We’ve all are likely getting tired of hearing how “unprecedented” the times are. Pastor Jeff takes us into the Old Testament book of Habakkuk where we see that, “No, Times like ours have been around for a long, long time.” The sermon was a good reminder that God is at work on His timeline, not on man’s. We can trust that He is still in control!
Jesus Casts Out Demons
St Matthew shares events where Jesus demonstrates his power over sickness, physical ailments, and even the environment; all to demonstrate (prove?) that He has the authority of the King of God’s Kingdom. In today’s talk, Martin Rossol continues in the series talking about the event (Matthew 8:28-34) where Jesus demonstrated his power over demons. This is another level; another category where Jesus is seen in total control. St Matthew wants his readers to thinks, what? Listen for the answer to that question!
Suffer Faithfully
There’s a quote attributed to Winston Churchill: “If you’re going through hell, don’t stop. Keep going.” While this quote might not be exactly Biblical, Pastor Jeff’s sermon suggests that believers should do somewhat the same when, not if, we experience trials, or testing, or hard times, or suffering. The Bible teaches that we should expect difficult times, and face them with God’s help, with the help of other believers, and with the confidence that God is in control of all that we have to face.
John’s Letter to Gaius – Part 4
Pastor BJ finishes his series on 3 John today. For many at Stonebridge this was the first time they have heard a series on 3 John; it was so meaningful and helpful. St John is really emphasizing the value of “the personal touch”. And Pastor BJ confirmed the value of picking up the phone or meeting in person rather than defaulting to an email, or SMS message, or Messaging. Some things are simply to valuable or important to communicated in any other way other than face-to-face.
Authority Over The Environment
In Sunday’ sermon St Matthew wants his readers to grasp that Jesus is the promised King; the king who would rule over God’s promised kingdom; and that as such he has authority over all of creation, including the environment. When mankind rebelled against God, not only was mankind affected by the consequences of that rebellion (sin) but all of physical creation was also subjected to negative effects. And the king is coming to make all that right. The account in Matthew 8 is a demonstration of the authority of the king.
Letter to Gaius Pt. 3
It’s not uncommon for Christians today to look back romantically to the early church in New Testament times as being this wonderful, loving organization. John 3, as Pastor BJ explains, is written explicitly addressing what seems to be a bit of a power struggle in a church. Sounds familiar. The Apostle John is gently, yet firmly, addressing the situation, and Pastor BJ wants us to learn from it.
A Growing Church
Jim Scullion starts a new series on the short letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians- his second letter to this church. Perhaps surprising to us, St Paul indicated that persecution was evidence that the church was growing! Maybe not what we want to hear? But maybe its what we need to hear in these days.
Letter to Gaius
Pastor BJ continues his series in 3 John. A wonderful letter from St John to a disciple, a leader, an elder (?) with some encouraging words. Words that can encourage and instruct us today.