SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:1-17 OBSERVATION: Notice the change in Peter (and the others). No longer afraid, denying under pressure, or using the sword to defend Jesus. The Holy Spirit has changed these ordinary, unschooled fishermen into dynamic and bold messengers! The message is radical, Jesus was crucified but He came back to life and is responsible for…
Apr 20 — 1 John 2:7-29
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 2:7-29 OBSERVATION: John writes this urgent appeal for Christ-followers to persevere in love (the old/new command) because this is the evidence that they remain in Him. Seems to be writing to all generations of believers: adults (fathers), young adults (young men) and children. What makes the old command (as revealed in the Law of…
What does “Son of Man” mean?
“I know that Jesus is the “Son of God”, but often He refers to Himself as the “Son of Man”. What does this name mean?” Anyone have any thoughts to share?
A healthy dose of perspective!
I just finished reading Brian McLaren’s The Secret Message of Jesus – highly recommended – and he quotes a poem by Archbishop Oscar Romero which I found very helpful, a healthy dose of perspective!!!
Apr 19 — 1 John 1:1-2:6
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:1-2:6 OBSERVATION: John uses mysterious language to describe Jesus, first describing Him as an object (‘that which’) rather than as a person. The Word of life refers to what Jesus is eternally, His original nature (essence, being) prior to His coming in the flesh (seen, touched, heard, appeared to us). This being (named Jesus)…
Apr 18 — Psalm 133:1-3
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133:1-3 OBSERVATION: ‘Song of ascents’, was sung by religious pilgrims as they ascended the hilly roads to Jerusalem, preparing for the religious festival. An obvious, simple point, how nice (good and pleasant) when people get along, live in harmony. Compares it to the anointing of Aaron (the first priest, Moses’ brother) as priest, a…
Loneliness can be deadly!
“The gunman in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history was a loner who wouldn’t even speak to his roommate.” (Toronto Star) What goes on in the heart and mind of the loner who becomes a killer? I have no idea what the story behind Cho Seung-Hui was. No doubt there were many contributing factors….
Apr 17 — 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 OBSERVATION: A simple source for the Apostles’ Creed: Christ died, was buried, rose on the third day. Paul suggests that many witnesses to the resurrected Jesus remain alive at the time of writing; in other words, see and hear for yourself if you have doubts. The believers ‘took their stand’ (v.1) on this…
Sermon on Mark 10:13-16
This Sunday we will celebrate the baptism of two newborn members in the Hope family. The message is based on Mark 10:13-16 where the children (Luke mentions ‘babies’, Luke 18:15-17) are brought to Jesus for a blessing. Hmm, can babies and children brought to Jesus without their own choice actually receive a blessing? What kind of blessing…
Church Library opens this Sunday (Apr 22)!!!
Library Grand Re-Opening This coming Sunday (April 22, 2007) after months of hard work, the Library Team is having an official opening for the new and improved Church Library. New books have been added! A computer system now manages the sign out process. Find out more this coming Sunday. Join us for cake and door…