I’m preaching on Mark 1:14-20 this coming Sunday (Jan 28, 2007). Its the daily Bible Reading scheduled for January 23. I would be interested in hearing from you as to what jumps out at you in this passage. What questions does it raise? What do you hear God saying to you in this passage. I suggest keeping your…
Author: Norm
Jan 21, 2007 — Jonah 3:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 3:1-10 OBSERVATION: God gives Jonah a 2nd chance. Jonah is a nobody from nowhere, in contrast to this big city – why would anyone listen to him? The whole city responds (amazing), God anoints his message, their hearts were prepared. This is a story of repentance and mercy, even for cruel, wicked oppressors –…
Jan 20, 2007 — Jonah 2:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 2:1-10 OBSERVATION: Seems hard to believe, how did he breathe, let alone pray? This is is his post-Ninevah reflection, how he looked back on the experience. If we presume that (a) there is a God (b) God can and does intervene in miraculous ways, then this story is possible. Makes a vow to God…
Jan 19, 2007 — Jonah 1:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1:1-17 OBSERVATION: The word of the Lord (v.1) is God’s communication, in whatever form it took (angel, dream, vision, other prophet, etc.). God’s message to Jonah is to ”go and preach” (compare Matthew 28:18-20). He was being called to preach to his nations oppressors, the capital city of Assyria. Jonah rejects God’s call – too…
Potluck Dinner Pictures
A great time, and a huge blessing to have this potluck in our new fellowship hall. Thanks to all who helped make this evening a great success!
Swallowed by a whale???
Someone was reading the story of Jonah and asked a really good question: Was Jonah really swallowed by a whale, or is that just a parable? It makes a great children’s story or song, but is it for real? If you’re not familiar with the story, you can read it here. Once again I encourage…
Jan 18, 2007 — 1 Peter 5:1-14
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:1-14 OBSERVATION: Peter seems to be addressing adice to certain groups in particular, the leaders, young men and those who are suffering for their faith. Peter identifies himself as a fellow elder, not as the chief apostle, one of Jesus’ inner circle, nor as God’s representative on earth. Were church leaders already then turning…
Pledge Sunday (Jan 28)
Hey everyone, please pray for our Pledge Sunday this coming weekend as we give the people at Hope the opportunity to pledge their support to the mission and ministry of our Church. This is a first step in a long term goal of basing our Ministry Investment Plan (MIP, formerly ‘budget’) completely on the pledges…
Jan 17, 2007 — Isaiah 65:17-25
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 65:17-25 OBSERVATION: God’s plan of salvation begins in Israel, centered in Jerusalem, but His goal is for all the world to be restored (new heavens and earth). It is helpful to read ”my followers” in place of Israel, and Jerusalem, to see these words in their global context. The day is coming when those…
Jan 16, 2007 — Micah 4:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Micah 4:1-13 OBSERVATION: The mountain of the Lord is the hill where Jerusalem (and the temple) was built. The day is coming when all nations will honour and worship God, a time of peace and prosperity. God allowed the exile to happen, as punishment, but He will restore His people again, the remnant who survive…