Brampton Blog

Brampton Blog http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blog.aspx?site_id=10370&blog_id=159141 EN-US Copyright © 2012 Harvest Bible Chapel - Brampton http://www.triplePixel.com Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:00:00 GMT A Regular Update for Harvest Brampton Ted Duncan Ted Duncantduncan@harvestbrampton.ca no Praying for Easter Weekend Services http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=293983http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=293983 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT We’re looking forward to our Good Friday Services at Gage School (9:15 & 11:30) and our Easter Together Sunday Service at the Hersey Centre (10:00). Would you join us in praying for this event? a. Praying for people serving in Harvest Kids / Higher Ground <ul> <li>for special encouragement and power for the Children's ministry workers that will not be able to attend the Easter service (Philippians 2:4)</li> <li>for effective use of their gifts for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:11)</li> <li>for Spirit-filled power, clarity and courage in teaching the children (Psalm 34:11)</li> </ul> b. Praying for Jameson Evenden, Joshua Seller, the worship team members and the AV team members <ul> <li>for humility under God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6)</li> <li>for effective use of gifts for God’s glory (Psalm 33:3)</li> <li>for our congregation to follow their lead in praise and worship to God (Psalm 40:5)</li> </ul> c. Praying for the bold proclamation of the Word of God this weekend.         Good Friday: Ted Duncan preaching on Ephesians 5:1-2         Easter Sunday: Robbie Symons preaching on Acts 4:12         Easter Sunday Harvest Kids: Marvin McCooty preaching on 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 <ul> <li>for humility (Isaiah 66:2)</li> <li>for Spirit-led discipline, and for concentration in preparation (2 Timothy 3:15)</li> <li>for personal conviction and application of the passage (Colossians 3:16)</li> <li>for Spirit-filled power, clarity and courage in proclamation  (Acts 4:8-13)</li> </ul> d. Praying for the Lost <ul> <li>for boldness for us to invite people (Romans 1:16)</li> <li>for lost people to come to church (Luke 19:10)</li> <li>that God would move powerfully during the services (Psalm 68:28)</li> <li>that people would hear God speak to them during the services (1 Thess 2:13)</li> <li>for God to draw people Himself during the services (John 6:44)</li> <li>that people would be cut to the heart by the message of the gospel (Acts 2:37)</li> <li>that people would respond in faith to the message of the gospel (Romans 10:9)</li> <li>that adults and children would become disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)</li> </ul> We’re looking forward to our Good Friday Services at Gage School (9:15 & 11:30) and our Easter Together Sunday Service at the Hersey Centre (10:00). Would you join us in praying for this event? a. Praying for people serving in Harvest Kids / Higher Ground for special encouragement and power for the Children's ministry workers that will not be able to attend the Easter service (Philippians 2:4) for effective use of their gifts for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:11) for Spirit-filled power, clarity and courage in teaching the children (Psalm 34:11) b. Praying for Jameson Evenden, Joshua Seller, the worship team members and the AV team members for humility under God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6) for effective use of gifts for God’s glory (Psalm 33:3) for our congregation to follow their lead in praise and worship to God (Psalm 40:5) c. Praying for the bold proclamation of the Word of God this weekend. Good Friday: Ted Duncan preaching on Ephesians 5:1-2 Easter Sunday: Robbie Symons preaching on Acts 4:12 Easter Sunday Harvest Kids: Marvin McCooty preaching on 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 for humility (Isaiah 66:2) for Spirit-led discipline, and for concentration in preparation (2 Timothy 3:15) for personal conviction and application of the passage (Colossians 3:16) for Spirit-filled power, clarity and courage in proclamation (Acts 4:8-13) d. Praying for the Lost for boldness for us to invite people (Romans 1:16) for lost people to come to church (Luke 19:10) that God would move powerfully during the services (Psalm 68:28) that people would hear God speak to them during the services (1 Thess 2:13) for God to draw people Himself during the services (John 6:44) that people would be cut to the heart by the message of the gospel (Acts 2:37) that people would respond in faith to the message of the gospel (Romans 10:9) that adults and children would become disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) Speaking the Truth in Love, BE DIFFERENT: John Piper http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=292451http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=292451 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT This sermon excerpt from John Piper was produced by <a href="http://www.1031sermonjams.com/">1031sermonjams.com</a>. I think it beautifully sums up what "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) means for us today. I hope it challenges you and encourages you.<div class="Listen"><a href="http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/Content/10370/enclosures/bedifferent.mp3"><img src="http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/images/listen.png" style="margin-right:10px;" border="0" alt="" /></a></div> This sermon excerpt from John Piper was produced by 1031sermonjams.com . I think it beautifully sums up what "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) means for us today. I hope it challenges you and encourages you. NEW SONG: Never Once http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=282343http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=282343 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT I'm really looking forward to the gathering of our church family together this Sunday. One of the things I'm most excited about is lifting our voices together in singing "Never Once" from Matt Redman's <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/10-000-reasons/id441687303">10, 000 Reasons</a> album. This song is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness and constancy. I encourage you to listen to it yourself in your own private worship time before we all come together for corporate worship. Here's Matt Redman explaining the story behind the song. <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dR77PdCiU68"></iframe> Here's the full song. <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/722zPX1npcA"></iframe> Here are the lyrics to the song. Verse 1 Standing on this mountaintop Looking just how far we've come Knowing that for every step You were with us Verse 2 Kneeling on this battle ground Seeing just how much You've done Knowing every victory Is Your power in us Pre-Chorus Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say Yes, our hearts can say Chorus 1 Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful, God, You are faithful Bridge Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say Never once did we ever walk alone Carried by Your constant grace Held within Your perfect peace Never once, no, we never walk alone Ending Chorus Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful, God, You are faithful Every step we are breathing in Your grace Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise You are faithful, God, You are faithful You are faithful, God, You are faithful I'm really looking forward to the gathering of our church family together this Sunday. One of the things I'm most excited about is lifting our voices together in singing "Never Once" from Matt Redman's 10, 000 Reasons album. This song is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness and constancy. I encourage you to listen to it yourself in your own private worship time before we all come together for corporate worship. Here's Matt Redman explaining the story behind the song. Here's the full song. Here are the lyrics to the song. Verse 1 Standing on this mountaintop Looking just how far we've come Knowing that for every step You were with us Verse 2 Kneeling on this battle ground Seeing just how much You've done Knowing every victory Is Your power in us Pre-Chorus Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say Yes, our hearts can say Chorus 1 Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful, God, You are faithful Bridge Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say Never once did we ever walk alone Carried by Your constant grace Held within Your perfect peace Never once, no, we never walk alone Ending Chorus Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful, God, You are faithful Every step we are breathing in Your grace Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise You are faithful, God, You are faithful You are faithful, God, You are faithful FASTING Before the Throne http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=260050http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=260050 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT <style>  </style> Fasting is the discipline of humbly and prayerfully seeking God by abstaining from all or certain foods for a period of time. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s people pray and fast, Jesus being the greatest example (Matt.3:17-4:2). And as Jesus’ disciples, He instructs us to follow in His footsteps (Matt.6:17-18; 9:15). The Scriptures point to fasting for forgiveness of sin, rescue from enemies, for wisdom and direction, or just to draw nearer to God in worship. Fasting expresses our humility and faith in our almighty God, seeking Him and declaring that with God, all things are possible. Fasting also reveals the things that control us. Our heart is tested and exposed through fasting, and we find out what we truly love, trust and hope in most (Deut.8:2-3). How Do I Fast? During the Week of Prayer, we encourage you to follow our Saviour’s example and join the generations of God’s people who sought the Lord through fasting. 1. Prepare your Heart - review Isaiah 55:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:6-7. Ask the Lord what kind and length of fast He would have you do. Does He want you to go completely without food, consuming only water? Or water and juices? Is He asking you to fast one meal a day, one day a week, or several days at a time? 2. Set an Objective - use Harvest’s Prayer Booklet to guide you in praying for the church. Ask God to show you areas in your own heart that need to change. 3. Make a Plan - commit to a specific time when you will fast and pray. Proactively think of a location where you will have the most freedom to pray (e.g. walk outside, office, home, etc.) 4. Know your Body - limit your physical activity as much as your schedule will permit. During your fast you may experience side effects such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or a foul taste in your mouth. This is all normal; the body is taking advantage of the fast to clean itself (NOTE: if you are pregnant or have a medical condition, please consult your physician to work out a suitable plan before fasting). Fasting is the discipline of humbly and prayerfully seeking God by abstaining from all or certain foods for a period of time. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s people pray and fast, Jesus being the greatest example (Matt.3:17-4:2). And as Jesus’ disciples, He instructs us to follow in His footsteps (Matt.6:17-18; 9:15). The Scriptures point to fasting for forgiveness of sin, rescue from enemies, for wisdom and direction, or just to draw nearer to God in worship. Fasting expresses our humility and faith in our almighty God, seeking Him and declaring that with God, all things are possible. Fasting also reveals the things that control us. Our heart is tested and exposed through fasting, and we find out what we truly love, trust and hope in most (Deut.8:2-3). How Do I Fast? During the Week of Prayer, we encourage you to follow our Saviour’s example and join the generations of God’s people who sought the Lord through fasting. 1. Prepare your Heart - review Isaiah 55:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:6-7. Ask the Lord what kind and length of fast He would have you do. Does He want you to go completely without food, consuming only water? Or water and juices? Is He asking you to fast one meal a day, one day a week, or several days at a time? 2. Set an Objective - use Harvest’s Prayer Booklet to guide you in praying for the church. Ask God to show you areas in your own heart that need to change. 3. Make a Plan - commit to a specific time when you will fast and pray. Proactively think of a location where you will have the most freedom to pray (e.g. walk outside, office, home, etc.) 4. Know your Body - limit your physical activity as much as your schedule will permit. During your fast you may experience side effects such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or a foul taste in your mouth. This is all normal; the body is taking advantage of the fast to clean itself (NOTE: if you are pregnant or have a medical condition, please consult your physician to work out a suitable plan before fasting). Don’t Drift from the Throne: D.A. Carson's 7 Practical ways to Impede Mental Drift http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=259680http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=259680 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:00:00 GMT <style>  </style> Here's a excerpt from my favourite book on prayer <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Call-Spiritual-Reformation-Priorities-Prayers/dp/184474552X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1312914360&sr=8-3">"A Call to Spiritual Reformation"</a> by D.A. Carson. I have personally benefited from each of the ideas he presents below and commend them to you. "Anyone who has been on the Christian way for a while knows there are times when our private prayers run something like this: “Dear Lord, I thank you for the opportunity of coming into your presence by the merits of Jesus. It is a wonderful blessing to call you Father ... I wonder where I left my car keys? [No, no! Back to business.] Heavenly Father, I began by asking that you will watch over my family—not just in the physical sphere, but in the moral and spiritual dimensions of our lives ... Boy, last Sunday’s sermon was sure bad. I wonder if I’ll get that report written on time? [No, no!] Father, give real fruitfulness to that missionary couple we support, Whatever their name is ... Oh, my! I had almost forgotten I promised to fix my son’s bike today ...” Or am I the only Christian who has ever had problems with mental drift? But you can do many things to stamp out daydreaming, to stifle reveries. One of the most useful things is to vocalize your prayers. This does not mean they have to be so loud that they become a distraction to others, or worse, a kind of pious showing off. It simply means you articulate your prayers, moving your lips perhaps; the energy devoted to expressing your thoughts in words and sentences will order and discipline your mind, and help deter meandering. Another thing you can do is pray over the Scriptures. Christians just setting out on the path of prayer sometimes pray for everything they can think of, glance at their watches, and discover they have been at it for all of three or four minutes. This experience sometimes generates feelings of defeat, discouragement, even despair. A great way to begin to overcome this problem is to pray through various biblical passages. A slight variation of this plan is to adopt as models several biblical prayers. Read them carefully, think through what they arevsaying, and pray analogous prayers for yourself, your family, your church, and for many others beyond your immediate circle. Similarly, praying through the worship sections of the better hymnals can prove immensely edifying and will certainly help you to focus your mind and heart in one direction for a while. Some pastors pace as they pray. One senior saint I know has long made it his practice to pray through the Lord’s Prayer, thinking through the implications of each petition as he goes, and organizing his prayers around those implications. Many others make prayer lists of various sorts… This may be part of the discipline of what has come to be called ‘journalling’. At many periods in the history of the church, spiritually mature and disciplined Christians have kept what might be called spiritual journals. The real value of journalling, I think, is severalfold: (a) It enforces a change of pace, a slowing down. It ensures time for prayer. If you are writing your prayers, you are not daydreaming. (b) It fosters self-examination. It is an old truism that only the examined life is worth living. If you do not take time to examine your own heart, mind and conscience from time to time, in the light of God’s Word, and deal with what you find, you will become encrusted with the barnacles of destructive self-righteousness. (c) It ensures quiet articulation both of your spiritual direction and of your prayers, and this in turn fosters self-examination and therefore growth. Thus, journalling impedes mental drift. But this is only one of many spiritual disciplines. The danger in this one, as in all of them, is that the person who is formally conforming to such a regime may delude himself or herself into thinking that the discipline is an end in itself, or ensures one of an exalted place in the heavenlies." D.A. Carson, “Lessons from the School of Prayer” A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006. Pg.20-22 Here's a excerpt from my favourite book on prayer "A Call to Spiritual Reformation" by D.A. Carson. I have personally benefited from each of the ideas he presents below and commend them to you. "Anyone who has been on the Christian way for a while knows there are times when our private prayers run something like this: “Dear Lord, I thank you for the opportunity of coming into your presence by the merits of Jesus. It is a wonderful blessing to call you Father ... I wonder where I left my car keys? [No, no! Back to business.] Heavenly Father, I began by asking that you will watch over my family—not just in the physical sphere, but in the moral and spiritual dimensions of our lives ... Boy, last Sunday’s sermon was sure bad. I wonder if I’ll get that report written on time? [No, no!] Father, give real fruitfulness to that missionary couple we support, Whatever their name is ... Oh, my! I had almost forgotten I promised to fix my son’s bike today ...” Or am I the only Christian who has ever had problems with mental drift? But you can do many things to stamp out daydreaming, to stifle reveries. One of the most useful things is to vocalize your prayers. This does not mean they have to be so loud that they become a distraction to others, or worse, a kind of pious showing off. It simply means you articulate your prayers, moving your lips perhaps; the energy devoted to expressing your thoughts in words and sentences will order and discipline your mind, and help deter meandering. Another thing you can do is pray over the Scriptures. Christians just setting out on the path of prayer sometimes pray for everything they can think of, glance at their watches, and discover they have been at it for all of three or four minutes. This experience sometimes generates feelings of defeat, discouragement, even despair. A great way to begin to overcome this problem is to pray through various biblical passages. A slight variation of this plan is to adopt as models several biblical prayers. Read them carefully, think through what they arevsaying, and pray analogous prayers for yourself, your family, your church, and for many others beyond your immediate circle. Similarly, praying through the worship sections of the better hymnals can prove immensely edifying and will certainly help you to focus your mind and heart in one direction for a while. Some pastors pace as they pray. One senior saint I know has long made it his practice to pray through the Lord’s Prayer, thinking through the implications of each petition as he goes, and organizing his prayers around those implications. Many others make prayer lists of various sorts… This may be part of the discipline of what has come to be called ‘journalling’. At many periods in the history of the church, spiritually mature and disciplined Christians have kept what might be called spiritual journals. The real value of journalling, I think, is severalfold: (a) It enforces a change of pace, a slowing down. It ensures time for prayer. If you are writing your prayers, you are not daydreaming. (b) It fosters self-examination. It is an old truism that only the examined life is worth living. If you do not take time to examine your own heart, mind and conscience from time to time, in the light of God’s Word, and deal with what you find, you will become encrusted with the barnacles of destructive self-righteousness. (c) It ensures quiet articulation both of your spiritual direction and of your prayers, and this in turn fosters... Fellowship of the Unashamed http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=258922http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=258922 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:00:00 GMT I keep coming across this anonymous declaration of discipleship. If this doesn't fire you up, there's probably something wrong with you. <iframe width="560" height="349" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Le3MDtf7ZGE"></iframe> I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." I keep coming across this anonymous declaration of discipleship. If this doesn't fire you up, there's probably something wrong with you. I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Prayer from Philippians 2:5-11 http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=255157http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=255157 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMT This Puritan prayer from a great little book entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Valley-Vision-Collection-Puritan-Devotions/dp/0851518214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309352970&sr=8-1">Valley of Vision</a> has helped me pray along the themes in Philippians 2:5-11. The language is a little bit antiquated, but I hope it encourages you as you seek to discover the power of humility and learn that the way up is down. O Source of all Good, What shall I render to You for the gift of gifts, Your own dear Son, begotten, not created, my Redeemer, Proxy, Surety, Substitute, His self-emptying incomprehensible, His infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp. Herein is wonder of wonders: He came below to raise me above, He was born like me that I might become like Him. Herein is love; when I cannot rise to Him He draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to Himself. Herein is power; when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart He united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and the created. Herein is wisdom; when I was undone, with no will to return to Him, and no intellect to devise recovery, He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work out a perfect righteousness for me. This Puritan prayer from a great little book entitled Valley of Vision has helped me pray along the themes in Philippians 2:5-11. The language is a little bit antiquated, but I hope it encourages you as you seek to discover the power of humility and learn that the way up is down. O Source of all Good, What shall I render to You for the gift of gifts, Your own dear Son, begotten, not created, my Redeemer, Proxy, Surety, Substitute, His self-emptying incomprehensible, His infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp. Herein is wonder of wonders: He came below to raise me above, He was born like me that I might become like Him. Herein is love; when I cannot rise to Him He draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to Himself. Herein is power; when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart He united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and the created. Herein is wisdom; when I was undone, with no will to return to Him, and no intellect to devise recovery, He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work out a perfect righteousness for me. NEW SONG: Glorious Day http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=253806http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=253806 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT I'm so excited to have Jameson introduce this song to our church this Sunday. It beautifully summarizes the message of Philippians 2:5-11. <iframe width="560" height="349" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gw5Key5tx7o"></iframe> <div align="left" id="songlyrics" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">One day when heaven Is filled with His praises One day when sin was as black as could be Jesus came forth to Be born of a virgin He dwelt among men, my example is He Living He loved me Dying He saved me Buried He carried my sins far away Rising He justified Freely forever One day He's coming Oh, Glorious Day Oh, Glorious Day One day they led Him Up calvary's mountain One day they nailed Him To die on a tree Suffering anguish Despised and rejected Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He One day the grave could conceal Him no longer One day the stone rolled away from the door Then He arose o'er Death He had conquered Now is ascended My lord evermore One day the trumpet will Sound for His coming One day the skies with His Glories will shine Wonderful day My beloved was bringing Glorious Savior this Jesus is mine Music by Michael Bleecker CCLI#: 5181287 2008 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.)</div> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-village-church-worship/id155753528">click here to get this song on itunes</a> <a href="http://thevillagechurch.net/">click here to learn more about The Village Church Michael Bleecker leads worship.</a> <a href="http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/xtra/click_contest.php?ug_from=tabs&url=http://www.ringtonematcher.com/co/ringtonematcher/02/noc.asp?sid=NOMOros&artist=michael+bleecker&song=glorious+day&campaign=lm" class="lyrics-ringrone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/xtra/click_contest.php?ug_from=tabs&url=http://www.ringtonematcher.com/co/ringtonematcher/02/noc.asp?sid=NOMOros&artist=michael+bleecker&song=glorious+day&campaign=lm" class="lyrics-ringrone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I'm so excited to have Jameson introduce this song to our church this Sunday. It beautifully summarizes the message of Philippians 2:5-11. One day when heaven Is filled with His praises One day when sin was as black as could be Jesus came forth to Be born of a virgin He dwelt among men, my example is He Living He loved me Dying He saved me Buried He carried my sins far away Rising He justified Freely forever One day He's coming Oh, Glorious Day Oh, Glorious Day One day they led Him Up calvary's mountain One day they nailed Him To die on a tree Suffering anguish Despised and rejected Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He One day the grave could conceal Him no longer One day the stone rolled away from the door Then He arose o'er Death He had conquered Now is ascended My lord evermore One day the trumpet will Sound for His coming One day the skies with His Glories will shine Wonderful day My beloved was bringing Glorious Savior this Jesus is mine Music by Michael Bleecker CCLI#: 5181287 2008 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) click here to get this song on itunes click here to learn more about The Village Church Michael Bleecker leads worship. John Stott: The Cross http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=252049http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=252049 Tue, 31 May 2011 15:00:00 GMT I've been greatly helped in my own relationship with God through the writings of John Stott. Here are three powerful paragraphs that I shared at the close of <a href="http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/10370/blogentry/entry_id/251853/Humility_and_Harmony">this week's sermon</a> to focus our attention on the cross of Jesus Christ. The concept of substitution may be said, then, to lie at the heart of both sin and salvation. For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives that belong to God alone; God accepts penalties that belong to man alone. … The doctrine of substitution affirms not only a fact (God in Christ substituted himself for us) but its necessity (there was no other way by which God’s holy love could be satisfied and rebellious human beings could be saved). Therefore, as we stand before the cross, we begin to gain a clear view both of God and of ourselves, especially in relation to each other. Instead of inflicting on us the judgment we deserved, God in Christ endured it in our place. Hell is the only alternative. This is the “scandal,” the stumbling block, of the cross. For our proud hearts rebel against it. We cannot bear to acknowledge either the seriousness of our sin and guilt or our utter indebtedness to the cross. Surely, we say, there must be something we can do, or at least contribute, in order to make amends? If not, we often give the impression that we would rather suffer our own punishment than the humiliation of seeing God through Christ bear it in our place. - John Stott, The Cross of Christ, pp159-160 “Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to say to us, ‘I am here because of you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying.’ Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our true size.” John R. W. Stott, The Message of Galatians (London, 1968), page 179. I've been greatly helped in my own relationship with God through the writings of John Stott. Here are three powerful paragraphs that I shared at the close of this week's sermon to focus our attention on the cross of Jesus Christ. The concept of substitution may be said, then, to lie at the heart of both sin and salvation. For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives that belong to God alone; God accepts penalties that belong to man alone. … The doctrine of substitution affirms not only a fact (God in Christ substituted himself for us) but its necessity (there was no other way by which God’s holy love could be satisfied and rebellious human beings could be saved). Therefore, as we stand before the cross, we begin to gain a clear view both of God and of ourselves, especially in relation to each other. Instead of inflicting on us the judgment we deserved, God in Christ endured it in our place. Hell is the only alternative. This is the “scandal,” the stumbling block, of the cross. For our proud hearts rebel against it. We cannot bear to acknowledge either the seriousness of our sin and guilt or our utter indebtedness to the cross. Surely, we say, there must be something we can do, or at least contribute, in order to make amends? If not, we often give the impression that we would rather suffer our own punishment than the humiliation of seeing God through Christ bear it in our place. - John Stott, The Cross of Christ, pp159-160 “Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to say to us, ‘I am here because of you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying.’ Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our true size.” John R. W. Stott, The Message of Galatians (London, 1968), page 179. NEW SONG: How Great is the Love! http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=250187http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=250187 Fri, 13 May 2011 13:00:00 GMT I'm really excited to introduce this new song to our people this Sunday. <iframe width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22957568?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/22957568">How Great Is The Love (Live)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/hbcoakville">Harvest Bible Chapel</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. "How Great Is the Love" Words and Music by Paul Baloche, Meredith Andrews, Jacob Sooter <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/how-great-is-the-love/id356152395?i=356152479&ign-mpt=uo%3D4">click here to find on itunes</a> Thank You for the way That You love us How You love us Thank You for the way You have made us We were created For Your pleasure For Your presence For the glory of Your name Thank You for the way That You love us Jesus Faithful King Lord with grateful hearts we sing How great is the love How great is the love Of our Savior The weight of the cross The curse of our shame You carried it all And rose from the grave Thank You for the grace That has saved us You forgave us Thank You for the way You have freed us We have been ransomed We've been rescued We've been purchased With the price of Your own life Thank You for the way That You love us <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/how-great-is-the-love/id356152395?i=356152479&ign-mpt=uo%3D4"> </a> I'm really excited to introduce this new song to our people this Sunday. How Great Is The Love (Live) from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo . "How Great Is the Love" Words and Music by Paul Baloche, Meredith Andrews, Jacob Sooter click here to find on itunes Thank You for the way That You love us How You love us Thank You for the way You have made us We were created For Your pleasure For Your presence For the glory of Your name Thank You for the way That You love us Jesus Faithful King Lord with grateful hearts we sing How great is the love How great is the love Of our Savior The weight of the cross The curse of our shame You carried it all And rose from the grave Thank You for the grace That has saved us You forgave us Thank You for the way You have freed us We have been ransomed We've been rescued We've been purchased With the price of Your own life Thank You for the way That You love us Harvest Bible Chapel Niagara http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=235412http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=235412 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:00:00 GMT <div>Check out this video and hear Daryl Molyneaux's heart for the Niagara region. We're excited to get behind this church plant with funds raised for our Christmas Offering.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16894811?title=0&byline=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe> <div> <a href="http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/10370/newsletter/newsletter_id/152568/E_Newsletter">click here</a> for more information about this year's Christmas offering. </div> Check out this video and hear Daryl Molyneaux's heart for the Niagara region. We're excited to get behind this church plant with funds raised for our Christmas Offering. click here for more information about this year's Christmas offering. How to Study Your Bible http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=224663http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=224663 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:00:00 GMT <div> This past Sunday we took a close look at what it means to have the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16). Here are some helpful tips on how to study the Bible on your own from Gerald Hiestand at Pastor James MacDonald's blog. </div> <div> </div> <div> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(38, 35, 244);" href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=3868">Principle 1: Seek to Understand the Authorial Intent</a></li> <li><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(38, 35, 244);" href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=4064&preview=true">Principle 2: Understand What a Term or Event Meant to the Original Audience</a></li> <li><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(38, 35, 244);" href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=4072">Principle 3: Expect to See Unity Throughout the Scriptures</a></li> <li><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(38, 35, 244);" href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=4094">Principle 4: Use Scripture to Interpret Scripture</a></li> <li><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(38, 35, 244);" href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=4094">Principle 5: Move from the Clear to the Unclear</a></li> <li><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(38, 35, 244);" href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=4119">Principle 6: Attempt to resolve contradictory or difficult statements, but be willing to accept that human limitations may render a solution presently impossible.</a></li> <li><a href="http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=4129">Principle 7: The Interpretation Should Fit within the Overall Context of the Broader Passage.</a> </li> </ul> </div> This past Sunday we took a close look at what it means to have the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16). Here are some helpful tips on how to study the Bible on your own from Gerald Hiestand at Pastor James MacDonald's blog. Principle 1: Seek to Understand the Authorial Intent Principle 2: Understand What a Term or Event Meant to the Original Audience Principle 3: Expect to See Unity Throughout the Scriptures Principle 4: Use Scripture to Interpret Scripture Principle 5: Move from the Clear to the Unclear Principle 6: Attempt to resolve contradictory or difficult statements, but be willing to accept that human limitations may render a solution presently impossible. Principle 7: The Interpretation Should Fit within the Overall Context of the Broader Passage. Book at Time Bible Reading Plan http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=224666http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=224666 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 17:00:00 GMT Today we looked at what it means to have the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16). <div> </div> <div>I commend to you this resource that has been very very helpful to me in keeping my Bible reading on track. You can download it and get a two day head start. <a href="http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/Content/10370/193251.pdf" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 12px; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer; ">Book At A Time Bible Reading Plan</a> </div> Today we looked at what it means to have the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16). I commend to you this resource that has been very very helpful to me in keeping my Bible reading on track. You can download it and get a two day head start. Book At A Time Bible Reading Plan Praying for Gianda Liberia http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=224462http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=224462 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:00:00 GMT <div>Today is a day of mourning for our brothers and sisters in Gianda Liberia. Below is an excerpt from a letter I received today from Kent Shaw, the executive director of Harvest Bible Fellowship.</div> <div> </div> <div>"I am sorry to bring you the news of a sudden loss within our Fellowship. Andrew Kpah, Senior Pastor of Harvest Gianda in Liberia, went to be with the Lord this past Friday. Kirk VanMaanen received word of his passing from Moses, who is mourning his passing along with our Liberian churches. Gianda is situated deeply in the bush of Liberia. When Andrew became ill last Thursday there were no medical facilities at hand, and they literally had to carry him out to Buchanan where he passed early on Friday. The family is now preparing his body and carrying it back to Gianda for burial. Even as we rejoice that Andrew is fully present with Christ and more alive than he has ever been, we mourn along with our brothers and sisters at Harvest Gianda, and especially with his wife Martha and their four young children. Please join us in praying for the abiding comfort of the Spirit in their lives right now, and His provision for their future needs. Pray as well for the leadership of the church at Gianda, will still be released for launch as a Harvest Bible Chapel on October 10. Grieving with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13)," </div> <div> </div> <div>Kent Shaw</div> <div>Executive Director</div> <div>Harvest Bible Fellowship</div> Today is a day of mourning for our brothers and sisters in Gianda Liberia. Below is an excerpt from a letter I received today from Kent Shaw, the executive director of Harvest Bible Fellowship. "I am sorry to bring you the news of a sudden loss within our Fellowship. Andrew Kpah, Senior Pastor of Harvest Gianda in Liberia, went to be with the Lord this past Friday. Kirk VanMaanen received word of his passing from Moses, who is mourning his passing along with our Liberian churches. Gianda is situated deeply in the bush of Liberia. When Andrew became ill last Thursday there were no medical facilities at hand, and they literally had to carry him out to Buchanan where he passed early on Friday. The family is now preparing his body and carrying it back to Gianda for burial. Even as we rejoice that Andrew is fully present with Christ and more alive than he has ever been, we mourn along with our brothers and sisters at Harvest Gianda, and especially with his wife Martha and their four young children. Please join us in praying for the abiding comfort of the Spirit in their lives right now, and His provision for their future needs. Pray as well for the leadership of the church at Gianda, will still be released for launch as a Harvest Bible Chapel on October 10. Grieving with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13)," Kent Shaw Executive Director Harvest Bible Fellowship Special Offering for Pakistan http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=221235http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=221235 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:00 GMT <div> </div> <div>We will be taking up a special offering for the people of Pakistan this Sunday morning as a part of our worship service.</div> <div> </div> <div> As many of you know, this past July there were heavy rains that produced catastrophic flooding in Pakistan. Similar to the situation in <a href="http://churcheshelpingchurches.com/">Haiti</a>, we felt the need to respond and have taken our time in searching for a reliable reputable organization that is meeting needs. </div> <div> </div> <div>A life-time missionary supported by Harvest Oakville, has recommended an organization called <a href="http://www.teamworld.org/component/content/article/114-pakistan-flood-relief.html">TEAM</a> that we are hoping to support which distributes water filters and provides other means of care. </div> <div> </div> <div>Please pray for the people of Pakistan. Pray that the church there (representing only 2.31% of the population) would be mobilized to care for their fellow citizens and show the love of Christ and pray that God would use this tragedy to bring the light of the gospel to the over 150 million muslims living in Pakistan.</div> <div> </div> <div>Please ask the Lord for direction as to how you can give sacrificially to helping those in need. (Provebrs 19:7)</div> We will be taking up a special offering for the people of Pakistan this Sunday morning as a part of our worship service. As many of you know, this past July there were heavy rains that produced catastrophic flooding in Pakistan. Similar to the situation in Haiti , we felt the need to respond and have taken our time in searching for a reliable reputable organization that is meeting needs. A life-time missionary supported by Harvest Oakville, has recommended an organization called TEAM that we are hoping to support which distributes water filters and provides other means of care. Please pray for the people of Pakistan. Pray that the church there (representing only 2.31% of the population) would be mobilized to care for their fellow citizens and show the love of Christ and pray that God would use this tragedy to bring the light of the gospel to the over 150 million muslims living in Pakistan. Please ask the Lord for direction as to how you can give sacrificially to helping those in need. (Provebrs 19:7) "Greater" by Joshua Seller http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=220736http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=220736 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT <div>On Sunday we introduced a great new song from my friend Joshua Seller. Here's a video of an acoustic version the song. His EP is available now on itunes and his full album is coming soon. I'm thankful for guys like Joshua and Jameson who have devoted their live to helping God's people pour out our hearts to the Lord (Psalm 62:8).</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/11462556" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/11462556">Greater (Acoustic)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jsmusic">Joshua Seller</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. On Sunday we introduced a great new song from my friend Joshua Seller . Here's a video of an acoustic version the song. His EP is available now on itunes and his full album is coming soon. I'm thankful for guys like Joshua and Jameson who have devoted their live to helping God's people pour out our hearts to the Lord (Psalm 62:8). Greater (Acoustic) from Joshua Seller on Vimeo . Awakening http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=219954http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=219954 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:00:00 GMT Here's a Chris Tomlin song that God is using to fire me up for our prayer meeting tomorrow morning. <div> </div> <div> <div> <object width="480" height="385"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XW5RamwTU-E?fs=1&hl=en_US" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /></object> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> Here's a Chris Tomlin song that God is using to fire me up for our prayer meeting tomorrow morning. Bring the Book...Not the Bike http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=216050http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=216050 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:00:00 GMT <div> </div> <div>In the sermon this Sunday, I talked about how important it is for churches to keep the Bible the main component of all that they do and not try to entertain people which a whole bunch of extra stuff. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. They should forget the bike and bring the Book!</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <object width="480" height="385"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FymUcGu5mi8&hl=en_US&fs=1" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /></object> In the sermon this Sunday , I talked about how important it is for churches to keep the Bible the main component of all that they do and not try to entertain people which a whole bunch of extra stuff. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. They should forget the bike and bring the Book! Leading on Vacation http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=215315http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=215315 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT <div> As many of us prepare for family vacations this summer, I'd like to recommend this great article from C.J. Mahaney on how men can lovingly lead their wives and children on vacation. <a href="http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Blog/post/Leadership-and-Family-Vacations-%28part-1%29.aspx">Click here to read it.</a> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> As many of us prepare for family vacations this summer, I'd like to recommend this great article from C.J. Mahaney on how men can lovingly lead their wives and children on vacation. Click here to read it. The Bible is Not an End in Itself http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=215455http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=215455 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT <div> </div> <div>Here's another great quotation on the word of God from A.W. Tozer:</div> <div> </div> <div> For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. (TOZER, Pursuit of God, 9-10)  </div> Here's another great quotation on the word of God from A.W. Tozer: For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. (TOZER, Pursuit of God, 9-10) God is not Silent! Expect Him to Speak! http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=215102http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=215102 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:00:00 GMT <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>Check out this insightful and encouraging quotation from A.W. Tozer on the word of God as we get ready to hear God's word this Sunday. </div> <div>  </div> <div> </div> <div> The facts are that God is not silent, has never been silent. It is the nature of God to speak. The second Person of the Holy Trinity is called the Word. The Bible is the inevitable outcome of God’s continuous speech. It is the infallible declaration of His mind for us put into our familiar human words.<o:p></o:p> I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking. The prophets habitually said, “Thus saith the Lord.” They meant their hearers to understand that God’s speaking is in the continuous present. We may use the past tense properly to indicate that at a certain time a certain word of God was spoken, but a word of God once spoken continues to be spoken, as a child once born continues to be alive, or a world once created continues to exist. And those are but imperfect illustrations, for children die and worlds burn out, but the Word of our God endureth forever.<o:p></o:p> If you would follow on to know the Lord, come at once to the open Bible expecting it to speak to you. Do not come with the notion that it is a thing which you may push around at your convenience. It is more than a thing; it is a voice, a word, the very Word of the living God. A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God. page 82.  </div> Check out this insightful and encouraging quotation from A.W. Tozer on the word of God as we get ready to hear God's word this Sunday. The facts are that God is not silent, has never been silent. It is the nature of God to speak. The second Person of the Holy Trinity is called the Word. The Bible is the inevitable outcome of God’s continuous speech. It is the infallible declaration of His mind for us put into our familiar human words. I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking. The prophets habitually said, “Thus saith the Lord.” They meant their hearers to understand that God’s speaking is in the continuous present. We may use the past tense properly to indicate that at a certain time a certain word of God was spoken, but a word of God once spoken continues to be spoken, as a child once born continues to be alive, or a world once created continues to exist. And those are but imperfect illustrations, for children die and worlds burn out, but the Word of our God endureth forever. If you would follow on to know the Lord, come at once to the open Bible expecting it to speak to you. Do not come with the notion that it is a thing which you may push around at your convenience. It is more than a thing; it is a voice, a word, the very Word of the living God. A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God. page 82. New Sermon Series on Titus http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=206719http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=206719 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:00:00 GMT <img alt="" style="width: 300px; height: 135px;" src="http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/Content/10370/titus-web.jpg" /> This Sunday we're excited to be diving into a verse by verse study of Paul's letter to Titus entiled "Courage and Conviction in an Age of Compromise". G.K. Chesterton commented on the present state of thinking in our age with prophet-like clarity, "What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can even learn. . . . We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table." (G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy [Garden City, NY: Doubleday and Co., 1957], pp. 31-32) It seems that the only sin left to commit in our world today is being sure about what you believe. The relativistic worldview that surrounds us has seeped into the evangelical church such that speaking with authority and demonstrating biblical humility are presently understood to be at odds with one another. Anyone who claims to believe something strongly about doctrine or morality is immediately considered to be arrogant, intolerant, closed-minded and even un-Christian. But this is not the mentality of the New Testament church. They model for us brokenness and boldness, humility and authority. The apostle said he built his entire life on “the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness” (Titus 1:1). The New Testament believers had a faith that was based on knowing objective truth and that resulted in radical life-transformation (godliness). In this series we’re going be humbly seeking God for the courage needed to live with conviction in an age of compromise. This Sunday we're excited to be diving into a verse by verse study of Paul's letter to Titus entiled "Courage and Conviction in an Age of Compromise". G.K. Chesterton commented on the present state of thinking in our age with prophet-like clarity, "What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can even learn. . . . We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table." (G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy [Garden City, NY: Doubleday and Co., 1957], pp. 31-32) It seems that the only sin left to commit in our world today is being sure about what you believe. The relativistic worldview that surrounds us has seeped into the evangelical church such that speaking with authority and demonstrating biblical humility are presently understood to be at odds with one another. Anyone who claims to believe something strongly about doctrine or morality is immediately considered to be arrogant, intolerant, closed-minded and even un-Christian. But this is not the mentality of the New Testament church. They model for us brokenness and boldness, humility and authority. The apostle said he built his entire life on “the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness” (Titus 1:1). The New Testament believers had a faith that was based on knowing objective truth and that resulted in radical life-transformation (godliness). In this series we’re going be humbly seeking God for the courage needed to live with conviction in an age of compromise. Amazing Prayers (Part 4) - Daniel 9:1-19 http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=204256http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=204256 Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT After the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and 70 years of exile in Babylon, Daniel was zealous for God to fulfill His promise (Jeremiah 29:10) to bring Israel back to their land and for God to dwell among them once more by His presence. This time, however, it wouldn't be in a temple built with human hands, but in the incarnate Son of Man, Jesus Christ, in whom His glorious presence and truth would be seen (John 1:14 & John 2:19-22). Daniel 9:1-19 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us, by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the LORD our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. "O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." After the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and 70 years of exile in Babylon, Daniel was zealous for God to fulfill His promise (Jeremiah 29:10) to bring Israel back to their land and for God to dwell among them once more by His presence. This time, however, it wouldn't be in a temple built with human hands, but in the incarnate Son of Man, Jesus Christ, in whom His glorious presence and truth would be seen (John 1:14 & John 2:19-22). Daniel 9:1-19 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us, by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the LORD our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. "O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God,... Amazing Prayers (Part 3) - 2 Chronicles 20:1-12 http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=204228http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=204228 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT 2 Chronicles 20:1-12 After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar" (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, and said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 'If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 2 Chronicles 20:1-12 After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar" (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, and said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 'If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Amazing Prayers (Part 2) - 2 Chronicles 6 http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=204255http://www.harvestbrampton.ca/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10370&entry_id=204255 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT Watch for how often Solomon quotes God's promises and asks God to fulfill His Word. Also keep an eye out for how significant the temple, namely God's presence, is to God's people and prayers. We'll see how Jesus, David's descendant, fulfills this later. 2 Chronicles 6:1-17 Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. But I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever." Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. And he said, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 'Since the day that I brought my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there, and I chose no man as prince over my people Israel; but I have chosen Jerusalem that my name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.' Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to David my father, 'Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. Nevertheless, it is not you who shall build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.' Now the LORD has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and I have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. And there I have set the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel." Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the court, and he stood on it. Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.' Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David." Watch for how often Solomon quotes God's promises and asks God to fulfill His Word. Also keep an eye out for how significant the temple, namely God's presence, is to God's people and prayers. We'll see how Jesus, David's descendant, fulfills this later. 2 Chronicles 6:1-17 Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. But I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever." Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. And he said, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 'Since the day that I brought my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there, and I chose no man as prince over my people Israel; but I have chosen Jerusalem that my name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.' Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to David my father, 'Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. Nevertheless, it is not you who shall build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.' Now the LORD has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and I have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. And there I have set the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel." Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the court, and he stood on it. Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.' Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David."