In Luke 14:15 we read: “he said to Jesus, ‘Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.’” At Westminster Church we’ve started a barbeque in July to celebrate our successful Bible camps. Picture a couple hundred people, music playing, kids’ in bouncy castles, face-painting, and hamburgers sizzling. A … Continue reading When Jesus puts on a BBQ
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An idea to draw closer to God
A few months ago our church memorized James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” It’s one of my favourites, and I’ve quoted it many times. Writing about this very verse, biblical commentator Matthew Henry said: “If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our … Continue reading An idea to draw closer to God
Blurry thinking
The prophet Elijah was scared. Queen Jezebel had threatened his life. As a result, he fled about 600 kilometres to a cave at Mount Horeb. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” God asked. “He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and … Continue reading Blurry thinking
Opportunities to connect
One of the things COVID-19 has made me appreciate—even more than before—is the importance that other people play in our faith. I miss having our church family all together at the same time. When we would go to a worship service, we would primarily worship God, of course. But we would also talk, encourage one … Continue reading Opportunities to connect
Christ cannot be quarantined
Where is God in a pandemic? It’s a big question. I addressed it more fully this past Sunday. [Link below.] But for today, let me just say two things. First, God is always on his throne. Nothing ever changes that. He is our sovereign and eternal ruler and king. Second, God is in YOU and … Continue reading Christ cannot be quarantined
The strengthening effect of praising God
Do you want to be fortified, braced, strengthened? Me too. That’s why it’s vital to praise God. Here’s how those things are connected. In Psalm 103 David talks about praising God. A lot. Check it out: Verse 1: “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Verse 2: “Praise the LORD, … Continue reading The strengthening effect of praising God
Fellowship revisited
What comes to mind when someone mentions the word “fellowship”? Coffee at church? Small talk? In the New Testament, “fellowship” was a robust, meaning-soaked word. In the original Greek it’s koinonia. In Acts 2:42 we read, “They [believers] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship [koinonia], to the breaking of bread and to … Continue reading Fellowship revisited
A wall you build between you and God
Your ego is a wall you build between you and God. Let me explain. Ego is an inflated sense of self; a disproportionate love of self; and a me-first approach to life which reeks of superiority. By focusing on how great you think YOU are, you neglect how great God is, and how other people … Continue reading A wall you build between you and God
You complete the broken statue
In 2007 The Denver Post reported a story about a 22-foot statue of Jesus. During a storm, lighting struck and cut off Jesus’ hands and feet! The nuns who took care of it were asked if or when they could replace the hands and feet. They weren’t really sure since they relied on donations. Fair … Continue reading You complete the broken statue
The Faith “Authenticator”
Apparently there are “authenticators” in major league baseball. I recently heard about it on sports radio. Baseball teams like the Blue Jays, Astros or Yankees (or whoever), employ these authenticators at games to authenticate what was actually used in a game. It makes sense. After all, the baseballs, bats and other equipment that is used … Continue reading The Faith “Authenticator”
