Blog
Easter Sunday: %22Making sense of the Resurrection%22
Scripture Reading: Luke 24: 1 - 12 (NIV) 1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why ...Read More
Good Friday: %22God Forsaken%22
Scripture Reading: Psalm 22: 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Message: “God Forsaken” In his agony on the cross, Jesus cries out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus cries out a quote from Psalm 22 Some say that Psalm 22 was more commonly known as Psalm 23 in those days Psalm 22 starts with the cry to God - “My God, my God, why have you forsaken ...Read More
How to stand up for the King
Scripture Reading: Luke 19: 35 - 40 (NIV) They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the ...Read More
Another Chance
Scripture Reading: Luke 13: 1 - 9 (NIV) Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the ...Read More
Open your eyes to the new God is doing
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43: 16 - 21 (NIV) 16This is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18“Forget the former things; do not well on the past. 19See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams ...Read More
Pressing On Amid Threats
Scripture Reading: Luke 13: 31 - 34 (NIV) At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! 34 “Jerusalem, ...Read More
Standing firm on the Word in temptation
Scripture Reading: Luke 4: 1 - 13 (NIV) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2 For forty days, the devil tempted him. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them, he was hungry. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5The devil led him up to a high place and showed ...Read More
Glimpses of Glory
Scripture Reading: Luke 9: 28 - 36 (NIV) About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when ...Read More
Radical Love
Scripture Reading: Luke 6: 27 - 38 (NIV) “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love ...Read More
What it means to be blessed
Scripture Reading: Luke 6: 17 - 26 (NIV) He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. 20Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed ...Read More
Emboldened by Love
Scripture Reading: Psalm 138 (MSG) Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!”Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.” ...Read More
Responding to Truth
Scripture Reading: Luke 4: 24 - 30 (NIV) “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them ...Read More
Grow in Service (#3 of Epiphany Series)
Scripture Reading: Acts 20: 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Message: Grow in Service (#3 of Epiphany Series) Show up and grow Epiphany series on growth - #1 grow in worship, #2 grow in fellowship, today grow in service This series of growth is meant as a response to an epiphany “yes” I get it, God ...Read More
Grow in Fellowship (#2 in Epiphany Series)
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 1- 5 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of ...Read More
Grow in Worship (#1 in Epiphany Series)
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3: 16, 17 (NIV) Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Message: Grow in Worship Epiphany to ignite growth On Monday we celebrated Epiphany - the 12th day of Christmas… The ...Read More
Joy from God
Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14 - 20 (NIV) Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 16On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight ...Read More
Refined Identity of Peace
Scripture Reading: Malachi 3: 1 - 4 (NIV) “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites ...Read More
Hope for the days are coming
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14 - 16 (NIV) “ ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. “ ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ Message: ...Read More
The Reign and Majesty of the Lord
Scripture Reading: Psalm 93 1The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. 2Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. 3The seas have lifted up, Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. 4Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty. 5Your statutes, ...Read More
A Painful Birth of Something New
Scripture Reading: Mark 13: 1 - 8 (NIV) As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will ...Read More
Real Is From Within
Scripture Reading: Mark 12: 38 - 44 (NIV) As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched ...Read More
Love is more important
Scripture Reading: Mark 12: 28 - 34 (NIV) One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The ...Read More
What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Scripture Reading: Mark 10: 46 - 52 (NIV) Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49Jesus ...Read More
Ambitions put into Perspective
Scripture Reading: Mark 10: 35 - 45 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism ...Read More
Eternal life, a camel and the eye of a needle
Scripture Reading: Mark 10: 17 - 31 (NIV) As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, ...Read More
To Receive the Kingdom of God like a Child
Scripture Reading: Mark 10: 13 - 16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands ...Read More
The Bigger Picture of Inclusion
Scripture Reading: Mark 9: 38 - 50 (NIV) “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us. 41Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly ...Read More
Soul Opinion
Scripture Reading: Mark 8: 27 - 38 (NIV) Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31He ...Read More
Mercy is the Law that Gives Freedom
Scripture Reading: James 2: 12, 13 (NIV) Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Message: Mercy is the Law that Gives Freedom Beggars In the Lord’s Prayer today, we prayed “forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors” (Presbyterians say debts and our friends in the United church say trespasses) The ...Read More
Fitted to Win
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6: 10 - 20 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able ...Read More
Cut Distractions, Grab Opportunities
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5: 15 - 20 (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to ...Read More
A Live Worthy of Calling
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4: 1 - 6 (NIV) 1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in ...Read More
Going Beyond Imagination
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 (NIV) 14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep ...Read More
Breaking Down Us and Them
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2: 11 - 22 (NIV) Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away ...Read More
Who May Stand in His Holy Place
Scripture Reading: Psalm 24: 1 - 6 (NIV) Of David. A psalm. 1The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. 3Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6Such is the generation of ...Read More
How Labels block Faith
Scripture Reading: Mark 6: 1 - 6 (NIV) Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? ...Read More
Seek the Peace and Prosperity of the City
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29: 4 - 7 (NIV) This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried ...Read More
Prophesy, Dreams and Visions
Scripture Reading: Joel 2: 28 (NIV) And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Message: Prophesy, Dreams and Visions Where we are - already, not yet… In our belief system, we find ourselves in the already-not-yet space On the timeline of our lives are in this in-between space of significant events of faith that has already happened and significant ...Read More
Compelled
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10, 14-17 (NIV) 6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7For we live by faith, not by sight. 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us ...Read More
Cry, Wait, Hope
Scripture Reading: Psalm 130 (NIV) A song of ascents. 1Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7Israel, ...Read More
Breakable but Strong
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 5-12 (NIV) For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every ...Read More
Rethink Love
Scripture Reading: John 15: 9 - 17 (NIV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are ...Read More
A Life Giving Connection with Jesus
Scripture Reading: John 15: 1 - 8 (NIV) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you ...Read More
The Good Shepherd for All
Scripture Reading: John 10: 11 - 18 (NIV) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows ...Read More
What the Fahter's Love does to us
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3: 1 - 7 (NIV) See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 4Everyone who sins ...Read More
Sent with peace for peace!
Scripture Reading: John 20: 19 - 23 (NIV) On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22And with that he breathed on them ...Read More
Don't be alarmed, Go tell and Be careful
Scripture Reading: Mark 16: 1 - 8 (NIV) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5As they ...Read More
Passion for the Servant King
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 5 - 11 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest ...Read More
To Die of Ourselves
Scripture Reading: John 12: 23 - 28a (NIV) 23Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor ...Read More
Love, Faith, Light
Scripture Reading: John 3: 16 - 21 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, ...Read More
Honour the Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: John 2: 13 – 22 (NIV) 13When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning ...Read More
From Anguish to Victory
Scripture Reading: Psalm 22: 23 - 31 (NIV) You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise ...Read More
Brought to God
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3: 18 - 22 (NIV) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes ...Read More
Walking the Way of Love
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5: 1, 2 (NIV) Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5: 1, 2 (MSG) Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious ...Read More
Stay focussed on the Job at hand
Scripture Reading: Mark 1: 38 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Message: Stay focussed on the Job at hand Ministry of movement Jesus’ ministry for three years on this earth was a ministry of movement In the time of three years He had to maximize his impact He could not do that by remaining in one place - He had to move around It was question ...Read More
Opening the door to Freedom
Scripture Reading: Mark 1: 23 - 27 (NIV) Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A ...Read More
Opening the door to New Possibilities
Scripture Reading: Mark 1: 16 - 20 (NIV) As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18At once they left their nets and followed him. 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their ...Read More
Opening the door to Seeing More
Scripture Reading: John 1: 48 - 51 (NIV) “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven ...Read More
The Fuss of Christmas (Christmas Eve)
Message: The Fuss of Christmas Why did you come here tonight? What’s behind all the Christmas celebrations? What is the fuss of Christmas? Take a moment with me to think about that - how would you explain this whole Christmas thing to a complete foreigner that has no Western background? Here’s my attempt: Mankind is the crown of God’s creation - relational beings made to love - in God’s image We all have a deeply imbedded need for love, don’t ...Read More
Keep yourself in God’s love
Scripture Reading: Jude 1: 20, 21 (NIV) But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Message: Keep yourself in God’s love “Building yourselves up” On social media we find all sorts of interesting quotes - especially this time of the year I brought along a quote for this message today, ...Read More
Prepare to Receive the Gift of Peace
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40: 1 - 11 (NIV) Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground ...Read More
Hope of a Coming
Scripture Reading: Mark 13: 26, 27 (NIV) “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” Message: Hope of a Coming The nature of hope Google’s dictionary gives two simple definitions for hope: “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen” “a ...Read More
A Deeper Knowing
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1: 15 - 23 (NIV) For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which ...Read More
Remind, Encourage and Build Up
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 - 11 (NIV) Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children ...Read More
Remember (Prof van Eck)
John 20:19-25 (NRSV) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he ...Read More
Walk the Talk
Scripture Reading: Matthew 23: 1 - 12 (NIV) 1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.3So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.4They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 “Everything they do is done for ...Read More
When My Foot Slips (Nina Zwart)
Psalm 94 vs 18 and 19 (NIV) When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. As I wondered about what to talk about today, I kept thinking about Psalm 94 vs 18. I thought about stories and memories, we all have stories, the stories we remember that grow our faith, the lead our path and that remind us of the wonder of God’s love. Although stories in the Bible ...Read More
The Parable of the Rich Fool
Scripture Reading: Luke 12: 16 - 21 (NIV) And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink ...Read More
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Scripture Reading: Matthew 13: 31 - 33 (NIV) He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” 33He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it ...Read More
The Parable of the Talents (Thanksgiving)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25: 14 - 30 (NIV) “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18But the man who had received ...Read More
Raised Up Through the Cup and the Loaf
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10: 14 - 17 (MSG) So, my very dear friends, when you see people reducing God to something they can use or control, get out of their company as fast as you can. I assume I’m addressing believers now who are mature. Draw your own conclusions: When we drink the cup of blessing, aren’t we taking into ourselves the blood, the very life, of Christ? And isn’t it the same with the loaf of bread we break and eat? Don’t we take into ourselves ...Read More
Tell a Bible Story (part 3) - The Good Samaritan
Children’s Story: The Good Samaritan One day, Jesus was having a conversation with the people about the law of God Jesus asked the people what the law of God says and a man answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Jesus said that he got the right answer and told him to go and do it But the man wanted to know: ...Read More
A Reflection on Change and Opportunities
A Reflection on Change and Opportunities Comfort and Resistance to Change We struggle to take on New Opportunities We develop an affection for our circumstances because we are familiar with it As Human beings we are at the top of the food chain because we are best at adapting to circumstances Whatever comes our way, we find a way to adapt and survive It this very skill of adaptation that is also responsible for us creating comfort zones We just love to make things ...Read More
Tell a Bible Story (part 2) - David and Goliath
Children’s Story: David and Goliath The Philistines invaded the land of the Israelites - they wanted to take everything from them On two hills on the banks of the valley of Elah, they were set up against each other - it was a stalemate - the Philistines on one side and the Israelites on the other… No one dared making the first move, because that would have meant that they had to go down through the valley where they would be at their most vulnerable They were ...Read More
Tell a Bible Story (part 1) - Noah's Ark
Children’s Story: Noah’s Ark A time after God created the earth, He saw that the earth became corrupted. God was not happy and decided to start over. God so that Noah was blameless among the people of his time and told Noah that He was going to send a great flood that will destroy everything on earth - God wanted to start over. He told Noah to build an Ark from Cypress wood. God gave Noah the measurements for the ark - 440×72×43 ft ...Read More
Godly Opinion with Great Impact
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16: 13 - 20 (NIV) When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “Blessed ...Read More
New Purpose from an Encounter with God
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 19: 1 - 18 (NIV) Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. ...Read More
More than a Christian Heritage
Scripture Reading: Romans 9: 1 - 5 (MSG) At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. It’s an enormous pain deep within me, and I’m never free of it. I’m not exaggerating—Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It’s the Israelites . . . If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah so they could be blessed by him, I’d do it in a minute. They’re my family. I grew up with them. They had everything ...Read More
The Power of Repentance
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 40 (NIV) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Message: The Power of Repentance (#7 Power of the Holy Spirit sermon series) Save yourselves from this corrupt generation “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” These are the last words of Paul’s famous sermon The sermon that brought about masses of people turning to God and accepting ...Read More
The Power of Generosity
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 44, 45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Message: The Power of Generosity (#6 in Power of the Holy Spirit Series) Discomfort Ironic as this may sound, this Scripture passage was used in the past to justify the ideology of Communism Here we read of a congregation coming together, selling their possessions and sharing it with “all men” ...Read More
The Power of Adoration
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 43 (NIV) Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Message: The Power of Adoration (#5 in the Power of the Holy Spirit series) Adoration for what God is doing There’s a case to be made that the book of Acts is titled incorrectly It is titled “the Acts of the Apostles” - a name given many years later by Bible editors when the Bible was compiled Shouldn’t it rather be titled ...Read More
The Power of Humility
Scripture Reading: Act 2: 46 (NIV) “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,” Message: The Power of Humility (#4 in “Power of the Holy Spirit” series) Paradox of Humility Humility is often seen as being weak Perhaps it has something to do with our body language… we have this idea of a humble body language this is similar to a little doggie ...Read More
The Power of Prayer
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 42 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Message: The Power of Prayer Teach us to pray - Give us the gift of prayer Luke 11: 1 - “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” Disciples asking - give us the gift of prayer (knowing how to pray) What follows ...Read More
The Power of Fellowship
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 42 (NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Message: Power of the Holy Spirit Series #2 - “Power of Fellowship” Definition of Fellowship Definition - “friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.” What is our shared interest? I would like to think that is the love for Jesus Greek word: ...Read More
The Power of Learning
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 42 (NIV) “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Message: “The Power of Learning” First congregation - eager to learn In this series we are turning to the first congregation to find inspiration for growing In the coming weeks we will look closely at what went on in the first congregation We will look closely at the work of the ...Read More
Moving Past Previous Convictions
Scripture Reading: Galatians 2: 11 - 21 (NIV) 11When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. 14When I saw that they were ...Read More
Love Changes Everything
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4: 7 - 12 (NIV) 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, ...Read More
A Life of Promise
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 38 - 42 (MSG) Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.” 40He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!” 41-42That ...Read More
Letting Go & Moving On
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 12: 22, 23 (NIV) 19David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.” 20Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21His ...Read More
Easter Sunday Notes
Scripture Reading: John 20: 1 - 10 (NIV) 1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4Both were running, but the other disciple outran ...Read More
Palm Sunday - "What the Hell?"
Scripture Reading: Matthew 27: 45, 46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). - Psalm 22: 1 Message: “What the Hell?!” Exclamation - What the hell?! As an exclamation or an expression of surprise, we would often say: “What the…?” Now ...Read More