James North Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
James North Baptist Church
As a church anchored in the North End of Hamilton, we exist to join God as His Spirit builds Christ’s kingdom in our lives, neighbourhoods, and city.
Many Christians experience some frustration in discerning Gods will for their life. From what career we should choose to whom we should marry to where we should go to schoolmany Christians are stumped. Some experts estimate that we make between 30 35 thousand decisions a day. How do you learn to trust God in everything at all times? The foundation to making God-honoring daily decisions is grounded in your trust in God. Im thrilled to join you at James North on Sunday. The sermon notes are attached.Dwayne Cline
Tim Stickland (Health & Vitality Director at FEB) was our guest speaker - see below for his bio.Tim was born and raised in Toronto and trusted in the Lord at a young age. He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Master of Divinity degree at Tyndale Seminary and Doctor of Ministry degree at Denver Seminary, where he wrote his doctoral thesis, Leadership in Church Revitalization.Tim has served in small, mid-sized and large churches, in rural, suburban and urban settings. He lives in Hamilton with his wife Carol and three teenage children.His favourite verse is1 Corinthians 15:58:Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Jim Nevilleserves as the Family Ministries Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Oshawa. He has a passion to partner with families to raise up the next generation as disciples of Christ.
Mark is currently the Assistant Pastor at Harbour Fellowship Church in St. Catharines. He is married to Jodi, they are kept busy by their two children.
Tim Strickland is the Leadership Development Director for FEBCentral.Tim was born and raised in Toronto and trusted in the Lord at a young age. He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Master of Divinity degree at Tyndale Seminary and Doctor of Ministry degree at Denver Seminary, where he wrote his doctoral thesis,Leadership in Church Revitalization.Tim has served in small, mid-sized and large churches, in rural, suburban and urban settings. He lives in Hamilton with his wife Carol and three teenage children.
Who are you close to and why? When you think about your friendships, what has drawn you close to others? Is it a hobby, a common interest, a career, stage of life or is it the Gospel?The gospel is able to draw people from various stages of life with a variety of interests to a common bond in Christ that calls us to task. We are called to become like Christ together and share who Christ is together.Join us Sunday as we look at the how partnering in the gospel provides a comradery like nothing else. The notes are attached.
Some passages in Scripture are complex. Why does Jesus go to Tyre and Sidon? Why is he silent when she asks for help? Why does he refer to her as a dog? Why is her faith great?Join us Sunday as we begin the new year examining the example of great faith. The notes are attached.
All of us long for love. We long to be accepted. We long to belong. We also long to love. We express love in a variety of wayssometimes through physical touchsometimes through words of affirmation. This time of year we often show love by giving gifts. Jesus demonstrated His love through service and sacrifice. His love for us is shown supremely on a cross.Join us Sunday as we rejoice in the Advent Love God has given us.
Peace can be defined as an absence of war or disturbance. It can also be defined as tranquility. The last couple of years has unearthed division between lifelong friends and family alike. Many are longing for peace. But what they want isnt simply an absence of war or disturbance or even tranquilitythey want something deeper. The angels tell us that Jesus comes to bring peace. Peace between God and us as well as between us and each other. The peace He brings restores wholeness and wellbeing. His peace generates an abundant flourishing. Its not just that we are no longer at war with God, our relationship with Him can flourish.Join us Sunday as we examine the peace Christ brings. The notes are attached.
We sing Joy to the World each Christmas but dont often feel joy filled. Our circumstances and situations can rob us of joy. A difficult family situation, a challenging health diagnosis, a crushing job loss can all rob us of our joy. Jesus has just told His disciples that He is going to leave them for a little while. They dont understand what He is saying or where He is going. Their paradigm of Him is skewed. They want Him to free Israel from the Roman tyranny. How can He be going? We are often like the disciples, we long to find our joy in our agenda and plans instead of His. Join us Sunday as we take a look at the joy Jesus offers us that no one can take away. See you Sunday
We all need hope. Hope when facing a medical crisis. Hope when bankruptcy looms. Hope when the overwhelming uncertainty of our future is crushing. Hope when devastatingly hurt. Advent Hope is not whimsical or ambiguous. Advent Hope is certain and true. It is a confident expectation. Advent hope is secured in the person and work of Christ it is as dependable as God is. In a world of uncertainty we need an unmovable anchor we can cling to. Join us on the first Sunday of advent as we are reminded of the certain hope we have in Christ. The notes are attached.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood. That is hard to remember. I so often believe it is all flesh and blood. Somehow, I think its about winning an argument or persuading someone intellectually or the problem is simply about some frustration I have with a circumstance I find myself in. Our battle is against rulers, authorities, and spiritual forces of evil. Since I cant see them, I forget. At times, after Ive done everything else, I remember, Oh yaIm in a spiritual battle. Lord may that be our starting point. Join us Sunday as we look at Gods armament in order to better know how to stand firm in the battle, we find ourselves in. The notes are attached.
There is much confusion about angels. Many in our culture assume that anyone who goes to heaven becomes an angel. Some are infatuated with angels. There are entire stores dedicated to angels. What does the Bible say about angels? Who are they? What do they do? Do we have a guardian angel? Join us Sunday as we take a look at what the Bible says about angels. The notes are attached.
Satan wants to destroy your faith. He has a legion of demons working with him to keep the world blind to the gospel as he casts doubt on the finished and accomplished work of Christ. There is a lot of confusion about the demonic today. How are they active in 2022? Are they only active in 3rd world countries? What impact can they have on believers? Join us Sunday as we examine the demonic realm and Christs freeing power. The notes are attached.
We have an enemyan adversary. Satan not only wants to defeat God, he wants to defeat us. And although we want to be obsessed with God and not Satan, we do want to be familiar with his strategy and tactics. As we continue our series on Spiritual Warfare, join us this Sunday as we examine who the enemy is, what hes up to and where hes headed. The notes are attached.
We hear about the darkness. The oppression of war. The atrocities of genocide. Abandoned children. Abused victims. We witness the darkness. The crushing impact of consumerism. The devastation of selfishness. The abuse of power. There are times when the evil around us is from uswe are its cause. There are times when an intelligent evil is orchestrating his plan. We often feel overwhelmed by the evil. At times, it seemingly has won. We will spend five weeks examining the Spiritual War we find ourselves in. Everyone one the planet is in this warthough many dont recognize it. Satan is fighting for survival and will take as many people down with him as possible. Thanks be to God, Christ has decisively defeated Satan. As we begin this series, we want to be reminded of the victorious power of Christ over every power and authority. Join us Sunday morning as we launch into this important series examining the war we find ourselves in. The notes are attached.
Some of us have been in seemingly impossible situations. We not only feel helpless, but we are helpless. Sometimes we blame God or turn from Him when we should turn to Him. The fact that James North Baptist Church is not only celebrating its 135th anniversary but doing so in a new facility is nothing short of Gods miraculous hand. For several years a small group of believers prayed that the doors of this struggling work would stay open. They prayed we would continue to be a witness to this neighbourhood. We are thankful God has done more than they asked or imagined. Join us on Sunday as we celebrate Gods grace to us. The notes are attached.
Over the years, the leadership and core members of James North have sought to live out several principles we have seen in Scripture. We havent done so perfectly and are often fumbling to understand how to honor the Lord more faithfully. In striving to understand His call on our lives we established five core values to guide us. These values are Celebrate, Grow, Serve, Share and Care. Celebrate God in all He has done for us. Grow in our faith together. Seve the Lord by serving each other and this lost world. Share the faith we have with others around us. Care for each other as well as the oppressed and marginalized. This Sunday we will be reminded of how God wants us to Celebrate, Grow and Serve together. Join us Sunday as we prayerfully consider what God has called us to at James North. The notes are attached.
PRAYER SERVICE - NO AUDIO RECORDED (you can watch the full service on our YouTube channel)
We long for Gods Kingdom. Gods Kingdom satisfies the greatest yearnings of out heart. His Kingdom is diverse, compassionate, just, welcoming, gracious and forgiving. His Kingdom reverses the curse. Christ is ushering His Kingdom in. Join us Sunday as we look at Gods Kingdom as emphasized in the final chapter of Acts. The notes are attached.
Most of us like to be liked. We may not need to be the center of attention or the life of the party but we want people to like us. We fear being ostracized. We live in a day where people are easily cancelled. We fear being cancelled by friendscancelled by culture. It drains us of courage. The gospel, even when presented well is offensive. The concept of being born again lets us know that everything about us is wrong and we needs a rebirtha do over. In a day of increasing hostility to the gospel, its hard to be courageous. Join us Sunday as we take a look at the Apostle Pauls courage when after being severely beaten, he still addresses the crowd. Where does the strength from his courage originate? The notes are attached.
One of the areas that plague so many Christians is the ability to discern Gods will. We turn to the Bible to know Gods general will, trusting in His word. How do we discern Gods specific will. Knowing what we should do or where we should go in a specific situation can be daunting. Join us as we examine Acts 21 in order to understand how Paul longed to follow God obediently while discerning prophetic revelation. The notes are attached. See you in person or online Sunday.
We need others. God has wired us for fellowship. We need others not only to encourage each other in our Christ-likeness but also while serving the Lord. Serving God can be discouraging when we see little results for our faithfulness or face opposition or even persecution. Fellow workers can spur us on and encourage us to continue in the task God has granted us. Join us Sunday as we examine the task God called the Apostle Paul to, the people God granted Paul for the task the way God provided for them. The notes are attached.
The AGORA Network story begins with a crisis, amental health and spiritual crisis that I suffered (Allan) in my life. On July 7th, 2017 in a split second my life changed when I suffered a severe stroke. But God protected my body. The only paralysis I suffered was inmy speech.After a month of recovery and learning to speak again, I began the hardest battle of my life. It was a battle with mental health; PTSD,severe anxiety, and depression. I thought if this was my new normal then I didnt want to live. I was admitted into a mental health unit for 10 days. There I began to recover mentally and spiritually. The road was long and hard at times but Gods goodness led to repentance and the ongoing restoration of my soul. From this crisis AGORA Network Ministries was birthed and a new journey began for Bonnie and me. Agora is a ministry that comes along side the church. Our desire is to stem the mental health crisis and and stigma we face in our society and churches.
We fear sounding anti-intellectual when we explain our faith or even worse we fear being cancelled. We believe God has saved usmaybe even unwaveringly. But when we hear the world talk about its philosophys and ideologies we often are silenced and believe we have nothing to offer or say. The apostle Paul engaged the philosophers of his day. Join us Sunday as we consider how we can engage our culture in our work places, colleges and universities and political arenas. The notes are attached.
We have a faith. A rational, thoughtful faith. Everything every speaker says about God and how He relates to us can be measured according to the same standard, The Word of God. Every believer can assess what their friend, family member, community group leader or pastor is saying about God by examining the Bible. Luke contrasts two groups that Paul encounters. One examines everything Paul is teaching by the Word of God. Join us Sunday as we gather with the Karen Congregation and think through how we can do the same. The notes are attached.
Our day is a dark day. Our culture has moved from assuming Gods existence, to denying Gods existence, to assuming His non-existence. The prevalent worldview on Scripture has also shifted from; it is Gods Book, to its one of Gods Books; to its a good book; to its a corrupt, unjust and unethical book. That ideology has penetrated the minds of many believers. They have an inaccurate view of Scripture that is shaped more by culture than by historical, orthodox Christianity. That shift has caused many believers to question, redefine, and even deny the authority of Scripture. Their view of Scripture then, calls into question a number of historically orthodox beliefs and behaviors. How do we navigate this day when so many would suggest that our remaining true to a historic and orthodox belief system tears at the unity of the church? Join us Sunday for the second sermon on the Jerusalem Council and how we can navigate the issues of our day. The notes are attached (they are a little extensive this week).
When I started at Hughson St. Baptist Church in 1995, I could confidently say that most people would leave a church mainly because of its philosophy of ministry over and against its theology; as most of us agreed theologically in core doctrinal areas. That is no longer true. Christians are disagreeing and dividing over core doctrinal matter. This also isnt new. The early church navigated issues of doctrine. At this point, all they had was the Old Testament, a couple of Epistles and likely one Gospel. How did the new testament church discern their doctrinal disagreements? Join us Sunday as we examine the ways the early church delt with doctrinal disagreements. The notes are attached.
When I started at Hughson St. Baptist Church in 1995, I could confidently say that most people would leave a church mainly because of its philosophy of ministry over and against its theology; as most of us agreed theologically in core doctrinal areas. That is no longer true. Christians are disagreeing and dividing over core doctrinal matter. This also isnt new. The early church navigated issues of doctrine. At this point, all they had was the Old Testament, a couple of Epistles and likely one Gospel. How did the new testament church discern their doctrinal disagreements? Join us Sunday as we examine the ways the early church delt with doctrinal disagreements. The notes are attached.
Paul significantly shifts his gospel presentation between Acts 13 and Acts 14. Why? Why does the Apostle share the same saving message of Christ with a different approach? What does that mean for us today as we approach others with the gospel? So often we share the gospel in the same way with everyone. The gospel is the same. The approach needs to be contextualized. This is true from generation to generation. One of the reasons many of us are struggling to share our faith with our children is because we share the message the same way we needed to hear it instead of in the way they need to hear it. Join us Sunday as we hear about Gospel Contextualization. The notes are attached.
The cross is meaningless without the resurrection. We are eternally thankful for the cross. The sacrifice of Christ covers us from our sin. The resurrection is the Fathers Amen to the Sons sacrifice. The resurrection guarantees and secures our hope. Too often we live our lives void of the reality and power of the resurrection. The Apostle Paul strategically pointed everyone to the reality of the resurrection. Join us Sunday as we consider how we can point those around us to the reality of the resurrection today. The notes are attached.
Were used to being independent. We know who we can count onourself. Although that isnt typically accurate, it is often how we feel. Unfortunately, we apply living independently to our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We live as if He isnt our Counsellor and Guide. We live as if He isnt in us. Christians who live life without a strong dependence on the Holy Spirit often experience an exasperating and hollow Christian walk. The greatest companion and helper, with unlimited power, is in us and yet we rarely consult or depend on Him. Join us Sunday in person or livestream, as we look at how the early church was dependent on the Holy Spirit. The notes are attached.
The world places its hope in itself. Their hope is for a stronger academy. Their hope is in a cure for disease. Their hope is greater collaboration and negotiation skills in order to avoid war. Their hope is in a more diverse and equitable social construct. But when a pandemic strikes or the Taliban take over Afghanistan or Russia invades Ukraine or social constructs clash over diversity, they are at a loss. Many believe they just need a more intelligible way. Our only hope is Resurrection Hope. We dont need an altered course, but rather a raising from the dead. Join us this Easter Sunday livestream or in person as we celebrate the resurrection hope we have. The notes are attached.
The world places its hope in itself. Their hope is for a stronger academy. Their hope is in a cure for disease. Their hope is greater collaboration and negotiation skills in order to avoid war. Their hope is in a more diverse and equitable social construct. But when a pandemic strikes or the Taliban take over Afghanistan or Russia invades Ukraine or social constructs clash over diversity, they are at a loss. Many believe they just need a more intelligible way. Our only hope is Resurrection Hope. We dont need an altered course, but rather a raising from the dead. Join us this Easter Sunday livestream or in person as we celebrate the resurrection hope we have. The notes are attached.
The world believes it can stop God. Its disbelief in God is at times displayed in the way it defies God as well as in the way it ignores God, although it is supremely demonstrated in the way it attempts to eliminate His existence. Yet not believing in God doesnt eliminate Him from existence. Doubting His supreme authority doesnt remove Him as King. Join us Sunday as we read in Acts where the world revolts against God and Luke records Gods response. If youre joining us in person, come early, we are expecting to be packed with the baptisms. The notes are attached.
We live in a challenging day. One where people have shifted from believing in the existence and necessity of God, not only to denying His existence but to asserting that belief in His existence is primitive and dangerous. How do we engage a culture that has shifted so far from the gospel? Join us Sunday as we take a look at the expansion of the gospel into the Gentile world. The notes are attached.
We live in a challenging day. One where people have shifted from believing in the existence and necessity of God, not only to denying His existence but to asserting that belief in His existence is primitive and dangerous. How do we engage a culture that has shifted so far from the gospel? Join us Sunday as we take a look at the expansion of the gospel into the Gentile world. The notes are attached.
We live in a conflicted world. Some contend there are no racial or cultural distinctives. Others contend we must celebrate our racial and cultural distinctives. Some contend that certain cultures are superior to others. How does God view race and culture? In Acts 10 God graciously saves a significant group of Gentiles by altering the ideology of the Apostle Peter. Join us Sunday in person or livestream as we begin to better understand what God means when He says that He loves the world. The notes are attached.
For many, one of the most challenging intellectual stumbling blocks to faith is the miraculous. How do we explain the periods of miraculous intervention at Creation, the Exodus, Elijah and Elisha, the life of Jesus (including the resurrection) and the Acts of the Apostles? Further, what does it mean that God has gifted some of His people through the church age with gifts of the miraculous and healing? How do we understand Gods work in the world today? And what of James 5 and the laying on of hands by elders for healing? Join us Sunday as we reflect on two miracles performed by the Apostle Peter and how we not only understand these miraculous accounts but how we also understand Gods miraculous interventions today. We hope you join us Sunday livestream or in person. The notes are attached.
God loves to save. The Father sent His Son to provide the means of salvation. Jesus came and His sacrifice perfectly secures salvation. He pursues us, convicts us of sin and calls us to Himself. Gloriously, He can save anyone. He specializes in saving people. He loves to do so. Sometimes we doubt whether certain people can be saved. The annoying uncle, the arrogant boss, the sin-entrenched life. Join us Sunday as we look at what is likely the most famous conversion story in church history, the Apostle Paul. You can join us in person at 10:00am or livestream. The notes are attached.
Youve been searching for God. Youre desperate to find Him. Youve just travelled over 2000klms to find out that you cant meet Him because you dont qualify. You leave disillusioned and frustrated. That is the story of the Ethiopian Eunuchuntil He met Jesus. Join us Sunday livestream or in person as we examine the glorious grace of our Saviour. The notes are attached.
Steve has been President of The Fellowship since 2011 and is married to his wife Marilyn. Prior to this Steve served the Lord in four Fellowship churches.
What is your confidence in the face of persecution? When you face persecution for your faith, what anchors you to your hope in Christ? We live in a day where we are transitioning from being mocked and ridiculed for our faith where persecution is seemingly an imminent reality. What will anchor you if loss of family or employment or freedom or even life is threatened? Join us Sunday livestream or in person as we examine Stephens sermon which anchored in one overarching theme granting him hope. The notes are attached.
Too often we pitch in and serve out of our own strength. We rely on our gifts, abilities and resources to build Gods Kingdom. Though well intentioned, this inevitably leads to frustration as we are engaged in a spiritual battle. It also leads to burn-out as we are unable to battle the enemy in our own strength. We need to cultivate lives that are dependent on Gods Spirit as He is our sanctifier as well as our counsellor and guide. He fills us, strengthening us, as we serve Christ together. And we thank God that His Spirt is in us. We have full access to the Spirit at any time. Join us Sunday, livestream or live as we examine how the early church functioned as it overcame some logistical challenges. The notes re attached.
Do you believe Jesus is the hope for this world? Hope for those living in encampments, even more than housing. Hope for those living in slavery, even more than freedom. Hope for those living with mental health illness, even more than healing. Hope for those living with illness, even more than an a cure. Hope for those obsessed with power or money, even more than satisfaction. The Apostles did. Their lives had been indisputably altered. They went from being a fearful, group huddled behind locked doors to being willing to be imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for their faith. They were so convinced of the hope they had found that they were willing to defy the laws of the world to follow Gods call. Join us Sunday in person or livestream as we are reminded that the hope of the world is found only in Jesus the Messiah. Dwayne
After Gods judgment, Gods church likely began to wonder, Is God still with us? Have we lost His blessing? God allows the apostles to heal many who are sick and grants them the ability tocast out demons while declaring the gospel and teaching the new believers the essence of our faith. We read accounts like this in Scripture and at times wonder, what about today? Does God work like this now? Join us Sunday live or livestream as we consider how God authenticates His kingdom now. Dwayne
We have a hard time relating to monarchy today. When we think of the Queen of England, she has very little political power. She is a figure head. For millennium, humanity has been ruled by monarchs. Kings were the lawmakers and ultimate enforcers of their law. They had the power of life and death. Christ is King. God, the Son, came as King. King not just of the Jews, but of the entire universe. Join us livestream or in person Sunday as we examine how the world reacts when its King comes.
In our pain, we often feel isolated and alone. We believe no one understands what we are going through and no one can relate to our situation. The excruciating numbness is exasperated when we believe God has abandoned us. We cry out to Him in our pain and seemingly feel nothing. Thats what Joseph was experiencing, that first Christmas, when Mary told him she was pregnant because God granted her this child. Join us Sunday as we examine where God is in our pain and how He graciously entered the mess. See you Sunday livestream or in person. Dwayne
Times of suffering reveal what is foundational to our relationship with God. Many people only want God because of the benefits they expect from Him. Fire insurance from hell.provision in times of needgood health...the ideal family. And when something in their life falls apart, especially in an area of anticipated entitlement, they blame God and others and their faith is shattered. Why dont John and Peters lives fall apart when they are arrested and threatened? Why is their faith strengthened? Why dont the believers pray that God would obliterate those who have opposed them? Join us Sunday livestream or in person at 9 or 11am as we look at A Prayerful Release.
Apart from Jesus, we cant do a thing. Its easy to take credit for what God has done. There are moments in our lives when we are amazed at the grace, strength, and power of God. Weve cried out to Him for His provision, pleaded with him to turn our life or the life of a loved one around, asked Him to change or alter a situation and at times He graciously does. In the moment, we may thank Him and subsequently give Him glory but then, as people continue to thank us for our efforts, we easily forget that apart from Christ we couldnt do this. Join us Sunday where we examine how Peter and John give God credit for the work He has done through them. The notes are attached.
Gods Spirit empowers the apostles to declare the gospel and God miraculously saves 3000 people in one day. Whats next? How does the Holy Spirit shape the community He has just saved? What ideology begins to form? What habits and practices emerge? Join us Sunday livestream or in person as we examine the way the 3000 believers began to gather after God had saved them. The notes are attached. See you Sunday. Dwayne
Christians often speak of wanting a Pentecost experience but what exactly are they asking for when they say that? Many times they are speaking about an experience of the Spirit. Join us livestream or in person Sunday as we look at how the Spirit worked in the lives of those who heard Peters message. The notes are attached. We also encourage you to join us Sunday for a significant announcement in the life of our church.
Waiting. For many of us, patience isnt our virtueat least not when were anticipating something great. Whether we are anticipating graduating from school, a promotion at work, purchasing a home, awaiting a vacation, waiting to see a family member we havent seen in months, patience can be challenging. Imagine being the disciples, who have been with Jesus, in His resurrected body for 40 days, who know He has defeated sin, Satan and death, who are waiting in Jerusalem for what is next. Thats all they knowwait. And they do so with prayerful obedience. Join us Sunday in person or livestream as we examine how the disciples waited for Gods gift. The notes are attached.
Witness. A word that terrifies many of us. How do we go about sharing our faith? What do we talk about? What happens if someone asks a question I cant answer? How can I be confident our faith is the true faith? Luke writes Acts to track the effect the resurrected Christ has through His people who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. His ascension gloriously declares His continued rule. His commissioning let us know what we are to do. Join us Sunday at 9 or 11 am as we begin our series on the book of Acts. The notes are attached.
What about me? In a day full of demandsschool work, aging parents, children with homework, friends needing assistance, a work load that never diminishesit can be easy to focus on ourself. When is my time? When do I get to do what I want? When is life about me? I need me time. Now Im not in any way suggesting that we dont require times of refreshment and rejuvenation. We do. We need to recharge spiritually, physically and emotionally. Yet, in our narcissistic day more of peoples lives are simply about them than they might realize or care to acknowledge. Then we think of Gods calling on our lives to grow in our faith, encourage each other and share what God has done in us with others. How do we even start? Join us Sunday livestream or in person as we take a look at Beyond Me. The notes are attached.
Passion. At some point in our Christian life we have all experienced a fervor to grow in our faith. Maybe it was shortly after you were saved. You wanted to know more about who God is, what His Word says, how you fit into the kingdom and how you serve Him. You came to church praying God would speak to you, signed up to serve and did so sacrificially, you veraciously read the Bible and threw yourself at God in prayer. And life distracts us sometimes its just to survive. The business of establishing a career, providing for a family or raising children. Sometimes its the pursuit of education or advancement or success. The newness of your relationship with God is, at least at first, unintentionally substituted for other passions. You find yourself prioritizing other interests before your relationship with God. Join us Sunday livestream or in person at 9 or 11 am as we take a look at how we continue to prioritize growing in our faith. The notes are attached. See you Sunday Dwayne
It was 25 years ago, about a year and a half after I began pastoring James North, that I realized how important casting vision is. I have always and continue to believe, that of first importance is a vital relationship each of us desperately needs with God, which of course is intricately linked to sound doctrine but I didnt understand the importance of vision. God began to help me to understand the critical role vision plays in building His Kingdom. We need a vital and vibrant relationship with God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That relationship is built on the firm foundation of His Word in Scripture. Vison then calls us to grow in our Christlikeness so we are able to live selflessly in order to serve others, be burdened for the lost as we see our sin and need of salvation from Gods perspective so we are delighted to share the good news of the Gospel. Vison calls us to live off less so we can give away more, to not only see Gods hatred of injustice but our calling to eradicate it. Vision calls us to be the most welcoming people on earth as God is saving from every language, tribe, culture and tongue. Vision calls us to something together as the body of Christ that we cannot be or achieve on our own. Join us Sunday as we take a look at Gods vision for unity in his church in a day when disagreements over protocols are tearing churches apart. How should James North respond? The notes are attached. Join us at 9 or 11 am or livestream Sunday. Dwayne
God is faithful to His promises and His peoplebut we dont always feel that way. We can feel abandoned by God when our health is failing, our children are struggling, or our finances are collapsing. Circumstances that often drive people from God, should be seen as opportunities for us to draw near to Him. God orchestrates Josephs life to graciously save Jacobs family as He saves a people for Himself. Join us Sunday livestream or in person as we finish the Book of Genesis. The notes are attached.
Joseph's life is one of tremendous contrasts as he lives through betrayal, suffering, vindication and glory. Through it all he demonstrates faith in God. God is also shown faithful as he continues to fulfill his covenant to his people.
Jacob, Leah and Rachel had a compliated and tumultuous relationship, but out of it came the foundation of the nation Israel. In this chapter we see how Leah and Rachel came to see blessing in spite of bitterness.
Its easy to live in a place of doubt. To be uncertain of Gods promiseto be suspect of His character...to distrust His intentions. Yet there are moments when His promises seemed clearHis path for us secure and His character unquestionable. How do we remain unwavering and resolute in the moments of life where the sea of doubt is suffocating? Join us Sunday in person or livestream as we examine some of Jacobs journey and see Gods faithfulness in spite of Jacobs doubt. The notes are attached.
What could God ask you to give up where you might reply no to him? Your job? Your home? Your cell phone? Social media? What if it was one of your children? God chooses to test Abraham with a harder task than waiting 25 years for a promised son. Abraham obeys. God proves Himself faithful to his promises. Join us Sunday in-person or livestream as we take a look at a complicated request and Abrahams response. The notes are attached.
What could God ask you to give up where you might reply no to him? Your job? Your home? Your cell phone? Social media? What if it was one of your children? God chooses to test Abraham with a harder task than waiting 25 years for a promised son. Abraham obeys. God proves Himself faithful to his promises. Join us Sunday in-person or livestream as we take a look at a complicated request and Abrahams response. The notes are attached.
You have clung to Gods promise. But time passes. A week, a month, a yeara decade. Doubt creeps in. Did you hear God accurately? Has your sin negated His promise? God is always faithful to His Word. His work is fully dependable. How can we grow in our trust in Him as we wait for God to fulfill what He has promised. Join us Sunday in person or livestream as we look at Gods faithfulness to His Word. The notes are attached.
Our sensibilities are often upheaved when we hear about the destruction of an entire city. Did they all deserve that? Wasnt there a better way? The consequence was too severe. And we realize we think too much of ourselves and too little of God. We cant grasp His otherness We misconstrue His holiness. We are unable to grasp His justice. We want God to be against evilbut evil as we define it, not as He does. Equally we misconstrue His grace. We cant understand the depths of our depravity. Lot, who chooses to live in Sodom, offers to trade his daughters and their innocence for the vile purposes of others and who impregnates both of them is called righteous in the New Testament. Again our sensibilities are upheaved. Join us Sunday as we take a look at Gods justice and grace. The notes are attached. See you livestream Sunday.
Its easy to doubt God. Our circumstances cast doubt, out friends cast doubt and we begin to think we misheard God or maybe this promise doesnt apply to us. We take matters into our own hands only to make things worse. Yet God has an unstoppable plan. Join us livestream Sunday as we are reminded we can trust in our God.
Trusting God can be challenging. Doubts, obstacles, sin, our own failurescan all get in the way of trusting God. Can we believe what He has said? What do we do when there are competing priorities? Join us Sunday livestream as we see Abrams trust in God in challenging circumstances.
God is faithful to His promises. We have been let down by others before. Sometimes its been a friend not showing up when we were going to connect. Sometimes a family member who was going to help organize our parents Anniversary. Sometimes from our spouse who promised they would finish a task. And we know weve let others down. We project this experience on our relationship with God assuming He will also let us down. So instead of trusting Him with a difficult situation or when there are seemingly impossible odds, we take matters into our own hands. But God is completely and entirely dependable. How we depend on God will be passed on to our children. Twice Abraham lies about who Sarah is for fear of his life. Isaac then follows in the pattern. How can God break this pattern of sin in our lives as we teach our children that God is dependable. Join us livestream this Mothers day as we reflect on the reliability of our God, even when faced with insurmountable odds and how we teach our children to live like that. The notes are attached.
The flood is over. Noahs family is out of the Ark after a year. The world begins anew but shortly into this restart humanity is rebelling against God again. This pattern is often reminiscent of our lives where we indulge in sin, experience Gods discipline, come back to Him in repentance and walk with Him for a timeonly to find ourselves in the throws of temptation again. What should we do? How does God respond? Join us as we take a look at New Beginnings the notes are attached.
God hates sin. We read the account of the flood and we are reminded of Gods hatred of sin. God loves righteousness. He delights in saving. These contrasting truths are displayed fully in the gospel as we see God the Son dying for our sin on the cross to grant us life.to save us. Join us livestream Sunday as we look at humanitys sin, Gods judgement, Gods sin and His subsequent blessing. The notes are attached.
There is a continual battle against good and evil. A cosmic warfare that makes its way into our homes, lives and hearts. Sin is crouching at our door. Sin actively wants to own us. God graciously wants to free us from the grip of sin. Join us Sunday as we examine the darkness of our own hears and the grace of our God. The notes are included.
God placed Adam and Eve in the perfect environment, granting them every provision necessary, including each other, to worship, serve and obey Him. Yet they chose to sin. What is sin? What makes it so enticing? Why are we so often inclined toward evil and not good? Join us Sunday live or livestream as we reflect on the fall, its ramifications and Gods grace. The notes are attached. Dwayne
Its been a long year. Isolation, social distancing, business closures, quarantine, illness and death. Mental health illnesses, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and alcohol use are all on the rise in Canada. And in this recent shut down of Ontario, people are asking where is our hope? In our physicians? In a vaccine? Hope is a confident expectation. It is certain. The only hope we can assuredly have is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If He did not rise again, we are not only without hope but our lives are established on a fabricated myth. The notes are attached.
Many people wrestle through questions of purpose and existence. Why am I here? What is my purpose? To comprehend what my purpose is, it begs the question, What is our purpose? At the pinnacle of Gods created order, God created humanity. Not only are we Gods superior creation but we are crafted in His likeness and image. Why did God create beings in His image? Join us Sunday live or livestream as we spend time considering why God made humanity. The notes are attached.
In the beginning there was God. He existed alone. Out of His created genius He granted life and offered purpose for existence. Join us Sunday as we launch into our series in the book of Genesis and wonder at Gods creativity and blessing. The notes are attached.
Western culture has moved from a time when it was impossible not to believe in God, to a time when it became possible not to believe in God, to a time, when for many, it is impossible to believe in God. We can be made to feel foolish or even anti-intellectual to believe that a prime-mover was necessarily essential for the universe to exist. Yet, can the universe possibly exist with out a supreme being setting it in motion? Join us as we consider the possibilities of a self existing universe and why belief in a prime-mover is not only theoretical and plausible but necessarily essential. The (rather extensive) notes are attached.
Our James North Elders got together for a conversation about the Church and Governement. This is a discussion to highlight the behind-the-scenes thinking that has helped to shape our response to the protocols and restrictions set out by the government.
In this second podcast the James North Elders talk about the question of the essential nature of the church and how we respond to government shut downs.
Confessional Prayer under Covid Times Psalm 51 (A penitent Psalm of David)
Confessional Prayer under Covid Times Psalm 51 (A penitent Psalm of David)