Sermons

I ONCE WAS LOST: SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST
Mark 4:26–29; Matthew 9:9–13
Pastor Calvary deJong
June 15, 2025

Introduction: A Date to Remember

Recently, while attending the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) national conference, I sat at a table with a group of doctors and medical students from across the country, and a missionary doctor who had served in Africa. Over dinner, one of our student-leaders from Saskatchewan leaned over and showed everyone at the table a necklace she had custom-made just for her. It had a date engraved on it—2019—the year she became a Christian. “That’s the day everything changed,” she said. She hadn’t grown up in church. No memories of Sunday School or family devotions. Her journey to Jesus was different. Full of questions, but deeply transformative, as she had come to the place as a young adult where she had decided that yes, she was ready to follow Jesus.

As I listened, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own story. I haven’t always been a Christian. But I came to faith as a young boy through the influence of my parents. I remember being just four or five years old, knowing I had done something wrong—breaking a toy I was supposed to share with my sister—and realizing I needed forgiveness not just for the wrong I had done, but because I had lied about it too! That’s when Jesus became real to me. And I know I’m not alone. Many in our congregation share a similar story: raised in a Christian home, deciding to follow Jesus as a child or teen. Each one of those stories is something to celebrate. But it’s not universal. Increasingly, the people around us—our neighbours—are starting from a very different place, not being raised in the Christian faith. So, how does someone go from skepticism to faith? What does the journey to faith in Jesus look like for someone coming from a different starting point?

1. The Kingdom of God Grows in Mysterious Ways - Mark 4:26–29

In one of His parables, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a farmer scattering seed: “Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows—though he does not know how.” That’s the point—he does not know how. The farmer plants, but the growth happens mysteriously. Quietly. Gradually. Often beyond our understanding. That’s how God works in the hearts of people.

Coming to faith is a spiritual journey, not a mechanical formula. Just as seeds need time, soil, and seasons to grow, so do people. The book I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us about Their Path To Jesus by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp describes five thresholds people often pass through as they move toward Christ. The very first threshold? Moving from distrust to trust. And that can take time. Not everyone is ready to believe immediately. And that’s okay. Our role is not to force growth, but to be present and patient, while sowing seeds of faith—trusting that God is already at work.

2. Jesus Practiced Trust-Building Through Relationship and Presence - Matthew 9:9–13

When Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, He didn’t just say, “Follow me,” and move on. He went to Matthew’s house. He shared a meal with him, and with a room full of people, religious leaders avoided. The Pharisees were shocked: “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus answered with His why: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Jesus didn’t lead with pressure. He led with presence. He didn’t wait for people to clean up before coming close. He sat with them. He listened. He loved. And through that presence, trust was built, and lives were changed.

3. Application: Becoming Someone Others Can Trust

You may not think of yourself as an evangelist. But you can be someone who reflects Jesus in a way that builds trust. That’s where faith journeys often begin. Here are three ways anyone can practice presence and become trustworthy witnesses:

• Pray – Ask God to soften your heart toward people who are far from Him. Pray for those in your life—your family, friends, and neighbours. Pray for people who don’t yet know they’re lost.

• Practice Openness – Be curious. Ask questions. Listen deeply. When someone shares a bad experience with faith, don’t argue—listen. You may be the first Christian who helps them feel safe.

• Practice Hospitality – Create space for connection. It could be sharing a drink at the garden, inviting someone for a walk, or offering a simple meal. These small acts of kindness can become sacred ground.

A few weeks ago, at my boys’ judo class, I started chatting with one of the other parents. Eventually, she asked me what I do for work. I told her I’m a pastor at First Mennonite Church. She smiled and said, “Oh, I go to that church.” I was caught off guard—she’s not in our directory, and I’ve never seen her at a Sunday service. But then she explained that when her kids were younger, she started to bring them to the City Park Toy Library, hosted right here in our building. She might not be ready for a worship service, but from her perspective, this is her church. Why? Because we opened our doors to serve our community beyond the four walls—and to plant seeds of trust, even before faith has fully formed.

Reflection & Questions

• Who are the people in your life who don’t know Jesus yet and need someone they can trust?
• Where might God be inviting you to slow down, listen, and be present?
• How can we, as a church, continue to be a community that practices hospitality and builds relationships with the community outside our church building?

Gospel Invitation: From Presence to Transformation

Jesus didn’t wait for us to get everything right. He came close. He broke bread. He died for us. And He rose to give us new life. Our calling is to reflect that kind of love—to place our trust in Jesus and be transformed by Him, so that we can become trustworthy people in a world that is often suspicious of faith. For many, the journey to Jesus begins with a single relationship with a Christian who is living a life worthy of the calling they have received—with someone they can trust.

Prayer of Response

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for coming near to us when we were far away.
Make us people of patience, compassion, and courage.
Help us plant seeds of trust.
And may our presence in others’ lives point them toward You.
Amen.

DON’T FOLD UNDER PRESSURE
Galatians 2:11–21
Pastor Calvary deJong
June 1, 2025

Introduction: When Doing the Right Thing Costs You Something

Some years ago, I was new in ministry leadership when a tension surfaced in our group. A guy named Mike had started attending our young adults ministry to support his friend Andy, a young adult who had muscular dystrophy. Andy couldn’t drive, so Mike—who was in his 40s—would pick him up, help him transfer in and out of his wheelchair, and even assist with personal needs like going to the bathroom. He wasn’t a professional caregiver, but he was a caring friend who made it possible for Andy to participate.

Then one night, another young adult pulled me aside and said, “I don’t like that Mike is here. He’s older. It’s awkward. If they’re coming... I’m not.” In that moment, I had a choice to make. I knew that including Andy meant Mike needed to be there too. And I also knew I wouldn’t win any popularity points with this young adult who thought their presence made the group less cool. But the goal wasn’t being cool—it was embodying love. So I told him, “You’re welcome to stay—but so are Andy and Mike.” It wasn’t a public confrontation. But it cost something. Doing the right thing under pressure usually does. When fear drives our decisions, we don’t just risk hurting people—we risk distorting the gospel.

Peter Folded — Galatians 2:11–13

In Galatians, Paul recounts a dramatic moment: “When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” Peter—bold Peter, who preached at Pentecost and declared Jesus the Christ—folded under pressure. He had been eating with Gentile believers, affirming their full inclusion in God’s family. But when “certain men from James” arrived—who taught that Gentiles must adopt Jewish customs—Peter backed away out of fear. His retreat wasn’t based on theological convictions. Rather, it was an example of caving to social pressure. And silence in moments like these sends a message louder than words.

Peter’s hypocrisy fractured the unity of the church. Though the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) had already affirmed that Gentiles were saved by grace alone, Peter’s withdrawal contradicted the gospel in practice. Even Barnabas—the encourager, Paul’s missionary partner—got swept up in the fear. That’s the power of silently going along with the crowd: it sends a louder message than we realize.

Paul Stood Firm — Galatians 2:14–16

Paul knew this wasn’t just a social misstep or a cultural faux pas—it was a gospel issue. When Peter withdrew from eating with Gentile believers because of pressure from the group that argued following Jewish traditions was necessary for salvation, Paul didn’t stay silent. He confronted Peter publicly and directly: “They were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel.” This wasn’t about etiquette or hurt feelings—it was about faithfulness to the gospel. The gospel is not Jesus plus—not Jesus plus tradition, not Jesus plus cultural conformity, not Jesus plus religious performance. It is grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

When unity around that truth is at stake—when fear or favoritism threatens the integrity of the gospel—we must speak clearly and act courageously. Like Paul, we’re called to stand firm, not for our opinions, but for the truth that sets people free.

It’s Not About You or Me, It’s About Jesus

Sometimes we can be tempted to start treating our church like it’s our birthday—as if we’re king or queen for the day. As part of the family celebration for my grandmother’s 80th birthday—alongside the usual dinner, cake, and presents—she had one special request: a hymn-sing featuring lots of songs by her favourite hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. So, on her birthday, what Grandma wants, Grandma gets! I think we sang nearly a dozen Fanny Crosby hymns that evening. It was a beautiful way to honour her.

That’s all very wonderful for a birthday party where you want to make that person the centre of attention—but it’s not how a local church is meant to function. Church doesn’t exist to cater to our personal preferences. It’s not about your preferences or even my preferences—it’s meant to be about Jesus. Our church exists to glorify Jesus and make disciples. That means the focus isn’t on what makes us most comfortable—but on what helps others encounter Christ. When we keep that mission front and centre, we’re willing to lay down some of our personal preferences so that others can be built up in faith.

When Churches Cling to Preference, They Can Miss Their Moment

A ministry friend of mine, Marco Bessa, became the pastor of the Portuguese church his dad had pastored for many years. Seeing that younger generations no longer spoke Portuguese, he led a careful shift towards hosting services in English to reach the next generation and their community. Theologically, nothing had changed. But some key long-time members saw this shift as a betrayal of their identity. A split followed. And sadly, the church eventually closed.

There is a redemptive arc to the story. Marco told me that a few years later, his aunt—the one who had led the charge to oppose him—reached out in repentance. Reconciliation happened. He forgave, their relationship was restored, and grace had the last word in their family. But it remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when personal preferences eclipse Jesus’ mission for the church.

Takeaway: Hold Tight to Jesus. Hold Loose to Everything Else

Not every disagreement is a gospel issue. But when someone’s belonging in Christ’s body is threatened, we must stand firm—in love. When the gospel is clear, silence is not faithfulness—it’s compromise.

So here’s the challenge:

• When it comes to the gospel, hold tight.
• When it comes to preference, be openhanded.

Let’s ensure Jesus is Lord of the church—not our tastes or preferences.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the truth of the gospel—grace alone through faith alone.
Forgive us for the times we’ve folded under pressure.
Grant us wisdom to discern what truly matters,
Courage to speak when unity is at stake,
And humility to let go of our preferences for the sake of Your mission.
May we be a church that reflects Your welcome and Your truth.
Amen.

WHY MAKE IT HARDER THAN IT NEEDS TO BE
Acts 15:1–29
Pastor Calvary deJong
May 25, 2025

Introduction: Pushing with the Brake On

During my Bible college years, a few friends and I set out on an epic road trip. The plan was ambitious: head to Portland, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, visit the Grand Canyon, and circle back to Winnipeg—all without a map. But somewhere around Great Falls, Montana, the dream hit a snag. My friend’s Audi broke down in the middle of the night.

A state trooper told us we couldn’t leave the car on the highway, so we got it towed into town. The next morning, we found out the repair shop we’d been towed to didn’t work on imports. Fortunately, another shop was just down the street. Determined to save the cost of a second tow, we decided to push the car there ourselves.

What followed was pure agony: three sweaty guys straining and gasping, struggling to move a car that seemed to weigh a ton. When we finally made it, we collapsed into the front seats—only to discover the emergency brake had been on the whole time!

Sometimes in life, and even in the church, we find ourselves pushing hard—working with all our might—without realizing we’re making it harder than it needs to be. That’s what was happening in Acts 15. The early church was at risk of putting spiritual brakes on people trying to come to Jesus.

The Jerusalem Council: The Early Church Gets Together

Acts 15 recounts a defining moment. Some believers, out of deep reverence for the covenant of Moses, insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved. This was no minor debate—it struck at the very heart of the gospel. Was faith in Jesus alone enough, or did salvation require additional cultural and religious practices?

To resolve this, the apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem. They didn’t resort to backroom decisions or sweeping dissenters aside. Instead, they created space for discussion, welcomed both perspectives, and worked toward clarity with humility. Their approach offers us a model for discerning difficult questions. They used four lenses to guide their discernment:

• Tradition: The first voices appealed to the covenant customs of Moses. These weren’t meaningless rituals—they were identity markers. But sincere reverence for tradition had begun to obscure the gospel of grace.

• Experience: Peter recounted how the Holy Spirit had come upon Cornelius and his household—Gentiles who believed in Jesus but weren’t circumcised. Likewise, Paul and Barnabas told stories of miracles among Gentile believers. These testimonies showed that God had already welcomed them.

• Reason: “After much discussion,” the church reasoned together. There was no rushing, no dominance, no manipulation. They thought carefully, listened well, and submitted to one another in love.
• Scripture: Finally, James grounded everything in the Word. He quoted Amos 9:11–12, which foretold the inclusion of Gentiles. Scripture wasn’t used to end the conversation, but to anchor it. God had always intended to rebuild David’s tent so that “the rest of humanity may seek the Lord—even all the Gentiles who bear my name.”

This pattern is instructive for us today. The Spirit and the Word were in full agreement. Experience didn’t override Scripture—Scripture interpreted experience. Reason and tradition were considered, but Scripture had the final say. The result? Clarity and consensus. The church declared that Gentiles should not be burdened with requirements that God never gave. Grace cleared the way, and love offered pastoral guidance: abstain from idolatry and immorality, not as entrance requirements, but as a way to promote fellowship and holiness.

Application: Becoming a Church That Clears the Way

There’s a modern echo of this story in the life of a small Italian Pentecostal church in Winnipeg. By the early 2000s, their congregation had dwindled. Services were still in Italian, but the younger generations were no longer attending. Rather than fade quietly, the remaining members decided to take a risk.

They invited a young seminary graduate named Dustin Funk to begin preaching at their church through an interpreter. Though not Italian himself, Dustin stepped into their world and spent a lot of time with them, building a relationship of deep trust. After a while, he gently asked them to consider the question: “What would it look like for us to become a church your children and grandchildren would love to attend and encounter Jesus?”

How did that congregation of Italians respond? They didn’t throw away their heritage. Instead, they began holding services in English while also maintaining a fellowship group in Italian. They moved from their old building, which had some limitations, to a rented school where they set up and tore down for services every Sunday. They eventually renamed their church and welcomed newcomers from all backgrounds.

And today? That church has grown into a vibrant, multiethnic congregation of over a thousand people. Their story didn’t end—it expanded. They’re still reaching Italian speakers through their Italian fellowship ministry. They didn’t lose their identity; they simply reimagined it so that others could find life in Christ. Like the church in Acts 15, they chose to remove barriers rather than build them. And that’s the invitation for us today, too!

A Prayer for Discernment and Grace

Lord Jesus,
We confess that sometimes we’ve made it harder for people to come to Jesus than it needs to be.
Help us not to place burdens on others that you never asked them to carry.
Give us humility to discern your truth together, as the early church did.
Teach us to listen—honestly, prayerfully, humbly—to tradition, experience, reason, and above all, to your Word.
Tear down the walls we’ve built. Clear the path for those who are seeking you.
May our church be a place where grace is abundant, where the gospel is unhindered, and where your love makes a home for all.
In your name we pray,
Amen.