We’re told to Pray Without Ceasing. We’re told not be anxious about anything. In my life I’ve reversed these verses, Pray sometimes and be anxious about everything. Then I wonder why there is a void in my heart; a longing for something more – more strength to face temptations, more intimacy with God, more peace, Joy… Read More »Prayer: moving toward the heart of God (September 8, 2024)
In light of both a baptism and communion this Sunday, it’s valuable to review the core teaching of our salvation. When Paul says, “live a life worthy of the calling,” what is Paul referring to? We’ll explore Ephesians 1-3 as a meditation of the calling – God and our salvation. sermon: “Live Worthy” Because …… Read More »“Live Worthy” Because … (September 1, 2024)
These verses end the section; with unity in Christ, diversity of graces of the Spirit we reach maturity. Maturity is discernment to hold fast when deceitful teaching comes our way and speaking the truth in love to grow in Christ. sermon: Maturity is Being Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:14-16) with Pastor David Donaldson
This scripture passage, along with Romans 12, 1 Cor 12, provide the strategy for how a church accomplishes its God-given mission of “making disciples.” And, therefore, provides the broad strategy of how we accomplish “community of Christ sharing Christ with our communities.” sermon: The right person in the right place at the right time (Ephesians… Read More »The right person in the right place at the right time (August 18, 2024)
We will consider how Paul described, “Living a life worthy of the calling.” This life is summarized in ‘oneness’ and ‘unity’ – Paul’s description of a mature, Christ-following life. This week begins our look at spiritual giftedness in the local church. sermon: The Unity in the Spirit (Ephesians 4:2-6) with Pastor David Donaldson
Jesus’ death and resurrection are the beginning of our salvation and our discipleship. Jesus had to die for our sins to be forgiven, and he had to rise (and return to ‘the Father’) for the Holy Spirit to come and empower us to live like and for Christ. Communion is our moment of reflection and… Read More »Abide and Grow… through Communion (August 4, 2024)
Passport to Peacemakers: the Holiday Club theme. Peace and reconciliation is the heart of God; not simply something we do on a long list of spiritual do’s. Let’s use this as we, in practical and biblical terms, evaluate the present. To ask as a question, what is the definition of success of a local church?Paul’s words… Read More »Live Worthy of Our Calling (July 28, 2024)
“Who is my neighbour?” It could be the person who lives next door. It could be someone we have a close attachment with. An expert in the Jewish laws posed this question to Jesus because it can profoundly influence how we engage with others. Let’s explore this well-known parable Jesus share. sermon: Who’s Your Neighbour?… Read More »Who’s Your Neighbour? (July 21, 2024)
Community. We kick this word around quite a bit. Has it become cliché? We want to re-visit the biblical description of community; basing our discussion on Jesus’s new commandment to love one another, and looking at the New Testament’s other “one another” passages. sermon: A Biblical Look at “Community of Christ” (John 13:34-35) with Pastor… Read More »A Biblical Look at “Community of Christ” (July 14, 2024)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “God loves our enemies—the cross tells us that… With respect to our attitude towards our enemies, this means first, remember that you were God’s enemy and that, without having earned it or being worthy of it, you were met with mercy. It means second. remember that God hung on the cross for… Read More »Communion: An Expression of Our Vision (July 7, 2024)