Practicing Genuine Forgiveness

Message: Practicing Genuine Forgiveness
Series: Building Fireproof Relationships
Pastor Larry Shantz speaking
May 30/31, 2009

Men and women who do not know forgiveness and the freedom it brings carry a void with them in to all their relationships. Their lack of forgiveness can result in separation, bitterness, indifference and brokenness. Forgiveness is an essential need in each of our lives—without it we can have no personal, relational or spiritual peace. This weekend, as we wrap up our series on relationships, we will look at the importance of forgiveness—what it is and what it is not.

Resolving Inevitable Conflict

Message: Resolving Inevitable Conflict
Series: Building Fireproof Relationships
Pastor Larry Shantz speaking
May 23/24, 2009

If the truth be told, most marriages are marked by periodic disagreements and, at times, all out wars. In these battles, both partners can employ deadly tactics, such as, public criticism, threats, intimidation, cutting sarcasm, exaggeration, stoic silence, blaming, rejection or even physical abuse. Although such tactics are common, they are wrong. Besides being unfair, they lead to more pain and conflict, and, in the end, no one wins. This weekend, we will look at various Biblical principles that teach us how to resolve conflict so that we can experience lasting peace. The principles apply not only to marriage, but to any relationship where conflict is inevitable.

Developing Realistic Expectations

Message: Developing Realistic Expectations
Series: Building Fireproof Relationships
Pastor Larry Shantz speaking
May 16/17, 2009

Many people have unrealistic expectations about marriage that can cause them to become discouraged and disillusioned in their marriages. The tendency to see those around us as having “the perfect marriage”, the idealistic romances that are perpetrated by Hollywood and novels, and the idea that marriage will be an escape that will meet all our needs and solve all our problems are just a few reasons why we may develop unrealistic expectations about marriage. This week, we want to look at how God sees marriage as a high and honourable calling and what it takes to make marriage work, God’s way.

Blessing Your Child

Message: Blessing Your Child
Series: Building Fireproof Relationships
Pastor Larry Shantz speaking
May 9/10, 2009

No matter what our age it is very important for us to know that we are loved and accepted for who we are. The approval of our parents/caregivers affects how we view ourselves and our ability to pass this on to our children, spouse, friends and family. If not received as a child, many people spend a lifetime longing for this acceptance. When it comes to our children, acceptance, however, is much deeper than just instilling self-esteem—it is instilling what the Bible calls, “the blessing” into the lives of our children. 

Expressing Unconditional Love

Message: Expressing Unconditional Love
Series: Building Fireproof Relationships
Pastor Larry Shantz speaking
May 2/3, 2009

When God created Eve, He brought her to Adam and established a relationship that would bring fulfillment and completeness to both of them. God ordained marriage to be a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that is protected, nourished and blessed as they continue to express unconditional love to each other. However, our world has cheapened and rejected what God has made beautiful. In this new series on relationships, we want to revisit the reasons why God established and ordained marriage and family relationships and why it is so important to honour Him in all that we are.