Messages from Christian Fellowship Chapel: Recent Episodes
Christian Fellowship Chapel
James 1:19–27 provides some very practical advice for Christians to live out their faith. And while this passage may have been called controversial, Pastor John walks us through it to show that it is not nearly so controversial a thing.
The book of James is written in the style that more resembles Wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes than an epistle like Romans. It is an incredibly helpful book for helping Christians understand topics like the relationship between faith and works, and how to live lives reliant on God.
In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul uses the metaphor of armour to describe what we as Christians need to "put on" in order to be complete, and prepared for the spiritual battles we face.
Do you still see the beauty of life and forgiveness? Does grace still have hold of you? Join us as we explore these questions, in the hopes that if our answer is not "yes" as of now, we can recapture that answer.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.
Jesus' final commands to His disciples are this: Walk in the Light, and Make more Disciples.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.
This week, we learn more about Jesus' commands to His disciples that we owe other people - respect and honour to the government, and care for our fellow people.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.
Last week, we explored what Jesus meant when He commanded us to be careful about judging others. This week, we explore what He meant when He told His disciples to care for others.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.
One of the most often-misused command is, "Judge not," but what does it actually mean? Is there a way for Jesus' disciples to engage in judgement that honours God?
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.
In Matthew 6:19-34 we are provided examples of the subtle dangers of worldly-mindedness, and Jesus' commands that we not store up treasures for ourselves here on earth, and do not worry.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us.
Matthew 6:1-18 lays out this next command for us: Do not look for human approval or fame in your worship and obedience.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. If we're to be called His disciples, we need to know what He wants of us. In this message, Pastor John examines a few more of Christ's commands: Do not think Christ came to overturn the Law; settle disputes quickly, and; be a person of your word.
In a new series, Pastor John begins an examination of the commands Jesus gave to His people. The last command Christ gave His people - even those who are His people now - is to go out and make disciples. But how? What does that mean? Join us to learn more about Christ's commands.
As Christians, we have been commanded to go everywhere and make disciples. Guest speaker Chris Harwood shares with us about what it means for us to go everywhere, and everywhere we go, to make disciples.
This is a part of CFC's focus on being and making disciples - Be, Grow, and Go.
Credit: "Cataclysm" by Nick Benoit - https://vimeo.com/64262722
How are we to grow as Jesus' disciples? What does that even mean? Guest speaker Mike Reimer shares from Hebrews 12 what it means to throw off every encumbrance as we obey Christ's command to grow.
This is part of CFC's focus on being and making disciples - Be, Grow, and Go.
Early Christians faced immense pressure to turn their backs on the Gospel. What kept them from doing that? Guest speaker Jake Froese helps us understand Paul's encouragement in Hebrews 12 to not grow weary in the pursuit of God's truth.
In this episode Pastor John returns to Joseph as the focus of the story in an exploration of his trials and successes in Egypt. He explores, in particular, the conflict with Potiphar's wife and how Christians often face trials and unfair affliction, but, as it says in Romans 8:39, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Passages covered are Genesis 39.
In this sermon Pastor John does a detailed exploration of Joseph's family and God's plan for the nation of Israel. Passages covered are Genesis 38, 49:3–4, 49:5–7, 49:8–12
In this first episode of a series on the story of Joseph, we see how God uses imperfect people and difficult situations for his glory and to help his people. From the sermon: "God uses men and women where they are in their circumstances to accomplish his purposes. God can also guide people into making decisions and taking actions that suit his purposes." Passages covered are Genesis 37:2-22 with references from elsewhere.
In this sermon Pastor John discusses the Great Commission: the authority with which Christ gives it, what the Commission is, and Christ's promises in that context. Covers Matthew 28:18-20 and various other passages.
Last time, we examined the question of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.This week, the question we will explore is, what are disciples of Jesus to do? Pastor John explores what Christians are commanded to do in their lives - not to be saved, but to serve the Lord. Whether in our work, our family lives, or with our enemies, God commands us to aim high, to pray, to love Him, and to love one another.
Pastor John explores the three "C"s of what it means to be a disciple: It begins by hearing Christ's call and positively responding. Then, one considers what it means to be a follower of Christ: both the joy and the difficulty. Finally, a disciple commits to taking up his or her cross and following Christ.
When was the last time you thought hard about what happened before creation existed? And how often do you think about what happens after we pass from this world? Pastor John explores the terror and the power of what it means to live in fear of the Lord. Passages from throughout scripture are explored.
These are some final thoughts on the entire chapter dealing with servitude, wealth, and adherence to scripture. Paul addresses how those who serve others should behave towards their masters. While he details it in the context of slavery, this is applicable in workplaces and other hierarchies today as well. He also covers a Christian attitude towards wealth and warns against itinerant preachers who stray from the Word of God - equally as applicable today as it was then.
In chapter 6, Paul gives practical advice to Timothy on how to treat different members of the church family appropriately. Here we get a window into how the church is to support and provide for both younger and older widows as well as church elders. Verses covered are 1 Timothy 1-21.
We must never forget that we are in a spiritual battle. It is a situation that our western thinking makes difficult for us western Christians to grasp, because we have been conditioned to think scientifically and such thinking is founded in, and focussed on, the material world not the spiritual world. Perhaps that is one reason why we have trouble understanding how some can abandon the faith because of demonic influence. Paul speaks of that very problem in 1 Timothy 4 as he outlines for Timothy how to deal with false teachers who fall under the influence of the lies of demons.
Having explained the origin of headship in the church, Paul now instructs Timothy regarding choosing the men who would be leading the church in Ephesus. He lays out for us the qualifications that are necessary for good and godly leadership. He deals first with the qualifications of elders, and then of deacons, in 1 Timothy 3:1-12.
1 Timothy 2:8-15 is a passage that, over time, has been clouded by controversy, which is not what Paul intended at all. Some parts of his teaching have been co-opted over the centuries to support different theological and social agendas, resulting in damage to, and disunity in, the church. Paul speaks on the topic of women here, and how we engage this passage is important.
Join Pastor John as he continues this series in 1 Timothy.
Last time, we were introduced to this first letter of Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, and learned of Paul’s purpose for writing it—to give Timothy some wise instruction for shepherding the congregation in Ephesus. Paul began his letter with a reminder to Timothy that he was in Ephesus to confront doctrinal error in the church and the practice of some who were wasting time on speculation, rather than focusing on the work of God. In chapter 2, Paul begins by providing instructions to Timothy regarding public worship.
Join Pastor John as he continues our series in 1 Timothy
Who is Timothy? One four of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to a specific person, and the figure of Timothy is an important one. Join us as we begin a new series, this one on 1 Timothy.
He is risen! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in history. Perhaps you know in whom your faith is, or perhaps you have doubts. Pastor John explains the reasons why we can have confidence in the evidence.
As Jesus enter Jerusalem before His crucifixion, a celebration breaks out! Throngs calling "Hosanna to the Son of David!" line the streets. But this is no mere celebration, but a deeply meaningful event. Join Pastor John as he outlines the significance of this incredible moment in history.
The author of Hebrews has exhorted us to run the race, and now he speaks to us about what we ought to do when we're feeling like we might not make it. How can we support each other? What promises does the Bible have to encourage us? Pastor John continues his series in Hebrews.
When the players of a sport discover that a famous individual from the history of their sport is present in the stadium or arena, those who are on the field of play try to play their very best game. They want to give of their best as a means of honouring the man or woman who has gone before them in their sport. This is not new, as the author of Hebrews notes: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
What is faith? Why are the answers to that question so important? What do we understand about what faith is? How does faith influence our thoughts and our actions?
We go through our day, or week, or year thinking and acting based upon our perception of the world, but too often we don’t contemplate how our view of the world came to be. Nor do we consider that our view of the world influences and guides our interactions with it and with others.
So, what is faith? Pastor John explores these questions continuing his series on Hebrews
Hebrews 10:12-39 is loaded with paired statements: "Therefore... Let Us..." The author of Hebrews takes the time to connect the truth of what Jesus does as priest with a call for us to act.
Melchizidek is something of an enigma in history. A priest and a King, he is only mentioned once in the Old Testament, and then again in Hebrews. The author of Hebrews takes the time to contrast the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Jesus Christ - not to denigrate the former, but explain how much superior Jesus Christ is as High Priest.
Pastor John continues the series in Hebrews with a look at Hebrews 7-9.
The author of Hebrews has just exhorted us to grow up, to persist in our faith, and remain grounded in the truth. As he finishes his exhortation, he encourages us not to become lazy or sluggish in our pursuit of maturity but to imitate those who through faith and patience in Jesus inherit what was promised. That prompts two questions: what is it we have been promised, and who are we to imitate?
Join us as Pastor John continues his series in Hebrews with an examination of Hebrews 6:13-20.
Something is very wrong when believers are not able to teach others the basics of Christianity. Every Christian should be able to teach others the very basic doctrines of Christianity: every believer, unless a brand new born again child of God, should be able to explain what it is they believe. In Hebrews 5:11-6:12 the author has a very stern warning for those who cannot - or worse, will not - grow up spiritually.
Jesus is our Great High Priest. But what does this mean, given how far separated we as Christians are from the religious practice of the Jews of the New Testament's time? What is the writer of Hebrews saying about Jesus?
The most common direction given to people in the Bible is "Do not be afraid." In Hebrews 4, we discover there is something we are supposed to fear - unbelief. But what does it mean? And how do we overcome unbelief?
Our series in Hebrews continues.
The sinful, disbelieving heart is brought on by the deceitfulness of sin. The deceitfulness of sin originates from outside sources, both Satan and men. Whether it is the twisting of the truth or the presentation of hollow human philosophies, the end-game is to cause us to withdraw from the living God. For that reason, the author of Hebrews urges us to encourage one another every day while we still live on this earth. We are to encourage one another to hear and live the truth that Jesus taught, so that we will not succumb to the outside influences trying to lure us away from the living God.
Pastor John shares the warning and encouragement from Hebrews 3.
Why did Jesus come in the flesh? Why did He become human, given the limitations of such a thing? Why set aside His godhood as He did?
Join us as Pastor John explains using Hebrews just how Jesus shows us what we are supposed to be.
As we begin a series on the book of Hebrews, Pastor John provides an overview of the book - who wrote it, when, to whom, and major themes. Join us for a look at this most unique book.
New Years Resolutions. It is the phenomenon where we resolve in the coming year to do something or more than one thing to “improve” ourselves. Then, when we get to the end of the year, we can share with each other the satisfaction of not having achieved one single resolution.
What are your New Years Resolution? Join Pastor John as he offers some suggestions, rooted in the Bible, about what we might choose to do differently in 2020.
Love, apparently, is a many-splendoured thing, an elusive thing, the goal of all things. It is the driving force of knights in shining armour and the sighing aspiration of fair maidens. Love is a puppy licking your face, but love is also holding hands as you rock together on the porch in the twilight of life. The fact is, we human beings are desperate for love. That great love for which we search, is God.
Pastor John shares in the fourth week of Advent - Love.
Why is it that so many Christians have gained a reputation of being dour and joyless? Why do unbelievers looking into the church too often see no room for joyous expression? Is it because we don’t practice expressing our joy? Or perhaps we wrongly associate joyful expression only with the things of this world? Have we come to believe that expressions of joy are inappropriate when worshipping together? Are we so overcome by our sinfulness we forget our salvation? It may be a combination of these things, or many other reasons, but whatever the explanation, Christians actually have the greatest reason for rejoicing.
Join us for the second week of Advent, to hear more about Joy.
Every Christmas, a visitor arrives to share with us his perspective on events surrounding the birth of Christ. Join us to hear the tale told by one of the fathers in Bethlehem during Herod's terrible holocaust.
The first week of Advent centers on Hope. To mark this festive time, Pastor John takes us through Psalm 14 and Romans 3 to show just how hopeful we can be, even in light of the words, "All have sinned."
Nehemiah has convinced the people to get on with repairing the walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem damaged a century before when the people of Judah were taken captive and led into exile by Nebuchadnezzar. While the work continued, the people faced scorn and ridicule by those outside the city who wanted them to fail. Join us as Pastor John completes the series in Nehemiah to learn more about how this prophet moved the people, and succeeded in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, even in the midst of opposition.
Nehemiah faced a massive task in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. How did he accomplish such a task, being a relative newcomer to the city? Join us as Pastor John shares a few helpful lessons in leadership and faith by looking at Nehemiah's life.
The story of the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem that began in Ezra, continues uninterrupted in Nehemiah. When the book of Nehemiah opens, about thirteen years have passed since the issue of intermarrying was dealt with. Three distinct phases of the people’s return are covered by Ezra and Nehemiah. The first is the rebuilding of the temple. The second is the rebuilding of the spiritual community, and the third—which Nehemiah will chronicle—is the rebuilding of the city walls. In all three of theses phases, God’s grace is evident.
When we are into the Word of God and dedicated to living according to what God commands and expects, then we cannot help but have we character shaped by it. When we character is shaped in that manner, then we thoughts and deeds reflect it. Not only that, but when we are committed to living out the Word of God, then the Lord is pleased with that. If we commit to living out the Word of God, like Ezra did, we will be shaped by it and others will notice it shaping our character.
538 B.C. A monumental year for the Jews. It was the year that Cyrus proclaimed permission for them to return to the Promised Land. But, the trap that they fell into quite quickly was taking care of themselves and neglecting the main purpose for returning home.
Sometimes, just like this remnant, we need to be reminded to get on with the things of the church. The work the remnant was doing was very practical in nature, yet they had to be prodded to get on with it. Congregations require the occasional prodding and reminding that, besides our main focus of making disciples, there are practical duties that need to be done.
God is faithful to his word. What he says he will do, he does. What he says will come to pass, always comes to pass. It is his nature. He is truth, and He does not lie. He is faithful and his promises and his warnings will be fulfilled exactly as he states them. Just as the people of Judah could not be surprised, neither should we be surprised when the Lord takes action in response to our sinful ways. God doesn’t spare his own people. He is as just with them as he is with those who do not know him. We fool only ourselves if we believe that God will go easier on us because we believe in his Son.
Pastor John begins a series on the book of Ezra
Upon first reading, it seems bold to us that Habakkuk would demand an answer from the Lord in such strong words, but we should keep in mind that this is part of an authorized oracle from the Lord. It is the structure that the Lord is using to get His message across, because even though it is a conversation between Habakkuk and God, we are listening in and learning about God’s ways.
The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the best-known of Jesus' parables. Each of the characters in it represents some deeper aspects of the kingdom of God. So, we will look at each of the three main characters—the younger son, the father, and the brother—to see what lessons we can learn in the telling.
If you are running a 1500 metre race, or a marathon, or a cross-country steeple chase, you must run the same course. You cannot make up your own race route, because if you want to win at the end, you must run the designated course. The same is true with our lives. So, how will your race be run?
“If I could ask God one thing, I would ask...."
Why did you create the world if you knew it would turn out to be a fallen world; that sin and sickness and death would come?
Does God need me/us? Why does he use me/us if he does not need me/us?
“Who do people say I am?” was the question that Jesus asked his disciples as they were visiting in the region of Caesarea Philippi. He wasn’t asking what people thought about his personality; was he a nice guy?, was he impatient?, was he hard to get along with? was he a good teacher?, and so forth. He was interested in how people perceived his identity.
Concealing one’s identity, or lying about who you really are, is nothing new in our world. Today, identity theft has become a widespread problem aided by the world-wide web. The caution we must exercise as a result is to not take someone’s word for who they are if there are doubts about his or her truthfulness.
Summarizing a presentation by Dr Rich McCarrell, Pastor John uses a story in Acts to help us better resolve conflicts when they arise between believers.
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) gives Canadians the legal right to determine that their life should end, and permission for physicians to aid in that effort. What does the Bible say about MAiD? How should Christians respond to the issue?
Pastor John examines the matter from a Biblical perspective, helping us navigate these waters to hopefully be able to provide care and help for those who may be considering it.
What does God think about abortion? How should Christians? What, if anything, should Christians do about abortion? This topic is rarely far from settled in the world, and in the church, and yet they are so important that they need to be considered and answered. Controversy or not, the matter is too important to shrug and have no opinion.
Note: This message discusses abortion, but does not speak to the procedures or graphic nature of it. It would be safe for even young teens.
David's four exclamations of "how long" in Pslam 13 encompass the three sources of his anxious heart: the apparent silence of God, the turmoil of his own thoughts, and the enemies surrounding him—David in the middle, God on his right, enemies on his left. He is caught in spiritual anguish, mental anguish, and threatened with physical anguish. One would be bad enough, two are a great strain, but three is the entire package of trouble. When you are in the midst of pain, or sorrow, or conflict your mind is focussed on the trouble, trying to grapple with it, or make sense of it, or simply escape it. We are going to have trouble, but as Jesus warns us, we have to take care that it not become the focus of our life. What can we learn from David's Psam that might give us insight into our own time of crisis, sorry, and pain?
It should be an encouragement to everyone that not all of God’s workers are famous historical figures. Some of them, like Isaac, are unassuming people walking with God in quiet, but assured faith. Isaac’s name is known by the world. After all, the Lord is often referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but the vast majority of God’s faithful workers are unknown . . . at least to the world and even to other Christians. But, they are known by God. They are unassuming men and women who have not sought, nor have they been gifted with the spotlight of historical fame. They have quietly and confidently lived their lives in an effort to please God and rejoice in the Lamb that took their place.
We live in a world of conflict. We encounter conflicting ideals, conflicting politics, conflicting priorities, conflicting opinions. We also face inner conflicts. We are conflicted over the best way to accomplish a task, or conflicted about whether or not to ask someone to marry you, or conflicted about career choices. We also face a conflict at the deepest level of our being. We face a conflict between our natural and our spiritual selves. It is a conflict that every believer faces every day. Paul describes our conflict in Galatians 5:16-26.
Join Pastor John as he unpacks Paul's message regarding how we can reconcile the way we used to fight our spiritual battles and how we ought to now.
Lamentations is a compilation of five poems of sorrow that Jeremiah wrote when all of his warnings to the people came true. Jeremiah’s warnings were made to the people God had chosen as his own. The warnings were aimed at drawing back to God people who knew who God was and what he expected of them. They knew He was to be first in their affections. They knew they were to accord honour to Him above all others, because the Ten Commandments highlighted God’s expectations that the people would honour and worship him alone. They knew that God’s name would become known to the nations by how the Jewish people reflected that relationship in their conducted with one another.
Israel failed to obey and they paid the price. No more blessings, only cursing.
How well we love our neighbours and how well we treat one another reflect how well we love our Saviour. They are also indications to the world of how well we love the Lord. How we live out our love will either profane his name, or cause it to be honoured among unbelievers.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus refers to "the hour." Sometimes these are moments occurring in His lifetime, others are moments reaching into the future we haven't seen yet. What do they all have in common? What do we need to know about "the hours" that we approach? Jesus would not have encouraged us to pay attention to them if they were not important.
Jude opens his letter with an introduction that speaks volumes about who we as Christians are. He uses words like "called" and "beloved." In this introduction to the book of Jude, Pastor John examines what this means for us, and how it should impact us.
Our world runs on money. We need it to buy the things we need and want. The world tells us we should always have more. There are innumerable voices trying to persuade us to give our money to them - for this cause, for that product, for this lifestyle. We're reminded by Paul in 1 Timothy that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul discusses how to have a healthy perspective on money. Join us as we finish our series in 1 Corinthians.
It is good to be reminded of things that are beneficial to us. Paul, who is wrapping up his first letter to the church in Corinth, wants to remind them of the basics about the Gospel, before he addresses a concern they raised about resurrection.
The basic components of the Gospel are: (1) Christ died for our sins. (2) He was buried, and on the third day, he was raised from the dead. (3) He appeared to many witnesses as proof of his resurrection. (4) Jesus is returning.
What does this mean for us? For you? Join us as we continue our series in 1 Corinthians.
Paul has just outlined in chapter 13 the better way of love when it comes to using the spiritual gifts in the Church. Here in chapter 14, he needs to address a problem of disorder when using the gifts.
Like an orchestra warming up before a concert, without leadership and direction, the Church can be chaotic and noisy. It's only when each instrument pays attention to the conductor that something beautiful happens.
Join us as we continue our series in 1 Corinthians, with a look at spiritual gifts.
He is Risen! Join us for our Easter message in which we celebrate the risen Christ, whose resurrection is His - and our - triumph over death.
Good Friday is marked with images indelibly written into the heart and soul of Christianity. The people and events have continued to make poignant impacts on the world. Join us for our entire Good Friday service, in which we look at a few of the people who were most deeply impacted.
Palm Sunday marks the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, less than a week before His betrayal and murder. The crowds proclaimed Him king, and declared Him the Messiah. Join us as we look at the ways Jesus declares Himself King over all the nations just in this one event in history.
This passage has been described as the greatest, strongest, deepest thing Paul ever wrote. As we explore this oft-quoted and oft-read passage, you're encouraged to: First, hear the words, and; Second, keep in the back of your mind that Paul was describing a radical concept of love. He uses the word “agape” that was adopted by Christians as their own expression for love. It was a concept that was alien to the rest of the world at that time.
Pastor John continues our series in 1 Corinthians with a look at love, as described by Paul.
Paul has just finished rebuking the Corinthians on their lack of unity in how they celebrated the Lord’s Supper, so his closing emphasis on eating together leads naturally into a discussion of unity when it comes to the diversity of people, abilities, and gifts in the church. Join us as we hear from Pastor John about spiritual gifts in worship, and what it all means for the modern Church.
Paul continues speaking about the freedom Christians enjoy in Christ, and now is going to look at three other activities related to the Corinthians improperly exercising their freedom in Christ: the abuse of fashion and its impact on society, the abuse of the poor when celebrating communion, and the abuse of spiritual gifts during worship.Follow with Pastor John as he provides some insight into the modern-day equivalents.
Anger can turn into bitterness, which is like acid to our souls. All around we see a society that revels in revenge. But God calls us to a better way: Forgiveness. Guest speaker Jake Froese helps illustrate the vital importance of forgiveness in the lives of Christians, and how it can be practiced.
When the Pharisees demand Jesus prove His authority, He condemns them for being a wicked and adulterous nation. He then describes the way Jonah was received in Nineveh, and explained that He ought to have been accepted by these same Pharisees. So, He gives them a sign by which they will know He is who He claims to be.
Guest speaker Derek Reimer presents this message about Jesus' claim to be Messiah
In this passage will see Paul take a far harsher tone with some in the Church who were failing in their care for others. Divisions can arise in any church over almost anything. There are two important lessons for us in his words. The first is, partaking in the Lord’s Supper with a selfish, attitude dishonours the body and blood of Jesus, who offered himself as a sacrifice precisely for others in a totally unselfish manner. The second lesson for us is that because the Lord’s Supper is a communal event, those who are eating and drinking apart from the others fail to remember that they are part of the Body of Christ.
Paul has written about some misconceptions surrounding marriage, and now he moves on to discuss the matter of eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols. He discusses this issue as a matter of conscience, and highlights our responsibility to care for, and build up, one another in our faith.
Paul has finished his rebuke of the Church in Corinth and now turns to answering some specific questions that were apparently placed before him in a letter he received from the church sometime before. These questions have some root in the notion that the physical is bad and the spiritual is good, and therefore what should people do with their married selves? Paul offers some advice, and some spiritual counsel.
The Corinthian church was fully displaying their foolishness, as they were arrogant about sin. Paul continues to point out their flaws in an effort to cause them to open their spiritual eyes, by discussing yet another sinful situation in their midst.
Paul is astonished at the report he hears from the Corinthian church regarding sexual immorality among one man, and it's made worse when he learns that the church was proud of their sense of tolerance for it. He sets out to correct the church's understanding of this sin, and what their response ought to be to it.
Pastor John continues this series in 1 Corinthians by examining what Paul has to say, and applying it to our current, modern churches.
The pursuit of wisdom using knowledge and logic was an obsession of the Greeks. But Paul reminds the Corinthian church that he came preaching Christ, and Him crucified. He didn’t come with flashy words, gimmicks, or some great package of wisdom to use in his presentation. He wanted to present only Jesus crucified, and that is what he did while he was with them.
Pastor John continues the message series on 1 Corinthians, with a helpful reminder of what is most important when communicating the Gospel, and when hearing it.
During a British conference on comparative religions, experts from around the world debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. CS Lewis, upon finding out what was being discussed, said, "That's easy. It's grace."
But, what is grace? It's the subject of innumerable hymns, after all, and as Lewis noted, a key component of Christianity. Pastor John continues out study in 1 Corinthians, and helps to illuminate the different kinds of grace all people experience, as well as what is given specifically through Christ.
As we begin a new series looking at the book of 1st Corinthians, Pastor John spends some time introducing us to the city of Corinth as Paul would have encountered it, and connects the church in 21st Century Winnipeg with what Paul would have the church in Corinth understand.
When the magi observe the star rising in the east, the sign is so compelling, so significant, that these sky-watchers are gripped by such strong curiosity that they set out on a major pilgrimage to find the king of the Jews whose birth has been declared by the heavens.
How will you respond? Will you share in the excitement and joy the magi experienced? Will you bow down with them and acknowledge Jesus as not only the king of the Jews, but the king of Creation?
Will you respond as Herod’s religious advisors did, with informed disinterest? Maybe you have gone to church, most of your life and you know and appreciate the gospel message ,but the knowledge in your head hasn’t trickled down into your soul.
Or, will you respond like Herod, with rebellious rage that your way of living is threatened by Jesus’ presence in the world?
In a special presentation, we hear from the Innkeeper, who was there the night that Jesus was born in Bethlehem!
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Not only do we have the assurance that death is powerless, not only can we know the peace of God in the midst of life, we also have peace in the face of anything that God’s enemy might throw at us. You too can experience that peace, whether peace about your position in eternity, peace in the midst of life’s turmoils, or peace in the face of the attacks of Satan. Pastor John explores Jesus' identity as the Prince of Peace in this second week of Advent.
As you consider the story of the shepherds who hear from the angels, can you sense the shepherds' exhilaration!? Can you relate to their excitement? It is absolutely fabulous news, joyful news, hopeful news! A Saviour has been born to you! Do you get their excitement? Now, can you share in their exuberance to tell people about this news? Can you regain the sense of the miraculous?
The Golden Rule. We have all heard that term used before, haven’t we? Maybe you've heard it quoted as: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” The world would probably say that the one with wealth, has power to rule over the poor in the world. But, the words in Matthew 7:12 are: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Pastor John continues our study of the teachings of Jesus as we seek to become better disciples of Christ.
Don't we believe in prayer? Don't we know what it could mean in our lives? Then why don't we pray? Prayer should be our first resource and not our last recourse. We start our service with corporate prayer so that we align ourselves as one body with God. We want to worship him in spirit and in truth and prayer is key to that. We also want to get what he can do.
Pastor John continues his series on the Teachings of Jesus, helping us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
There is absolute truth. There has to be absolute truth or none of us would be able to judge the rightness or wrongness of any action. Without absolute truth, there would be no moral foundation for determining wrong actions. We would have no foundation upon which to build society’s laws. We would have no basis for saying murder, or theft, or sexual assault is wrong. If I make my own truth, and you make your own truth, who are you to judge me? And what does it mean to judge anyway?
Pastor John continues his series on the Teachings of Jesus, helping us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
You will always make time for the things, the person, or the activity you value the most. You will have to deal with mundane things of each day, but your thoughts, your emotions, and the focus of your will always gravitate to the things, the person, or the activity that you value the most. Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, which indicates that the nature of the treasures of heaven are different. What, then, are the treasures we store up in heaven?
Pastor John continues his series on the Teachings of Jesus, helping us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
If you do your good deeds primarily to be seen by others, then you are not practicing righteousness. What makes an action righteous is the fact that it is done in service to our Lord. For an act to be called righteous, God will always get the glory.
Similarly, if you pray primarily to be seen by others, you are not praying in a way that brings glory to God.
So, how are His disciples to do good deeds, and to pray?
Pastor John continues his series on the Teachings of Jesus, helping us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
What does Jesus teach regarding oaths, retaliation, and dealing with those we consider to be our enemy? How are His disciples supposed to live in a world that see promises as barely loosely-binding, revenge as being best served cold, and enemies as deserving nothing but antipathy?
Pastor John continues his series on the Teachings of Jesus, helping us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.