Sermons by Rev. John Tapscott (Page 5)
A MUSTARD SEED OF FAITH
From Luke 16 we read a story Jesus told about a very rich man named Dives and a very poor man named Lazarus. Dives drove a high-end vehicle, lived in a large house with a pool and hot tub, and wore expensive suits. Lazarus was a street person. Sometimes the police gave him a ride to jail or the Salvation Army for a meal and a night’s stay.…
SHREWD BELIEVERS
The sales manager of a large company was hard at work, poring over his computer screens, checking sales figures and considering how to motivate his sales force. Just then a young insurance salesman appeared at his door and said, “You wouldn’t want to buy any insurance, would you?” “My friend,” said the sales manager, “who taught you how to sell? Don’t ever ask that kind…
THE SEARCHING GOD
We clergy receive free parking when we visit our people in Credit Valley Hospital. In the Spiritual Care Room a machine stamps the parking card paid. Then we insert the card at the exit gate, the arm rises and out we go. Very nice indeed. One day in the spring, I went to the spiritual care room for the…
ALL THE GOOD WE MAY DO FOR CHRIST
September 8, 2019 Every week on the front of the bulletin we print this very brief statement. You might call it a vision statement for the church. It says, “Anchored in God’s Word…Moving into God’s Future.” As we embark on this upcoming year of transition, these are two phrases that we should keep in mind. It is most important to stay anchored in God’s word as you make…
IN THIS HOUSE, ON THIS DAY
Back in May I was called for jury selection. 200 of us gathered at the Brampton court-house. It was a serious case that the jury would eventually hear, involving second degree murder and aggravated assault. We were told by court workers and the judge himself that serving on a jury is an obligation and a duty. But I, along with about 100 others spoke to the judge asking…
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’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,
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…
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…