Sanctus Church Audio Sermons

The idea of death haunts most of humanity. And understandably so—if we imagine a future without Jesus. Jesus' death defeated the reign of darkness. The finality of death was replaced with a semi-colon. For believers, we are freed from the suffocating weight of death's empty threats of loneliness and isolation. Jesus has found us. His death has made a way for the lost to come home. As we mourn and reflect this Good Friday, may we take heaven's perspective on the matter: this was not a mistake; it was the start of a revolution. It is finished—but it's not over. Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: Lost & Found

Crisis exposes us. When our normal routines are disrupted, we realize the limitations of money, sex, and power. At some point, we are forced to confront the jarring truth that we are fragile, flawed, and unable to save ourselves—that we need something, or someone, greater than what the world has to offer. Jesus is that someone. He calls us home, not because of who we are or what we have done, but because of who he is and what he’s already finished.  Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: Lost & Found

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus made some shocking claims; statements that only make sense if we accept his identity as God in the flesh.  As a teacher, Jesus used parables to reveal truths about God’s character and humanity’s condition. He told stories—like the one about the Good Samaritan—that forced his audience to ponder deeply personal questions: Who am I in the story? Who are my neighbours? Am I willing to not only accept God’s love, but express it to the world? Our answers determine how we live. How do you respond? Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: Lost & Found

How do we lead a life marked by faith and hope in a world plagued with fear and uncertainty? Now, more than ever, we need to rest and ground our daily rhythms in our Living Hope: Jesus. Speaker: Jon Thompson

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” — John 14:1. In the face of trouble, Jesus comforts his followers by asking us to trust him with all things—including our beliefs about heaven.  According to Jesus, understanding the nature and promise of heaven leads to radical hope. When we correct our misconceptions about “going to heaven”, we discover a more powerful and profound hope, one that empowers us to lead counter-cultural lives marked by love and joy irrespective of our circumstances.  Heaven is more about the person than the place—and it starts with us.   Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: The Great Divide

The doctrine of hell is one of the most difficult aspects of Christian faith for many people—so why should we talk about it? The famed theologian J. I. Packer gives us three reasons: The idea of hell is being debated and debunked frivolously in modern culture; There is no such thing as the “Good News” without the other side; and Jesus talked about it—a lot. Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: The Great Divide

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Matthew 22:44. Jesus made several things clear through his teachings: judgment is real, we will all give an account, and he is the judge. Your view about how the world will end directly affects how you live on earth today. God’s judgment satisfies our need for justice in the world—but we must be careful not to separate it from another part of God’s character: his grace. Jesus is the risen the judge—and forgiver. The heart of the gospel is the supreme truth that God accepts us with no conditions when we put our trust in Jesus. As N.T Wright puts it, “In the word of the risen Jesus, we find judgment and forgiveness coming home at the deepest and most personal level.” In the end, everyone will come face-to-face with God. The only question is whether we face him alone, or covered by grace alone. Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: The Great Divide: Death and Destiny

God extends mercy to the merciless, leaving Jonah in a heart storm. How can God be perfectly just and perfectly loving at once?  God is a complex character who makes sense only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Moses wasn’t allowed to see it. Jonah wasn’t able to discern it. Thankfully, we don’t stand where they stood.  The book of Jonah forces us to contemplate our personal destiny. How will we respond to God’s word, world, and grace?   Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: Jonah

"Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” Jonah preaches wrath—but God responds with mercy. Above all else, the book of Jonah is about reconciliation. It demonstrates the fact that God’s wrath and mercy are held in tension—and that the road to revival, while available to all, requires genuine repentance. If there are innumerable steps between us and God, he will take all but one. The choice is ours. Speaker: Jon Thompson Series: Jonah - The Mystery of Mercy

  God keeps his promises. Despite Jonah’s rebellion, God rescues his prodigal prophet from the jaws of death. Jonah cries to the Lord for help, and God answers him.  Nothing can separate us from God’s love and mercy; he is not limited by our shortcomings. In fact, we see yet again that God uses imperfect people to achieve his perfect plans. Speaker - Jon Thompson Series - Jonah: The Mystery of Mercy