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…
SERVE Port Perry is Full!
We’ve just heard the word, our site is full. See for yourself! This is very exciting, since we are among the few sites that are already full. Our Encounter Group (advanced SERVE to develop leadership and ministry gifts) has 3 applicants, with room for 2 more. Let the prayer and preparations begin!!!
Why does God allow suffering?
Time for another discussion? I will lead the way, but if you have a question or issue you would like to have discussed, feel free to raise it here. My question for today is one that many people ask, and struggle with: Why does God allow suffering? If He is compassionate and all-powerful, why doesn’t…
Jan 15, 2007 — John 1:43-51
SCRIPTURE: John 1:43-51 OBSERVATION: Jesus is looking for followers, people who are willing to adapt their lives around Him, learn from Him, and leave their old lives behind. Phillip tells his brother, a model for witnessing. His eagerness to tell Nathanael is not an obligation or duty, it is his natural excitement about having found the…
Sermon on Jonah 1:1-17
I’m preaching on Jonah 1:1-17 this Sunday (Jan 21, 2007). Its the daily Bible Reading scheduled for January 19. 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 comments…
Jan 14, 2007 — Romans 16:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Romans 16:1-16 OBSERVATION: Paul lists the many Christians he knows in Rome, including Priscilla and Aquilla, and Phoebe, a female deacon (servantess)? Paul is very affirming, he sees people as partners, as fellow workers in Christ. The work of the church is not limited to the hands of a few (not just men, not just…