Is your soul refusing to let go of a grudge? We've all been there before. Pastor Dean Skinner addresses a topic we all need but often find difficult to give: Forgiveness. Drawing from the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35, Pastor Dean explains that while unforgiveness is a "serious problem," through Jesus Christ, it is a "solvable problem". Forgiveness is not about the other person "earning" it, it's about you choosing to live in the freedom and blessing that God has prepared for you. Connect with Us: On socials @Bethelottawa At our website www.bethel.ca #sermon #pastordeanskinner #ThePowerOfForgiveness #forgiveness #matthew18 #bethel #faith #grace #healing #christianliving #unforgiveness #thewordofgod

Have you ever felt like you were in a "nowhere" place, only to discover that God was right there with you? Pastor Dean Skinner takes us into the life of Jacob—a man on the run, a deceiver facing an uncertain future. But in the middle of his journey, Jacob has an encounter that changes everything. Through the lens of Genesis 28:10-22, Pastor Dean explores what it means to find "Bethel"—the House of God—in the middle of our own "wilderness" moments. Connect with Us: On socials @Bethelottawa At our website www.bethel.ca #sermon #pastordeanskinner #bethel #jacobsladder #genesis28 #presenceofgod #faithjourney #HouseOfGod #christianliving #godspromises

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by a situation where you had no answers and felt like there was no way out? The story of King Jehoshaphat, from 2 Chronicles 20:1-13, is very similar. Facing a "vast army" that was closing in from all sides, Jehoshaphat found himself in a position many of us recognize: he was alarmed, outnumbered, and out of options. But instead of giving in to fear or relying on his own military strategy, Jehoshaphat pivoted and everything changed — He simply turned to the Lord. Pastor Dean Skinner breaks down the spiritual roadmap for navigating life's most "impossible" moments. Learn how to shift your focus from the size of your problem to the size of our God. Key Insights from the Message: The Power of Fasting and Prayer — When crisis hit, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and gathered the people to seek help from the Lord. Acknowledge Your Limitations — "We have no power to face this vast army... We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You (v12)." God can work most powerfully when we admit we can't do it on our own. Recalling God's Faithfulness — Jehoshaphat’s prayer was a reminder of God’s past deliverances and His covenant promises, not solely a list of complaints. The Battle is the Lord's — The Israelites moved from fear to victory by standing firm and letting God fight for them. Worship as a Weapon: Jehoshaphat sent the singers and worshippers out in front of the army—praise can confuse and defeat the enemy in your own life. If you are facing a "vast army" of financial trouble, health issues, or family conflict, this sermon is for you. Stop looking at the storm and start putting your eyes on the Saviour. Scripture Reference: 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 (NIV) Connect with Us: On socials @Bethelottawa At our website www.bethel.ca **#Sermon #PastorDeanSkinner #2Chronicles20 #Jehoshaphat #WhatToDo #FaithInCrisis #PrayerAndFasting #TheBattleIsTheLords #ChristianLiving #WorshipIsAWeapon**

What does it truly look like to live as a follower of Jesus every single day? Pastor Dean Skinner explores the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:1-18 — revealing how we live out our faith through actions that please the Father. Jesus assumes certain disciplines will be automatic for His followers. Notice He doesn’t say "if you give" or "if you pray," but "when you give," "when you pray" and "when you fast". These three practices work in parallel to challenge our wrong motives and refine our character. At the core of this message is the "secret" nature of these disciplines. Jesus warns against being a "hypocrite"—someone who performs spiritual acts just to be seen by others. Instead, we are called to practice our righteousness in secret, knowing that the Father who sees what is done in secret will reward us. Key Pillars of the Disciple’s Lifestyle: Giving to the Needy: This is an "art" that goes beyond the regular tithe. It is about denying the flesh to bless others, following the example of our God who blesses even those who don't deserve it. A Life of Prayer: Prayer is genuine communication with God, not a public performance. Using the model of the Lord’s Prayer, we learn to prioritize worship, establish Kingdom principles in our lives, and seek God’s daily provision and forgiveness. Growth Through Fasting: Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from things like food, social media, or television to create a greater appetite for God. It is a powerful way to deny the self and spend focused time in the Lord's presence. This sermon serves as a call to move beyond religious rituals and into a deep, private, and powerful relationship with the Father. Let 2026 be the year your lifestyle fully reflects your devotion to Christ! Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:1-18 (NIV) Connect with Us: On socials @Bethelottawa At our website www.bethel.ca **#Sermon #PastorDeanSkinner #LifestyleOfADisciple #Matthew6 #SermonOnTheMount #PrayerAndFasting #Generosity #Faith #ChristianLiving #Discipleship**