Hebrews 11, part 4

The second half of Hebrews 11 covers all of the Old Testament after the first five books, from Joshua to the end. As a Hebrew reader would be intimately familiar with these references, they are simply listed as references, only with a name, or even a general occurrence in the Scripture.

For the 21st century reader, a bit more time looking into some of these faith-filled individuals is necessary to gain better insight from their examples. What better way to close the year than with a multitude of encouraging testimonies from those that have gone before us!

Christmas Sunday

As this Sunday is Christmas Eve, it is the perfect time for us to celebrate the birth of our Saviour during service! We will have a special presentation by the children's church, as well as a special message. If you are unable to attend, you can find the message uploaded to the church website at the Special Messages section of the Media tab. Rejoice! The good news of the Saviour's birth on earth is to all people!!

Merry Christmas!

Hebrews 11, part 3

We will continue this week considering the many people reference in Hebrews 11, which is often called "The Hall of Faith". To the Jewish-Hebrew reader (because this book was written for them), these names are very familiar, and their histories well-known. This may not be so among Christians today. So we are mining the riches of God's Word in the Old Testament and gaining insight for our lives, as Paul said in Romans 15:4:

 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Hebrews 11, part 2

This Sunday we are continuing our considerations of this landmark chapter of Scripture. Our lives are to be lived by faith, not by our own human reason or logic, and certainly not by our circumstances. We are spiritual beings, and the spiritual realm is unseen, so we must live in a different way--we must live by faith.  This chapter is all about active faith, not just mental agreement that God is, for even the demons believe and tremble, we are told. Our faith needs to act on the understanding of who God is and His position as ruler of the universe, and thankfully, we have many good examples of people who lived just this way to encourage and inspire us to do the same.

Hebrews 11, part 1

This Sunday we are starting in on the famous 11th chapter of Hebrews, sometimes called "the hall of faith". It marks many Old Testament individuals for the faith they displayed in well-known (and less familiar) recorded Bible histories. But we have to have the foundation first.

All of these examples of living by faith in the living God are coming on the heels of the monumental explanation of the work of Christ for us. It is because of His sacrifice that we are even in a position to hope to approach God, and once we have Christ in our lives by faith, He sends us right back to the beginning, and walks us through the many examples of those who came before us.

Without faith in Christ, we will not have a proper faith or understanding of the rest of God's Word, of which He is the centre, even as He said, "You search the Scriptures....they testify of Me".

This Sunday we will by no means complete the whole chapter, but we will get a good foundational start. Join us for fellowship and then a potluck after service to kick off the Christmas season!

Hebrews 9, part 2

Last week we considered the first section of chapter 9. This week, we will pick up where we left off. Jesus' sacrifice of Himself for us is the pivotal doctrine of salvation. No other religion teaches anything like it; contrariwise, man is always called upon to sacrifice himself or offer something else in order to please his god. That God Almighty, the Perfect and Holy One, would condescend to come and not only take away our sin, but bear the punishment in Himself; coming to dwell with us and live among us. Jesus is truly a faithful high priest!

Hebrews 8

This Sunday our text leads us into the specific ministry of Jesus as our High Priest bringing in a new covenant for our relationship with God. The old covenant is the law, most well-known in the Ten Commandments.

The old covenant is base on a mutual agreement of man's obedience and God's fulfillment of His promises once the obedience is completed. The new covenant is based completely on the work of Jesus in perfectly satisfying the full requirements of the law of God.

Our sins are removed and we find that the law is no longer a requirement without but a desire put within the heart by God Himself. This is good news!

Hebrews 7, part 2

As we began considering the subject of Jesus as our High Priest last week, this Sunday we will enter more fully into the details of how it all works out, according to the law of God given in the Old Testament.

Since most of us are not of Jewish background, it may seem that these things are a foreign concept; however, these are powerful truths about our relationship with God. We couldn't even be part of His salvation if Jesus hadn't come to do all these very specific things, down to the last detail, meeting and fulfilling every point in the law.

We never have to worry about a change of who represents us in heaven. Jesus is our once and forever advocate before God, the assurance that can give rest to our souls.

Hebrews 7, part 1

This week we are covering the topic of Jesus as our High Priest. Since it is such a vast subject, however, we will be taking more than one week to work through the passage.

Certainly the covenant of God between Himself and His people Israel was centred around the priesthood and the offering of sacrifices at the temple. Further, most world religions have a priesthood of some kind; some person or persons who are the mediators and deliverers of their teaching and the pardon of their deity.

But what does this mean for us? Do we need priests today? The seventh chapter of Hebrews provides a thorough examination of this question.

Hebrews 6, part 2

This Sunday we will be finishing chapter 6 of Hebrews. This section covers the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God in keeping His promises. As stated by the writer in verse 18, "it is impossible for God to lie". What an amazing comfort and hope this provides for the Christian! We have what no other religion on earth offers: the sure blessing of God.

Guest Teacher this Weekend

This Sunday we are blessed to have guests visiting us from Southern California. Pastor Louie Monteith and his wife Cheryl oversee a ministry within Calvary Chapel that facilitates missionary work, and they have come all the long way up to Edmonton to be with us.

Pastor Louie will be teaching from Ezekiel 47:1-5 with a message titled "Go Deeper". We know that you will be encouraged and challenged to continue growing in your relationship with the Lord as we spend time in His Word meditating on this subject. And then join us for a potluck afterward!

Hebrews 3

Strong warnings and exhortation here for us. We have the witness of those in the past, recorded in the journeys of God's people, that we cannot neglect the work of salvation that God has wrought for us. The overarching message of the book of Hebrews is to keep Jesus front and centre in our lives. After all, if we drift away from Him, can we really say that we are his followers or that He is our Lord? Today is the day that we need to focus on our relationship with Him, and every day that is called "today".

Hebrews 2

There is no one like Jesus. He is the only one in history who has effected salvation Himself, condescending to mankind and sharing in our human experience to the fullest, even taking our penalty. Though we do not yet see the fullest culmination of God's plan, which is yet future, we see Jesus and His work, and what a beautiful sight He is to behold, as we look upon Him by faith through the Word of God.

Journey through the Bible: Hebrews

Having finished the book of Revelation, which exalts the person of Jesus Christ and His authority and His kingdom, we move into the book of Hebrews. This Sunday we will enter into the first chapter, where we will consider the nature of Jesus as God. The entire epistle of Hebrews is drawing our attention to the superiority of Jesus and our need to live with Him at the centre of our faith and focus. We are excited to be continuing our journey through the New Testament!

Revelation 20, part 2

Last week we covered the first half of Revelation 20 in-depth and the second half in a bit of an overview/preview. This Sunday we will be looking more closely at the remainder of the chapter and the judgment of Satan, as well as the Day of Reckoning before the throne of God.

For those who are on the Lord's side, there is no fear in judgment. As the apostle John wrote,  "...perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment", and that "love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment" (1 John 4).

These last few chapters of Revelation are filled to the brim and overflowing with hope and truth that brings great rejoicing!

Revelation 20 & Church Potluck

The twentieth chapter of Revelation is filled with contrasts. There is the amazing hope of the millennial reign of Christ; when all on earth will be in peace and harmony with God visibly in charge, reigning with the saints. And there is the detainment of the forces of evil, only to be released at the end, when more destruction and death result. There is the judgment of humanity, some to life and some to damnation. Depending on which side of Christ a person decides to be, the events in this chapter will either comfort or grate. 

Even as we celebrate the 150th year of Canada this weekend, may we look forward with expectant joy at the coming 1,000 years of Christ's dominion!

We will be sharing a potluck meal following the service, and everyone is encouraged to bring a food or dish from their country of origin or heritage. The creativity of God is expressed in all nations, and we have quite a sampling of world cultures in our fellowship, so come prepared to experience something new!

Revelation 19, part 2

This week we will be covering a portion of scripture which is fairly well-known. John records in the second half of chapter 19 the return of Christ! What a magnificent description this is of our Lord, and what a great hope that He will come to put things right! God has revealed these things to come that we can have comfort and hope.

Before Jesus went to the cross, He clearly told His disciples that He could be going to the Father and then come again to judge the world and set up His kingdom. Later John saw what Jesus had said, when He gave him this vision, our book of Revelation. We can have assurance in the return of our Lord, and praise Him for all His goodness and righteousness!

Revelation 19, part 1

This week we are covering the preparation in heaven for the marriage of the Lamb. There is so much in these 10 verses that we will only be covering this section and finish the chapter next Sunday. There is praise going up to God. And who is the Bride, who is invited to this marriage? What does it mean that Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy? All these issues will be discussed as we shift gears from the judgment of God to the times pertaining to the consummation of all things.

Revelation 18

The topic of this chapter is the fall of Babylon, and the righteous judgment of God upon Babylon, that is, the commercial or world system. In Scripture we see two different New Testament ideas of "world". The first is that of the people in the world, whom God loves with His redeeming love, and for whom He sent His Son. The second is the idea of the spirit of the age, or the goings-on on the planet that are influenced heavily by human ambition and prompted by the devil. It is this system that God is judging, and the people caught up in it. Though Christ died for all, they have clearly rejected Him in lieu of the things of this life.

Revelation 17

This Sunday we are covering a chapter fraught with symbolic language, and a myriad of interpretations down through the centuries. Generally speaking, it is about the religious and geopolitical system, "the world", as the New Testament refers to it. We live in the world now but are called to be separate from its ways.

This chapter reveals what is at work behind this world system, and none of it is pleasing to God in the least. We cannot be friends of the world and friends of God at the same time. This judgment of God is coming to the whole world system, and it is severe. He is going to judge it completely. It is His place to pour out that wrath; it is our place now to maintain lives of light and purity as we live in this world.

Revelation 16

The focus of this chapter is the justice of God to judge and the refusal of those remaining on the earth to acknowledge God's authority, to glorify Him, and to repent of their rebellion and sin. Though judgment is not something that God takes delight in, as Creator, He has the right to mete out justice to those who break His law. And man, though made in God's image and made by God to worship and glorify Him, has the freedom to choose to do so or not. Another fascinating chapter in our journey through the book of Revelation.

Revelation 14-15

This week we will be covering the second half of chapter 14 and all of Revelation 15.  The end of chapter 14 is an introduction to the justice of God that culminates at Armageddon. Chapter 15 starts with the victory song of the tribulation saints and ends with the preparation for the final judgment of God.
Ultimately, we see that God's mercy and grace rule. He has been waiting for the time that is right to judge the world, when it is abundantly clear that everyone has made their decision, either for or against Him. There can be no denial of His perfect justice, and no excuse for those who have chosen to oppose Him.

Revelation 14

"Behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion" is how the 14th chapter of Revelation begins. And like John the Baptist's cry, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world", pointed Israel to the Savior who had come the first time, in this chapter John the apostle also writes of the nation of Israel, and their Savior who is coming the second time. He is coming to judge the earth, to judge the nations, and to separate those who are His and those who are not. Some are sealed, some are warned, some are harvested for life and others for wrath. Praise the Lord for the mercy and grace found in Jesus, the Lamb of God!

Revelation 13

There is no one like our God. No one can match His power or majesty. There are many who try to counterfeit and lead people to believe there are many gods or other equally acceptable paths, showing signs and wonders to prove their point. They will all be proven false. The revelation of God to us is that His Word will stand, and His truth will endure. We must hold fast to our confession and follow after His ways, no matter what the pressure of the world around us is. This section of Revelation sets forth "the beast", drawing our thoughts back to Daniel's prophecies of ancient times. This false messiah will draw many, but the faithful will remain true to Jesus. Our allegiance is to Him and Him alone.

Revelation 12, part 2

The victorious position of God's people is highlighted through the signs John saw in the heavens. We saw the woman, the Child, and the dragon. Now we see both God's protection of the woman and the dragon's true (frustrated) impotence. God alone has the power and authority to do as He pleases, and even the adversary himself is at the command of the Lord God Almighty. Though the devil may accuse, God has given us means to overcome and be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This is exciting, inspiring truth. When do all these things of Revelation 12 happen? The chapter doesn’t tell us. Therefore it must not be important for us to know the "when"; God wants us to know the "who" (Him), the "what" (victory) and the "how".

Revelation 12, part 1

This chapter is about the wonder in the heavens that John saw; a sort of ancient animated action drama on the ultimate IMAX screen, that of the sky itself. What are all these components to what Jesus showed him? There are so many views, but really the ultimate message is quite clear. We will be examining this chapter over two weeks. Come celebrate the victorious God we serve as we move into the second half of the book of Revelation.

Revelation 11

This week we come to the center of the book of Revelation. We see two witnesses called by God, bearing testimony against those God is about to judge. For anyone to be put to death under the law, two witnesses were required. God is following His own law. It is a heavy message they bring, and one not well received. We also see the seventh trumpet, and the resistance and rebellion of man against God's just judgment. However, those in heaven respond to all of this with praise, thanks and worship. May our hearts honor the Lord regardless of the prevailing sentiments of the culture and man. He is worthy.

Revelation 10

     The book of Revelation is certainly a gift of God to those who read it, for it seems we are always filled with questions, even from childhood of "what is going to happen when...?", and it is the word of God that holds many answers that we seek.

     The Bible clearly states that what has been revealed is for us and for our children, but there are also things that God keeps for Himself only to know, or shows us only on a personal level.

     Chapter 10 seems to have all these elements to it: revelation, personal instruction, and mystery. May we welcome it with open hearts.

Revelation 9 (reminder: Daylight Savings Time)

This chapter in Revelation almost reads like science fiction. Great woe is declared to those on earth at the time of the 5th trumpet. At that time, the destruction will not be in the natural realm, but the human, and it comes from spiritual and demonic beings. Though God allows the torment, He at first forbids death. How long-suffering He is! But still people will refuse to repent and turn to Him. These judgments should cause people to repent, but they do not.

What is the lesson for us? What are we worshipping? Anything that is an idol in our hearts needs to be repented of. It can never help us, only hurt us, and pull us away from God.

Revelation 8

This Sunday we look at the first several of the trumpet judgments. When Jesus taught His disciples regarding the time of the end, He told of signs that would occur before: pestilence, earthquakes, wars. These things were originating from man and the consequences of living in a fallen world broken by sin.

The trumpet judgments of Revelation are much different in nature and origin. They are sent from heaven; true "acts of God", not like the natural disasters of our times. What happens in heaven has a direct correlation to what takes place on the earth in chapters 8, 9, and 10. These judgments may make us uncomfortable, but they should cause us to feel an urgency to live purely and share the Gospel with fervency.

Revelation 7

This chapter in Revelation introduces us to two groups of people. One has a very specific number, from the nation of Israel; the other, innumerable and from every nation on earth. The Gospel will still go out, throughout the time of great tribulation and trial on the earth. Even in the midst of the display of God's wrath, He still extends grace.  God rules, and regardless of the chaos on earth, He remains on the throne, governing all. 

Revelation 6

In chapter 6 of Revelation, we see how the things that will take place on the earth are initiated in heaven. It is the action of Jesus, the Lamb of God, that will set in motion the events taking place. These will be catastrophic and tragic events for mankind and creation. Many will perish.

Isaiah 28:21 speaks of how judgment is God's "strange work". We should be in awe and holy fear of Him, as Jesus said, "who after He has killed has the authority to cast into hell; fear Him"(Luke 12:5, Matthew 10:28). May we worship and adore our holy and just, loving and faithful God, "who delights to show mercy" (Micah 7:18).

Revelation 5

This week we are in the midst of the scene in heaven. This scene of worship, of God upon the throne, the absolute authority and power, the center of it all, should serve to re-align us and center us, as we recognize that He deserves much more attention and ascribed value than we often give. May our hearts be lifted up and our minds set on things above, that we will fill our thoughts and opinions with God's greatness more and more, and that our minds will be more consumed with thoughts of Him than of ourselves. He is worthy!

Revelation 4

Our study in the book of Revelation is moving forward this week, as we go into the next section, the scene in heaven. Many people are curious about what heaven will be like. Jesus told parables about heaven during His earthly ministry, but these only compared what it was like. Here in Revelation 4, Jesus gave John a vision of the center of heaven, the throne of God. May this amazing revelation bless, encourage and inspire us as we seek to set our minds on things above, where Christ is!

Revelation 2 & 3

This Sunday we will be reviewing the seven churches and the message of Jesus to us all, as His church. This section, with direct instruction, correction, rebuke and teaching from Jesus Himself is such an important part of the book of Revelation. It is brief compared to the whole book, but it makes up in depth for what it does not have in length. We will also be covering the introduction to the next section of Revelation.

Revelation 3, part 3

This week we are covering the last of the seven letters to churches. It is the church at Laodicea, known as the lukewarm church. Sadly, Jesus had nothing good to say to them about what was going on in their midst. He calls them to repent, to gain His heavenly perspective, to pursue heaven and not earthly gain, and to be fully committed to Him. We have much to glean and learn from the words of Jesus to this church.

Revelation 3, part 1

Dear Sardis...

This letter is almost like a so-called "Dear John" letter. Not that Jesus wants to break up with His church, but they have been unfaithful. It doesn't matter what we say about ourselves that matters, it is what Jesus sees and what Jesus says about us that matters most. 

Multiple times God's Word exhorts us to examine ourselves, to take stock regularly. It is too easy to drift, to slip into action without intention, to lose purpose and try to live off of what happened yesterday. Our relationship with God is to be an experience made fresh daily. Another superb message from the heart of Jesus for us is in this letter to Sardis.