Sunday, October 04, 2020

Falcon Lake Church

Art Dueck shared that he was in a serious accident. He discovered he was not in a hearse but in an ambulance. He was happy that his inheritance is guaranteed. 

Howard Moore Stonewall
Let's sing
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
God is faithful

Stories are good
Howard grew up in Saskatchewan 
Has traveled all over the world. Ended up in France at a camp. 
Was pastor in Stonewall
Became Director of Greater Europe Mission. One of the neediest areas in the world. Now back in Manitoba. 
Info in the back. 
Ministry started by an injured US SERVICEMAN 
Nov 1 annual General Meeting

It is well with my soul

Covid-19-Pandemic is affecting us more. Suspicion. Uptight. Confusing. 2 granddaughters wanted grandma and grandma to meet them on the first day of school. The bus driver insistent on masks. Frustration. 
These times speak of who God is. 

1 Peter
Peter was the spokesman. He denied Jesus. Jesus forgave him. 
He was the brave one at Pentecost. There was serious persecution of the church. What does Peter say to them? 
From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia) who are chosen
1 Peter 1:1 NET
Doesn't start with you poor persecuted
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by being set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with Jesus Christ's blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure!
1 Peter 1:2 NET
He starts off reminding his audience about who they are. A strong sense of relationship with God. Chosen. Loved. Remember who you are in Christ. Start each day remembering who you are. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:4 NET
We march to a different drumbeat. 
Great mercy. By the God that raised Jesus from the dead. We have an inheritance. 
We have been supported missionaries for 35 years. Not substantial support. Karen's parents were becoming older. Bought the property. Received a significant inheritance. Now installing services to subdivide the property. Lost money on the stock market. 
The inheritance we have in Christ is sure. 
God is at work in you now. We don't know the future. God is shielding us. But we may have to go through difficult things. We have a wonderful guaranteed inheritance. 
V8
You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, because you are attaining the goal of your faith – the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 NET
You are going through difficult times. God wants his church to shine. We are representatives of God here. 
It's important for us as we go through stress to remember God is on the Throne. He has something wonderful for you. 
In the 1st and 2nd century there were at least 2 pandemics and the Jesus followers risked their lives to help the suffering. They made the Romans look bad. 
As believers we can reach out to people with our perspective of eternity. Let us be reminded of how Peter reminded the believers. 

A Shelter in the Time of Storm
The Lord's our rock

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Monday, September 28, 2020

All Peoples Church Falcon Lake

Many people received a blessing in meeting outside during the summer getting to know more people. 

Ambassadors of Christ Canada president. Having an International meeting in Atlanta. Brian has now slipped into the position of International Director. 

Mrs Eleanor Gingrich passed away this week. Remember her family in prayer. 

Howard Moore will be speaking next week. 

We have heard the Joyful Sound
Jesus Saves

Acts 28

2 years Paul lived in a rented house in Rome and proclaimed the Gospel unhindered. 

Acts 1 Jesus left after proving He was alive. He spoke over and over about the Kingdom of God. 
The heart of the Christian message is that Jesus is alive. Where 2 or 3 are gathered together Jesus is there. ❤ He has given us the Holy Spirit. 
Every step we need to ask what should I be doing? 

There was an expectation that the Messiah would restore King David's Throne. There were misunderstanding of the kingdom
1. Not a territory. 
Not a new power Centre of the world. Be witnesses. 
The disciples were narrow minded thinking that the Israel kingdom was going to be restored. 
God's kingdom is within you. Your heart. Not a human territory. 
2. Timing. Now? No. God knows. Don't bother guessing. Lots of people think we're in the end times now. The China virus has stopped the world. Hundreds of dates have been predicted for Jesus's return.
Don't be concerned about the timing. 
3. The kingdom is about the Holy Spirit. It's here now. Since the day of Pentecost. That's when he came to live in us. 
The Kingdom of God is here now. Half of the world has never heard of the 1st coming. Why be worried about the 2nd coming? 
Be anointed with the Holy Spirit to do your ministry. Surrender to the Kingdom of God. Lord what is your will for me today? God works through us. Your kingdom come through me. My kingdom is done. 

God is the King. He helped the disciples turned the world upside-down. All except John died a an early unnatural desk. 

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

Jim Elliot


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Sunday, September 06, 2020

Fwd: All Peoples Church Falcon Lake

Sawatzky special music:
Michelle is on the way back from BC so her sister in law Shannon, her daughter, Michelle's father, and brother provided the special music for the church on the lawn.

Series from the book of James 
Last week, The brevity of life

What do we do with our troubles? Pastor Brian Hamilton

Pray for essential workers

James. The last in the series for the summer. 
"Just Do It" is the theme of the book.
This is a controversial passage
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
James 5:13‭-‬18 NLT

We all have troubles. Pray. Look at Job as an example. Troubles don't magically disappear. 
Persevere. You've been forgiven so you are righteous. Elijah is just like me? No rain? Miracle food? A boy came to life. Ignite the sacrifice? 

Jezebel threatened to kill him and he ran. Got depressed. Just like us. Nothing intrinsically special about him. 

Pray. Praise. Acknowledge what God has done. 

3. Sick? Call the elders. Controversial. Anoint with oil. Be healed. God doesn't always heal. Sometimes He does. 
7 points. 1. Sick. 2. Call the elders. Pray OVER him. Someone mature. James was the 1st book. Elders was a new term. Leaders of the church. 
3. Anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. Sacramental? Medicinal? Symbolic? Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. 
4. Prayer of faith. Doesn't always work. Peter's shadow healed people. His handkerchief healed people. Jesus only healed 1 person at the pool of Siloam. Paul had a thorn in the flesh and God didn't heal it. V14 under the authority of the Lord and His will. We need to conform to God's authority and Will.
Listen to God. Spend time with him. Subject to His Will. Trust him. Your Will be done. Not my way. 
Be careful not to bring leanness on your soul. 
Prayer of faith. We're confident that He can and will if he chooses. 
6. Confess your sins
7. God will raise him up. Believe God can do it. Stan was healed on pastor Brian's prayer.

This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. Pray. Raise him up may be to bring him into eternity. 
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Sunday, May 10, 2020

Bruxy Cavey - Heads Up!

Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is…. 
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
~ The Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:1-2)
This is not organized religion, but organized irreligion. 
This is not achieving, but accessing what we have already been given. 
Hebrews 4:10-11
The road less travelled… Matthew 7:13-14

Study Meditation Prayer need to be mixed. Get a study Bible or 2. 

1. READ the passage, study to satisfy your intellect. 
2. PRAY the passage, conversing with God, talking and listening. 
3. MEDIATE on one sentence, phrase, or word. 

Two Categories of Meditation:
• Apophatic ("the way of negation") 
• Kataphatic ("the way of affirmation")

Read pray listen read pray listen becomes synergistic

The Holy Ghost highlighter will bring you back to what God wants you to meditate on. 

***Matthew 5:1-10***

Still. Here. Meditation. 
1. POOR IN SPIRIT = "We admit that we are powerless" (AA Step 1) to enter the kingdom
2. MOURN = We receive and give comfort in the kingdom now
3. MEEK = Gentleness is God's road to world domination
4. RIGHTEOUSNESS = Firstly within us (personal/15:19), secondly around us (systemic) 
5. MERCIFUL = We will be judged the way we judge (7:1-2)
6. PURE HEART = Sin and distraction will cloud our vision of God
7. PEACEMAKERS = We are most like God when we love our enemies (5:44-45)
8. PERSECUTED = The kingdom conquers by absorbing rather than reflecting hatred
TAKE OUT: Moving From the Curious to the Committed
For more on meditation, see the three-part blog series at Bruxy.com.
Start here:

Dear God,
Thank you for this good news about your love for me and the life you have for me. I no longer want to run away from you, or ignore you, or live for any purpose other than you. I accept your life and your love for me as a gift, and I trust in Jesus to lead me forward. Thank you for being my friend. I'm excited to be yours. 
Amen
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Sunday, February 23, 2020

Witness to the Gentiles Mark 7:24 - 8:9

After Jesus left there, he went to the region of Tyre. When he went into a house, he did not want anyone to know, but he was not able to escape notice. People were completely astounded and said, "He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
Mark 7:24‭, ‬37 NET

Johnny Dodsworth www.EasTview.org 
Who do you say Jesus is?
He's a leader, healer, teacher, trouble maker, disruptor, confusing, shepherd, fence breaker. 
Fence bad. Shepherd good. 
The story is also in Matthew
The woman was a Greek, of Syrophoenician origin. She asked him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
Mark 7:26 NET
Strikes against: woman, gentile, Syrophoenician
So many fences
Syrophoenician from Tyre very non Jewish enemy "that God hates"
Jesus waited for his disciples to engage the situation. They said send her away. They had not yet learned compassion. 
Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, your faith is great! Let what you want be done for you." And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Matthew 15:28 NET

All the peoples of the world are to be blessed. 

Jesus came to reclaim Israel to bring blessing to the world. The woman understood that there is enough bread for everyone. To bring others into the shepherd's fold. 

Read Gospel Unpacked book

Acts 10:34-36 Peter finally got the message. God does not show favoritism. 

We're able to show there is room in the fold. Share with people to bring people into relationship. The spirit will lead. How will the world know Jesus? Share your Jesus relationship with others. 
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Sunday, February 16, 2020

Witness to Jews Mark 6 & 7

Youth worship team:
I reach out to you
I will rejoice in the simple gospel

Reading through the book of Mark
Then he went around among the villages and taught. And wherever he would go – into villages, towns, or countryside – they would place the sick in the marketplaces, and would ask him if they could just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Mark 6:6‭, ‬56 NET

Johnny Dodsworth pastor www.EasTview.org

Jesus is teaching with authority. Healing people. Sends his disciples out. 
Who do we say Jesus is? 

Jesus had a different leadership style. We're all leaders. Parents. Church. Leadership is influence. Influence is leadership. 

Coaching 3 and 4 year olds in soccer is chaotic. They played ring around the roses any time.
They needed to be contained within the field. 

Herod had a banquet and John's head comes off. 

Jesus teaches the crowd and feeds them miraculously. 
The crowd had religious, regional and Roman leaders but Jesus says they need a shepherd that stays with the sheep at all times. They need someone to take care of them. 

Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy something for themselves to eat." But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "Should we go and buy bread for two hundred silver coins and give it to them to eat?" They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces and fish that were left over, twelve baskets full.
Mark 6:36‭-‬37‭, ‬42‭-‬43 NET

Jesus is the shepherd by teaching and providing for them. Jesus enters into our lives. Not make more rules. Not legalism. 

Washing hands had nothing to do with cleanliness only rituals. A fence by the religious leaders. 
God wants a shepherd not a fence. 

He said to them, "Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ' This people honors me with their lips, but their heart  is far from me . He also said to them, "You neatly reject the commandment of God in order to set up your tradition. There is nothing outside of a person that can defile him by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles him."
Mark 7:6‭, ‬9‭, ‬15 NET

We're sheep. I don't want to be a pharisee. 
What ways does Jesus want you to go? Witness to someone. 
How does Jesus want you to lead and shepherd? Take an awkward person for coffee. 
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Sunday, February 09, 2020

Jaime Saint

Grandson of Nate Saint Auca martyr
Grew up in a mission family
Business people help missions do what they do. 
Jim Elliot was a missionary friend to his grandfather. The missionaries were fathers. 
The Auca now Huaorani would kill anyone they didn't like and all their family. They killed each other. None if them would be left alive today if not for the missionaries. They were scattered over 6,000 miles. Eventually they found them and did some bucket drops over a period of weeks. They exchanged gifts for a while, including roasted monkey meat. Book END OF THE SPEAR written by Nate's son. 

They built a tree house. Eventually a man and 2 women came out to spend a friendly day with them. A few days later all 5 were dead. 

That wasn't the end of the story. We like stories with a happy ending. Not all have that. 

All who follow Jesus shall suffer. That's normal. 

The man who killed Nate taught Nate's son how to hunt. In 1995 we moved into their community to live. Foreigners come at their convenience to help. They wanted someone to teach them how to care for each other. Started Indigenous People's Technology and Education Centre, a or I-TEC for short, a Christian non-profit agency. https://www.itecusa.org/

In 4x100 race when the first runner makes the lap the next runner takes the baton. Missionaries need to learn to do that. 

90% of missionaries are in countries that are considered reached. We're to make disciples and the disciples to make disciples. 

Is short term missions useful? Churches need to become self supporting and self propagating. I-TEC trains and equips the local church to walk on their own not to be mama mama. Shepherding is for the sheep.

Kids are net takers and become net givers. Churches need to learn to be givers. NA missionaries are always coming to fix the mission church. 

3 rules of mission is listen listen listen. 

They need us we need them. We need to work together. So many missionaries want to take credit for everything so they can raise more funds.

Not propagating the prosperity gospel. Name it and claim is not what Paul said.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

The sessions will be on youtube shortly. 
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Mark 4:35 - 6:6

Carol read the Scripture. 
Brigitta Schuler teacher www.EasTview.org 
She has the gift of teaching.
Open to Mark 5
On my drive I often listen to CHVN. A pastor on the radio always concludes with JESUS CHRIST IS GOD. 
The previous passage focuses on Jesus's teaching by word. Today's passage focuses on Jesus's deeds. 
The possessed man was scary demon possessed. He prostrated himself in homage to Jesus. 5000 soldiers are a legion. That's how many demons he had. Jesus knew that but wanted the disciples to know that. 
Then he cried out with a loud voice, "Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! I implore you by God – do not torment me!" They came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man sitting there, clothed and in his right mind – the one who had the "Legion" – and they were afraid. But Jesus did not permit him to do so. Instead, he said to him, "Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you." So he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him, and all were amazed.
Mark 5:7‭, ‬15‭, ‬19‭-‬20 NET
Jesus sent the man out to tell the community about what Jesus had done for him. 

An important leader falls at Jesus's feet:
Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came up, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet.
Mark 5:22 NET
With no time to spare, Jesus takes time to heal a perpetually outcast woman. She is immediately healed.
When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak,  Jesus knew at once that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"
Mark 5:27‭, ‬30 NET
She fell at Jesus's feet. Completely healed. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
Mark 5:34 NET

Jesus validated her. He showed that he is the one who restores with love and gentleness. 

While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler's house saying, "Your daughter has died. Why trouble the teacher any longer?" But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue ruler, "Do not be afraid; just believe."
Mark 5:35‭-‬36 NET

Then, gently taking the child by the hand, he said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up." The girl got up at once and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). They were completely astonished at this.
Mark 5:41‭-‬42 NET

Completely healed. Nothing is impossible with Jesus. 

In the previous chapter:
But he was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. They woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are about to die?" And he said to them, "Why are you cowardly? Do you still not have faith?" They were overwhelmed by fear and said to one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and sea obey him!"
Mark 4:38‭, ‬40‭-‬41 NET

Chaos to calm. Only God can control the storm. See Psalm 107:29 Jesus proves he is God.
They cried out to the Lord in their distress; he delivered them from their troubles. He calmed the storm, and the waves grew silent. The sailors rejoiced because the waves grew quiet, and he led them to the harbor they desired.
Psalms 107:28‭-‬30 NET

Do you display God in your life? We can't follow Jesus well if we don't know who he is. 
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Saturday, February 08, 2020

Missions in persecution

Nik Ripken
https://www.nikripken.com/
Nik and his wife Ruth are mission veterans of 34 years with the International Mission Board, SBC, having served in Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Somalia, Germany, Ethiopia and the Middle East.

Nik was at a camp of refugees and he asked them if they knew his friend Jesus. Right away there was a crowd scaring him and eventually they said Jesus was at the other camp. 
He ran out of the camp and took a taxi to the airport and flew home. 
You get scars that only heaven can heal. 
Islam was hunting Christians and a lot of friends got shot and their bodies were disposed into the latrine or ocean. The funerals were held without the bodies there. Somalis were hunting them. 
16 year old son died of asthma. We vowed not to waste our pain. We learned how to witness to them. Jesus said I'm sending you sheep among the wolves. I was raised to be a sheep among sheep. 
This says the Lord. There are non negotiables. 
Matthew 10 Jesus pushes the reset button. You will be flogged on my account. The spirit will speak through you. Persecution is normal. We think we need to walk through it. 
30 pastors in FSU are not writing about persecution. It's normal for them. 
An evangelist told a bunch of muslims that they would burn in hell if they didn't accept Jesus. Evangelists are scary. 
You are as likely to be in jail in Muslim countries for being a Christian as for being a criminal. 
Why are we not on our faces asking God what to do? We don't need CNN to tell us what to think. God has defined what to do. 
Persecution is normal. If you have someone who is afraid of suffering for Jesus you need to deal with that. 
The number one cause of persecution is people coming to Christ. Where there is a great harvest there is persecution. Why are we not suffering persecution? There is no such thing as a free church or not. 
Pray for the persecuted Christians. They share Christ on a daily basis. They have given their lives to Jesus and they are giving him away. 
We are not persecuted because we are keeping Jesus to ourselves. Satan wants to keep you quiet. Then you are supporting the persecutors. 
We tend to witness to younger people. We need to witness to our peers. 
We must follow Jesus even when it costs our lives. Their suffering gives them purpose. 
3. Our obedience. We need to say blessed be the name of the Lord. 
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Abdu Murray

Abdu Murray
 https://www.missionfestmanitoba.org/speakers.html

There is always a barrier to truth. The crooked lawyer went for a walk. Meets a bear that knocks him over. He says oh my God. God responds by what do you want? Make the bear a Christian. Then the bear says thank you Lord for the food you have provided me. 

We don't want to lose our comfort. We hear what we want to hear. Evangelism is the effort to get someone to change their world view. That is hard. You are asking them to change their Sunday. That is painful. Not just good luck but we need to walk with them through the change. Help them. 
C. S. Lewis Quotes. If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.

Apologetics is the seasoning the handmaid of evangelism. The answers are hard to accept. Took me 9 years accept the truth. 

In the Asian market you bargain for the price. Not what the sticker says but what the market will pay. 

Jesus tells you what the price is. You're a mess and you need someone to save you. You are promised that it will be tough. 

Show the world what it's worth. Jesus said to Pilate:
So Pilate went back into the governor's residence, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"  Jesus replied, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or have others told you about me?" Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my servants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Then Pilate said, "So you are a king!" Jesus replied, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world – to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Pilate asked, "What is truth?" When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leaders and announced, "I find no basis for an accusation against him.
John 18:33‭-‬34‭, ‬36‭-‬38 NET

Are you talking to a cynic or a skeptic? Thomas was a skeptic but Jesus accepted him. In the movie THE PASSION Pilate talks about truth a lot. 

Don't hide the radiance of the son from people. Lack of action by Christians is blocking their faith.

When we say God loves you people respond with their experiences. They don't hear what you say. 

Are humans free or predetermined? Is morality real. Atheists don't want there to be a God.

Ask open ended questions. 
What will happen next? 
Aren't those consequences enough to keep you from accepting Jesus.

Went to hospital to talk to sick Muslim. Thoughtful guy. He had no visitors. What would happen if you became a Christian? I would die alone. Gave him a Bible. Can I keep it? He asked. 

Ask the question and shut up and listen. That's the hardest thing. Get rid of your yeahbut syndrome.

A couple was volunteering at church but were not Christians. Went to see them. Asked her why she didn't get the Nobel peace prize? What had she done to deserve it? Why do you think you deserve heaven? 

Listen and
Commit and follow up. Where will you be when I make that commitment? Be there for them. Show them the value of paying the cost. Answer the people with their questions. Make people wish the gospel was true and show them that it's true. 

Joy is fundamental for the Christian. 

Know your value in God's eyes. What are you willing to pay for what you consider valuable? God paid for you with Jesus's death. That tells you your value. 

Because I live you also shall live, sums up everything. 

When we've been there 10,000 years, we've no less days to sing God's praise. Bring others with you. 

It's a privilege to do evangelism. 
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Friday, February 07, 2020

Missionfest 2020

Abdu Murray
Featured speaker
SEEING THE SON THROUGH THE FOG OF THE CONFUSION OF CULTURE TODAY

He was a Muslim evangelist. Most muslims are peace loving. God is greater. The greatest. 
Trinity is confusing to them. How could the God of the universe die on a cross? 

Those ideas are what makes so much sense. He did 9 years of searching before finding the truth in Romans 5:8.

Flotilla of ships crossing the Atlantic in the fog. Light up ahead. The captain. Change course. No you change. No You change I'm the lighthouse. 

Sometimes we think we are a tiny light and the flotilla of culture scares us. 

Gene therapy is happening. There are gene hackers changing people. What is life? What is Male and Female? Our society lives in fog. 

Cold war song Superman Where Are You Now? Could be written today. 

Children 8 years old can decide who they will be for the rest of their lives and society is enforcing that decision no matter what it is. Society likes confusion
Heroic
Bigoted
Regressive

What does post truth mean? Elevating feelings above reason. If you don't agree you're a Hitler. 

Post modernism there is no objective truth. Only perspectives. They reason. 

We have a struggle for autonomy. Not freedom. 
Self law. A law to yourself. You decide what's right or wrong. Everyone makes their own rules. Power wins. Your preferences are criminalized and you become a slave to the power brokers. 

Our purpose is to commune with God. Meant to be with God not to be following their own preferences. 

Post Truth bender. Clarity and truth have been sacrificed on human autonomy. Wisdom dies. 

Offer the freedom that truth brings freedom. 10s of thousands are coming together to search truth. Became a Christian because it is truth. T equals Full Truth.

Everyone has equal truth? Hitler Stalin etc. All paths lead to God? Sounds respectful. All paths don't lead to God. Buddha wants oblivion. Hindu says we are gods.

2015 sports team did a protest. A journalist was forcefully removed by the journalism professor. 

Integrity doesn't disappear quickly. Christians often don't follow truth. Posting false stories. Let's provide verified truth in our postings. 

Humanity is the measure of all things? Can we reach a rough agreement concerning values? No.

We have reached agreement to be rough.

We're becoming phone zombies. With information machines more powerful than all the computers that took man to the moon. 
We've humanized objects to dehumanizing humans. 

The Bible stands against autonomy but not against freedom. Freedom has boundaries. A picture has a frame. 

Freedom. Bought a house. Big back yard but a road required a boundary. We need moral law. Only God knows what that boundary is. 
Know the truth and the truth will set you free. Jesus. Our desire for autonomy blinds us. The SON sets you free. Preferences don't set you free. Jesus said I'll die and I'll rise in 3 days. That's truth. 

Global hope. Applies everywhere. Africa needs Christianity. Christians served the pagans. The Christians make the world a better place. There are no hospitals of the blessed nothingness. 

Christians change people's hearts. Liberty freedom brotherhood are from the gospels.

Truth leads to freedom. Does the resurrection have anything to do with it? We are made in God's image and meant to have a relationship with God. He died and rose to prove he was right.

I need someone to make me alive. Jesus. The truth is a person. 
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Sunday, January 26, 2020

Am I Following Jesus?

Submitted to our Master 
Andrea Toews Children's Pastor www.EasTview.org 
Just back from 4 month Sabbatical
Mark 3:13 Carol read the Scriptures
In Mark there is a lot of hurry up.
Twitter or Instagram define your value by followers. 
We follow people with our brand. Who do you follow? I follow Survivor. 40th season coming up. Love Disney World. 
Our world gives us lots of opportunity to be led. 
We declare ourselves as followers of Jesus. What does that mean? 

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. These are the twelve he chose: Simon (whom he named Peter),
Mark 3:13‭, ‬16 NLT

Disciples believe and follow Jesus. Apostles were the 12 that he selected. 
Jesus calls. They had a choice. We have a choice to repent of our sin. 
Being with him building a relationship. 
Abide Always Being in Embrace
She's a wonderful singer. 
Went for a walk and there was ice in above freezing creek. 
Sitting with Jesus to have his embrace. 
You might feel closest to God when you sing or serve. V20 Jesus's mother wanted to interrupt him. Was he embarrassing them? The leaders thought he was possessed by Satan. 
Who is my brother? Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
Mark 3:35 NLT
Following is building relationships
Following is active. Not turn away. Pay attention to the beggar. 
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:34 NLT
Read and abide in the message of the seed parable.
"Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.  And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"
Mark 4:3‭, ‬20 NLT
In a not abiding season we might forget the message and be distracted. 
Respond available to Jesus. Building relationship. 
Following is choice 
Dave & Louise decided to follow Jesus into Thailand. 
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
John 8:31 NLT
Not just a fan. 
Blessing 
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,  the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:14‭-‬16‭, ‬20 NLT

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Sunday, January 19, 2020

Trouble with Authorities

Jesus was going through the grain fields on a Sabbath, and his disciples began to pick some heads of wheat as they made their way. For this reason the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
Mark 2:23‭, ‬28 NET

Johnny Dodsworth www.EasTview.org 

As a kid my dad was the stay at home dad. He loves talking. We were always late. I had to run to keep up with him. 
There are always all kinds of gaps between people. 
The leaders of Jesus's day worked hard to maintain the gaps. Jesus worked hard to close the gap.

Jesus brings forgiveness outside the religious system. 
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."  Now immediately, when Jesus realized in his spirit that they were contemplating such thoughts, he said to them, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," – he said to the paralytic – "I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher, and go home."
Mark 2:5‭, ‬8‭, ‬10‭-‬11 NET
He associated with traitors and sinners. 
When the experts in the law and the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  When Jesus heard this he said to them, "Those who are healthy don't need a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Mark 2:16‭-‬17 NET
Those who acknowledge their sin can get help. 
Jesus makes analogies. Wedding. Patching. Wine skins
Fasting. Sabbath. 
Jesus breaks the traditions. Why does he ignore God's sabbath law? 
Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.
Mark 2:27 NET
Religion had distorted the law. 
When Jesus entered the religion's territory he asked them questions. 
Then he said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or evil, to save a life or destroy it?" But they were silent.
Mark 3:4 NET

Jesus closes the gap between God and the people. 

Like parents walking with the little kids. God is all about restoring lost people to himself. 
Are we like the pharisees? Or like Jesus closing the gap.
Look after others at food banks. Fight trafficking. Take the hungry for lunch. Walk with people. 

If you need healing, come to Jesus today. No matter how you feel about your life. 
Jesus cares about your motivations. You can be healed in life. Not just to avoid hell. 
Jesus is inviting you to join him in restoration. 
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Sunday, January 12, 2020

Patrick at Seine River church

The Lord of Hosts will sustain you. 

Break my heart for what breaks you. 
Kevin Janzen introduction of
Patrick Director Founder of Our Father school in Uganda

Speaker for today 
Greetings from Uganda. Arrived at midnight last night. 
Married to one wife and she's a beautiful woman. Have 2 daughters. 

We run the school and medical facility and a clean water well to lift the name of Jesus high. 
The late Pastor Ed was in Uganda to train 300 youth. We were expecting him again in December. Shocked to hear of Pastor Ed's passing. 
Still saying God is faithful. 
Pastor Ed was a friend, pastor, teacher. He spoke at our wedding. Spoke of joy. 
We shall see him again. Comfort Jessie his wife. 

We are trying to charge our spiritual lives. Jesus knows you. 
Pastor Philip has already preached
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. Now a man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax collector and was rich.
Luke 19:1‭-‬2 NET

In Africa the president has to consult the chief before he comes to a village. 
The chief tax collector Z had so much but not enough. He needed to see Jesus. He was too short. Pygmies in Africa had big heads and when they fell down they needed help to get up. 
Z had a wall bigger than Trump's. Had a friend that wanted to hate God. Prayed with him and he decided to follow Jesus. 
Jesus had never met Z but called Z by name. God knows you by name. That's enough. Trust Jesus. He knows you. What is Jesus saying about you? He is ready to stay with you. If it wasn't for Christ I might be in the gutter somewhere. 

Now, this is what the Lord says, the one who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: "Don't be afraid, for I will protect you. I call you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1 NET

Look unto Jesus. He knows what you're going through. God knows you and has better plans. 
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Sunday, January 05, 2020

Who do you say I am?

Jesus kept answering the question Who do you say I am? 

That is the most important question in history. Mark answers it. 

Johnny Dodsworth Life Groups Pastor www.EasTview.org 

Advent has just passed. Anticipation of the second coming is where we live today. 

The people of the NT times had been waiting 400 years. 
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,  " Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way,  the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ' Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight. '"
Mark 1:2‭-‬3 NET

Wake up. The story is continuing. Mark's readers would have known this passage well. A 4 second audio clip from Star Wars immediately brings to mind scenes. 

Mark starts at Jesus's baptism not birth. 

Now in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.  And a voice came from heaven: "You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight."
Mark 1:9‭, ‬11 NET

N T Wright said God sees us the same we he looks at Jesus 
 "You are my dear child; in you I take great delight."

We now live in Christ. The beautiful story of the gospel. We can live in Jesus. If you haven't been baptized yet, why not? 
February 9 we will celebrate baptism here. 

When we are defined by God as his children we are free indeed. Participate in his kingdom. 
If Jesus is just your influencer you are alone. You need to be in relationship with God. 

Who do you say Jesus is? 

"As for this temple you are building, if you follow my rules, observe my regulations, and obey all my commandments, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David.  I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel."
1 Kings 6:12‭-‬13 NET

God's heart desires to dwell with His people. He wants you to live as his child. He wants everyone to walk with him. 

Pause. Reflect. Invite Jesus to speak to you. How are you inviting me to experience life as your child? 

Lord, what is in your heart for me this morning? 
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