WE’RE RICHER THAN WE THINK
Yes, I have taken today’s title from the advertising slogan of a bank, which says “You’re Richer Than You Think.” But I have changed it to read, “We’re richer than we think.” And that’s because of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In Christ we are rich toward God. In our spring garage sale, we have a silent auction in which…
EXPLORING THE GIFT OF FAITH
There is nothing more basic to the Christian life than faith. We Christians call ourselves people of faith. We refer to congregations as “communities of faith.” In 1st Corinthians 13 Paul lists the three spiritual gifts God has given us for Christian living – faith, hope and love. Paul refers to love as the greatest gift, but names faith first,
MANDATE FOR A CONGREGATION
Sunday August 11 Matthew 10:5-15 As soon as something in our society is seen to be out of order a Royal Commission is set up to deal with it. One day it is suspected that tax-revenues are being misspent or that medicare claims are being falsified or that organized crime is taking over legitimate businesses. At this point a commission is convened. …
OUR MERCIFUL NEIGHBOUR
Many people today say that they don’t really know their neighbours. We don’t have as much in common with our neighbours as we did in previous generations. Sometimes there are language and cultural and religious barriers. But over time you can get to know your neighbours. On one side of our home we have a Muslim family, and on the other side a Chinese family. Certainly…
THE AARONIC BLESSING
I: — Customarily we say it or sing it at a service of baptism. Frequently the minister concludes worship by pronouncing it as a benediction: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. What are we expecting? Are we expecting anything? Or do we repeat…
GOD’S STRENGTHENING ANGELS
If you travel into the Canadian wilderness for any distance you must go prepared. You need bear spray, bug spray, hiking boots, proper clothes, a good tent and many supplies. For if you travel into the wilderness unprepared, you could perish there. We read today of how Elijah travelled into the Judean wilderness, unprepared for the journey. Thankfully God sent an angel to…
GOD IS MINDFUL
If you have the opportunity this summer, look up at the sky on a clear night, especially if you’re in the countryside. I try to do it at least once each summer. It really is amazing. You see an uncountable number of bright stars from one horizon to another. The full moon appears so bright and large. It seems you could almost reach out and touch it, even though…
GOT THE SPIRIT
Some years ago a piece of music was written entitled “Got the Spirit.” It was actually a jazz piece with a gospel feel to it. Now the title was a statement, “Got the Spirit.” But I’ve put a question mark behind it, “Got the Spirit?” Do you and I have the Holy Spirit? And if you say, “Yes, I’ve got the Spirit,” how do you know that you have the Spirit?…
THE SHAKING OF THE FOUNDATIONS
I have never experienced an earthquake. The places I’ve lived are not really prone to earthquakes, at least not large ones. But some places in North America are, especially on the West Coast where they are still expecting the “Big One.” People who have experienced an earthquake say that it’s an unsettling experience. The…
HE TORMENTS OUR TORMENTORS
The hockey season is coming to an end. One more series. The Stanley Cup Champion will soon be crowned. It may be a team many of do not like very much. I apologize if you are a Boston Bruins fan, but I am not. A question was recently sent in to Kevin McGran, the editor of the Toronto Star sports mailbag. A fan named Carlos wrote, “Leaf…