When was the last time you admitted you were wrong? It's easy to demand a confession but a lot harder to come clean on our own! While Daniel confesses his shortcomings to God and asks for forgiveness, an unexpected visitor shows up with a cryptic message. What can we learn from this vision?
We don't have to look far in pop culture for references to rulers and dynasties at war. Daniel's vision in chapter 8 gives us a glimpse of the ultimate battle and a spoiler alert for how it will all unfold! No matter how uncertain and turbulent our circumstances get, we can have peace knowing the King who wins.
Last year, we journeyed through the stories of Daniel in chapters 1-6 ... now it's time for Part 2! We often think of creepy tales of doom and gloom when it comes to apocalypse imagery (and things do get a little weird in the last half of the book of Daniel.) But with a closer look and careful study, each vision will unveil something about the future ... and remind us we're in good hands if we trust the One who's in control.
Everybody craves authenticity. We expect authentic experiences with brands. We long for authentic relationships with friends, loved ones, and at church. So why does it feel so hard to come by? What’s our part? What if we chose to be vulnerable together and practiced a little more authenticity starting in our homes, our lives, and our conversations in 2024? Can we be ‘real’ on our faith journey?
Everybody wants to know how to break a bad habit or start a new healthy one this time of year! Creating rhythm is the key ... What kind of patterns do we live in from day to day? What rhythms are we creating at home? What if we were a bit more intentional this year about building healthy spiritual habits around the natural rhythms of life?
It’s a bit of a tradition now for us to gather around a screen at home (or wherever you find yourself for the holidays!) for a special online-only service this weekend! Join us as we look at how we begin the New Year with God at the centre of our homes. Cozy up with a mug of your favourite hot beverage and join us for this holiday service broadcast through Facebook LIVE, YouTube, and live.faccalgary.com: Saturday, December 30 at 6:30 pm (MST) Sunday, December 31 at 10:15 am (MST) (Please note Deerfoot Campus is closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1). Regular in-person services resume at all campuses on January 6/7!
**Please note: No services on Saturday, December 23.** The promise of a Prince of Peace from thousands of years before became a reality on the night Jesus was born. And yet, our hearts ache for peace now more than ever in our war-ridden, anxiety-filled world ... Join us as we look to Jesus for hope this Christmas Eve at FAC. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES FAC Deerfoot & Online - 10:15 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm FAC Southwest: 4:00 pm *DiscoveryLand kids' program will be available at 10:15 & 12:00 pm at FAC Deerfoot.
Do you feel the ache of this world's brokenness? Broken relationships and shattered families are the realities of so many of us. It's okay to long for more than this world offers - because eternity is written on your hearts. What would happen this Christmas if we embraced God as a Father who will always be with you and for you?
Feeling weak and worn out? Feeling stuck on how to live out your faith? You're not alone. It's easy to become paralyzed in the "I can do it all" mentality. Good news: Jesus came to empower us to live courageously ... but in His strength, not our own! What if the best gift we choose to receive this Christmas is the courage to live in God's strength, for His purpose, instead of our own?
Way before a star appeared above Bethlehem, prophetic whispers of a baby that was to come were written down. One who would bring light to the darkness, counsel for the lost, power to the helpless, and healing to the broken. Years, decades, and generations would pass ... Then, into the darkness one ordinary night, a child was born. Journey through the names of Jesus with us (Isaiah 9:6) as we anticipate Christmas 2023.
Have you ever felt intimidated to pray in public? Do you sometimes feel ashamed about your faith at school or at work? Even when Daniel is threatened with death, he stays on his knees, with a faith rooted deeper than his circumstances. Can we be engaged with our culture and still anchored beyond it?
It’s easy to think we’re the kings and queens of our own castles, that we’re “large and in charge” of our own success. But, as they say, arrogance comes before the fall. Sometimes we need to be reminded Who’s really in control - the One who deserves all the honour. Are we ready for a humility check?
A shunned woman at a well. A group of outcast leapers. The dinner tables of tax collectors and sinners ... Jesus wasn't afraid of difficult places or overlooked people. His love has no boundaries. Will we follow His example? More than 4,000 people groups in the world still lack access to the gospel. Now is the time to invest in the hard places and share the hope He gives. Are you ready?
If you were backed into a corner and put into the hot seat, would your faith stand strong? Faith resists the pressure to conform. It gives us courage and endurance. The story of Daniel’s friends reminds us that sometimes God delivers us in the fire, not from it … are we ready for the challenge?
Wanting to be right is the trademark of our culture. Trusting God for the answers is hard - especially when we're under pressure to figure everything out on our own. How often do we listen for the whisper of God for wisdom? Would we recognize His voice in the noise of intimidating people and circumstances, like Daniel?
Would we stay grounded if the world around us changed and we were pulled away from the people we love and everything that's familiar? Would we choose to honour God with our lives, no matter what? This series on Daniel will inspire us to stand firm in our faith even when we're stretched to the max.
What would it be like to have no regrets or secrets? Do you believe God can make that happen for you? Jesus invites us to trade in our past for a beautiful new future with Him. Are you ready?
We spend so much time and energy holding on to the past. Is there really a way to let go? The world says to follow your heart ... but our hearts shift and easily miss the mark when it comes to forgiveness. How do we release all our regrets so they're truly gone? What's our part?
Regrets: we all have them. Choices made, missed opportunities... What if all our past pain could turn into a fresh start? Is it really possible? Join us for a 4-part series on how to turn regret into redemption, and don't miss the FAC Fall Kick-Off Party on September 9/10 to connect over food and outdoor fun after the services at the Deerfoot and Southwest Campuses!