuality, it teaches a totally different understanding of the cross and therefore promotes a very different gospel. In this sermon, we see how seemingly small deviations from the Bible's teaching on Christ's sacrifice lead to several anti-biblical Roman Catholic beliefs: the sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacrament of Penance, and the doctrine of Purgatory. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-12/1587/the-sufficiency-of-christ-s-finished-sacrifice Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Resurrection Optimism https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-05/resurrection-optimism Christian pessimism does not exist. At least, it should not. Of all the humans dwelling on earth, none have more to look forward to in this life and the next than believers in the resurrected Jesus Christ. In fact, it is His being raised from the dead that secures such hope. Just as He endured the cross “for the joy set before Him,” we gladly sail through life with a firm confidence that all shall be well. Christian pessimism does not exist. At least, it should not. Of all the humans dwelling on earth, none have more to look forward to in this life and the next than believers in the resurrected Jesus Christ. In fact, it is His being raised from the dead that secures such hope. Just as He endured the cross “for the joy set before Him,” we gladly sail through life with a firm confidence that all shall be well. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-04-05/1586/resurrection-optimism Sun, 5 Apr 2026 11:30:00 -0400 A King Like No Other https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-29/a-king-like-no-other Throughout history, monarchs have usually fit a certain mould: Dignified, regal, and moving about with pomp and circumstance. In contrast, Jesus is a king of a different sort. Unlike every other monarch, he possesses unrivalled authority, and unlike any other ruler, he uses his power in the most humbling of ways. Jesus is a king like no other. Throughout history, monarchs have usually fit a certain mould: Dignified, regal, and moving about with pomp and circumstance. In contrast, Jesus is a king of a different sort. Unlike every other monarch, he possesses unrivalled authority, and unlike any other ruler, he uses his power in the most humbling of ways. Jesus is a king like no other. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-29/1585/a-king-like-no-other Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0400 The Gospel That Lets You Rest https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-22/the-gospel-that-lets-you-rest We live in a world full of counterfeit gospels. One such false gospel gaining increased attention recently is that of Roman Catholicism. In this sermon, we cut to the heart of the issue and see how Scripture corrects the Roman Catholic view of justification and presents a gospel message of total rest in Christ's finished work. We live in a world full of counterfeit gospels. One such false gospel gaining increased attention recently is that of Roman Catholicism. In this sermon, we cut to the heart of the issue and see how Scripture corrects the Roman Catholic view of justification and presents a gospel message of total rest in Christ's finished work. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-22/1584/the-gospel-that-lets-you-rest Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0400 God is For You! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-15/god-is-for-you https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-15/1583/god-is-for-you Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Seek and You Will Delight https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-08/seek-and-you-will-delight In this life we will experience suffering, and our circumstances in this fallen world certainly won’t always be the circumstances we would choose for ourselves. But even though this is the case, there is a way to joyfully worship God at all times. How, you ask? By seeking the King who perfectly sought God on your behalf. In this life we will experience suffering, and our circumstances in this fallen world certainly won’t always be the circumstances we would choose for ourselves. But even though this is the case, there is a way to joyfully worship God at all times. How, you ask? By seeking the King who perfectly sought God on your behalf. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-08/1582/seek-and-you-will-delight Sun, 8 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0500 The Sudden Appearing of Christ https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-01/the-sudden-appearing-of-christ There are many things in life that can't be understood fully. But that doesn't mean that they can't be understood truly. Aspects of the return of Christ fall into this category. The timing of Christ's coming is a mystery to all of us, but what is most important to know and understand is clear and unmistakeable: Jesus is coming quickly and suddenly. There are many things in life that can't be understood fully. But that doesn't mean that they can't be understood truly. Aspects of the return of Christ fall into this category. The timing of Christ's coming is a mystery to all of us, but what is most important to know and understand is clear and unmistakeable: Jesus is coming quickly and suddenly. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-03-01/1581/the-sudden-appearing-of-christ Sun, 1 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0500 Acts of Faith in Troubled Times https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-22/acts-of-faith-in-troubled-times In a world marked by injustice, suffering, and conflict, Habakkuk 3 gives us an example of how we can live by faith while we wait for God's promises to be fulfilled. By walking through the prophet's prayer, we unpack four practical acts of faith that can serve as a foundation for faithful living and joyful worship during troubled times. In a world marked by injustice, suffering, and conflict, Habakkuk 3 gives us an example of how we can live by faith while we wait for God's promises to be fulfilled. By walking through the prophet's prayer, we unpack four practical acts of faith that can serve as a foundation for faithful living and joyful worship during troubled times. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-22/1580/acts-of-faith-in-troubled-times Sun, 22 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0500 It’s For Your Good https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-15/it-s-for-your-good https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-15/1579/it-s-for-your-good Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0500 Perfect Prayers in the Worst of our Sufferings https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-08/perfect-prayers-in-the-worst-of-our-sufferings So often we lose heart in our sufferings and begin to think that nobody cares about us… especially God. After all, if he cared, wouldn’t he put an end to my misery? There are theological things to think about in response to this, but there are also relational matters to ponder. Paul takes a moment in these two short verses to unpack what is truly one of the most remarkable facts in our Christian life. There is always Someone praying for us. So often we lose heart in our sufferings and begin to think that nobody cares about us… especially God. After all, if he cared, wouldn’t he put an end to my misery? There are theological things to think about in response to this, but there are also relational matters to ponder. Paul takes a moment in these two short verses to unpack what is truly one of the most remarkable facts in our Christian life. There is always Someone praying for us. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-08/1578/perfect-prayers-in-the-worst-of-our-sufferings Sun, 8 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0500 The Return of Christ, the Rocket Fuel of our Hope https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-01/the-return-of-christ-the-rocket-fuel-of-our-hope There is a sense where every Christian ought to be living with such a profound confidence in the future that their current joys far outweigh any of their current sufferings. There is a reason men imprisoned for their faith sing hymns of praise in their shackles. In fact, what we so easily lose sight of, the nature around us never forgets. A Day is coming when all things will be made right and the entire cosmos will see the Lord has His people. There is a sense where every Christian ought to be living with such a profound confidence in the future that their current joys far outweigh any of their current sufferings. There is a reason men imprisoned for their faith sing hymns of praise in their shackles. In fact, what we so easily lose sight of, the nature around us never forgets. A Day is coming when all things will be made right and the entire cosmos will see the Lord has His people. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-02-01/1577/the-return-of-christ-the-rocket-fuel-of-our-hope Sun, 1 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0500 Laugh, Linger, and Look Back https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-25/laugh-linger-and-look-back When God commands Lot and his family to flee the city of Sodom before its destruction, all of them fail to fully obey him. Instead of obeying immediately, some laugh, some linger, and some look back. Their failures here seem a lot like ways we can fail to obey God today. That could be when we disobey his command to repent and believe in Jesus Christ; it could be when we disobey his command to work out that salvation so we can be like Jesus Christ. When God commands Lot and his family to flee the city of Sodom before its destruction, all of them fail to fully obey him. Instead of obeying immediately, some laugh, some linger, and some look back. Their failures here seem a lot like ways we can fail to obey God today. That could be when we disobey his command to repent and believe in Jesus Christ; it could be when we disobey his command to work out that salvation so we can be like Jesus Christ. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-25/1576/laugh-linger-and-look-back Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:30:00 -0500 Free at Last https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-18/free-at-last Few things help us grow in our trust in Jesus like knowing that our lives “under the sun” will be full of wars within and without until the day we go to glory. These oppositions and failures and setbacks will plague us to a certain degree, until the day of our inheritance. Far from reaching some supposed state of Christian perfection in this life, we seek to live as faithfully, deliberately and sinlessly as possible until the sure perfection of eternity. We are free now, but only in part. Final freedom comes the Day God becomes ours in sight. Few things help us grow in our trust in Jesus like knowing that our lives “under the sun” will be full of wars within and without until the day we go to glory. These oppositions and failures and setbacks will plague us to a certain degree, until the day of our inheritance. Far from reaching some supposed state of Christian perfection in this life, we seek to live as faithfully, deliberately and sinlessly as possible until the sure perfection of eternity. We are free now, but only in part. Final freedom comes the Day God becomes ours in sight. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-18/1575/free-at-last Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:30:00 -0500 Life With the Holy Spirit https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-11/life-with-the-holy-spirit There are few things greater in the Christian’s life than having the Spirit of God dwell in them. There are few things in the Christian life we forget more than this. Knowing that God is ALWAYS with you ought to shape and change how you live. But, we have to get the category clear first. That is what Paul does in Romans 8:1-11. He is making sure you see that if you are in Christ, His Spirit is in you. And that changes everything. There are few things greater in the Christian’s life than having the Spirit of God dwell in them. There are few things in the Christian life we forget more than this. Knowing that God is ALWAYS with you ought to shape and change how you live. But, we have to get the category clear first. That is what Paul does in Romans 8:1-11. He is making sure you see that if you are in Christ, His Spirit is in you. And that changes everything. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-11/1574/life-with-the-holy-spirit Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:30:00 -0500 The How-To Guide for Pursuing Real Repentance https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-04/the-how-to-guide-for-pursuing-real-repentance We all sin. That much is true. But after you sin, what should you do? But that question is important, and Psalm 51 answers it by giving you a process to follow after God convicts you of sin. Psalm 51 is like an instruction manual for dealing with your sin. Anyone who is serious about pleasing God will use it. We all sin. That much is true. But after you sin, what should you do? But that question is important, and Psalm 51 answers it by giving you a process to follow after God convicts you of sin. Psalm 51 is like an instruction manual for dealing with your sin. Anyone who is serious about pleasing God will use it. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2026-01-04/1573/the-how-to-guide-for-pursuing-real-repentance Sun, 4 Jan 2026 11:30:00 -0500 Three Good Ways to Make New Year’s Resolutions https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-12-28/three-good-ways-to-make-new-year-s-resolutions In this section of Habakkuk’s oracle, God narrates the prophesied destruction of Babylon, the evil empire that would crush rebellious Judah. Through this description of Babylon’s self-destructive actions and God’s just judgment, we receive timeless lessons on how we ought to live today. As we get ready for a new year, this text vividly showcases the folly of pursuing, placing our hope in, and worshipping idols, and the goodness of trusting in God, our Creator, instead. In this section of Habakkuk’s oracle, God narrates the prophesied destruction of Babylon, the evil empire that would crush rebellious Judah. Through this description of Babylon’s self-destructive actions and God’s just judgment, we receive timeless lessons on how we ought to live today. As we get ready for a new year, this text vividly showcases the folly of pursuing, placing our hope in, and worshipping idols, and the goodness of trusting in God, our Creator, instead. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-12-28/1572/three-good-ways-to-make-new-year-s-resolutions Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:30:00 -0500 You Need God in This Daily War https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-12-21/you-need-god-in-this-daily-war This section of Paul’s description of the Christian life highlights an all too common experience - we fail to do the godly things we truly wish to do. And this conundrum baffles Christians time and again. It exists because we live in a spiritual war and the only way to effectually win any battles is by the Holy Spirit. By His grace and power, we can live victoriously over sin. This section of Paul’s description of the Christian life highlights an all too common experience - we fail to do the godly things we truly wish to do. And this conundrum baffles Christians time and again. It exists because we live in a spiritual war and the only way to effectually win any battles is by the Holy Spirit. By His grace and power, we can live victoriously over sin. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-12-21/1571/you-need-god-in-this-daily-war Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Dead to the Law’s Tyranny https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-12-07/dead-to-the-law-s-tyranny The interpretation of Romans 7 is disputed among Bible scholars. In particular, is Paul talking about a Christian or a person before they become a Christian? And what difference does one’s understanding of that make on what the text means? A key to understanding this chapter is remaining aware of what came just before it and what follows after. In the end, either view will lead us to love Jesus more for all He had done for sinners! The interpretation of Romans 7 is disputed among Bible scholars. In particular, is Paul talking about a Christian or a person before they become a Christian? And what difference does one’s understanding of that make on what the text means? A key to understanding this chapter is remaining aware of what came just before it and what follows after. In the end, either view will lead us to love Jesus more for all He had done for sinners! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-12-07/1569/dead-to-the-law-s-tyranny Sun, 7 Dec 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Complaining the Right Way https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-30/complaining-the-right-way Why does God allow evil to persist? In Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, we find a dialogue between God and his prophet which helps answer that very difficult question. In this ancient conversation, we will be offered clarity and hope for today’s troubled world. While the righteous can make a valid complaint, they have great cause to live by faith in the God who is faithful. Why does God allow evil to persist? In Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, we find a dialogue between God and his prophet which helps answer that very difficult question. In this ancient conversation, we will be offered clarity and hope for today’s troubled world. While the righteous can make a valid complaint, they have great cause to live by faith in the God who is faithful. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-30/1568/complaining-the-right-way Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0500 How Do You Face Trials? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-23/how-do-you-face-trials If you’re not a fan of surprises here’s some encouraging news: you can be absolutely certain about what you’re future holds. Psalm 60 instructs us to pray and to wait on God to do what he promised us he would do. Even in our deepest trials, we can be confident God will accomplish his word. If you’re not a fan of surprises here’s some encouraging news: you can be absolutely certain about what you’re future holds. Psalm 60 instructs us to pray and to wait on God to do what he promised us he would do. Even in our deepest trials, we can be confident God will accomplish his word. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-23/1567/how-do-you-face-trials Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Mega-Polemon, or, The Great Battle (A Story in Seven Parts) https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-16/mega-polemon-or-the-great-battle-a-story-in-seven-parts Jesus often taught using stories. Romans 6 can sound a bit complicated at points, but a short story might help you to understand it better. While nowhere near as wise and powerful as Jesus’ stories, perhaps this tale of a Damian living in Thanatos under the tyrannical rule of General Diabolos will remind you of your life before God saved you? And perhaps hearing of Damian’s labours in Beulah for King Soterios will remind you of what the Lord has done for you? Even if it doesn’t, hopefully it will make you love the Lord even more for all He has done for us in Christ. Jesus often taught using stories. Romans 6 can sound a bit complicated at points, but a short story might help you to understand it better. While nowhere near as wise and powerful as Jesus’ stories, perhaps this tale of a Damian living in Thanatos under the tyrannical rule of General Diabolos will remind you of your life before God saved you? And perhaps hearing of Damian’s labours in Beulah for King Soterios will remind you of what the Lord has done for you? Even if it doesn’t, hopefully it will make you love the Lord even more for all He has done for us in Christ. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-16/1566/mega-polemon-or-the-great-battle-a-story-in-seven-parts Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0500 The Path of Obedience https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-09/the-path-of-obedience Having established what it means to be justified by grace through faith, Paul pivots to talk about how we must live as saved sinners. Instead of speaking of us as being living “weapons” of righteousness, now he describes us as slaves to righteousness. In both imageries, he is making clear that once God saves a person, the last thing they will want to do is sin. Instead, the whole object of their life becomes seeking to glorify God by their attitudes and actions. Does this describe you? Having established what it means to be justified by grace through faith, Paul pivots to talk about how we must live as saved sinners. Instead of speaking of us as being living “weapons” of righteousness, now he describes us as slaves to righteousness. In both imageries, he is making clear that once God saves a person, the last thing they will want to do is sin. Instead, the whole object of their life becomes seeking to glorify God by their attitudes and actions. Does this describe you? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-09/1565/the-path-of-obedience Sun, 9 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Be His Weapon of Righteousness https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-02/be-his-weapon-of-righteousness Satan is a liar. And one of the lies he never stops muttering is that the Christian has to sin. That there is no way to stop sinning… at least some sins. Hoogly. The real Christian is dead to sin. And he has become a weapon in the hand of King Jesus for righteousness in this fallen world. Now is the time for every believer to stand before God and say, “Here I am, Lord! Use me!” Satan is a liar. And one of the lies he never stops muttering is that the Christian has to sin. That there is no way to stop sinning… at least some sins. Hoogly. The real Christian is dead to sin. And he has become a weapon in the hand of King Jesus for righteousness in this fallen world. Now is the time for every believer to stand before God and say, “Here I am, Lord! Use me!” https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-11-02/1564/be-his-weapon-of-righteousness Sun, 2 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0400 In God You Should Trust https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-10-19/in-god-you-should-trust You cannot know every detail about your future, but your future isn’t completely unknowable. God makes promises in his word and his faithful character backs each of his promises up. If God has promised something, it will happen. So in a sense, your future isn’t completely unknowable - and thinking on God’s promises and character can be a huge encouragement to Christians in their suffering. Thinking on such things can also be a huge warning to the unbeliever. You cannot know every detail about your future, but your future isn’t completely unknowable. God makes promises in his word and his faithful character backs each of his promises up. If God has promised something, it will happen. So in a sense, your future isn’t completely unknowable - and thinking on God’s promises and character can be a huge encouragement to Christians in their suffering. Thinking on such things can also be a huge warning to the unbeliever. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-10-19/1563/in-god-you-should-trust Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:30:00 -0400 The Process of Gospel Advance https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-10-12/the-process-of-gospel-advance https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-10-12/1562/the-process-of-gospel-advance Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:30:00 -0400 All the Evidence You Need https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-10-05/all-the-evidence-you-need The gospel calls for a response: Will you repent of your sin and trust in Christ, or will you reject His call and remain in your sin? Many who choose the latter cite a perceived lack of evidence or demand a clearer sign. In Luke 11:29–32, Jesus confronts this challenge and declares that His own life is the ultimate sign and the decisive evidence of the truthfulness of His claims. In the words of Christ and the facts of His life, we have all we need to accept, submit to, and boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel calls for a response: Will you repent of your sin and trust in Christ, or will you reject His call and remain in your sin? Many who choose the latter cite a perceived lack of evidence or demand a clearer sign. In Luke 11:29–32, Jesus confronts this challenge and declares that His own life is the ultimate sign and the decisive evidence of the truthfulness of His claims. In the words of Christ and the facts of His life, we have all we need to accept, submit to, and boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-10-05/1561/all-the-evidence-you-need Sun, 5 Oct 2025 11:30:00 -0400 The Sinfulness of Sin https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-28/the-sinfulness-of-sin The fact that the Bible has so many different words for sin is a good indication that God takes it quite seriously. Not only that, such a comprehensive list of words helps us understand the breadth and depth of our offences. Rarely does a person appreciate the cure until they realize the extent of the disease. A deep dive into the sinfulness of sin should make our hearts sing with hope in the Saviour of sinners! The fact that the Bible has so many different words for sin is a good indication that God takes it quite seriously. Not only that, such a comprehensive list of words helps us understand the breadth and depth of our offences. Rarely does a person appreciate the cure until they realize the extent of the disease. A deep dive into the sinfulness of sin should make our hearts sing with hope in the Saviour of sinners! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-28/1560/the-sinfulness-of-sin Sun, 28 Sep 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Choose the Best to Represent You! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-21/choose-the-best-to-represent-you Every person in the world has a representative before God. It is either Adam (the first man), or Jesus Christ (God’s Son). Your eternal destiny hangs upon which of these two men represents you. You were born with Adam as your representative. You must be born again to procure Jesus Christ as your new representative. Only one of them will lead you to eternal life. Every person in the world has a representative before God. It is either Adam (the first man), or Jesus Christ (God’s Son). Your eternal destiny hangs upon which of these two men represents you. You were born with Adam as your representative. You must be born again to procure Jesus Christ as your new representative. Only one of them will lead you to eternal life. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-21/1559/choose-the-best-to-represent-you Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:30:00 -0400 When Tragedy Strikes https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-14/when-tragedy-strikes Tragedies are an unfortunate part of life. For the majority of people, the natural reaction to calamities is to grieve and comfort those who have been negatively affected by the situation. These responses are right and appropriate, but is there anything more that should come into our minds when we hear of disasters? According to Jesus, there is, and He will teach us what this is in Luke 13:1-5. Tragedies are an unfortunate part of life. For the majority of people, the natural reaction to calamities is to grieve and comfort those who have been negatively affected by the situation. These responses are right and appropriate, but is there anything more that should come into our minds when we hear of disasters? According to Jesus, there is, and He will teach us what this is in Luke 13:1-5. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-14/1558/when-tragedy-strikes Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Why Do We Die? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-07/why-do-we-die There are parts of your Bible that are not impossible to understand, but are easy to misunderstand or just breeze over. Romans 5:12-14 is one of those little paragraphs, but it sets up a vital foundation for what follows in the rest of this chapter. Most of us love the idea of Jesus becoming our representative before God. Where we struggle is in believing that we were born with Adam representing us, without any input from us whatsoever. Why all this representation and why must you have both or none? There are parts of your Bible that are not impossible to understand, but are easy to misunderstand or just breeze over. Romans 5:12-14 is one of those little paragraphs, but it sets up a vital foundation for what follows in the rest of this chapter. Most of us love the idea of Jesus becoming our representative before God. Where we struggle is in believing that we were born with Adam representing us, without any input from us whatsoever. Why all this representation and why must you have both or none? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-09-07/1557/why-do-we-die Sun, 7 Sep 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Delight in God All the Way Home https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-31/delight-in-god-all-the-way-home Every good pilot follows a pre-flight checklist where he or she makes final preparations of their airplane and the way in which it will be flown. Even though these things are simple and routine, a failure to do them might result in catastrophic outcomes. So the Christian’s walk through this world of delighting in God must be maintained by certain choices and disciplines. None of them are all that startling, but the absence of any will greatly reduce our delight. Every good pilot follows a pre-flight checklist where he or she makes final preparations of their airplane and the way in which it will be flown. Even though these things are simple and routine, a failure to do them might result in catastrophic outcomes. So the Christian’s walk through this world of delighting in God must be maintained by certain choices and disciplines. None of them are all that startling, but the absence of any will greatly reduce our delight. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-31/1556/delight-in-god-all-the-way-home Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Happy in God, All of the Time https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-24/happy-in-god-all-of-the-time Delighting in God is the essence of the Christian life, but cannot be assumed. If we are not careful, we will replace delight with duty, rejoicing with works, and exultation with exhaustion. This series has aimed to refocus our lives on finding our greatest delight in the Person of God. It is something which every Christian needs regular reminders of and every unbeliever regular invitation to. Delighting in God is the essence of the Christian life, but cannot be assumed. If we are not careful, we will replace delight with duty, rejoicing with works, and exultation with exhaustion. This series has aimed to refocus our lives on finding our greatest delight in the Person of God. It is something which every Christian needs regular reminders of and every unbeliever regular invitation to. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-24/1555/happy-in-god-all-of-the-time Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Delight in God by Loving Him https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-17/delight-in-god-by-loving-him One of the keys to delighting in God is simply loving Him for who He is. This may sound obvious, but think about how much you love God. Do you often tell Him you love Him? And what do your day to day actions say about your love? God commands us to love Him, but also tells us a failure to love others means we have not loved Him. True love for God will always result in love for others, even our enemies. One of the keys to delighting in God is simply loving Him for who He is. This may sound obvious, but think about how much you love God. Do you often tell Him you love Him? And what do your day to day actions say about your love? God commands us to love Him, but also tells us a failure to love others means we have not loved Him. True love for God will always result in love for others, even our enemies. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-17/1554/delight-in-god-by-loving-him Sun, 17 Aug 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Delighting in God by Seeking the Face of God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-10/delighting-in-god-by-seeking-the-face-of-god There is a thread of truth running through your entire Bible that is easily missed. God desires that we delight in Him. From the first days in Genesis to the last days described in the Revelation, God is inviting the people He made to enjoy Him forever. As the greatest good in the Universe, this makes sense. True joy has its source in God alone. David knew this and writes in this Psalm of how to find that happiness in God even in the worst of circumstances. There is a thread of truth running through your entire Bible that is easily missed. God desires that we delight in Him. From the first days in Genesis to the last days described in the Revelation, God is inviting the people He made to enjoy Him forever. As the greatest good in the Universe, this makes sense. True joy has its source in God alone. David knew this and writes in this Psalm of how to find that happiness in God even in the worst of circumstances. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-10/1553/delighting-in-god-by-seeking-the-face-of-god Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:30:00 -0400 My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-03/my-house-shall-be-called-a-house-of-prayer With so much going on in our churches, it's easy to forget the importance of praying together. This morning, let’s look at five reasons from Scripture that answer the question: Why should we commit to corporate prayer? With so much going on in our churches, it's easy to forget the importance of praying together. This morning, let’s look at five reasons from Scripture that answer the question: Why should we commit to corporate prayer? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-08-03/1552/my-house-shall-be-called-a-house-of-prayer Sun, 3 Aug 2025 11:30:00 -0400 All Were Brought Safely To Land https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-27/all-were-brought-safely-to-land God had promised the Apostle Paul that he would deliver him safely to Rome so he could testify about Jesus before Caesar. Along the way, Paul and his companions encountered a terrible storm that threatened to take their lives. Yet Paul continued to trust in God’s promises and to live like they were true. He continued to trust in God through the fiercest of storms. God had promised the Apostle Paul that he would deliver him safely to Rome so he could testify about Jesus before Caesar. Along the way, Paul and his companions encountered a terrible storm that threatened to take their lives. Yet Paul continued to trust in God’s promises and to live like they were true. He continued to trust in God through the fiercest of storms. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-27/1551/all-were-brought-safely-to-land Sun, 27 Jul 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Until the day your suffering be gone, be faithful! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-20/until-the-day-your-suffering-be-gone-be-faithful It is not easy to trust God, especially in the midst of our trials and sufferings. So praise God someone perfectly trusted God for every single Christian. Because of him, the Christian’s suffering will one day end, and it will end forever. To him be all the glory both now and forever. It is not easy to trust God, especially in the midst of our trials and sufferings. So praise God someone perfectly trusted God for every single Christian. Because of him, the Christian’s suffering will one day end, and it will end forever. To him be all the glory both now and forever. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-20/1550/until-the-day-your-suffering-be-gone-be-faithful Sun, 20 Jul 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Why You Should Live Boldly for God Part V: You Can Delight in God Now https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-13/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-v:-you-can-delight-in-god-now We have slowed down in Romans 5:1-11 to make sure we are grasping the amazing benefits that belong to every single Christian. Maybe your credit card comes with free travel insurance. That will do you no good unless you know about it. Too many Christians live like these blessings are not theirs. It is quite possible Paul has put them into a kind of escalating order, saving the best for last. We have slowed down in Romans 5:1-11 to make sure we are grasping the amazing benefits that belong to every single Christian. Maybe your credit card comes with free travel insurance. That will do you no good unless you know about it. Too many Christians live like these blessings are not theirs. It is quite possible Paul has put them into a kind of escalating order, saving the best for last. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-13/1549/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-v:-you-can-delight-in-god-now Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:30:00 -0400 They Shall Share Alike https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-06/they-shall-share-alike The relationship between strength and weakness so often goes terribly wrong with the strong taking advantage of the weak to harm or oppress them. In this passage we see how one man addresses and corrects this relationship so we can learn from him and imitate him. The relationship between strength and weakness so often goes terribly wrong with the strong taking advantage of the weak to harm or oppress them. In this passage we see how one man addresses and corrects this relationship so we can learn from him and imitate him. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-07-06/1548/they-shall-share-alike Sun, 6 Jul 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Why You Should Live Boldly for God -- Part IV: You Have No Chance of Going to Hell https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-29/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-iv:-you-have-no-chance-of-going-to-hell Faith is trusting what God says is true. And we show our trust by how we act. So, when God says that He has rescued His children from hell by the death of His Son, these new friends of God not only need to believe that future, but live in the present like it were true. God loves His people so much that He has done everything they need to enjoy an eternity of fellowship with Him. Faith is trusting what God says is true. And we show our trust by how we act. So, when God says that He has rescued His children from hell by the death of His Son, these new friends of God not only need to believe that future, but live in the present like it were true. God loves His people so much that He has done everything they need to enjoy an eternity of fellowship with Him. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-29/1547/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-iv:-you-have-no-chance-of-going-to-hell Sun, 29 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400 The Half Was Not Told Me https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-22/the-half-was-not-told-me https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-22/1546/the-half-was-not-told-me Sun, 22 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Why You Should Live Boldly for God - Part III: You Are Totally Loved by God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-15/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-iii:-you-are-totally-loved-by-god Love can be risky. At least between humans. Not only are we experts at violating love, we often have all the wrong ideas about it to start with. We think it has everything to do with how others make us feel, as opposed to how we serve them. We should delight in the fact that God is love. He never gets it wrong. And the proof of that love (as if we needed that!) is the death of His Son for His people. Love can be risky. At least between humans. Not only are we experts at violating love, we often have all the wrong ideas about it to start with. We think it has everything to do with how others make us feel, as opposed to how we serve them. We should delight in the fact that God is love. He never gets it wrong. And the proof of that love (as if we needed that!) is the death of His Son for His people. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-15/1545/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-iii:-you-are-totally-loved-by-god Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400 The Power In Weakness https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-08/the-power-in-weakness Trials and difficulties are a key component of the Christian life. As much as they may be uncomfortable and unfortunate in the moment, they cannot be avoided, and there's a good reason why this is so: God purposes hardships for the spiritual good of Christians. Like a bitter, but effective medicine, sufferings, though painful, are good for the Believer's soul. Trials and difficulties are a key component of the Christian life. As much as they may be uncomfortable and unfortunate in the moment, they cannot be avoided, and there's a good reason why this is so: God purposes hardships for the spiritual good of Christians. Like a bitter, but effective medicine, sufferings, though painful, are good for the Believer's soul. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-08/1544/the-power-in-weakness Sun, 8 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400 You Should Always Trust in God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-01/you-should-always-trust-in-god God is who he says he is. He does what he says he’ll do. In this Psalm we see a contrast between two people. One trusts in God and one does not; and their futures couldn’t be more different. One is glorious. One is not. Do you trust in God? And, if so, will you continue to trust in him no matter what? God is who he says he is. He does what he says he’ll do. In this Psalm we see a contrast between two people. One trusts in God and one does not; and their futures couldn’t be more different. One is glorious. One is not. Do you trust in God? And, if so, will you continue to trust in him no matter what? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-06-01/1543/you-should-always-trust-in-god Sun, 1 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Why You Should Live Boldly for God - Part II https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-25/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-ii There are times we get things backwards in the Christian life. Sometimes we think the worst thing that could happen to us is another trouble or trial. In reality, that difficulty or resistance may be a gift from God to grow our faith and experience more of His love. Wise Christians learn to stop resisting His providence and start increasing their hope. There are times we get things backwards in the Christian life. Sometimes we think the worst thing that could happen to us is another trouble or trial. In reality, that difficulty or resistance may be a gift from God to grow our faith and experience more of His love. Wise Christians learn to stop resisting His providence and start increasing their hope. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-25/1542/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-ii Sun, 25 May 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Why You Should Live Boldly for God - Part I https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-18/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-i Having finished making his case that the only people who will spend eternity with God are those who have been justified by His grace, Paul now turns to revealing more of the blessings or benefits that come to every single person who has faith in Jesus. It is one thing to know about these benefits, and an altogether greater thing to live like they are true. If we lack spiritual confidence in this world, it is likely because we have forgotten or ignored all that Christ purchased for us on His cross. Having finished making his case that the only people who will spend eternity with God are those who have been justified by His grace, Paul now turns to revealing more of the blessings or benefits that come to every single person who has faith in Jesus. It is one thing to know about these benefits, and an altogether greater thing to live like they are true. If we lack spiritual confidence in this world, it is likely because we have forgotten or ignored all that Christ purchased for us on His cross. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-18/1541/why-you-should-live-boldly-for-god-part-i Sun, 18 May 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Love One Another https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-11/love-one-another "Love" is a concept that is often misunderstood. We can get our definition of love from many places, but the only final and definitive definition of love comes from God Himself. By learning about God's love for His people, we will better understand what it means to love, and how we should go about loving one another.   "Love" is a concept that is often misunderstood. We can get our definition of love from many places, but the only final and definitive definition of love comes from God Himself. By learning about God's love for His people, we will better understand what it means to love, and how we should go about loving one another.   https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-11/1540/love-one-another Sun, 11 May 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Revelation 5:1-14 https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-04/revelation-5:1-14 https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-05-04/1539/revelation-5:1-14 Sun, 4 May 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Much More: The Benefits of Justification https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-27/much-more:-the-benefits-of-justification https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-27/1538/much-more:-the-benefits-of-justification Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:30:00 -0400 When Success Looks Like Failure https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-20/when-success-looks-like-failure We are easily deceived by appearances. What might look to us to be an unmitigated disaster, might actually be a remarkable success. Not just in the sense of making something good happen out of a mistake, but more in the sense of the thing itself being truly good. All we need are eyes to see it. We are easily deceived by appearances. What might look to us to be an unmitigated disaster, might actually be a remarkable success. Not just in the sense of making something good happen out of a mistake, but more in the sense of the thing itself being truly good. All we need are eyes to see it. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-20/1537/when-success-looks-like-failure Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:30:00 -0400 When Failure Looks Like Success https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-13/when-failure-looks-like-success We are prone to evaluate spiritual things with all the wrong tools and criteria. We are impressed by things that are meaningless and miss the obvious things that are vital. We learn toward things that we can control and fuel our pride and we neglect the things that display our weakness and His glory. That is why we often judge colossal failures to be remarkable displays of “success.” We need a new way of seeing. We are prone to evaluate spiritual things with all the wrong tools and criteria. We are impressed by things that are meaningless and miss the obvious things that are vital. We learn toward things that we can control and fuel our pride and we neglect the things that display our weakness and His glory. That is why we often judge colossal failures to be remarkable displays of “success.” We need a new way of seeing. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-13/1536/when-failure-looks-like-success Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:30:00 -0400 The Supremacy of Christ https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-06/the-supremacy-of-christ One temptation that is constantly facing Christians is to forget who Jesus actually is. Wrong systems of belief can have a negative effect on us, causing us to diminish the significance of Christ’s person and work. In contrast to this, Colossians 1:15-20 calls us back to the majesty and supremacy of Christ. This passage shows us that Jesus is in a league of His own for the very fact that He is God, and is therefore, Lord of everything.  One temptation that is constantly facing Christians is to forget who Jesus actually is. Wrong systems of belief can have a negative effect on us, causing us to diminish the significance of Christ’s person and work. In contrast to this, Colossians 1:15-20 calls us back to the majesty and supremacy of Christ. This passage shows us that Jesus is in a league of His own for the very fact that He is God, and is therefore, Lord of everything.  https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-04-06/1535/the-supremacy-of-christ Sun, 6 Apr 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Suffer With Hope https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-30/suffer-with-hope God promised Christians would suffer. But that’s not God’s only promise. There are many more glorious promises God makes to every Christian - one of which is that Christians will surround their King in glory with no more suffering forever. And that promise will be realized because of all their King has done; and because of their union to their King through faith. God promised Christians would suffer. But that’s not God’s only promise. There are many more glorious promises God makes to every Christian - one of which is that Christians will surround their King in glory with no more suffering forever. And that promise will be realized because of all their King has done; and because of their union to their King through faith. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-30/1534/suffer-with-hope Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Godly Courage https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-23/godly-courage All of us are prone to fear the wrong things. When we do, we often cower when we should be courageous. There is a way to live a courageous Christian life. It does not often involve huge exploits or massive sacrifices. More often than not, it means choosing to do what you know is true, when doing so looks scary. All of us are prone to fear the wrong things. When we do, we often cower when we should be courageous. There is a way to live a courageous Christian life. It does not often involve huge exploits or massive sacrifices. More often than not, it means choosing to do what you know is true, when doing so looks scary. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-23/1533/godly-courage Sun, 23 Mar 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Put Your Faith in God! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-16/put-your-faith-in-god https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-16/1532/put-your-faith-in-god Sun, 16 Mar 2025 11:30:00 -0400 Trust and Obey, for There's no Other Way https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-09/trust-and-obey-for-theres-no-other-way In this fallen world we will experience affliction, and we will desire to be delivered out of it. Our King experienced affliction too — and God delivered him out of it. He sought the Lord and perfectly feared the Lord, and the Lord delivered him. In fact, it is because Jesus sought and feared the Lord that we are able to be delivered. All that is left for us to do now, as we await our future deliverance, is to seek and fear God. In this fallen world we will experience affliction, and we will desire to be delivered out of it. Our King experienced affliction too — and God delivered him out of it. He sought the Lord and perfectly feared the Lord, and the Lord delivered him. In fact, it is because Jesus sought and feared the Lord that we are able to be delivered. All that is left for us to do now, as we await our future deliverance, is to seek and fear God. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-09/1531/trust-and-obey-for-theres-no-other-way Sun, 9 Mar 2025 11:30:00 -0500 You Have Not Passed This Way Before https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-02/you-have-not-passed-this-way-before God is directing his people to do something new and intimidating: To go in a way they have not passed before—a way that will involve difficulties, trials, and tests. God wants his people to know that when he directs them, he provides for them and ultimately delivers them. God is directing his people to do something new and intimidating: To go in a way they have not passed before—a way that will involve difficulties, trials, and tests. God wants his people to know that when he directs them, he provides for them and ultimately delivers them. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-03-02/1529/you-have-not-passed-this-way-before Sun, 2 Mar 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Pruning the Fruitful?: Seeking to Understand God’s Ways https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-02-23/pruning-the-fruitful:-seeking-to-understand-god-s-ways https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-02-23/1530/pruning-the-fruitful:-seeking-to-understand-god-s-ways Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:30:00 -0500 The Joy of the Justified https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-02-09/the-joy-of-the-justified Good News should make you happy. Otherwise it would not be good! And the Good News of salvation - being justified by grace through faith, and not works - should make you particularly joyful. A child may not understand the meaning of a massive inheritance until they reach adulthood and have access to it. In like fashion, a Christian may not grasp the riches that belong to them until they lean in to ideas like imputation… a lovely word with remarkable impact. Good News should make you happy. Otherwise it would not be good! And the Good News of salvation - being justified by grace through faith, and not works - should make you particularly joyful. A child may not understand the meaning of a massive inheritance until they reach adulthood and have access to it. In like fashion, a Christian may not grasp the riches that belong to them until they lean in to ideas like imputation… a lovely word with remarkable impact. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-02-09/1528/the-joy-of-the-justified Sun, 9 Feb 2025 11:30:00 -0500 God Saved the King! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-02-02/god-saved-the-king It is easy to be afraid of what will happen in the future- especially when faced with suffering. It is a lot harder to take our eyes off our fears and our suffering and trust our God. Psalm 56 helps us to trust God, and it reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid, for we already know what our future holds. It is easy to be afraid of what will happen in the future- especially when faced with suffering. It is a lot harder to take our eyes off our fears and our suffering and trust our God. Psalm 56 helps us to trust God, and it reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid, for we already know what our future holds. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-02-02/1527/god-saved-the-king Sun, 2 Feb 2025 11:30:00 -0500 How Should the Justified Live? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-26/how-should-the-justified-live It is always interesting to see which questions God deems the most important to answer. Many times we come to the Bible with queries we consider of utmost importance. God knows the questions behind our questions and always tells us what we actually need to understand. There are three questions answered in this passage. Each of them fills out the answer to one big concern: How should sinners who have been justified by grace through faith live their lives now? It is always interesting to see which questions God deems the most important to answer. Many times we come to the Bible with queries we consider of utmost importance. God knows the questions behind our questions and always tells us what we actually need to understand. There are three questions answered in this passage. Each of them fills out the answer to one big concern: How should sinners who have been justified by grace through faith live their lives now? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-26/1526/how-should-the-justified-live Sun, 26 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Just and the Justifier https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-19/just-and-the-justifier The Lord is more concerned for His glory than your good. That becomes obvious when you unpack this passage. The other thing that becomes obvious is that He loves His people so much! In many ways, this particular paragraph pulls together the entire Bible and explains how it is God is able to save anyone… and remain God! The Lord is more concerned for His glory than your good. That becomes obvious when you unpack this passage. The other thing that becomes obvious is that He loves His people so much! In many ways, this particular paragraph pulls together the entire Bible and explains how it is God is able to save anyone… and remain God! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-19/1525/just-and-the-justifier Sun, 19 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Justification by Faith: Who Can be Declared Not Guilty https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-12/justification-by-faith-who-can-be-declared-not-guilty Today we launch into the second big section of Romans. I. The reason for the Gospel: universal guilt (1:18-3:20) II. The heart of the Gospel: justification by faith (3:21-4.25) As we do, we begin to unpack a paragraph of the Bible that some have viewed as the most important information of all. For this paragraph is answering the question of who can be declared Not Guilty by God. Today we launch into the second big section of Romans. I. The reason for the Gospel: universal guilt (1:18-3:20) II. The heart of the Gospel: justification by faith (3:21-4.25) As we do, we begin to unpack a paragraph of the Bible that some have viewed as the most important information of all. For this paragraph is answering the question of who can be declared Not Guilty by God. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-12/1524/justification-by-faith-who-can-be-declared-not-guilty Sun, 12 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Romans For Us, So Far: Seven Obligations to Keep https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-05/romans-for-us-so-far-seven-obligations-to-keep It is easy to move on from the preached Word without changing how we live. James called that being a “hearer only” of the Word. In an effort to capitalize on what we have seen in Romans so far, let’s consider seven obligations laid on us, now that we have done the work of understanding the text. How should we then live? That is our question! It is easy to move on from the preached Word without changing how we live. James called that being a “hearer only” of the Word. In an effort to capitalize on what we have seen in Romans so far, let’s consider seven obligations laid on us, now that we have done the work of understanding the text. How should we then live? That is our question! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2025-01-05/1523/romans-for-us-so-far-seven-obligations-to-keep Sun, 5 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0500 Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-29/do-not-grieve-the-holy-spirit https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-29/1522/do-not-grieve-the-holy-spirit Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:30:00 -0500 One Great Gift https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-22/one-great-gift https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-22/1521/one-great-gift Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The Guilty Verdict is In https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-15/the-guilty-verdict-is-in You will never understand what it means to be saved until you grasp what you must be saved from. The facts of our condition are dire. We are far worse than most of us could imagine. If it were not for God’s Word we would never believe how utterly helpless we were to find our way to God. This only makes His gracious salvation all the more beautiful. You will never understand what it means to be saved until you grasp what you must be saved from. The facts of our condition are dire. We are far worse than most of us could imagine. If it were not for God’s Word we would never believe how utterly helpless we were to find our way to God. This only makes His gracious salvation all the more beautiful. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-15/1520/the-guilty-verdict-is-in Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:30:00 -0500 A Misplaced Confidence https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-08/a-misplaced-confidence After all his personal evangelizing of his fellow Jews, Paul had a good idea of what their objections would be to trusting in Jesus. First on that list was their belief that things like possessing the Law, being circumcised, and even just being Jewish, would guarantee them entrance into heaven, regardless of how much they sinned. This was a misplaced confidence that any careful reader of the Old Testament should have seen. In exposing them, Paul reminds us to make sure our hope is in the right place. After all his personal evangelizing of his fellow Jews, Paul had a good idea of what their objections would be to trusting in Jesus. First on that list was their belief that things like possessing the Law, being circumcised, and even just being Jewish, would guarantee them entrance into heaven, regardless of how much they sinned. This was a misplaced confidence that any careful reader of the Old Testament should have seen. In exposing them, Paul reminds us to make sure our hope is in the right place. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-08/1519/a-misplaced-confidence Sun, 8 Dec 2024 11:30:00 -0500 God’s Law in Your Heart https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-01/god-s-law-in-your-heart While Paul is debunking the silly idea that some people get a free pass to heaven (like the Jewish hypocrite he is arguing against), he also lets drop a fascinating insight into the relationship of God to every human ever created. Ever wonder why you feel bad for doing certain things? Curious why you have these inner conflicts in your mind about whether or not your actions were justified? Look no further than Romans 2 for the answer. While Paul is debunking the silly idea that some people get a free pass to heaven (like the Jewish hypocrite he is arguing against), he also lets drop a fascinating insight into the relationship of God to every human ever created. Ever wonder why you feel bad for doing certain things? Curious why you have these inner conflicts in your mind about whether or not your actions were justified? Look no further than Romans 2 for the answer. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-12-01/1518/god-s-law-in-your-heart Sun, 1 Dec 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The How-to Guide for Suffering Because of Your Faithfulness https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-24/the-how-to-guide-for-suffering-because-of-your-faithfulness Jesus said that Christians will suffer for their faithfulness to God. That is a promise. But Christians are not left alone in our suffering. We can have complete confidence in the sovereign and powerful God of the Universe to always do what he promises and purposes to do no matter what prideful fools try to stand in his way. Jesus said that Christians will suffer for their faithfulness to God. That is a promise. But Christians are not left alone in our suffering. We can have complete confidence in the sovereign and powerful God of the Universe to always do what he promises and purposes to do no matter what prideful fools try to stand in his way. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-24/1517/the-how-to-guide-for-suffering-because-of-your-faithfulness Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0500 All Men with Equity https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-17/all-men-with-equity The Apostle Paul is dealing with quite a guy in Romans 2. He is disputing with a Jewish man who thinks he is getting to heaven based on his ethnicity. Who, at the same time, is condemning Gentiles for doing the same sins he does! Paul points out his hypocrisy in verse one, then proceeds to build an argument why that Jewish man has no hope for heaven. The foundation to that argument comes in verses 6-11 — all men will be judged by God by the same standard. The Apostle Paul is dealing with quite a guy in Romans 2. He is disputing with a Jewish man who thinks he is getting to heaven based on his ethnicity. Who, at the same time, is condemning Gentiles for doing the same sins he does! Paul points out his hypocrisy in verse one, then proceeds to build an argument why that Jewish man has no hope for heaven. The foundation to that argument comes in verses 6-11 — all men will be judged by God by the same standard. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-17/1516/all-men-with-equity Sun, 17 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Don't Be a Hypocrite https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-10/dont-be-a-hypocrite There are parts of the Bible where it is really important you immerse yourself into the original issues that provoked the writing. Romans 2 is one of those. Paul has already made it clear that everyone is under the wrath of God because of their sins (Chapter 1). But many Jewish people would read that and think, “everyone except me.” Why was that? And how does that relate to our own ability to think everybody else, except me, is to blame! There are parts of the Bible where it is really important you immerse yourself into the original issues that provoked the writing. Romans 2 is one of those. Paul has already made it clear that everyone is under the wrath of God because of their sins (Chapter 1). But many Jewish people would read that and think, “everyone except me.” Why was that? And how does that relate to our own ability to think everybody else, except me, is to blame! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-10/1515/dont-be-a-hypocrite Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Jesus Heals the Broken https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-03/jesus-heals-the-broken The story of Bartimaeus’s change from blindness to sight is a remarkable picture of every Christian’s conversion. We needed Christ to heal us and He did! That is because Jesus is not afraid of entering this broken world in order to bring salvation to the most unlikely of broken people. The story of Bartimaeus’s change from blindness to sight is a remarkable picture of every Christian’s conversion. We needed Christ to heal us and He did! That is because Jesus is not afraid of entering this broken world in order to bring salvation to the most unlikely of broken people. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-11-03/1514/jesus-heals-the-broken Sun, 3 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Lord's Supper Service https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-27/lords-supper-service https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-27/1513/lords-supper-service Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:30:00 -0400 By Grace Alone! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-27/by-grace-alone God is full of grace to save the most unlikely of sinners. If you ever doubt that, all you need to do is look at the guilty criminal hung on the cross beside Jesus. God is full of grace to save the most unlikely of sinners. If you ever doubt that, all you need to do is look at the guilty criminal hung on the cross beside Jesus. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-27/1512/by-grace-alone Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Shepherd’s Exchange Ensures Your Eternity https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-20/the-shepherd-s-exchange-ensures-your-eternity https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-20/1511/the-shepherd-s-exchange-ensures-your-eternity Sun, 20 Oct 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Power of Christian Gratitude https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-13/the-power-of-christian-gratitude It may surprise you to find out that gratitude to God can affect your obedience to God in other areas of your life. Especially in the sphere of relationships with others. In fact, there might be a direct correlation between your relational sanctification as a Christian and your active thanksgiving to God. The latter can greatly improve the former! It may surprise you to find out that gratitude to God can affect your obedience to God in other areas of your life. Especially in the sphere of relationships with others. In fact, there might be a direct correlation between your relational sanctification as a Christian and your active thanksgiving to God. The latter can greatly improve the former! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-13/1510/the-power-of-christian-gratitude Sun, 13 Oct 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Disciplined for Righteousness https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-06/disciplined-for-righteousness God disciplines the one he loves, and he disciplines the one he loves in order to make the one he loves more holy. If you are experiencing the discipline of the Lord, do not try to figure things out on your own - go to God in humble repentance and worship him. God disciplines the one he loves, and he disciplines the one he loves in order to make the one he loves more holy. If you are experiencing the discipline of the Lord, do not try to figure things out on your own - go to God in humble repentance and worship him. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-10-06/1509/disciplined-for-righteousness Sun, 6 Oct 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Heart of the Matter https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-29/the-heart-of-the-matter Chronicles functions as the capstone sermon for the entire Old Testament. It provides an inspired commentary on God’s great works from creation to the return from exile, inspiring firm hope that all God’s promises to his people (represented by the royal line of David) and about his place (God’s special revelatory presence in the temple) will indeed come to pass. Chronicles functions as the capstone sermon for the entire Old Testament. It provides an inspired commentary on God’s great works from creation to the return from exile, inspiring firm hope that all God’s promises to his people (represented by the royal line of David) and about his place (God’s special revelatory presence in the temple) will indeed come to pass. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-29/1508/the-heart-of-the-matter Sun, 29 Sep 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Cost of Following Jesus https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-22/the-cost-of-following-jesus https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-22/1506/the-cost-of-following-jesus Sun, 22 Sep 2024 11:30:00 -0400 “Do What I’ve Told You to Do” - God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-15/-do-what-i-ve-told-you-to-do-god Maybe you are at a point in life where you do not really know what to do. Maybe you are wondering what you should be focusing on, or maybe you are wondering what decision to make. Thankfully, God’s Word tells you what you should decide to do, and the answer is actually quite simple. Maybe you are at a point in life where you do not really know what to do. Maybe you are wondering what you should be focusing on, or maybe you are wondering what decision to make. Thankfully, God’s Word tells you what you should decide to do, and the answer is actually quite simple. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-15/1505/-do-what-i-ve-told-you-to-do-god Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Lord’s House https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-08/the-lord-s-house Psalm 91 expresses a calmness arising from the intimacy of one’s relationship with God. In the face of threats, the psalmist finds the Lord to be his dwelling place. Thus, he is confident, through all manner of dangers and challenges. He trusts in the Lord, not in himself or in his own resources; and he feels safe in the protective care of the Lord. Here is an appeal that we too would dwell in the Lord’s house. Psalm 91 expresses a calmness arising from the intimacy of one’s relationship with God. In the face of threats, the psalmist finds the Lord to be his dwelling place. Thus, he is confident, through all manner of dangers and challenges. He trusts in the Lord, not in himself or in his own resources; and he feels safe in the protective care of the Lord. Here is an appeal that we too would dwell in the Lord’s house. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-08/1504/the-lord-s-house Sun, 8 Sep 2024 11:30:00 -0400 I AM https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-01/i-am https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-09-01/1503/i-am Sun, 1 Sep 2024 11:30:00 -0400 They all Lived Happily Ever After... and You Can Too https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-08-25/they-all-lived-happily-ever-after-and-you-can-too Once upon our time, in a land not too far away, there were two people who needed a redeemer. God, the same God who reigns today, provided them with a redeemer - and they lived happily ever after. If you want to live happily ever after, you need a redeemer too. And God, the same God who provided these two people a redeemer long ago, has provided a redeemer to all those who repent and believe. To live happily ever after, you need a redeemer. You need this redeemer. Once upon our time, in a land not too far away, there were two people who needed a redeemer. God, the same God who reigns today, provided them with a redeemer - and they lived happily ever after. If you want to live happily ever after, you need a redeemer too. And God, the same God who provided these two people a redeemer long ago, has provided a redeemer to all those who repent and believe. To live happily ever after, you need a redeemer. You need this redeemer. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-08-25/1502/they-all-lived-happily-ever-after-and-you-can-too Sun, 25 Aug 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Toxic Taxonomy of Sin https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-08-18/the-toxic-taxonomy-of-sin We are experts at incorrectly classifying what offends God and what does not. Thankfully, He has supplied us in the Bible with a carefully curated list of what counts as a sin. A taxonomy of sin, if you like. Albeit a very toxic taxonomy! Knowing what will send you to hell forever is important.
 We are experts at incorrectly classifying what offends God and what does not. Thankfully, He has supplied us in the Bible with a carefully curated list of what counts as a sin. A taxonomy of sin, if you like. Albeit a very toxic taxonomy! Knowing what will send you to hell forever is important.
 https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-08-18/1501/the-toxic-taxonomy-of-sin Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Gospel Comfort for Afflicted Saints https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-08-11/gospel-comfort-for-afflicted-saints https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-08-11/1500/gospel-comfort-for-afflicted-saints Sun, 11 Aug 2024 11:30:00 -0400 What is the Matter? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-28/what-is-the-matter https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-28/1498/what-is-the-matter Sun, 28 Jul 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Take Him as He is https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-21/take-him-as-he-is https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-21/1497/take-him-as-he-is Sun, 21 Jul 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Folly of Idolatry https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-14/the-folly-of-idolatry The Bible might be summarized as detailed instruction on how to worship the Living God instead of pathetic and lifeless idols. What Israel fell prey to so often in their history was this “return to Egypt” mindset; going back to the fake gods of their former oppressors and thinking life (“nothing but leeks and onions!“) could be found there. God must rescue us from this spiritual stupidity and set our hearts to worship Him alone. The Bible might be summarized as detailed instruction on how to worship the Living God instead of pathetic and lifeless idols. What Israel fell prey to so often in their history was this “return to Egypt” mindset; going back to the fake gods of their former oppressors and thinking life (“nothing but leeks and onions!“) could be found there. God must rescue us from this spiritual stupidity and set our hearts to worship Him alone. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-14/1389/the-folly-of-idolatry Sun, 14 Jul 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Not in Christ? Then You Are In Trouble https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-07/not-in-christ-then-you-are-in-trouble https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-07-07/1268/not-in-christ-then-you-are-in-trouble Sun, 7 Jul 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Talk About Jesus https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-30/talk-about-jesus If you are a student, or you were one, you have likely heard of essays. And if that word conjures up a host of bad memories for you, how about this phrase: “thesis statement?” That thesis statement was supposed to appear in the first paragraph of your essay, telling the reader what you were about to… tell the reader. It was a way of stating what you intended to prove. The Apostle Paul starts this letter to the Christians in Rome with something similar to this. Two verses that tell us exactly what he is going to say over the next 16 chapters. If you are a student, or you were one, you have likely heard of essays. And if that word conjures up a host of bad memories for you, how about this phrase: “thesis statement?” That thesis statement was supposed to appear in the first paragraph of your essay, telling the reader what you were about to… tell the reader. It was a way of stating what you intended to prove. The Apostle Paul starts this letter to the Christians in Rome with something similar to this. Two verses that tell us exactly what he is going to say over the next 16 chapters. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-30/1267/talk-about-jesus Sun, 30 Jun 2024 11:30:00 -0400 What Are the Odds? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-23/what-are-the-odds What are the odds that a girl like Ruth will be provided for and protected by the sovereign God of the universe? It is not up to odds. Her life is not up to chance. Her life is held in the hand of a sovereign God who is working out His plan for Ruth and for you. What are the odds that a girl like Ruth will be provided for and protected by the sovereign God of the universe? It is not up to odds. Her life is not up to chance. Her life is held in the hand of a sovereign God who is working out His plan for Ruth and for you. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-23/1266/what-are-the-odds Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:30:00 -0400 God Knows https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-16/god-knows https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-16/1265/god-knows Sun, 16 Jun 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Should I Stay or Should I Go? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-09/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go In a land a long time ago lived a woman who was not that different than we can be. She was a suffering, sinful, and weak person. But a sovereign and strong God orchestrated all the circumstances of her life, even the seemingly bad ones, for his glory and her good to bless not only her, but many others as well. In a land a long time ago lived a woman who was not that different than we can be. She was a suffering, sinful, and weak person. But a sovereign and strong God orchestrated all the circumstances of her life, even the seemingly bad ones, for his glory and her good to bless not only her, but many others as well. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-09/1264/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go Sun, 9 Jun 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Gospel Changes Things https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-02/the-gospel-changes-things The Good News concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything in a person's life once they respond to it and put their faith in Christ. Prayers, priorities, and the way that we relate to people all pivot to a new and more selfless way of living. If we are not living this way, we are pushing against the grain of God’s design for the normal Christian life. Wise Christians will learn from Paul's example and do all they can to get their lives aligned to the Gospel. The Good News concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything in a person's life once they respond to it and put their faith in Christ. Prayers, priorities, and the way that we relate to people all pivot to a new and more selfless way of living. If we are not living this way, we are pushing against the grain of God’s design for the normal Christian life. Wise Christians will learn from Paul's example and do all they can to get their lives aligned to the Gospel. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-06-02/1263/the-gospel-changes-things Sun, 2 Jun 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Love Letters from Afar https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-26/love-letters-from-afar As Paul gets rolling on this letter about the Gospel, you quickly realize the love he has for his God, the Romans, and the truth of what he is about to write. This is a love letter! And that is at the heart of the Gospel, isn’t it? Love. And like the good Apostle he is, Paul is going to tip 15 cards over hinting at where he is about to go for the next 16 chapters. As Paul gets rolling on this letter about the Gospel, you quickly realize the love he has for his God, the Romans, and the truth of what he is about to write. This is a love letter! And that is at the heart of the Gospel, isn’t it? Love. And like the good Apostle he is, Paul is going to tip 15 cards over hinting at where he is about to go for the next 16 chapters. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-26/1262/love-letters-from-afar Sun, 26 May 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Setting the Stage https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-19/setting-the-stage Paul wrote a letter to all the Christians in all the churches in the big city of Rome in order to clarify the Gospel to them. He was eager that they would have a clear and robust knowledge of all that Jesus had done for sinners. As such, this letter has been used by the churches through the ages to train their members in the same thing. That has led to more love for Jesus, an increased evangelistic zeal and greater church unity. Grasping how this letter fits together or moves logically along is extremely helpful in coming to understand each part. Today we will attempt to preach the message of the entire letter to prepare us to dig in to each section. Paul wrote a letter to all the Christians in all the churches in the big city of Rome in order to clarify the Gospel to them. He was eager that they would have a clear and robust knowledge of all that Jesus had done for sinners. As such, this letter has been used by the churches through the ages to train their members in the same thing. That has led to more love for Jesus, an increased evangelistic zeal and greater church unity. Grasping how this letter fits together or moves logically along is extremely helpful in coming to understand each part. Today we will attempt to preach the message of the entire letter to prepare us to dig in to each section. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-19/1261/setting-the-stage Sun, 19 May 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Part Three: Eight Ethical Questions Every Christian Should Answer https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-12/part-three-eight-ethical-questions-every-christian-should-answer This is the final sermon in our three-part series thinking though some significant issues of life and death. Having laid a robust Biblical and theological foundation in the first two sermons, now we try to answer some of the more difficult ethical questions Christians face. This is the final sermon in our three-part series thinking though some significant issues of life and death. Having laid a robust Biblical and theological foundation in the first two sermons, now we try to answer some of the more difficult ethical questions Christians face. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-12/1260/part-three-eight-ethical-questions-every-christian-should-answer Sun, 12 May 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Hour Has Come https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-05/the-hour-has-come Those who love the doctrine of Romans are called to live the life of Romans. And that is a life of love—of love for God that is expressed in loving others. Those who love the doctrine of Romans are called to live the life of Romans. And that is a life of love—of love for God that is expressed in loving others. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-05-05/1259/the-hour-has-come Sun, 5 May 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Part Two: God is Life and We Are For Life https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-28/part-two-god-is-life-and-we-are-for-life Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is rapidly increasing in Canada. Death with the help of a doctor might soon be offered to those struggling with mental illness, not just physical suffering. Christians must understand what life is and how gives it in order to know how to respond to this evil. Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is rapidly increasing in Canada. Death with the help of a doctor might soon be offered to those struggling with mental illness, not just physical suffering. Christians must understand what life is and how gives it in order to know how to respond to this evil. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-28/1258/part-two-god-is-life-and-we-are-for-life Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Heaven Throws a Party When Sinners and Outcasts Turn to God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-19/heaven-throws-a-party-when-sinners-and-outcasts-turn-to-god It can be hard to believe that you were a wandering sheep with no intention whatsoever of listening to the Shepherd. We often like to think we had a certain kind of spiritual potential or something that caused us to baa, baa, baa all the way to Jesus. But, we were spiritual wanderers who were pursued by a good Shepherd who picked us up and carried us home to the joy of all in heaven. It can be hard to believe that you were a wandering sheep with no intention whatsoever of listening to the Shepherd. We often like to think we had a certain kind of spiritual potential or something that caused us to baa, baa, baa all the way to Jesus. But, we were spiritual wanderers who were pursued by a good Shepherd who picked us up and carried us home to the joy of all in heaven. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-19/1257/heaven-throws-a-party-when-sinners-and-outcasts-turn-to-god Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Part One: Every Human Made in the Image and Likeness of God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-14/part-one-every-human-made-in-the-image-and-likeness-of-god The only way to withstand a hurricane of error is to be in a building with a solid foundation. To stand true for the sanctity and value of all life, Christians must have a solid foundation of what it means to be human. In particular, what it means to have been made a human by God. The only way to withstand a hurricane of error is to be in a building with a solid foundation. To stand true for the sanctity and value of all life, Christians must have a solid foundation of what it means to be human. In particular, what it means to have been made a human by God. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-14/1256/part-one-every-human-made-in-the-image-and-likeness-of-god Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Future Hope in Christ Motivates Present Faithfulness to Christ https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-07/future-hope-in-christ-motivates-present-faithfulness-to-christ It can be hard to live by faith. Especially when it seems like everything in the world is conspiring against you. Unless, of course, you know how the story ends. Our future reality is the bedrock of our current faithfulness. Or so it should be! It can be hard to live by faith. Especially when it seems like everything in the world is conspiring against you. Unless, of course, you know how the story ends. Our future reality is the bedrock of our current faithfulness. Or so it should be! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-04-07/1255/future-hope-in-christ-motivates-present-faithfulness-to-christ Sun, 7 Apr 2024 11:30:00 -0400 I Will Glory in My Redeemer https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-31/i-will-glory-in-my-redeemer The living God came to earth and offered up His life in our stead. Even though he died, he yet lives. And as our living Redeemer he shall return to judge the living and the dead and outfit his people with new, resurrected bodies designed to endure forever in praise of Him. This is so much better than a manmade, weird tradition of a rabbit with chocolate eggs. The living God came to earth and offered up His life in our stead. Even though he died, he yet lives. And as our living Redeemer he shall return to judge the living and the dead and outfit his people with new, resurrected bodies designed to endure forever in praise of Him. This is so much better than a manmade, weird tradition of a rabbit with chocolate eggs. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-31/1254/i-will-glory-in-my-redeemer Sun, 31 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0400 The Greatness, Condescension and Glory of Christ Our Lord https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-24/the-greatness-condescension-and-glory-of-christ-our-lord There are two ways to explore the mountains. We have been combing the hills and valleys for several weeks examining the details of what Christ accomplished for us in our salvation. Now it is time to hop in the plane and fly high overhead to look at the person of Christ from three distinct angles. Who He was before He came. Who He was while He was on earth. And who He is today. There are two ways to explore the mountains. We have been combing the hills and valleys for several weeks examining the details of what Christ accomplished for us in our salvation. Now it is time to hop in the plane and fly high overhead to look at the person of Christ from three distinct angles. Who He was before He came. Who He was while He was on earth. And who He is today. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-24/1253/the-greatness-condescension-and-glory-of-christ-our-lord Sun, 24 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Jesus Christ: In Word and Spirit https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-17/jesus-christ-in-word-and-spirit Every member of the Trinity is involved in our salvation. As the Word of the Gospel of Jesus goes forth, the Father saves those chosen in eternity past by the power of the Holy Spirit. No wonder Paul takes the time to rejoice in the powerful safeguarding work of the Spirit to keep us to the end. Every member of the Trinity is involved in our salvation. As the Word of the Gospel of Jesus goes forth, the Father saves those chosen in eternity past by the power of the Holy Spirit. No wonder Paul takes the time to rejoice in the powerful safeguarding work of the Spirit to keep us to the end. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-17/1252/jesus-christ-in-word-and-spirit Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0400 God Keeps All His Promises in Christ https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-10/god-keeps-all-his-promises-in-christ https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-10/1251/god-keeps-all-his-promises-in-christ Sun, 10 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Building Up the Body https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-03/building-up-the-body God calls every Christian to minister—to love and serve others. Within the local church, each member is responsible to carry out the work of ministry which is building up the body of Christ. God calls every Christian to minister—to love and serve others. Within the local church, each member is responsible to carry out the work of ministry which is building up the body of Christ. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-03-03/1250/building-up-the-body Sun, 3 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0500 I Am His and He Is Mine https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-25/i-am-his-and-he-is-mine We are good at remembering we have an inheritance waiting for us in glory. We are perhaps less faithful at remembering we are God’s inheritance. Why would He speak of us in those terms? Isn’t that making too much out of us, especially when you think about all the ways we mess up and fail Him? We are good at remembering we have an inheritance waiting for us in glory. We are perhaps less faithful at remembering we are God’s inheritance. Why would He speak of us in those terms? Isn’t that making too much out of us, especially when you think about all the ways we mess up and fail Him? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-25/1249/i-am-his-and-he-is-mine Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 His Day Will Come https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-18/his-day-will-come The Bible is not a crystal ball. It is better than that. For, in His Word, God chooses to reveal some events in the future that will occur. Usually He tells us about these future things in order to refine how we are living in the present. The Apostle knew that — apart from the help of the gracious Holy Spirit — we would never fully grasp how critical the Person of Jesus Christ is to the entire creation. The Bible is not a crystal ball. It is better than that. For, in His Word, God chooses to reveal some events in the future that will occur. Usually He tells us about these future things in order to refine how we are living in the present. The Apostle knew that — apart from the help of the gracious Holy Spirit — we would never fully grasp how critical the Person of Jesus Christ is to the entire creation. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-18/1248/his-day-will-come Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Tears in Our Eyes, Praise on Our Lips https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-11/tears-in-our-eyes-praise-on-our-lips Your suffering is real. So is God. Take them both seriously and you can have tears in your eyes but also praise on your lips. Your suffering is real. So is God. Take them both seriously and you can have tears in your eyes but also praise on your lips. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-11/1247/tears-in-our-eyes-praise-on-our-lips Sun, 11 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 You Are Free Indeed https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-04/you-are-free-indeed Belief determines behaviour. Which means we will act incorrectly if we believe falsehood or we are simply ignorant of what is true. Paul understood this and began his letter to the Christians in Ephesus with a hymn that makes profound truth claims. These are not slogans or terms to be thrown around by people who like crossword puzzles. These are real things, that when properly understood, will change everything about you. Belief determines behaviour. Which means we will act incorrectly if we believe falsehood or we are simply ignorant of what is true. Paul understood this and began his letter to the Christians in Ephesus with a hymn that makes profound truth claims. These are not slogans or terms to be thrown around by people who like crossword puzzles. These are real things, that when properly understood, will change everything about you. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-02-04/1246/you-are-free-indeed Sun, 4 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 A Big Man with a Big Problem https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-28/a-big-man-with-a-big-problem Naaman was a great and powerful Syrian military commander. He had everything he ever wanted, but he also had one thing he only ever dreaded. Yet God chose to reach out to him, to heal him, and to draw him to himself. Naaman was a great and powerful Syrian military commander. He had everything he ever wanted, but he also had one thing he only ever dreaded. Yet God chose to reach out to him, to heal him, and to draw him to himself. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-28/1245/a-big-man-with-a-big-problem Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Predestined in Him for a Better Family https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-21/predestined-in-him-for-a-better-family The idea that God might have decreed our future can seem a little oppressive to modern ears. But, what if that decree included the good of His people? Would it be better if everything was left to chance? Why did the Apostle Paul find such joy in pondering God’s certain adoption of His children? The idea that God might have decreed our future can seem a little oppressive to modern ears. But, what if that decree included the good of His people? Would it be better if everything was left to chance? Why did the Apostle Paul find such joy in pondering God’s certain adoption of His children? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-21/1244/predestined-in-him-for-a-better-family Sun, 21 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Chosen in Him https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-14/chosen-in-him The Lord Jesus has done so much for us. And as we are positionally identified with Him, all the spiritual blessings are secured for us. All of them! What a blessing. The Lord Jesus has done so much for us. And as we are positionally identified with Him, all the spiritual blessings are secured for us. All of them! What a blessing. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-14/1243/chosen-in-him Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 God Saved the King! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-07/god-saved-the-king King David wrote this song praising God for delivering him and the citizens of his kingdom Israel from the hands of all their enemies. The Greater King David was also delivered from his enemies — the death of King Jesus was the decisive victory over his enemies and ours: sin, death, hell and the Devil. Just as Israel benefited from their king’s victory, we who are kingdom citizens benefit from our King’s victory! King David wrote this song praising God for delivering him and the citizens of his kingdom Israel from the hands of all their enemies. The Greater King David was also delivered from his enemies — the death of King Jesus was the decisive victory over his enemies and ours: sin, death, hell and the Devil. Just as Israel benefited from their king’s victory, we who are kingdom citizens benefit from our King’s victory! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2024-01-07/1242/god-saved-the-king Sun, 7 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 In Your Own Generation https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-31/in-your-own-generation As we leave the old year behind and set out into a new year, how can we have confidence that we are living in a way that is pleasing to God? What does it mean to live a meaningful and purposeful life? And what does delighting in God have to do with it? The Bible provides answers in an unexpected place. As we leave the old year behind and set out into a new year, how can we have confidence that we are living in a way that is pleasing to God? What does it mean to live a meaningful and purposeful life? And what does delighting in God have to do with it? The Bible provides answers in an unexpected place. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-31/1241/in-your-own-generation Sun, 31 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 My Big Brother https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-24/my-big-brother This a sermon for children, but wise adults will listen to see if it is true. In it, the preacher is going to tell you about his elder brother, which is interesting because, the last time we checked, he only had older sisters! But, perhaps whoever he is talking about might become your elder brother, too? The preacher also put all the Bible verses here in the bulletin to make it easier for you to follow along. This a sermon for children, but wise adults will listen to see if it is true. In it, the preacher is going to tell you about his elder brother, which is interesting because, the last time we checked, he only had older sisters! But, perhaps whoever he is talking about might become your elder brother, too? The preacher also put all the Bible verses here in the bulletin to make it easier for you to follow along. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-24/1240/my-big-brother Sun, 24 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A Real Man https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-17/a-real-man One of the first great hurdles the church had to overcome after the death and resurrection of Jesus concerned his humanity. Was he really a man? Was he half a man? An “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” kind of demi-god? An illusion or apparition? Or, was he a real man? Your answer to this question might end up determining your eternal future. One of the first great hurdles the church had to overcome after the death and resurrection of Jesus concerned his humanity. Was he really a man? Was he half a man? An “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” kind of demi-god? An illusion or apparition? Or, was he a real man? Your answer to this question might end up determining your eternal future. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-17/1239/a-real-man Sun, 17 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 God in The Flesh https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-10/god-in-the-flesh Isaiah 7:14 appears on a lot of Christmasware, but do we understand what it meant to the man who first heard it? Do we need to in order to understand what it means? Is there a connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and the virgin birth in Bethlehem? Isaiah 7:14 appears on a lot of Christmasware, but do we understand what it meant to the man who first heard it? Do we need to in order to understand what it means? Is there a connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and the virgin birth in Bethlehem? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-10/1238/god-in-the-flesh Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Jesus, the Saviour The World Needs https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-03/jesus-the-saviour-the-world-needs As we complete the Book of Judges and begin a series on Jesus Christ, it is good to notice the connection between the two. Judges leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouth. But the sweetness of the coming Messiah takes care of that! By seeing the two together we better understand that the entire Bible is all about one thing. One Person. Merry Christmas! As we complete the Book of Judges and begin a series on Jesus Christ, it is good to notice the connection between the two. Judges leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouth. But the sweetness of the coming Messiah takes care of that! By seeing the two together we better understand that the entire Bible is all about one thing. One Person. Merry Christmas! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-12-03/1237/jesus-the-saviour-the-world-needs Sun, 3 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Where To Go in the Day of Trouble https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-26/where-to-go-in-the-day-of-trouble The Book of Judges ends with a whimper. The last two events of this book perfectly capture the single greatest problem in Israel in these days and the single greatest problem in our days. It can be summarized in the words, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” We may not kidnap dancing girls, but our solutions to life’s problems are usually just as awful, if not so remarkable. The Book of Judges ends with a whimper. The last two events of this book perfectly capture the single greatest problem in Israel in these days and the single greatest problem in our days. It can be summarized in the words, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” We may not kidnap dancing girls, but our solutions to life’s problems are usually just as awful, if not so remarkable. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-26/1236/where-to-go-in-the-day-of-trouble Sun, 26 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Silent Sovereignty of God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-19/the-silent-sovereignty-of-god When times are darkest, and He feels absent, He is sovereignly moving His kingdom and deliverance forward. Take heart: The sovereign silence (not absence) of God The sovereign power of God. Take heart in the sovereign silence (not absence) of God and the sovereign power of God When times are darkest, and He feels absent, He is sovereignly moving His kingdom and deliverance forward. Take heart: The sovereign silence (not absence) of God The sovereign power of God. Take heart in the sovereign silence (not absence) of God and the sovereign power of God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-19/1235/the-silent-sovereignty-of-god Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A Tale of Woe https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-12/a-tale-of-woe There is perhaps no darker chapter in all the Bible than Judges 19. The author records a terrible story in order to show us what happens when everyone does what is right in his own eyes. Sometimes we avoid reading texts like this, but seeing these chapters where they fit in the whole Book of Judges makes it clear. We are to take careful note… do we want to follow our own eyes or look to our Maker? May the Lord give us grace to learn and follow Him. There is perhaps no darker chapter in all the Bible than Judges 19. The author records a terrible story in order to show us what happens when everyone does what is right in his own eyes. Sometimes we avoid reading texts like this, but seeing these chapters where they fit in the whole Book of Judges makes it clear. We are to take careful note… do we want to follow our own eyes or look to our Maker? May the Lord give us grace to learn and follow Him. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-12/1234/a-tale-of-woe Sun, 12 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Psalm 1 https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-05/psalm-1 https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-11-05/1233/psalm-1 Sun, 5 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Are You Sure You’re Right With God? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-29/are-you-sure-you-re-right-with-god Jesus is going to look people in the eye on the Day of Judgement and tell them that He never knew them. Those people will spend eternity in hell. What is so distressing about this is that those same people thought they were good with God! They were not atheists or agnostics… they were people who claimed to be in a relationship with the real God. The last chapters of Judges paint us a vivid picture of how easy it is to be spiritually self-deceived. Don’t fall prey to this horrible mistake! Jesus is going to look people in the eye on the Day of Judgement and tell them that He never knew them. Those people will spend eternity in hell. What is so distressing about this is that those same people thought they were good with God! They were not atheists or agnostics… they were people who claimed to be in a relationship with the real God. The last chapters of Judges paint us a vivid picture of how easy it is to be spiritually self-deceived. Don’t fall prey to this horrible mistake! https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-29/1232/are-you-sure-you-re-right-with-god Sun, 29 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Righteous Shall Live… in a tent? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-22/the-righteous-shall-live-in-a-tent https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-22/808/the-righteous-shall-live-in-a-tent Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Experiencing The Supernatural Peace of God https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-15/experiencing-the-supernatural-peace-of-god https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-15/1205/experiencing-the-supernatural-peace-of-god Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Samson and Delilah: Strength in Weakness https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-08/samson-and-delilah-strength-in-weakness We have learned so much from the life of this enigmatic saviour, Samson. Now we hit the one story for which he seems most famous. Why is that? Why are we so intrigued by the love and manipulation of this mighty man? And is this just a bit of a forbidden titillation that snuck into our Bibles, or does it have something to teach us about Jesus Christ? After all, didn’t Jesus Himself say that all the Scriptures were pointing to Him (Luke 24:27)? We have learned so much from the life of this enigmatic saviour, Samson. Now we hit the one story for which he seems most famous. Why is that? Why are we so intrigued by the love and manipulation of this mighty man? And is this just a bit of a forbidden titillation that snuck into our Bibles, or does it have something to teach us about Jesus Christ? After all, didn’t Jesus Himself say that all the Scriptures were pointing to Him (Luke 24:27)? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-08/915/samson-and-delilah-strength-in-weakness Sun, 8 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Perhaps Not the Saviour We Expected https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-01/perhaps-not-the-saviour-we-expected Sometimes things are not as they seem. In fact, this is often the case when God is at work. What can appear as a dismal failure might actually be a roaring success. This is nowhere more evident than at the crucifixion of Jesus. An event captured well by the interesting words of Joseph, centuries earlier: “What some meant for evil, God meant for good.” Perhaps Samson’s exploits were not as sad as we tend to think. Or perhaps they were, but were pointing to Another? Sometimes things are not as they seem. In fact, this is often the case when God is at work. What can appear as a dismal failure might actually be a roaring success. This is nowhere more evident than at the crucifixion of Jesus. An event captured well by the interesting words of Joseph, centuries earlier: “What some meant for evil, God meant for good.” Perhaps Samson’s exploits were not as sad as we tend to think. Or perhaps they were, but were pointing to Another? https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-10-01/914/perhaps-not-the-saviour-we-expected Sun, 1 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Uncle Louie is Coming to Dinner https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-09-24/uncle-louie-is-coming-to-dinner https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-09-24/913/uncle-louie-is-coming-to-dinner Sun, 24 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400 One Last Saviour https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-09-17/one-last-saviour Samson is the only Judge whose birth is described. Remarkably it takes up an entire chapter of his story. What is most unique to his nativity is the plan of God to make him a Nazirite (not, Nazarene) from the womb. In an age of spiritual darkness and Philistine oppression, everyone is confused by the remarkable birth and ministry of this new saviour. Samson is the only Judge whose birth is described. Remarkably it takes up an entire chapter of his story. What is most unique to his nativity is the plan of God to make him a Nazirite (not, Nazarene) from the womb. In an age of spiritual darkness and Philistine oppression, everyone is confused by the remarkable birth and ministry of this new saviour. https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-09-17/912/one-last-saviour Sun, 17 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Forgetting What Lies Behind https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-09-10/forgetting-what-lies-behind https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2023-09-10/911/forgetting-what-lies-behind Sun, 10 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400