Life in the Spirit

Preached by Brian Robinson on January 29, 2012

Romans 8:1-17

The Christian life is a life in the Spirit.

Justification
Man is guilt. He may not know it, feel it or believe it.
The guilt of violating God’s law brings condemnation.
We are enslaved to sin and Satan, unable to free ourselves.
God justifies the sinner. We are declared, “NOT GUILTY” before the bar of God’s justice.
He did it by making Christ a sin offering.
He does not overlook sin.
Justification is not subjective, but objective.
We had nothing to do with it.
It is outside of us.
The work of God as Judge.
We cannot be more justified in Heaven.

Sanctification
Follows justification in time.
Deals with the mastery over sin.
Done inside of us.
We are made new creations.
Stony heart out, heart of flesh in.
The work of God as a surgeon.
A process of transformation.
The Spirit is heavily involved in this work.
We grow in this grace.
Jesus delivers us from the penalty of sin. The Spirit delivers us from the power of sin.
Man hates the doctrine of original sin—he is a rebel, he can do nothing to please God. (Rom. 8:7,8)
Only two classes of people in the world; those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit.
Life is short; what counts for eternity.
We act according to our nature.
Men are not sinners because they sin; they sin because they are sinners.
See a lamb in the pasture, a dead animal lying near him and a vulture circling overhead. What will the lamb and vulture eat, and why?
The lamb will eat grass and the vulture will eat the carrion because they will act according to their nature.
Likewise a sinner will act according to his sinful nature. He can do nothing else.
The school system without God is turning out hedonistic nihilists.
Laws are passed contrary to God’s law; gay marriage, and 100,000 abortions per year in Canada.

The Exaltation of Christ.

Preached by Brian Robinson on January 29, 2012-01-29

John 3:14, 15

Spurgeon’s conversion
He was under conviction and would have done anything to be saved, except do nothing and trust in the finished work of Christ.
Text for the sermon he heard was “Look unto me, you ends of the earth, and be saved.”
Anyone can look.
Simple and free.
People complain the gospel is either too easy or too hard.
Numbers 21:4-9
Christ was exalted on the cross.
People would rather make up excuses than look.
People would rather “do” something.
There is no other cure for our sin.
There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
Christ’s death was for all people, not just one nation.
Jesus became sin for us—sin was imputed to Christ.
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
Vs. 15 everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Look. Believe.
Don’t worry about what others say, believe in Jesus.

Logos and Illustrations

Outside my window... dark, cold, with a dusting of snow.
I am thinking...I’m glad there was a guilty verdict in the Shafia murder trial. I can see how polygamy is coming when they already have the lingo in place; co-wife.
I am hoping...to find time to edit my Women in the Genealogy of Christ series. I’ve decided to call it, Even Me? The Unlikely Women in the Genealogy of Christ. Maybe I can turn it into an e-book or a small paperback this year, while I continue to work on my Scarlet Thread project.
I am thankful for...our church. I am going tomorrow morning to show it to my daughter and her fiancé to see if it would be suitable for their wedding.
I am wearing...jeans, a print top and a navy cardigan.
From the kitchen... ribs, hassleback potatoes, mixed veggies, chocolate chip cookies.
I am hearing...my daughter watch Alcatraz on her laptop.
I am reading... Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon.
Around the house...my aunt from Finland is coming for the wedding. She is the one who is just finishing treatment for ovarian cancer. She’s my mom’s youngest sister.
One of my favourite things... getting creative ideas. I have an idea for a logo and a few other things related to my website and books. My future-son-in-law, Rony is a graphic designer and is going to help me. I’ll pay him, of course.
Some plans for the week... work three nights. I’m training a student all three nights, which I enjoy doing. Bank appointment Thursday, clean and shop on Friday. Enjoy my last full evening with my husband, attend a planning meeting for DVBS at church on Saturday, and then try not to get too stressed if the labour disruption goes ahead and my husband has to head to work for midnight Saturday. He’ll be locked in for a week at least, at first. Church on Sunday. I’m in the nursery.

Get This Party Started!

Outside my window... a howling cold, strong wind. The swing was pushed off the deck again.
I am thinking...okay. I can finally say it. My daughter is engaged! Her boyfriend came over last week to ask us about marrying her. We told him he didn’t have to ask us, but we appreciated that he did. It says something about his character, doesn’t it? We’re very happy. He’s a believer and we love him. They won’t get married until she gets a job, maybe by this fall. No date set yet. I’M GOING TO BE A MOTHER-IN-LAW!
I am hoping...to get a handle on our household finances this year. Many changes require us to revisit our budget.
I am thankful for...my daughter’s choice of a husband. Two thumbs up. Extra points because he proposed in a bookstore.
I am wearing...black yoga pants, a print top and a grey cardigan.
From the kitchen...roast chicken from the grocery store. The greatest invention on busy days.
I am hearing...NCIS Los Angeles.
I am reading... Guardian of the Flame by T.L. Higley. It’s set in Alexandria, Egypt at the time of Caesar and Cleopatra.
Around the house...my oldest is working hard this final semester before she graduates. My youngest is still doing well enough to be on the Dean’s List. My husband is prepping for possible labour disruption. My aunt will be coming from Finland for the wedding this fall.
One of my favourite things... planning parties. This is going to be fun.
Some plans for the week...Daughter and future son-in-law are coming over on Sunday. They are checking out a venue on Monday.

What’s Your Focus?

Preached by Glen Zeidler on Jan. 15, 2012-01-22

Ecclesiastes 1,2

How do we find what is important in life?
What is life all about?
Consider the gold rushes of the 19th and 20th centuries—People rushing to find their riches. Most lost all they gained. What they sought to find seemed like chasing after the wind.
We could say they were foolish, but we are the same. We say ‘God is good’ but we want more.
What is your focus?
Life is monotonous; a meaningless action. A cycle like water, wind, sun.
Same actions year after year achieving nothing.
What gives meaning to life? Why am I here?
Solomon is looking back at his life. It was an experiment.

Knowledge and Wisdom
Highly rated today, but they still can’t give a reason for living.
Not against education, but what are you expecting from it?
We’re inundated with information, yet humanity is no better off.
William Carey was self taught, yet he translated the Bible into 8 or 9 languages.

Pleasure
If it feels good, do it.” Forget the consequences.
What pleases you now will bore you later.
You’ll keep searching for new pleasures.
A fleeting joy, not a reason for living.
Self-indulgence, alcohol, laughter.

Projects
Building projects (ch2:4-10) to leave a legacy.
The one with the most toys in the end still dies.
The arts, sexual pleasures.
Why do you work? So you can have things.

Is this the focus of your life?
It’s never enough.
It leaves us empty.
Only one Person makes our lives worth living—Jesus Christ.
Nothing else will satisfy.
Where is your focus, your fulfillment?
Externals: money, pleasure, pensions.
We can get trapped as easily as non-believers.
These things can be good in themselves, but beware of being mastered by them.
We’re just passing through.
You will leave it all to someone else.
God has put you here for a reason.
Find out what that reason is.

Date Night

Outside my window...snow. Surprise, surprise.
I am thinking...it's tragic about that cruise ship disaster in Italy. The Captain who abandoned ship claims he "tripped and fell into a lifeboat". Really? That's the best he could come up with? Are there no men of integrity out there?
I am hoping...against hope that there won't be a City Labour disruption, but it's wishful thinking. I don't want to be without my husband. I'm needier than I thought.
I am thankful for...not getting hurt more than I did when I fell on the ice this week. In twenty years, the same thing would result in a broken hip, rather than bruises and achiness. Maybe a sauna will help.
I am wearing...my uniform; at work.
From the kitchen...chili and bread.
I am hearing...an unusually quiet unit. Only nine patients tonight.
I am reading...Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist, set in Texas in the early days of the telephone.
Around the house...my daughter's job interview went well. Now we wait. Apparently there is a lot of competition. My husband has been praying for opportunities to witness and two incredible ones happened this past week when two co-workers approached him and just started pouring out their fears. Amazing how that happens sometimes.
One of my favourite things...free date nights. I have gift cards for dinner and a movie tomorrow. Thank you Air Miles and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Some plans for the week...finish my second week of four nights. Go out for dinner with my husband at Boston Pizza and then see a movie; maybe War Horse. Clean on Saturday, maybe visit my eldest daughter's church on Saturday night so we can see her, and then our church on Sunday. Our Pastor is back from Texas after about a month away.

A New Commandment

Preached by Mark Hudson on January 15, 2011

John 13:21-38

We need guiding principles. Some say, "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Others, "The one with the most toys wins," or "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," or "Do unto others before they do unto you."

Principles that please God:
1) Wash one another's feet.
2) Love one another- ongoing verb tense. Keep on loving one another. Why does He give this command now, right before the crucifixion? Why does he call it a new commandment? The Old Testament talks about love, so what's new about it?
The phrase, "just as I have loved you." A new standard is set.

There are counterfeit loves out there.
1) Reciprocal love; "if you love me, then I'll love you." No better than the Pharisees.
2) Comparative love; we want to be seen as more loving than the next person. Above average is the goal.
3) Selective love; won't love those who have offended and hurt them. People draw lines.
4) Investment love; some love because it's in their best interests. What's in it for me?
5) Manipulative love; may have schemes.
6) Reasonable love; Peter thought he was above average for forgiving seven times.

Jesus set a new standard. Our love is measured by His love.
He was willing to wash our feet and die for us.
That's what makes this commandment new.

How did Jesus love?
1) Genuine and deep; He knows you and still loves you.
There is a substance to His love, "as the Father has loved me." Completely, totally, eternally. Trickle down. Father to Son, Son to His people, His people to one another.
2) Self-sacrificial love; John 3:16 'so loved, He gave'. The incarnation, His life of ministry among us. On the cross--greater love has no man than this, that a man lays down his life for his friends. Loving=giving.
3) Constant and steadfast; He doesn't love us less when we sin. Ongoing love. Nothing can separate us from His love. Rom. 8:35-39

How des this love show itself in our lives?
What are the first three words when people think of us? Are we loving?
Not just a resolution or determination. This is supernatural love.
1) Be quick to forgive; don't hold grudges. This is a distinguishing characteristic of love.
2) Watch out for the needs of others. Loneliness is listed as the number one problem of university students.
3) Be willing to submit to one another.
4) Pray fervently for one another.
5) Offer guidance and counsel when we're able.
6) Be loyal, trustworthy and dependable.
7) Be positive and optimistic in our delingswith others. Avoid slander.
Love should be the reigning principle.
This kind of love requires the grace of God.
We need to love Jesus first--be one with Christ.
Faith, hope and love should characterize us. The greatest of these is love. Faith and hope can be quiet, but love must be shown.

Kody's Winter Coat

Outside my window...dark, but mild. Very little snow this winter. I suppose we do need some kind of precipitation this winter. Wouldn't want a winter drought.
I am thinking...that it's funny that on the show Hawaii-5-0, they have a Korean actor, playing a Hawaiian with a Chinese name (Chin Ho), and his character has a cousin, played by a Philippina actress. Does Hollywood think one Asian is the same as the next, or are they counting on the fact that most people can't tell the difference?
I am hoping...to have enough time Friday night to prep my message and food for the meeting of the Women of Faith Saturday morning. Mostly done, just tweaking.
I am thankful for...chocolate. Sometimes it just hits the spot.
I am wearing...jeans, a pink Roots t-shirt, and a black cardigan.
From the kitchen...beef stroganoff, egg noodles and green beans.
I am hearing...the train.
I am reading...Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. It's the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. Intense!
Around the house...the kids are back in school for the new term. My youngest is preparing for a job interview next week for summer work. My mom is very teary lately, which isn't like her. My husband is prepping for the possible municipal labour disruption.
One of my favourite things...I caved, and bought Kody a jacket. I swore I'd never buy clothes for a pet. He looks darn cute, though.
Some plans for the week...work four nights. Only two to go. Make rainbow fruit skewers for the Women of Faith meeting since I'm speaking about Noah's ark. Clean and prep on Saturday because we'll be hosting the guest preacher on Sunday. Our Pastor and his wife are delayed in Texas.

The Virginal Conception

By Pedro Rodriguez

Preached on Jan. 8, 2012

Luke 1:26-38

This doctrine is usually referred to as the virgin birth, but it was really a virginal conception and a natural birth.
The natural mind has trouble accepting this miracle.
It is as difficult to believe as the resurrection.
It is a fundamental belief of the Christian church.
Some modern theologians say it is not compatible with the modern mind.
They are quick to deny any supernatural intervention of God in the affairs of man.
Some say it is not inherent to the doctrine of the incarnation.
This doctrine relates to the truthfulness of Scripture and is linked to the deity of Christ and His sinless human nature.
Some say this idea is borrowed from Greek mythology.
Jesus is the God-Man. It is only possible if it happened this way.
Luke is a good historian and always gives you a time reference. (Luke 1:26)
A betrothal was more formal than ours.
It lasted about a year. She would be referred to as his wife, it could be broken only by divorce, and infidelity would be called adultery.
Joseph is from the line of David. (vs. 27)
Mary is troubled more by the greeting of the angel than his presence.
Judges 6:12 “The Lord is with you” in reference to Gideon.
2 Sam. 1:16 The Davidic covenant.
The name Jesus means Yahweh saves (Matt. 1:21)
Vs. 32 A fulfillment of the promise to David
Vs. 33 An eternal kingdom. Because it is forever, there is no one else coming after Him.
God always keeps his promises; we see this in Scripture and in history.
Mary asks, “How can this be?” she has not had a sexual relationship with Joseph, or anyone (vs.39)
This is the question of the natural man as well.
They laugh at the Christian.
They believe they are neutral, but they are not, because they discount the supernatural.
They are suppressing the truth (Rom. 1:18)
Gabriel’s answer in vs. 35 “The Holy spirit will come upon you.” Similar to the promise of the Holy Spirit to the believers (Acts 1:8) which results in a new birth.
Overshadow = envelope. (Like on the mount of transfiguration).
We must be careful to avoid any idea of a sexual interaction between Mary and the Holy Spirit.
How this actually happened, we don’t know.
The result? The Holy One will be called the Son of God.
Sovereign, divine, unilateral.
Vs. 36 He reassures her by giving her news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, to show how God is capable of the impossible.
The LORD opens and closes the womb.
Mary’s response. Vs. 38 in faith, submission, obedience and gratitude.
The social implications would have been enormous.
The supernatural nature of Jesus’ birth is compatible with the rest of his life and resurrection.
He had life before life and life after death.
Jesus must be one of us, and yet separate from us, in order to save us.
This doctrine is critical to our Christian faith.
This is tied in to His work on the cross.

Freshness of a New Year

Outside my window...a howling wind. Thankful for a warm home.
I am thinking...looking forward to the new year, 2012. Not in the least worried about the world ending. God controls that, not the Mayans.
I am hoping...to be able to keep to my daily Bible reading plan a little longer this year. It’s too much to hope that I can actually do it. How’s that for pessimism. Like Eeyore, “Why do I even have dreams?”
I am thankful for...a good weekend with family and friends, good health, the preaching of the gospel and the Word of God in my hands.
I am wearing...pajamas. No evening service tonight, so I’ve been reading. See the sermon notes below from the message we heard preached this morning.
From the kitchen...roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, fish, carrots, beans, and many appetizers from last night.
I am hearing...the howling wind while I sit in front of the Christmas tree. I’ll take down the decorations tomorrow.
I am reading...Thunder in the Morning Calm by Don Brown. I have an autographed copy which I won for commenting on a blog. I have read four of his books, all with a military theme. Love it.
Around the house...Both girls are still at home one more night. They are hooked on reading The Hunger Games trilogy. I have to make time to read it, too. The trailer looks good and I’m not usually a fan of post-apocalyptic books. My husband is finally relaxing with a few days off.
One of my favourite things...the freshness and promise of a new year, like a new school year, or a fresh notebook.
Some plans for the week...still off tomorrow. We plan to go to IKEA. Then I work three nights next week. No plans for the weekend, so far.

Looking Forward

By Glen Zeidler

Preached on Jan.1, 2012

Ecclesiastes 1

This book is part of the Wisdom Literature, which includes Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Solomon.
This book seems sad, almost cynical.
Why should we trust this book? What qualifies this author to speak about life so authoritatively?
Solomon is not named, but there are clues; son of David, King of Israel, rich, wise.
As we look ahead of us, we can look forward to a sameness. There are things we can expect day after day.
An architectural folly—built for no purpose; pretty, but empty.
Verse two is the theme of this book—Everything is meaningless.
As you grasp for things in this life, it’s like grasping the wind.
Everything is fleeting; nothing is lasting; pursuing empty pleasures.
Was this the way it was supposed to be? No.
At Creation, everything had meaning.
After sin, man began a mundane, difficult existence. Gen. 3:17-19
Creation itself was affected by the fall.
We can’t keep anything.
Our actions have no purpose.
Think of your ancestors. You may be able to name them, but you don’t know them.
The cycles of generations, even the monotony of sunrise and sunset testify to the treadmill of life.
Fruitless activity is unsatisfying. It is wearisome.
We sometimes like to think we are different.
Of the millions of people that pass through history, how many are remembered?
For a non-Christian, your life has no meaning.
A believer’s life has purpose and meaning. We have been called.
The question is not what satisfies us.
What is your focus for the new year?
Build your house on the Rock. Lay up treasures in Heaven. What is the quality of your work for God?