City Baptist Church Vancouver

How Jesus Came | Matthew 1:18-25 | Paul Conner

Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25 Summary: Christmas is God stepping into our mess. Matthew tells it straight: Mary is found with child by the Holy Spirit, because salvation doesn’t rise from human effort, it descends from divine mercy. And Joseph, a just man, doesn’t negotiate with God; he obeys, taking Jesus as his own, because God often entrusts kingdom assignments to hearts already surrendered. This is the miracle we’re meant to behold again with fresh eyes: the King came through humility, into scandal, for one purpose—to save sinners—so the broken can become God’s own through faith in Christ. Key Takeaways: * Jesus didn’t come to improve good people—He came to save fallen people. * The virgin birth declares: salvation is God’s work, not ours. * Joseph shows what real obedience looks like: no conditions, just surrender. * Christmas is God saying, “You matter to Me—I came for you.”

Jesus Above All Else - Part 2 | Colossians 1:18-20 | Paul Conner

Scripture: Colossians 1:18-20 Summary: If we’re not careful, we’ll let Jesus be in our life without being over our life. But Paul won’t let us shrink Christ: Jesus is our Savior who rescued us, our Creator who holds everything together, the Head of the Church who directs and defines us, and the Beloved Son in whom the fullness of God truly dwells. Because He is fully God, His cross actually makes peace, reconciling sinners to a holy God in a way we could never achieve. So you don’t just “add Jesus” to your schedule; you give Him the throne, because when Christ is first, everything else finally falls into place. Key Takeaways: * Jesus isn’t a helpful accessory—He is preeminent in all things. * If Christ is only present but not central, you’re drifting—bring Him back to the “home screen.” * The Church doesn’t belong to personalities or programs; Christ is the Head. * The cross isn’t self-improvement; it’s reconciliation—God making enemies into family. * Put Jesus first today (time, desires, decisions, money, relationships), and watch everything else find its proper order.

Jesus Above All Else - Part 1 | Colossians 1:12-18 | Paul Conner

Scripture: Colossians 1:12–17 Summary: We live in an age where everything tells us to put ourselves at the center—build your brand, chase your comfort, carry your own greatness. But God never designed us to hold the weight of our own glory; he designed us to reflect his. In Colossians 1, Paul reminds us that Jesus must not just be important in our lives but preeminent, first place above everything, because he is our Savior who rescues us from the power of darkness, brings us into his kingdom, redeems us by his blood, and completely forgives our sin. When Jesus moves from the edges of our life to the throne of our life, spiritual dryness is replaced with purpose, and our decisions begin to line up with the One we were created for. Key Takeaways: * Jesus is not meant to be part of your life; he is meant to be the center of your life. * Our greatest problem is sin, and Jesus alone is the Savior who delivers, redeems, and forgives. * God has transferred believers out of darkness into the kingdom of his beloved Son. * Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer—everything exists by him, through him, and for him. * It is “reasonable service” to surrender every area of life to Christ’s preeminence.

Lest We Forget His Deliverance | Esther 9; Esther 10:1-3 | Paul Conner

Scripture: Esther 9:1–32; Esther 10:1–3 Summary: In Esther, God turns a death sentence into a day of joy, and his people respond by creating Purim—a yearly rhythm to remember that their “lot” in life isn’t random, it’s ruled by a faithful God. Just like Canada pauses to remember the costly gift of freedom, followers of Jesus are called to intentionally remember the far greater deliverance we’ve received through Christ. When we rehearse God’s goodness, our own hearts are strengthened and the watching world sees a hope they don’t have. When we remember what God has done, others discover who God is. Key Takeaways: * God alone determines the “lot” of His people; nothing is left to chance. * Remembering past deliverance gives strength for present trials. * Rhythms of remembrance (like Purim, the Lord’s Table, baptism) are God-honoring, not optional extras. * Public joy in God’s rescue becomes a powerful witness to those far from Him. * Do something intentional to remember: mark dates, set reminders, tell the next generation, and refuse to forget the goodness of God.

The Joy Of Deliverance | Esther 8 | Paul Conner

Scripture: Esther 8 Summary: When Haman falls, Esther and Mordecai receive honor, but Esther isn’t satisfied with personal safety—she pleads for her people. The unchangeable decree remains, so the king authorizes a counter-decree that empowers the Jews to defend themselves, and hope floods the empire. That picture calls us to gospel urgency: rescued people intercede and act so others can find rescue in Christ. And unlike Esther’s day, our victory is already secured—Jesus has defeated sin and death—so we fight from confidence, not fear, with joy that endures. Key Takeaways: * God often honors integrity in His time; stay faithful. * Salvation fuels mission; rescued people rescue people. * We fight from victory, not for it, through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57). * Use your position and voice to intercede for others. * Hope produces courage and visible joy in dark places.