FA Church

First Assembly

We are a Spirit-empowered community, expanding God's Kingdom by helping people become passionate and influential followers of Christ.

  1. 4d ago

    Live By Faith - Ben Johnson | First Assembly

    This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "Live by Faith." Pastor Ben reminded us from Hebrews 10:35-39 that we are called to persevere in faith, holding onto our confidence in God and His promises rather than shrinking back. He explained that biblical faith is more than simply believing—it is confident trust in what we hope for and assurance of what we cannot see. Pastor Ben highlighted three characteristics of faith: faith is confident trust, faith is active and demonstrated through our actions, and faith pleases God. This message encourages us to live with a faith that trusts God’s promises, responds with action, and seeks to please Him in every area of our lives. ✍️ NotesTitle: Live by Faith – Ben Johnson So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.  For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”  And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:35-39 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV) Faith in the Bible:Saving Faith – Ephesians 2:8Gift of Faith – 1 Corinthians 12:9Living by Faith – Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith…” 1. Faith is confident trust“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 2. Faith is active“Now faith is…” In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 (NIV) 3. Faith pleases GodAnd without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) 📅 UPCOMING EVENTS   Check our Calendar here: https://fachurch.churchcenter.com/reg... 🔗 STAY CONNECTEDTake your NEXT STEP: fill out a short form that’ll help us get the conversation started: https://www.fa.church/nextstepsFirst Assembly | @fa.church @fa.setonhttps://www.fa.church  / fa.church    / fachurchyyc  🎵 LIKE OUR WORSHIPTehillah Worship | @tehillahworshipyyc

    Live By Faith - Ben Johnson | First Assembly
  2. 4d ago

    Calvary's Three Crosses - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "Calvary’s Three Crosses." Pastor Ben explored the three crosses at Calvary: the Cross of Rebellion, the Cross of Repentance, and the Cross of Redemption. Through the responses of the two criminals, we are reminded that while rebellion hardens our hearts, repentance opens the door to God’s grace. Ultimately, the Cross of Redemption points us to the hope we have in Jesus, who offers forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life to those who turn to Him. ✍️ Notes Title: Calvary’s Three Crosses – Ben Johnson When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  Luke 23:33-34 (NIV)  1. The Cross of RebellionOne of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:39 (NIV)  The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)  2. The Cross of Repentance But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Luke 23:40-42   For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV) 3. The Cross of Redemption Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  📅 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

    Calvary's Three Crosses - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church
  3. Sep 4

    Make This Valley Full of Ditches - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "Make this Valley Full of Ditches." Drawing from 2 Kings 3:11–20, Pastor Ben reminded us that the valleys we face can drive us to the source — God himself. When Jehoshaphat sought a prophet to inquire of the Lord, Elisha declared, “Make this valley full of ditches,” calling the kings to prepare in faith for what God was about to do. Pastor Ben emphasized that the valley requires faith, even when we cannot yet see how God will provide. Though there was no wind or rain, God miraculously filled the valley with water and turned what appeared to be a hopeless situation into victory. This message encourages us to trust God in the valleys of life, prepare in faith, and remember that what seems impossible to us is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord. ✍️ Notes Title: Make this Valley Full of Ditches – Ben Johnson But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lordby him?” So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the sonof Shaphat is here, who poured. Water on the hands of Elijah.” And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you. But now bring me a musician.” Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’  For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. Now it happened in the morning, when the grain offering was offered, that suddenly water came by way of Edom,and the land was filled with water. 2 Kings 3:11-20 (NKJV) The Valley Drives Us to the Source But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” ⭑ “But now bring me a musician.” The Valley Requires Faith God Turns Our Valleys into His Victories….And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. Then they rose up early in the morning, and the sun was shining on the water; and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood. 📅 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

    Make This Valley Full of Ditches - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church
  4. Sep 4

    Journey in the Valley - Rob Snow | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, guest speaker Rob Snow, preached a message entitled "Journey in the Valley." Drawing from Psalm 84:5-7, Rob reminded us that God’s presence is not limited to the mountaintop moments of life but is with us even in the valleys of sadness, despair, and uncertainty. He explained that the valley of Baca, an arid place watered by tears, becomes a place of springs as God meets His people there and leads them from strength to strength. Pastor Rob emphasized that God knows our valleys and hears our groaning, pointing to His presence throughout Scripture and ultimately to Jesus, who experienced the deepest valley on the cross. Yet through Christ, the valley becomes a place of redemption, making it possible for us to be with God on the mountain. This message encourages us to trust that God is present with us in every valley and that He can bring hope, renewal, and redemption even from our deepest places of sorrow. ✍️ Notes Title: Journey in the Valley – Rob Snow “Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7 On the Mountain with God:Israel journeys to the temple mount to experience his presence. Israel experiences God’s shalom when in his presence: “all is right because God reigns.” (Psalm 84:2) In the Valley with God:⭑ Baca is an arid valley watered only with tears⭑ But this sadness doesn’t last long In the Valley with God:“As they go through the valley of Baca,they make it a place of springs; the earlyrain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods willbe seen in Zion.” (Ps 84: 6-7) God Knows the Valleys⭑ Psalms of lament account for 1/3 of the Psalms (Ps 13:1-2)⭑ Psalm 84 affirms that God’s presence is not beyond the place of sadness and despair.⭑ Even more, the presence of God. God Knows the Valleys⭑ God heard their groaning. (Exodus 2:24)⭑ “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46)⭑ “That very Spirit intercedes wit groanings too deep for words.” (Rom 8:26) God Knows the Valleys⭑ God, in the person of his son Jesus, experienced a great and terrible valley on the cross.⭑ But that valley made it possible to be on the mountain with him. ⭑ The valley is the place of redemption. 📅 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

    Journey in the Valley - Rob Snow | First Assembly Church
  5. Aug 27

    How's Your Walk? - Sebastian Martinez | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, Pastor Sebastian Martinez, preached a message entitled "How’s your Walk?" Pastor Sebastian challenged us through 1 Kings 18 to consider whether we are wavering between two opinions or wholeheartedly following the Lord. He contrasted Baal as appealing but ultimately unavailable and powerless with the Lord, who hears, answers, and acts. Through Elijah’s faith and prayer on Mount Carmel, we were reminded that the Lord is faithful and desires to turn our hearts back to Him. This message encourages us to walk wholeheartedly with the Lord through both the valleys and the mountains, trusting Him and choosing to follow Him wholeheartedly in every season. ✍️ Notes Title: How’s your Walk? – Sebastian Martinez 20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. 22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23 Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” 1 Kings 18:20-24 25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you.Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.”26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response;  no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. 29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:25-29 1. Appealing but unavailable, promising but powerless2. The God who’s answered & acts 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.”32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 33 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them,  “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.”34 “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time.  35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil and also licked up the water in the trench. 1 Kings 18: 30-38 3. Wholehearted through the valleys & mountains 1 Kings 18:3939 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The Lord-he is God! The Lord-he is God!" 📅 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

    How's Your Walk? - Sebastian Martinez | First Assembly Church
  6. Aug 27

    The Evergreen Faithfulness of God - Hunter Gillis | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, Pastor Hunter Gillis, preached a message entitled "The Evergreen Faithfulness of God." Pastor Hunter reminded us through Psalm 121 that our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us faithfully and never grows weary. He encouraged us to recognize God’s faithfulness not only on the mountaintops but also in the valleys, trusting His presence through every season. Drawing from Psalm 23, Pastor Hunter emphasized that God’s faithfulness is best expressed in us when we allow Him to lead us down the mountain rather than remain at the top, and when we follow Him through the valley instead of trying to escape it. This message invites us to trust God’s unwavering presence and goodness, knowing that He faithfully guides, comforts, and sustains us through every high and low. ✍️ Notes Title: The Evergreen Faithfulness of God – Hunter Gillis  I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:1-4 (NIV) Even though I walk Through the darkest valley I will fear no evil. For you are with me, Your rodand staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4-5 (NIV) ⭑ The Mountains  I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:1-4 (NIV) God’s faithfulness is best expressed through us when he sends us down the mountain not camping on top. ⭑ The Valleys  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 (NIV) ⭑ God's faithfulness is best expressed in us by leading us through the valley instead of escaping it. 📅 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

    The Evergreen Faithfulness of God - Hunter Gillis | First Assembly Church
  7. Aug 8

    What Kind Of People Ought We Be - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "What Kind of People Ought We Be?" Pastor Ben encouraged us to live with eternity in view, drawing from 2 Peter 3:8–14 and God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. He reminded us that while the Lord is patient, His return is certain, calling us to respond by living lives that reflect His heart. Pastor Ben highlighted three key characteristics every believer should pursue: being holy, set apart for God; hopeful, confidently looking forward to Christ's return and His promises; and ready, making every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. This message challenges us to live faithfully today as we eagerly anticipate the day when God makes everything new. ✍️ Notes Title: What Kind of People Ought We Be? – Ben Johnson But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives… as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:8-14 (NIV) But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV) Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV) The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:20-21 (NIV) 1. Holy “You ought to live holy and godly lives...”For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord yourGod has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV) 2. Hopeful“… as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” “…we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 3. Ready“… make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” 📅 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

    What Kind Of People Ought We Be - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church
  8. Aug 5

    The Hope of His Coming - Ben Johnson | First Assembly Church

    This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "The Hope of His Coming." Pastor Ben reminded us of the incredible hope we have in Christ’s promised return, encouraging us with the assurance of 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 that one day we will be with the Lord forever. He highlighted both the promise and the picture of Christ’s coming, reminding us that Jesus will return for His people just as He promised. Pastor Ben also challenged us to prepare for His coming by staying close to God, living holy lives, and boldly sharing the hope of the Gospel with others. This message encourages us to live with expectation, confidence, and readiness as we await the return of Jesus Christ. ✍️ Notes Title: The Hope of His Coming – Ben JohnsonFor the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV) Promise of His coming“For the Lord will come down from heaven.” The dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.VS.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.  “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones” Jude 1:14 (NIV) “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:8 (NIV) “He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 (NIV) “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3 (NIV) “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12 (NIV) Picture of His coming“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14: 1-3 (NIV) Preparation for His coming“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV) ⭑ Stay close…as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25⭑ Get ready “All who have this hope in him purify themselves…” 1 John 3:3⭑ Talk about Him“We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 The bridegroom is coming! 📅 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

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We are a Spirit-empowered community, expanding God's Kingdom by helping people become passionate and influential followers of Christ.