Gospel Chapel GF: Recent Episodes
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Ben Jepsen leads us in contemplating what our purpose is in praying. Jesus calls us to a life of prayer that does not seek to advance our own kingdom, but the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we get them confused.
Today we made a significant announcement and a call for our church to pray about potential ministry shifts. These are not simple or easy shifts. We are asking God to direct and bring clarity to our discernment and thinking as we entertain these possibilities.
If you are a member of Gospel Chapel, you need to hear this and commit yourself to prayer, and then participate in the discussions we will be having in the coming weeks and months.
Jesus talks about adultery from two angles - committing and causing. However, in order to appreciate the importance of what Jesus is saying about the brokenness of our sexuality, we must first understand the biblical picture of sex. So, we're starting there...
As we start our study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), we need to zoom out and get a sense of how these chapters fit in to the Gospel of Matthew as a whole.
We're heading into a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Sunday, September 14 was the first day. While our live-stream glitched out, Pastor Doug recorded the NIV (1984) audio of the text ahead of time (as an aide to memory work).
Ben Jepsen, former Youth Pastor and then Executive Pastor at Gospel Chapel.
Easter Sunday 2025
How do we know the Holy Spirit is leading us, or when it's just our own hearts and ideas?
There's no formula for this - discernment isn't a math problem to be solved, but a relationship to engage.
Sunday, March 9 - Guest Speaker: Sid Koop. This is a continuation and follow-up message that connected with the presentations and conversations we had with Sid the previous day. You can view the morning session "Passing Faith to the Next Generation" on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/AHZF9bef5Eo
Saturday, March 8, 2025. Gospel Chapel hosted Sid Koop from the Youth Workers Community. Sid walked us through the current cultural climate and issues facing our children and teens, and gave us practical insights into how to best disciple the next generation.
Check out the YWC website for more information: https://www.youthworker.community/
In our last exploration of the letter to the Philippians, we note three interlocking themes that drive Paul's message to this church: the Humility of Christ (2:5-11), the Pursuit of Christ (3:7-16), and the Community of Christ (1:3-11; 4:4-20).
Paul takes, at least on first glance, a diversion from his message. Why does he switch to talking about sending Timothy and Epaphoiditus to them at this point in the letter? Was he finishing up the letter and then added more after? Or, is he mentioning these two men at this point for a reason beyond just their travel plans?
Today we get to the heart of Philippians. 1:27 is arguably the "thesis statement" of the letter; it's what Paul longs to see in the life of the church. The rest of the letter will spell out the details.
Today we read through the letter to Philippi, and then consider the main themes of Paul's introduction - which will be the main themes of the letter.
This was Jon's second Sunday with us, and we also had some great training times with him during the week. In this message Jon continues to unpack disciple making and using the Discovery Bible Study approach as we dig into 1 Peter 1.
Our series on biblical church identity wrapped up today with a final message from the minor prophet Haggai. I find it encouraging and hopeful that in spite of the people's reluctance, passivity, excuses, and selfishness, God still spoke to the people, drew them back to himself, and promised to bless them and be with them. He is faithful.
As noted in the introduction to this episode, there will be a pause on podcast posts for the month of August. We'll be back in September! Have a great summer.
Markus & Anja Kappers serve with Reach Across in Birmingham, England. Our church has supported them for many years, and it has been a long time since we have had them with us in person.
This continues our exploration of Biblical Church Identity
This series is also working through the five areas of growth that our church leadership identified through the "Setting Your Church Free" (Neil Anderson) seminary that we were guided through by our conference minister, Rob Thiessen, at the end of May 2024.
Haggai 1 is a call to return to God's purposes for His people. Haggai is one of the few prophets whose ministry is an immediate success; the people hear the message and respond with obedience. Weird...
We had a great weekend at the Pines Bible Camp! Sam Dick was our guest speaker for the weekend and this is the Sunday morning message.
Apologies for the audio quality, and also the camera memory card ended up full, so we missed the conclusion of the message... but there's good stuff here ;)
One of our church members, Dale Redford, shares his thoughts on the story of desperate people meeting Jesus, and what happened when they did.
God's people are to be distinct not only in the way we live and the values we hold, but in how we speak to and about one another, to be life-giving speakers, whose words are "good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph 4:29).
This is never easy or natural for recovering sin-addicts. In fact, to renounce slander and gossip might be one of the most counter-cultural things we can do.
This is perhaps the shortest message on our podcast!
Our Celebration Sunday 2024 was a great time of looking back at the past ministry year. It was a lot of fun, and a great reminder that when we work together for the Gospel, we are are "the light of the world."
In this message, we walk through some history of the anabaptist movement, and reflect on the importance of baptism in the life of the church community. Further resources mentioned at the end can be found at:
https://www.mennonitebrethren.ca/the-mb-confession-of-faith-full-text/
https://www.kindredproductions.com/product/365/
https://www.kindredproductions.com/product/family-matters/
https://www.waynegrudem.com/systematic-theology
Over the next few months, we will be looking at the nature and the mission of the church. Who are we as God's people? What is our role in God's story of redemption? What does a healthy church practice in attitude and action?
At the start of each quarter this year, we are focussing on one of the letters of Paul to the churches. There is a brief introduction to the letter, a reading of the letter, and then a few observations as to the overall message of the letter for us today.
Rob Thiessen, our BCMB Conference Minister, shares with us that no matter what happens in life, culture, or the church, we need to live worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How we navigate difficult seasons in our relationships is important and we need to consider how the Gospel should inform our conflicts.
In our fourth Sunday in this series we complete our study of Genesis 1:26-28. "...male and female He created them."
We review the basic purposes of this series, the core lessons from Galatians, and address three philosophical foundations for how our culture functions and engages in questions of meaning, purpose, and identity.
This gets a bit academic and stuff...but sometimes it's where we need to go.
The third message in our series on biblical human identity looks again at Genesis 1:26-28. We are created FROM community FOR community. This has implications for how we function as family, and as a church.
This is a long one - and we kept the observance of communion as part of this podcast.
This second message in our series on biblical human identity returns to Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15. God's initial purpose for humanity, our core created vocation, is to hold dominion over creation and subdue it as royal rulers, while at the same time guarding it and keeping it as serving priests.
This is the first in an 11 week series looking at the question of human identity. We start at the beginning...
At the start of each quarter in 2024, we are going to read through a letter of Paul.
These letters were written to be read out loud to the first audience, and so we want to encounter Scripture "in context."
On this first Sunday of Advent, we hear a lament. Strange way to kick-off the "holiday season"...
But Advent is about more than a baby in a manger, it's is about the long wait of God's people for Him to make all things new. It is the cry of those who know that the world and their lives are not right. It is the longing for God to forgiver, restore, renew.
But God's timing and ways are not ours, and we voice our complaint, our lament, that life is not going well, and that we are not well. When will God act!?
Luke is clearly answering the question that has been raised in the story, "Who is this?" In our last passage, Peter answered the question. In this weeks passage, God the Father answers this question. And the answers require us to respond.
Luke 8 contains a number of miracles. These demonstrate Jesus' authority and power over nature, demons, sickness, and death. But can we believe that Jesus DID these things? Are there other explanations? Are these stories just the observations of ancient people who saw "god(s)" in anything and everything? In this message we look at the issue of miracles and why we doubt them.
Fall is here. School is back in session. Our ministry programs are gearing up for the year. What is at the heart and centre of where we are going in this new year?
As we consider where we are at as a church, we need to think through how we are equipping and modelling the Gospel for the next generation. We are embarking on some changes in HOW we do that, but we are committed to the WHY. Church programs come and go. Church forms come and go. What we do today sets the course for the next generation.
Jack & Ellen Hooge have served with NAIM (North American Indigenous Ministries) for over 40 years. In today's message, Ellen shared with us what the core challenges and opportunities of this ministry are. She shared stories of how God is moving, equipping His people, and reaching out through the stories of Indigenous people in Canada.
Jack & Ellen Hooge are missionaries that Gospel Chapel has supported for over 40 years!
The Hooges are serving with North American Indigenous Mission (NAIM). They joined us for our Sunday service (which will be available on Monday, June 12). On Sunday afternoon, I had a chance to sit down with them and get to know their story from where they were born and raised, their journey of faith and call to ministry.
For more on the work of NAIM visit https://www.naim.ca/about/what-we-believe/
What is "faith"? Where does faith come from and what does a life of faith look like?
Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 11:1-6; James 2:14-26
How do you respond when you face rejection?
In Luke's Gospel, the first thing Jesus does after the Temptation - after a quick general overview (3:14-15) - is to spend some time at home. In his home town and the synagogue where he grew up, he read a key text from Isaiah, announced that it was being fulfilled, and then things got interesting. By the end of the Sabbath service, the hometown hero was about to be tossed off a cliff.
Later, when Jesus sends out the 12 and the 72, he instructs them to stay in the homes and the towns that welcomes them and their message, but for those who don't - simply move on.
In this first chapter of Jesus' ministry, Jesus is doing just that. He leaves Nazareth, and makes his way to Capernaum. This will become "home-base" for the rest of Jesus ministry in the region.
And here we see Jesus enacting the message of Isaiah that he had read in Nazareth. Jesus will teach and proclaim the Gospel with power and authority, but it will be displayed in compassion for the poor, the captives, the blind, the oppressed, because Jesus has come to declare the Year of the Lord's Favour.
Jesus belonged to a family. We sometimes forget that. In our individualistic world we neglect the longer story to which our lives belong. This is were the genealogies of the Bible remind us of the longer story God has been and is telling through the family that is humanity.
In Five Smooth Stones of Pastoral Ministry, Eugene Peterson states, "The genealogical lists in the Bible, synonymous in so many minds with tedium, are, in fact, documentation for the most exciting parts of the story. For the gospel does not address a faceless, nameless mob, but persons. The history of salvation is thick with names. The name is the form of speech by which a person is singled out for personal love, particular intimacy, and exact responsibilities. The biblical fondness for genealogical lists is not pedantic antiquarianism, it is a search for personal involvement, a quest for a sense of personal place in the web of relationships in which God fashions salvation."
Luke's gospel starts with John the Baptist, his parents, his birth, his name, his purpose. Luke balances his time in the first chapters between John and Jesus. What does Luke want us to see?
The Resurrection is difficult to believe. Perhaps even impossible. Those who had followed Jesus for 3 years refused to believe at first. It took time for them to come to terms with what had happened. It was the last thing the expected.
Faith is not easy. It takes time. It requires we pursue our doubts and questions. We should never settle for a mindless, simplistic belief system. Resilient discipleship requires the ability to question, doubt, wrestle and seek real answers.
On this Good Friday, we focus on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke. A very detailed and clear account not of the horrors of the cross, but of the grace and mercy of the One Crucified.
The message closes with us celebrating the Lord's Table.
Luke's account of the Triumphal Entry is more colourful and complex than just Jesus riding on a donkey with crowds singing "Hosanna!" In fact, in Luke, "Hosanna" isn't used, nor are there palm branches...
Luke connects various scenes together in one whole narrative thread, and the key phrase is "seeking". It starts with Zacchaeus "seeking to see who Jesus is" and it ends with the religious rulers in Jerusalem "seeking to destroy him."
In Mark's Gospel, the baptism of Jesus is a very short few verses. But the central concern of Mark is to show us that Jesus difficult ministry from this point on starts with the empowerment of the Spirit and the deep love of the Father. And maybe that's what we desperately need to embrace in our lives today.
Mary's memories permeate the first two chapters of Luke's gospel. She is the most likely source. The details. The specifics. Somethings only a parent would remember.
What would it have been like to be entrusted with the raising of the Messiah? What questions would linger in the years between his birth and the rest of his life? What questions do we still have about this Jesus whom we follow?
In this final message on Sabbath, we focus on Psalm 92. More than Sabbath practice, we learn that to rest in God is to trust Him as our Creator and Redeemer. He is the Creator, therefore, only He is uniquely qualified to be the judge of our hearts and lives. He is our Redeemer - taking the initiative to rescue and restore us to relationship with Him. Sabbath reminds us of both of these realities, which are embedded in the purpose statements in the Ten Commandments.
To learn more about Sabbath, check out the following resources:
Practicing the Way
The Desperately Needed Day
Sabbath Series Summary (along with our weekly bulletin for February 26, 2023)
In this episode, we look at Isaiah 58 and the invitation to make the Sabbath our delight, to embrace joy in what God has and continues to do for us as His people.
In Isaiah 58, the people first "delight" to fast and do a lot of religious things. These "delights" are shown to be self-centred and self-promoting. Isaiah then points people to what it would really mean to delight in fasting - to help others and stand up for the oppressed. Which is really where Sabbath should lead us.
The command to keep the Sabbath, in Deuteronomy 5, is related to the freedom the people of God experienced when God worked for their emancipation from slavery in Egypt. The practice of Sabbath was instituted so the the people of Israel would not resort to an extractive and exploitive economic power. Their social structures would look very different from the world around them. Sabbath, a weekly rhythm of rest from all work, would remind them of the freedom they enjoyed and the freedom they are to extend to others.
The Practice of Sabbath is integral to our five year vision at Gospel Chapel - it's literally in the Vision Statement.
Work, Rest, and the Lord's Day is Article 16 of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith, it's a key tenet of our faith as a community following Jesus.
But it is also something that we must practice with freedom from legalism and pride.
In this episode we tackle these three elements of Sabbath, and conclude with 4 Practice Experiments.
The vision of Gospel Chapel for the next five years of ministry centres on the pursuit of Spiritual Formation, that results in God-centred living, heart-level faith, and relational authenticity with God and others. To realize this vision we need practices - the stuff we do in life - that can shape us inside and out.
Our five year vision specifically identifies the practice of Sabbath, and so we are beginning 2023 with this practice. We will be spending the month of February building a biblical theology of Sabbath and how then to engage in the practice of Sabbath. We want to guard against legalism and license in this, recognizing that the New Testament does not command Sabbath, but neither does it nullify the practice. In regard to the ongoing practice of Sabbath in the early church, the New Testament is not entirely clear.
For some great resources on the Practice of Sabbath, check out https://www.practicingtheway.org/sabbath
As we start 2023, God may be calling you to renew, renovate, or rebuild some aspect of your life. What might that be? It's always a challenge to do renovations or to recover from a disaster. How does God work in people's lives to accomplish His rebuilding purposes?
Today we're looking at Ezra 1, and seeing that God moves in the heart of a king and a people to rebuild the Temple that was destroyed decades earlier. The people whom God moved to go from Babylon to Jerusalem would be returning to a city destroyed and to homes of rubble. Their calling was not to a place of abundance, but to a place of desolation. And from that desolation they were to rebuild a place of God-centred worship.
Sometimes that how God works. He calls us to face our desolation before we can experience wholeness and healing. He calls us to a renovation project that requires facing the reality of our brokenness so that we can learn to trust Him with our hurts and our healing.
Though judgment is falling, and suffering and exile are the experience of God's people to whom Jeremiah is writing, God is working for their restoration, healing, and freedom. How God accomplishes those realities is often not how we envision it. In many ways, the work of God is the opposite of what we expect, but it is desperately what we need.
Isaiah 53:-4-5 (ESV) - "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Follow along reading 2 Chronicles 36:11-21
For more about Gospel Chapter visit our website.
To send us a prayer request send us a note here.
Pastor Ben continues in "The Gospel Project" looking at the book of Nahum. What is the message that the people Israel is to hear from this book? Whether this book was written before or after the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom, it is a message of challenge and hope. God would hold Assyria to account for their actions. He always does. God is just and fair and patient. We may not like His timeline or seeming inaction against those who disagree with us or even persecute us, but His justice is right on time, and it is always holy. Wait for Him.
https://www.gospelchapelgf.com
God's grace is amazing. We sing that. We believe that. We celebrate that.
But what about when God extends His marvellous grace to those we disagree with, dislike, or who are flat out our enemies?
The Book of Jonah was written to Israel to lead them to repentance and transformation. It's not just a neat story about a messed up prophet - there is an expected response from the first readers and hearers of this book.
Today we are looking at the response that the prophets throughout the Bible call for - repentance: turning from our sin and self-centred ways of living, and trusting Jesus with our lives. Our main text today is 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, and the challenge before us is to live in the reality that genuine repentance that godly sorrow produces frees us to live a live with no regret. Is that even possible? In Christ, it is.
In this message, Pastor Doug references Freedom Session, a 28 week healing-discipleship journey that embraces this definition and result of repentance. While we do run an in-person large group version of this program on Tuesday nights at Gospel Chapel, the resources are freely available to anyone at any time. You can begin your journey today. Visit the Freedom Session website, purchase the workbooks, and register for the Teaching Videos and Mid-week Mentor sessions online.
While you can do this on your own, my recommendation is that you work through this with at least two other people. Our lives are meant to be lived in community. Our wounds and hurts are all related to community. Because our brokenness occurs in community, our healing requires community. James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed." I am convinced that we don't see much in the way of healing (physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual) because we don't follow this - we don't spend time in mutual confession and then prayer for one another on a deeper level. That can change and Freedom Session is a great tool for this.
Isaiah speaks many words of comfort and hope to Israel and Judah, but that's only part of the picture. God cannot let their waywardness, their rebellion, their sin and iniquity go unaddressed, or unpunished. We don't often spend much time reflecting on God's justice, but the Bible does. So today we're looking at that aspect of God's nature in light of our own.
For more info or to connect with us, check out our website.
Pastor Ben takes us into the book of Jonah to reflect on the love of God for Jonah, how God was extending love and grace to Jonah. How does this relate to Thanksgiving? Listen to find out.
Remember not the former things... Put me in remembrance... Remember who you are...
Memory is important, but it can be a hindrance. After recounting images of the Exodus and the crossing of the Red Sea, God says "remember NOT the former things..."(Isa 43:18). Then against the routine and drudgery of religion for religion's sake, God says, "Put me in remembrance..." And finally, after a long comedic narrative about idolatry (44:6-18), God calls us to remember who we are in relation to him - "remember...you are my servants, I formed you...you will not be forgotten by me...I've taken care of your sin problem, so return to me" (Isa 44:21-22).
These realities are the foundations for renewal and revival.
For more information about Gospel Chapel and to connect with us visit our website.
Bruce & Karen Penner have been part of Gospel Chapel for a number of years. This is their last Sunday with us as they embrace the call of God for them to pastor a church in Mexico. Bruce shares with us his story of God's work in his life and the journey that has lead to this moment.
This week we had Ricky & Karen Sanchez, missionaries we have supported for 20+ years, sharing in our morning service. It was great to hear what God has and is doing in Thailand and how we can pray. In the coming months, we'll get them back for Gospel Conversations and get to know more of their story.
Ricky & Karen have recently transitioned from working under Multiply (formerly MB Mission), and will now be working with YWAM Thailand.
For more info about Gospel Chapel, or to connect with us, visit our website!
It's been a long 2+ years, but today we are launching into our Fall Children and Youth Ministry year. We are excited that Battalion is back on Wednesday evenings. Awana will be starting on Thursdays. Sunday School is going well and we are fully staffed for this next season! Thank you to everyone at Gospel Chapel for making this happen. Ministry doesn't happen without the community coming together to work together. We are excited for what God is doing and will do this year.
This Sunday we started with some testimonies of how God has worked through Children's ministry in people's lives. And then Pastor Doug reminded us from 1 Peter 4:7-11, that as crazy as our world can get we are called to pray, love one another, show hospitality to one another, and serve one another all to the glory of God.
Today we are back in the Gospel Project, and looking at the story of Elijah's "ascension" and the empowerment of Elisha to take up the mantle of prophet in Israel.
Note: due to a sound issue, there is a fair amount of background noise in this recording.
Romans 8:29 - "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son..."
Isaiah 53:3 - "He was...a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief..."
John 11:35 - "Jesus wept."
Being a follower of Jesus includes God's work to transform our lives, inside and out, to reflect the life of Jesus, inside and out. When we think about discipleship, or we plan and program for "discipleship" we often think of content, creeds, theology, knowledge, and a bit of serving as well. But what about the discipleship of our hearts, of our emotions? Perhaps we have a shallow experience of God and the Gospel because we do not attend well to matters of the heart, especially in regard to grief and loss.
What if these are primary tools in God's process of moving us from who we are to who Jesus is? What if our escape or denial of pain and loss undermines and undercuts our growth as image bearing Jesus followers?
In this message I refer to a couple of books and key resources. Below are some links to find out more:
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship - Peter Scazzarro
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
For a deeper journey into emotional and relational health, join us at Freedom Session this fall. Check our website for dates and times.
Chosen by God. Anointed by Samuel. Serving the King.
Saul has failed. The people's king will not continue, his family will not inherit the throne. But God doesn't cancel the kingship approach to national organization or politics. He redeems it and appoints His own king.
We will be spending July with the story of David's rise and fall, but more importantly these stories tell us about God's unwavering commitment to His people.
Impatience. People-pleasing. Presumption.
That's what Saul struggles with as his leadership is tested and found wanting. These are common human struggles. We all get impatient and want stuff to happen more on our time-line than God's. We all want to be liked by those around us. And when we make a choice that isn't right, we can tend to presume on God's grace.
Jesus dealt had his moments when impatience could have derailed his mission - the disciples were pretty slow on the uptake. But he walked with them, worked with them, and loved them. He's still doing that with us.
Jesus could have bowed to the pressure to lead the people of Israel as they envisioned the Messiah. He even told his disciples at his arrest that he had the authority to fight back. But Jesus lived to please His Father and to glorify His name and purposes.
Jesus took on humanity, lived a fairly normal life for 30 years. He did not presume on His position and power, but entrusted Himself to the Father's purposes. He lived and served in humility.
Patience. Truthfulness. Humility. All the things Saul failed in, Jesus lived fully, and He calls His people to live likewise.
Matt & Josie serve with Family Life Canada, a division of Power 2 Change. The vision of FLC is to bring help and hope to every marriage and family, believing that the family is the foundation of every community, that a healthy marriage is the cornerstone of a strong family, and that the ultimate lasting strength of every marriage is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
To find out more about the ministry of Family Life Canada, local events, and online supports check out https://www.familylifecanada.com
The video version of this conversation is also available: https://youtu.be/J9kcBYEci8c
The last five years have been challenging for us. There has been a lot of change. The last two years have been especially difficult. But now God is calling us to embrace the realities of who we are, where we are. This is our moment in the history of His Kingdom project, and it's happening right where we live. Let's go!
Sin. Not a word we want to talk about much. Not a concept we readily embrace. Our nature is bent toward fulfilling what we want, when we want it, how we want it.
Sin and death are realities in our lives. But there is God's provision for our sin in the death of Jesus Christ, and there there is life available for our death in His resurrection.
The Bible isn't just a book of instructions on how to live, it's sometimes also telling us what to avoid.
The story of Hophni and Phinehas in 1 Samuel 2 is a warning. Those in leadership and ministry, and we're all in some form of leadership, need to take note of this story. Following our own passions and desires outside of the parameters and provision of God leads to pain and death.
The book of 1 Samuel starts with the account of Hannah's journey from pain to praise. Samuel - the final judge of Israel, the prophet who anoints Saul and David - is born and surrendered to the Lord. Here is a story that speaks of painful longing, prayerful commitment, deliberate surrender, and unbounded praise.
The book of Ruth is an amazing story of ordinary people navigating difficult and painful circumstances. Their lives are mundane; no prophets, kings, judges, angelic messengers, miracles, or even a direct word from the Lord. But their lives were intimately connected to God's bigger purposes. They had significant roles to play in the great story God was weaving in history.
Samson. Set apart from the womb, a promised deliverer. Strong.
And a complete self-centred train-wreck...
The book of Judges - not you're go to "feel-good" stories, rather a series of repeated patterns that resembles a vortex of increasing darkness. What's the good-news of Judges?
The ultimate miracle is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Through His mighty acts of power, God draws people to Himself, His glory is revealed, and His word is vindicated. This is the purpose of miracles.
Scriptures: Joshua 24:14-18; Luke 7:11-17; Mark 16:1-8
Romans 5:1-11 calls us to continually rejoice in what Jesus Christ has done for us. There are, in fact, no commands in this passage. It is simply a declaration of the joy we can have in the hope we have, even in trials, because ultimately our rejoicing is in God himself.
Laird & Val Salkeld have a long and deep connection with us at Gospel Chapel. They have been serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators for 20+ years, and their love for the mission God has called them to continue to grow.
For more information on Wycliffe and their partner organizations:
Wycliffe Bible Translators: https://www.wycliffe.ca
Summer Institute of Linguistics: https://www.sil.org
JAARS - technical & logistic support: https://www.jaars.org
Prescience Labs: https://www.presciencelabs.org
If you had one last message for the people you've loved, worked with, sacrificed for, what would you say?
Joshua has seen a lot over the course of his life. In these last two chapters he has a message for God's people as his part in the story comes to a close.
Gospel Chapel has long been active in addressing the needs of the wider community through various programs and initiatives. Tammy Battersby is our Community Care Coordinator, and in the past year she and her team have been instrumental in reducing local food waste in partnership with Extra Foods. Want to know how that all works? Here's the info...
On the banks of the Jordan, a new generation was about to experience a new reality of God. They were called to anticipate God's provision, follow His guidance, and remember His works. We are called to do the same.
God give direction and comfort through His presence.
God give strength and courage through His Word.
God gives hope and victory through His promises.
Markus & Anja serve with ReachAcross out of Birmingham, UK. We're going to get to know their story and their current ministry reality today.
To find out more about the ministry of ReachAcross, visit: https://uk.reachacross.net/
This conversation is also available in video form on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/fzEpaycfDcs
This is the last "complaint narrative" in the Pentateuch. And as the last one, it's different than the others. What's with the snakes, and the metal snake. What is God doing? What are the people to learn?
It's been 40 years of wandering around the desert. The generation that experienced the Exodus, Sinai, and the building of the Tabernacle has died and the next generation is poised to enter the promised land. Moses and Aaron have been leading the people of Israel for 40+ years. But this is the end of their part of the story.
God wants to be with His people. He even wants to go camping with them.
So much is happening in Exodus 40, and it's all about worship. Worship is nothing less than a life centred on God's holiness, forgiveness and presence.
The Tabernacle was a wonderful, visual, visceral sign of God's holiness, forgiveness and presence. But it is a shadow of the real thing. The reality is found in Jesus Christ, the true "tabernacle" (John 1:14), and in the Church (Eph 2:22).
Today on Gospel Conversations we are going to hear from Maxym Oliferovski.
Maxym & Anya provide leadership for Multiply in Ukraine, serving in holistic church-planting and directing the New Hope Center, a non-profit organization ministering to families in crisis.
Gospel Chapel’s support is directed to the New Hope Center, so we are indirectly supporting Maxym & Anya by supporting one of the ministries to which they provide leadership.
For more on the ministry of Multiply: http://multiply.net
For New Hope Center on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/newhopeukraine
The staff at Gospel Chapel have been reflecting on Isaiah 40 as we start 2022. The message at this point in Isaiah changes from the threat of judgment to the renewal of hope and trust in God who will restore His people by leading them home.
In today's Gospel Reflection, we hear from John N. Oswalt's NIV Application Commentary (2003). Dr. Oswalt is research professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. His thoughts on how this passage of Isaiah applies to today are thought provoking and encouraging.
Is this story about "faithfulness" or "faithlessness"?
Well, it depends on your perspective. The actual Gospel Project title for this session was "Faithlessness", and certainly that is true in relation to the people of Israel. However, this is also a story of "faithfulness" in relation to God. Idolatry is the distortion of worship of God, which leads to the deserved judgment of God. The Good News, however, is that God is gracious, and we need to depend on the grace of God, period.
Jon & Jill Luesink are supported missionaries of Gospel Chapel. Jon serves as the Director of Mobilization for Avant Ministries. In this conversation we get to know Jon, his journey of faith and call to ministry. In the second half of the conversation we discuss the Discovery Bible Study method.
Links of interest:
Avant Ministries http://avantministries.org
Discovery Bible Study http://dbsguide.org
The Red Sea crossing is a decisive moment in the story. What are the defining moments of your journey and how are you celebrating them?
Joseph's story is the longest narrative in Genesis. It is the story of a dysfunctional family redeemed. God is present with Joseph throughout his difficult journey. He doesn't have an easy life - no would choose this.
But God is with him. God has sent him. God's purposes are realized even though Joseph suffers. How does Joseph come to the place of offering forgiveness and blessing to those who have deeply wounded him?
The stories in Genesis 12-50 are not stories of a chosen family of God that shine with heroic glitter and perfection. These families are messed up. But God's purposes prevail.
God gave Abraham and Sarah a great promise and they finally saw that promise fulfilled. But there was a test... It's startling, and a bit troubling to say the least. But Abraham has come to the place where the hope and wonder that he has in the God who called him, who has blessed him, and who has promised him this son. His faith is strong in the midst of the test.
What God asked of Abraham was a foreshadowing of what God himself in Jesus Christ would do.
Sometimes a character makes an appearance, and you wonder what happened to him. Well, Melchizedek is one of those characters. He gets a total of 3 verses in the story of Abram and then he disappears. He's mentioned once in Psalm 110. But then he makes a roaring comeback in Hebrews 5-7.
What we are tempted to do is fill in the gaps about the story of Melchizedek. What we must do, however, is to focus on the main characters of the story. Genesis 14 is about Abram. Psalm 110 is about the Davidic King. And Hebrews 7 is about how Jesus is greater than Melchizedek.
The story of Genesis narrows at this point. We move from the global perspective to one family. The rest of Genesis is the story of one families journey with God and what that means for the rest of humanity.
In this episode, Ben Jepsen (Executive Pastor) sits down with Nate Coulson, who is our candidate for the position of Youth Pastor at Gospel Chapel. Ben and Nate talk about Nate's journey in youth ministry, and his heart and passion for ministry.
Kenji Kondo is a missionary in Japan with Operation Mobilization. He was in Grand Forks in October, so Pastor Doug had a chance to meet him and sit down for a conversation about the state of the church in Japan, the work that he and his family are involved in, and how we can pray for them and the country of Japan.
Operation Mobilization's vision is "to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached." For more information on OM check out https://www.om.org/en
Building a city and a nice community centre seems like a good thing... Not when it is borne out of rebellion.
God's purposes for humanity was not mono-cultural. We know gardens and forests don't thrive that way, why do we assume that humanity will?
The story of Noah and the Flood is the central story of Genesis 1-11. It is the story of the seriousness of sin, the judgment of God, and His overwhelming mercy.
Anger. Frustration. Accusation. Lashing out.
Our culture is rife with this stuff. Scan you social media feed and it doesn't take long to find some one that's angry about something... We live in an age of outrage, and it can destroy us.
It destroyed Able, and it also destroyed Cain. There is no winner in the game of rage.
We only get four chapters in the Bible where everything is awesome. The first two and the last two. Everything in between is about the mess humanity has made of all our relationships, and God's unwavering commitment to pursue us with redemption and reconciliation.
Genesis 3 is usually titled "The Fall", but in reality it's just the beginning of the fallenness of humanity. It starts here, but as the story continues we will see more and more brokenness and dysfunction from those created to bear the image and likeness of God. The reality we live with everyday is introduced here. And the reality of God's relentless gracious pursuit of His people is emphasized.
About 33% of the Psalms are songs of lament. Songs and prayers that are birthed in and give voice to pain.
How do we pray when life is hard, when our experience is grinding us down? The Psalms give our pain words, and then lead us to hope.
This episode is the first in a three-year series that will take us through the entire Bible with Jesus Christ as the centre.
We are running "The Gospel Project" (https://www.gospelproject.com/) in our Adult and Children's Ministries.
This episode focusses on the reality that God Created Everything Good, By Design, and For a Purpose.
This passage is often used to teach on the importance of giving. That is part of the picture, but it's not the main point.
Today we begin an eight week study in the prophet Malachi. The key issue is encapsulated in the first declaration of God, "I have loved you." All the issues that Malachi will address relate to the fact that we often question this.
The wall is built, but the work has just begun. Nehemiah's primary project has taken a lot to get done. He's faced conflict and pushback from surrounding nations, and from inside the walls. That's ministry. That's leadership.
He's also fully aware that the real project is just beginning. Only 52 days have gone by. Nehemiah will spend 12 years as the governor of Jerusalem, but he won't do it alone. The task now is bigger, more complex, more personal, and deeply spiritual.
Nehemiah faces more pressures to quit, but he saw the project through. He knew that the distractions and the pressures would undermine the purpose God had for him. How are we doing in evaluating the people and things that seek to take up our time and energy? How do we discern legitimate concerns and corrections from simple distraction or discouragement?
Verbal assault, physical threat, and discouraged people. These can undermine following through on God's purposes for our lives. How much more so when all three are piled up in short order?
Nehemiah models how to prayerful adjust and respond to a variety of problems while maintaining his focus on what God called him to do. Following God, pursuing His vision, is never easy. It takes tenacity and creativity.
A whole chapter of names and what part of the wall people worked on...
Really. Why do we need to know this? What can we possibly learn from it?
Nehemiah spends four months in prayer, but that doesn't mean he is just sitting around waiting for God to do something. In the midst of his praying, he is planning. He formulates a strategy. He prepares to be involved personally in the answer to the prayers that he has been praying.
How do we start pursuing God's vision for us?
Nehemiah starts with prayer. Prayer that starts in Lament, moves to Confession, and then he starts praying for God to inform and clarify his vision for the situation at hand.
And this where we need to start.
Over the next eight weeks, we are looking at the life and ministry of Nehemiah, a man of vision, passion and action.
We are entering a season of discerning God's purposes for our church family. What is on God's agenda for Gospel Chapel in the coming years? How is He right now equipping us to be and do for His Kingdom right where we are?
Today's message is a general introduction to the story of Nehemiah and the importance of his story for us today.
In response to the man born blind being cast out, Jesus went to him, found him, and called him to himself. He was a "good shepherd" to this man rejected by the religious elite of the day - those who were rejecting Jesus because He consistently violated their Sabbath laws.
This leads to a confrontation with the Jewish leaders, in which Jesus basically calls them thieves, robbers and careless shepherds. Jesus, however, claims to to be the Gate for the Sheep, the Good Shepherd, and the provider of abundant life. The contrast is stark, and the decision we are invited to make about Jesus is just as stark.
Is Jesus to be believed, or rejected as an insane demoniac - there's no room for middle ground.
The next number of weeks we will be hitting some of the most exclusive statements Jesus makes about himself, and what it means to believe in Him and find life in Him. Is Jesus really THE Door, THE Way, THE Truth, THE Life... This is the heart of John's Gospel, it is John's one purpose for writing this book - that we come face to face with the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ, believe. And by believing find life in His name.
Our default setting in life is blindness, spiritual blindness. We can only get out of this as Jesus comes and opens our eyes so that the glory of God might be displayed in us.
The Feast of Tabernacles (or simply tents) was a huge celebration. Israel remembered the great saving works of God as He led them out of Egypt, guided and provided for them for 40 years in the wilderness. The celebration lasted a week.
Jesus attended this festival and used the central images to speak of His ministry and mission. He redefined the festival around himself. Jesus words challenge us to respond, comfort us on our journey, and commission us for his glory.
John 6 creates some tension. Jesus says all who come to him and believe will find life. He also says that no one can come to him unless the Father first draws them. He then reiterates the necessity of belief and response. Many followers drop-off at this point (also something about eating his flesh and drinking his blood probably tripped them up...). He turns to the Twelve and asks them how they are going to respond - "Do you want to go away as well?" Peter responds by confessing their trust and belief in Jesus as Messiah, sent from God. Jesus calls them "chosen" - including Judas, who is going to betray him... This is rather confusing and problematic.
The Sovereignty of God is a crucial, central doctrine that is woven throughout Scripture; we can's avoid it. It is also a challenging doctrine, because our experiences in life, our pains and problems call it into question. But it is also a comforting doctrine; Jesus has himself experienced the pain and trauma of life in a broken world, and he came to redeem and restore, he also came to be with us in the midst of the storm.
John 6 is a pivotal chapter in John's Gospel. Jesus draws a very deep line in the sand. From this point, many disciples stop following him. It's decision time.
Central to John's message is that Jesus is the giver of life and that people need to believe. This story is one of the first steps on the journey.
John's purpose in relating the seven signs is to lead us to faith in Jesus Christ, to believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we would find life in His name (John 20:30-31). How does Jesus' more-or-less secret miracle, turning water to wine at a wedding feast contribute to John's purpose? Why is this the "First" sign that John gives us?
Over the next sixteen weeks we will be looking at the Seven Signs and Seven "I AM" sayings of Jesus that John employs to reveal the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ. Today, we examine John's stated purpose and why we need this message now.
Today we wrapped up our series "Everyday Discipleship". The main ideas we explored are summarized, and then we simply are reading through the biblical passages that we examined over the past 16 weeks.
Pastor Ben shares with us the realities of bringing glory to God in the midst of a pandemic. How can we live and serve as disciples of Jesus for the flourishing of our community in this time? How do we respond to the changing and inconvenient limitations and regulations that we are experiencing right now? How do we follow Jesus well in the middle of it all?
How do we navigate these days of tension and questions? How do we, as followers of Jesus, stay sane and stable in a world of uncertainty, information overload?
We need to be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of His might. We need to put on the armour He provides. We need to be a people of prayer. We need to fix our minds on Jesus.
What do you love? Where does your sense of security, stability and hope reside?
Jesus meets a young guy who has everything going for him, except one thing.
How do we define "The Gospel"? What is it "Good News"?
As we consider how we are to follow Jesus in the everyday stuff of life, and allow the Gospel to transform everything in our lives, we need to have some clarity on what the Gospel IS.
Romans 1:16-24 is a good foundation and starting point. But a lot of it doesn't sound like good news, in fact - it's more BAD news...at least at first glance.
What if the God showed up, a revival broke out, and we found ourselves with 3,000 new believers in a day? What discipleship strategy would help everyone connect, promote their growth, and minister to their needs?
Acts 2:42-47 provides a report on what happened and how the first church experienced just that and navigated the sudden rapid growth. Throughout Acts we read of God moving and the church multiplying. We need to be ready to adapt and adjust to the realities God brings our way with everyday, simple and effective solutions.
Our working definition of "Church" has been, "The set apart people of God, called to reveal the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit for His mission in the world."
What does "revealing the beauty and glory of Jesus" mean, and what does that look like?
Psalm 139 offers us a good starting place.
This is part 6 of our series "Everyday Discipleship". We have defined "CHURCH" as the set apart people of God, called to reveal the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit for His mission in the world.
Today we unpack the last part of that definition.
When we come to Jesus in faith, surrendering our lives to Him, we become Children of God, adopted into His family, coheirs with Jesus Christ. What an overwhelming reality of our identity in Christ.
Pastor Ben Jepsen takes us into what it means that we are the family of God, adopted sons and daughters of the Creator and Sustainer of All.
[NOTE: due to a technical glitch, the audio was recorded from our video camera mics, so the quality and clarity of the audio is somewhat lacking. The message, however, is quite clear and of high quality.]
Who are we in relationship to the Son of God, the Son of Man? We most often - and rightly so - think of Jesus as Saviour, Helper, Deliverer, etc... but what about His primary identity as Christ, Messiah, God's Anointed King?
If Jesus is King, what does that mean and where does that put us?
This is message 5 in a 16 week series entitled "Everyday Discipleship." We're starting by laying the theological foundations of the Gospel, the Church, and our identity in Christ as His followers. In the series we will explore how all of this must transform our hearts, minds and lives everyday.
God calls his people into relationship not only with himself, but with others. We cannot follow Jesus alone, we need community. The Mission of God for His people includes the call to authentic community.
How do we define "salvation"? Is it a one time event, or is there more to it. Biblically, the New Testament authors speak of salvation in the past, perfect, present and future tense. We are saved. We are being saved. We will be saved.
But why does that matter? And what are the implications of all of this?
We are in the midst of a crisis of identity in the church of North America. Not being able to what we have been comfortable with for decades (centuries even) has created a sense of dislocation, even disintegration.
Part of the problem is in how we have, for a long time, spoken about and organized "the church". Was what we were doing really in line with the biblical vision for "the church"?
What we really need to do in this moment is take a step back, a deep breath, open our Bibles and look at what God says about His people, why He calls us, how He equips us, and what His purpose is for us. Perhaps this last six months has been exactly what the church has needed to enter into a serious reevaluation of our identity and purpose.
Today we're doing something a little different, and it may feel late in the game. But it's not. The reality is that we are going to be living with a world that is different from what it was in early March. In British Columbia, everything changed on March 13, 2020. And while things are slowly opening up, the reality is that we will be doing social distancing, limiting mass gatherings, and life just isn't going to go back to "normal" (whatever that is).
What effects has this had on people? How are we navigating these days? What can we do to live well in the midst of changes and challenges?
I sat down with Colleen Schiesser, a registered clinical counsellor - who also is a member of Gospel Chapel, and posed those questions to her. We had a great conversation, and I pray it's helpful for you to think through and navigate changes and stresses in your life.
Imagine being listed as part of Paul's ministry team! Colossians ends with Paul extending greeting to the church from those who are working with him in prison, in person. What might we learn from this list of names? Perhaps there are some lessons about team work that we could use today.
In the final teaching section of Colossians, Paul calls us to continual devotion to prayer and continual motion towards others.
Today we duck out of Colossians and look at the companion book of Philemon. It's short. It's direct. It's addressed to one man, in one house, in one church, concerning one issue. And it's a case study for what we have been looking at over the past three weeks in Colossians.
Paul moves from talking about what we must put off and put on as followers of Jesus to how the reality of the Gospel must change our relationships. We often read these verses in isolation, or at least we argue about what they mean without taking in the whole context. In this message, there are moments when you will be asked to pause, read the Scripture, or reflect on a question (if you are in a group, discuss). We're going to look at the household codes in the context of the whole of Colossians and in the Biblical story of redemption and renewal.
Paul has told us what we need to get rid of in our lives (the bad news) in Colossians 3:5-11. Now he talks about what we need to put on. Embracing, engaging, and living these things will give us a godly life that is full of joy and purpose.
This is really part one of two messages that come from this passage. But I'm approaching it backwards. The reason is simple. Colossians 3:11, and many other statements in Paul's writings, speak to the cultural moment we are experiencing. Paul calls for an absolute end to discrimination, racism, and class divisions in the church. It has NO place in the One people of God.
In this section of the letter, Paul takes specific aim at the issues concerning the Colossian church. He issues two warnings about people to avoid, telling the church not to give them the ability to sit in judgement over them. And he reminds the church about where they are in relation to the systems of our broken world - you have died, and you have been raised with Christ. That's going to make a difference in you confidence level to live out the Gospel.
As we move into the "meat" of Colossians - the teaching and application - Paul starts with a thorough review of what the Colossians already know, and what they need to remember as they move forward together in their walk with Christ. Quite often we need to simply be reminded about the realities of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us. We never outgrow the foundations of the Gospel.
The introduction to Colossians runs from 1:1 to 2:5. In this passage, Paul is speaking more in the first person - Timothy is also named in the introduction, and seems to be involved in the message. Paul is wanting to address the church directly now. Remember, this is not a church Paul planted nor has he visited. Most likely, the church was planted and pastored by Epaphrus, who is named early in the letter as their source of information about the church.
Paul needs to establish some relationship and credibility with this church, and he does that in this passage. Because of everything Paul has said so far in the letter, and - perhaps - because of rumours about his situation, Paul has to lay out some specifics about his suffering in the context of the Gospel and the Body of Christ, the Church.
But Paul's primary purpose, his toil and struggle, is not to prove himself. His heart's desire is that followers of Jesus would be growing and maturing in Christ.
Where can we find hope and stability in a time of chaos and uncertainty. The Heart of the Gospel is Jesus Christ. The Hope of the Gospel is no different. Where do we derive our hope - not our wishes - but our real hope?
Last week we broke off half way through Paul's second sentence in the book...yup, he's the master of run-on sentences. But the transition is clear. Paul now pens, or incorporates, a song-a hymn-to celebrate the "Son of His love," the King into whose Kingdom we have been transferred after being rescued from the domain of darkness having been qualified to share in the inheritance with the saints.
Paul wants us to clearly know that the Heart of the Gospel is Jesus. We do receive the benefits of the Gospel, but ultimate it's not about us.
Paul starts off this letter with thanksgiving and prayer. He (and Timothy) have heard from Epaphras all about the life and faith of the Colossian church, and they are filled with joy. And they pray that the reality of their faith will continue to grow and flourish.
Today we begin our study of the letter to the Colossian church. We'll look at some preliminary issues, and then simply read through Colossians together.
One of the forgotten contexts of Scripture is the auditory - hearing. Before people had Bibles, they heard the message read. Practice listening today as you hear the Word of God through Colossians read.
How do we pray in uncertainty and crisis? COVID-19 has pushed our world into just that. We don't know how long this is going to last. We don't know the long term effects. Even though many people are recovering, what toll has this taken on their lungs and how susceptible will they be to future respiratory infections or complications? How will the economy rebound?
There are so many questions. How can we navigate the present crisis?
Psalm 77 is a prayer in time of crisis with many questions. The psalmist doesn't see anything in his present reality that provides comfort and direction. Where does he look for stability? He looks to the past - to what God HAS done for His people in history.
Palm Sunday! The day Jesus rides into Jerusalem, completing the journey that he set out on in Luke 9:51. What happens when Jesus comes to town?
The world is in crisis. COVID-19 is a global pandemic. It's hitting closer to home that we would like. It is affecting our lives in one way or another. How do we face this in faith? Where do we find strength in times like this?
We have also posted this in video form on our YouTube channel.
COVID-19. A global pandemic. Panic shopping. How should we as followers of Jesus navigate these times? There is, first of all, the need to calm our own hearts and minds; and then rest in the reality of God's sovereignty.
As a church we will be taking various measures during this time regarding our public gatherings, we have started live-streaming our services to YouTube, and we will continue to listen to our health and government officials as the situation progresses.
The Sermon on the Level. Jesus has just selected the Twelve Apostles from the crowd of disciples, people from all over are coming to hear him speak and to experience his healing power. In the midst of this Jesus "lifts up his eyes on his disciples" and lays out what following him must look like in the day-to-day stuff of life.
The season of Lent reminds us of our weaknesses. We watch Jesus, after 40 days of isolation and fasting facing an onslaught of temptation directly from Satan. We remember that Jesus is fully human, hungry and vulnerable (Hebrews 2:14-18), and we reflect on how he responded. The attack focussed on his identity, his commitment to worship, and the sufficiency of God and His Word. His response was rooted in Scripture and God's faithfulness toward His people.
Lent. What is it really about, and why should we consider observing Lent? We observe Advent, we like that story - waiting for baby Jesus. But spending six weeks anticipating and preparing for Good Friday? Isn't that a bit morbid? Easter is the foundation of Christianity, and we need to focus on it more than we sometimes do. We need to look beyond the infant Jesus to the redemption of God. That is what Simeon and Anna saw the day that Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the Temple. They were waiting, watching, longing for God's redemption to arrive. May we approach Easter with the same focus.
The last section in Ecclesiastes! We're done! This is the "final word" of the book (12:13). The narrator offers his evaluation of the contribution of Qoheleth, issues a warning to his "son", and leaves us with the final commands to fear God and keep His commandments, because that's what being human is all about.
The first of two conclusions to the book of Ecclesiastes calls us to Rejoice in the life we have been given, and to remember our Creator now. Don't wait for circumstances to change, don't let questions and harsh realities of life under the sun steal your joy.
Life has many ups and downs. We can't know what tomorrow will bring. We don't know how long we have on this earth. These realities have been presented (pushed in our faces really) throughout Ecclesiastes. Now the author addresses the reader with some advice as to how to live in the light of these realities. Take bold risks and use wisdom.
As we get closer to the end of Ecclesiastes, the author is wanting to address a number of topics. On first reading, this passage seems a bit shot-gun. But there is a coherence benether the seemingly scattered thoughts: choosing the way of wisdom is always the best. Wisdom is still fragile, but still the best option.
When we first start Ecclesiastes, it seems like the author is just the eternal pessimist--everything is meaningless, a chasing after wind. But as we approach the conclusion, things begin to shift. Yes, there are hard things in life. Yes, there are mysteries. Yes, life is unpredictable and uncontrollable. And yes, death is inevitable. But there's more to life than the struggle.
In this passage, Qohelet isn't making suggestions, he's issuing commands - and they all add up to this: Enjoy Your Life!
The short poem that starts Ecclesiastes 8 asks us a question and then defines how being wise can and should change our outlook on life. We need two things in life: 1. admit how limited we are, and 2. a changed face.
Life has many questions and mysteries. We have a hard time coming to terms with some of the realities we experience, but experience them we will. Life is unpredictable. Humanity is sinful. Wisdom is elusive.
But in this passage - as much as Qoheleth is despairing of finding any definitive answers - there are also three responses to God that can help us navigate the questions: stand in reverent God; live to please God in faith; and don't blame God because He made us upright, but we pursue life without him - and that has consequences.
As we look back on 2019 and 2020, can we say (or sing) with confidence "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it"? Some days that's easy, other days it's difficult. As we transition to the second half of Ecclesiastes, Qohelet points us to the fact that all our days, good and bad, are in the hand of God. He is sovereign in and over our lives. We don't know where our story is leading or the legacy we will leave behind. We don't know what tomorrow brings, but God does - and we need to consider that carefully.
This Advent season we have focused on the dreams God used to communicate with Joseph and the Wisemen. Five dreams ensure the direction, the protection, the provision for the infant Jesus. With those, there are five citations of Scripture that Matthew uses to support the idea that the story he is telling is intimately connected with the past. God is faithful, and this is no dream. The Messiah has come, and as readers - even the first readers - the reality is that the Mission of the Messiah has been completed. The world has changed.
The Magi leave, without going back to Herod - as they were warned in a dream. But Herod is not going to let this go - he will remove any and all real or perceived threats to his power. So Joseph is told in a dream what to do and where to go. Again, Joseph responds to the Lord's instruction with obedience and faith. Again, Matthew paints a portrait of what it means to be a disciple.
The second scene Matthew provides regarding the birth of Christ is the arrival of Magi from the East. Their journey is a journey of faith, a journey of revelation, a journey of obedience and worship. As they journey and get closer to their goal, their joy increases...and they don't stop until they find Jesus.