FA Church

This past Vision Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled “God’s Not Finished Yet.” Preaching from Habakkuk 1-2, God is actively at work and calls us to hold to His vision with faith, trusting that delay is not denial. Pastor Ben shared three exciting steps God is leading us into: Phase 1 is the building plan for our South Property, a developing Christian high school partnership between GCA, Trinity, and First Assembly, and progress on the Calgary Dream Centre’s Erlton House — providing safe, supportive housing for women and mothers with children. He closed with a Champions Call to Fast and pray, to plan for the Kingdom Builders Vision 100 Miracle Offering Sunday, to plant a financial seed, and to participate by stepping boldly into the vision God is unfolding. ✍️ Notes “Look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it. ” Habakkuk 1:5 (NLT)“Write the vision​ and make it plain on tablets,​ that he may run who reads it.​ 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;​ but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.​ Though it tarries, wait for it;​ because it will surely come,​ it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NLT)Don’t Lose Sight of God’s Vision! “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets…”Remember: Delay is not Denial. “…Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come”3 exciting steps God is leading us into:1) Phase 1 of Building Planning Underway: South Property2) Shared Vision for Christian High School Partnership (South Property)GCATrinityFirst Assembly3) Calgary Dream Centre, Erlton House: (Calgary Center)A Safe, Healthy, Supportive and Affordable Home for Women and Mothers with Children10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10 (NLT)Here’s why we are doing this: “The harvest is plentiful...” - Jesus (Luke 10:2)Prophetic words spoken over first assembly: ⭑ “Write the vision and make it plain.” Habakkuk 2:2GOD IS LOOKING FOR RUNNERS - “That he may run who reads it.”Champions Call:1) Pray: Fasting & Prayer2) Plan: Plan for KB Vision 100 Miracle Offering Sunday3) Plant: Plant a financial seed into the vision4) Participate: STEP INTO THE VISIONBeing confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church    / fachur...

This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled “From Decision to Disciple.” Drawing from Matthew 28:16 - 20, Pastor Ben reminded us that while becoming a Christian happens in a moment, becoming a disciple is a lifelong journey of knowing, obeying and following Jesus. He emphasized that true discipleship begins with personally knowing Jesus, continues through faithfully obeying His commands, and overflows into inviting others to follow Him as well. Pastor Ben encouraged us to live with confidence in Christ’s authority and comfort in His presence, knowing that He is with us always as we walk out His Great Commission together.✍️ Notes 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”​ Matthew 28:16–20 (NIV)​⭑ YOU BECOME A CHRISTIAN IN A MOMENT, BUT YOU BECOME​ A DISCIPLE OVER A LIFETIME​1. KNOWS JESUS PERSONALLY​“Go make disciples of all nations.” (vs 19) ​9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.​10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.​ Romans 10:9-10​“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”​ Ephesians 1:17​“I am the good shepherd; I know my​ sheep and my sheep know me.”​ John 10:14​2. OBEYS JESUS FAITHFULLY​“baptizing them in the name of the Father​and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (vs 19)​​“…and teaching them to obey everything​I have commanded you.” (vs 20)3. INVITES OTHERS TO​ FOLLOW JESUS TOGETHER“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (vs 19)​⭑ WE HAVE HIS AUTHORITY - POWER​“All authority in heaven and on earth​ has been given to Me.” (vs 18)​⭑  ​WE HAVE HIS AVAILABILITY - PRESENCE​​“And surely I am with you always, to the​ very end of the age.” (vs 20)​📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeremiah Niengor preached a message entitled “The Basin, the Towel & the Blood.” Drawing from John 13, Pastor Jeremiah spoke about the descent of majesty, where Jesus, knowing His hour had come, laid aside His outer garments, took up a towel, and washed His disciples’ feet—revealing a love that “went to the end.” He reminded us that we are already made clean, yet our feet still need washing—that baptism is a once-for-all cleansing, while foot-washing is the continual grace of God. The towel, Pastor Jeremiah explained, represents discipleship—humility walked out. He also shared about the battle for the basin, contrasting selfishness with servanthood and quoting, “If we do not serve one another, we have not yet understood the cross.” Finally, Pastor Jeremiah pointed us to the cleansing power of love, from the upper room to Golgotha—where Jesus poured water in a basin and later poured out His blood to cleanse sin—inviting us to let Him wash us, lay aside our garments, and find joy in going low.✍️ Notes ⭑ THE DESCENT OF MAJESTY ​“1Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, havingloved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.​ 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he hadcome from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper.​ He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”​ John 13:1-5​⭑ THE WAY OF THE TOWEL​6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” ​8 “No,” said Peter, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you,you have no part with Me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” ​10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.​ John 13:6-10​“YOU ARE ALREADY MADE CLEAN,​ YET YOUR FEET STILL NEED WASHING.” ​⭑ Baptism = once-for-all cleansing (louō). ​⭑ Foot-washing = continual grace (niptō). ​⭑ The towel is discipleship — humility walked out “It was not a throne but a towel that revealed the heart of God.”​​ - Charles Spurgeon⭑ THE BATTLE FOR THE BASIN ​SELFISHNESS: Concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself; seeking one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others ​SERVANT: One who yields obedience; one​who makes painful sacrifices in love for others“If we do not serve one another, we have not yet understood the cross.”​ - Dietrich Bonhoeffer⭑ THE CLEANSING POWER OF LOVE ​UPPER ROOM​Poured water in a basin​Washed feet in private​Cleaned dust​GOLGOTHA​Poured blood from His side​Washed the world in public​Cleansed sin​Call 1: For those resisting grace ​            → Let Him wash you. ​Call 2: For people holding onto rank​            → Lay aside your garments. ​Call 3: For anyone weary of striving​            → Find joy in going low.QUESTIONS TO PONDER​1. Do I resist being “washed” by Jesus—confessing sin,​receiving grace because I’d rather appear self-sufficient? ​2. How might my leadership look different if ​I measured greatness by towels rather than titles? ​3. Who is God calling me to serve that feels beneath me? ​4. How might my life become a basin through which​others experience the cleansing presence of Christ?📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Pastor Adam Meck preached a message entitled “Wholehearted Obedience.” Teaching from Matthew 19:16–22, Pastor Adam shared the story of the rich young ruler – a man who did everything right outwardly, yet still asked Jesus, “What am I still lacking?” He reminded us that we often try to fix soul-level issues with surface-level solutions, when what Jesus truly invites us into is deeper surrender. Ultimately, he reminded us that Jesus asks for our whole heart because He wants our heart to be whole. This message calls us to trust God fully, to let go of what holds us back, and to follow Him with wholehearted obedience.✍️ Notes 16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?”​ 17 And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 Then he *said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall​ not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; 19 Honor your father and mother; and You shall love​ your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man *said​ to Him, “All these I have kept; what am I still lacking?”​ 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be complete, go​ and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and​ you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”​ 22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property​. Matthew 19:16-22 (NASB)​16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?”17 And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”​“TEACHER” - ADMIRER / LISTENER​“RABBI” - FOLLOWER / IMITATOR⭑ OUR DESIRE TO LISTEN TO GOD THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES SHOULD BE STRONGER THAN OUR DESIRE TO​ LISTEN TO PEOPLE FROM PLATFORMS.18-19 Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not​ give false testimony; Honour your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbour as yourself. 20The young man said to Him, “All these I have kept; what am I still lacking?”⭑ AT SOME POINT WE ALL END UP LIKE THE RICH YOUNG RULER, WONDERING “WHAT AM I STILL LACKING?”​⭑ WE TRY TO FIND SYSTEMATIC SOLUTIONS TO SOUL LEVEL PROBLEMS.​“We hit the wall when the practices that used​ to work stop working. We’ve done everything​ right, but we are being invited into a deeper​ surrender that cannot be managed or achieved.”​​ Ruth Haley Barton - Strengthening The Soul Of Your Leadership​21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possession​ and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”​In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what​ to worship. And an outstanding reason for choosing some sort of God or spiritual-type thing to worship…​Is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things — if they are where you tap real meaning in life — then you will never have enough. Never feel you have enough. It’s the truth. Worship your own body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly, and when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally plant you….​Worship power — you will feel weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to keep​ the fear at bay. Worship your intellect, being seen​ as smart — you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out. And so on.​ - David Foster Wallace, Address At Kenyon College, 2005​⭑ JESUS ASKS FOR YOUR WHOLE HEART BECAUSE HE WANTS YOUR HEART TO BE WHOLE.​Jesus and Money:​“That Jesus did not command all his followers to sell all their possessions gives comfort only to the kind of people to whom he would issue that command.”​ - Robert Gundry⭑ “COME, FOLLOW ME”​📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church 

This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled “Rest For Your Soul.” Pastor Ben reminded us that following Jesus is true rest. Teaching from Matthew 11:25–30, he shared Jesus’ invitation to “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We were encouraged to come, take and learn from Him — to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, and we will find rest for our souls. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light.✍️ Notes ⭑ 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father,​ Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.​ 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills​ to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for​ your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and​ My burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30 NKJV​⭑ FOLLOWING JESUS IS TRUE REST​ ⭑ COMEMatthew 11:28 NKJV​"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."​John 7:37 NKJV – “If anyone thirsts,​ let him come to Me and drink.”​Revelation 22:17 NKJV   “And the Spirit and​ the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.​" Isaiah 55:1–3, 6 NKJV​“For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”​ Matthew 23:4 NKJV ​⭑ TAKEMatthew 11:29 NKJV ​“Take My yoke upon you​ and learn from Me.”​⭑ LEARNMatthew 11:29–30 NKJV​“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”​28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything​ heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me​ and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”​📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson shared a message titled “The Cost of Following Jesus.” Looking at Matthew 16:13 – 26, following Jesus begins with desire — “If anyone desires to come after Me…” (vs 24). Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, finding joy in self-denial as Paul did, counting all things loss for the excellence of knowing Christ. True life is discovered when we lose our life for His sake. Denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him daily looks like loving others even when it’s hard, serving others by giving our time, energy and gifts to God’s mission, and forgiving others by letting go of grudges, bitterness and resentment.✍️ Notes 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying,  “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are [j]an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:13-26 (NKJV)​⭑ Desire"If anyone desires to come after Me..."  vs 24⭑ Deny Yourself and Take Up the Cross“let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  Vs 24⭑ Joy in Self-Denial (Paul)“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8)⭑ Discover True Life“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”  (Vs 25)⭑ Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him daily looks like:Love others - even when it’s hard, even when they don’t deserve itServe others - give your time, energy, and gifts to God’s missionForgive others - let go of grudges, bitterness, and resentment 📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Pastor Ben Johnson shared a message titled “The Call to Follow.” From Matthew 4:17–22, we see Jesus calling His first disciples to leave everything and follow Him. The call begins with repentance — turning away from the world’s patterns and being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1–2). Then comes the invitation to follow — to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us (Ephesians 5:1–2). Finally, Jesus promises that as we follow Him, we will be made into something new: “fishers of men.” Who we follow shapes who we become. When we choose to follow Jesus, we step into His light and purpose, becoming vessels of His life and love to the world (John 8:12).✍️ Notes 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them,​ “Follow Me, and I will make you​ fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, inthe boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.​ Matthew 4:17-22 (NKJ)​​BIG IDEA: WHO YOU FOLLOW SHAPES WHO YOU BECOME.​⭑ REPENT17… Repent, for the kingdom​ of heaven has come near.1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view​ of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve  what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2​⭑ FOLLOW19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us…​ Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)​⭑ BE MADE“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among​ the people... 24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sickpeople who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:23-24 (NKJ)​'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' John 8:12 (NIV)​ 📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Pastor Mark MacKnight shared a message titled A Word for FA. Paul’s one final exhortation to the believers in II Corinthians 13:11–12 is to EMBODY their faith: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings.” He concludes with these words: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Pastor Mark reminded us that “the beauty of the church is imperfect people who embody God’s unmerited favour, unconditional love, and unlimited Spirit-life.”✍️ Notes THE LETTERS TO FA CORINTH​NT Letters were ‘occasional documents’​"Finally, brother and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings." ​II Corinthians 13:11-12 [CSB]​This is Paul’s one final exhortation to the believers to EMBODY their faith​."The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.​" II Corinthians 13:13 [CSB]​"The ‘unmerited favour’ of the Lord Jesus Christ and the ‘unconditional love’ of God, and the ‘unlimited participation’ of the Holy Spirit be your daily reality." II Corinthians 13:13 [MJM]​⭑ THE JOURNEY​"The beauty of the church is imperfect people who embody God’s unmerited favour, unconditional love, and unlimited Spirit-life."​📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church    / fachurchyyc  🎵 LIKE OUR WORSHIP Tehillah Worship | @tehillahworshipyyc https://www.tehillahyyc.ca/worshiphttps www.instagram.com/tehillahworshipyyc

This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, shared a message titled The Table of Blessing. Looking at Romans 5:1–11, we were reminded of the incredible blessings we have through faith in Christ. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God, access to His grace, and the glorious hope of heaven. Even in suffering, we can find purpose, as trials produce perseverance, character and hope. God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, assuring us of His presence. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness, salvation and reconciliation with God — giving us unshakable joy and confidence in our walk with Him.✍️ Notes Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character;and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.​​ Romans 5:1-11 NIV​⭑ PEACE WITH GOD​Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (v.1)⭑ ACCESS INTO GRACE​Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (v.2)⭑ THE GLORIOUS​ HOPE OF HEAVENAnd we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (v.2)⭑ PURPOSE IN SUFFERING​Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (v.3,4)⭑ GOD’S LOVE POURED​ OUT WITHINAnd hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (v.5)​⭑ SALVATION AND​ FORGIVENESS OF OUR SIN.…While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (v.8,9)⭑ JOY AND ASSURANCE OF SALVATION​…how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (v.9)​. We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation… (NKJV, v.10,11)​📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... FA Groups Leaders Training Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/cal...🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled Fresh Oil for a Fresh Season. Samuel anointed David, and from that day the Spirit of the Lord came upon him with power (1 Samuel 16:13). The anointing is the very presence of the Holy Spirit, working in us, upon us, and through us for His glory. Fresh oil changes atmospheres and carries a Christ-like fragrance that spreads everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). The anointing opens hearts to receive truth (Acts 16:14). It heals the sick and brings freedom (Acts 10:38). It shifts spiritual environments and breaks yokes of bondage (Isaiah 10:27). We are called to grow in the anointing by waiting, by worship, and by walking in love.✍️ Notes "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David." 1 Samuel 16:13 (NIV)"“I have been anointed with fresh oil.” Psalm 92:10  (NKJV)⭑ FRESH OIL FOR A FRESH SEASONAtmosphere – changing anointing“The anointing is the very person and presence of the Holy Spirit Himself,actively working in you, upon you and through you for His glory.”"14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledgeof Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our livesare a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who arebeing saved and by those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NLT)​⭑ IT OPENS HEARTS“…the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.”  Acts 16:14 NIV⭑ IT HEALS THE SICK"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." Acts 10:38 NIV ⭑ IT SHIFTS SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENTS AND BREAKS BONDAGES"It shall come to pass in that day That his burdenwill be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil." Isaiah 10:27 NKJV⭑ GROWING IN THE ANOINTING:1. Waiting 2. Worship3. Walking in Love📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... Kingdom Builders Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...FA Groups Leaders Training Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/cal...🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Pastor Adam Meckelborg shared a message titled Built To Last. Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount with The Choice: two paths, two trees, two claims, and two builders. A wise life is one that hears His words and puts them into practice, building on the rock. Through practice, obedience that feels awkward becomes second nature. Jesus invites us to build a faith that withstands chaos, reminding us a damaged house is not a destroyed house. A life of obedience to Jesus is the only foundation that will last.✍️ Notes 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these​ words of mine and puts them into practice​ is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against​ that house; yet it did not fall, because it had​ its foundation on the rock. ​26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27​⭑ Sermon on the Mount | Matthew 5-7​Kingdom Identity | 5:1-16 ​Kingdom Vision | 5:17-7:12 ​The Choice | 7:13-27⭑ The ChoiceTwo Paths - broad and narrow ​Two Trees - good fruit and bad fruit ​Two Claims - self deception and true allegiance​Two Builders - rock and sand​⭑ Two Ways:Life: Living in loving submission to God.​Death: Living as your own god, in submission to whatever you desire. ​⭑ The Choice – Rock or Sand​An Encouragement ​An Invitation ​A Warning⭑ An Encouragement​24 “Therefore everyone who hears​these words of mine and puts them​into practice is like a wise man who​built his house on the rock.Through practice, what felt​unnatural becomes second nature. ​⭑ Awkward obedience is more solid​than coordinated compromise.​⭑ An Invitation ​25 And the rain came down and the floods came and the winds blew and​fell against that house, but it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. ​⭑ We cannot confuse a damaged house for a destroyed house. ⭑ An Invitation Jesus knows that chaos comes, and rather than escape it, He invites us to build something that can withstand it.​⭑ A Warning​26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”​Hearing – Practicing –  Built To Last​Hearing – Not Practicing –  “A Great Crash” ​If chaos is inevitable, what kind​ of life is worth building?⭑ An appreciation of Jesus without obedience to Jesus will not withstand the chaos of life and will leave us wanting. ⭑ Built Different: Obedience, Not Resonance📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... Team Day: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...Kingdom Builders Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...FA Groups Leaders Training Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/cal...🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church  

This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled: Trusting God in Difficult Times. From Psalm 46:1–11, we were reminded that even when the earth shakes and the nations rage, God is our sure refuge and strength. Pastor Ben walked us through three truths found in this passage: We have a refuge — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” We have a river — “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God… God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved.” And we have a rest — “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.” No matter what difficulties we face, we can stand firm knowing the Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our refuge.✍️ Notes God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the​ city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not​ be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of​ Dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;​ He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us;​ The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46:1-11 (NKJV)⭑ We have a refugePsalm 46:1–2  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth ​be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…" Selah⭑ We have a riverPsalm 46:4–5 "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn." Selah​⭑ We have a restPsalm 46:10  "Be still, and know that​I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Selah📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... Team Day: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...Kingdom Builders Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...FA Groups Leaders Training Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/cal...🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, our lead Pastor, Ben Johnson shared a message entitled "Forgive and Live." Drawing from Matthew 18:21–35, he reminded us that forgiveness is not easy, but essential. Jesus teaches that forgiveness isn’t about keeping score, it’s about losing count. We forgive because God forgave us first, and He calls us to extend that same grace to others. Unforgiveness traps us in a prison, but true freedom is found when we let go. Pastor Ben encouraged us to begin by praying for those who have wronged us (Start Upward), examine our own hearts (Move Inward), and take steps to reconcile (Reach Outward).✍️ Notes Title: Forgive and Live - Ben JohnsonThen Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.  He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:21–35 NIV⭑ Forgiveness is not easy⭑ Forgiveness isn’t about keeping score; it’s about losing count⭑ God forgave us first; He expects us to forgive others⭑ Unforgiveness is a prisonForgiving Others:1) Start Upward – Pray for the person2) Move Inward – Check your own heart3) Reach Outward – Go to them📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... Team Day: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...Kingdom Builders Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg...FA Groups Leaders Training Breakfast: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/cal...🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church   

This past Sunday, Pastor Mark Hazzard preached a message entitled “The Parables of Jesus.” Through the parables of the workers in the vineyard and the rich young ruler, we were reminded that the Kingdom of God is not built on comparison or human effort, but on the generosity and grace of its King. God’s Kingdom is ever-growing, and His invitation is open to all — whether early or late in the journey. Unlike the system of law, where we earn what we deserve, God’s system of grace gives us what we could never earn: His kindness, His presence, and eternal life.✍️ Notes ⭑ If you could ask God one question, what would it be?For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work. "At nine o'clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. At noon and again at three o'clock he did the same thing. "At five o'clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, 'Why haven't you been working today?' "They replied, 'Because no one hired us.' "The landowner told them, 'Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.' "That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. "He answered one of them, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?' "So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last." Matthew 20:1–16 (NLT)Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself. “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. Matthew 19: 16-301) The Kingdom has a King2) His Kingdom is large and growing 3) Comparing yourself to others in the Kingdom is very dangerous…and can be deadly4) He is a gracious and generous King"The system of law is easy to figure out: you get what you deserve. The system of grace is foreign to us: God deals with us according to who He is, not according to who we are or what we've done." David Guzik📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church 

This past Sunday, Pastor Merrie Eizenga shared a message titled "You Choose" from Luke 18:9–14, comparing the self-righteous prayer of a Pharisee with the heartfelt plea for mercy from a tax collector. Drawing from scripture and commentary, she highlighted how the Pharisee magnified his own goodness while the tax collector magnified his brokenness. We were reminded that God measures righteousness by humility and repentance, not moral performance, and that “those who humble themselves will be exalted.” The challenge was clear—choose humility, choose relationship, and choose gratitude as we walk with Christ.✍️ Notes “Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else.” Luke 18:9 NLT . “He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people.” MSG “Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer. “I thank you God, that I’m not a sinner like everyone else, for I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector. I fast twice a week and I give you a tenth of my income. But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “O God be merciful to me, for I am a sinner." Luke 18:10-13 NLT  “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Verse 14 NLT "Pharisees genuinely try to uphold the Torah in a world where Roman power and Samaritan neighbors tempt people to compromise. Pharisees genuinely try to please God. Tax collectors, on the other hand, collaborate with Romans and steal from Jews. Jesus’ listeners must be shocked at the Great Reversal as this parable unfolds." Richard Neill Donovan   The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer. “I thank you God, that I’m not a sinner like everyone else, for I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector. I fast twice a week and I give you a tenth of my income. Verse 11-12 NLT But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “O God be merciful to me, for I am a sinner. Verse 13 NLT "The tax collector, like the Pharisee, stands by himself, but his reason is different. The Pharisee feels too good to associate with common people, but the tax collector feels too bad." Richard Donovan“The tax collector did not boast of his own righteousness but pled with God for mercy acknowledging his sin. He used God as the standard of righteousness and confessed that he fell short. The Pharisee magnifies his goodness while the tax collector magnifies his brokenness.” Tom Constable"First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall." Proverbs 16:18 MSG "Arrogance and pride—distinguishing marks in the wicked, are just plain sin." Proverbs 21:4 MSG“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." James 4:6 NLT “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 NLT ⭑ Choose Humble⭑ Choose Relationship⭑ Choose Gratitude"The Holy Spirit will always cooperate to the full limit with anyone who comes to hate his pride and love the humility of Christ." Oswald Sanders 🔗 STAY CONNECTED Take your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextsteps First Assembly | @fa.church @fa.seton https://www.fa.church   / fa.church