Guidelines |
20/20 past studies...February 14 & 21 - Join us from 7-9:30 for an information discussion about world religions, based on John Schwarz's book on Christian Faith. Facilitated by Mike.
January 17-February 7, 2023Study and discuss six contrary views to Jesus as the Messiah. Facilitated by Mike and Thea.
Prepare in advance by reading Isaiah 53. Here is a song to prepare your heart and mind for the study (thanks, Thea!) Annual Christmas Events for 2022
Summer & Fall fellowship 2022: worship... devo... talk... pray
Come to the Bell's on Tuesday evenings from 7-9:30pm for a time of fellowship (potluck snacks).
Schedule: 7pm warm-up & worship; 7:45 study & discussion; 9pm fellowship Have you read the study guidelines? During this series you can ignore the guideline referring to using only the scripture being studied - feel free to pull out other bible passages to refer to the questions being discussed. TOPICS: November 29: Stop Worrying and Start Living Matthew 6:25 "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?" November 22: Contentment is Good for the Soul 1 Timothy 6:6 "True religion with contentment is great wealth." November 15: Leadership is an Art Romans 12:8 "If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously." November 8: Arrange Your Priorities Matthew 6:32-33 "Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." November 1: The God Who Comforts Us 2 Corinthians 1:3 "He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us." October 25: Simplify Life and Enjoy it More 1 Thessalonians 4:11 "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business." October 18: Improve Yourself (No One Else Can) Philippians 3:13 "No dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead... " October 11: Discipline Yourself (No One Else Will) Proverbs 12:1 "To learn you must love discipline." October 4: Embrace Adversity James 1:2-3 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." September 27: What Would Jesus Do? 1 John 2:6 "Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did." September 20: Songs & Social September 13: Character: What Happens When No One's Looking - Psalm 25:21 "May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You." September 6: Appreciate God's Creation - Psalm 19:1 "The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship." August 30: Church: Where God's People Gather - Hebrews 10:25 "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do . . . " August 23: Prayer: The Great Connector - 1 Peter 3:12 "The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers." August 16: Give God Time - Psalm 37:7 "Be still in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." August 9: The Bible: God's Message to You - Psalm 119:105 "Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". August 2: God Wants You to Grow - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 "Dear brothers and sisters... we are thankful that your faith is flourishing and you are all growing in love for each other." July 26: You Can Know God's Will - Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." July 19: Realize that God Loves You - 1John 4:10 "This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us." July 12: Get to Know God Better - Colossians 1:10 "Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord... All the while, you will learn to know God better and better." July 5: Understand the Nature of God - Isaiah 40:28 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom." Month of June - worship & fellowship November 23 - December 21: Eyewitness Christmas Series
Due to the great feedback from our last "Eyewitness" series, we're doing another series leading up to Advent. We'll hear from Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph and shepherds as they catapult us back 2,000 years ago to bring the Christmas story to life. Bring your notebook and share your insights.
Nov 16: Following Jesus in a Polarized World (with Philip Yancy)Interview with award-winning author Philip Yancey provides a timely message that speaks to the current state of the Christian movement and provides practical advice for how believers can make a tangible impact in our world today.
The stories are true to scripture, while adding illustrative personalities and personal details to the people who lived these events.
The Luke Series is a set of narrations based on the Bible’s book of Luke. Luke said that in writing his book he investigated everything first. His investigation included examining written materials and talking to eyewitnesses. This series imitates some of the stories Luke might have heard, as well as explore their meaning and importance. This series is true to the Bible, but fills in story lines based on history, geography, and imagination, similar to a movie based on the book. The author of Luke is Luke, a doctor who was a disciple of Jesus and a good friend and companion of Paul. That presumption sets the stage for Luke being able to correctly assess the veracity of the birth accounts of both John the Baptist and Jesus, and to understand their importance, both physically and spiritually. Together with the videos we'll follow study notes that will guide us through an in-depth look of the book of Luke. June 29 - Theophilus and Luke
Luke said he made a careful investigation of everything before writing. His three primary sources of information were: his own experiences, written sources, and listening to the stories of those who were personally involved. Luke had to be very careful writing his book because he was writing it to Theophilus in order to convince him of the truth of the life of Jesus. Theophilus was very likely a patron or influential person.
Luke’s target audience was also anybody else who would read his account, which would likely include people who believed in—and probably worshiped—Roman or Greek gods. Luke was trying to convince everyone that all other gods are false, worthless, and harmful, so he was extremely detailed about the births of John and Jesus. Although miraculous, the births of both John and Jesus really did happen, as opposed to the made-up origins and existence of the gods of Rome and Greece. Luke spends a lot of time on the birth and life of John the Baptist. He might have done that to prove to his Jewish audience that John had priestly lineage, which would have helped qualify him for a special place as a forerunner of Jesus. It is likely that, at the time of the writing of Luke, the Jews still held John the Baptist to be a prophet. Supporting John’s authority would have the benefit of enhancing Jesus’ public reputation. This episode explains how Luke felt about the birth story of Jesus. Can you imagine how a doctor like Luke would deal with a virgin giving birth? Luke’s account of Mary’s conception of Jesus is so detailed that at least part of the Bible story surely came straight from Mary. As a doctor, Luke would have asked the most obvious question to Mary, “How can we all be assured that you were a virgin?” Apparently, the question was resolved to satisfaction. July 6 - Mary
Luke writes many details about the birth and early childhood of both Jesus and John the Baptist. It is likely that Luke had the opportunity to meet Mary in person and learn about their early lives. As a doctor, Luke would likely have been fascinated with the many unusual aspects of their stories only Mary could provide.
In the gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that the wise men came to the baby Jesus in a house. Although some traditions indicate Jesus was born in a cave or a barn, it is equally as likely that he was born in a guest house that had an interior manger. That might fit better with the idea that Joseph was of David’s family and would have deserved hospitality in the small village of Bethlehem. Luke stresses that Jesus’ parents followed the Laws of Moses precisely when they offered a sacrifice for him. While at the Temple, two reliable prophets, Simeon and Anna, foretold many things about Jesus. From that point on, surely his parents must have been aware they had a special baby who would change the future of Israel. Luke had the benefit of hindsight as he wrote about the birth and early life of Jesus. He also knew his target audience needed to be convinced of the legitimacy of Luke’s rather outlandish story, and he chose his material accordingly. In the classic thinking, it was as important to note what was not said, as much as what was said! July 13 - John the BaptistTwenty-five miles from Jerusalem lies the Jordan River - a place where people went to be baptized by John. The road from Jerusalem was dangerous (as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan) so John and his message must have been powerful forces to entice people to come to him from Jerusalem and surrounding areas. Luke says John exhorted the people and that his message was good news.
The gospel writers took special care to portray that John was like the Old Testament prophets in both his look and in his message. One reason for that: the prophet Malachi prophesied that Elijah would return before the Day of the Lord. The gospel writers wanted their reads to associate John the Baptist with that prophecy. Though he had a sizable following, John took great care not to be confused with the Messiah, always showing himself as the one preparing the way for someone greater. Although John was quite clear about his criticisms, he was also clear and practical on the answers of how someone can change, endearing him to the general populace that fell short of meeting the requirements of their religious leaders. John was not worried about currying favor with the ruling elite—when Herod Antipas married his brother’s former wife, John criticized him publicly. This eventually resulted in John’s death. With John’s immense popularity, it would have been easy for him to resent the rising influence and popularity of Jesus. But instead, John supported Jesus in every way possible. John portrayed great humility when he said about Jesus, “He must become more; I must become less". The baptism of Jesus by John was the beginning of the end for John. Jesus’ ministry took off like a rocket, while John’s disciples left him for Jesus, which John knew was the ultimate plan. July 20 - Satan
In the Old Testament, Satan is only discussed by name these three times:
1. the testing of Job, 2. the counting of David’s fighting men, and 3. the matter of Joshua the high priest. In the New Testament, Satan is referred to by name quite often. It appears that much of the insight about spiritual beings happened in the period between the Old Testament and New Testament, and through Jesus himself. In the New Testament, the ministry of Jesus starts when he is tempted by Satan in the wilderness. There are few places on Earth as desolate as the wilderness just a few miles east of Jerusalem. It is a light beige, desert-dry landscape of rocks, canyons and mountains. When you stand in the midst of it, you feel as if you are a million miles away from the nearest human being or body of water. It is no wonder Satan chose to spiritually attack Jesus in the wilderness after he had fasted for forty days. Throughout the New Testament, Satan is portrayed as a living personality who relentlessly attacks humans physically and spiritually. Modern society has effectively destroyed fear of Satan by portraying him as a comic character or rendering him harmless, if not non-existent. In contrast, the New Testament writers consistently warned of Satan’s power to destroy. July 27 - James
Luke introduces Jesus' brother, James, into this story when Jesus taught in his home town of Nazareth. The unbelieving people of Nazareth used the existence of Jesus' family to dispel the notion that Jesus was anything special. Luke thought it was important to point out that Jesus was rejected in his home town. Apparently, Luke wanted us to know that familiarity does breed contempt, so we must guard against that in our own lives.
When Jesus made it clear that non-Jews will receive salvation, the people became enraged and tried to kill him. the Jews of the time were very jealous of their special relationship with God. There is no proof that James believed Jesus to be the Son of God while Jesus was alive. In fact, there are some verses that indicate Jesus' brothers opposed his ministry. However, the book of Acts says that James later became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. This episode portrays James as following Jesus for several days during his early ministry. There is nothing in the New Testament that says he did or did not do such a thing. This episode's story line does allow an understanding of why Jesus chose Capernaum as his headquarters instead of his hometown of Nazareth. We also get a glimpse of the early days of Jesus' ministry when he spent much time healing people, casting out demons, and teaching. He did this not only in Capernaum, but also throughout the region of Judea. Luke 4:31 is a hint of things to come. . It says that the people were amazed because Jesus' words had authority. The people were not just impressed, but absolutely amazed. Why? Probably because they were use to hearing religious leader quote other religious leader who quoted other religious leaders. The words they were hearing from their religious leaders may have been correct, but the certainly lacked true authority and authenticity. Of the many religious leader of the time, the Pharisees were most stung by the reaction of the people. They knew the Scriptures, studied all the time, and were devoted to following the rules they had made so they could better satisfy God, so the authority of Jesus was a serous thread to their leadership positions. 1 Matthew 13:53-58 August 3 - Matthew
We know next to nothing about Matthew's life before or after he became a follower of Jesus. He was a tax collector from Capernaum when Jesus called him as a follower. He had a tax collecting booth, a house and his friends included other tax collectors and people considered to be "sinners". Mark and Luke called him "Levi" and he was an apostle. Most importantly, we know that when Matthew heard Jesus' call, he left his booth immediately to follow Him.
That is all we know about Matthew. We don't even know his hometown or education. We don't know how long he knew Jesus before hearing and acting on his call, how he got along with the other apostles or what he did after Jesus' death. From his writing of the book of Matthew, we can surmise that he had an excellent knowledge of the Scriptures and that he was focused on the Jews knowing that Jesus was the Son of God. Matthew likely joined Jesus early in his ministry and wrote as an eyewitness to much of what Jesus said and did. It appears that he knew several of the other apostles before Jesus came to the area. In Chapters 4 and 5, Luke indicates that Jesus knew Simon Peter before calling him to follow. It is possible Jesus would have also known some of the other apostles before they were called. In Chapter 5, Luke brings the Pharisees into the picture and shows how they begin to oppose Jesus. They were not quite sure what to do with someone who was performing miracles and healing people while differing from their own notion of "righteousness". Jesus and his followers didn't even fast "appropriately" according to the rules of the Pharisees. The healing of the man with leprosy and the paralyzed man have many facets. Jesus was the first to ever heal such maladies. Faith was a part of the healings. The healings led to the conclusion that Jesus could forgive sins, which meant He was God incarnate. No wonder the Pharisees were upset and puzzled about what to do with Jesus. August 10 - Right-hand Man
The Pharisees start confronting Jesus early in His ministry. They were religious leaders intent on obeying their strict interpretation of the laws of Moses. In fact, they created hundreds of rules in an attempt to ensure that nobody would ever come close to breaking the laws. Unfortunately, in their efforts to obey the rules, they often forgot the reasons behind them, frequently neglecting the fact that God loves people and wants them to be healed, both physically and spiritually.
In the opening scene of this episode, a man with a deformity is in need of healing. This man had a withered right hand, which meant that he could not do hard physical labour, be a full member of the synagogue, and had a hard time finding a good wife. He would surely have had to live with people pitying him, or looking on him with disdain. So when Jesus heals him, far more than just his hand was changed. The Pharisees concluded that healing someone was "working", and since it was prohibited to work on the Sabbath, Jesus violated their interpretation of the law. No matter how much it helped the man, it was not appropriate to do on the Sabbath, in their eyes. The healing of the man with a withered hand was just the start of how Jesus would show people that their world views were often contrary to God's desires, that they could follow the Law to the letter while completely missing the spirit behind it. It was not long before the people around Jesus began to understand the words of an ancient prophet who said "God desires mercy, not sacrifice". Sometimes it appears as if Jesus chose His apostles almost at random. It might be better seen that Jesus wanted everyone to follow him, but concentrated on certain people. His apostles were chosen from among many followers. How did Jesus choose them? After spending night praying to God! August 17 - Centurion
Think of centurions as being the toughest of the tough. In terms of rank, they would be somewhat equivalent to a captain in the US army. The typical centurion led a dangerous life because he led his soldiers in battle, and if he survived, he typically received Roman citizenship and a grant of land upon retirement. Like many soldiers of the time, they sought a calm, peaceful assignment as they approached retirement.
Very little is known about the centurion located in Capernaum. He was likely there to protect the Vian Maris trade route, and possibly act as an implicit threat to Herod's nearby town of Tiberius. However, he treated the Jews and their religion with respect, which was unusual for a Roman. Possibly he had become follower of God, a person who believed in God but was not willing to become a Jew. Since he was responsible for keeping peace, you can be sure the centurion knew of all the local leaders and kept abreast of all gossip and social news. He would have been familiar with Jesus and his healings and teachings, so he would have thought of Jesus when his favourite servant was on the verge of death. The healings, miracles and resurrections of Jesus caused such a stir that he began to spend too much time doing those things rather than teaching. Desperately ill people preferred healings over spiritual teaching, but Jesus was intent on healing people spiritually, too. In the book of Luke, this is the time when the attention turns from John the Baptist to Jesus. It is challenging for modern Christians to understand the importance of John the Baptist. It seems Luke spends a lot of time on someone who announces Jesus and then gets killed. Jesus shows the immense importance of John in preparing the way for Jesus. He invokes Old Testament prophesies to show the validity of John's message. This was and is important to Jews as they turn from the Law of Moses to a new way of thinking. When Jesus gives John validity, he also validates his own messages and claims. August 24 - Mary Magdelene
Over the centuries many people have observed that Jesus was one of the first world leaders concerned with women's rights. When it came to women, Jesus wasn't as concerned with the day-to-day societal norms as he was with their worth. In many ancient societies including the time when Jesus was on earth, women were considered property, with worth far below that of men - the Roman Empire even codified this in their laws. It was only during the following decades that women started receiving more legal rights.
Jesus cared for women as much as men. He healed them, he talked to them, he taught them, he loved them, and in doing so he made it clear that God loves women as much as he loves men. That is one reason why so many women followed Jesus and cared for his needs and the needs of the apostles, as well as rising to positions of leadership in the early Church. One of the challenging things about Gospel stories is that there are so many women named Mary. It isn't always clear which is which. Jesus' mother is named Mary, so is the sister of Martha and Lazarus. A woman who was healed of seven demons was name Mary, and sometimes referred to as Mary Magdelene. The mother of John Mark is named Mary. There is a woman married to Clopas called Mary, who was the mother of James and Joseph, and even that information is not perfectly clear. This episode is narrated by Mary Magdalene. Many people associate things with her that are not necessarily verified in the Bible. This narrative may clear up some misunderstandings. With the Parable of the Sower, Luke shows Jesus starting to teach in parables, which is essentially a short story with spiritual meaning. One of the interesting things about the Parable of the Sower is that Jesus explained its meaning to his close disciples. The Gospel writers didn't record that happening often. According to Luke, the story of the demoniac living in the country of the Gerasenes is true, not a parable. The end of that story is very intriguing in that the healed man wanted to follow Jesus but was commanded to return home and tell people what Jesus had done for him. He went through the whole city telling and showing people what Jesus had done! August 31 - James the Apostle
Luke builds his Gospel by showing how Jesus calls his twelve apostles and then trains them. This training takes the form of spending time with Jesus, watching him do miracles and healing, and listening to his teaching. By Luke 9, the basic training is over and advanced training has started. Jesus empowers the apostles and gives them authority to drive out demons and cure people, and to teach about the Kingdom of God.
Luke tamps down their success by saying they returned to Jesus and reported the results, but Jesus just took them and withdrew to the small town of Bethsaida. Luke follows this with the story of the feeding of the five thousand. The apostles should have learned that they had the power to feed the people, but they did not understand this even after Jesus encouraged them. They must have been very confused about what power they did and didn't have. On another occasion, Jesus takes an opportunity to set the record straight. He puts Peter in the position of having to state who Jesus is. When Peter correctly names Jesus as the Christ, the apostles eyes were open as to who they were serving. Rather than extol all the good things that are going to happen, Jesus explains how much they will have to suffer. In another instance, Jesus takes three of them up on the Mount of Transfiguration and confirms their belief in Him. He had to keep their expectations in check. Have you ever thought how confused the disciples must have been? One moment they learn about the benefits of following Jesus, and the next they learn the cost of that following will be suffering. One moment Jesus shows his divinity by healing the sick and raising the dead, and the next he is talking about his own death. To add to the apostles' bewilderment, Jesus' often spoke in parables and in ways that confused them. In this chapter He says "it is the least among you who is the greatest", "whoever is not against you is for you", and "whoever wants to save their life will lost it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it". After 2000 years of history, studying the life of Jesus it may be easy to envision how awesome it would have been to be with him, but perhaps it didn't feel that way to the apostles at that time. In Luke 9:51 Luke states that Jesus set out for Jerusalem. From this point on, Jesus is irrevocably committed to the events that led to the cross. September 7 - John the Apostle
John the Apostle was part of Jesus' inner circle. He was also the author of five New Testament books, and yet, the authors of Matthew, Mark and Luke rarely quote him.
John called himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved". That probably wasn't an overstatement, because Jesus entrusted His mother, Mary, to John on the cross. As Luke describes the middle part of Jesus' ministry, he starts relating more stories about the seriousness of committing to follow Jesus. Jesus was running out of time to train his apostles and certainly had less time to spend with disciples who weren't fully committed to him. When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, it was an opportunity for them to learn the rewards of full commitment. One reward was that Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning from the sky. As you read Luke 10, notice how Jesus stresses the importance of full commitment in both his actions and his stories. Even in his confrontation with the Pharisees, he makes it clear that being close to a commitment isn't enough. He says we have to love God with all our hearts, soul, strength and mind, and love our neighbours as ourselves. Those are surely high bars of commitment. Luke is the only Gospel source for the parable of the Good Samaritan. Notice that Jesus tells the parable in response to the question, "Who qualifies for me to love them as much as I love myself?" It is ironic that the expert in the law asked that question of Jesus, since Jesus surely asked himself that on many occasions. Think of the parable in that context and you may think of Jesus in a new way. September 14 - Pharisee
The Pharisees were a Jewish sect that started 200 years before Jesus. At times their identity shifted between a political party, a social movement, or a school of thought. They believed in the authority of virtually all of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and had built an oral tradition of a vast number of interpretations. After the destruction of the Temple in 70AD their beliefs became foundational in Rabbinic Judaism.
The Sadducees were another Jewish sect who recognized only the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) and rejected the rest as well as oral traditions and beliefs, such as the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees and Pharisees comprised most of the Jewish leadership in the time of Jesus. Both sects opposed Jesus and his teachings. Jesus interpreted the Scriptures differently than either of them, and was intent on serving God, not the letter of their laws. He wanted to free the people from the religious rules that the leader had inflicted on them. Jesus spoke with authority and the religious leaders feared the people would follow Jesus and reject them. This fueled their jealousy and hatred. In these chapters, Jesus is headed toward Jerusalem and his death, and Luke seems to be choosing among his many teachings and actions during that period. One of Jesus' best know teaching is found in Luke 11:1-4, the Lord's Prayer. A little longer form of this prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13. In Matthew, the Lord's Prayer is given in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, while Luke places it in response to the request of Jesus' disciples to be taught to pray, just as John the Baptist taught his disciples to pray. This is not an unusual question by his disciples, since it was the responsibility for every rabbi to teach all things to his followers. As Jesus is heading toward his final week of life, it is sometimes a little difficult to tell how popular he still was with the people. A hint of an answer is found in Luke 12:1 where thousands of people had gathered. The verse isn't clear how many of these were followers and how many were there just to see Jesus, but either way, the Pharisees would not have been happy. September 21 - Martha, the Crippled Woman and a GardenerIt would be easy to read the Gospels and conclude that Jesus spent all of his time with his apostles, infrequently mingling with other people while he taught or healed them. These stories are meant to convey a different picture.
Somehow Jesus met the family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha and spent enough time with them that they became close friends. It is likely that Jesus stayed in many homes as he traveled, making other close friends too. At another point in time, Jesus raises from the dead. From the stories about this family, it appears they were well off financially. In this episode about Martha, it is likely she could have afforded servants to serve everyone instead of doing it herself. That fact says more about her personality than about her financial status. In this video episode of Martha, the part of the story up to when Jesus chastises Martha is in the bible. After that, the story represents one possible reaction that Martha might have had. The bible does not say what Martha's reaction actually was. In the modern world, celebrities surround themselves with armed body guards to keep away the crowds. There is some evidence to conclude that Jesus' followers did try to keep the crowds away from Jesus, but other stories lead to the conclusion that Jesus came to be in contact with many other people outside of his group. The crippled woman fought through the crowds just to get near Jesus. It was obvious she had faith and was healed. It was good news that God cared about her. However, the chapter starts out with Pilot killing the Galileans. God cared about them, too, but did not choose to save them. The apostles must have struggled with those types of incongruities. In the parable of the Narrow Door, Jesus makes it clear that many Jews who think they are righteous will not be saved, while many non-Jews will be saved. This must have come as quite a shock to the Jews who thought they had exclusive favour of God. There is a subtle message in Jesus' reply to the Pharisees in Luke 13:32-33. Herod Antipas is probably in Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilea and is threatening Jesus once again. Jesus knows his time for his death is near, so he no longer has to avoid Herod and his threats since he is leaving Galilea for the last time. He is going to Jerusalem. September 28 - Judas
Jesus chose Judas to be an apostle. Apparently, Judas was taught the same things as the other apostles and had similar experiences. It seems likely that Jesus loved Judas and valued him as much as the other apostles, at least until near the end.
Luke never met Judas. What Luke knew of him likely came from the testimony of the other apostles and from the stories he heard. We don't read much about Judas before his betrayal of Jesus, so it's easy to assume the Gospel writers so detested his betrayal that they were not interested in saying anything good about him, but the Gospels also say very little about half of the apostles. We are not told in the Bible when Judas started drifting away from Jesus. Perhaps he expected Jesus to overthrow Rome to establish an earthly kingdom and was disappointed when Jesus made it clear that his kingdom was spiritual. Or perhaps it happened when Jesus called for his disciples to be fully committed and Judas realized he did not want that. Or maybe it was some difficult teaching of Jesus or a time that Judas was embarrassed by Jesus' words or actions. We don't know why or when but we do know that the actions of Judas helped result in the death of Jesus. Luke 14:15 references a feast in the kingdom of God. Since Jesus launches into one of his parables in reply, it is easy to overlook or misunderstand the reference. The statement was made after Jesus mentions the resurrection of the righteous. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the righteous, but they perceived they were the only righteous ones. Jesus' parable not only discounts their likelihood of attendance, but also opens up the resurrection door for all of the people that the Pharisees rejected - the Gentiles, the poor and the physically disabled and disfigured. Luke 14:25 says that large crowds were with Jesus when he told them about the high cost of following him. Surely that kind of talk must have discouraged several in the crowd. John 6:66 records a time when Jesus clarified how hard it was going to be to follow him, and many of his disciples turned away and left for good. Unlike many modern leaders, Jesus did not make it easy or cheap to be his disciple.. He was interested in having only dedicated followers who were willing to count the cost... and to pay it. October 5 - Lazarus the Beggar
A Biblical parable is a short story designed to illustrate a spiritual truth. Many people believe Jesus invented parables, but many hundreds of years before, proverbs were use din the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ezekiel, and Hosea. In fact, Matthew wrote that at least one of the Old Testament verses was a prophecy that Jesus would speak in parables.
It appears that Jesus taught the crowds in parables because they could remember and understand them as they had time to reflect on them and discuss them. After telling parables to the crowd, Jesus would often later explain them in detail to his apostles. These explanations are recorded in the Bible and help us clearly understand what Jesus was trying to teach. Because of their ancient, Middle East context, many of Jesus' parables are difficult for modern Westerners to understand. An example of this was driven home to a group of Christian tourists in Israel as they toured the ruins of the town of Chorazin, a place Jesus did many miracles. The group leader told Jesus' parable of the woman who lost a silver coin and had to search her house for it. He first said he had always misunderstood the parable because he was used to smoother American floors, then told the crowd he had dropped ten coins on the very rough rock floor beneath their feet. The entire group could find only five of the coins. Luke is also the only Gospel writer to tell the story of the Lost Son, sometimes known as the Prodigal Son. As you read this story, remember that the original listeners would have been shocked that both sons treated their father with such disrespect. In that culture, he should have disinherited both sons instead of treating them with love and mercy. This would have surely challenged the listeners' minds about the nature of God. The story of the rich man and Lazarus is told only in Luke. As you listen to the story, remember that in none of his other parables did Jesus use proper names. In this story, Jesus gives Lazarus as the name of the beggar. This has caused many people to interpret this event not as a parable, but as an historical event. Jesus' wording about the afterlife in this story has been interpreted in many ways. Some take it to be entirely figurative, others entirely literally, and many others somewhere in between. October 12 - Tenth Leper and Young RulerLeprosy has historically been one of the most feared diseases. Although people didn't understand about germs or bacteria until relatively recently, they did know leprosy was communicable. Lepers have always been shunned and separated from their communities and families.
Leprosy was not just a skin disease that appeared like severe acne or sebaceous cysts - it caused horrible deformities. Since their flesh literally rotted away, lepers often lost fingers, toes, noses, or other appendages. In past times, when people didn't usually live long enough to deal with heart issues and cancer, leprosy was a greatly feared disease. God instructed the Jews to separate lepers so their disease would not spread. This was a devastating development for people used to living with intimate relationships in close communities. The complete opposite of being a leper was to be a rich, young ruler. There were few rich people in the Jewish society and wealth was often correlated with being righteous. How could it be any better than to be young, rich, righteous and the boss? The young ruler and Jesus knew that there was something better... being truly righteous in God's eyes, not man's. In Luke 17:20 the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. The Pharisees could have been referring to a time when the Romans would leave Israel and a Davidic kingdom would be established. They could have been referring to a future time when God and the Jews would enjoy a blissful existence together as they ruled over all other kingdoms. Whatever kingdom they were referring to most likely had to do with the Jews receiving special blessings. Jesus told the Pharisees that the kingdom would not be physical, but that the kingdom was already in their midst. No doubt the Pharisees were clueless about his meaning.. Then Jesus gave his disciples much more information about God's coming kingdom, but even then the disciples were probably as confused as the Pharisees. They could not fathom a situation where the Messiah would go away, be rejected and then revealed. October 19 - Zacchaeus
As Jesus approached Jericho, her was very likely tired and his mind elsewhere. He had just predicted his impending death and was focused on going straight to his doom in Jerusalem. It's likely that his apostles thought they were being compassionate to him as they kept the crowds away, letting him be thoughtful.
You can imagine they wanted the blind man to be quiet instead of yelling at Jesus, but the more they tried to quiet him, the louder he yelled. The apostles probably felt lie failures when Jesus stopped and called for the blind man to be brought to him. Where the apostles saw an inconvenience, Jesus saw an occasion for God to be glorified. The news spread quickly through the small town that one of their own blind men had been healed by Jesus. The man who was famous for miracles and healing had come to their town! Zacchaeus was used to getting news first, so it is likely he knew about Jesus as soon as anyone else, but rather than fight for a place in the crowd, he took advantage of this knowledge and raced ahead to climb a sycamore fig tree so he could easily see Jesus. He probably didn't realize that it made him a target for Jesus to see. Can't you imagine the different reactions when Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down quickly? Many in the crowd must have been wondering why such a respectable man was up in a tree, and maybe laughed as he scrambled to the ground. The apostles must have wondered why Jesus singled out the man and been astounded at Jesus' need to eat at his house. Zacchaeus would have been bewildered to hear the stranger call him by name. What a sight that must have been! The Parable of the Minas sounds a lot like the Parable of the Talents in Matthew, but with some meaningful differences. The former combines a story of an unpopular rich man going away, which very possibly was a vague reference to Herod's trip to Rome to retain his kingship, and his retribution to his enemies when he returned. The crowd must have been very surprised that Jesus would reference that event in public. Keep in mind that Jesus told this parable because the people expected the kingdom of God to appear immediately. October 26 - AndrewTo get a more full picture of the last week of Jesus' life, you have to read all four Gospels, where each writer emphasizes different events and details. One of Luke's special points was the opposition of the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders to the ministry of Jesus.
In Luke's account, Jesus knew the physical manifestation of the Jewish leaders' emphasis, the Temple would soon come to an end. The Temple, built by Herod, was a magnificent building, but Jesus knew that it would be demolished in about forty more years. Jesus also knew the spiritual manifestation of the Jewish leaders' emphasis, ritual and rule-following would soon come to an end. Without the Temple, many of their religious rites would automatically disappear. While their emphasis on the man-made rules might not disappear, it would be shown to be useless. The story of the widow's mites (small coins) is well known. As you read the story, consider that Jesus' mother was a widow, Jesus would have known the sacrifice the woman made. He must have already been thinking about his mother and what would happen to her after his death. Imagine the other details of life that Jesus must have considered as he faced his impending death. Like all of us, he surely felt he had more to do than the time to do it in. As you read the different Gospel account of the last week of Jesus' life, you will be struck with his desperate efforts to reach his enemies as well as his friends. Jesus so wants to help everyone that he uses his precious time to convince everyone of his truth. However, with time running out, he talks with his followers about the future times and gives them his parting teachings and encouragements. He never sugar-coats their impending trials, but lets them know that he won't be victorious in the future... he is already victorious! November 2 - Peter and Pilate
Luke writes about the Last Supper, as well as Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial in only two chapters. He writes about those events in rather terse language and doesn't provide many details; you can read the two chapters in less than ten minutes. You will have to read the accounts in the other Gospels to get a much fuller description of what happened in those 24 hours.
Without giving exact chronological timing, Luke issues a forewarning of Jesus' death by telling of Judas' agreement to betray Jesus to the Jewish leaders. Luke does not make it clear whether the betrayal happened because Satan entered into Judas or because of the payment of money, or both. Luke only briefly describes the Last Supper and some of Jesus' conversations. You have to read the account in John to have an appreciation of the momentous events that happened at that time. Peter was likely one of Luke's information sources for what happened the night of Jesus' arrest. Perhaps that is why Luke includes Jesus' prophecy about Peter's denial of Jesus and the later fulfillment of that prophecy. However, Luke does not identify Peter as the one who cut off Malchus' ear, as John did. Throughout history, Pilate has been either vilified or exonerated of this actions that resulted in the crucifixion of Jesus. He was no doubt a violent man, but was he evil or just doing his job as a Roman official? The Jewish leaders knew they could possibly end Pilate's career by causing a big enough riot, so his desire both to keep his position and to do a good job were sufficient to cause him to end the life of Jesus. It is tempting to think of the crucifixion of Jesus as a special event. In fact, crucifixion was a common capital punishment of the Romans, Persians, Carthaginians and other cultures, often used to punish political or religious agitators, pirates and slaves. AS an example, in the aftermath of the slave rebellion led by Spartacus, about 11,000 rebelling slaves were crucified by the Roman Generals Crassus and Pompey. November 9 - Luke
Luke started his Gospel talking about the miraculous event of Jesus being born to a virgin, Mary. As a doctor, he must have been very convinced of the truth of that event or he would not have written about it. As hard as that must have been, writing about the resurrection and ascension of Jesus must have been equally as challenging. However, he must have been just as convinced of the truth of those events.
The ascension of Jesus and his future return is historically a standard part of Christian belief. Luke wrote about those two things in Luke and Acts. Without Luke's writing, how would we know about those two things? Matthew and John do not mention them in their Gospels, and the passage in Mark that mentions the ascension is disputed, and does not mention his return. If it wasn't for Luke's accounts we would be left to the relevant passages in the rest of the New Testament for our knowledge of the ascension and future return of Jesus. Where did Luke get his eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection? AS he traveled with Paul, he most likely spent time with Jesus' original apostles and disciples. Also, Luke knew that at least five hundred people had witnessed the resurrection, so he likely talked to some of them. It is best to study all the Gospel accounts of the resurrection and post-resurrection at once, especially using a harmony/parallel account. Each Gospel has something important to add. If you do so, you will probably come away with a timeline of events similar to this: the tomb is visited by women, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is found to be empty by the women, Peter and John visit the empty tomb, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, Jesus appears to other women, soldier's report, Jesus appears to two people on the road to Emmaus who report to the other believers, Jesus appears to assembled disciples, Jesus appears to the seven while fishing, Jesus appears to the eleven, Jesus makes other appearances, and Jesus ascends to heaven. As will be found in the remaining books of the New Testament, the first Christians were absolutely convinced of the truth of Jesus' resurrection and ascension. But the marvelous revelation of Jesus' return isn't clearly revealed until Luke's next book, Acts. Audacity: Love Can't Stay Silent - June 22, 2021Peter is an aspiring comedian encouraged by his friend Ben to perform at the local comedy club. But stage fright isn’t Peter’s only fear. When confronted with one of today’s most divisive issues, he feels compelled to speak, but can he?
Challenged by his coworker Diana to defend his convictions about homosexuality and gay marriage, will he have the courage to stand for what he believes—even at the risk of losing a friendship? And how will he respond when faced with a harrowing life-or-death experience? “Audacity” uses a unique approach to address a very sensitive subject in contemporary society. Regardless of your views on homosexuality, you’ll gain fresh insights and a new perspective.
February 16th to April 6thThe current series is really more of a non-series. Many people have enjoyed the format of doing single-studies based on various bible passages - reading through and discussing it in detail.
Bring your praise & prayer requests We'll aim to finish by ~ 9pm. February 9th: 1 Corinthians 13
We'll look deeper at this well known and loved passage about... LOVE!
We hope to see you at 7:15 for a social time, followed by the study. January 19 - Genesis 45: A Long ForgivenessThe story of Joseph and his brothers is well known and loved. As well as the interest-factor there are many lessons to be learned that are applicable to people of all ages.
After his brothers abandoned Joseph, his experiences took him from a slave to a dungeon and on to be second-in-command in Egypt. In this study we'll look at his response to his brothers when seeing them again face-to-face after decades passed and "the tables were turned". January 5th & 12th: AmosThe book of Amos gives us God's perspective on some volatile social issues. It takes a hard look at injustice and sends out a call to righteousness. Amos tell us how God feels when the wealthy and the powerful exploit the poor and the defenseless.
Amos wrote between 760 and 750 BC at a time of economic growth and prosperity for Israel and Judah. He was a shepherd with no known ministry credentials, except a word from God for the people. Though Amos from from the southern kingdom of Judah, his message was mostly for the people in north Israel. He challenged their materialism and morality, which they had learned from their pagan neighbours. Amos reminded them that God takes a special interest in the disadvantaged. His prophecy was God's last appeal to Israel, warning them to repent before it was too late. With strong and poetic imagery, the book of Amos speaks passionately about God's concern for the poor and urges a return to righteousness and justice through the Lord. Watch for parallels between Amos's time and ours. When the poor are mentioned, ponder how we treat the homeless, minorities, single parents, the elderly and others who may be exploited. December 22 - online Christmas Party
Join us for a social evening.
NOTE: there will be no meeting on December 29th - see you in January. Happy New Year! December 1 - 15: Matthew 5 & 6 - Sermon on the Mount
We'll dig deeper into truths from this important and well-known proclamation from Jesus.Jesus was concerned about believing in Him as a person, and believing in His testimony.
We'll take a look look through John 3 to see what Jesus had to say about truly being Born Again, followed by discussion. September 29 - November 17:
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Car pools and car crashes. Job changes and joint custody. Life can feel overwhelming and inconsequential. But there’s more to your story than the chaos, confusion, and clutter of daily life.
Your life is a crafted narrative written by a great God, who is working toward your supreme good. Join Max Lucado on a journey through the great promises of the New Testament and discover your place in God’s plan. Everything changes when you see how your story fits with God’s story. Join us on this discovery together!
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Crazy Love with Francis Chan
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Through 10 weeks, short but pointed video sessions with Francis will lead to some great discussion:
1. Stop Praying
2. You Might Not Finish This ...
3. Crazy Love
4. Profile of the Lukewarm
5. Serving Leftovers to a Holy God
6. When You're in Love
7. Your Best Life ... Later
8. Profile of the Obsessed
9. Who Really Lives That Way?
10. The Crux of the Matter
1. Stop Praying
2. You Might Not Finish This ...
3. Crazy Love
4. Profile of the Lukewarm
5. Serving Leftovers to a Holy God
6. When You're in Love
7. Your Best Life ... Later
8. Profile of the Obsessed
9. Who Really Lives That Way?
10. The Crux of the Matter
Weekly Notes: The proper perspective - 4 things to draw us closer to God.
1. Try journaling - recording things that you praise God for, or pray for, or are thankful for.
2. Read the Bible and look to experience God and let Him talk to you through the text.
3. Pray a relational prayer. Ask Him "show me what I should do today", "make me interruptible".
4. Clear your mind - expend the great effort to sit quietly and focus on God.
1. Try journaling - recording things that you praise God for, or pray for, or are thankful for.
2. Read the Bible and look to experience God and let Him talk to you through the text.
3. Pray a relational prayer. Ask Him "show me what I should do today", "make me interruptible".
4. Clear your mind - expend the great effort to sit quietly and focus on God.
Engaging Gospel: Why the Gospel is Still Good News
February 4 to March 31, 2020
20/20 will be joining this 9-week church-wide study developed by CBWC (Canadian Baptists of Western Canada).
If you go to West Van Baptist and would like to join a group for this study, consider yourself invited to join 20/20 for this series.
If you don't attend West Van Baptist and would like to join us for this study, you can CLICK HERE to catch up on the Sunday sermon prior to the study and discussion.
Here is a list of topics we'll be covering:
Feb 4 : What is the Gospel?
Feb 11: The Good News of Loving Acceptance
Feb 18: The Good News of Abiding Presence
Feb 25: The Good News of Forgiveness
March 3: The Good News of Grace
March 10: The Good News of Hope
March 17: The Good News of Purpose
March 24: The Good News of Belonging
March 31: The Good News is Jesus!
The Book of JAMES with Francis Chan
12-sessions with dvd insight & discussion
October 15-November 26 & January 7-28, 2020
Faith without action and without life change is ultimately a dead faith. The book of James speaks to the realities of a living faith in Jesus—the kind of roll-up-your-sleeves and get-your-hands-dirty discipleship that is borne out of an authentic relationship with the risen Lord. James writes to believers who know suffering, who've faced trials, and who ultimately desire a deep relationship with God.
True faith produces fruit.
Francis Chan unpacks the dense truth contained in the book of James in front of the iconic backdrop of San Francisco, the city where he lives and ministers. Through 12 sessions, Francis works through James verse-by-verse, challenging followers of Christ to move beyond a private, intellectual knowledge of God and His Word, to a vibrant faith that impacts every square inch of life.
True faith produces fruit.
Francis Chan unpacks the dense truth contained in the book of James in front of the iconic backdrop of San Francisco, the city where he lives and ministers. Through 12 sessions, Francis works through James verse-by-verse, challenging followers of Christ to move beyond a private, intellectual knowledge of God and His Word, to a vibrant faith that impacts every square inch of life.
Christmas 2019 events
December 17th: 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Annual 20/20 Christmas Party
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It's time for our Annual Christmas potluck get-together as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!
(Reminder! This event is at a private home, NOT our usual meeting place or time.) 1. Let us know you're coming! (by Sunday Dec 15th) 2. We'll send you the event address and directions. 3. Show up at 6:30pm with an empty tummy and your Christmas baking, appies or dessert. 4. Bring your beverage of choice. |
December 10th
Christmas Carol Sing-along
Meet in the Fireside room at 7:00 for a festive Christmas Sing-along.
Bring a dessert or snacks to share
Grab your acoustic instrument (guitar, shakers, cahon, harmonica - you get the point) and your voices for our annual Christmas carol sing-along accompanied by guitars and piano. Celebrate the birth of Jesus.
O Holy Night, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and many more!
Bring a dessert or snacks to share
Grab your acoustic instrument (guitar, shakers, cahon, harmonica - you get the point) and your voices for our annual Christmas carol sing-along accompanied by guitars and piano. Celebrate the birth of Jesus.
O Holy Night, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and many more!
December 3rd
Christmas Movie: Believe
For years, the small town of Grundy, Virginia has relied on the Peyton family to provide the highlight of the year—the annual Christmas pageant.
When Matthew Peyton inherits the family business, the responsibility of the Christmas pageant also falls on his shoulders. But as financial hardships fall on the town, Matthew finds himself overwhelmed. As his business profits plummet and his workers begin to strike, Matthew is forced to make a decision between selling the family business and canceling the beloved pageant or sticking out hardships despite his rapidly declining popularity in the community. Through chance events, Matthew meets Clarence, a boy who believes in miracles, and his mother Sharon. His newfound friends impact Matthew’s life in a way he never thought possible and teach him to believe and give faith a chance. |
JESUS AMONG OTHER GODS
The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message
September 17 - October 8, 2019
In a world with so many religions, why Jesus?
We are living in a time when you can believe anything, as long as you do not claim it to be true. In the name of “tolerance,” our postmodern culture embraces everything from Eastern mysticism to New Age spirituality. But such unquestioning acceptance of all things spiritual is absurd. All religions, plainly and simply, cannot be true.
Jesus Among Other Gods provides the answers to the most fundamental claims about Christianity, such as:
- Aren’t all religions fundamentally the same?
- Was Jesus who He claimed to be?
- Can one study the life of Christ and demonstrate conclusively that He was and is the way, the truth, and the life?
Each session considers a unique claim that Jesus made and then contrasts the truth of Jesus with the founders of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism with compelling insight and passionate conviction. In addition to an impressive breadth of reading and study, he shares his personal journey from despair and meaninglessness to his discovery that Jesus is who He said He is.
We are living in a time when you can believe anything, as long as you do not claim it to be true. In the name of “tolerance,” our postmodern culture embraces everything from Eastern mysticism to New Age spirituality. But such unquestioning acceptance of all things spiritual is absurd. All religions, plainly and simply, cannot be true.
Jesus Among Other Gods provides the answers to the most fundamental claims about Christianity, such as:
- Aren’t all religions fundamentally the same?
- Was Jesus who He claimed to be?
- Can one study the life of Christ and demonstrate conclusively that He was and is the way, the truth, and the life?
Each session considers a unique claim that Jesus made and then contrasts the truth of Jesus with the founders of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism with compelling insight and passionate conviction. In addition to an impressive breadth of reading and study, he shares his personal journey from despair and meaninglessness to his discovery that Jesus is who He said He is.
Summer 2019
August 20 - September 10: INTELLIGENT DESIGN
4-WEEK SERIES
Please arrive at 7pm with finger-food snacks to share.
Grab a beverage and the film will roll at about 7:20. Discussion will follow.
August 20: The Privileged Planet
HOW OUR PLACE IN THE COSMOS IS DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY
"For centuries scientists and philosophers have marveled at an eerie coincidence: Mathematics, a creation of human reason, can predict the nature of the universe, a fact physicist Eugene Wigner referred to as the “unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the physical sciences.”
In the last three decades astronomers and cosmologists have noticed another, seemingly unrelated, mystery. Contrary to expectations, the laws of physics seem precisely “fine-tuned” for the existence of complex life.
Could these two wonders actually be isolated pieces of a wider pattern? Both are prerequisites for science, yet what about the process of scientific discovery itself? What are its necessary conditions? Why is it even possible? Read any book on the history of science, and you’ll learn about magnificent tales of human ingenuity, persistence, and dumb luck. But that’s only part of the story, and not even the most important part. Our location is much more critical to science than it is to real estate. For some reason our Earthly location is extraordinarily well suited to allow us to peer into the heavens and discover its secrets.
Elsewhere, you might learn that Earth and its local environment provide a delicate, and probably exceedingly rare, cradle for complex life. But there’s another, even more startling, fact, described in The Privileged Planet: those same rare conditions that produce a habitable planet-that allow for the existence of complex observers like ourselves-also provide the best overall place for observing. What does this mean? At the least, it turns our view of the universe inside out. The universe is not “pointless” (Steven Weinberg), Earth merely “a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark,” (Carl Sagan) and human existence “just a more-or-less farcical outcome of a chain of accidents” (Steven Weinberg). On the contrary, the evidence we can uncover from our Earthly home points to a universe that is designed for life, and designed for discovery.
4-WEEK SERIES
Please arrive at 7pm with finger-food snacks to share.
Grab a beverage and the film will roll at about 7:20. Discussion will follow.
August 20: The Privileged Planet
HOW OUR PLACE IN THE COSMOS IS DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY
"For centuries scientists and philosophers have marveled at an eerie coincidence: Mathematics, a creation of human reason, can predict the nature of the universe, a fact physicist Eugene Wigner referred to as the “unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the physical sciences.”
In the last three decades astronomers and cosmologists have noticed another, seemingly unrelated, mystery. Contrary to expectations, the laws of physics seem precisely “fine-tuned” for the existence of complex life.
Could these two wonders actually be isolated pieces of a wider pattern? Both are prerequisites for science, yet what about the process of scientific discovery itself? What are its necessary conditions? Why is it even possible? Read any book on the history of science, and you’ll learn about magnificent tales of human ingenuity, persistence, and dumb luck. But that’s only part of the story, and not even the most important part. Our location is much more critical to science than it is to real estate. For some reason our Earthly location is extraordinarily well suited to allow us to peer into the heavens and discover its secrets.
Elsewhere, you might learn that Earth and its local environment provide a delicate, and probably exceedingly rare, cradle for complex life. But there’s another, even more startling, fact, described in The Privileged Planet: those same rare conditions that produce a habitable planet-that allow for the existence of complex observers like ourselves-also provide the best overall place for observing. What does this mean? At the least, it turns our view of the universe inside out. The universe is not “pointless” (Steven Weinberg), Earth merely “a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark,” (Carl Sagan) and human existence “just a more-or-less farcical outcome of a chain of accidents” (Steven Weinberg). On the contrary, the evidence we can uncover from our Earthly home points to a universe that is designed for life, and designed for discovery.
August 27: Unlocking the Mystery of Life
THE SCIENTIFIC CASE FOR INTELLIGENT DESIGN
Unlocking the Mystery of Life is a convincing and accurate documentary that you will want to share with your most scientifically critical-minded friends.
In 1859, Charles Darwin published, On the Origin of Species. In it, he argued that all of life on earth was the product of undirected natural processes. Time, chance, and natural selection. Since then, biologists have relied on such processes to account for the origin of living things. Yet today, this approach is being challenged as never before.
Unlocking the Mystery of Life is the story of top-notch, contemporary scientists who are advancing a powerful idea — “the theory of intelligent design.”
Using state-of-the-art computer animation, “Unlocking the Mystery of Life” transports you into the interior of the living cell to explore systems and machines that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of design. Discover the intricacy of a microscopic bacterial rotary motor, which spins at 100,000 rpm.
Within the nucleus explore the wonder of DNA, a thread-like molecule that stores instructions to build the essential components of every living organism. It is part of a biological information processing system more complex and more powerful than any computer network.
This compelling documentary examines an idea with the power to revolutionize our understanding of life… and to unlock the mystery of its origin.
“Extremely thought provoking (and a lot of fun to watch). Unlocking the Mystery of Life highlights the big questions about the origin of life here on earth.”
--Guillermo Gonzalez, Ph.D., Astrobiologist, Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Iowa State University
“This video does an excellent job of presenting some of the hot issues in modern biophysics. In recent years we have begun to really understand how the machinery of the cell works and no physicist who has studied this field can avoid a sense of amazement at the delicately balanced designs.”
--David Snoke, Ph.D., Co-Director Nanotechnology Center, University of Pittsburg
THE SCIENTIFIC CASE FOR INTELLIGENT DESIGN
Unlocking the Mystery of Life is a convincing and accurate documentary that you will want to share with your most scientifically critical-minded friends.
In 1859, Charles Darwin published, On the Origin of Species. In it, he argued that all of life on earth was the product of undirected natural processes. Time, chance, and natural selection. Since then, biologists have relied on such processes to account for the origin of living things. Yet today, this approach is being challenged as never before.
Unlocking the Mystery of Life is the story of top-notch, contemporary scientists who are advancing a powerful idea — “the theory of intelligent design.”
Using state-of-the-art computer animation, “Unlocking the Mystery of Life” transports you into the interior of the living cell to explore systems and machines that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of design. Discover the intricacy of a microscopic bacterial rotary motor, which spins at 100,000 rpm.
Within the nucleus explore the wonder of DNA, a thread-like molecule that stores instructions to build the essential components of every living organism. It is part of a biological information processing system more complex and more powerful than any computer network.
This compelling documentary examines an idea with the power to revolutionize our understanding of life… and to unlock the mystery of its origin.
“Extremely thought provoking (and a lot of fun to watch). Unlocking the Mystery of Life highlights the big questions about the origin of life here on earth.”
--Guillermo Gonzalez, Ph.D., Astrobiologist, Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Iowa State University
“This video does an excellent job of presenting some of the hot issues in modern biophysics. In recent years we have begun to really understand how the machinery of the cell works and no physicist who has studied this field can avoid a sense of amazement at the delicately balanced designs.”
--David Snoke, Ph.D., Co-Director Nanotechnology Center, University of Pittsburg
September 3: Darwin's Dilemma
THE MYSTERY OF THE CAMBRIAN FOSSIL RECORD
Shot on location in southern China, the Canadian Rockies and Great Britain, the powerful documentary Darwin’s Dilemma explores one of the great mysteries in the history of life: The geologically-sudden appearance of dozens of major complex animal types in the fossil record without any trace of the gradual transitional steps Charles Darwin had envisioned 150 years ago.
Frequently described as “the Cambrian Explosion,” the development of these new animal types required a massive increase in genetic information. “The big question that the Cambrian Explosion poses is where does all that new information come from?” says Dr. Stephen Meyer, author of the book Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design. Growing evidence suggests that the creation of novel genetic information requires intelligence, and thus the burst of genetic information during the Cambrian Explosion provides convincing evidence that animal life is the product of intelligent design rather than a blind undirected process like natural selection.
Darwin’s Dilemma recreates the prehistoric world of the Cambrian era with state-of-the-art computer animation, and the film features interviews with numerous scientists, including leading evolutionary paleontologists Simon Conway Morris of Cambridge University and James Valentine of the University of California at Berkeley, marine biologist Paul Chien of the University of San Francisco, and evolutionary biologist Richard Sternberg, a Research Collaborator at the National Museum of Natural History.
THE MYSTERY OF THE CAMBRIAN FOSSIL RECORD
Shot on location in southern China, the Canadian Rockies and Great Britain, the powerful documentary Darwin’s Dilemma explores one of the great mysteries in the history of life: The geologically-sudden appearance of dozens of major complex animal types in the fossil record without any trace of the gradual transitional steps Charles Darwin had envisioned 150 years ago.
Frequently described as “the Cambrian Explosion,” the development of these new animal types required a massive increase in genetic information. “The big question that the Cambrian Explosion poses is where does all that new information come from?” says Dr. Stephen Meyer, author of the book Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design. Growing evidence suggests that the creation of novel genetic information requires intelligence, and thus the burst of genetic information during the Cambrian Explosion provides convincing evidence that animal life is the product of intelligent design rather than a blind undirected process like natural selection.
Darwin’s Dilemma recreates the prehistoric world of the Cambrian era with state-of-the-art computer animation, and the film features interviews with numerous scientists, including leading evolutionary paleontologists Simon Conway Morris of Cambridge University and James Valentine of the University of California at Berkeley, marine biologist Paul Chien of the University of San Francisco, and evolutionary biologist Richard Sternberg, a Research Collaborator at the National Museum of Natural History.
January 15 & 22: 7-9:15 pm
bible study single sessions
Come join us at 7pm for coffee and snacks followed by a single-session bible study along with group discussion.
Please bring snacks or dessert to share.
Coffee and tea will be provided.
Neil will be facilitating on the 15th: Mary & Martha: More discussion following Sunday's sermon. (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-27; John 12:1-3)
Bob will be facilitating on the 22nd
Please bring snacks or dessert to share.
Coffee and tea will be provided.
Neil will be facilitating on the 15th: Mary & Martha: More discussion following Sunday's sermon. (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-27; John 12:1-3)
Bob will be facilitating on the 22nd
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Christmas 2018 events |
December 4th
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December 12th
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December 18th: 6:30 - 9:30 pm
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It's time for our Annual Christmas potluck get-together as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!
(Reminder! This event is at a private home, NOT our usual meeting place or time.) 1. Let us know you're coming! (by Sunday Dec 16th) 2. We'll send you the event address and directions. 3. Show up at 6:30pm with an empty tummy and your Christmas baking, appies or dessert. 4. Bring your beverage of choice. |
October 30, 2018 - Movie & Pizza
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Movie: Father of Lights
Follow filmmaker Darren Wilson as he travels to the darkest spiritual climates on the planet to test the limits of God's love. Review: The first part of the documentary features various Christian leaders talking about how we as Christians should be out in the streets and marketplaces sharing the light of God's love with those who don't know Him, rather than condemning them for a life of sin that most of them are already acutely aware of. All of the stories played out in this documentary are pretty amazing to watch. The conversion of a hindu maharishi guru was particularly heartwarming to me (I'd describe more, but don't want to give spoilers!). The scenes shot in Jerusalem and the way their time there unfolded was absolutely incredible. The first time I watched it, my hand flew up to my gaping mouth and I gasped out loud. God is amazing and He still works intimately in our lives today, if we let Him! |
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What does the bible say about Spiritual Gifts? Pastor Axel will be enlightening us during his Sunday sermon series from September 9th to October 21st. After listening to the sermons, we will follow along with questions from Pastor Axel on Tuesday evenings where we'll dig in deeper with table discussions of up to 8 people.
As always, you can be a 20/20 regular or join us just for a series. Come to West Van Baptist for worship services on Sundays at 10am to hear the message first hand. Can't make it on Sunday? Click here to hear it at least one day later. 20/20 Study starts at 7:30pm on Tuesday evenings. Don't want to cook? Is time tight after your busy day? You may also sign up for our weekly fellowship dinners starting at 7pm (before the study). Everyone is welcome! |
Summer 2018
We continue to meet throughout the summer.
Join us for an evening of games, movies, worship, discussion or thought-provoking films. Weekly sessions are subject to change... we're open to other suggestions! Each week is a separate event and may change based on chance of precipitation: July 3 - games night - outdoor and indoor July 10 - large group study July 17 - games night, featuring Koob July 24 - worship & large group study: ‘Gospel On The Ground’ (2 Corinthians 15) July 31 - Koob, bocce, trivial pursuit August 7 - Movie night - "War Room" August 14 - Koob, indoor games, discussion August 21 - worship & large group study August 28 - games - team trivia, bocce September 4 - Movie night - "Journey to Grace" |
June 5-27, 2018
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The voice that spoke the cosmos into existence is the same voice that parted the Red sea, and made the sun stand still in the midday sky. One day, this voice will make all things new, but it’s also speaking to you now!
That voice is God’s voice, and what we’ve learned from Scripture is that He often speaks in a whisper. Not to make it difficult to hear Him, but to draw us close. Many people have a tough time believing God still speaks. Sure, in ancient times and in mysterious ways, God spoke to His people, but is He still speaking now? Mark Batterson certainly believes so. And he wants to introduce you to the seven love languages of God; each of them unique and entirely divine. Some of them you might suspect but others will surprise you. By learning to tune in to and decipher each language, you’ll be able to hear His guidance in simple as well as life-altering choices. God is actively speaking through: Scripture, Desires, Doors, Dreams, People, Promptings, and Pain. Batterson gives you the tools you need to unlock each of these languages. God’s whisper can answer your most burning questions, calm your deepest fears, and fulfill your loftiest dreams. Discover how simple it is to hear God’s voice in every aspect of your life! He’s speaking, make sure you know how to listen! |
“Some of the most frequent questions I get as a pastor have to do with hearing from God. In Whisper, Mark Batterson cuts through the confusion and shows the way to a deeper and closer relationship with God—one that leaves us guessing less and discerning more.” |
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9 Decisions that will transform your life today
Uncover God’s strategy for change. David Jeremiah draws from Galatians to challenge you to make nine important decisions that will transform your heart, your life, and your world.
Move past the discouraging headlines, the adversity in our personal lives, the toils of daily living, the limits of our day. Reach out and grasp a life beyond honourable, beyond respectable, and beyond incredible to a life of blessings beyond our comprehension—a life beyond our dreams. Amazing! |
Reviews:
Fruit of the Spirit illuminated as never before My wife and I greatly value the scripture-based books and sermons of Dr. David Jeremiah and his latest book is no exception! We have read and heard bout the nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 many, many times over the past six decades, but never has this scripture been so practically illuminated and illustrated as Dr. Jeremiah does in his new book, A Life Beyond Amazing! Far beyond a self-improvement tutorial, this book is full of examples, encouragement and inspiration to allow/enable the Holy Spirit to transform our carnal human natures for the production of spiritual fruit. (review by Dennis Bengtson) I found A LIFE BEYOND AMAZING to be a solid read, with tons of useful ideas. I am already implementing several of these ideas. I thought this one sentence nicely summed up the theme of this book: “The journey to a life beyond amazing is a journey to the highest, best, most love-filled life possible. It will not always be easy. But I promise you, it will be worth it.” |
The Alpha Course
10-week series starting January 2, 2018 at 7pm
NOTE: Alpha @2020 is designed for adults and targets people living on the North Shore. Other Alpha's are running for specific ages and in various areas. Click this link to find an Alpha near you.
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What is Alpha?
Regardless of your questions... No matter where you're "coming from" ... ... come to the Fireside Room at West Van Baptist as we explore answers about life and death, faith, God, purpose and more! You'll find a welcoming and non-judgemental atmosphere. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith Each session looks at a different question, and is designed to create conversation. It’s an open, informal, and honest space to explore and discuss life’s big questions together. There’s no pressure, no follow-up, and no charge. |
What to expect
Join us for a delicious dinner before each session, starting at 7pm.
It's a great, informal way to "break the ice" over "breaking bread" together. The meal is free to all new participants. Please REGISTER in advance here. |
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Topics we'll cover
Jan 2: Is There More to Life than This? Jan 9: Who is Jesus? Jan 16: Why Did Jesus Die? Jan 23: How Can I Have Faith? Jan 30: Why and How Do I Pray? Feb 6: Why and How Should I Read the Bible? Feb 13: How Does God Guide us? Feb 20: Who is the Holy Spirit? Feb 27: What about the Church? Mar 6: Why and How Should I Tell Others? |
Weekend Retreat Sessions What Does the Holy Spirit Do? How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit? Does God Heal Today? How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life? How Can I Resist Evil? |
Alpha Whistler Retreat
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As part of the Alpha Course, you will have the opportunity to sign up for a weekend away in Whistler where we'll continue exploring.
This fun, informal weekend will deepen our understanding of the Holy Spirit as our relationship with God goes to a more personal level. The relaxed pace will allow for plenty of discussion, free time and building friendships. Cost includes: 6 meals and snacks, coffee and tea 2 nights accommodation at Pinetree Chalet in Whistler bedding and towels provided Although we encourage everyone to attend the weekend retreat it is not a requirement of the course. Limited to 16 participants. Individual beds in "guys & girls" rooms; married couples can request a private room. Please ask about the possibility of a subsidy, if required. |
Christmas 2017 events - celebrate the Reason for the Season!
New Years Eve party!
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December 19th
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It's time for our Annual Christmas party! Bring an empty tummy and your Christmas baking, appies or dessert and come along to our festive annual potluck Christmas get-together as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!
7:00-9:30: potluck party & BYOB location: Ron & Bel's (Thanks for being great hosts!!) |
December 12th
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December 5th
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Story of Jesus Birth (Luke 1:26-35; 2 The Message)
September 19 - November 28, 2017 - 11 weeks
Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven - a dvd series with Dr. David Jeremiah
If you begin with the first verse of Genesis and go to the end of Revelation, you’ll find more than 600 references to the word heaven. Each of these uplifting texts affords “insider information” about God’s glorious habitation and the eternal home of His children. The reality of heaven doesn’t just help us die more peacefully; it helps us live more joyfully and productively.
C.S. Lewis said, If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. What we think about heaven determines how we live today.
Dr. David Jeremiah says, "I can tell you from my own personal experience and from my years of pastoral ministry and Bible teaching, when you study the biblical doctrine of heaven it will stir your heart and change your thoughts.
The heroes of Scripture thought of heaven constantly, confessing they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, seeking a homeland, desiring a better country—a heavenly one—and looking forward to the city with foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10-16)
Jesus, too, longed for heaven as He approached the end of His earthly life, telling His disciples, If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father.' (John 14:28)
C.S. Lewis said, If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. What we think about heaven determines how we live today.
Dr. David Jeremiah says, "I can tell you from my own personal experience and from my years of pastoral ministry and Bible teaching, when you study the biblical doctrine of heaven it will stir your heart and change your thoughts.
The heroes of Scripture thought of heaven constantly, confessing they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, seeking a homeland, desiring a better country—a heavenly one—and looking forward to the city with foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10-16)
Jesus, too, longed for heaven as He approached the end of His earthly life, telling His disciples, If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father.' (John 14:28)
This teaching on heaven will whet your appetite and direct you to key passages in the Bible you’ll want to study on your own.
Yes, goodness and mercy will surely follow us all the days of our lives. But what we’re really looking forward to is dwelling in the house of the Lord forever...and seeing what’s up with heaven!"
Yes, goodness and mercy will surely follow us all the days of our lives. But what we’re really looking forward to is dwelling in the house of the Lord forever...and seeing what’s up with heaven!"
Summer: July, August, September 2017
We continue to meet throughout the summer.
Join us for an evening of games (outdoors and indoors), movies, worship, discussion or thought-provoking films. Each week is a separate event. July 4 - games night - outdoor and indoor July 11 - worship & large group study - Joshua 1:1-18: "Change" July 18 - games night, featuring Koob & bocce July 25 - worship & large group study - Joshua 2:1-24: "Rescue" August 1 - Koob (it's catching!) August 8 - Movie night August 15 - Koob August 22 - worship & large group study - Joshua 3 & 4:1-8 "Provision" August 29 - Koob September 5 - worship & large group study - Joshua 5:13-6:27 "Barriers" September 12 - worship & large group study - Joshua 7:1-26 "Consequences" |
May 9 - Session 1 - City: The World that Is - you will learn what cities were designed to be.
May 16 - Session 2 - Heart: Three Ways to Live - you will study the Parable of the Prodigal Son to view two ways to live life on your own.
May 23 - Session 3 - Idolatry: The Sin beneath the Sin - you will discover the one fundamental of your happiness.
May 30 - Session 4 - Community: The Context for Change - you will discover how you can show the world that you are a follower of Christ.
June 6 - Session 5 - Witness: An Alternative City - you will learn the attributes that a church needs to show the world Christ's love.
PREPARATION - READ: Acts 2:42-47
June 13 - Session 6 - Work: Cultivating the Garden - you will discover how to realign your life in light of the mission of the kingdom of Christ.
PREPARATION - READ: Matthew 6:19-21
June 20 - Session 7 - Justice: A People for Others - you will learn whom God wants you to be engaged with to show his love.
PREPARATION - READ: Luke 10:25-37
June 27 - Session 8 - Eternity: The World that Is to Come - you will study the Bible’s description of heaven.
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Reviews of this series:
"Join author and pastor Timothy Keller in this eight-week small group Bible Study to explore how the gospel can change your heart, community, and how you live the Gospel out in everyday life. In week one your group will study the city, your home now, the world. Week eight closes with the theme of the eternal city, your heavenly home, the world that is to come." -------------- "... something different that goes a little deeper and makes you think. This study presents the gospel in a fresh new way that at times stopped us in our tracks and made us reconsider certain bible passages. The author teaches a new perspective on living the gospel and our group had some great discussion as a result. I would highly recommend this study for any group who likes to be challenged..." -------------- “... there is much to reflect on, discuss, pray about, and share with others. Tim Keller is brilliant and knows how to speak to people of all walks of life. I highly recommend..." -------------- "Our group consisted of lawyers, doctors, teachers, and other professionals who needed something "meaty" and thought provoking. This study met our needs beyond our expectations. Some of us had never heard of Tim Keller but were blown away by his brutally honest and out of the box thinking approach. We had many "aha" moments and enjoyed discussing our thoughts and opinions based on the teachings of Tim Keller. It allowed us to engage in deep conversations on how we view our city and the roles we play in it. I highly recommend. |
About the Author
Timothy Keller is the founder and senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Reason for God and The Prodigal God. He has also mentored young urban church planters and pastors in New York and other cities through Redeemer City to City, which has helped launch over 200 churches in 35 global cities to date.
Timothy Keller is the founder and senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Reason for God and The Prodigal God. He has also mentored young urban church planters and pastors in New York and other cities through Redeemer City to City, which has helped launch over 200 churches in 35 global cities to date.
March 14 - May 2, 2017: The Bible Jesus Read - Philip Yancey
This 8-week dvd and discussion series by Philip Yancey takes a close look at the Bible that Jesus used, quoted, read and loved.
from Philip Yancey:
Like most Christians, I have been baffled and disturbed by parts of the Old Testament. Its books comprise the majority of the Christian Bible, but how should we read them? I select sample books (Deuteronomy, Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Prophets) and describe how I have struggled and then come to terms with each. In the process my own understanding of and appreciation for the Old Testament undergoes a startling change. The Old Testament is not a mysterious, outdated book. It is God’s biography, the story of his passionate encounters with his people, and the prequel to the story of Jesus. It is also the Bible that Jesus read, used, and loved. I probe seven representative books–Job, Psalms, Deuteronomy, Ecclesiastes, and the Prophets–and discover that the Old Testament deals in astonishing depth and detail with the same questions we face today. |
Quotes from this series:
“Misunderstanding must be nakedly exposed before true understanding can begin to flourish.” “God does not seem impressed by size or power or wealth. Faith is what he wants, and the heroes who emerge are heroes of faith, not strength or wealth.” “Life with God is an individual matter, and general formulas do not easily apply.” “We whine about things we have little control over; we lament what we believe ought to be changed.” “never live as though God does not exist.” Or, stated positively, “Always live in awareness of God’s existence.” |
Ephesians: Identity in Action
Ephesians 1:1-23 Praise for Spritual Blessings
Ephesians 1:15-23 Thanksgiving and Prayer Ephesians 1:17-18 The Riches of a Glorious Inheritance Ephesians 2:1-10 Made Alive in Christ Ephesians 2:11-22 Reconciled Through Christ Ephesians 3:1-13 God's Marvelous Plan Ephesians 3:14-21 A Prayer for the Ephesians (and West Vancouverites) Ephesians 4:1-16 Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:17-31 Instructions for Christian Living - part 1 Ephesians 5:1-7 Instructions for Christian Living - part 2 Ephesians 5:8-20 Instructions for Christian Living - part 3 Ephesians 5:21-33 Instructions for Christian Households Ephesians 6:10-20 The Armour of God |
Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian, both in identity and in action.
During November we will follow Ian Lopez's sermons as a springboard for further study and discussion.
Join a consistent discussion table for the series, or join a "drop-in" table.
We'll take a break for Christmas festivities and pick up the series again in January.
During November we will follow Ian Lopez's sermons as a springboard for further study and discussion.
Join a consistent discussion table for the series, or join a "drop-in" table.
We'll take a break for Christmas festivities and pick up the series again in January.
December 20
Annual 20/20 Christmas Party
Bring an empty tummy and your Christmas baking, appies or dessert and come along to our festive annual potluck Christmas get-together as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!
7:00-9:30: potluck party & BYOB
location: Joan's house
RSVP: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: we need to know numbers ahead of time. Please email us or see "events" and sign up to let us know you're coming!
7:00-9:30: potluck party & BYOB
location: Joan's house
RSVP: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: we need to know numbers ahead of time. Please email us or see "events" and sign up to let us know you're coming!
December 13
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December 6, 2016
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7:00 in the Fireside Room
snacks provided: please email [email protected] so we know how many to expect Bring your family and friends to see THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL movie to kick off the holiday season! This Christmas, Olivia Mead has one wish: that her single mom (Teri Polo) would find someone that she can call “Dad”. She and her classmates start to believe that the answers to all their wishes may lie inside a mysterious abandoned house. Within the house they discover Elsie Waybright (Della Reese), the Christmas Angel. Elsie tries to teach Olivia that some requests must be left to God. As Christmas day approaches, Olivia receives an unwelcomed answer, the suspicious Dr. Nathan Davis (Kevin Sorbo). This Christmas, will Elsie be able to teach Olivia and her friends to trust in God? |
September 6 & 13: by FAITH we stand firm
Did you join us on August 9th for the Lee Strobel film "The Case for Faith"?
If so, you'll know that there was SO much information that we were only able to scratch the surface on this subject. On September 6th and 13th we'll dig deeper into the subject of FAITH in table discussions. Neil will facilitate on September 6th. Thanks to Bob for facilitating on September 13th (while some 20/20 members are off on the BC Motorcycle Tour). Note: there will be a POTLUCK DESSERT evening on the 13th. Dinner will NOT be served. |
July & August 2016
games & fellowship nights... or film nights
We continue to meet throughout the summer. Join us for an evening of games (outdoors and indoors) or thought-provoking films by journalist and author Lee Strobel: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith and The Case for a Creator.
Watch this short YouTube clip by Lee Strobel.
Watch this short YouTube clip by Lee Strobel.
In trying the case for Christ, Strobel cross-examined a number of experts and recognized authorities in their own fields of study. He conducted his examination with no religious bias, other than his predisposition to atheism.Remarkably, after compiling and critically examining the evidence for himself, Strobel became a Christian. Stunned by his findings, he organized the evidence into a book he entitled, The Case for Christ, which has won the Gold Medallion Book Award for excellence. Strobel asks one thing of each reader - remain unbiased in your examination of the evidence.
In the end, judge the evidence for yourself, acting as the lone juror in the case for Christ. Has anybody ever compiled the evidence to determine the case for Christ? As a matter of fact, Lee Strobel, an atheist at the time he undertook this endeavor, decided that he would prove Jesus Christ to be a fraud by the weight of the evidence. (imdb)
In the end, judge the evidence for yourself, acting as the lone juror in the case for Christ. Has anybody ever compiled the evidence to determine the case for Christ? As a matter of fact, Lee Strobel, an atheist at the time he undertook this endeavor, decided that he would prove Jesus Christ to be a fraud by the weight of the evidence. (imdb)
August 9: The Case for Faith
Lee Strobel draws the viewer into an interesting discussion about faith in Christ as the one true answer in the world of religions. Strobel examines the tough objections to Christianity, specifically the issues of Christians stating that Christ is the only way to heaven, and why there is evil and suffering in the world, if a loving God created it.
Interestingly, Charles Templeton, who used to preach with Billy Graham, shares how he once reached throngs of people with the gospel, but how he began to lose his faith as he asked himself the aforementioned questions about God and evil in the world.
John 14:9 is used in the program: "He who has seen me, has seen the Father." Strobel interviews various biblical professors and scholars and also Joni Eareckson-Tada, whose diving accident in 1967 left her paralyzed yet her faith in Christ over the years has remained intact. Indeed, it seems to have deepened more as the years have gone by. She shares the things she has learned and how she has learned to listen for God's voice during the still times.
As various people mention evil being a choice, not a thing, and share examples of how terrible situations had a silver lining, the viewer will be left to decide what he/she makes of the evidence. This is a compelling program and should be a fascinating watch for most people. Although we award our Dove "Family-Approved" Seal to this great program, we realize that young children might find it a bit deep to enjoy. For most, it will be thought-provoking, fascinating, and covers a most intriguing topic: Was Jesus Christ who he said he was? (ChristianCinema.com)
Interestingly, Charles Templeton, who used to preach with Billy Graham, shares how he once reached throngs of people with the gospel, but how he began to lose his faith as he asked himself the aforementioned questions about God and evil in the world.
John 14:9 is used in the program: "He who has seen me, has seen the Father." Strobel interviews various biblical professors and scholars and also Joni Eareckson-Tada, whose diving accident in 1967 left her paralyzed yet her faith in Christ over the years has remained intact. Indeed, it seems to have deepened more as the years have gone by. She shares the things she has learned and how she has learned to listen for God's voice during the still times.
As various people mention evil being a choice, not a thing, and share examples of how terrible situations had a silver lining, the viewer will be left to decide what he/she makes of the evidence. This is a compelling program and should be a fascinating watch for most people. Although we award our Dove "Family-Approved" Seal to this great program, we realize that young children might find it a bit deep to enjoy. For most, it will be thought-provoking, fascinating, and covers a most intriguing topic: Was Jesus Christ who he said he was? (ChristianCinema.com)
August 23: The Case for a Creator
When objectively considered, does contemporary scientific evidence point toward or away from a supernatural Creator? Strobel interviewed scientists and scholars from a wide range of disciplines for the answers. Based upon a New York Times best-seller, The Case For A Creator is a remarkable film about Lee Strobel's journey from spiritual skepticism to a profound faith in the God who has etched His indelible signature upon every galaxy and living cell. The Creator now revealed by 21st century science. (imdb)
June 7 - July 12, 2016
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July 12: How to handle Ambition
What is your attitude toward money and ambition? Jesus teaches us how we can use our ambitions to invest in the kingdom of God.
July 5: How to Pray and Fast like Jesus
Explore prayer and fasting with an emphasis on the importance of these activities in our relationship with God.
June 28: How to become a Generous Giver
What does the bible say about giving? Our motive for giving should always be to glorify God.
June 21: How to handle Conflict
Follow Jesus' example with five practical ways to love our enemies. As Christians, we need to focus on the right relationships and forgive as we have been forgiven.
June 14: How to respond to Difficult People
Using Jesus' teaching as a framework, challenge yourself to go against the grain of society and respond to those who hurt us with an attitude of radical love.
June 7: How to Live and Act with Integrity
Let your "yes" be your "yes" and our "no" be your "no". True integrity is when our lives, words and hearts are totally aligned.
April 5 - May 31, 2016
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April 5: Who was Peter?
Overview of his history, his nature, how he came to know Jesus and his ministry after Jesus' resurrection.
April 12: The battle for holiness
If you want to act holy, you have to learn to think holy.
April 19: When I don't feel like being good
When you make a split-second decision, do you do the right or the wrong thing? Learn to live a life of integrity and become obedient to God.
April 26: An appetite for being good
Mastering the Christian life is like mastering other things: it's a matter of doing the basics again and again.
May 10: Refuse to get revenge
If you refuse to become consumed with revenge, but become consumed with forgiveness, you will experience God's grace powerfully.
May 17: Learn to live in peace
By working toward peace with each other we honour God.
May 24: Get ready for a rough ride
Things can get tough from time to time, but you can prepare yourself for the difficult days ahead.
May 31: You're in good hands
God hones us through tough times. Whatever difficulties we face God will reward us for our faithfulness and obedience. Trust God with it all.
"The Bible Continues tracks events following the crucifixion of Christ, when many of his associates, including his mother and key political/religious figures, are instantly altered. Starting with the crucifixion and the resurrection, the disciples must go forward and disseminate Christ's teachings in a world marked by political unrest, bringing the beginning of a new religion that dramatically reshapes the future of the world." (online review)
"This study is fast-paced, engaging and exciting." (Neil Bell)
Dr. David Jeremiah's study guide has received great reviews alongside the 12-week mini-series A.D. The Bible Continues (originally produced through NBC). Our study will follow the disciples as they go forth into Jerusalem and beyond to spread the news of the risen Christ, which led to the birth of the Christian church. As the number of followers of Christ multiplies and the disciples meet different fates, the early Christian church is formed.
Each week a Biblical story is retold with additional information on the traditions of the day and the culture of the people, as well as insight from Dr. J explaining the events in more detail. Selected bible verses and input from various thologians are woven into the narrative.
Dr. Jeremiah uses examples from current times to connect to the message of Scripture, with an application to our own lives and an urging to serve just as the apostles did. We'll see how the disciples struggled to serve their Lord amidst a world of conflicting cultures, building a following for Christ despite some opposition to their evangelism.
Join us for this exciting series!
"This study is fast-paced, engaging and exciting." (Neil Bell)
Dr. David Jeremiah's study guide has received great reviews alongside the 12-week mini-series A.D. The Bible Continues (originally produced through NBC). Our study will follow the disciples as they go forth into Jerusalem and beyond to spread the news of the risen Christ, which led to the birth of the Christian church. As the number of followers of Christ multiplies and the disciples meet different fates, the early Christian church is formed.
Each week a Biblical story is retold with additional information on the traditions of the day and the culture of the people, as well as insight from Dr. J explaining the events in more detail. Selected bible verses and input from various thologians are woven into the narrative.
Dr. Jeremiah uses examples from current times to connect to the message of Scripture, with an application to our own lives and an urging to serve just as the apostles did. We'll see how the disciples struggled to serve their Lord amidst a world of conflicting cultures, building a following for Christ despite some opposition to their evangelism.
Join us for this exciting series!
December 22 - Christmas Carol Sing-along / social evening / games
Meet in the Fireside room at 7:00 for dinner ($5 - please reserve in advance)
Bring a dessert or appies to share for the extended celebration Join Eunice around the piano as we join our voices in the singing of cherished Christmas carols celebrating the birth of Jesus. O Holy Night, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and many more! |
November 3 - December 8: The Reason for God
Conversations on Faith and Life (6 week study - video followed by discussion)
During this study we ask that people try to arrive promptly in order to have everyone view the video and be able to participate fully in the discussion that follows.
Have you heard any of these statements from friends, family or co-workers, even on tv?
1: Hasn't science disproved Christianity? Isn't the bible only a myth? How can you take the bible literally?
2. How Can You Say There Is Only One Way to God? What About Other Religions?
3. What Gives You the Right to Tell Me How to Live My Life? Why Are There So Many Rules?
4. Why Does God Allow Suffering? Why Is There So Much Evil in the World?
5. Why Is the Church Responsible for So Much Injustice? Why Are Christians Such Hypocrites?
6. How Can God Be Full of Love and Wrath at the Same Time? How Can God Send Good People to Hell?
1 Peter 3:15 tell us "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone to give you the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." In this series the questions are asked, and gain insight into the answers through our table discussions, with gentle leading from Tim Keller.
During this study we ask that people try to arrive promptly in order to have everyone view the video and be able to participate fully in the discussion that follows.
Have you heard any of these statements from friends, family or co-workers, even on tv?
1: Hasn't science disproved Christianity? Isn't the bible only a myth? How can you take the bible literally?
2. How Can You Say There Is Only One Way to God? What About Other Religions?
3. What Gives You the Right to Tell Me How to Live My Life? Why Are There So Many Rules?
4. Why Does God Allow Suffering? Why Is There So Much Evil in the World?
5. Why Is the Church Responsible for So Much Injustice? Why Are Christians Such Hypocrites?
6. How Can God Be Full of Love and Wrath at the Same Time? How Can God Send Good People to Hell?
1 Peter 3:15 tell us "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone to give you the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." In this series the questions are asked, and gain insight into the answers through our table discussions, with gentle leading from Tim Keller.
September 15 - October 13: Who is This Man?
In this five-session DVD-based small group bible study, Who Is This Man?, John Ortberg reveals how Jesus made an inescapable influence on our world and, through Him, we will learn how we can influence our world, too.
Jesus is history’s most familiar and important figure. His impact on the world is immense and non-accidental. From the Dark Ages to Post-Modernity he is the man whose influence has stood the test of time. And yet …
He did not brashly defend his movement in the spirit of a rising political or military leader. He did not lay out a case that history would judge superior in all future books. He did not start by telling His disciples, “Here are proofs of my divinity; affirm them and I’ll accept you.”
Who Is This Man? illustrates how Jesus’ influence has swept over history, bringing His inspiration to the evolution of art, science, government, medicine, and education. And how His vision for us to lead lives of dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope continues to inspire and challenge humanity today.
Jesus is history’s most familiar and important figure. His impact on the world is immense and non-accidental. From the Dark Ages to Post-Modernity he is the man whose influence has stood the test of time. And yet …
He did not brashly defend his movement in the spirit of a rising political or military leader. He did not lay out a case that history would judge superior in all future books. He did not start by telling His disciples, “Here are proofs of my divinity; affirm them and I’ll accept you.”
Who Is This Man? illustrates how Jesus’ influence has swept over history, bringing His inspiration to the evolution of art, science, government, medicine, and education. And how His vision for us to lead lives of dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope continues to inspire and challenge humanity today.
Sep 15
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The Man Who Won't Go Away.
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Sep 22
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A Revolution of Humanity.
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Sep 29
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The Power of Forgiveness.
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Oct 6
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Why It's a Small World After All.
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Oct 13 |
Three Days That Changed the World.
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Summer Schedule: June 30 - September 8, 2015
Evening Schedule:
7:00 dinner
7:30 focus*
Unless noted, we meet in the Fireside Room at West Van Baptist.
April 14 - June 23 - H2O: a Journey of Faith
Everyone is Thirsty but there is only one that can TRULY SATISFY.
John 4 says: 10 Jesus answered, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.” 13-14 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”
As followers of Jesus, we know that He alone can quench our thirst for comfort, peace, healing and meaning. However we also know there are many people who have not discovered the Living Water that Jesus offers. Our hearts ache for our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers who are separated from God.
If you want to share your faith but find it difficult to do in today's culture where many distinct ethnic, religious and cultural groups are present in our society... H20 could be the tool you need to begin sharing your faith with a thirsty world.
Sharing your faith never looked like this. H20 is a powerful, visually engaging, group-oriented experience designed to create a safe atmosphere where people are comfortable considering the person of Jesus Christ and growing deeper in our knowledge and faith.
Ten stories with one timeless quest - to quench the thirst that burns in every human spirit. Discover how the offer of Living Water has the power to change everything.
April 14: Thirsty
April 21: Pollution
April 28: Source
May 5: Mirage
May 12: Pure
May 19: Drowning
May 26: Drink
June 2: Clean
June 9: Vapor
June 23: River
*JUNE 16: NOTE that 20/20 will be helping to host the Grad Banquet. No bible study.
John 4 says: 10 Jesus answered, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.” 13-14 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”
As followers of Jesus, we know that He alone can quench our thirst for comfort, peace, healing and meaning. However we also know there are many people who have not discovered the Living Water that Jesus offers. Our hearts ache for our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers who are separated from God.
If you want to share your faith but find it difficult to do in today's culture where many distinct ethnic, religious and cultural groups are present in our society... H20 could be the tool you need to begin sharing your faith with a thirsty world.
Sharing your faith never looked like this. H20 is a powerful, visually engaging, group-oriented experience designed to create a safe atmosphere where people are comfortable considering the person of Jesus Christ and growing deeper in our knowledge and faith.
Ten stories with one timeless quest - to quench the thirst that burns in every human spirit. Discover how the offer of Living Water has the power to change everything.
April 14: Thirsty
April 21: Pollution
April 28: Source
May 5: Mirage
May 12: Pure
May 19: Drowning
May 26: Drink
June 2: Clean
June 9: Vapor
June 23: River
*JUNE 16: NOTE that 20/20 will be helping to host the Grad Banquet. No bible study.
April 7th: movie
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God's Not Dead
How far would you go to defend your belief in God?
Present-day college freshman and devout Christian, Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo). Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words “God Is Dead” on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future. Josh offers a nervous refusal, provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that “God Is Dead,” he must prove God’s existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class. If Josh fails to convince his classmates of God’s existence, he will fail the course and hinder his lofty academic goals. With almost no one in his corner, Josh wonders if he can really fight for what he believes. Can he actually prove the existence of God? Wouldn’t it just be easier just to write “God Is Dead” and put the whole incident behind him? GOD’S NOT DEAD weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief, culminating in a dramatic call to action. The film will educate, entertain, and inspire moviegoers to explore what they really believe about God, igniting important conversations and life-changing decisions. |
Are you too distracted to hear what God is saying to you?
We will have an evening of prayer, scripture, sharing and especially.... silence
as we listen and discern how God might speak to us.
We will have an evening of prayer, scripture, sharing and especially.... silence
as we listen and discern how God might speak to us.
March 31 - your choice: (one-time study)
Road to Emmaus
March 24: Games / Social event
Join the 20/20 group for a fun evening of games.
Bring your own or join in: trivial pursuit, catch phrase, pictionary
For those that prefer to discuss more about the ReFrame series there will be a designated spot for you.
We'll also have line dancing!
Bring your own or join in: trivial pursuit, catch phrase, pictionary
For those that prefer to discuss more about the ReFrame series there will be a designated spot for you.
We'll also have line dancing!
January 13 - March 17: ReFrame
Real Work - Real Life
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Real Community |
Real Gospel |
The ReFrame film project is a dynamic and thought-provoking discipleship course that helps everyday people connect the Gospel with all aspects of life—everywhere. ReFrame’s vision is to unleash the Church’s missional impact in society by helping ordinary Christians live out the Gospel in their workplaces, coffee shops, gyms, labs, homes, retirement, cities: the whole of life, everywhere.
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Learning happens best in community, which is why ReFrame is designed for a small group setting.
You will have the opportunity to choose a group of others who are in a similar life stage as you for discussion purposes. |
Jesus Christ is Lord of all creation.
ReFrame explores how the gospel of Jesus Christ impacts our daily life as individuals, communities, and societies. |
RSVP by Jan 7th and note if you would like to reserve a copy of the Guide Book: "Full-colour Participant Guide designed for participants to use alongside the ReFrame DVD. Guide includes recommendations for group format, discussion questions, activities, lecture outlines, and space for notes and reflections."
Please consider joining us for the entire 10-week series (or as many as possible). This will help with discussion continuity with your small group table. There will be a table for group discussions with occasional attendees.
Please consider joining us for the entire 10-week series (or as many as possible). This will help with discussion continuity with your small group table. There will be a table for group discussions with occasional attendees.
December 9, 2014
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Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it that every 25 years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle has come to expect a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. When David Richmond, a progressive young minister, arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover miracles happening through random acts of kindness.
While David’s quest to modernize Gladbury sets him at odds with the old world candlemaker, he finds an unlikely ally in the lovely skeptic, Emily Barstow. Now, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle. But when the candle goes missing, the miraculous and the human collide in the most astonishing Christmas the village of Gladbury has ever seen.
While David’s quest to modernize Gladbury sets him at odds with the old world candlemaker, he finds an unlikely ally in the lovely skeptic, Emily Barstow. Now, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle. But when the candle goes missing, the miraculous and the human collide in the most astonishing Christmas the village of Gladbury has ever seen.
December 16 - Christmas Carol Sing-alongO Holy Night, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and many more!
Meet in the Fireside room at 7:00 Please bring a dessert to share Grab a peppermint-infused hot chocolate and gather around the piano as we join our voices in the singing of cherished Christmas carols celebrating the birth of Jesus. |
Bring an empty tummy and your Christmas baking, appies or dessert and come along to our festive annual potluck Christmas get-together as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!
7:00-9:30 - potluck party & BYOB
Virginia & Neil's house: 1461 Terrace Avenue, North Vancouver
RSVP: [email protected]
7:00-9:30 - potluck party & BYOB
Virginia & Neil's house: 1461 Terrace Avenue, North Vancouver
RSVP: [email protected]
Sept 16-30 & Nov 11-Dec 2 - Jesus in the Feasts (God's Holy Days)
We'll join Bible teacher Joe Amaral via DVD as he steps into the First Century world of Jesus to glean new insight into the life and times of Christ! Explore the prophetic nature of the biblical feasts and how they still speak to believers today.
What Christ did at His first coming and what He will do at His second coming are clearly pictured within the nature of the feasts.
In the spring feasts we will see how unleavened bread spoke of the sinless nature of Jesus. We'll examine first fruits and Pentecost and discover how God keeps His promises.
Fear and confusion concerning the end times will melt away when we explore Biblical prophecies and how they relate to the Fall Feasts. See how the Feast of Trumpets is a picture of the rapture of the church. See how the Day of Atonement is a beautiful picture of the second coming of Christ to judge the nations, and finally how the Feast of Tabernacles points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's desire to tabernacle once again with man.
From Passover to the Feast of Tabernacles, we'll see how Jesus is clearly portrayed as the Messiah and soon-coming King!
What Christ did at His first coming and what He will do at His second coming are clearly pictured within the nature of the feasts.
In the spring feasts we will see how unleavened bread spoke of the sinless nature of Jesus. We'll examine first fruits and Pentecost and discover how God keeps His promises.
Fear and confusion concerning the end times will melt away when we explore Biblical prophecies and how they relate to the Fall Feasts. See how the Feast of Trumpets is a picture of the rapture of the church. See how the Day of Atonement is a beautiful picture of the second coming of Christ to judge the nations, and finally how the Feast of Tabernacles points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's desire to tabernacle once again with man.
From Passover to the Feast of Tabernacles, we'll see how Jesus is clearly portrayed as the Messiah and soon-coming King!
October 7-November 4, 2014 - 1 Peter
Join Bob Kruse (facilitator) and Norman Archer (pastor extraordinaire) for an in-depth 5-week study on 1 Peter. Read the chapters in advance, then come prepared with questions for Norman.
Oct 7 - 1 Peter 1
Oct 14 - 1 Peter 2
Oct 21 - 1 Peter 3
Oct 28 - 1 Peter 4
Nov 4 - 1 Peter 5
7:00 - NO DINNER - please bring a potluck dessert
7:30 - Bible study and discussion
Oct 7 - 1 Peter 1
Oct 14 - 1 Peter 2
Oct 21 - 1 Peter 3
Oct 28 - 1 Peter 4
Nov 4 - 1 Peter 5
7:00 - NO DINNER - please bring a potluck dessert
7:30 - Bible study and discussion
July 22 - September 2, 2014
Yes! We keep on meeting throughout the summer!
You're welcome to come just for the summer if your regular home group is taking a break.
With many people coming & going in the summer, each Tuesday night will be an individual event ranging from bible studies to games nights to though-provoking movies. So join us without missing out on a series study.
You're welcome to come just for the summer if your regular home group is taking a break.
With many people coming & going in the summer, each Tuesday night will be an individual event ranging from bible studies to games nights to though-provoking movies. So join us without missing out on a series study.
May 6-July 15, 2014 - Supernatural Living in a Secular World
Today more than ever Christians are called to rise above their natural instincts and live a supernatural life—conquering sin, persevering through suffering, and trusting in God’s providence. This series will put you on the path to winning your battle against deep-seated sin, squaring off against legalistic dos and don’ts, and standing firm amidst opposition.
Join together as we experience life-change, practicing the principles Chuck Swindoll gives in this series based on Romans 6–8. You’ll find it’s the perfect remedy for supernatural living in a secular world. In this 5-week series we will study biblical truths delivered by Chuck Swindoll via a DVD message, followed by small group table discussion.
May 6 - Dying to Live
Romans 1–5 clearly declares that those who accept Christ through faith alone are no longer under the penalty of sin. But how can salvation from the power of sin become a reality in daily life? In Romans 6:1–14, Paul sets forth the truth of the Christian’s identity with Christ’s death and resurrection, including three practical responses to this truth: know your identification with Christ, consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God, and present yourself to God as alive from the dead.
May 13 & 20 - Portrait of a struggling Christian
Though Christians are free from the Mosaic Law as a means of righteous living, that immovable standard of holiness still reminds believers that we are sinners in need of grace. And though we have been declared “not guilty” because of Christ’s death and resurrection and given the Spirit to do good, Christians still do wrong! We’re not short on desire to do good, but when it comes to pulling it off, why do we keep blowing it? Paul answers this question in Romans 7.
May 27 & June 3 - Let's Talk about our Walk
The old saying goes, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Those words summarize the transition from the darkness of Romans 7 to the light of Romans 8. God not only rescues us from sin, but He also gives promises of assurance. Romans 8 offers great news: the victorious Christian life is possible through the power of Him who lives within us. The secret lies in allowing God’s Spirit to take control and change us from within.
June 10 & 24- Glorying and Groaning
Some Christians expect a “cloud nine” experience of uninterrupted peace, pleasure, and prosperity. But to keep things real, Paul introduces the other side of life—“groaning” (Romans 8:18–23). As long as we dwell in this world, believers will discover that suffering is a vital part of the spiritual journey toward maturity. And just as believers long for the day when their suffering in this world will come to an end, all creation itself waits to burst forth someday into a glory never experienced since the garden of Eden.
July 1 - Canada Day holiday - no study tonight
July 8 & 15 - Providence made Practical
The apostle Paul offers some of the most powerful and comforting words in all his writings in the second half of Romans 8, reminding us of God’s magnificent providence. For those who believe in both the goodness and greatness of God, His providence over all things becomes a comfort and encouragement. God attends to every detail, is never caught off guard by tragedies, and works all things out for our ultimate good and His greatest glory. This truth has not only profound implications for our salvation but also practical implications for our daily walk.
Join together as we experience life-change, practicing the principles Chuck Swindoll gives in this series based on Romans 6–8. You’ll find it’s the perfect remedy for supernatural living in a secular world. In this 5-week series we will study biblical truths delivered by Chuck Swindoll via a DVD message, followed by small group table discussion.
May 6 - Dying to Live
Romans 1–5 clearly declares that those who accept Christ through faith alone are no longer under the penalty of sin. But how can salvation from the power of sin become a reality in daily life? In Romans 6:1–14, Paul sets forth the truth of the Christian’s identity with Christ’s death and resurrection, including three practical responses to this truth: know your identification with Christ, consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God, and present yourself to God as alive from the dead.
May 13 & 20 - Portrait of a struggling Christian
Though Christians are free from the Mosaic Law as a means of righteous living, that immovable standard of holiness still reminds believers that we are sinners in need of grace. And though we have been declared “not guilty” because of Christ’s death and resurrection and given the Spirit to do good, Christians still do wrong! We’re not short on desire to do good, but when it comes to pulling it off, why do we keep blowing it? Paul answers this question in Romans 7.
May 27 & June 3 - Let's Talk about our Walk
The old saying goes, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Those words summarize the transition from the darkness of Romans 7 to the light of Romans 8. God not only rescues us from sin, but He also gives promises of assurance. Romans 8 offers great news: the victorious Christian life is possible through the power of Him who lives within us. The secret lies in allowing God’s Spirit to take control and change us from within.
June 10 & 24- Glorying and Groaning
Some Christians expect a “cloud nine” experience of uninterrupted peace, pleasure, and prosperity. But to keep things real, Paul introduces the other side of life—“groaning” (Romans 8:18–23). As long as we dwell in this world, believers will discover that suffering is a vital part of the spiritual journey toward maturity. And just as believers long for the day when their suffering in this world will come to an end, all creation itself waits to burst forth someday into a glory never experienced since the garden of Eden.
July 1 - Canada Day holiday - no study tonight
July 8 & 15 - Providence made Practical
The apostle Paul offers some of the most powerful and comforting words in all his writings in the second half of Romans 8, reminding us of God’s magnificent providence. For those who believe in both the goodness and greatness of God, His providence over all things becomes a comfort and encouragement. God attends to every detail, is never caught off guard by tragedies, and works all things out for our ultimate good and His greatest glory. This truth has not only profound implications for our salvation but also practical implications for our daily walk.
March 4 - April 22, 2014: Colossians
In AD 60–61, Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian church after he had received a report that they were struggling with their faith. They were hearing dangerous teachings that threatened the very foundation of Christianity. False teachers preached that Jesus was not actually God. Though Paul had never actually been to the church, he addressed these issues head-on. The nature of Jesus Christ as Creator and Redeemer was nonnegotiable. Following his own personal experience with the risen Christ, it was critical that they also saw Jesus in His greatness and glory - Paul's wisdom was sure to help them in this trying situation.
This report was written when Paul was first imprisoned in Rome. Reading his introduction and closing remarks in this letter indicates that he planned to minister to them with his guidance, insight and wisdom.
Preparation:
March 4 - read Colossians 1:1-8
March 11 - read Colossians 1:9-14
March 18 - read Colossians 1:15-23
March 25 - read Colossians 1:24-2:5
April 1 - read Colossians 2:6-23
April 8 - read Colossians 3:1-17
April 15 - read Colossians 3:18-4:1
April 22 - read Colossians 4:2-18
This report was written when Paul was first imprisoned in Rome. Reading his introduction and closing remarks in this letter indicates that he planned to minister to them with his guidance, insight and wisdom.
Preparation:
March 4 - read Colossians 1:1-8
March 11 - read Colossians 1:9-14
March 18 - read Colossians 1:15-23
March 25 - read Colossians 1:24-2:5
April 1 - read Colossians 2:6-23
April 8 - read Colossians 3:1-17
April 15 - read Colossians 3:18-4:1
April 22 - read Colossians 4:2-18
A Taste of Israel: January 14 - February 18, 2014
Peaks. Valleys. Plateaus. Wildernesses. Israel’s terrain is much like our own spiritual journeys. Chuck Swindoll's video series takes us on location in Israel. We will gain fresh insight into significant biblical people and events that impact our lives today.
Each session in this teaching series showcases a different historically important venue from the Sea of Galilea to Jerusalem. Each dvd topic will be followed by a time of discussion. This series will be a great preparation time for those of us planning to attend the Israel tour in October. |
January 14: Saul: A Study in Tregedy. A special grief exists when a life is not well lived. We love to celebrate the stories of those who have finished well. But of those whose lives bear the consequences of poor decisions and slow erosion, we sadly sigh and wonder what could have been . . . and then, in personal, private moments, we wonder how our lives will end. Will we finish well? Are we on a good track? Discover from the tragic life of one of the Bible’s greatest examples of failed potential just what it means when we don’t take God seriously.
January 21: The Beatitudes: Lessons By the Lake. Jesus could not have picked a better place to sow seeds of faith than on the hill now called the Mount of Beatitudes. On a carpet of wildflowers and scrub, the people sat captivated, amazed at this Teacher. While rabbis of the day taught the finer points of Mosaic Law, Jesus’s message touched the heart. The rabbis’ endless, dusty rhetoric said little; Jesus’s few words altered the way the people understood life. Jesus’s words, ignited by the Spirit of God, still cut through the stuff of life and call us to live as God intends for us to live.
January 28: Releasing Our Burdens Beneath the Waves. Great things happen on water... treacherous things too. Both occurred the night after Jesus’s miraculous feeding of more than 5,000 people. Jesus' band of frightened disciples, shook with terror in a storm-tossed boat on an inky-black sea. Why were they afraid? Weren’t they eyewitnesses to His miracles? Mark 6:52 records a heartbreaking moment in Scripture: “[the disciples] had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” It took a storm to teach the disciples a valuable lesson. What will it take for you to surrender to Jesus in faith?
February 4: When Jesus Stopped to Pray. The hardest work we can do is “knee” work. We’ll find anything else easier to do than pray. Yet Jesus not only told us that men “ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1), He showed us by praying Himself. One with the Father, Jesus still felt the need to pray — and He prayed all the time. When he was in Gethsemane, before the soldiers came for Him, Jesus let us eavesdrop on His talk with the Father. It is truly “the Lord’s Prayer.” Found in John 17, it is one of the most remarkable and longest intercessions in all of God’s Word.
February 11: A Place for Pondering and Praise. The central narrative of Scripture, past present and future, revolves around the city of Jerusalem. Yet only on one event does history swing on its hinge: the weekend when Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again, according to Scripture. And it happened in Jerusalem. It’s at the cross of Jesus Christ that life begins. And when we talk about His resurrection, we move from today into eternity. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ make up the most critical event in history — one worthy of our pause, our pondering, and our praise.
February 18: A Captive's Call to Freedom. Along the beautiful Mediterranean lies the coastal city of Caesarea. Caesarea was the official seat of government, a busy port, and a naval base for the powerful Romans in the province of Israel. On the grounds of the seaside palace called Herod’s Praetorium, the apostle Paul was unjustly imprisoned from AD 58-60. Through a curious chain of events, Jerusalem’s authorities brought Paul here to appear before the Roman magistrate on three trumped-up charges. Paul modeled for us how a thinking, believing follower of Christ can defend himself or herself against criticism.
January 21: The Beatitudes: Lessons By the Lake. Jesus could not have picked a better place to sow seeds of faith than on the hill now called the Mount of Beatitudes. On a carpet of wildflowers and scrub, the people sat captivated, amazed at this Teacher. While rabbis of the day taught the finer points of Mosaic Law, Jesus’s message touched the heart. The rabbis’ endless, dusty rhetoric said little; Jesus’s few words altered the way the people understood life. Jesus’s words, ignited by the Spirit of God, still cut through the stuff of life and call us to live as God intends for us to live.
January 28: Releasing Our Burdens Beneath the Waves. Great things happen on water... treacherous things too. Both occurred the night after Jesus’s miraculous feeding of more than 5,000 people. Jesus' band of frightened disciples, shook with terror in a storm-tossed boat on an inky-black sea. Why were they afraid? Weren’t they eyewitnesses to His miracles? Mark 6:52 records a heartbreaking moment in Scripture: “[the disciples] had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” It took a storm to teach the disciples a valuable lesson. What will it take for you to surrender to Jesus in faith?
February 4: When Jesus Stopped to Pray. The hardest work we can do is “knee” work. We’ll find anything else easier to do than pray. Yet Jesus not only told us that men “ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1), He showed us by praying Himself. One with the Father, Jesus still felt the need to pray — and He prayed all the time. When he was in Gethsemane, before the soldiers came for Him, Jesus let us eavesdrop on His talk with the Father. It is truly “the Lord’s Prayer.” Found in John 17, it is one of the most remarkable and longest intercessions in all of God’s Word.
February 11: A Place for Pondering and Praise. The central narrative of Scripture, past present and future, revolves around the city of Jerusalem. Yet only on one event does history swing on its hinge: the weekend when Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again, according to Scripture. And it happened in Jerusalem. It’s at the cross of Jesus Christ that life begins. And when we talk about His resurrection, we move from today into eternity. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ make up the most critical event in history — one worthy of our pause, our pondering, and our praise.
February 18: A Captive's Call to Freedom. Along the beautiful Mediterranean lies the coastal city of Caesarea. Caesarea was the official seat of government, a busy port, and a naval base for the powerful Romans in the province of Israel. On the grounds of the seaside palace called Herod’s Praetorium, the apostle Paul was unjustly imprisoned from AD 58-60. Through a curious chain of events, Jerusalem’s authorities brought Paul here to appear before the Roman magistrate on three trumped-up charges. Paul modeled for us how a thinking, believing follower of Christ can defend himself or herself against criticism.
January 7, 2014
Happy New Year! We'll be meeting in the fireside room, as normal. Humility and Integrity: video & discussion.
Dinner at 7:00 - cost is $5 - please reserve your spot by 5:00 on Monday, Jan 6th
Bible study 7:30
Dinner at 7:00 - cost is $5 - please reserve your spot by 5:00 on Monday, Jan 6th
Bible study 7:30
December 2013 events
During December we'll be meeting at 7:15 - NO dinner
Bring a friend, or your family as we celebrate 'The Reason for the Season!" Please bring potluck dessert. December 3: Movie: "The Perfect Gift" A story of faith tradition & the real meaning of Christmas. December 10: Good Old Fashioned Carol Sing-along - grab some cocoa, gather around the fire & sing favourite Christmas carols! December 17: Christmas Party at Virginia & Neil's house: 1461 Terrace Avenue Please bring an appetizer or dessert. December 24 Being Christmas Eve we encourage you to attend one of the services in the Main Sanctuary at either 7:00 pm or 11:00 pm. December 31 New Years Eve party at Virginia & Neil's house. Please bring an appetizer or dessert. |
The Fruit of the Spirit - Cultivating Christlike Character
by Stuart Briscoe - September 17 - November 26, 2013 (10-week study)
BE RENEWED. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Meekness, Self Control. All of us desire to exhibit these qualities in our lives. But what does it mean to "live by the Spirit"? The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the inner workings of God, but it is also a product of our response and understanding. It comes from obedience as well as dependence.
Stuart Briscoe invites us to study more deeply the relationship between believing and behaving. We will find a deeper understanding of Galatians' Fruit of the Spirit, using passages from both the Old and New Testaments, giving us encouragement and insight into what it means to live as Christ did.
BE RENEWED. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Meekness, Self Control. All of us desire to exhibit these qualities in our lives. But what does it mean to "live by the Spirit"? The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the inner workings of God, but it is also a product of our response and understanding. It comes from obedience as well as dependence.
Stuart Briscoe invites us to study more deeply the relationship between believing and behaving. We will find a deeper understanding of Galatians' Fruit of the Spirit, using passages from both the Old and New Testaments, giving us encouragement and insight into what it means to live as Christ did.
Preparation for ...September 17: Spirit Life - Let us keep in step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26; John 15:1-8 _____________________________________________________________________ September 24: LOVE - "Love each other as I have loved you" Read John 15:7-19 and Mark 12:28-34 How is the meaning of love created confusion in your own life? How can we remain in God's love? What does it mean to you that Jesus has chosen you to bear fruit? What are ways that you can obey the command in John 15:17? How has the meaning of love been expanded when you read through the verses in Mark? Rewrite Mark 12:30 in your own words. Think about having love for God, yourself and those around you - how are they bound together in the Spirit life? Think of something YOU can do to respond to loving those hurt around you. |
___________________________________________________________
October 1: JOY - "In Him our hearts rejoice"
Read Psalm 33:1-11 & 20-22; Peter 1:3-9 During what times in your life have you experienced joy? What triggers feelings of joy? How do you express joy? Can we experience joy while going through trials and suffering? (Why or why not?) How do other factors relate to joy, such as peace, faith, praise?
______________________________________________________________
October 8: PEACE - "The Peace of God will guard your hearts"
Read Romans 5:1-8; 11:16-21; Philippians 4:4-9 In your own words, describe what these passages say about peace with God. What are your stumbling blocks for living in peace with others? How does having God's peace affect your relationships? How is God's view of peace different than the world's view? How would God want us to react when others do not reflect peace? Are there times that it is appropriate to not be peaceful?
______________________________________________________________
October 15: PATIENCE: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” Col 3:13
Read Matthew 18:21-35 The parable of the Unforgiving Servant
1. What was the setting for our Lord’s parable? (18: 21-22). Could 18:1 have anything to do with it?
2. What interactions happened with
(a) the king and the servant “who was brought to him”?
(b) the first servant and his fellow servant?
(c) the group of other servants?
(d) the king?
3. What is the point of the story? Does it help us to understand the abstract noun “patience”?
4. The KJV translation of the Greek word for patience— long-suffering makrothymía (from makrós, "long" and thymós, "passion, anger") – properly, long-passion, i.e. waiting sufficient time before expressing anger.).
If in English we had an adjective 'long-tempered' as a counterpart to 'short-tempered,' then makrothymia could be called the quality of +being 'long-tempered'. . . . which is a quality of God (LXX, Ex 34:6)" (F. F. Bruce, Commentary on Galatians, 253).
Briscoe: “Anger properly handled.”
5. Who is the king in this parable of the kingdom? How does God express “both wrath and patience”? What is the relation between God’s wrath and God’s love?
Read Colossian 3: 12-14
1. Setting. (a)To whom is this written? (3:1, 3:12). Is that us?
(b) the context of the teaching? What do you understand is
i. The overall idea (3:1,2)
ii. The twin approach: “you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.” (3:9, 10).
2. Teaching (12-14) To study these three verses, try Briscoe’s approach to Bible study. What? So what? Now what?
* What? What do these words mean?
* So what? What is their significance?
* Now what? What do they mean in my life?
___________________________________________
October 22 - KINDNESS: “Be Kind and Compassionate to One Another”
Intro to our topic:
Think of an example of someone you know who was kind. What was the reason for the kind act? What was the effect?
Are Christians the only people who act kindly?
What does the Bible mean by saying, “The fruit of the Spirit is... kindness”? Is there any difference in the reasons for
Christians to act kindly - and the effects? (Yes? / No? / Why?)
Let’s look briefly at the Bible’s teaching, a practical example from the Old Testament, and some New Testament teaching.
1. Truth in a nutshell - Ephesians 4:32
(NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
2. A practical example: David was kind to Saul’s family (2 Samuel 9)
a. Remind ourselves of the background (1 Samuel 20:12-17, especially verses 14, 15, and 42).
b. Read 2 Samuel 9. How was David kind to Jonathan’s son? What were the reasons for David to be kind to Jonathan’s son?
What were the effects of David’s kindness?
3. New Testament teaching: Read Ephesians 2:4-7
How has God been kind to us?
What are the reasons for God to be kind to us?
What are the effects of God’s kindness?
4. Return to “Truth in a nutshell” (Point 1 above).
What are the reasons for us to be kind to each other?
Does the verse summarise what we have learned?
_____________________________________________________
October 29 - GOODNESS: Mark 10:17-31
Intro: What do we understand by “good”?
The Rich Young Man
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." (Mark 10: 17, 18)
1. Read: Psalm 100 v. 5: “For the Lord is good”
What does Psalm 100 tell us about God’s character?
What evidence does the writer give?
What effect does that have—On the writer? On us?
2. Read: Romans 7:18-20
What does this Scripture teach us about human nature?
Where is the battle ground between the forces of evil and good?
Do we know that fight?
What Is the role of the Holy Spirit? Now? And in the future? [Romans 8: e.g. 9-11; 22,23]
3. Read Romans 12: 9, 21
v 9 Hate what is evil; cling to what is good...
v 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Is the Christian life active or passive? How can anyone have the power to live the Christian life?
__________________________________________________________
November 5 - FAITHFULNESS: “Well done, good and faithful servant”
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him [Moses] and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness...” Exodus 34: 5, 6.
1. Read: Lamentations 3:19-24
When Jeremiah remembers his troubles, which he knows God allows (3:1-18), how does he feel?
What does he say to himself?
Do we talk like this to ourselves?
What does it teach us about the role of feelings and doctrine?
2. Read: Matthew 25: 14-30 The Parable of the Bags of Gold / The parable of the talents / The entrusted talents This is one of a series of parables about the Kingdom of God.
What does it mean? Who is the master? The servants? The differing talents entrusted to the servants?
Why the differences? (v5) The master who goes away, and returns after a long time?
The attitude to the master of (a) the first two servants, and (b) the third servant
How the servants used the entrusted talents?
How the master reacts to the way the servants used the talents?
What is the main point? The encouragement? The warning?
In what ways does the Holy Spirit enable us to be faithful?
_________________________________________________________
October 1: JOY - "In Him our hearts rejoice"
Read Psalm 33:1-11 & 20-22; Peter 1:3-9 During what times in your life have you experienced joy? What triggers feelings of joy? How do you express joy? Can we experience joy while going through trials and suffering? (Why or why not?) How do other factors relate to joy, such as peace, faith, praise?
______________________________________________________________
October 8: PEACE - "The Peace of God will guard your hearts"
Read Romans 5:1-8; 11:16-21; Philippians 4:4-9 In your own words, describe what these passages say about peace with God. What are your stumbling blocks for living in peace with others? How does having God's peace affect your relationships? How is God's view of peace different than the world's view? How would God want us to react when others do not reflect peace? Are there times that it is appropriate to not be peaceful?
______________________________________________________________
October 15: PATIENCE: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” Col 3:13
Read Matthew 18:21-35 The parable of the Unforgiving Servant
1. What was the setting for our Lord’s parable? (18: 21-22). Could 18:1 have anything to do with it?
2. What interactions happened with
(a) the king and the servant “who was brought to him”?
(b) the first servant and his fellow servant?
(c) the group of other servants?
(d) the king?
3. What is the point of the story? Does it help us to understand the abstract noun “patience”?
4. The KJV translation of the Greek word for patience— long-suffering makrothymía (from makrós, "long" and thymós, "passion, anger") – properly, long-passion, i.e. waiting sufficient time before expressing anger.).
If in English we had an adjective 'long-tempered' as a counterpart to 'short-tempered,' then makrothymia could be called the quality of +being 'long-tempered'. . . . which is a quality of God (LXX, Ex 34:6)" (F. F. Bruce, Commentary on Galatians, 253).
Briscoe: “Anger properly handled.”
5. Who is the king in this parable of the kingdom? How does God express “both wrath and patience”? What is the relation between God’s wrath and God’s love?
Read Colossian 3: 12-14
1. Setting. (a)To whom is this written? (3:1, 3:12). Is that us?
(b) the context of the teaching? What do you understand is
i. The overall idea (3:1,2)
ii. The twin approach: “you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.” (3:9, 10).
2. Teaching (12-14) To study these three verses, try Briscoe’s approach to Bible study. What? So what? Now what?
* What? What do these words mean?
* So what? What is their significance?
* Now what? What do they mean in my life?
___________________________________________
October 22 - KINDNESS: “Be Kind and Compassionate to One Another”
Intro to our topic:
Think of an example of someone you know who was kind. What was the reason for the kind act? What was the effect?
Are Christians the only people who act kindly?
What does the Bible mean by saying, “The fruit of the Spirit is... kindness”? Is there any difference in the reasons for
Christians to act kindly - and the effects? (Yes? / No? / Why?)
Let’s look briefly at the Bible’s teaching, a practical example from the Old Testament, and some New Testament teaching.
1. Truth in a nutshell - Ephesians 4:32
(NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
2. A practical example: David was kind to Saul’s family (2 Samuel 9)
a. Remind ourselves of the background (1 Samuel 20:12-17, especially verses 14, 15, and 42).
b. Read 2 Samuel 9. How was David kind to Jonathan’s son? What were the reasons for David to be kind to Jonathan’s son?
What were the effects of David’s kindness?
3. New Testament teaching: Read Ephesians 2:4-7
How has God been kind to us?
What are the reasons for God to be kind to us?
What are the effects of God’s kindness?
4. Return to “Truth in a nutshell” (Point 1 above).
What are the reasons for us to be kind to each other?
Does the verse summarise what we have learned?
_____________________________________________________
October 29 - GOODNESS: Mark 10:17-31
Intro: What do we understand by “good”?
The Rich Young Man
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." (Mark 10: 17, 18)
1. Read: Psalm 100 v. 5: “For the Lord is good”
What does Psalm 100 tell us about God’s character?
What evidence does the writer give?
What effect does that have—On the writer? On us?
2. Read: Romans 7:18-20
What does this Scripture teach us about human nature?
Where is the battle ground between the forces of evil and good?
Do we know that fight?
What Is the role of the Holy Spirit? Now? And in the future? [Romans 8: e.g. 9-11; 22,23]
3. Read Romans 12: 9, 21
v 9 Hate what is evil; cling to what is good...
v 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Is the Christian life active or passive? How can anyone have the power to live the Christian life?
__________________________________________________________
November 5 - FAITHFULNESS: “Well done, good and faithful servant”
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him [Moses] and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness...” Exodus 34: 5, 6.
1. Read: Lamentations 3:19-24
When Jeremiah remembers his troubles, which he knows God allows (3:1-18), how does he feel?
What does he say to himself?
Do we talk like this to ourselves?
What does it teach us about the role of feelings and doctrine?
2. Read: Matthew 25: 14-30 The Parable of the Bags of Gold / The parable of the talents / The entrusted talents This is one of a series of parables about the Kingdom of God.
What does it mean? Who is the master? The servants? The differing talents entrusted to the servants?
Why the differences? (v5) The master who goes away, and returns after a long time?
The attitude to the master of (a) the first two servants, and (b) the third servant
How the servants used the entrusted talents?
How the master reacts to the way the servants used the talents?
What is the main point? The encouragement? The warning?
In what ways does the Holy Spirit enable us to be faithful?
_________________________________________________________
November 19: MEEKNESS
Goal: To learn more about “The fruit of the Spirit... Meekness".
English meanings of the Greek word (praotes) in various good translations:
Goal: To learn more about “The fruit of the Spirit... Meekness".
English meanings of the Greek word (praotes) in various good translations:
Abstract noun
Meekness (KJV)
Tolerance (Phillips) Humility (Cole, New English Bible) |
Adjective
Meek
Humble |
Adverb
Meekly
In humility (NASB) |
I. The example of Moses (Read Numbers 12:1-15.)
The setting: Why do you think his sister and brother were upset with Moses? [Let’s not get distracted by Moses’ wife, because we know nothing more about her.]
Reaction. In a setting like this, how would the world often react?
What does Scripture tell us about Moses’ character? (v 3); What did God think of him? (verses 6-9)
What does this case study teach us about being meek and gentle?
II. The words of Jesus Christ (Read Matthew 11:28-30)
I am gentle and humble in heart (Philips; NIV)
I am meek and lowly in heart
I am gentle and lowly in heart (ESV)
I am humble and gentle at heart (NLT)
I am gentle and humble in spirit (Good News)
What does this incident teach us?
III. Five settings for us to consider
For each ask (1) What is the setting? (2). How does the Holy Spirit enable us to deal with it gently and humbly?
(1) Galatians 6:1 (2) 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (3) James 1:21 (4) 1 Peter 3:3-4 (5) 1 Peter 3:15-16
Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
Setting: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin,
Action you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NIV) Setting: People who oppose the truth
Action And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
James 1:21 (NIV) Setting: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent
Action and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) Setting: Your beauty Action: should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. [Husbands, see v7] (—the unfading loveliness of a calm and gentle spirit, a thing very precious in the eyes of God. [JB Phillips])
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) Setting: Dealing with questions
Action Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
The setting: Why do you think his sister and brother were upset with Moses? [Let’s not get distracted by Moses’ wife, because we know nothing more about her.]
Reaction. In a setting like this, how would the world often react?
What does Scripture tell us about Moses’ character? (v 3); What did God think of him? (verses 6-9)
What does this case study teach us about being meek and gentle?
II. The words of Jesus Christ (Read Matthew 11:28-30)
I am gentle and humble in heart (Philips; NIV)
I am meek and lowly in heart
I am gentle and lowly in heart (ESV)
I am humble and gentle at heart (NLT)
I am gentle and humble in spirit (Good News)
What does this incident teach us?
III. Five settings for us to consider
For each ask (1) What is the setting? (2). How does the Holy Spirit enable us to deal with it gently and humbly?
(1) Galatians 6:1 (2) 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (3) James 1:21 (4) 1 Peter 3:3-4 (5) 1 Peter 3:15-16
Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
Setting: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin,
Action you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NIV) Setting: People who oppose the truth
Action And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
James 1:21 (NIV) Setting: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent
Action and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) Setting: Your beauty Action: should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. [Husbands, see v7] (—the unfading loveliness of a calm and gentle spirit, a thing very precious in the eyes of God. [JB Phillips])
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) Setting: Dealing with questions
Action Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
November 26: SELF-CONTROL (and review)
A. REVIEW Fruit of the Spirit (Stuart Briscoe)
Discover what the Bible says as we ask questions about its contents and search for answers. This is the inductive approach to Bible study. God speaks directly to each of
us through his Word.
SUGGESTED APPROACH Pray that the Holy Spirit will ‘guide you into all truth.’ John 6:13
Remember that your goal is to learn all you can from the Bible passage being studied. Let it speak for itself.
Commit yourself to letting God’s Word change you.
It’s one thing to believe that Christ died for the sins of the world... But it is entirely different to believe that Christ died for me and then rose again to live within me through his Holy Spirit. We need more than forgiven sins. We need more than conscience or courtesy. We must be born again. We need “a new nature”.
The fruit of the Spirit is most definitely the result of inner working of the blessed Holy Spirit... but there is also a human factor. The Christian life “in step with the Spirit” means that we must be “partakers of the divine nature”, 2 Peter 1:4 - see below. We must obey God’s commands to love, be patient, kind, and self-controlled, but we must also depend on God’s power through the Spirit to make it possible.
B. SELF-CONTROL: Add to Your Faith... Self-Control
KINDS OF QUESTIONS in the inductive approach to Bible study. (Apply these to the Scriptures below:)
Intro: What do we think and feel about the topic? In what way do our thoughts and feelings need to be transformed by Scripture?
BIBLE STUDY
1. What? What does the text say?
2. So what? What does it mean?
3. Now what? What does it mean to me?
a. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
i. For what purpose did Paul choose to limit his freedom? What range of examples does he give? (9:19-23). What dangers are there in becoming all things to all people? (19:23).
ii. The Need for Self-Discipline (9:24-27).
Is an athlete’s self-control a good analogy for the Christian walk?
b. Read 2 Peter 1:3-7
i. (2 Peter 1:4) “God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us.” (CEV); “...you may participate in the divine nature.” (NIV); “enable you to share his divine nature” (NLT). What member of the Holy Trinity has the special
task of applying this truth?
ii. How do you balance God’s command, “make every effort”, with the work of the Holy Spirit in producing Christian character?
iii. During this series, what truth has had the greatest impact on you?
A. REVIEW Fruit of the Spirit (Stuart Briscoe)
Discover what the Bible says as we ask questions about its contents and search for answers. This is the inductive approach to Bible study. God speaks directly to each of
us through his Word.
SUGGESTED APPROACH Pray that the Holy Spirit will ‘guide you into all truth.’ John 6:13
Remember that your goal is to learn all you can from the Bible passage being studied. Let it speak for itself.
Commit yourself to letting God’s Word change you.
It’s one thing to believe that Christ died for the sins of the world... But it is entirely different to believe that Christ died for me and then rose again to live within me through his Holy Spirit. We need more than forgiven sins. We need more than conscience or courtesy. We must be born again. We need “a new nature”.
The fruit of the Spirit is most definitely the result of inner working of the blessed Holy Spirit... but there is also a human factor. The Christian life “in step with the Spirit” means that we must be “partakers of the divine nature”, 2 Peter 1:4 - see below. We must obey God’s commands to love, be patient, kind, and self-controlled, but we must also depend on God’s power through the Spirit to make it possible.
B. SELF-CONTROL: Add to Your Faith... Self-Control
KINDS OF QUESTIONS in the inductive approach to Bible study. (Apply these to the Scriptures below:)
Intro: What do we think and feel about the topic? In what way do our thoughts and feelings need to be transformed by Scripture?
BIBLE STUDY
1. What? What does the text say?
2. So what? What does it mean?
3. Now what? What does it mean to me?
a. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
i. For what purpose did Paul choose to limit his freedom? What range of examples does he give? (9:19-23). What dangers are there in becoming all things to all people? (19:23).
ii. The Need for Self-Discipline (9:24-27).
Is an athlete’s self-control a good analogy for the Christian walk?
b. Read 2 Peter 1:3-7
i. (2 Peter 1:4) “God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us.” (CEV); “...you may participate in the divine nature.” (NIV); “enable you to share his divine nature” (NLT). What member of the Holy Trinity has the special
task of applying this truth?
ii. How do you balance God’s command, “make every effort”, with the work of the Holy Spirit in producing Christian character?
iii. During this series, what truth has had the greatest impact on you?
Nov 12, 2013 Special movie event: 'Finger of God' (no dinner)
In John 14:12 Jesus says "I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
"Finger of God" is the first film in the trilogy that includes Father of Lights that we experienced in May. It opens our eyes to healing miracles happening all over the world. "It is the most persuasive introduction to miracles ever seen, and its impact will be both emotional and life-changing. Plus, unlike most documentaries, it provides 100 minutes of sheer entertainment—for believers and skeptics alike.” Jim Rutz, Author, Megashift 7:30 start time - no dinner tonight - potluck dessert, tea & coffee Everyone welcome! |
film: Startling Proof
September 10, 2013
Does God really exist? Prove it! You be the judge!
It is the demand of every skeptic. "Prove to me that God exists." Of course, making a decision to accept the Gospel of Christ is a matter of faith. But, as this shocking new video shows, the evidence of a superior being is a matter of fact
In this fast-moving docu-drama from the makers of the Left Behind series, you'll see the startling new evidence for yourself. Featuring scientists and leading Bible scholars like Peter and Paul Lalonde, Grant Jeffrey, Dave Breese, Dave Hunt, and Chuck Missler, this is one video that you can share with your unsaved friends and loved ones.
"Bringing modern technology, scientific reasoning and the analysis of numerous experts into play, this video leaves even the toughest skeptic no choice but to believe that God must really exist." - EndTime
"One of the best all-around creation videos covering science, prophecy, and archeology." - Christian Family Services
Does God really exist? Prove it! You be the judge!
It is the demand of every skeptic. "Prove to me that God exists." Of course, making a decision to accept the Gospel of Christ is a matter of faith. But, as this shocking new video shows, the evidence of a superior being is a matter of fact
In this fast-moving docu-drama from the makers of the Left Behind series, you'll see the startling new evidence for yourself. Featuring scientists and leading Bible scholars like Peter and Paul Lalonde, Grant Jeffrey, Dave Breese, Dave Hunt, and Chuck Missler, this is one video that you can share with your unsaved friends and loved ones.
"Bringing modern technology, scientific reasoning and the analysis of numerous experts into play, this video leaves even the toughest skeptic no choice but to believe that God must really exist." - EndTime
"One of the best all-around creation videos covering science, prophecy, and archeology." - Christian Family Services
Ask the Pastor night
September 3rd - Norman Archer will be on hand to answer questions you have on God, Jesus, the bible, or life. We expect some lively discussion!
The Prodigal God
by Timothy Keller - July 23 - August 27, 2013 (6-week study)
(review:) "Two sons, one who kept the rules religiously and one who broke them all. One Father who loved both lost sons beyond anything they could imagine. Discover how deep and far God's grace goes in The Prodigal God. In six captivating sessions, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller opens your eyes to the powerful message of Jesus' best-known---and least understood---parable. The Prodigal God is a revelation of the very heart of the gospel: God's radical love for sinners of every kind. Taking you beyond the traditional focus on the wayward younger son, Keller helps you glean insights from each of the characters in Jesus' parable: the irreligious younger son, the moralistic elder son, and the Father who lavishes his love on both. The gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, but something else entirely. Whether you're a devout believer or a skeptic, The Prodigal God will challenge you to see Christianity in a whole new way."
As always, everyone is welcome. We encourage participants to commit to being there each week of the series, if possible.
Are you new or just joining us for the summer? Please read our bible study guidelines.
7:00 pm - Dinner $5 please make your reservation by the Sunday before here or at [email protected]
7:30 pm - Study start time (ends at ~9:00-9:30)
(review:) "Two sons, one who kept the rules religiously and one who broke them all. One Father who loved both lost sons beyond anything they could imagine. Discover how deep and far God's grace goes in The Prodigal God. In six captivating sessions, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller opens your eyes to the powerful message of Jesus' best-known---and least understood---parable. The Prodigal God is a revelation of the very heart of the gospel: God's radical love for sinners of every kind. Taking you beyond the traditional focus on the wayward younger son, Keller helps you glean insights from each of the characters in Jesus' parable: the irreligious younger son, the moralistic elder son, and the Father who lavishes his love on both. The gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, but something else entirely. Whether you're a devout believer or a skeptic, The Prodigal God will challenge you to see Christianity in a whole new way."
As always, everyone is welcome. We encourage participants to commit to being there each week of the series, if possible.
Are you new or just joining us for the summer? Please read our bible study guidelines.
7:00 pm - Dinner $5 please make your reservation by the Sunday before here or at [email protected]
7:30 pm - Study start time (ends at ~9:00-9:30)
David - When Only God's Grace Will Do
by Norman Archer - April-July 16, 2013
(review:) "This book is a refreshing analysis of the life of King David that removes the befogging and often inaccurate aura that frequently surrounds this major Bible hero. It brings David clearly into focus as a very real human being with faults and foibles every bit as startling as his virtues. Here is a challenging new view, sure to generate lively discussion in Bible study groups or family settings."
King David is known as "a man after God's own heart". Author and pastor, Norman Archer and his lovely wife, Mary, have joined our 20/20 bible study. As we work through this book largely based on 1 & 2 Samuel, Norman, natural story teller and historian, will give insight into how he would write a little differently about David after 30 years of reflection. I (Virginia) read this book years ago and found it interesting to relate David's relationship with God to my own spiritual journey. I found it hard to put down and was very eye-opening while bringing history to life for me.
This is a study that is sure to be interesting on many levels, and reflective. Invite your friends to join us for this series, and to experience being part of our 20/20 community.
Dinner at 7:00 - $5 please reserve your spot by the Sunday before at [email protected]
Study begins at 7:30 pm.
(review:) "This book is a refreshing analysis of the life of King David that removes the befogging and often inaccurate aura that frequently surrounds this major Bible hero. It brings David clearly into focus as a very real human being with faults and foibles every bit as startling as his virtues. Here is a challenging new view, sure to generate lively discussion in Bible study groups or family settings."
King David is known as "a man after God's own heart". Author and pastor, Norman Archer and his lovely wife, Mary, have joined our 20/20 bible study. As we work through this book largely based on 1 & 2 Samuel, Norman, natural story teller and historian, will give insight into how he would write a little differently about David after 30 years of reflection. I (Virginia) read this book years ago and found it interesting to relate David's relationship with God to my own spiritual journey. I found it hard to put down and was very eye-opening while bringing history to life for me.
This is a study that is sure to be interesting on many levels, and reflective. Invite your friends to join us for this series, and to experience being part of our 20/20 community.
Dinner at 7:00 - $5 please reserve your spot by the Sunday before at [email protected]
Study begins at 7:30 pm.
March 26, 2013: Father of Lights
March 26, 2013 - film and discussion starting at 7:30 in the Fireside Room.
Feb 19 - March 19 2013 - Life Journey with Hugh - discussions on healing, prayer, wisdom.
Starts at 7:30 in the Fireside Room - eat dinner first. Dinner will be served again staring in April.
Starts at 7:30 in the Fireside Room - eat dinner first. Dinner will be served again staring in April.
Book of Acts
September 2012 through February 2013 - Study of Acts continued.
Summer Schedule with games, fellowship & conversational topics with answer from the Word.
July 10 - start of Summer Schedule - discussion topics & games/fellowship. Book of Acts will resume again in September.
July 3 - Acts 10 - Cornelius / Peter's vision
June 26 - (postponed - group went to visit Peter in hospital)
June 19 - Acts 9 - Saul to Paul - on the road to Damascus
June 12 - Acts 8 - Persecution
June 5 - Acts 7 - Stephen
May 29 - Acts 6 - Growing pains
May 22 - Acts 5:12-42 - Popularity, persecution & Deliverance
May 15 - prayer & fellowship
May 8 - Acts 4:32 - 5:11 - Discipline in the Church
May 1 - Acts 4:1-31 - Opposition to the Gospel
April 24 - Acts 3:1-26 - The Healing of the Lame Man
April 17 - Acts 2 - Pentecost
April 10, 2012- Acts 1 - Getting Ahead of God
Summer Schedule with games, fellowship & conversational topics with answer from the Word.
July 10 - start of Summer Schedule - discussion topics & games/fellowship. Book of Acts will resume again in September.
July 3 - Acts 10 - Cornelius / Peter's vision
June 26 - (postponed - group went to visit Peter in hospital)
June 19 - Acts 9 - Saul to Paul - on the road to Damascus
June 12 - Acts 8 - Persecution
June 5 - Acts 7 - Stephen
May 29 - Acts 6 - Growing pains
May 22 - Acts 5:12-42 - Popularity, persecution & Deliverance
May 15 - prayer & fellowship
May 8 - Acts 4:32 - 5:11 - Discipline in the Church
May 1 - Acts 4:1-31 - Opposition to the Gospel
April 24 - Acts 3:1-26 - The Healing of the Lame Man
April 17 - Acts 2 - Pentecost
April 10, 2012- Acts 1 - Getting Ahead of God
Gospel of John
Session 1: The book of Signs
Session 2: The book of Glory
September 2011 - early December: The book of Signs
December - March 2012: The book of Glory
December - March 2012: The book of Glory
Book of James
An in-depth study through reading various versions of the Bible & discussion notes from the Serendipity Bible Study Book.
July 26, 2011 - James 4:13-17 Nothing but a Wisp of Fog (the Message)
13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money." You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that." 16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
August 2 - James 5:1-6 Destroying Your Life from Within (the Message)
1-3 And a final word to you arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You'll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. Your money is corrupt and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you've piled up is judgment. 4-6 All the workers you've exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. You've looted the earth and lived it up. But all you'll have to show for it is a fatter than usual corpse. In fact, what you've done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it.
August 9 - James 5:7-12 (the Message)
7-8 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. 9 Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. 10-11 Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. 12 And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you.
August 16 - James 5:13-19 Prayer to Be Reckoned With (the Message)
13-15 Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out. 16-18 Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again. 19-20 My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
July 26, 2011 - James 4:13-17 Nothing but a Wisp of Fog (the Message)
13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money." You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that." 16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
August 2 - James 5:1-6 Destroying Your Life from Within (the Message)
1-3 And a final word to you arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You'll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. Your money is corrupt and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you've piled up is judgment. 4-6 All the workers you've exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. You've looted the earth and lived it up. But all you'll have to show for it is a fatter than usual corpse. In fact, what you've done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it.
August 9 - James 5:7-12 (the Message)
7-8 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. 9 Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. 10-11 Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. 12 And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you.
August 16 - James 5:13-19 Prayer to Be Reckoned With (the Message)
13-15 Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out. 16-18 Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again. 19-20 My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
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