SCRIPTURE: Romans 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus pointed out that in order to change the fruit of a tree, you have to change the tree: “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” [Matthew 12:33]. As long a…
Author: Norm
set free from sin
SCRIPTURE: Romans 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” [John 8:34-36] Am I a slave to sin, or…
a new identity!
SCRIPTURE: Romans 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: We have peace with God. Jesus removes the barriers between God and us, and removes the label “condemned” from over us. No condemnation, as far as God is concerned. He does not label us as no-good sinners, but as fully restored, fully loved children. Sure there is still “stuff” in our lives…
downtown Ajax churches
As we prepare to relocate our services to downtown Ajax (Falby Court), it is good to get to know the churches in the neighbourhood, and to begin praying for a spirit of unity and cooperation in Jesus’ Name. 1. Hope Community Church (Salvation Army) 2. St. Paul’s United Church 3. St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church…
sincere, humble faith
SCRIPTURE: Romans 4 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: What is it that God is looking for from us? How good is good enough? What rituals or sacrifices or moral requirements do we have to meet? Is there a list of ‘entrance requirements’ with God? Paul challenges the traditional Jewish approach, which he excelled at [Philippians 3:3-7], and shows that even Abraham…
feedback from Falby
Our church is in the process of relocating. Not just the location of our Sunday morning services, but our whole ministry focus. We are looking at this as an opportunity to build a bridge into South Ajax, and in particular the downtown (South Harwood) corridor. We presented this idea to our community, and they responded…
the only way to be righteous
SCRIPTURE: Romans 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Paul is making the point that the Law does not make the Jews superior because they are now better people, but because it exposes their sin, and reveals their need for divine mercy and help. Across the board, whether Jewish or not, people are guilty of rejecting and offending God. The Jews…
why ‘Follower of Jesus’ is weak
Here is an interesting article, good for me to think about… Think Christian by Steven Koster Until Lisa Miller asked the question, I hadn’t really thought about the relative merits of “Follower of Jesus” vs. “Christian” as a self-description. I appreciate the whole idea of fresh new ways to tell the old, old story. But…
I need mercy too
May 4, 2009 SCRIPTURE: Romans 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Paul exposes the judgmental person, showing that they need God’s mercy as much as everyone else. God is patient with us, and He is patient with others – so that they can repent. We also need to be patient with others. The day is coming when we will stand…
the way to real life
SCRIPTURE: Romans 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Paul begins with sharing His passion for God, for Jesus and for the good news message of Jesus for all people. He is so eager to share this with those in Rome, and is confident that this message can radically transform their lives. Believing in Jesus as God’s human-divine Messiah is the…