ChurchOfTheRock Faith 》Forward 2

Baptism Sunday

http://www.churchoftherock.ca/easter

https://www.weareworship.com/us/songs-2/song-library/showsong/3435

God is changing your foundations to rely on God. To bring fruit.

God could change the world without our involvement but He chose to work through people. Fear is natural but faith is unreasonable supernatural. The world only changes through unreasonable people. Ralph Nadar was one such man. 

People of faith have to be unreasonable.

Elisha was unreasonable. He didn't EVEN bother to meet the VIP from Damascus. Just sent the message via the servant to go wash in the Jordan. That was a silly. He did it though. 

King of Syria wanted to capture Elisha "You are my king and master," said one of his officers. "None of us is on Israel's side. But Elisha is a prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your own bedroom."  "Go and find out where he is," the king ordered. "Then I can send my men and capture him." The report came back. It said, "He's in Dothan."  The servant of the man of God got up the next morning. He went out early. He saw that an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "My master!" the servant said. "What can we do?"  Elisha prayed, "Lord, open my servant's eyes so he can see." Then the Lord opened his eyes. He looked up and saw the hills. He saw that Elisha was surrounded by horses and chariots. Fire was all around them.  Aram 's army came down toward Elisha. Then he prayed to the Lord. He said, "Make these soldiers blind." So the Lord made them blind, just as Elisha had prayed.

2 Kings 6:12‭-‬13‭, ‬15‭, ‬17‭-‬18 NIRV

http://bible.com/110/2ki.6.12-18.NIRV

1. Look for God's perspective 

2. Look for God's power

3. Look for God's purpose 

1. There are more with us was unreasonable to say. We look at the problems not the promise. Paul says we look at the success. 

We look at the problem. Peter demonstrated that. When he walked on the water he looked at the problem and sank. Look at the possibilities. See yourself healed. That's unreasonable. If you are in a race you will not win unless you can see yourself winning. 

Unless you visualize it you can't do it. 

Igor Sikorsky invented the helicopter. According to accepted theory the bumblebee can never fly.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/what-we-do/aerospace-defense/sikorsky.html

According to the recognized, proven principles of aerodynamics, the bumblebee cannot fly because of the shape and weight of its body in relation to the total wing area. But the bumblebee doesn't know this, so it goes ahead and flies anyway.

My favorite quote because, like the Bumblebee, I've overcome most of the challenges I have faced

Elisha led the army to the king of Isreal. 

Jesus turned water into wine I make coffee. 

We fall so short. 

Feeding 5000 men plus women and children. 20,000 people. 5 loaves 2 fish. 12 baskets left over. 

Jesus did what God would do. The unreasonable calling Lazarus to come alive. 

Read the Bible! Believe it. Rely on the Holy Spirit. We prayed for those who could not raise their arms. A bunch of people got healed. Jesus healed people. We need to see people healed

3. They fed the army. No more war. 

http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/09/sports/golf-lymphoma-found-in-azinger-s-shoulder.html

Azinger got cancer. You are in the land of the dying going to the land of the living. He has been healed and become a Christian. 

Look at the struggles of life and have faith. Make Jesus your Lord today. That's an unreasonable step. 

Famous Last Words

It is Finished

Dave Ens www.EasTview.org 

Worked hard all summer in the hot sun. Helping a brick layer and fell down dehydrated. 

Water is so necessary. Thirsty signifies something missing. 

Jesus said I'm empty I thirst. 

Later, Jesus knew that everything had been done. To make the Scriptures come true he said, "I am thirsty."  There was a jar full of sour wine there, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it. They put the sponge on a branch of a hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus' mouth. When he tasted the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and died.

John 19:28‭-‬30 ERV

http://bible.com/406/jhn.19.28-30.ERV

But I feel like a worm, less than human! People insult me and look down on me.  Everyone who sees me makes fun of me. They shake their heads and stick out their tongues at me.  They say, "Call to the Lord for help. Maybe he will save you. If he likes you so much, surely he will rescue you!"  My strength is gone, like water poured out on the ground. My bones have separated. My courage is gone.   My mouth is as dry as a piece of baked pottery. My tongue is sticking to the roof of my mouth. You have left me dying in the dust.  They divide my clothes among themselves, and they throw lots for what I am wearing.

Psalms 22:6‭-‬8‭, ‬14‭-‬15‭, ‬18 ERV

http://bible.com/406/psa.22.6-18.ERV

Patience and thirst don't go together. Jesus is longing for things to be made right. Through the cross things are made right. God's desire. We are invited to be made right. There is a promise and a hope of reconciliation. 

Like a deer drinking from a stream, I reach out to you, my God.   My soul thirsts for the living God. When can I go to meet with him?  Instead of food, I have only tears day and night, as my enemies laugh at me and say, "Where is your God?"  Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, "Wait for God's help! You will again be able to praise him, your God, the one who will save you." In my sadness I say, "I will remember you from here on this small hill,  where Mount Hermon and the Jordan River meet."

Psalms 42:1‭-‬3‭, ‬5‭-‬6 ERV

http://bible.com/406/psa.42.1-6.ERV

CS Lewis says we are half hearted creatures. 

John 4 Jesus offered living water. He can satisfy and produce a stream of living water. 

Jesus answered, "You don't know what God can give you. And you don't know who I am, the one who asked you for a drink. If you knew, you would have asked me, and I would have given you living water."

John 4:10 ERV

http://bible.com/406/jhn.4.10.ERV

If the people of God can't reflect the glory of God how can we achieve peace? 

You are invited to the Lord's Table. The Bread represents the body of Christ and the fruit of the vine represents the blood of Jesus. Reconciliation is what he does. 

Jesus chose to go to the cross. That's clear. One88.org has a Bible study and a fellow asked why would Jesus heal on the Sabbath knowing he would be hated for it? Jesus took what the leaders wanted to control and showed them how to celebrate.

What difference does it make that he chose to go to the cross? He knows that in His death we are set free. 

It is finished. It is the ultimate completion of God's plan from the fall of man. 

We can now abandon our miseries and join the new covenant. Thank God for the new covenant. Let go and live. Drink the fruit of the vine and be blessed. 

Our Father everlasting
The all creating One
God Almighty

Through Your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Savior

I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus

Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You

The Life of Pie

Mark Hughes www.ChurchOfTheRock.ca

My brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but does nothing, that faith is worth nothing. Faith like that cannot save anyone. But someone might argue, "Some people have faith, and others have good works." My answer would be that you can't show me your faith if you don't do anything. But I will show you my faith by the good I do.

James 2:14‭, ‬18 ERV

http://bible.com/406/jas.2.14-18.ERV

10/40 window has 50% of world's population. 93% are poor. Only 3% of mission effort goes there. 

We have a budget of over $500,000 for that area. 

2500 of the 6500 ethnic people groups are unreached. We adopted 5 of them. 

The following estimate of "unreached" non-Christian populations in the 10/40 Window:

• 865 million Muslims
• 550 million Hindus
• 275 million Buddhists
• 140 million in 2550 tribal groups (mainly animist)
• 17 million Jews^[32]

Andrew a Canadian and his group started to pray for 2 unreached groups. They got taken to a Beduin tribe 5 hours away. A lot of the tribe became Christian. The chief built a safe house to shelter Christians. 

During the revolution 52 churches were bombed. 

CotR Sponsored a Bible translation in Nepal. Pastor got a local language copy. Now they are doing another translation. 

Now sponsoring pastors and church planters in Ethiopia. 100 planters will plant 600 churches a year. 

Somalia is Muslim with no rain. 100 children are dying every day. 68,000 people live in a refugee camp. 1,000 people have been identified as the neediest and will be fed and evangelized this year. 

Shalom Grateful Unique

Famous Last Words - Lent

Dave Ens www.EasTview.org 

Welcome to Daylight Savings

We have it backwards. We think strength is the conqueror. Strength is forgiveness. 

Jesus showed us that. 

Resolved to do God's will. 

Luke 23:33-35 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing."  The soldiers threw dice to divide Jesus' clothes between them.

Luke 23:34 ERV

http://bible.com/406/luk.23.34.ERV

http://www.one88.org had an incident. Someone came in to agitate Doug the Irishman. Not a good idea. They almost got into a fight until Doug decided to sit down and use a different Strength. The Jesus way. 

Forgiveness is costly. Who did Jesus say that to? Romans, Jews, disciples, you, me? 

The difference between Jim Bakker is that we haven't been found out. Darkness runs through every human heart. Tony Campolo. 

World class sinners are to blame for putting Jesus on the cross? Not me. I only need a wink from divinity?

When Jesus said that, it's a call for us to understand that we are in need of forgiveness. 

The Prodigal son realized he was in a mess. Father I've sinned against heaven and you. There was more forgiveness than he could imagine. 

Talked to someone recently who asked for forgiveness. Dave tried to brush it off. But the individual wanted real forgiveness. Not it don't matter. Real forgiveness helps us live together. You are way more valuable. 

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him. He gives me strength. Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them. But I was given mercy so that in me Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. Christ showed his patience with me, the worst of all sinners. He wanted me to be an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:12‭, ‬15‭-‬16 ERV

http://bible.com/406/1ti.1.12-16.ERV

Family Fortune not money

Church of the Rock

Pastor Mark www.ChurchOfTheRock.ca

Babies come without instructions

They come unassembled

They are not returnable 

KIDS

3. Develop a family vision

Without a vision they perish

Isaiah 65:23

Kids are to be a blessing

Their work won't be wasted, and their children won't die of dreadful diseases. I will bless their children and their grandchildren.

Isaiah 65:23 CEVDCUS06

http://bible.com/303/isa.65.23.CEVDCUS06

The Prodigal son - 60% will come back by the time they are 35

Train up initiate the kids on the path. Like training them to ride the bike. Point them run alongside and then let them go. 

The Jewish people are still succeeding. 2% of the population but a large % of leadership. 

WASP culture is in decline. It's all about parenting. New book. The Triple Package. Parenting allows certain groups to succeed. 

1. Confidence God's Chosen Superiority Exceptional Blessed. Believe it humbly. 1958 Francis Tarkenton grabbed the ball and ran with it. He has all the records. He's the greatest quarterback.

2. Humility Insecurity. Work harder. Jews have been the most persecuted and they work extra hard. They earn merit. Tell them they need to work hard or they'll be bums on the street. Mini succor is to blame. No keeping score. All winners. No. That doesn't work. A little insecurity won't hurt you. God picked Moses the looser. Thinking of yourself less. Grab a bucket and clean the windows. 

3. Impulse control self discipline. Hard to teach. God said don't eat from that tree. They did. 

Lines in the sand don't work. 10 commandments are restrictive? They are sign posts on the side of the wide road. Not restrictive. 

Don't box them in. 

Dad had a few rules. No long hair. Argued about it. March 4, 1966 the biggest snow storms. 1996 we jumped off the roof with the kids. 

We have to run alongside

KIDS

4. Stay vigilant all your life. Moses got corrected at over 80 years old. 93 year old mother kept praying for her 73 year old daughter till she finally accepted Christ. 

Family Fortune

Church of the Rock pastor Mark Hughes www.ChurchOfTheRock.ca

Adam and Eve had to learn from God on how to make love. 

Eve went behind the bush to have the baby. 

Dave Barry talked about placenta. We are all born the same way. The happiest man in the world has 99 kids in India. 

Malachi 4:4,6

God will restore the family before the end comes. 

We are part of God's global family. There is so much brokenness in the world. 

KIDS

1. value kids

2. Instill virtues 

3. 

4. 

There are 10,000 children in foster care in Winnipeg. That's too many. 

The Prodigal was welcomed home. 

What is a family willing to spend to help one of them. Everything. 

Priorities

1. God

2. Your spouse

3. Kids

4. Work. Church.

Balance things appropriately. What's balance? 

Kathy is a mom. Why are there no children in Paris? Schools start at 9 am and go to 6 pm from age 3.

Someday your kids will be gone and who's turning you on now? 

A friend was pastor's son and he hated his dad because dad was always busy. I never shooed them away. My greatest joy is that all 3 adult children love the Lord. 

Still married after 35 years. 

Kids don't learn values from themselves. Hold On To Your Kids book is an excellent book. Hold onto your family not your peers. The peers are too stupid. 

The Birds and the Bees. Was about Birds and the Bees. Nothing about sex. Blair told me. 

Where do kids come from? 

Eli was a disaster with his sons. 

A child's moral foundation is in place when the kids are 9 years old.

Deuteronomy: teach your kids during all the relaxed times. Prime teaching moments. 

199 school drives with the youngest daughter. So wonderful.

Cherish the moments with your kids. 

Faithful leads to Fruitful Maturity

Winston Churchill board chair www.EasTview.org

A vision is never free. This church was founded 25 years ago with great affliction. 

Joseph

Virginia and our family started attending here 5 years ago. Started men's group. John 12:24 no one showed up at the 1st meeting. No one came. Till 7:45. One showed up. Prayed together. 

Grandpa preached Watching Joseph Die. His father showed his preference and the brothers became jealous. Hatred became evident. They sold him. Made some money. 

Joseph never regained his freedom. He died to his freedom, to his nationality, family. 

39:9 how can I do this great wickedness? 

He wouldn't do it. He said to his master's wife, "Look, with me here, my master doesn't give a second thought to anything that goes on here—he's put me in charge of everything he owns. He treats me as an equal. The only thing he hasn't turned over to me is you. You're his wife, after all! How could I violate his trust and sin against God?"

Genesis 39:8‭-‬9 MSG

http://bible.com/97/gen.39.8-9.MSG

Joseph ended up in prison and interpreted dreams. Thought he could get out now. It took 2 more years until he was brought in front of Pharoah. Joseph gave all credit to God. 

He was 30 when he became the 2nd in command. 

He named his children putting God first again. 

Eventually he met his brothers and asked about his father. 

"Come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. "I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years—neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn't you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt.

Genesis 45:4‭-‬8 

He gave God the credit. The brothers had difficulty accepting forgiveness. 20 years later they thought Joseph was going to kill them. 

Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.

Genesis 50:19‭-‬21 MSG

http://bible.com/97/gen.50.19-21.MSG

Hating our life is putting our life always 2nd to God. Follow me Jesus said. 

There is always a continuing cost. Leading people to Christ and on to maturity in Him.

Do you understand the cost? Financing. God has blessed. Where are Financing coming from?

Trends show a shortfall this year.

We took over a company some years ago. Some things the customer wanted were unethical. Found it hard to die to the profits. 55 people millions of dollars at stake. God took away the contract. Laid off 30. Now he brought life. 18 people left. 

12 or 15 years ago dad told me to change what God wants you to change. Life will come. 

He will increase when I decrease. 

Together we count the cost. 

Hebrews 4 don't let a heart of unbelief get in the way. Philippians 3:7 know Christ and the power of his resurrection. Move forward in Christ. 

Celebrate with Soup for Soar. 

Love on Kaanapali beach

VDP very difficult people

www.BeachMinistry.org

VDP are Draining rude 

Demanding people self centered demeaning pushy

Disappointing people disloyal

Destructive hateful people harm you

How to respond in love 

1 Corinthians 13 

Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.  Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.  Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬7 

10 pet peeves of rudeness

Smokers

4 junk mail send it back

3 people who leave church during the offering

1 steal my parking

4 marks of love

1 love is not rude

Respond in love

We often interrupt before listening

It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen.

Proverbs 18:13 

Telling out like it is destroys people. Telling it like it might be builds them up. 

Never persuasive when I'm abrasive. 

Good judgment proves that you are wise, and if you speak kindly, you can teach others.

Proverbs 16:21 

Tone changes meaning

2. Love does not demand it's own way

Be nice to the waiters and flight attendants. Do not demand. 

Treat people with respect. 

Be understanding and not demanding

Watch Fireproof movie a low budget

Do not say cruel things or argue. They should be gentle and kind to everyone.

Be contagiously grateful. Understand other's 3 Bs background burdens battles

Be encouraged. If you say Can or Can't you are right. 

How far have they come? What are their 3Bs?

Overlook offenses. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Be tender without surrender. 

Everyone will disappoint you because they are not perfect

3. Gentle not judgemental

Christians sometimes get judgemental. Pray before you speak. 

My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path. But watch out, and don't be tempted yourself.

Galatians 6:1 

We must stop judging others. We must also make up our minds not to upset anyone's faith.

Romans 14:13 

4. How to deal with Destructive people

Don't repeat it. Delete it. 

Don't keep bringing it up. That puts you in prison. Repeating only hurts you. Let go here and now. 

Resentment is self destructive. You hurt yourself. 

In your mind. To gossip to others. 

Mind

Rehearse it you resemble it

Arguments nagging does not work

Love forgives 

Unloving people gossip

Why are you doing it? What's the source of your information. May I quote you? That stops gossip. 

God will settle the score. God is not expecting you to gloss it over. Not fake it. Face it. Forgive it. Let it go. 

Baptism is a symbol of forgiveness. Confess your sins. Ask him to come into your heart. 

True love is action.

Church in Hawaii

Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.  What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so Christ could make us acceptable to God.

Missionary to Thailand speaker 

Lord's Team Ministries http://www.wordoftruthmaui.org

Works in the Golden Triangle

Pristine wilderness awesome beautiful.  

Lots of people that need to be saved. 

Live in poverty sleep on a mat. Gather food from the forest. They can live on not much. Pastor Morris. 15 baptized. Things are getting better. I'm the postman bringing them spiritual food. 

Walk in righteousness. And love and minister. God protects. 

Ps 37:5 God saves.

Follow the Holy Ghost. 

Go forth God says. Pastor Masee. Thankful that we can go. Pray with me. Jesus died for my sins. We lift up the food and call it blessed. 

Business by the Book

www.BusinessbytheBook.ca lunch at Law Courts Building Vancouver

Presention by Shannon from Deloitte Toronto talking about http://alpha.org and the life change

This event happens every 1st Wednesday of the month.  

Fireproof Marriage

Pastor Delbert Enns www.EasTview.org 

Divorce is painful. The pain never stops. God did not intend for the pain to go on and on. Lawyers don't help couples to reconcile. 

Where should couples go?

The Bible portrays a beautiful covenant. What does it take to make it last? 

Selfless Love. Jesus shows us what that means. He died for his church. 

Intolerable Cruelty movie. George Clooney did a good job. He spoke from the heart. Vulnerable in love. Good no fear no shame. Cynicism destroys us. Council fear or trust? Make the leap of love. Don't ever go back. 

Love is a verb. 

Is there a way to talk about divorce? Matthew 5:31-32 adultery. 

There are moments when we have to make critical decisions. 

Deuteronomy 24:1 If a man and a woman have been married less than one year, he must not be sent off to war or sent away to do forced labor. He must be allowed to stay home for a year and be happy with his wife.

Deuteronomy 24:5 CEVDCUS06

http://bible.com/303/deu.24.5.CEVDCUS06

There were several rabbi interpretations of this teaching. In Jesus's day any excuse was grounds for divorce. It was acceptable to have girlfriends. 

For 500 years the Romans had no divorce until the they conquered Greece and adapted their promiscuous lifestyle. 

What prospective guides you. Jesus wanted the biblical joys of marriage. He made a regrettable concession. Not as intended. 

3rd concession: But I tell you not to divorce your wife unless she has committed some terrible sexual sin. If you divorce her, you will cause her to be unfaithful, just as any man who marries her is guilty of taking another man's wife.

Matthew 5:32 

The disciples didn't get it. Jesus said marriage is beautiful. 

Know yourself first. God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!  God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!

Matthew 5:8‭-‬9 

Don't tolerate abuse. Forgiveness is for all. Grace is extended to all. 

Leo and Cynthia video. Got divorced. Became co-dependant. Got married. She withdrew. Divorced. Lonely. Sad. Went to church recovery group. Went to ask Leo for forgiveness. He started attending an apologetics class. Accepted Christ and got remarried. With Christ at the centre.

Chapel at Providence

Elisha Director of student development

Psalm where do I look for help?  hills? The God of Jacob is our fortress

Jeremiah 1:1-10 build and plant

Romans 8:28-30

David Johnson

We know God works for the good

God spoke through Jeremiah and he reflects on what God said. Hopefully you all will do the same. He was the weeping prophet. He changed his world. 

God makes the first step in the dance of life. 

God has a purpose. He calls us.

God works things together. 

Our sufferings can't be compared. God turns them to good.

Was sharing the faith on campus every day. Lost the Student Card. How God could you let it happen? Even the things we do wrong God works for good. 

Study the Greek word. God is working to conform us to the image of Christ. Taking the initiative. 

Reflect on what God has done. Suffering. Parents. College. Marriage. 

Seminary. And suffer. Miscarriages. Suffering as a pastor. Free lodging and enough to pay for food. 25 people. Barb said why do we stay? Then to doctoral studies. Then professor and Dean, Provost, President. 59 years of preparation. Suffering. We want to run from it. But God uses that. 

In the midst of our suffering God is at work. For His glory and ours. We are the objects of His glory. 

God is working on the nations. How does God do that? He can and he does. 

God is calling us to glorify Him. From your mother's womb to today.

Opportunities

Henry Dueck is involved with Hockey Ministries and invited me to see the Stanley Cup. I got there on time but it left before I could take a picture. Church of the Rock

There are opportunities in life. They are invisible. We miss them because they

1. Are an obstacle. I'm on a mission when I shop. Anything in the way is an obstacle. 

2. Timing. It often interferes with opportunities. Are you afraid to die? No I know where I'm going. 

Ephesians 2:10 good works God has planned for us. I want opportunity. 

3. Some people just pop in. 20 years ago that happened. Company just came. Now we hide. We miss opportunities. 

Matthew 25:1-10 the wise and foolish virgins. They missed the opportunity.

We struggle to own the opportunity. 

Some discernment is needed. What exactly is God asking me to do? Pray for the teachers. For healing of her back. Be prepared. 

Our biggest obstacle is self. 

We are not a liability. We died with Christ and now you are an asset to God.

Grow from the missed opportunities. Philippians 3:13.14

Go forward. Press into God's goal for you. 

I miss lots of opportunities by an inch. My priorities are slightly off.  Matthew 23:23 do the important stuff. Do the weightier matters. 

Intimacy into-me-you-see. God wants that with you. Ask him to speak into me. 

How do I get there? Where do you connect with God? Go deep with Him. into-me-you-see comes at a cost.

Pray the sinner's prayer with me. 

Aubrey Krahn Transformation

Will do the series of studies by Rick Warren 

I always tithed.

Had an uncle that was a real cranky dude. 3 days before he died he became a Christian and the nicest guy you ever met. He's now with Jesus. 

Jesus was transfigured John 14,33 

Transformed from glory to glory. Not making a better list but God changing us transforming us.

God has all kinds of transformations for us. 

Rom 12.1-3 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.  Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1‭-‬2 NLT

http://bible.com/116/rom.12.1-2.NLT

We don't need conformed people but transformed by renewing the mind. What does that mean? No movies? 

Eph 4 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:24 NLT

http://bible.com/116/eph.4.24.NLT

What is the default setting of your life? Only God can change you. Delete refresh save 

1. Delete fake news. Resolve is not enough. It numbs. God said change. God wants you to face and acknowledge you can't. What are the things God wants to delete? Feeling bad is not repentance. Name the Transformers. Rich young ruler. Zachaius. There are lies in your heart. Go sell your stuff. He walked away sad. He needed his money. Zachaius was hiding but Jesus came to him. He repented by paying back all rip-offs.

Transformation is amazing 

2. Refresh fake news. You can have it in 3 easy steps. That's not how it works. It takes a long time. You don't get rewards for nothing in real life. We want it all to be easy. Mother gave us a dresser and it was in awful shape. Didn't clean out all the corners. Too impatient. Don't blame others. Get Scripture into your mind. Get it. 

3. Save the good patterns. 

Make the declaration now. 

Time for a Faith Lift

Mark Hughes 

http://www.churchoftherock.ca

Hebrews

We need to grow from faith to faith. 

Micah had 3 principles

Habbakuk said the just shall live by faith.

We forget the simple command. 

Live by faith. Paul said it. 

Hebrews said confidence has great reward. Not self confidence believing in what I can do but in what God can do. 

Shadrak and friends had God confidence. You can have low self confidence and high God confidence. 

Read your Bible and develop God confidence. Moses had no self confidence. Joshua knew God could do a few things. He made the universe stop.

5'3 David versus 9'9" Goliath uncircumcised. 

David knew on whose side he was on. He ran to meet the giant and defeated him. 

Prayed for a couple to have a baby. 9 months later they had a baby. Prayed for him to get a job. He did. Prayed for him to find a house. He will. 

Wesley encountered a storm. 26 Moravian missionaries were on board. They sang and prayed. They got across. 

Lord give me the steadfast confidence. He changed history. 3x7x40 years he preached.

Confidence and endurance are the requirements of faith. 

Faith is believing and trusting God even when it's not working. He'll heal me in His time. 

Endurance is the lost part. Abraham waited 25 years for the baby. Noah built a boat for 100 years. It had never rained before. 

Joseph mentioned his bones on his death bed. 400 years later.

Obedience. After you have done the will of God things happen. 

The Ten Lepers got healed when they obeyed. Nahaman got healed after he obeyed. 

2017 has started. God's mercies are new everyday. 

Do you need a new start? You can know Jesus right now. Just pray this prayer right now. 

Summit Church Thunder Bay

Tonkanin the police officer:

Finnish do Christmas on Christmas eve

We have some untruthful people here. Who is here for the first time?

Melody the best gift ever? Got 7 dinky cars at age 6.

Mr Fairs leads the men's group. Dad made a little barn for me and a little non functioning rifle at age 5. We now gave it to Caleb. 

Leslie and Sue made lunch for others. 

Gift. A chatty Cathy doll. Pull the string and it talked to you. Loved it very much.

Finns don't have guns. 

We have memories. The material possessions pass away. 

Isaiah 9:6,7

A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David's throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of heavenly forces will do this.

Isaiah 9:6‭-‬7 CEB

http://bible.com/37/isa.9.6-7.CEB

There are refugees who have seen atrocities. Jesus was born 2022 years ago. 

In times of stress we get upset. I play worship music and pray and the stress lifts. I remember God's peace. We have no excuse. In times of turmoil remember God gives us peace. There is God's peace for panic attacks. Share it with family and friends. The angels brought good news.

Fear NOT!

Luke 2:13

The message of hope. Celebrate the hope. Share the message of hope that comes from Easter. 

Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 CEB

http://bible.com/37/php.4.7.CEB

Went to Nigeria for dad's funeral. Sang Give me Jesus. 

That gave me peace. That funeral was not easy. 

If the enemy is tormenting you or if you have never given your life to Christ you are not here by mistake. Give your life to Christ now. Think about the peace that God gives you. There is Jesus's peace. Get on your knees and pray. 

Joy to the world the Lord has come. 

Happy 4th Advent!

Dave Ens www.EasTview.org 

Think ahead 3 weeks. Christmas is done. Your wallet is empty and you are searching for weight loss plans. 

Was it worth it? Think about it now. How will you make it worthwhile? 

John the cousin of Jesus was also born.

Matthew 3

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, "Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!" He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, " Prepare the way for the Lord;  make his paths straight. "  Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I'm not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Matthew 3:1‭-‬3‭, ‬8‭, ‬11 CEB

http://bible.com/37/mat.3.1-11.CEB

John's story is short. Was he successful? Is his life what a God honoring life looks like? The next time we encounter him he is questioning Jesus. "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

Matthew 11:3 CEB

http://bible.com/37/mat.11.3.CEB

Are you real? John got beheaded shortly after. 

Jesus answer: Those who were blind are able to see . Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them .  Happy are those who don't stumble and fall because of me."

Matthew 11:5‭-‬6 CEB

http://bible.com/37/mat.11.5-6.CEB

The LORD 's ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads. Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away.

Isaiah 35:10 CEB

http://bible.com/37/isa.35.10.CEB

Out of lifeless will come life. Handel's Messiah includes this chapter. 

What will your salvation look like? 

Yes. This is what God's salvation looks like!

All are one in Jesus. 

Was it all worth it? Who is your neighbor that needs to hear?

Balancing the Scales

Dave Ens www.EasTview.org

Isaiah 11

LIn 586 a terrible army destroyed 

Israel. Yahweh wants a people that love him. 

500 years later Jesus came.

A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The LORD's spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. He will delight in fearing the LORD. He won't judge by appearances, nor decide by hearsay. Righteousness will be the belt around his hips, and faithfulness the belt around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; the calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them. A nursing child will play over the snake's hole; toddlers will reach right over the serpent's den. They won't harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain. The earth will surely be filled with the knowledge of the LORD , just as the water covers the sea.

Isaiah 11:1‭-‬3‭, ‬5‭-‬6‭, ‬8‭-‬9 CEB

http://bible.com/37/isa.11.1-9.CEB

Luke 1.31 Matthew 2.2

Psalm talked about justice. 

God came in and punished Israel.  We judge too often. God knows what we do. To often it becomes oppression. 

The season is not about us. The kingdom is coming to celebrate what God is doing

Testimony journey

Ken Silk.

Grew up in Christian home. Billy Graham was in town. Sat up on the top level. When he made the alter call he dragged his girlfriend down all those stairs to get to the floor. Someone came to talk and pray. He started preaching on the bus but his parents had no use for what he had done. 

It took years. 

Now involved in business and traveling around the world. Heart in ministry. Youth leader pastor. Doing gospel work in all sorts of ways whatever God has asked for. 

In Ireland they loved the accent. 

At a church meeting met the girl that God told me I would marry. 3 years later got engaged and married. Wonderful wife she was and is now in heaven. Geoblastoma. At age 40. 3 days to surgery. 6 months to live. She ate healthy. She was a stay at home mom.

They cried and committed it to God. People were getting saved. The 12 year old kids became involved. They helped pray and call on Jesus. She lived 25 months. We did the medical trip. Every relative had a cure.

Fasted and prayed and prepared for the memorial. She had a massive seizure and after that she couldn't talk. That was hard. 

What I did for her was sacrificial but nothing compared to Christ. Had respite help. Knew something was happening. There was never any anger. 

God if this is your time then take her quickly. Called her parents. They came she stopped breathing. Took her pulse. When it stopped we prayed and thanked God for who she was. 

We could not have anger about this. She was my precious partner. 700 people showed up for the memorial. She is now in the fullness of Christ.

In 2015 God brought another woman into my life. She's a makeup girl. So different. 

God taught me so much through her. I want to die to self. And learn what God has for me. 

It's about what God has for me. 

Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray. 

Baptismal Sunday 12 baptisms 4 transfers

See the video at www.EasTview.org/sermons
Jaylene believes and is baptized.

Susan and numbers. She no longer wants to go through the wilderness. Wants to be baptized.

Matthew grew up in non Christian home. Now his family is here. Now believes that Jesus is the son of God and died for him. He accepted and chooses to follow Jesus.

Leoni felt unloved and unworthy. Wanted to end her life and then God intervened. At that moment she knew. Came to a youth event scarred. Found out they were not so scary. I know I've been saved. I want to be Baptised.

Nathan started coming to www.EasTview.org earlier this year. Felt he was not good enough for redemption. Went to a retreat and decided to become a follower of Jesus. Johnny prayed with me. Wanted to be baptized. Is choosing to follow Jesus.

Juanita grew up in a wonderful Christian home. Went to a weekend retreat at Briercrest. Baptised just before wedding. Told that her 2nd baby should be aborted but he was born alive and is now doing fine. Had a third healthy baby.

August was into sports. Went to church as an obligation. Got major injury. Baptised at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church. When our son was about to be born a lady helped our daughter off the play structure. It turned out that she was the head nurse at NICU. My play book now is the Bible. We want to be part of this.

Sing now. Hark the herald angels sing glory to the newborn king.