Clyde Christian Bible Church: Recent Episodes
Clyde Christian Bible Church
A collection of sermons from Chris Lantz, Pastor of Clyde Christian Bible Church. Seeking the Kingdom with Others; Serving the King and Others.
We're back together in the building, after 10 months of online church! To celebrate, Chris uses the story of Solomon dedicating the Temple to reflect on the idea of sacred spaces and holy ground. What makes a place sacred? What makes the ground holy? And does our humble little church building qualify?
It sure is good to be back together!
The King is returning to his throne! In a reverse of the processional he had taken in chapters 15-17, David will once again encounter several people he had met earlier, in a completely different set of circumstances. How will David respond to these men in this new context? And more importantly for us: how will they respond to the King's return to glory? How these men respond to the king may be instructive for how we too can respond to our King's mercy.
Plus: will the two year old live to tell the tale of her encounter with the dinosaur?? Will Abe live to tell the tale of his encounter with doppelganger Chris Lantz??\
Features a portion of "Seek Ye First", played by Angie Lantz
By Karen Lafferty
CCLI Song # 1352
© 1972 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the song featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off its use. It is included in support of the message, for the purpose of congregational worship.
The battle between David and Absalom will conclude when the rebellious son meets his fateful end. David's emotional response is a devastating reflection of how our King responds to lost rebels as well.
Stay tuned for an extra large blooper segment, because you CCBC'ers are hilarious.
Absalom has to choose between the advice of Ahithophel, or the advice of Hushai. One is wisdom, and the other is foolishness; one would lead to victory, one to a crushing downfall. Wisdom can be tough to discern for us as well. Which piece of wisdom will Absalom choose: human wisdom, or God's will? Which wisdom will we pursue: human wisdom, or the upside-down "foolishness" of the Kingdom of God? Everything depends on our answer.
Also features an adorable sing-along, a confession from a wise church leader, and a shocking revelation from the pages of Scripture for the Ford family!
Last week we discussed David's long, sad processional out from Jerusalem towards the borders of Israel, showing kindness and humility and trust in God's will along the way. Today we connect David's journey to Jesus, Who took a reverse long, sad procession towards Jerusalem. Jesus' journey is beautiful and powerful enough to change outsiders to insiders, as He marches towards the difficult will of His Father.
Also, since this is a shorter sermon, and because CCBC is full of hilarious people, we've added some extra bonus material, including a communion meditation and portion of a song that both connect with the sermon, a Scripture reading from a special young lady, Chris getting a whistle blown on him for preaching too long, and Abe making a very hilarious PG-13 confession!
Features a portion of "Blessed Be Your Name"
By Beth Redman & Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 3798438
© 2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the song featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off its use. It is included in support of the message, for the purpose of congregational worship.
Absalom's rebellion is in full swing, and King David must flee. But his royal procession away from Jerusalem gives him many opportunities to meet various people with varying degrees of loyalty, and to formulate a plan for reinstatement. Along the way, he will learn (and hopefully we will learn) valuable lessons on humility, faith, and submission.
And it's such a long journey, it makes for a long sermon... will Chris reach the end?!
Absalom is a greedy, selfish, deceitful taker who seduces God's people away from their King. The same is true of sin. Here, Chris gives an emotional demonstration of how sin works like Absalom, and how God's children can always return to their Father.
Features a clip from one of the greatest animated films of all time, "The Emperor's New Groove", by Disney (2000). Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the film, which is included for the purpose of illustration and education.
Click here to rent The Emperor's New Groove.
Happy Father's Day, from Clyde Christian Bible Church! David hasn't proven himself to be a very good dad. But today's story of David and his estranged son Absalom reminds us of a couple stories about our heavenly Father, Who longs for reconciliation rather than wrath, and Who protects every hair on our head.
Try not to get to distracted by the description of Absalom. Or our friend Jelle.
Our dear friends had a wedding (actually, second wedding), so Chris brings his wedding sermon to Sunday morning. Using CS Lewis' "The Four Loves", Chris examines love of all kinds, before we discuss the greatest of all loves, made visible in marriage, church communities, and (most of all) Jesus Christ.
Also included: Andrew Hoetmer's heartfelt communion message, which beautifully sets the stage for the message that follows.
Having a tough conversation about Canada's Residential School system, a recent form of genocide against Indigenous peoples. What does the horrible history mean for the church today? More importantly, how can we help bring about healing?
WARNING: This message features discussions on sexual assault and rape.
In a gross story of rape and murder between royal siblings (and an ineffective father/king who refuses to do anything about it), we are given a strong contrast to our King Jesus. Lust and Vengeance vs. Love and Justice. Which will we choose?
On a much lighter note, stay tuned until the end for one of the greatest things we've ever heard in a church service. Ever.
Alright. We've spent a lot of time in the past couple weeks examining the downfall of Dirtbag David, the selfish, greedy, power-hungry, "taking King". How will God respond to the enormity of David's destructive sins? And just as importantly, how will David respond to God's response? Stay tuned for the shocking details!
Also shocking: Angie's plan for outdoor church.
We've heard the voices of the victims. Today, we explore David's downfall according to the words of Scripture, as we prepare for the most shocking part of the sordid tale of David & Bathsheba.
Also: Happy Mother's Day! You moms deserve so much better than a Zoom high five!
WARNING: Contains discussion of sexual assault and rape.
WARNING for TRAUMATIZED INDIVIDUALS: This episode deals with sexual assault, sexual abuse, and rape.
In this creative retelling of Bathsheba's story, we get a look at the woman in the center of David's sordid affair. She has everything taken from her by her abuser, the taking king: her innocence, her joy, her husband, and even her baby son. But there are some things that even David can't take from her.
Hear the story of David and Bathsheba from the perspective of the victim, and see how far David has plummeted from the heart of God.
In this, the first of a series of creative retellings of David's tragic downfall in 2 Samuel 11, we see the events of the king's betrayal through the dying memories of Uriah the Hittite. Could it be that the life of a faithful, honourable, and courageous man was snuffed out by the king's selfishness, pride, and covetousness?
Listen to the voice of the victim, and feel the injustice perpetrated by David, our failing hero.
"Have those pesky rivals got you down?
Are you left half-bearded and bare-bottomed and ashamed by your foes?
Are you constantly surrounded by those seeking to harm you?
Follow my helpful guide to learn how YOU TOO can master the royal method of dealing with enemies, in just three easy steps!
Welcome… to A Kind, Faithful King’s Guide to the Treatment of Enemies! "
The thing is, David isn't the King we're going to learn from. The King of Creation has some beautiful teachings on how His followers are to treat their enemies. It's as simple as it is transformative. Find the three easy steps inside... for the low, low price of 50 minutes of your time!
Tying together threads from throughout the life of King David (and filmography of Julia Roberts), Chris looks at the story of King David extending faithful love, kindness, and grace to a crippled potential enemy. It's a story at the very core of the Gospel we believe and proclaim.
Stay tuned for a beautiful song from Angie and Tegan, and then hear how our dear friend Sharon describes various church members to her grandkids. Chris is... underwhelmed.
Features a portion of "What Joy (Psalm 146)"
By Sarah Emerson
CCLI Song # 5633113
© 2009 Centricity Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Sarah Emerson Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the song featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off its use. It is included in support of the message, for the purpose of congregational worship.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
For Easter 2021, we examine the events of the first Easter weekend using one of Chris' patented cheesy wordplays, focusing on the resurrection scenes surrounding the Tomb, the Room, and beyond. On this, the most important of days, we ask... how do these scenes impact our faith today?
Contains portions of "Low in the Grave He Lay (Christ Arose)",
Written by Robert Lowry in 1874
Both words and music belong to public domain
Performed by Angie and Tegan Lantz
As we examine the last couple days of Jesus' life (Preparation, Condemnation, Crucifixion) we find that Good Friday reveals Jesus to be a very different kind of King, a King of footwashing, faithfulness, and fallenness that leads to fruitfulness. A King that looks like the cross. And as we put ourselves in the place of Pilate, we ask crucial questions of the crucified King.
Special thanks to all our excellent readers!
Stay tuned for some hard-hitting theological questions for this very holy day. Questions regarding Disney characters.
Features "Amazing Love (You Are My King)"
By Billy J. Foote
CCLI Song # 2456623
© 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the song featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off its use. It is included in support of the message, for the purpose of congregational worship.
With God at His side, all David does is win win win, no matter what. These victories are confirmation of the covenant promises God had just made to the king one chapter earlier.
But the victories are also problematic in their own way. Is victory in the Kingdom of God just about crushing enemies and collecting riches and building empires? Or is there a greater King with a greater victory to offer?
Come for the inside look into Chris and Angie's marital fights; stay for the message of peace, place, and purpose in Jesus' victory!
David wants to build God a house, but God builds one for David instead. Thankfully, this covenantal house is open for each of us as well! Today we examine how the covenant with David further expands this house of covenants. But more beautifully, through the prophets and the New Testament, we'll ultimately see how Jesus represents a totally new blueprint for a totally new house, built upon and perfecting all the ancient covenants that came before.
Please stay tuned for some quick thoughts Chris offers on the recent mass shooting of Asian American sex workers in Atlanta, and how that tragic event runs particularly counter to the character and nature of Jesus.
Chris takes a deeper look at the lives of the first three men God covenanted with: Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Along with being heroes, an interesting pattern develops in each of their stories. After God gives His promises, the receiver proves himself lacking in faith. Will this affect the covenants God makes with His people? Or will He prove Himself faithful, regardless of the failures of our heroes in the faith?
Stay tuned for a little chat about lambs with one of the sweetest little "lambs" in our church family!
David wants to build God a house, but God builds one for David instead. God has built a house for all of His children, and each covenant He makes is the addition of a new room to that glorious House. After taking a brief tour through the layout of his own home (complete with threadbare 70's carpets and Taylor Swift singalongs), Chris takes us on a tour through the first three covenantal rooms that God has built for His people; three crucial steps for our own salvation.
Make sure you stay tuned for a wonderful and entirely unexpected testimony from our good friend Lisa!
Features "Better is One Day"
By Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 1097451
© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the song featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off its use. It is included in support of the message, for the purpose of congregational worship.
David wanted to build God a house, but God flipped the script and promised to build David a house instead. In this sermon, we take a look at David's excellent and instructive response. David behaves like a Kindergartener demanding a fulfilled promise, which is actually a good thing! Find out how David's response of deference, doxology, and demand can inform how we approach our loving Heavenly Father as well.
Stay tuned for some deep theological conversation regarding teenagers and clean houses.
Sometimes, a small thing that brings you joy turns out to be an item of extreme worth, like a ten-dollar ring selling for $850,000. A similar thing happens to David in 2 Samuel 7; he wants to build a house for God, for reasons both noble and self-serving. But what YHWH gives Him instead exceeds David's wildest expectations. That's typical of our God, Who appraises us of incredible worth and gives gifts beyond what we can imagine or desire!
Also includes the worst-planned performance of "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock", and stay tuned for some more public nudity ("non-David dancing for the Ark" edition)!
As David dances rapturously for the arrival of God's presence, he looks foolish and undignified in the eyes of those concerned with properness and reputation.
Jesus took this a step further. His entire ministry was bringing God's presence to lost people, making Jesus look even more foolish, reckless, and undignified in the eyes of powerful people. Dangerously so. And (for those of us who have been spiritually, physically, and socially saved by His ridiculous love), beautifully so.
Find out how we can act like holy fools and be undignified for our King and neighbour, in the same way He was undignified for us.
In 2 Samuel 6, God's Presence is brought into the center of Israelite life once again, as King David brings the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. It's a great day of celebration and praise... and tragedy. The God enthroned upon the Ark is a consuming fire, Who burns away those who presume to enter His presence in an unworthy manner.
If this is Who God is... should we be welcoming His Presence into our lives? Isn't He too dangerous? And what does the prancing, jubilant King have to teach us about God dwelling amongst His people?
Come for the fiery wrath of God. Stay for the public nudity.
Features portions of "Lord Let Your Glory Fall"
By Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 2526728
© 1998 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to the song featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off its use. It is included in support of the message, for the purpose of congregational worship.
King David's battles against the Philistines teach us something essential about the Gospel. There are some detours: Chris examines his email address, and why he hates it so much. He leads a song that may cause your ears to bleed. He discusses the evolution of hockey in video games.
But it all leads to what Chris believes is the fundamental core of Jesus' mission: to lovingly fight the battles that His people cannot fight themselves, to His glory. It should change how we see ourselves, our neighbours, and our faith.
There is no more significant city in human history than Jerusalem. In today's passage, David claims the Holy City of Peace for Israel (finally). It gives us an opportunity to examine the positive and negative history of Jerusalem and its connection to both Israelite identity in Scripture, and our own faith journey today.
Buckle up for LOTS of word nerd stuff. And burning diapers. Also, apologies to any Jefferson Starship fans out there.
David will finally be inaugurated as King of all Israel, which is a major turning point in Israel's history (as evidenced by the presence of the number 40). Today's passage examines why this moment is so crucial: it illuminates the purpose of David's Kingship. Along with Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and John 10, we see how important it is for leaders in God's Kingdom to exhibit the Shepherd's Heart of God. Join us to hear more of what that Shepherd's Heart looks like.
And stay until the end for an extra long blooper reel, involving pregnancy, boring sermons, and 12-year-olds who have no idea what they're talking about!
Chapters 2 to 4 of 2 Samuel are chock full of gruesome details underlining the human tendency towards violence in the pursuit of political power. It is fitting that this passage follows a week that saw supporters of President Trump engage in similar means of securing and retaining power, through the insurrection at the American Capitol.
But in the midst of all these power dynamics is David, who will become king not through violence, vengeance, and grabbing power. Instead, he will show kindness, justice, and patience in God's timing. Much like his descendant, the Prince of Peace. In Christ, the sword will devour no longer.
Big thank you to Dennis (and Lily) for your excellent communion message as well!
Well, we've come to the end of a few things: the end of 1 Samuel, the end of Saul's life, and the end of a very challenging year in 2020. In this sermon, some surprising responses to Saul's death prompts us to follow David's example and lament the struggles facing the LORD's anointed ones.
Thankfully Bill's upbeat communion message adds to Chris' lament!
Thank you to all who showed vulnerability and shared (or allowed Chris to share) some very real struggles and griefs.
Faith and Grace. Two elements crucial for any anointed person in God's Kingdom, whether it's ancient Israel or modern North America. After summarizing the previous three chapters (plus a communion thought on the God of Life), Chris then explores the contrast between Saul in his lowest point, and David in his. David finds his strength in His God, expressed in active faith and experienced in active grace. Find out what David's pursuit of the pesky Amalekites might mean for our faith today.
Big thank you to all who shared their stories!
Plus, wait for a fashion update from Kennedie... after Chris finally stops talking (right Ethan?)!
Also... follow this link to learn how you can support our beloved Bethel Bible Camp in their desire to raise funds for a new main building. Thanks to Amy for today's update!
Buckle up, because things are about to get weird in 1 Samuel. We've got desperate kings, terrified witches, and dead people who talk. But as Saul uses unlawful means to try to get in touch with YHWH, it only shows how much he has refused to see or hear from his God. Don't make Saul's mistake. Don't talk to dead or illegitimate things; inquire of the Living God. Here's some thoughts on how!
Big thanks to Jelle for his communion thoughts (which connect to Remembrance Day and our sermon passage) and Dave for his music leadership (which coincidentally references the exact verse for the sermon).
Also, Kennedie offers an impromptu COVID update!
Welcome back, for a taste of online church at CCBC!
This Sunday we hear an excellent communion message from Andrew Hoetmer, discussing the background to the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", and his own past and present prayer life.
We then dig into the story of David among the Philistines, in chapters 27 and 29. There, David acts like a bit of a scoundrel, and ends up in a desperate predicament. How will God deliver him from it, if he is less than innocent? And how does this story speak to our own innocence before Jesus?
Stay tuned until the end to hear the most adorable audio you've ever heard, as well as a very special bonus episode of "Wood Talk with Bob & Henry".
Step into the wonderful world of online ZOOM church with your friends at CCBC! Hear some of Chris' thoughts on All Saints Day and reflect on David's communion message about laying down our lives for Christ.
Finally, listen as the story of 1 Samuel 26 teaches us how David is like Jesus (yet again) because He refuses to grasp His deserved glory, but instead gives grace to those deserving death; and how we are like Saul (yet again) because we put out identity in external items that tend to destroy us... until our Messiah takes them away.
Sorry for the relatively poor audio. Thanks to everyone who participated and gave their thoughts- especially Chris' own enthusiastic daughters!
IT'S BAPTISM SUNDAY for our dear friend Madison St. Louis!!! Listen in on most of the service as we celebrate an excellent woman submitting her life to the merciful King Who offers us grace, peace, and belonging.
Warning: watch out for anointed kings covering their feet in desert caves!
Features "The River", by Brian Doerksen, Brian Thiessen, and Michael Hansen
CCLI Song # 4316864
© 2004 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Features "Nothing But the Blood", by Robert Lowry
CCLI Song # 21332
Words & Music: Public Domain
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Much of David's story serves as foreshadowing for what the Kingship of his royal heir, Jesus, would eventually look like. It's there in everything as small as five loaves of bread, to as large as his willingness to shoulder other people's guilt. Today, we examine ten details from the story we examined last week (David flees Saul, who murders the prophets) and find reasons to be especially thankful for Jesus.
WARNING: Major spoilers ahead if you ever intend to watch Shawshank Redemption!
A madman bent on extinguishing an innocent hero.
A majestic sword and sacred bread offered in a time of distress.
A murderous shepherd who betrays God's anointed leader.
Deception. Destruction. Desperation.
A lone survivor who lives to tell the entire tale.
And in the center of it all: a God who remembers His promises.
Please enjoy this dramatic retelling of the events of 1 Samuel 21 and 22*.
*Based on real life events... though creative licenses have certainly been taken!
David and Jonathan give us a portrait of excellent Biblical friendship, rooted in a forward-looking focus on God's will, and promises of shared kindness. But friendship is too small a word for the bond we share in Christ. What kind of relationship do we have with each other? What is the basis of this friendship-that-is-more-than-friendship? And what does this covenantal bond mean for our neighbours around us?
PS- Angie is the blonde monkey in the picture, and Chris is the other. For the record.
Today, we begin with an ethical question regarding lying, a question that is featured prominently in our passage regarding Saul's children protecting David from their father Saul's murderous jealousy. But this leads to a broader examination of Truth. Where do we find authoritative Truth? What is the deeper ethic we are called to follow?
Listen as Angeline offers a clarifying response to CHRIS' MOST CONTROVERSIAL SERMON EVER!!!
(Note: others had interesting and meaningful insights, and some of these were edited out because they were not picked up by the microphone. But thanks to all who offered conversation and debate. Discussion is very welcome in church!)
Okay, so we talk about rap music again. But in the story of Chris' favourite hip hop artist, we see dramatic reversals from wickedness (sex, money, murder) to "weakness" (humility, selflessness, forgiveness).
This is similar to the story of 1 Samuel 18, where King Saul is the wickedness to David's holy weakness. As David rises in the hearts of all those around him, Saul burns with murderous jealousy. But every curse Saul levels towards David is instead reversed into a blessing for the newly anointed future king. God is in control.
Stay tuned until the end to hear Trish's rap debut.
Together, our good friends Lisa & Jelle share their painful stories of pasts that prominently feature the Goliaths of anger and rage (Jelle), abuse and neglect (Lisa), and unhealthy coping mechanisms (both). But through Church, Scripture, reflection, each other, and (most significantly) the work of the Holy Spirit, they are able to stand before us as transformed leaders with stories of ongoing victory over those giant ongoing struggles.
We are very thankful for their bravery and vulnerability. But mostly, we are thankful for the people they continue to allow Jesus to shape them into! (Oh, and Blaire... we are super thankful for baby Blaire!)
Consuming Scripture slowly and meditatively allows us to be nourished by truth and wisdom more thoroughly. But it also highlights problems and complications in Scripture. It sometimes feels like God Himself must be overcome, like Goliath, in order for faith to grow.
In this sermon, we examine two such major questions, focusing on the Book of 1 Samuel: the silence of God, and the violence of God. Is that Who God is? Distant, unresponsive, vengeful, and cruel? Or is there a more perfect demonstration of His Wisdom, Truth, and Character?
Amazingly, Chris wasn't struck by lightning in the middle of this sermon. In his basement.
A midnight stubbed toe. An alcohol-infused game of baseball. A dedication to curiosity. These are the things God used to transform our good friend, Marnie Hoetmer, from a cynic to a faithful believer. In her story, Marnie speaks of the Goliaths of doubt, disbelief, and disillusionment: of how they are not enemies to faith, but partners in it; of how she used to ride high on those giant shoulders, but now she kicks them in the shins.
Coupled with our Scripture reading, David's music leadership, and Chris' communion message, it all comes together to make a lovely portrait of the Christian life, and the fruit that the Holy Spirit grows from even the most doubting minds.
Features "They'll Know We Are Christians", performed by David Harris
Words and Music: Peter Scholtes
1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 The Lorenz Corporation (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
CCLI Song # 26997
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
In this powerful message, our dear friends Abe & Eva share their journey from a legalistic understanding of God, parenting, and salvation, to an active faith in a Father Who gives grace, freedom, and life. It is powerful, vulnerable, and beautiful, and a message that we can all learn from.
It also happens to tie in wonderfully with our Scripture reading from Galatians 3 and 4, which Chris bases his communion message on: a message of being welcomed into a new family, with a Good Father.
Unfortunately, for wearing her Chicago Blackhawks jersey immediately after defeating the Edmonton Oilers, Barb has been asked to leave the church and never come back. We will miss her.
Features "Blessed Be Your Name", performed by Tegan Lantz
Words and Music: Beth Redman and Matt Redman
© 2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI Song # 3798438
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
A tweet from President Trump causes Chris to examine the Goliath of the Suburban Lifestyle Dream. Is that really the dream we should be pursuing? Let's examine a new dream; a Kingdom dream. A dream where wealth and social status and race don't determine someone's worth. A dream not marked by privilege, selfishness, individualism, and consumption, but rather Sacrifice, Love, and Discipleship.
Also, listen until the very end for the most adorable thing that's happened in our church building for a very long time!
Please follow this link to learn more about "Redlining":
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/03/28/redlining-was-banned-50-years-ago-its-still-hurting-minorities-today/
Features "Open the Eyes of My Heart", performed by David Harris
Words and Music: Paul Baloche
© 1997 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
CCLI Song # 2298355
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
This January, our church was dealt a heavy blow with the sudden and unexpected loss of our dear friend and sister-in-Christ, Terra Harris. In this deeply personal (but also practical and Scriptural) message, her husband David discusses his ongoing battle with a massive giant: Grief. The inconvenient truth is that all of us face this giant at one time or another.
Some Goliaths can be knocked down. Other Goliaths are grappled with for a lifetime. Here, David gives us an emotional portrait of faith being stronger than death. We are very thankful for his strength and vulnerability.
Features a clip of Nora McInerny's TED Talk, "We Don't Move On From Grief. We Move Forward With It". We did not ask for nor receive Mrs. McInernys permission to do so. If you wish to view the remainder of her excellent message on moving forward with grief, we highly recommend following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khkJkR-ipfw
Features "This is Amazing Grace", performed by Tegan Lantz
Jeremy Riddle | Josh Farro | Phil Wickham
© 2012 Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by BMG Rights Management [c/o Music Services, Inc.]); Seems Like Music (Admin. by BMG Rights Management [c/o Music Services, Inc.]); Sing My Songs (Admin. by BMG Rights Management [c/o Music Services, Inc.]); WC Music Corp. (Admin. by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.); Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI Song # 6333821
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any of the songs or material featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Our "David" this week has lived a full life of service to God, and has faced many Goliaths. Bob Williams, former pastor of Clyde Christian Bible Church, discusses a pivotal turning point in his faith journey: facing the giant of creation vs. evolution. But there is an even bigger Goliath behind that one: the Goliath of Faith, Focus, and Purpose.
Come for the wellspring of life adventures. Stay for the stories of trailer fiascoes and super-cheap gas prices!
Features "Shout to the LORD", performed by Tegan Lantz
Darlene Zschech
© 1993 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
CCLI Song # 1406918
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
David faced a massive ugly giant with only two tools: a sling and a stone. Our first guest speaker in the "Davids vs Goliaths" miniseries is Angeline Bowman, an excellent servant of God who has devoted her life to facing down the massive ugly giant of Injustice. In her message, she reveals the twin tools we can use to conquer such an enormous enemy of God: Truth and Love. She then shares some of what happened in her life for her to know who she is, and to be equipped with the tools she needs to follow Jesus into battles against the Goliath of injustice.
Features "The Love of God", performed by David Harris
Words and Music: Public Domain
CCLI Song # 18448
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. But when we cut through the familiarity, we find the future king fighting three concurrent battles: against the faithless and fearsome Goliath, against his faithless and fearful countrymen, and against the faithless and fearful King Saul. All the familiar elements of the underdog story are there. But there is a deeper and more sacred reason why David is triumphant in all three of his battles. It's more than an underdog story; it's OUR story. We all have "Goliaths" to face... how will we win the battle?
Stick around for a bonus interview with our two excellent summer students!
Features "Nothing But the Blood", performed by David Harris
Words and Music: Public Domain
CCLI Song # 21332
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
In this episode, we find that David's music has the power to soothe the savage beast (King Saul). Except, there's something deeper that brings peace, hope, purpose and strength. Something David has, and Saul does not. That's where the soothing happens.
We also have a lengthy discussion about mental health. Saul is clearly suffering from some sort of mental illness, and the passage makes it clear that God is tormenting Saul with these evil spirits. Is this how we are to understand all mental illness? Is there a place in the Kingdom and the Body of Christ for mentally ill individuals? Absolutely. Join the conversation.
Contains audio from "King David's Lyre; Echoes of Ancient Israel: A Live Performance of Track 19 (Shalom Aleichem)", as performed beautifully on the lyre by Michael Levy.
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own Mr. Levy's material.
We encourage you watch Mr. Levy's entire virtuoso performance at
[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiA86HI-GLU ]
or purchase Michael Levy's material at [ www.ancientlyre.com ].
Features "You Are My King (Amazing Love)", performed by David Harris
Words and Music by Billy J. Foote
CCLI Song # 2456623
© 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
It's our humbly triumphant return to the church building, and with it, everybody's favourite: a 16-in-1 sermon! Since we've been gone so long, Chris gets us caught up on all the action from Chapter 1's Hannah, an unexpected hero from the middle of nowhere, to Chapter 16's David, another unexpected hero from the middle of nowhere.
For the sake of those who could not attend due to health concerns or previous engagements, we've included portions of the entire service, including Scripture reading, communion, and a couple celebrations (no singing, prayer requests, or listening to Chris drone on and on about the flooding in the basement). We are excited to be back together next Sunday! But until then, get all caught up on 1 Samuel, and hear how God chooses people from the middle of nowhere (like Clyde) based on their heart for Him.
First impressions are important in the business world. First impressions are important in the arts and culture world. And first impressions are important when it comes to secretly anointing a new and completely unexpected king of Israel.
Find out what our first encounter with the future king can teach us about what God looks for in choosing and empowering us for service to Him (hint: it ain't your stunning good looks).
Also, find out the many crucial elements of a good handshake. Plus, Bob Dylan makes a guest appearance, and even croons out one of his more famous lines!
In "The Tell-Tale Heart", a man cannot escape the sin he attempts to cover up, and is driven to condemnation by the sound of a beating heart. For King Saul, his rejection wouldn't come at the sound of a beating heart, but of bleating sheep. Find out what Saul's disobedience, and subsequent refusal to accept responsibility, can teach us about listening to and loving God today.
Warning: features murder, dismemberment, genocide, and mint tithing.
They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, for better or for worse. Chapter 14 is a study in contrast between the tree (King Saul) and the apple (his son, Jonathan). Both make ridiculous decisions in this story, but one is faithful, while the other is foolish. The difference is crucial for us as well.
Grab a smack of honey to brighten those eyes (and ears) and let's hear a remarkable story of faithfulness, failure, vows, and victory.
Come for the tales of wayward, disobedient children. Stay to find out how that applies to King Saul; and more importantly, how it applies to you. The problem is disobedience. But maybe the problem isn't the problem.
Presented by the only blameless and entirely obedient child modern civilization has ever produced.
Samuel bridges the gap in a massive shift in Israel's history between the time of the Judges and the time of the Kings. God's people are about to enter a whole new world. There will be negative consequences of this new world, but there will also be the same loving God with the same loving purposes. Everything is about to change, but really, nothing is changing at all. There's a message there for us, as we enter a post-COVID world.
Renditions of Disney love songs available from Chris upon request.
Big thank you to our friend David Harris for his wonderful musicianship this week! Much appreciated, Dave!
Features "I Stand in Awe", performed by David Harris
By Mark Altrogge
CCLI Song # 23914
© 1987 Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Sovereign Grace Ministries)
CCLI License # 1251412
Image taken from Aladdin. Ron Clements, John Musker. Walt Disney Pictures, 1992.
Watch "Aladdin", and hundreds of other Disney titles, on the Disney+ streaming service.
https://www.disneyplus.com/home
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs or images featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
The best word for describing Jesus is "Messiah", or "Christ". Take a thousand year journey back from Christ to examine the story of an early messiah-figure in Israel's history, which should in turn help our understanding of Jesus' Messiahship. We will also jump ahead two thousand years after Jesus to see what assaulted mistresses, wrathful kings, and oppressive Ammonites have to say to us today.
But first... we'll praise God together in song. And get used to hearing "But first....". It comes up a few times.
Features "The Lion and The Lamb"
By Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, and Leeland Mooring
CCLI Song # 7038281
© 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); Bethel Music Publishing
Features "Jesus Messiah"
By Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves
CCLI Song # 5183443
© 2008 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); Wondrously Made Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Our world is full of coincidental stories, and we'll look at a few in this sermon, including the story of the call of Israel's first king. Saul was an unexpected man from an unassuming background, and God authors and directs every step of his ascension to the throne. What does this mean for Israel's kingship? What does this mean for Saul? What does this mean for us today?
Get ready for a trip across the centuries, from Hungary to Bethlehem; from Saul's Israel to New York City; and finally, to the most exotic location of all: Clyde, Alberta. And God is in control every step of the way.
Features "Not To Us", by Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves
CCLI Song # 4046093
© 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Features "Unashamed Love", by Lamont Hiebert
CCLI Song # 3326697
© 2000 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music [DC Cook]))
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
"Crowned Donkey" picture was designed by Victoria Novak. She is the owner of the copyright. To see her work, and purchase this particular picture, visit https://www.allposters.com/-sp/Portrait-of-Donkey-with-Crown-Hand-Drawn-Illustration-Posters_i14104911_.htm?UPI=PY31X50&PODConfigID=9664567&sOrigID=6382
Israel's demand for a king represents a sea change for the people of God. It's a microcosm of everything broken about humanity, and everything good and beautiful about the King they already had: God Himself. But what is the problem with having a king? What are their motivations in demanding one? How does this affect us today? And how is ancient Israel like a hippopotamus?
All these questions are examined here, in a series of subjects that Chris is incredibly passionate about: power, justice, and the Kingship of Christ.
Features "What Joy (Psalm 146)", by Sarah Emerson
CCLI Song # 5633113
© 2009 Centricity Music Publishing; Sarah Emerson Music Publishing
(Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Features "You Are My King (Amazing Love)", by Billy J. Foote
CCLI Song # 2456623
© 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Photo of Jesus Graffiti by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Israel has made some big mistakes by the time we get to 1 Samuel 7. Will they learn from their mistakes, or perpetuate them? Will they truly repent, or will they turn to faithlessness and fear at the first sign of trouble? And what does repentance look like, anyway?
Time to take a leisurely stroll through the monument to God's deliverance that is 1 Samuel 7. Take your time and read the signs, and pore over the details, and remember that we are not so different from Israel after all.
Features "Forever", by Chris Tomlin
CCLI Song # 3148428
© 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Features "Be Thou My Vision", by Eleanor Henrietta Hull and Mary Elizabeth Byrne
CCLI Song # 30639
Words & Music: Public Domain
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Part III of 1 Samuel's Ark Narrative is an Easter story. It may not sound anything like an Easter story, but it's definitely an Easter story.
The presence of God has departed with the Ark of the Covenant, deep in the dark heart of enemy territory. Where is the strong hand of God? How could He let the nemesis of His people defeat Him? What happens when God's glory dies and evil seems victorious?
Around 1000 BC, Israel had to look backward 1000 years to the Exodus in order to see where they would be going in another 1000 years with Jesus' death and resurrection. Find out the connection here.
Happy Easter! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Features "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)", by Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher & Marty Sampson
CCLI Song # 7037787
2015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Features "Stronger", by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan
CCLI Song # 5060810
2007 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Social Distancing is tough. But it gives us an opportunity to appreciate the suffering of Jesus (and the purpose of that suffering) a little deeper.
Happy Good Friday everyone!
Features "How Deep the Father's Love For Us", by Stuart Townend
CCLI Song # 1558110
© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Photo by Alireza Esmaeeli on Unsplash
In Part 2 of our three part "Ark Narrative" (1 Samuel 4-6), we find what becomes of the Philistines (and Indiana Jones' Nazis) once they have gained possession of the Ark of the Covenant. Will they be able to control Almighty God once they gain control of His throne? Or does this wild, Sovereign God have a lesson for everyone involved?
From there, we take the story to today, a special day leading up to Easter. The similarities are as unmistakable as they are beautiful, but there's also a warning for us, the same warning as the Philistines and Israelites received: Remember Who you are dealing with here.
Features "Blessed Be Your Name", by Beth & Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 3798438
© 2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Features "What a Beautiful Name", by Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood
CCLI Song # 7068424
© 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI License # 1251412
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
Like Indiana Jones battling the Nazis, today's passage sees the Israelites battling the Philistines. In both cases, fictional and factual, the action surrounds one small, simple, sacred golden box: the Ark of the Covenant.
The Ark had long been the symbol of the supremacy of the God of Israel. What does it mean, therefore, if the Ark doesn't bring victory? Has His glory departed from His people? What does all this have to do with our little quarantined church community? And did Chris ever defeat those imaginary Nazis in his backyard? Answers within.
Image of "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" is copyrighted by Lucasfilm and was used for the 2012 IMAX release of the film. CCBC does not own the rights to this is image and is not profiting from its use.
Features "Lord Let Your Glory Fall", by Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 2526728
© 1998 Thankyou Music
Features "Better is One Day", by Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 1097451
© 1995 Thankyou Music
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
The coronavirus has many of us following small, low-key instructions for health and safety: stay at home, wash hands, limit personal contact. Why isn't God doing bigger things? If Our God is greater, stronger and healer, then where is He in the midst of all this?
Perhaps the story of Naaman, a foreigner with a highly infectious skin disease, can shed some light on fear and love in the time of COVID-19.
Features "I Stand in Awe", by Mark Altrogge
CCLI Song # 23914
© 1987 Sovereign Grace Praise
Features "Our God", by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman
CCLI Song # 5677416
© 2010 Atlas Mountain Songs; sixsteps Music; Thankyou Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.
CCLI License # 1251412
"Here I am." Three simple words with history-altering consequences. As Israel transitions leadership from the old, corrupt priesthood of Eli to the new, faithful priesthood of Samuel, we catch a glimpse of the necessity of transformation. God is doing a new thing in us; but first, the old must pass away.
Featuring the excellent acting debuts of Sharon and Dave!
Allow me to introduce you to two world class losers: Hophni and Phinehas. Thanks to their complete contempt of God and His holiness, their father's line of priests is going to be replaced. In this sermon, Chris contrasts the corruption and self-interest of the wicked priests who get replaced with the innocence and growth of the righteous Samuel who will eventually be the one who replaces them. You know, like when you want to replace your cookware because you've watched too many infomercials. Exactly like that.
Also, this is about as close as Chris gets to hellfire and brimstone, so eat it up while you can!
Hannah's song is a powerful piece of protest against injustice, and praise for the God Who raises the vulnerable, the voiceless, the hopeless and the hurting. Her song becomes the paradigm under which the rest of the Books of Samuel function (not to mention the rest of God's work with humanity).
Near the end, Chris gives an impassioned plea for Alberta as a province to stop being the ones who increase the suffering and hardships of our most vulnerable populations in schools, hospitals, Child Services, and other places. We have a chance to, like Hannah, seek the God Who Raises those whom society deems lowly.
There's also some low key rapping, if you're into that!
As we kick off 1 Samuel, we will come to hear stories of mighty men who perform heroic acts: David, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan and many others. But first, setting the stage for the entire proceedings, we meet a small, unknown, and depressed woman named Hannah.
Her story of God bringing life and hope out of a barren, lifeless situation mirrors Israel's own situation at the beginning of these books. But it's also a small, intimate story of God hearing, remembering and redeeming a faithful servant who turns her desires over to Him.
We also somehow compare all of this to James Bond. Daniel Craig fans unite!
Hannah. Samuel. Saul. David. Jonathan. Bathsheba. Absalom. Facing giants, dancing naked, sparing enemies, demonstrating repentance. That's right: we're heading off on a new adventure, through the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Here, Chris sets the stage for the characters, stories, and themes we will encounter. All of it boils down to this: Israel had always wrestled with having Yahweh as King, but who would God choose as their earthly king? It's a question that has ramifications for our faith today.
Come for the intro to the Books of Samuel; stay for the ten minute rant on how to properly read the Old Testament.
Our Church has been deeply involved with Heart for Home Haiti, which has now come under the umbrella of Lifeline Christian Mission (LCM). Our friend Rick Scruggs from LCM gives us an update on the nation of Haiti, the house being built in Port Salut to further the mission, and his most recent trip to help with the building program (along with all the dangers and unforeseen struggles that pop up when doing mission work).
The deeper message, however is an encouragement to finish the work. Whether it's missions, community, salvation, or whatever... God isn't finished with us yet. Keep overcoming struggles, and keep your eyes on Him.
And watch out for small wooden bridges in Haiti!
Deserts feel barren, lifeless, and harsh. Many of our heroes in Scripture, including the most familiar names, spent time in desert places. While there, God often showed up and transformed them.
Each of us encounter desert experiences in our lives as well: times of loneliness, obscurity, discipline, mental illness, and thirst for more in life- just like our heroes in Scripture. Is there a Way out? Who knows it? How can we find that Way, in all the sandy sadness and searing stress of life?
And what comes after Luke 3? Thankfully, Barb is there to guide us through that (tricky?) question as well.
Wrapping up a two week miniseries, we look at how our second PRE word, Presents, tell us how to respond to the arrival of the Messiah. Don't be rude: follow the examples of the magi, shepherds, Simeon & Anna, Zechariah & Elizabeth, Joseph & Mary, Little Drummer Boys, and Friendly Beasts. Open your gift like a rejoicing child... and then bring Him something in return. But what present should we bring, to lay before the King (pa rum pa pum pum)?
PS: If you ever find yourself worshiping at Clyde Christian Bible Church, maybe avoid licking your fingers, putting your hand over the mouth of the glass, belching, or saying Happy Holidays. Actually... maybe that last one is fine!
PPS: Big thank you to Darcey for perfectly interrupting the sermon to give Chris a giant stuffed stegosaurus!
As we move from the RE:series to the PRE:series, we begin to examine Advent through the lens of words that begin with "pre". Our first word is Preparations. The Christmas season is filled with preparations, which can be burdensome and stressful, but also joyful and meaningful. The same was true for the arrival of the Messiah.
God had been making preparations for centuries beforehand, and the birth narrative itself prepares us for Jesus' identity and purpose. But what do all these preparations mean for us this Advent season? And who is this mysterious "Gangie Rantz" individual who stresses over picking Christmas gifts? And how will Chris' daughter do in her big Christmas concert recorder performance? These important questions (and more) await!
The following is NOT a Christmas message, despite kicking off our celebration of Advent 2019. It is, however, an examination of how Jesus refused to grasp onto His divine status, but instead came to Earth to give, give, give and give some more. He has great gifts ready for us, and He came in humility and power to give them. Great gifts, like the gifts of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. And Ferrero Rocher.
Okay, so maybe there is some Christmas in there somewhere.
One of the many bizarre things about Chris is how much he resists sleep... at his own peril. Humans are designed for rest. In this, the final installment of the RE:examination series, we explore the 4 types of Old and New Testament rests and combine them together to get a portrait of how crucial it is for the people of God to rest in Him. It sounds like a small, weak, and unsuspecting word. But REST contains enormous power and purpose.
We also answer the age-old question of whether or not Jesus watched Netflix on the mountain.
The greatest grudge match for followers of Jesus becomes how to understand their means of expressing faith. Is Christianity a religion, or a relationship? What is the difference between them, and what does Scripture say about them? Chris' answer is probably obvious- he seems to preach about this topic every second sermon. But in the end: are religion and relationship really combatants? Or is Christianity a tag team between them? To find out... LET'S GET READY TO PODCAST!!!
Israel underwent a severely traumatic experience with the Exile. But God remained with His people, preserving a faithful remnant. Out of that remnant came a New Growth, with New Life for a New People, and this New Growth promised to remain with His New People if they remain in Him. What does this look like for us? What does this mean? We'll RE:examine these questions (and more) in this sermon.
And if anyone is a gardener who is deeply offended by Chris' ignorance of basic gardening tips, please forgive him. He also doesn't know much about trees, apparently.
Across four different words in two different languages, from the prophets to the Book of Revelation, the process of refining is important for God's people to have a baseline understanding of. Together we RE:examine tough questions revolving around suffering and purification... while also learning how the Canadian govt refines gold. Thank goodness for hydrochloric acid and titanium cathodes! And thank God for the sacred purposes behind our faith-refining process.
When a dear friend wandered in the wrong direction, he inadvertently gave Chris a sermon-long illustration for today's RE:word: REPENTANCE. More than just a word of judgment and wrath, repentance has several different connotations depending on the Scriptural language you are referring to. So grab a thali lunch plate from Puspa and get your map of NW Calgary ready, because we're going to turn to the crucial Bible concept of repentance: our first role in the process of salvation.
Apologies in advance to my best friend Matthew. But he's a PhD. He's fine.
The word reconciliation is rare in Scripture, but the principle of it is alive throughout its pages. In this RE:examination, we dig into three different stories of Scripture (beginning, middle, and NT), looking for ways to apply reconciliation's beautiful principles to our faith and our mission as ambassadors for Christ. Get ready to be embraced by a Loved One we have long estranged ourselves from.
PS: for a fun game, try and guess how many times Chris stumbles over the pronunciation of the word "reconciliation"! Better guess a high number!
While most of the RE words in this series are mega-themes across the entirety of Scripture, today's word is mostly condensed into one conversation Jesus has in one chapter of the Bible. But since it's such an important chapter, and because understanding is so lopsided, we will examine reBIRTH, with an eye towards reclaiming it from stereotypical "born again" usages.
More importantly, we will compare our spiritual rebirth to physical birth and see how we can grow in faith and understanding. And Chris will bring the ice water!
The resurrection stories of Scripture (both Old Testament and New) are... weird. But in them we can RE:examine a few beautiful truths: namely, WHO resurrection is for, and WHEN resurrection takes place. Prepare yourself for lots of zombie talk. And if you're planning to fall asleep during this sermon, make sure you aren't in a windowsill.
In Part 4 of our RE:examination of our place in the story of Scripture, Marnie takes us on a wonderfully instructive journey through the acts, costs, and persons of redemption throughout the Bible, from the Exodus to Ruth to the Exile to the Resurrection.
Also, hear how Paul redeems himself by finally finding his coupon to redeem for treats. Well done Paul!
*Notice: apologies for sound quality- we had a small technical difficulty!
What do Jr High crushes have in common with religious systems in the Bible? Both are filled with the fear of rejection. In this sermon, we examine several of the foundational covenant items between God and His chosen people, Israel... and then we examine how God rejected each of them, one by one. But does this mean He has rejected His people? How does rejection fit into the story of humanity wrestling with God? And would Chris ever find a wife after his Jr High romantic rejection?
As we get into our RE:examination series, we begin with the problem. Namely, us. Our human desire to rebel doesn't make us charming underdogs. It makes us susceptible to sin, suffering, and death.
Using Adam & Eve, the exodus, the law, the Psalms, the Prophets, and the Gospels, we RE:examine the human tendency to rebel. We also briefly examine the proper method for executing teenagers with attitude.
This is the first part of a 12-part series, RE:examining the stories of Scripture through a variety of words that begin with 'RE'. We begin with Revelation, the means through which our Creator God connects with His creatures. We examine a variety of ways that He accomplishes this task, both through General Revelation and Specific Revelation, while touching on the 'dangers' of each.
Also, Chris compares everyone to two different kinds of insects, and accidentally denies that the earth revolves around the sun. Now THAT's a revelation.
Paul finally gets to his initial purpose for writing Philippians: to say thank you to his friends for the generous financial gift. But his way of saying thank you for the treasure seems strange, even rude, to our western ears. Why is this? Could it be he's disassembling local customs? Could it be he's got a deeper purpose? Could it be that there's a greater treasure to be thankful for?
Stay towards the end to hear two valuable partners in the Gospel receive a portion of the honour they deserve: Walter and Cindy Selke, long-time missionaries to First Nations individuals in Saskatchewan; and Madison St. Louis, our excellent summer student.
You will also hear our friend Shane get publicly eviscerated... for a good cause???
It's time to reclaim a hugely popular, but largely misunderstood, Bible verse from the mouths of championship athletes and Olympians. Today's passage is for everyone. But it's really for Christ Himself. It's about strength, contentment, suffering, victory, and my man: Jake Dalton.
Big shout out to memorizing Bible verses. Including two-word verses that get memorized incorrectly. (Bigger shout out to wrapping yourself up in the wisdom of the entire story of Scripture, of course!)
Having spent all summer catching up on Marvel movies and then visiting Mt. Terry Fox with 30 teens, Chris had heroes on his brain for the Church's annual Jasper Camp youth group trip. In this sermon, Chris rehashes the messages he gave the youth, centered on the idea that Christ exhibits all the characteristics of the Greatest Hero. Jesus is a hero worth following.
Unlike Superman. That dude's super overrated
Our friend Jon Kramer delivers a beautiful examination of questions regarding the character of God. What is He really like? Is He cruel? Angry? Indifferent? As the story of Scripture unfolds, we need only look as far as Jesus to get the fullest answer.
A brief testimony about a very meaningful day Chris had in July. Or should that be Jluly?
It doesn't make any sense to identify yourself with what you DON'T do. And yet that's a trap the Church often falls into. It makes much more sense to be identified by what you DO: what you exemplify, what you value, and what you represent. In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul reminds a suffering group of faithful followers what it is they are supposed to be doing.
Can't wait to read Dale's next exciting and enticing medieval romance novel!
Come for a stroll through the vegetable patch with our friend Marnie, and she will point out to you some of the ways that weeds, roots, patience, pruning, and wonder can lead us to deeper discipleship.
She will also celebrate manure, like a good Alberta girl.
Click here to listen to the song that was edited out of the sermon:
"I'll Be a Child", by Laughing Sally
As Paul begins to wrap up his letter, he offers some practical application regarding everything he's been teaching for three entire chapters. And it all centers on two prominent women having a high profile disagreement. Paul is willing to "name names", as in the McCarthy Communist hunts of the 40's and 50's, but Paul's purposes are much more sacred and uplifting... because they are carried out "in the Lord".
Communism; feminism; heavy criticism of the King James Version; plus two mega-themes in Philippians: this sermon's got it all.
In the last sermon we examined enemies of the cross; people who have their eyes set on earthly things. Their destiny is destruction, their gods are their stomachs, and their glory is in their shame. And the church often is guilty of these things, falling into the worldly traps of consumption and individualism.
But in Part 2, we examine the other side of that contrast. What does it mean to have a heavenly citizenship? We examine stories of faith that demonstrate how God's people have always been exiles in this world. As exiles, our destiny and our glory are found in the God Who calls us home.
Apologies in advance to the good people of Barrhead. Again.
What is our destiny? What is our God? What is our glory? These questions will fuel the next two sermons, beginning with Part I, as hot dogs, climate change, and red grapes will all be used to have us confront our allegiances; either to the cross, or to ourselves.
Kristy Fraser is an excellent servant of God who happens to call CCBC her home church. She will be venturing to South Sudan in the coming months to serve among the Lopit people. Hear her goals, concerns, plans, hopes, and prayers as she serves as an ambassador for Christ amongst a people group largely neglected by the world at large (and the church as well).
Also, hear her enthusiasm for cows. And her distaste for cabbage.
What causes an athlete to take their eyes off the finish line, celebrate too soon, and forfeit their victory? That question leads to an examination of perfection and maturity in the Kingdom of God. Watch out for rookie mistakes on the marathon that is your faith journey.
Click HERE to watch the YouTube link of the Oregonian runner referenced in the sermon.
Click HERE to watch a clip of the Raptors/Wizards play referenced in the sermon.
Click HERE to see a hairy man in a swimsuit, as referenced in the sermon.
Like Paul, Chris gets a little fired up talking about circumcision. Or maybe it's the Anchorman references? Either way, the two warnings for all believers encapsulated in today's passage require some urgency. Everything is worthless garbage compared to knowing Jesus. Even our leather-bound books and mahogany-scented apartments.
Honourable individuals receiving the acclaim they deserve always makes Chris emotional. But what should we define as honourable in the Kingdom of God? And who serves as a model for that honourable behaviour? Paul chimes in with a few examples of men familiar to the Philippians who are worthy of honour... and their characteristics might feel very familiar.
For anyone interested in watching the brief youtube video in the introduction please follow this link. It originally aired on BBC's "That's Life" in 1988. Make sure you have some Kleenex handy.
Well, things get a little weird, as Chris combines all of Paul's various images from verses 14-18 into one strange imaginary situation. But as we'll see, each element of the imagination exercise ties Philippi to Old Testament Israel... and to modern day Clyde. It's a strange journey, but with a familiar destination: nearness to Christ Jesus.
Get out there and shine, little babies.
This sermon will excite amateur etymologists everywhere, as we examine words that are derived from, or influenced by, the Cross of Jesus. Hopefully, as we examine these words, we shed some light on the crucial significance of Easter as well.
PS- for all those vegetable experts, yes, Chris mispronounced the word cruciferous. He offers his sincere apologies.
Ricot and Mandy Leon are missionaries with a vision for serving people in Port Salut, Haiti. The morning after our church hosted a fundraiser for their mission, Ricot and Mandy took to the microphone to share an update of the work being done, as well as what God is teaching them personally through the whole process. We also take some time to encourage one another as co-servants in the Kingdom. It is honest, vulnerable, exciting, and fascinating.
Plus, see if you can hear the moment when their son climbs onto Ricot's lap and begins mimicking his every word and movement. Adorable.
We all live in the balance between work (which is good and meaningful) and toil (which is difficult and empty). Salvation is no different. For the Philippians, the great gift of salvation, and the work that's associated, had become toilsome. In today's sermon, we examine the power of obedience, fear & trembling, and work (especially the work God has done and is doing through us).
We also hear Chris stumble through some awful Greek pronunciations and ridiculous Kindergarten experiences. Let's get to work!
At CCBC, we thoroughly enjoy giving valuable ministry experience to training Bible College students. This week we were fortunate to have a team of five young men from Alberta Bible College join us for several days of experience in rural ministry, capped off by the team leader, David Ross, offering a thoughtful exploration of two crucially important Biblical themes: Ransom and Redemption.
Come for the lovely lilting Scottish voice. Stay for the excellent examination and application of Biblical truth.
We spent an entire sermon examining Paul's poetic masterpiece in Philippians 2. And we're back for more. But this time we're looking for some practical application. How can we apply the pattern of Jesus' selfless, humble, obedient nature to our own lives? It's possibly the most important question we can ask ourselves. Hopefully we all get some tips from today's sermon.
As our friend Nacho Libre would say, let's get down to the nitty gritty.
Drumming is all about finding patterns and locking into the rhythm. In this, the first of a two-part examination of one of the grandest passages in Scripture, we will find the pattern that Jesus established through His humble, obedient, servant-hearted life and death.
We will also imagine Chris Lantz as a hamster.
Not everything can be as beautiful and poetic as Philippians 2.
Today's excellent sermon is delivered by Jeff King, who works with Compassion Canada. By reminding all of us how children demonstrate the template for faith in God's Kingdom, Jeff also calls us to value our smallest neighbours as much as Jesus does. He also teaches us some cheat codes for playing Rock Paper Scissors against Latino children, which is very handy indeed.
Just as children demonstrate need, expectation, and hopeful possibility, so too should our Father's more adult Kingdom inhabitants!
Visit Compassion's website for more information about sponsoring impoverished children.
This week we were happy to welcome Rick and Debbie Scruggs to our tiny corner of the Kingdom. Rick and Debbie had served at one of our big sister churches in Calgary for decades, but Rick has recently taken a position at Lifeline Christian Mission. In this capacity, he works closely with a project in Haiti that is very close to our hearts: Heart for Home Haiti.
Before giving us an update on the progress of this mission (not included in this recording), Rick gave a thought-provoking and encouraging message on how every Christian life is a life of mission. Especially to those we wouldn't assume we are called to serve.
The Philippians are a healthy, vibrant Church. They are like a delicious banana split. But Paul can see that something is missing: they need the cherry on top to really make them effective. Discover the missing ingredient here.
Also, discover what happens when Chris' sermon notes get all out of whack. A little bit of chaos.
Using Paul the Apostle and Sir David Attenborough as our teachers, we discuss the defenses Christians have against the dual threats of the cold, hostile world we live in and the hungry wolves that seek to destroy us. We also get compared to large hairy goats... but in a good way.
This episode uses YouTube footage of BBC's "Frozen Planet", directed by Ray Dal, produced by Alastair Fothergill, and narrated by Sir David Attenborough. CCBC does not claim ownership of the material, and it is being used for commentary purposes.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUhjl7bFbw4]
In the midst of paradoxes and soliloquies, we find a beautiful truth about faith in Jesus. We may get our minds stretched, but hopefully it's our hearts and soul that get the real workout from Paul's beautiful ruminations on living for Christ and finding purpose in death. (With a higher-than-average number of references to "Hamlet".)
Well, Chris hadn't talked about the Oilers in a while, so you knew you were due for an NHL-centric sermon illustration. Here we talk about some of the failings of the local hockey team and how they demonstrate an inability to see the Bigger Picture. This is in stark contrast to Paul's personal update to his Philippian friends. Despite some tremendously difficult circumstances, Paul is able to rejoice. Why? Because he has his eyes on the bigger picture.
PS: big shout out to mentoring pastor Tim Gurnett, who was and is a huge influence on Chris. Take THAT, Gurnett!
You wouldn't believe some of the basic things Kindergarten teachers need to teach their 5-year-olds. Kindergarten is all about learning the basics. This is the message of Paul's prayer of intercession for his beloved Philippians: that they would grow in the basics (love, wisdom, righteousness, growth, and glory). It helps to keep our eyes on the goal ahead.
As a bonus, we get to learn the Greek word for intestines. Because that too is a basic, fundamental aspect of our faith.
Paul's prayer of thanks for the Philippians recognizes a truth about the Christian life that is very similar to a truth about renovating basements: it's got little to do with money and everything to do with Phases of Completion. Whether you are skilled with a sledgehammer (or a bowl of spaghetti) or not, Paul's prayer of thanksgiving offers opportunities for encouragement, learning, and rejoicing.
Great films use their opening scene to introduce characters, plot, and setting... but the best opening scenes (as in "There Will Be Blood") set the stage for the themes of the rest of the work of art. As we explore the first two verses of Philippians (yes, only two verses), we will see how Paul took a standard formula and filled it with the crucial themes of his letter: Humility, Unity, Sanctity, and the Gospel Message.
Also, due to a slight audio issue, get ready to hear papers being shuffled super loud. Apologies!
As we begin our new sermon series we take a look at the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of Philippians. In this overview we will learn the cultural context of the ancient city of Philippi; be reintroduced to old friends like Lydia and Timothy; have a pop quiz about Paul; and meet Chris' new best friend: a ceramic llama cookie jar he got from his friend Matthew.
Over the course of the new few weeks and months, we pray that the teachings of Philippians bring us to a deeper level of joyful unity and Christ-focused living.
The Bible is sufficient for all our needs... but it has some missing content that fills us with curiosity. So it is with the lost years of Paul. What we can piece together about the Apostle's last half-decade of life offers both sadness and strength, as we get a portrait of a hero facing the end of his mission with dignity and power despite loneliness and suffering.
"Despite __________, I know ___________, because _____________." It's an overly simplistic formula for the gifts offered by Jesus at Christmas: Hope, Faith, Joy and Love. But as we'll see, each of these gifts is rooted in the past, present, future, and eternity, and as we unwrap each one, we find the formula for a life of fulfillment and purpose. But the formula requires one extra factor: YOU. Someone to accept the gifts and step into the beautiful timeless Kingdom of the Christ Who came to us.
It's the holidays, meaning you will likely be gathering with family members you don't see as often as you'd like, sharing gifts and meals and time together. As we close out the four weeks of Advent, we examine how the arrival of Emmanuel is like a family being reunited. It's also something like the greatest Christmas movie of them all: Gladiator. Trust me, it'll make sense.
Celebrate the God Who took on flesh in order to fight the battle with us and return us to the Love of our Father.
(Note: CCBC does not own the copyright to the image of Russell Crowe from "Gladiator".
Scott, Ridley (Director & Executive Producer). (2000) Gladiator [Motion Picture]. Canada: DreamWorks Home Entertainment.)
In the story of a great man suffering terribly, we see a portrait of conflict and tragedy. In the story of a powerful, wise, and loving Creator being born as a helpless, vulnerable baby, we see God's response. Find out what peace means for us at Christmas time and beyond.
Joy is rooted in the promises of God. However, it's easier to describe through stories of experience, so that's exactly what Marnie does: she shares joyful stories of bringing the Kingdom to a hurting place. Rejoice along with her as we hear how God is at work in this broken world, as He was during the arrival of the Messiah.
Plus, you can almost taste the chocolate playing "guess the joyful Christmas carol lyrics"!
The first week of Advent is the week of hope. In this sermon Marnie beautifully examines the connection between hope and silence, taking us from the empty manger of Bethlehem to the broken people of small town Manitoba, piercing us with the words of favourite carols along the way.
And fear not: that 60 second quiet you hear is no audio malfunction! It's a crucial reminder of the power and beauty of expectant silence.
Our two year journey through the Book of Acts has come to an end. However, though the book has ended, the story hasn't. Find out what it might mean for us that Luke ends his great narrative so abruptly. Where the stories of Paul and the Apostles end, our story begins.
As an added bonus, hear a special trailer for Luke's never-before-seen third masterpiece! (Note: it's totally fictional. And totally stupid.)
Sure it's a cliche, but that's only because it's a truth that fits so perfectly: life is an adventure. In the case of Paul in Acts 27, that adventure takes him to the high seas, where he faces storms, shipwrecks, and serpents. Through it all, God is in control, and Paul himself is a light of hope, wisdom, witness, service and leadership to those around him. Hopefully we can hop aboard with Paul on his adventure and let it lead us to reflect on our own lifetime adventures.
Remembrance Day used to be known as Armistice Day. But as with many Biblical name changes, the change in name for November 11th resulted in greater power and purpose. Why is it better to Remember than to celebrate an armistice? What is worthy of Remembering, in the church and culture at large, about national involvement in war? Why does Chris insist on insulting the farmers of Alberta? Find out in this brief call to action on Remembrance Day.
Symbols are everywhere in our world, and the most important ones are designed to keep us healthy and sustain life. This is true in the Church as well. In this sermon we will examine the two most crucial symbols of the church, after seeing how these symbols empower and embolden Paul as he remains in legal limbo.
We will also be blessed with the incredible dramatic vocal talents of Nick, Barb, Angie, and Andrew (some more dramatic than others)!
Also: apologies for the terrible audio quality. A mistake was made in the recording process. Fixed it as best we could!
Mammon. It's an ugly word to say. And for followers of Jesus, it's an even uglier word to be influenced by. In this sermon, we examine the response of Felix and Drusilla to the Gospel of Jesus, and expose the twisted, selfish, and violent nature of the idol Mammon (which means "wealth").
We also kick a few rocks at a prominent Christian media mogul and a famous country music singer. Apologies to Toby Keith fans everywhere!
Now here's a little story I've got to tell / about three white rappers you know so well (or perhaps don't), and the issues of legitimacy that faced the Beastie Boys in 1989 and MC Hammer in 1990. Were they real hip hop? Or posers and phonies? How do you measure legitimacy anyway?
For the Apostle Paul, the question of legitimacy was life or death as he faced trial before Felix, the Roman ruler. Would the Church be validated and legitimized by the worldly powers of the day? And is there an even more crucial source of legitimacy in the eyes of God and neighbour? Find out as we explore Acts 24 (and the history of rap in the late 1980's).
Are you ready for a dramatic thrill ride of assassination attempts, family reconciliation, and political backroom dealings? Then have we got a story for you! But although we learn smaller lessons from the assassins and the young nephew, it's one tiny verse of Paul that serves as the main course for this Thanksgiving sermon. And that's a promise.
By the way, apologies for those of you who can't or won't eat turkey. Chris mentions eating turkey a lot in this sermon. We love you too, vegetarians.
"It is not he or she or them or it that you belong to." These lyrics from Bob Dylan encapsulate the heroism of Paul as he defends himself against Romans and Jews alike. We examine the third way of Jesus, where we don't pledge allegiance to flags or denominations or nations or anything else human and fallible. Instead, we are devoted to Christ and His Kingdom, turning outsiders into neighbors through His love and grace.For bonus fun, imagine Chris preaching this sermon with a creaky 1965 Bob Dylan voice.
We're back in Acts, baby! After a quick twenty dollar summary, we examine how Paul's abuse in Jerusalem can inform us about our own tendency to cling to tradition (at the expense of outsiders around us). May or may not feature talk of NHL MVP Taylor Hall, and an ongoing spat in the Lantz residence regarding Christmas presents.
Chris shares a personal experience with fear and death, extending from his childhood to a recent funeral he performed. The central question, What's the Point?, is explored in light of the resurrection. "A sincere thank you to the family who welcomed me into their home, into their grief, and into their lives. May your mourning be turned into joy in light of the hope of resurrection made possible by Jesus." -Chris
The mountains are stunning, but they wouldn't be the same without water. In this sermon, Chris recaps the five lessons he taught the 30-some young people who attended Clyde Christian Bible Church's annual Jasper Camp. Each lesson is a journey through the salvation story, with water as the common ingredient. From Genesis to the Gospels, see how water can teach us about Who God is and who we are in His story.(Best if listened to while driving through Jasper National Park, if you can!)
This sermon is like a roadtrip. It starts off weird, with talk of cows and goose statues. There are detours into feminist theology. And eventually we arrive at our destination: an examination of what fueled Paul's determination to face suffering and imprisonment in Jerusalem despite the pleas of friends old and new. Buckle up. And try not to think too much about what the farm animals are pondering.
Today's passage is a beautiful and emotional portrait of Biblical encouragement. In this sermon, we explore the principles and powerful effects of encouragement on the hearts of followers of Jesus. You may get so encouraged that you find yourself on the floor, sobbing and being kissed by many people. But probably not.PS- please don't call this sermon "nice".
There are a surprising number of resurrections in the Bible. As we examine the last of these resurrection stories, the account of Paul healing a young man who plummeted from a window, we will see how God has the power and compassion to bring life back to small, unimportant, broken people.But whatever you do, don't fall asleep during this sermon. It may be fatal, as Eutychus reminds us.
One thing that's hard to understand: sports riots. They represent the worst of the sports world, and demonstrate the ugly core of society. Why does the world rage? And where does the Church fit in the midst of all that tumultuous chaos? In this, the last story of Paul among the Ephesians, we see how Christ offers a new way of living away from rage, as well as the consequences of this new life.BEWARE: there is a lot of sports talk ahead. Buckle up.
By contrasting Paul's actions in Acts 19 with Hitler's Nazi Germany, we get a powerful demonstration of the difference between how humans use power and how God uses power. Several remarkable stories come together to show the powerful love of God and the powerful faith of His people.Warning: may make you want to perform magic after taking a nap in a sweaty apron.
Paul has the ingredient in abundance. Apollos just needs to tweak his ingredients slightly. Twelve men in Ephesus are missing the ingredient altogether. In each of these stories we see what all believers need to be proper followers: The Crucial Ingredient.Featuring Barry, the first (and last) contestant on "Bake Mistakes with Pastor Lantz".
Sometimes, the smallest events have the most enormous consequences. This was true with the Black Plague, the Titanic, and the death of Rock and Roll stars... not to mention the spread of the Gospel by the Apostle Paul and others. Find out how a seemingly ho-hum trial in Corinth led to enormously beneficial consequences for the Church. And bring your clean underwear.
"Bright light city, gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul on fire." This is Paul's fear as he enters Corinth, the Roman Empire's version of Vegas' Sin City. What light could he shine in such a dark place? Where would he find encouragement in such a corrupt world? And how many goat hides has Chris Lantz touched in his life? Find out right here. Viva Las Corinth indeed.
Are you in the market for amateur theology, mixed with very, very amateur philosophy?! Then you're in the right place! As we examine Paul's speech to the Greek intellectuals in Acts 17, we examine how we too can reach our non-Christian neighbour through a similar commitment to treading lightly with Scripture and utilizing pagan art to illuminate the truth about God. The key to loving someone is to learn about them first.I left much of the excellent discussion from after the sermon (though some was edited out). Also: what I describe as "pantheism" is actually "polytheism" (poly= many, theo= gods). Whoops. And finally, here is a link to the podcast that informed most of my (very amateur) philosophy. -CL[ https://thisculturalmoment.podbean.com/ ]
It's a sermon about cities, and a sermon about seeds, but really it's a sermon about people's reactions to the Good News of Jesus Christ. It's also about trashing the neighbouring town of Barrhead. It's just a joke though, Barrhead. We love you, Barrhead, like Paul loves Thessalonica and Berea. We love you like Athens loves its idols and idle chatter. We love you like Angie loves giggling churchmice.
It's okay to make a mistake... as long as you fix it. Today we see two major leaders in the Church make some mistakes, and we'll see how God will fix the situation to accomplish His will. With a little Beatles, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, geography trivia, and George W. Bush thrown in for good measure.
Our friend Ricot Leon, a native Haitian currently living in Calgary with his wife Mandy and three children, gives a wonderful message on the necessity of embracing interruptions in life, since God is often found in those interruptions. Amazingly, he chooses a passage from Acts we've been studying lately.For more information on Ricot and Mandy's wonderful mission in Haiti, which our church supports regularly, follow this link: http://www.heartforhomehaiti.com/
Two men enter a Philippian prison, but it is the jailer who is released from his captivity. Hear the story of the jailer in his own (imagined) words, and find out how it connects to the crucifixion and resurrection of our Living Lord, Jesus Christ.Happy Easter 2018!
Are you ready to learn from one exceptional woman how to properly respond to salvation? Are you ready to see how wealth can positively and negatively affect our response to God? Are you ready for talk about baptism, Fascists, purple cloth guilds, Jim Carrey's state of salvation, senior citizens in north-central rural Alberta, and Palm Sunday?Then have we got the sermon for you!
So... the Jerusalem Council has decided what the Gentiles are required to do to be welcomed into the Church. The restrictions are: Food, Food, Food, and Sex. Weird, right? We will explore why the Church leaders in Acts 15 offered these restrictions, and then we will explore what these restrictions and freedoms mean for us today, 2000 years later.*WARNING: Chris gets a little fiery near the end. That always happens when he has to clean art supplies.
Hooray. A two-part series about signing a document. Sounds thrilling. But it is! The Jerusalem Council is the centerpiece event in the Book of Acts. Today we examine the question of whether or not circumcision or obedience to the Law are required to follow Jesus. We take the answer for granted. We'll see that the early church did not.Also: apologies for the poor audio quality. Next week will be better!
Paul and Barnabas have been heroes for how they endured suffering for the Name of Jesus, but today we examine how they were heroes for how the denied themselves glory for the Name of Jesus. Beginning with an ancient Greek fable and finishing with our Apostles in Lystra, we will see the necessity of deflecting glory off ourselves and onto the God Who comes to visit us.If nothing else, you'll learn what to do if someone begins sacrificing oxen in your honour and mistaking you for a Greek god.
In today's sermon, Chris somehow connects Ben Franklin standing naked in front of a window to Paul being nearly martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. But hey... Whatever Works.An exploration on the purpose and power of sacrificing yourself for the glory of God.
Last week we looked at Paul's actions and God's actions that led to the Apostle's sermon before Jews and Gentiles in Galatia. Today we look at reactions to that groundbreaking sermon: reactions from Gentiles, Jews, and Paul & Barnabas themselves.Shockingly, Chris uses sports as his metaphor for all this. Apologies to the Hoetmer family, by the way!
As Paul and Barnabas break ground for the Gospel, we examine their actions for the Kingdom: humility, endurance, and proclaiming Jesus. But really, through Paul's sermon to the people of Pisidian Antioch, we will see how those actions all point to the greater actions of God Himself.We will also hear Chris confuse the New Testament with the Internet, forget that Moses ever existed, and accidentally declare Canada's birthday as 1967 instead of 1867. And a big shout out to Bill for getting every answer correct. We should all strive to be more like Bill.
As Saul (sorry... PAUL) and Barnabas head out to evangelize up some gentiles, they stop at Cyprus. It gives Chris a great opportunity to discuss the power, purpose, and principles of speaking harshly to someone else. Come for the terrible impression of "Angry Jesus"; stay for the self-reflective personal testimony to the power of harsh words.See if you can find the moment where Chris' wife, Angie, is pointing to her watch from the back pew. Harsh.
Sometimes a passage doesn't have a point... but that doesn't mean it's pointless. Come rummage through a few different thoughts regarding unfamiliar leaders, spiritual disciplines, missions, and faithfulness to God, and see if something sticks with you.Featuring a tricky Latin lesson, an examination of fasting, and Chris bragging that he can read.
When it comes to important theological questions, such as "Why do some people suffer, while others are saved?", it's important to have a good grasp on where good theology comes from. The life and death of James the Apostle can teach us plenty about suffering, glory, and faithfulness to the words (and Word) of God.So put down your fishing poles, turn off The Walking Dead, and make yourself a nice warm bowl of minestrone. Because we're talking theology of suffering.
What does the first martyrdom of an apostle have to do with Peter's miraculous escape from prison (again), and what does that have to do with a vicious, self-serving king, and how is that connected to an unanswered knock on a gate, and what's that got to do with being consumed by worms? The Beatles, obviously. Not to mention faithfulness in the face of God's Sovereign care.WARNING: Many terrible Beatles references within. Also bowel-eating parasites.
The funny thing about the New Year is that, while everything is new, nothing feels different. Using that sensation as a a backdrop, we explore the significance of the anonymous Antioch Church's first evangelistic ministry to the Gentiles.
This week, we're on the Island of Misfit Toys. On this island, known as the Church, we misfits are the perfect fit for what our King has planned. Even the most abominable monsters (like Saul) can be reformed by this love and called to a purpose in Him. Let Rudolph light the way as our guide through Acts, the Christmas story, and God's Love.Disclaimer: Contains a portion of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964), as distributed by NBC/Universal, available for purchase on BluRay, DVD, or wherever you purchase, rent, or stream movies online (eg: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/tv-season/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/id1164626177). I do not own any of the copyrighted material played within.
...in which Chris uses a movie he's never seen as his main illustration, connecting the martyrdom of Stephen to Miracle of 34th Street and the Peace of the Advent season. Along the way we examine terrified shepherds, courtroom dramas, and a belligerent preacher who hasn't seen It's a Wonderful Life. But mostly we find out how Jesus brings peace to our broken, chaotic world.Disclaimer: Contains a portion of "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947), as released by 20th Century Fox, available for purchase on BluRay, DVD, or wherever you purchase, rent, or stream movies online (eg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rpg95CzFXM). I do not own any of the copyrighted material played within.
Continuing in our examination of Advent through the lenses of Acts and Christmas movies we love, this sermon heads down Mt. Crumpet and into Whoville. We will see how joy is a transformational response to grace, and how we are called to spread that joy to others (often through sacrificial giving). We will journey through Acts, the nativity scene, and the genius of Dr. Seuss & Chuck Jones to find joy as a light in our darkness.Disclaimer: Contains a portion of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (1966), as released by Warner Home Video, available for purchase on BluRay, DVD, or wherever you purchase, rent, or stream movies online (eg: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/movie/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-1966/id598131599 ). I do not own any of the copyrighted material played within.
How do you connect Acts 2, the first week of Advent (Hope), and the classic Christmas film Home Alone? Tune in to find out!Important Disclaimer: Contains a portion of "Home Alone" (1990), as produced by Hughes Entertainment and 20th Century Fox, available for purchase on BluRay, DVD, or wherever you purchase or rent movies online(eg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU3Ia5Fsn-k ).I do not own any of the copyrighted material played within.
Repetition can feel tiresome and lazy, as sitcom watchers in the 90's may remember. But repetition in Scripture has power. And this familiar retelling of Peter's vision and visit with Cornelius certainly contains some added power.As we hear Chris say the word 'circumcision' waaaaaaay too many times, we will see how the first inner-conflict of the Church was resolved when biases and bigotries were put aside so that God could move forward with His glorious plans.Apologies in advance to former Oiler Sam Gagner, hot dog barbecuers, and fans of Full House.
What does a nerd getting a bloody nose on a bicycle trip have to do with Peter and the gentiles? I guess you'll have to listen to find out. As Peter gives the first gospel sermon intended for gentiles, we will see him focus on the basics of faith.As an added bonus, you will also learn the secret to Chris' sermon writing. Spoiler alert: it's really not a secret at all. Peter is much better at it anyway.
WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!In this sermon, we examine the vision experienced by Paul that lead him to kick down the door between the Jews and the Gentiles (with the prodding of the Lord). It was a monumental change in the Kingdom of God, with fascinating origins. So get comfy, take up your roasted gecko and chocolate-covered ladybug, and find out how a gentile like yourself was welcomed into the covenant.
He may not have been the hero we'd expect for the monumental task of initiating the process of welcoming the Gentiles into the Church, but Cornelius reminds us that God chooses unexpected people who have a heart for Him and for their neighbors. Cornelius also reminds us to set aside our assumptions about who God is willing to use and include in His plans.Apologies in advance to any American friends who may be listening to this. I'm sure you'll never invade Alberta looking for freshwater. Please?
As Peter visits the "Holy Ones", we read about healing acts done for humble people with unfortunate names. What can we learn about the nature of God's people? What can we learn about receiving, reflecting and being redeemed by His love? How can Chris mistake the metric system for the imperial system so frequently? All these answers and more as we journey with Peter as the Holy Spirit prepares him to blow the doors open among the "Hagios".
Saul's early efforts in ministry don't inspire much thankfulness at first glance. He endures suffering, death threats, loneliness and rejection. However, in exploring the story (as well as sections of Paul's later writings) we will see how, even in the most difficult of times, we should always be like Saul and demonstrate contentment, praise, and thankfulness. Even inside a fish basket.Plus, we get to meet the Big Map o' Missions, and Chris uses food metaphors an awful lot.
This is not a sermon either! It's part 2 in a mini-series of historical fictional biographies (liberties were definitely taken) exploring some fascinating characters in the Book of Acts. Last week it was Saul's conversion, this week it's the story of the man who played a central role in that conversion: Ananias of Damascus. Step into his world and find the story of a faithful servant, suffering for Christ, who heard the words of Jesus and helped turn an enemy into a brother.Still working on the sound quality. My apologies!
This morning, we examine the conversion of Saul through the eyes of Saul himself. It's not a sermon, but hopefully it results in some encouragement and exploration of the effect that an encounter with the Light of Jesus can have on our entire being.(Disclaimer: the recording at church was of exceedingly poor quality, and I suffered several major coughing attacks, so I re-recorded this at my house after church)
The story of Philip's one-on-one evangelism is given the same space and theological weight as his earlier conversion of an entire people group, the Samaritans. Why is that? Because micro-evangelism is just as important as macro-evangelism.In this sermon, we examine some of the keys to effective evangelism, using Philip as a template. It is a convicting sermon for our church and our pastor, who has much to learn in this area!As a bonus: see if you can pinpoint the exact moment where every male in the congregation winced in sympathetic agony.(Apologies again for the poor audio. We think it's fixed now!)
Contrasting the Forbes list of the most powerful people in 2016 with the Biblical heroes like Philip, Peter, John and Jesus, we further examine a Biblical understanding of power. God uses His power to invite and save (even Samaritans!); Simon covets power for personal gain. Careful: things get political.Also, apologies for the audio quality. Still trying to work that out.
Power in the Kingdom of God looks nothing like power in the world. In this, the first of a two-part sermon exploring the spread of the Gospel to Samaria (and in particular Simon the Magician), we examine how God uses power to make enemies into family, and how we have the power to change our community. That is, as long as we're willing to lay our own power down.Make sure you're listening like a bunch of men (yes dear, okay) and don't get your Simons mixed up when you fight with your brothers. I promise all those references will make sense when you listen.[PS- apologies for the audio quality. I got a new computer and it was being temperamental. -Chris]
Chris describes the lessons offered to the Youth Group, and then examines how the leaders were fortunate to watch those lessons come to life in the campers through the course of the week.From the Mountains of God (Sinai, Carmel, Transfiguration, Mt of Olives, Calvary) to the mountains of Jasper (Pyramid, Tekarra, Bald Hills, Parker Ridge), God is given glory!Featuring new musical intro/outro:"Measure Your Best (Instrumental)" by Styrofoam Apache (Stephen Robinson, Jackson O'Brien, Ian O'Brien, Chris Lantz, Geoff Rimmer)
After dealing with a severe medical issue, our dear friend Lisa shares with us the refreshing perspective she's gained on pain, life, and God's faithful provision.
Using a profound encounter on an airplane as the main illustration, along with a portrait of scattered seeds, we journey through the end of Stephen's life and the beginning of Saul's persecution of the Church to examine how we can respond to suffering, and see God in the midst of the storm.Stick around for a poorly recorded (but beautifully sung) version of "It Is Well With My Soul", with Stephanie, Trish, Angie and Chris.
Well, we've finally wrapped up all the loose ends on Stephen's speech in Acts 7, and this last loose end was a BIG one. By exploring New Testament Temple theology, we will see how the new thing God is doing (which is actually an old thing) has ramifications for our faith today. A Greater Tabernacle, and a Lesser Temple, and YOU. Yes, you.Now excuse me, but I have fireworks to watch on TV. I've heard that's spectacular.
WARNING: CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENTS AHEAD!Well, maybe not. It's just the words of Jesus and Stephen. But they might shake us up. In this sermon, we examine three of the minor lessons we can apply to our own faith from the speech Stephen makes in defense of his faith.1) We are unbound to any nation;2) We should avoid looking back with longing at our former lives;3) Watch out for the things you get stubborn about.Also, listen as Shane nearly plummets through the front doors of the church to his doom!!!!
Stephen's speech (and his life) have come to an end. As he points out the blasphemy of his accusers (who had themselves accused Stephenof blasphemy), Stephen also points out the glory and power of Jesus. See what his last words have to say to us, and how they connect Stephen to Jesus.Also, hear Chris discuss a bizarre tattoo, offer a whistle interlude, and forget the name of Ajith Fernando. Sorry, Ajith. Your commentary is really good. You deserve better.
If I make a birdhouse, am I confined to that birdhouse? No, I am sovereign over that birdhouse. Starting with some basic theologies about the power of our Creator God, we examine why Stephen depreciated the Temple (and was condemned for it). God could not be contained. So why did the enemies of the Gospel attempt to do so? It's a mistake we have to learn from.Another mistake? Chris' astronomy facts. For the record, Darcey is right, it takes 8 minutes for light to go from the sun to Earth. Space is big, y'all. (Our Father is bigger!)PS- Happy Father's Day!
After using the Patriarchs to emphasize his point, Stephen then turns his attention to Moses. In all three eras of Moses' life we see God at work in foreign places, creating holiness out of common places (and people), and truth being rejected from even the most powerful truth-tellers.History repeats itself, from the exodus to the martyrdom of Stephen and even through to today. Will we be doomed along with those who fail to learn over and over again? Or will we break the cycle and find life? And how good is Chris' Elmer Fudd impersonation? Answer: adequate.
In his great defense of the new work God is doing through Jesus, immediately before his martyrdom, Stephen takes the Sanhedrin all the way back to the roots of their faith. The Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons) are full of many familiar, powerful stories. But Stephen ignores many of these stories in favour of details that highlight his three apologetic thesis statements: a) A God Who is not confined to a specific location; b) a worship of God not confined to a specific location; and c) The rejection of God's truth-tellers by God's people.How does Stephen use the Patriarchs to highlight the transformative work of the Kingdom?Also: a quick geography lesson (google "Ur of the Chaldeans" sometime), Kristy defeats Chris at a game of "Name the Sons of Jacob", and Chris briefly discusses ancient erectile dysfunction techniques.
We've already examined what made Stephen a hero in life: today we begin summarizing what made Stephen a hero into death. His speech before the High Council contains powerful truth that can affect us even today, many centuries later. Stephen is a hero because he is a martyr, a witness. Like any good witness, he speaks truth about the defendant, God, rather than about himself. We are introduced to the main themes of Stephen's speech, and discuss the nature of apologetics. All in an attempt to set the stage for the next 4 weeks of examining the last words of a great hero.Also, find out that CCBC doesn't care much for Law & Order. And special shout out to our friends Stephanie Gurnett and Julia Penner!
The death of Stephen marks a turning point for the Book of Acts, the history of the Church, and our own understanding of heroism. Today, in part 1 of a multi-part series, we will examine Stephen's character and conduct and get a portrait of an excellent man of God, filled with wisdom, grace, faith, and the Spirit of God. A true hero in life and death.As usual, Chris leans on a sports metaphor for all this. Classic Lantz.
Our good friend (and homegrown missionary) Kristy Fraser gives us updates from her recent trip to serve in the African nations of Lesotho and Tanzania. Kristy used her many gifts in agriculture and love for others while there. Hear about tourist hats, methods of seed planting, and (above all) trusting in God.We are proud to support Kristy as she serves in the Kingdom!
You know the lesson of the rocks in the jar? It features prominently in today's sermon. The big things go in first, then the smaller things, then the smallest things. It's a good lesson. But there are some problems. What happens when small things get overshadowed and neglected? What happens when big things break down? What happens when the jar threatens to break?All of these questions are examined in the lens of our service in the Kingdom. Are some acts of service bigger and more important than others? Are some people "big rocks", while others are "small rocks", like the Greek-speaking widows in the passage? Let's ask these questions together.Let's also hear Chris attempt an Italian accent, and cry openly at the mic. (Big shout outs to Aislinn & Jason Machushyk and Ron & Monelle Fraser!)
Our dear friend and sister in Christ, Marcella, is currently in the last days of her very sudden battle with cancer. With that in mind, and with the stunning statement made by the Apostles after their unjust arrest and painful flogging, we begin an exploration of the purpose of pain, and a believer's response to suffering.
Sometimes human words become accidentally prophetic, and that's the case with our story in Acts this week. A lot gets covered in this passage: the imprisonment of the apostles, their deliverance at the hands of an angel, the weaknesses of the Sanhedrin, the ongoing faithful rebellion of the followers, the repeating of the Kerygma, and timeless wisdom from an unlikely source that ends up validating God's empowering of the Church.It's a lot, but in the end, hopefully we come out with a better understanding of Who is in control, and Who we should be obeying. Also, we get to hear Chris attempt a theology of angels, and it doesn't go well.Special thanks to Angie, Trish and Tom for the musical accompaniment at the end (Our God)!
There have been many issues faced by the Church in Acts so far, but through a partnership between the Presence of God and His followers (particularly Peter), they have overcome each time. Today's passage (which may seem to be a strange one for Easter Sunday) is sandwiched between two stories of struggles for the early church. It is a reminder that God's plans are advancing.In this little story, we examine the purpose of the Church (Ekklesia). Although the answer may seem obvious, it is still challenging, and still requires the gracious guiding presence of God. We examine the steps to becoming the Presence of Jesus, and the purpose of those who follow Him.At Easter, we remember that He is in the business of bringing healing to the hurting, water to the thirsty, and life where there is death. And He uses you and I to accomplish this miracle.Stick around until the end to hear a bonus track: Because He Lives, with Angie and Barb!
Cultures have many unique superstitions; small scale lies we tell each other to affect behaviour and attempt to control the world around us. But what happens when these untruths begin to alter our identities? ...our souls? What happen when we become shaped by lies?These are the question explored by one of CCBC's favourite guest speakers: Ricot Leon, who's mission in Haiti is very dear to our hearts. Enjoy his wit, wisdom, and Haitian accent!Details on Heart for Home Haiti can be found here: http://www.heartforhomehaiti.com/
Trap Games are a real danger to champion sports teams. They're rolling right along, nothing but victory and success... until a lesser foe causes them to stumble and fall.In the Book of Acts, everything has been incredibly successful, under the powerful guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our last sermon in Acts highlighted the church's unity, generosity, and victory. But today we examine their first "trap game", in the story of Ananias & Sapphira.See how the Old Testament story of Achan, combined with the generosity of Barnabas, along with the very un-pastorlike tone of Peter, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Edmonton Oilers, and the dishonest discipleship of Ananias & Sapphira have to teach us about our own faith journey.Also: apologies to any fans of the Buffalo Sabres. I basically label them an incarnation of sin. I hope you will understand.
We sometimes assume that the way our western society functions is good or normal or right. It isn't. After contrasting the conquering Europeans to the Indigenous peoples they conquered, we then turn our gaze towards the early church.Luke continually reminds us that the early church, fueled by the Holy Spirit, was made powerful through their unity. The primary way this unity was manifested was through the selfless sharing typical of the first believers. We spend this sermon examining both unity and selfless giving. They were more than a community: they were a force to be reckoned with, because they were "kardia kai psyche mia": One in both Heart and Mind. They chose to give all they had because they loved their Lord and they loved each other.See if you can find the moment where Chris projects a picture of the Oilers holding the Stanley Cup. Shouldn't be hard!
Perspective is important. This is true in Kindergarten, and this is true in the mission of the Church. Now that the followers of Jesus have had the first taste of persecution, how will they respond? What is their perspective on suffering?Acts 4:23-31 is a prayer, and there is much to learn from it. We examine the key element of togetherness, and compare this prayer to the template prayer Jesus gives in Matthew 6. We examine the titles of Sovereign, Lord, and Creator, as well as the humility of His slaves, the apostles. We discuss the primary focus of our prayer: His Kingdom, His will, and His glory... only after seeking these things do we then bring our petitions to Him. We finish by looking at the Lord's answer to His subjects (spoiler alert: He hears them and answers!).In all this, we are reminded of the proper perspective we should have on the more challenging aspects of our faith.We also hear a bonus version of Seek Ye First from Angie, Trish, Sharon and Chris to wrap it all up. Not to mention a world record number of occurrences of the term "butt crack" in one sermon.
First steps are miraculous, but they often cause problems. That is true for infants, and for apostles. Persecution arrives at the doorstep of the early church, as Peter and John are called before the Sanhedrin to account for what power and name they healed the beggar.We examine why the Sadducees are so upset, and why the apostles cannot and will not stop proclaiming the Name of Jesus. We examine how these uneducated common folk can speak with such power and authority. We discuss what we need in order to defend our faith. And through it all, we stoke the fires of determination: WE CANNOT STOP. We cannot BE stopped.Also, I call myself and all my brothers and sister in the church a bunch of idiots. But in a nice way.
Wait, didn't we just hear this? Acts 3 seems at first glance like a repetition of Acts 2, since both feature a powerful miracle and a Kerygma response by Peter.But the differences are stunning. Here, the healing of a disabled beggar leads Peter to deflect glory from himself and properly attribute it to Jesus. He then speaks of the role of faith in the amazing work of the Kingdom. Peter uses the occasion to tell about the saving Name of Jesus (with a subtle shot at the false name of Mammon).We examine other famous names in this passage, and what they say about the One Great Name of Jesus. And we finish by examining the nature of the Name of Jesus, especially Suffering Servant and Author of Life. In the end we find that even the biggest enemies of His Name are offered salvation and life in Him.As you'll see. for maximum effect, repeat the podcast several times so it sinks in!
After Peter's mic drop of a sermon climax, the people have one desperate question: "What should we do now?!"Peter's immediate answer includes 2 requirements and 2 blessings: repent and be baptized, and you will receive forgiveness, as well as the Holy Spirit. We discuss each of these, especially baptism.From there, we catch a glimpse of what the life of the early church looked like in response to forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. The believers devoted themselves to four things: Apostolic teaching, fellowship (koinonia, in Greek!), breaking bread, and prayer. They also committed to a revolutionary new kindness, generosity, hospitality, thankfulness, and unity that would eventually sweep across the globe.Finally, Chris connects all of this to our humble little Kingdom outpost: Clyde Christian Bible Church. Where the early church is still alive and kicking, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
In this sermon, we dig into the core of Peter's first Gospel sermon, which is an early version of the Kerygma (the foundational teachings of the Apostles for evangelism and defense of the faith).We explore Peter's arguments about the historical nature of Jesus' life, death, resurrection and glorification; the use of the Psalms to indicate someone greater than David; God's plan for salvation; and the dangerous climax of it all- that "God has made Jesus to be both Lord and Messiah."We also take a brief moment to embarrass Chris' wife by discussing her experience with childbirth, but that'll make sense in context. Maybe.
First words are important. In Acts 2, we are given the first words of the baby Church, as Peter gives the first sermon under the influence of the Holy Spirit (and nothing else!). He begins his first words by quoting some old words from the prophet Joel.In this sermon, we explore Joel's and Peter's words about the Last Days. We learn about the signs, wonders, and miracles that signal these last days: the pouring out of the Holy Spirit; prophesying from men and women; terrifying natural phenomena; dreams and visions; and the Gospel going out to ALL people. This will set the stage for Peter to introduce Jesus to his audience in parts 2 and 3 of this mini-sermon series.Through all this, we will see how everything that is prophesied is for the glory of Jesus' Name, the Name through which salvation comes to all.We also have a Greek vocabulary test, and everyone fails miserably. STUDY HARDER, CLASS.
The Holy Spirit arrives! ...and Chris has lots to say about it.We examine 6 various topics (Pentecost, Wind, Fire, Galileans, Glossolalia, and the Foreign Faithful), and though these seemingly unrelated topics may appear disconnected at first glance, they are actually all saying the same thing (just like the apostles on Pentecost). Listen to find out what that one crucial thing might be. (Hint: it rhymes with "The Flory of Nod")Also: my sincere apologies to the good people of Newfoundland. You'll know why when you listen. Plus, we dive into the Palestinian barley harvesting cycle, because Kristy is a bit of a farm nerd. Just like Chris is a word nerd. GLOSSOLALIA!
In the lull between Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, we have two simple stories; angels appear to the 12, and then they must choose a replacement for Judas. However, in these simple stories are familiar elements which bring profound new depths to their simplicity. We examine the Apostles looking in the wrong place; fancy new Bible words like Shekinah and Parousia; the significance of clouds, angels, and "Men of Galilee"; a ridiculous roll call of the apostles; the importance of women to Jesus' ministry; and Peter's cherrypicking of verses from the Psalms.It's a lot, and most of it is familiar. But there is profoundness in the familiar!
I've always considered groundbreaking ceremonies to be a little preposterous. As we read the last words of Jesus to His Apostles, I think we'll see that, in the case of the Great Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Church, the Boss has a plan. And as always, the Boss is willing to get His hands dirty. We examine the nature of Power in the Kingdom, and find that the Church represents a reshaping of humanity. I also compare Trump to Ronald McDonald. Hard-hitting theology for sure.
In this introductory sermon, we examine the "W" Questions of Acts: Who wrote it, Why was it written, When was it written, Who is in this book, and (most importantly), What is this book about.We also explore the basic structure of Acts, as well as its Four Dominant Themes: The Holy Spirit, Evangelism, Community and Oppression.Chris also gets mocked for his choice of slideshow artwork. That's fun.