The Vineyard Church - Cambridge: Recent Episodes
Vineyard Church Cambridge
Last week we were reminded that we are deeply loved by the Father. This week, Glen asks an honest question: What would change if we actually lived as though we believed it?So often we slip into performance, believing we have to earn God's approval through what we do. But the gospel tells a different story. Because of Christ, we already belong. We no longer serve God from obligation, but from love. What once felt like "I have to" becomes "I get to."As we receive the Father's love more deeply, our lives begin to change, not because we're trying harder, but because His grace is transforming us from the inside out.
Resurrection life invites us into a different way of seeing. Through the living hope of 1 Peter and the challenge of Matthew 25, we are reminded that the kingdom of God is not something distant we wait for, but an inheritance we are called to live from today.Jesus meets us in the hungry, the thirsty, the lonely, and the overlooked. The places the world avoids are often the very places where the treasures of the kingdom are hidden. As we learn to listen well, love generously, and hold every person as sacred, resurrection life begins to overflow through ordinary acts of grace.We are invited into the Kingdom, to inherit it and reveal it.Camp in This Week:* 1 Peter 1 * Matthew 25:31–46
Psalm 23 reminds us that resurrection life begins with knowing the Shepherd. He is the One who leads, restores, guides, protects, prepares, anoints, and shelters. Even when we walk through valleys, we are not abandoned. We are accompanied.Too often we live from a place of lack, fear, striving, or uncertainty. But the invitation of resurrection life is to rest in the truth that He is with us. As we learn to trust His gentle leading, we discover that we lack nothing, we are not alone, and His goodness and kindness continue to pursue us.
As we continue our journey through Resurrection Life, we are invited to examine the condition of our hearts. We see that resurrection is not only about what Jesus has done for us, but about what He longs to awaken within us now.A soft heart remains open to compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and love. A hardened heart can restrict the flow of resurrection life. As we stay close to Jesus, He gently removes what has become calloused and restores us to wholehearted love for God and for one another.When we choose grace over judgment, compassion over self-protection, and connection over isolation, resurrection life begins to flow freely through us once again.
Filled. Thrilled. Spilled.This week, we welcome Pam as she shares from her own journey of trusting God through seasons of uncertainty and discovering His extravagant generosity. From miraculous provision to simple acts of kindness, she reminds us that generosity is not primarily about money, but about a heart shaped by the abundant love of God.As we receive His lavish grace, we are invited to make space to be interrupted, to see the people in front of us, and to let the love of Jesus overflow through every part of our lives.Filled by His abundance, thrilled by His goodness, and spilled out for Jesus.
Last year, we learned that in quietness and rest, strength arises. That hasn’t changed. But something is happening in that quiet place. He is leading us, gently but firmly, into something new, an awakening to life, to Arise and Shine.We are learning to stay close to Jesus, yoked to Him. And yet many of us are feeling a heaviness, a sense of despondency, a loss of hope, a dryness. That’s real, and it matters, but we don’t stop there.We remember the cross, but often forget the resurrection.Jesus didn’t only die, He rose. And His rising is meant to awaken something in us now. God is still bringing things back to life.So we let hunger grow. We let thirst deepen. Because if we’re not hungry, we won’t eat. If we’re not thirsty, we won’t drink. Let the dryness drive your roots deeper.This week, we’re invited to camp in:* Matthew 22 (The Wedding Banquet) * Luke 14 (The Great Banquet)
We know the story. He rose.But somewhere in the quiet rhythms of our days, that truth can feel far away.We carry what feels heavy. We return to what feels familiar. We settle into patterns that don’t look like life. And still... He is not distant.He stands at the edge of every place that feels worn, every space that feels dim, every part of us that feels like it’s slipping. Not asking to be remembered, but welcomed.Resurrection isn’t behind us. It’s here, waiting to take root. So where is He inviting you to let life rise?He is risen… now let Him rise in you.
There are seasons where we experience moments of joy, breakthrough, and answered prayer, but then life shifts. Things don’t unfold the way we expected. Disappointment comes. Shaking comes. And in those moments, it’s easy to lose sight of Jesus, just like the disciples did.They saw the miracles. They walked with Him. They believed… until everything changed.The invitation for us is not to avoid those moments, but to recognize Him in them.When fear rises, when confusion sets in, when prayers seem unanswered, Jesus still speaks the same words: “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”Courage is not something we either have or don’t have. It’s something we choose. That choice is built through a history of trusting Him, remembering His faithfulness, and holding onto who He is, even when we don’t understand what He’s doing.Our faith will be tested. Not to break us, but to reveal what we truly believe.
In Luke 1:67, He declares that redemption has already been accomplished… before Jesus has even gone to the cross. Past tense. Already done.If that’s true, then why are we still living as though we’re not free?We’ve learned how to relate to Him through fear, but He never asked for that. He’s inviting us into a relationship without fear, where holiness and righteousness aren’t something we strive for, but something we’ve already been given.So why do we still hesitate? Why do we hold back, hide, or shrink?Because fear still shapes how we live, how we pray, and how we show up.But there’s another reality: there is no tear left in the fabric of who you are.What He’s done has already made you whole.So the invitation is simple, but not easy: shake off the fear, step forward, and live from what’s already been finished.
What happens when the voices of failure, worthlessness, and rejection get louder than truth?In this deeply personal message, Rob shares his journey through years of depression, disappointment, and identity loss, and how God met him right in the middle of it. Through unexpected moments, quiet faithfulness, and powerful encounters with the Father’s love, everything began to shift.This is his story of rediscovery, not just of purpose, but of identity, intimacy, and belonging.Because the turning point wasn’t performance…It was encountering a God who says: you are already loved.You are not your past. You are not the voices. You are not what didn’t work out. You ARE beloved!
This week we welcome Jen & Phil Snell of Hope Ministries (Brazil)At its core, the Bible is God’s love story. His pursuit to restore relationship with us. From the garden to Jesus putting on flesh, His heart has always been to step into our world. That’s our calling too: to build trust, walk alongside people, and show the gospel through friendship and presence.In Brazil, Hope Ministries continues to serve women on the streets, their families, and now children at risk. Through relationship, discipleship, and patience, we are seeing lives healed, families restored, and new communities of faith take root. Every small step is part of God’s bigger story of redemption.We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support. You are part of this mission, part of these stories, and part of what God is doing in Brazil.Learn More about Jen & Phil Snell and Hope Ministries at: Home | Hope Ministries
Grace and sovereignty meet in the tension of the kingdom already here and not yet. David fasted for his child, then worshiped when the child died. Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “not my will, but yours be done.” We too live in this place—praying for the sick, serving the poor, trusting God even when outcomes don’t make sense.His mercy flows freely, and our call is to receive it, share it, and follow where He leads. When we stumble, grace restores us and reminds us He knows what He’s doing.
This Sunday, we are excited to welcome Ian Macdougall as our guest speaker.We will be leading us to reflect on The Head and the Heart in his message, Beyond Words: Understanding the Heart of God.Discovering God’s heart goes far beyond mere words. It requires prayer, discernment, understanding the context of Scripture, walking in relationship with the Father, and leaning on the wisdom of others in the Church. Even then, we only begin to glimpse the mystery of God’s heart and His Word.
Summer Voices SeriesThis message is for anyone longing to walk with God in honesty, joy, and deep trust—even in the midst of life’s hardest moments. When we let God remove the shame that hides us, we can face sin with joy instead of fear, trusting Him as our defender and friend. Trials then become a privilege, shaping our hearts to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and see His goodness in every season.
We are made in God’s image to live in partnership with Him, carrying His truth, love, and power into the world. Faith is agreeing with what Jesus has already done, and full salvation means forgiveness, healing, and freedom. Our assignment is not just to get to heaven, but to bring heaven here—releasing His kingdom wherever we go.
This week, Art Rae invites us into a simple yet profound truth: that we are unconditionally loved by God, and the Christian life is about learning to live from that love. Like floating in a river: Art explores how surrendering to God is like lying back and letting His current carry us—freeing us from striving, fear, and control.He reminds us that God isn’t asking us to earn His love or force outcomes but to trust Him, even when we feel stuck or uncertain. Each of us is invited to listen for that one thing the Spirit is speaking today—letting it take root so we can walk in greater peace, trust, and freedom.
This week, Glen Nyhus steps in with a deeply honest and thoughtful reflection on Ephesians 4, drawing from personal stories, scripture, and his own journey of learning to see the church—and himself—differently.What if the church isn't a perfect place or a show to watch, but a living, breathing community where God’s wisdom is displayed in all its messy, beautiful variety? Glen explores how we often default to passivity or comparison, trying to fit into someone else’s spiritual mold, when in fact God is calling each of us to be fully ourselves. We’re not meant to replicate others’ gifts—we’re meant to live into our own, because each part does its own special work, helping the whole body grow in love.Glen challenges us to release unrealistic expectations, embrace our unique callings, and trust that God is actively at work in us now—not just in some idealized future. You are already on God’s poster wall—not for being perfect, but for being you.
In this message, Tabitha Fellman leads us deeper into Matthew 16, exploring what it means to carry the keys of the Kingdom. These aren't just metaphors—they represent access, authority, and identity rooted in Christ. We are invited into the sacred space of stillness where spiritual revelation is received, not earned.She unpacks how salvation begins with confession and belief, how revelation by the Spirit becomes our first key, and how our identity in Christ builds a foundation stronger than any storm. Through it all, she reminds us that heaven isn’t distant—it’s near, and so are the doors Christ has unlocked for us. It’s time to reclaim what’s yours. Walk boldly. Carry your keys.HOMEWORK:1. Read Matthew 7 – Ask the Lord to speak to you through it. 2. Ask the Spirit of Revelation to reveal as you read: * Revelation chapters 1 to 3 * Ephesians chapter 1 * Romans chapter 10 3. Ask the Lord who you need to forgive – and then release forgiveness so you can “take your keys back.”
This week, Tabitha invites us into a slower, deeply personal moment in our journey Out of the Shadows. With honesty and wonder, she shares with us a recent God-dream that echoes the heart of this series: Do we truly understand the victory Christ has won? Do we know who we are in Him? And do we grasp the mission He’s invited us into?Flowing from Matthew 13’s parable of the sower, this message explores what kind of soil we’ve become. Is the Word being stolen from us through doubt? Are we choking under distraction and deception? Or are we becoming trees of life—deeply rooted in His love, bearing fruit in every season?This message is full of reminders that our source is not one of scarcity but abundance. The Spirit sings over us. He hums to still us. The seeds are generous. And even our moments of trials, afflictions, and frustrations—are being used to cultivate good soil.It’s time to take Him at His word. The victory is already won. You lack nothing. The enemy may knock, but the old you doesn’t live here anymore.
Today, we welcome a special Guest Speaker, Nadine NyhusNadine invites us into a slow and sacred rhythm—one of stillness.Drawing from her own profound journey of healing and faith, Nadine explores why stillness is not only foundational to our spiritual lives but also essential for emotional and physical healing.Through pauses of quiet reflection and personal storytelling, she explains how our nervous systems, emotions, and thought patterns impact our ability to be still in God’s presence. We learn that modern life—with its noise, pace, and pressure—wires us for constant threat and disconnection, but God gently invites us back into presence through His unchanging gaze of love.Nadine shares 3 keys to entering stillness:1. Soothing the nervous system2. Welcoming and validating emotion3. Letting Scripture renew our thoughtsNadine exposes the two major stumbling blocks that often make stillness feel impossible—our biology and imagination—but reminds us that healing is built into the very way God created us.Throughout the message, we return to scripture, stillness, and breath, helping us to reorient to the kindness and patience of God. This is an invitation to be seen, to settle, and to begin again.
Ever wonder what we do in Brazil exactly?We’re excited to tell you about our work in João Pessoa, Brazil with Hope Ministries today. From the beginning, our heart has been to meet women and men caught in the grips of trafficking and exploitation with love and compassion—offering hope without any judgment. We’ve built relationships with these individuals, providing them with practical, emotional, and spiritual support as they take steps to escape the chains of exploitation.Our mission is not just about offering immediate help but creating lasting change. We offer a refuge, a safe space for transformation, while working to challenge the misconceptions about sexual exploitation. We can’t wait to share more of what God is doing through this ministry with you!
You’re more than just an Extra (part 3a)In this sermon, we continue our series on "The Presence of the Lord," diving into the story of Jacob and Esau starting in Genesis 25. Explore the deeper meaning behind their birthright and how God's prophetic word shaped their destinies. The message emphasizes the importance of understanding our own spiritual birthright as children of God and the dangers of relinquishing it in moments of weakness or fear, or to satisfy our own desires without considering the consequences.Through the lens of humility, obedience, and perseverance, we learn how to resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands and instead trust in God and His promises. This sermon challenges us to recognize that we are more than just "extras" in God's plan, but rather, that He has called each of us to a significant role in His story.
Today we dive into part two of our ongoing series on "The Presence of the Lord."We are exploring how the presence of God is woven throughout Scripture, with a particular focus today on the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of understanding God's timing, the need for both solemn reflection and joyful celebration in His presence, and the dangers of allowing pride and distractions to pull us away from Him.We are reminded that humility, self-discipline, and being deeply rooted in God's Word are essential to maintaining a close relationship with Him. Join us as we learn to embrace God's presence in every season of life, celebrating His goodness while staying vigilant against the pitfalls that threaten our spiritual walk.
Always Remember…You Are God’s BelovedMy final Sunday as your pastor has now arrived. If there was one word or emotion that is predominant among the myriad of other emotions that I’m feeling, it would be gratitude. First and foremost, April and I are so thankful to have been blessed with an amazing faith community. You have loved us and cared for us extremely well.You also love God with a very deep love and model that love to all others. I am also most grateful to God for the immense love, compassion, and favour God has poured out on April and me. I can honestly say that God has been my constant companion, my Emmanuel (God-with-us), during all the highs and the lows.God is forever faithful! With Tab now stepping in to shepherd you, I urge you to go boldly into the future knowing that whatever comes your way, you are deeply loved by God. You are God’s beloved.
How you begin will determine how you will finish. That axiom can be applied to many things in life, from laying flooring, to shingling, or attaching siding to a house. If I don’t install those first few pieces bang on, it will affect the rest of the project. The same is true in my faith journey. When I get the first piece right, the rest will fall into place.Why did Jesus come into our world? Because God loves the world, that’s why. When asked what’s the greatest commandment, Jesus lays the first piece: “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 37-40) This is our only starting point, and it's from here where we will experience life to the full!
It's been said that the only guarantees in life are death and taxes. An argument can be made that change should also be added to the list. Life is full of changes - some exciting, some scary. We'll continue to take a look at the life of King David to see what we can learn about embracing change, and aligning ourselves with the plans God has for our lives.
Change inevitably brings loss. This Sunday we’ll look at how to navigate feelings of grief and loss in a way that honours our feelings and promotes healing.
“My how time flies” is a common saying, but is it ever true! Over twenty-two years ago, April and I said ‘yes’ to me joining the pastoral team at the Cambridge Vineyard, and as I look back I am amazed how God has shown himself as faithful, provider, friend, and lover of my soul! As I begin the transition to step away as pastor, there are some thoughts I want to leave with you as you continue on in your faith journey. Between now and August I will be sharing these with you. My hope for our faith community is to see it flourish in your love for Jesus, your love one another, and of course for all others.
“My how time flies” is a common saying, but is it ever true! Over twenty-two years ago, April and I said ‘yes’ to me joining the pastoral team at the Cambridge Vineyard, and as I look back I am amazed how God has shown himself as faithful, provider, friend, and lover of my soul! As I begin the transition to step away as pastor, there are some thoughts I want to leave with you as you continue on in your faith journey. Between now and August I will be sharing these with you. My hope for our faith community is to see it flourish in your love for Jesus, your love one another, and of course for all others.
Knowing The Spirit of TruthTreasuring the gift of the Holy Spirit involves investing our time and attention in getting to know Him: the nearness of His presence, the quietness of His voice, the tenderness of His heart, and the fierceness of His passion. He is the Spirit of Truth, abiding, testifying, glorifying, and guiding lovers of the truth.
Circumstances in life can trigger feelings of abandonment - feelings we may not even be aware of. What do we do with these distorted core beliefs? This Sunday we’ll look at the life of David and the disciples after the crucifixion to see what we can learn to implement in our own lives when we are feeling alone and full of fear.
GOD WITHIN US [series title]What is it within God who so cares for creation, for humanity, for believers, to ensure that we are personally cared for by God? Have you ever wondered that? This month, the Church around the world will be celebrating Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit. God with us. God within us! Throughout May we will consider the endless beauty of the Holy Spirit.The Gift [teaching title]Of all the words that could have been used to describe the coming of the Spirit, Jesus uses the word gift. It’s a word that means something freely given without reason or cause, which means it is given from a place of love. When seen through that lens, everything changes. Come, Holy Spirit!
Part 3 of 3 - The Formation of a DESTINYA careful investigation of the Scriptures reveals that our thoughts lead our actions, our actions establish our habits, our habits shape our character, and our character forms our destiny. In light of this truth, and because of what Jesus has done, we must, as Peter states, apply all diligence in our faith, becoming partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter). You are invited to join us as we take a look at the thoughts, actions, habits and character that establishes the divine nature that conquers all.
Jesus died, and Jesus rose again…and everything changed! So much so that when you read the New Testament, it is clear that the death and resurrection of Jesus offers a completely new and transformed life the second we choose to make Jesus our Lord. But what about those days when we don’t feel like any transformation has occurred at all? There is a battle that is occurring, not on the outside, but deep within our minds. Peter calls us to, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). The greatest battle is the battle within our minds, and that’s where the transformed life begins!
MORE THAN CONQUERORS [series title]How would you answer the question: “What difference does the death and resurrection of Jesus make in your life?”. If your answer is something like, “My sins are forgiven and I get to go to heaven.”, you would be partially right. While the writers of the New Testament would agree with the answer, they would point out that it’s not just about going to heaven. It makes a difference in our lives NOW! The writers call us to re-think the impact of the resurrection on our lives.No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8: 37Part 1 - It All Starts NowHere’s a question for you: “Does your life interpret Scripture, or does Scripture interpret your life?” This question takes time to answer, some pondering and soul searching. We may know what the ‘right’ answer is, but how I live my life reveals the truth. The writers of the New Testament have a whole different take on what it means to be a Christian. It’s not what you think.
Looking Beyond the Veil of GriefContinuing our current sermons series "Beyond the Veil '' our guest speaker, Vannae Napolez Savig takes us through the veil of grief. Grief is painful and very real. Being so, it can become a stuck point for many. Can we come to a better understanding that at The Cross both grief AND hope can be true?OUR GUEST SPEAKERS - Over the next two Sundays, we welcome Erik and Vannae Savig as guest speakers in our Beyond the Veil Series. They are visiting us here at the Cambridge Vineyard from the Evanston Vineyard in Chicago. While here, they will be participating in a week-long working interview. Welcome Erik & Vannae!
BEYOND THE VEIL (Series title)The season of Lent is a time to search our hearts as we seek to follow Jesus. We do this through soul searching, acts of self-sacrifice, and abstinence. In reality, we are walking with Jesus in his final weeks leading up to his crucifixion. How did he, as Luke states, “…resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”, knowing what he was facing? Jesus, and many from the early church to today have faced similar fates. How did they do it? Interestingly, Scripture tells us plainly how they walked towards suffering. Join us as we consider how Jesus walked the road that we must walk towards resurrection.Eyes to See (March 10 title)Luke states, “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51) Knowing what he was going to face, Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem with intention! Consider this: The natural human tendency is to avoid pain and suffering at any cost. But rather than avoid it, Jesus walked towards it! Remember, Jesus was fully human just like you and I are. He knew pain. But as we walk closely with Jesus, he will help us to see what he saw and sees.
With Tabitha FellmanABSORBED INTO CHRIST Part 3: Stewarding the Gift of Gentle HUMILITY------------------------------------------ABSORBED INTO CHRIST (a 5-part series)At a wedding, couples will sometimes have 3 candles displayed with the two outside candles lit. After saying their vows, they will then each take one of the lit candles and bring them together to light the middle one. They will then extinguish their own candles, with the middle one remaining lit to signify that they have now become one.That act is quite similar to the calling Jesus extends to all people. He says things like if we lay down our life, we will find life. In his final prayer, he said, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (John 17:21) Baptism speaks of something similar…this idea of the call to be ‘absorbed’ into Jesus’ life. Christ’s life in us. Our lives in Christ.
One of the first things that occurs when a baby is born and a quick medical check has been done, is the mother gently holding that baby close to her, skin-to-skin. It’s called bonding. Over the next few years, that bonding, love, and nurturing that that baby receives will have a profound effect on the person it becomes as it matures.The arc of Scripture paints a picture of a God who deeply loves humanity and calls to us to come…to belong. It’s in that relationship where I am free to become all that I was meant be!
ABSORBED INTO CHRIST (a 5-part series)At a wedding, couples will sometimes have 3 candles displayed with the two outside candles lit. After saying their vows, they will then each take one of the lit candles and bring them together to light the middle one. They will then extinguish their own candles, with the middle one remaining lit to signify that they have now become one.That act is quite similar to the calling Jesus extends to all people. He says things like if we lay down our life, we will find life. In his final prayer he said, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (John 17:21) Baptism speaks of something similar…this idea of the call to be ‘absorbed’ into Jesus’ life. Christ’s life in us. Our lives in Christ.Part 1 - The CallingWhat is the call of Christ on your life? Before you answer that question, keep in mind that any calling is a calling from something, to something else. Calling is not a registration, nor a subscription or membership. Calling is always from something to something. Jesus Christ calls us not just to follow, but to let go of this life (like, for real!), and be absorbed into his life.“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer – The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus…The Answer to the Life’s Biggest QuestionAs we enter into a new year, it’s natural for people to wonder if the world is going to improve at all. You can sense that people want to hope, but fear and despair seem to be pushing back. And no doubt, some of the questions lingering deep within people are probably: “What’s life all about? What’s the meaning of it?” And Jesus stands at the crossroads of these questions and calls us to follow him – the One who is the meaning to all of life.For us who are his followers, we have great news for our neighbours, and that great news is none other than Jesus. It’s why in a couple of weeks from now, we are launching Alpha. We want to introduce others to this one person who brings meaning to all of life.End Song: Lily of the Valley, Written by David Ruis (Copyright © 2000 Vineyard Songs Canada)
Living in Paradox - With Mirela Smith Christmas is a time of paradox. A time where there is great joy, and sometimes great pain. It can feel uncomfortable for us to hold these opposites in tension, and most times we want to avoid the tension and plant ourselves on one side or the other. Jesus' life was full of tension and paradox. He modeled for us what it looks like to have one foot in both camps and still be able to live out our lives with purpose.
Come, Holy Spirit! In our day, this simple prayer, "Come, Holy Spirit!" has become the heart's cry of the Vineyard movement since its first utterance over forty-four years ago. Through it, we highlight our dependence and expectancy on the person and presence of the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal the Good News of the Kingdom of God that has come, is at hand, and is still coming. Through our intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, this Vineyard distinctive manifests in our being, believing and our doing."If you love me, keep my commandments. I will ask the Father to give you another Helper, to be with you always. He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor recognizes Him. But you recognize Him, because He lives with you and will be in you." - John 14:15-17
The interesting thing about servants is that you know they are doing an excellent job when they are not noticed. Special events, banquets, and ceremonies run seamlessly because the servants and workers are doing everything they can to ensure the guest of honour / make themselves invisible to ensure the guest of honour is honoured. Prayer ministry unfolds best when we remember who the Guest of Honour is.John the Baptist said, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him… He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.’ John 3: 28a, 30
This week in our summer series (May I Pray for You?) we explore Step 3 of the 5-Step Prayer Model, "Prayer Selection."
At the heart of this, lies our unique partnership with the Holy Spirit. Through this connection, we gain the wisdom to discern the perfect type of prayer for any situation. Let us discover the prayers that align with the loving will of the Lord, as we learn to hear the still, small voice gently guiding us to pray powerfully and purposefully. Drawing inspiration from the scriptures and the teachings of Jesus, we will learn about stepping into prayer with unwavering faith. Where fear loses its hold, we can boldly move forward, trusting in the love and grace of our Creator.
Remember, practice is a gentle and patient teacher. Through hands-on exercises and real-life examples, we will grow in confidence, equipping ourselves to approach any prayer with conviction and sincerity. Our aim is always to create a safe and nurturing space. Let us come together with open hearts, supporting and uplifting one another on this journey.
Welcome to week two of a 7-week journey that we are taking together, learning the Vineyard 5-Step prayer model. The 5-Step Prayer Model is neither a scientific formula, fool-proof methodology, nor a magical incantation, rather, it is an intentional way of praying for others by listening to the Holy Spirit. The 5-Step Prayer Model provides a track to run on for those desiring to see God move in power as they pray.
Whether you have never prayed for anyone or have lots of experience, you will find these lessons informative and a bit challenging as we work together to broaden our experience and learn how to trust and walk with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
May I Pray for You? – Equipping followers of Jesus to ‘do the stuff’
In the gospels, Jesus flat lines our concept of leader-follower roles in society. Much of Jesus’ three years of public ministry entailed equipping his followers to do what he did, or as we say in the Vineyard – ‘doin the stuff’. The Jesus way is leaders serving the body of Christ by equipping them to be ministers of healing, both inside and outside of the church. One of the ways we can minister to others is with prayer. As we submit to the rule and reign of Jesus, the Spirit ministers in ways we would never expect.
This summer our teaching series will include some equipping time for those who would like to practice. This will all be done under the guidance of our prayer ministry team. Let’s gather with expectation for the Kingdom to break through!
FRAGILE…Handle with Care!
Jesus came announcing that the Kingdom of God is near! What Jesus taught and the signs and wonders that accompanied his teachings confirmed this announcement. However, Jesus’ call to follow him, meant that Jesus would continue his mission through his followers. As Jesus loves all people, so too are we to love all people. As we pray for others, and love them as Jesus loves them…the Kingdom comes!
If you were asked “What does God do?”, most followers of Jesus could give an answer. The same would be true if asked, “How does God do it?” But the question that is not so easy to answer is WHY. Answering the WHY question will always reveal what’s in the heart.
In his sermon, Jesus states: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” God’s will is God’s WHY. Jesus calls each of us to make the Father’s WHY, our WHY. So what is God’s WHY?
It’s interesting how we are inclined to make following Jesus a complicated endeavour. We have innumerable doctrines, statements of faith, creeds, and theological perspectives in our quest to follow. Jesus comes along and gets right to the heart of the issue…literally. He’s not all that interested in our knowledge, the music we sing, or how spiritually gifted we are. Jesus cuts through all of that and goes straight to our heart. If the heart is not one with God’s heart, everything else is window dressing.
God is kind. If you have any doubts, observe how Jesus cares for people and especially for his followers. There are many times in the gospels where Jesus ‘warns’ people. How we ‘read’ Jesus’ warnings depends a lot on our view of God. If God is punitive, then there will be a tendency to read Jesus’ warnings as, “You better watch out!”. But if God is love, then Jesus’ warnings are there to help us and guide us along the way. Because pitfalls are inevitable, Jesus calls us to follow with eyes wide open.
The Weight of Hope With Jen & Phil Snell
For 11 years Phil and Jen Snell along with their two children (now grown people) Luke and Faith, have served as long-term missionaries in João Pessoa (JEH-WOW PESS-OAH) Brazil. For the past seven years, they have been working with women trapped in the sex trade. Nearly all the women they work with are mothers and their children are often their driving motivation for what they do. A mother in need will do almost anything to protect and provide for her children. What starts as a means to a desperate end, becomes a quicksand-like trap they can't see a way out of. This is where Jesus and Hope Ministries come in. Holding hope for those without it, they meet them where they are and love them enough not to leave them that way.
Hope Ministries works towards seeing women able to find new ways to sustain themselves and most of all, introducing them to a relationship with the saviour who has the power to transform their lives. The slow work of the Kingdom. Gratefully, after many hours and countless conversations and prayers they are starting to see women successfully leaving that life.
Jen and Phil will share their experiences and God-sized visions for the future of the ministry.
When you became a follower of Jesus did you have lofty expectations of how life was going to be for you once you started following? If you did, those expectations are usually influenced by the culture we live in and also by our innate desire to have the ‘struggles’ of life minimized. However, nowhere does Scripture imply that life will be easier. Jesus tells us that life on earth will be hard, but the Way of Jesus always has the upper hand. We are called to engage the ‘struggle’, because it’s in the struggle that we experience growth.
The resurrection of Jesus is core to the faith of all believers. Our faith in Christ stands or falls based on the veracity of whether or not Jesus actually resurrected. For centuries now believers and non-believers long to find some form of physical evidence that either supports the Christian faith or disqualifies it. But the gospels and the various letters of the apostles are adamant that the resurrection happened. But for the writers of the New Testament letters, it was the desire to know the power that raised Christ. The power is the proof!
Sometimes I think God loves a good wrestle. Throughout all of Scripture there appears to be this ongoing challenge that God has with people, and people with God. For instance, there are times when I go to God with a need that Im hoping God will fulfill. When the prayer isnt answered the way I want, I stop. But I wonder, in those times, if God is challenging me to see how hungry I am for what Im seeking. Its like God is looking at me with a daring smile, saying: Cmonlets see what youre made of! The question is, will I accept the challenge?
Longing to Come To You With Tabitha Fellman Spend any amount of time with Jesus, and you quickly find that He has a deep love for all people everywhere. Spend enough time looking at people with Him, through His perspective, and you quickly find His love for them is contagious. Spend time getting to know the people He so deeply loves, and be prepared for something wonderfully powerful to be released.
We are His sons and daughters choosing to live in intimate fellowship with God. We bear His image and likeness, we are entrusted with His authority. We are meant to gather up every sphere of society and every realm of life so that the redemptive work of Jesus (God gave up Jesus for the exchange of the earth) will become famous!But He needs you, me, all of us to "go out" and do it. Lay claim to what Jesus has already paid for. Fulfill God's dream of the harvest of souls returning to Him, restoring them and their original image before it is too late.
At times we all fall into the trap of judging someone simply because in one way or another, they are different than we are. Other times, we jump to conclusions because of a behaviour that someone has exhibited that doesn’t meet our approval. But judging has its sinister side that impacts entire people groups by diminishing the value of their humanity, and in turn, all of humanity. It’s much like a virus – it infects and it destroys. It’s called racism.The Good News is that there is antidote. Reversing the effects of racism begins by listening to the other. It’s in the listening that we begin to see in the face of the other, the image of God.
Words matter, even more so when Jesus uses them. In his Sermon on the Mount about the perils of judging others, he uses words such as, ‘judge, speck, log, and hypocrite’. With those words, he paints a picture of what’s really occurring when judgment is used against others. And that picture reveals more about the one judging than it does of the one being judged. But the inverse of that picture tells the story of the Good News that Jesus brings, which is our mission…to set the captives free!
LIVING INTO THE TRANSFORMED LIFE: Part 5 - Free to LoveAs Jesus enters the final stretch of his sermon, it seems like he is coming full circle, back to how he began. Throughout his teaching Jesus has kept the least, the hurting, the marginalized, the oppressed, and the poor in the forefront of his mind. Jesus’ love for them runs deep. And he calls those of us who follow him to hear his words and be to all others as he is to us.“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” Matthew 11: 15Letting Go of Control – January 22In the first half of Matthew 6 Jesus cautions us about the false security of guarding our reputation, in other words, making ourselves look good before others. But what drives that is my need for you to see me in a certain light. The other driver is my need for you to behave or be in a way that’s pleasing to me. It’s called control. When that doesn’t work, I resort to the only thing that’s left. Judgment. And that never goes well. Jesus’ answer? Do not judge. Let’s talk.
To say that following Jesus is really hard at times, is the understatement of the year! Going to church, singing songs, hearing a sermon is the easy part. Living the Jesus Way in your day-to-day life is a whole other story. A read of any part of the New Testament will quickly show you that the Jesus Way is a tough go. But the writers and myriads of other followers all down through the centuries would seem to have it no other way. They have bought in lock, stock and barrel. It would almost seem at time that they experience a ‘follower’s high or rush’. Is the Jesus Way really all that? Let’s talk.
Our focus for the third Sunday of Advent is joy. A question that may be on a lot of minds in our world this Christmas is: “Where do I find joy in this chaotic world?” It’s a great question and it’s one that demands an answer. Where should we go to find the joy that we are so hungry for? We need look no further than the good news from the angel that was given to the motley crew of shepherds at the midnight hour. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” (Lk. 2:10)
If there’s one major concern dominating people’s minds (worry) around the globe, it’s money. The anxiety and fear (worry) regarding the economy and inflation demands our attention on a daily basis (worry).
Our solution? Fix the economy. (worry)
Jesus’ solution? Look at the birds and look at the lilies. (worry) Your heavenly Father sees, cares, and provides for you. Let Jesus and his Kingdom be your treasure!
Would You Give Jesus the PIN to Your Bank Account? That’s a fair question. Believe it or not, Jesus doesn’t call you and me to follow him in some areas of our lives. He calls us to follow him in all areas, and that includes our money and wealth and the perspective we have towards our money and wealth. When it comes to money, the Jesus Way will always be a contradiction to the way of capitalism that is ingrained in the so-called ‘free world’.
Have you given much thought to your five senses lately? Most people generally believe that the primary purpose of our five senses is to help us navigate our world ‘out’ there. That is true, but there’s another aspect of our senses that you may not be aware of. Jesus touches on one of our senses when he states, “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body.” (Matt. 6:22). Not just to help us navigate the world out there, but to realize that it plays a part in shaping who we are as a person. Hence, the importance of what our eyes are fixed on.
The distractions in life are scattered everywhere, making following the way of Jesus a genuine challenge. And yes, Jesus is fully aware of this challenge. He addresses those distractions, and shows us how to render them impotent. It’s the Jesus Way, and it’s the way of a champion.
Forgiveness. A gift from God to humanity. A gift from us to all others. A gift we need to give to ourselves? ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ is considered as the royal law in the New Testament. In that one little statement is the expectation that of course I would love myself since I’m created in God’s image. But for some, when it comes to forgiveness, the thought of forgiving oneself seems somehow, not right. That we are not worthy of forgiveness. Not worthy of love. But God says… “You are my son, my daughter…heart of my heart. I could never stop loving you!”
It’s interesting how just three chapters into the story of Scripture we see pain inflicted and forgiveness granted. The pain that God must have felt over the fractured relationship God had with Adam and Eve must have been profound. But God responds. God’s first act flows from love and compassion towards Adam and Eve. God clothes them with skins and forgiveness. It’s a kingdom thing, and it’s a pathway to freedom.
The question, “What does love look like?”, is a common question for us humans. If there’s one thing we search for, it’s love. But what does it look like? In his little letter, John states that God is love. So it stands to reason that perhaps we should look no further than Jesus. Less than an hour away from dying he utters these words to his enemies - “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34). This one act of Jesus is the epitome of love, and it's called forgiveness!
This summer we looked at several ordinary people who were noted in the book of Hebrews, not for living a spotless life, but for making Jesus their champion. They knew that God offered real life, because God is the author of life.
In his Sermon, Jesus calls us to follow him and live the real life, starting now! In part 4 of our meta-series, Living into the Transformed Life, Jesus addresses real-life concerns that all of us encounter in our everyday lives. And his call to each and everyone of us is: “follow me.”
With Guest speaker Jeff Fellman
Dare to be a Daniel: Dare to make a purpose firm - Dare to stand alone - Dare to make it known
Guest Speaker: Jayden Lakatos
JOSHUA: Moving in Faith "This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 NLT
Guest Speaker: Tabitha Fellman Speaking on: Joseph
Sustaining Faith "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." - Col 2:6-7 [NLT]
When you meet a person for the first time without knowing the person’s history, you actually have an incomplete picture of that person. When we read about God’s people in the Bible, we are meeting them as if for the first time. And from that first meeting, we make a judgment, either for good or bad. If it’s bad, then it becomes perplexing how and why God would use such a person. What’s missing is the person’s backstory, and the backstory makes all the difference.
Noah's story of building the ark, being on the ark, and repopulating the earth takes place over many years. Sometimes God calls us to have faith for a long time without seeing any resolution. This Sunday we are going to talk about long-term faith and the kind of faith that will get our names on the list of the faithful like in Hebrews 11.
O how things go awry when one forgets the essence of who God is. It’s the essence that guides how we view God, how we view others, and how we view ourselves. While he may have been considered a Hebrew of Hebrews, Jonah’s love for God somehow shifted. The shift wasn’t sudden, rather, it occurred gradually over a number of months and years. It was a hard lesson for him to learn, but learn he did! We’ll let Jonah tell the rest of his story…
Speaking on: Perpetua/Felicity
Enduring Faith
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
NEW SERIES JESUS – CHAMPION OF FAITH One of the aspects of the Bible that makes it truly striking is how all the writers do not ‘airbrush’ any person mentioned in Scripture…including Jesus. We get to see the good, the bad, and the ugly side of people - real people, just like us. But what the writers do make clear is that there is only one hero, and that is Jesus. In fact, whoever wrote the book of Hebrews ascribes to Jesus the title, champion. Our so-called ‘heroes of the Bible’ were not heroes at all, they were real people like us. The only difference is they realized that at the end of the day, it is Christ working in and through them. This summer, we will look at the lives of some real people and the Champion whom they pursued.
THIS WEEK: July 3, 2022 Messy Saints And so we begin our look at some notable ‘saints’, mentioned in the Bible and elsewhere. What makes a saint a saint? First, they all deal with ‘stuff’ in their life that they’d just rather not talk about. Second, there’s very little they have in common with each other. And third, at some point in their lives, they all became sold out for God. Why? Well, this is where Jesus comes into the picture, because it is Jesus who is the real hero in our lives!
Living into the Transformed Life: Part 3 - The Way THE LORD'S PRAYER The Lord's Prayer is at the apex of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has been building to this point so far in the sermon by addressing character, the law, murder, aldultery, divorce, hatred, self righteousness and now the Lord's prayer. We'll take a look at the prayer line by line and see what Jesus has been building towards in this remarkable sermon.
"And whenever you fast..."
Continuing into our teaching on Jesus' sermon on the mount, Mirela Smith joins us as our guest speaker. Examining our motives for our actions and a reminder for us to check in with ourselves.
In everything that I do, if nobody knew about it, would I still do it? Am I doing this out of a fear that my own needs won't get met?
As Jesus enters into the next topic of his ‘sermon’, there is an assumption he makes that “Of course you pray, doesn’t everyone?” Three times in his topic on prayer he begins the sentence with, “When you pray…”. The way he talks, you would almost think that he sees praying much like breathing. “Of course you breathe, doesn’t everyone?” And his caution to us is not so much what we pray, but how and why we pray. When you think about it, who better than Jesus would know what prayer is all about?
Have you ever wondered what it is that moves you to do the things that you do? Jesus has this innate ability to drill down into the deep recesses of our hearts, to find those longings that shape how we see the world, ourselves, and God. It’s those longings that are the motives behind the whys of what we do.
Jesus calls each and every one of us to follow him. The motive isn’t so much to do what he does, as it is to be who he is.
If you’ve been following with us on our journey through Jesus’ sermon on the mount, you may have been wondering or thinking to yourself, “That sounds nice, but it’s not realistic.”. You wouldn’t be faulted for having thought, either. Some of Jesus’ teachings do seem to border on the impossible-to-do’s. When Jesus tells us to ‘love our enemies’ (you know…those who want to take us out), it does seem impossible when you’re in the thick of that situation. The truth be told; Jesus’ teachings are not impossible. It all depends on what you’re pursuing.
The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” is understood today as nonsensical. We know the power of words and many of us can tell you the damage they can have on one’s life. We now live in a day and age where words are commonly used to wound, and manipulate others.
But this is not the JESUS WAY. When words are spoken with the intent of loving our neighbours as ourselves, words can only bring one thing, and that one thing is life!
Living into the Transformed Life Part 3 - THE WAY The Way Love Acts...Really! Do we truly understand love’s actions? Let us confront the difference between what we think as a culture, and what Jesus actually reveals about justice, prosperity, rights & freedom. Let’s dive in!
The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” is understood today as nonsensical. We know the power of words and many of us can tell you the damage they can have on one’s life. We now live in a day and age where words are commonly used to wound, and manipulate others.
But this is not the JESUS WAY. When words are spoken with the intent of loving our neighbours as ourselves, words can only bring one thing, and that one thing is life!
For many of us, the times we’re living in can best be described as uncertain and fearful. Along with that comes a loss of control over circumstances, and a feeling of being adrift. When those times hit, we tend to reach for anything that gives us some form of control in our lives. For Peter, that feeling was never more real than it was after Jesus’ execution and resurrection. Life as he had known it, along with his hopes for the future was shattered. He turned to what was familiar and went fishing. And then Jesus shows up…
For the next two Sundays we are hitting pause on our journey through Jesus’ sermon on the mount as we set our hearts towards Easter, remembering Jesus’ death and celebrating his resurrection. And so we begin with Holy Week and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. His followers had so many expectations of things they were hoping for, but you have to wonder if deep down they were trying to make sense of this event mixed with Jesus’ talk of death, his miracles, and the disgust the religious elite had towards him and his followers. What expectations might they have had? What expectations do you have?
When a serious car accident occurs the police and ambulance services are summoned, and when they arrive, they focus on their respective responsibilities. The police investigate the cause while the paramedics bind up the wounded. In his Sermon, Jesus addresses the painful reality of divorce. To understand what Jesus is saying we must first consider the filter we are using when reading his words. Are we reading it through the Law or through ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (the Royal Law)? Is Jesus a cop or a paramedic?
Jesus does not shy away from the ‘delicate’ subjects, rather, he confronts the prevailing attitudes and interpretations of the law head-on. Take the subject of sex. He yanks it out of the arena of ‘behaviour’ and goes after the real issue – the heart. Jesus reminds us that sexual desire and intimacy are from God, and as such, we must view it through the lens of the Royal Law – Love your neighbour as yourself.
And so we now leave ‘what we know’ and follow Jesus into his core teaching, or REAL LIFE (Sermon on the Mount). At times THE WAY will feel familiar. At other times, it will be jarring. Things are going to seem foreign, but pay attention to your heart. As you continue to move forward, deeper into THE WAY, you will notice a stirring within you, and that stirring is life…REAL LIFE.
Jesus’ entry point begins with the sacredness of all of creation, and we are part of that creation. How I care for you is how I care for myself, and in the end, how I care for God. In African culture there is a word that seems to capture how Jesus lived. That word is ‘ubuntu’. Apparently the English language doesn’t have a word to capture the meaning, which is – I am because you are. In other words, all life is sacred.
In reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, one could easily think, “Just do life the way Jesus does and all will go well.” The problem with adopting that mindset is that we fall into the rut of ‘sin management’, and that’s not the life Jesus has called us into. As Dallas Willard writes in his book, The Spirit of the Disciplines, “So, if we wish to follow Christ – and to walk in the easy yoke with him – we will have to accept his overall way of life as our way of life totally.” I know, this sounds hard, but believe me, the Jesus Way leads to the best life!
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matt. 11: 29-30
One of the fantastic aspects of being a follower of Jesus in the tech age is that we have access to a myriad of ‘Christian resources’ right at our fingertips. Today, we can install every version of the Bible on our smartphones, if we so choose…and have it read it to us! Keep in mind that 600 years ago, fortunate was the person who had a written copy of some of the Bible!
But the bigger question is, “Do we know how to read it and understand it?” Jesus came to set the record straight, and in doing so he upset the apple cart of the religious elite. As Jesus asked one of them, “How do you read it?”
Influence. The capacity to have an effect on someone. It’s interesting how easy it is to downplay ourselves. To think that what we say, how we act, and how we respond to situations doesn’t really have that much of an effect on anyone, or the situation at hand. And yet Jesus thinks differently of those who choose to follow him. The life that Jesus has called us to live and the ‘good news’ he has called us to be is the salt and light that the world needs. BE salt. BE light.
“You can’t see the forest for the trees”, so the saying goes. It simply means that when you focus in on a tree, you’re unable to see the forest, of which it is a part of. So often we examine and study the ‘trees’ of the Beatitudes, but forget to step back and marvel at the forest. The Beatitude ‘forest’ has a message for us and for our world…but only if we’ll step back and listen. Are you listening?
You have to love how Jesus begins his magnum opus – the sermon on the mount! If that beginning doesn’t make your heart burst with joy and laughter, then you may be misunderstanding what Jesus is actually saying to his listeners and readers. In order to capture what Jesus is actually saying, you must read it through the eyes of Jesus…the giver of the Kingdom! (hint, hint)
Many years ago it was common for Christian parents to teach their children a bedtime prayer that began with these words: “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, look upon this little child…”. For a child, it was a beautiful introduction to God’s Son…like who wouldn’t love him? But that was only one side. Another side of Jesus is the God/man who is passionate, resolute, brilliant, and to the point, in how he lives and how he speaks. When it comes to his teaching on the hillside, he makes his expectations very clear. Are you ready?
Do you remember the Canadian Armed Forces tagline in their commercials – “There’s no life like it!” That statement is both accurate and not accurate. It’s accurate in the sense that there is no other occupation like it, but if you’re looking for the easy life, then you don’t want to choose that one. Living the Jesus Way is a life like no other, but don’t think for a second that it’s the easy life. And Scripture basically says just that. We choose to follow Jesus, not because he offers an easy life, but because there really is ‘no life like it’! Before we begin our journey into Jesus’ manifesto, let’s understand what we’re saying ‘yes’ to.
Proverbs: 19:21 Many are the plans of a man's heart but the Lord's plan prevails
Phil and Jen Snell, missionaries in Brazil, will be joining us today to share about their experiences with burn out and learning to understand what they should carry and what they shouldn't. They will also give us a highlight reel of the last two years and some exciting plans for the future.
The Snells represent a team of people who have invested in them so that they can invest in others.
Lives are changing. Visit the Hope Ministries website: www.hopeministries.ca
Contact:
Jen@hopeministries.ca
Phil@hopeministries.ca
Living the Transformed Life - A guide to the Jesus Way.
What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? To be a disciple? Are they all the same, or do they mean different things? Can I be one of those things and not the other? If you are reading this, then you have probably identified with one of those designations, or all of them, at one time or another in your life. What was it that brought you to become a follower of Jesus…a Christian?
The Preface
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Matthew 16: 24 NLT