Christian Living – Page 14

There is a common thought, a philosophy, that resides deep in the hearts of modern Christians. It is based on upon our belief that the will of God always finds its completion. Somehow, some way, through someone, God will be certain to accomplish what He desires.

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This line of thought is used by many as a way to excuse themselves from the pressing call of God on their hearts and lives. Afraid of the unknown, they look for a back door or a loophole that will give them permission to ignore that press of the Holy Spirit.

Two issues arise from the presence of this philosophy. Do we really see this expression of the will of God in Scripture? And what happens when we take ourselves out of the equation of the fulfillment of God’s will? But first, let’s look at what this belief is and how it permeates Christ’s Church.

Continue reading “Passing the Buck: How we apply what we believe about the will of God” →

A Fresh Start

January 1, 2014 Chris

It is January 1st. Happy New Year! Whether you stayed up to watch a ball drop or two, or you went to bed early because you aren’t much of a night owl, you woke up to the first day of 2014.

Today isn’t too much different from yesterday, though. The sun still rose in the East and will set in the West. The bills you had to pay are still waiting for you. Your job still needs to be done, even if you get to enjoy a day off today.

When we get to New Year’s we talk a lot about starting over, starting fresh. We look forward to all of the good that is coming during the next twelve months while we try to forget all of the difficult trials of those past. But January 1st isn’t as magical as we would all like to be.

Continue reading “A Fresh Start” →

Christian Living

Don’t Let Christmas Redefine Your Joy

December 18, 2013 Chris

Christmas is the season of many things. At our church we are looking at four aspects of life that Christmas promises and guarantees for us. They are familiar words that you see all over the place at Christmas. One of those aspects of life is Joy.

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At Christmas we talk a lot about joy. Joy is in our songs and cards. We plan and attend parties for work, parties with family and parties at church. Sometimes we do it all over again a week later for New Year’s. But is this what joy is all about? Presents, twinkling lights, eggnog, cookies and taking a breather from real life? What happens when real life reappears on January 2nd?

Continue reading “Don’t Let Christmas Redefine Your Joy” →

Church Life

Which Kind of “T.P.” Describes Your Church?

November 27, 2013November 27, 2013 Chris

Disclaimer: If you are squeamish or believe that every picture or message about God and the church must be proper and finely tuned, do NOT read this post. Read at your own risk.

Have you ever had one of those “Eureka!” moments that you felt like you couldn’t share with anyone? That happened to me today. One crazy thought led to a series of truths that are so, well, true.

They are truths about the church. Not the “big C”, Church, the living body of Jesus Christ where He is the head and all the pieces are being brought together and shaped into a living temple of the Holy Spirit. I’m talking about the church, the local assembly of believers that joins in a building to worship, pray, serve, and preach the Gospel.

Oh, and there’s one more thing you need to know up front. These truths are inspired by T.P. That’s code for toilet paper. Yeah, I know your mind is racing at top speed thinking about things it shouldn’t, so let’s jump to the good stuff.

Continue reading “Which Kind of “T.P.” Describes Your Church?” →

Christian Living

The God of Your Tragedy (Audio)

August 15, 2013 Chris

Our little city of Campbellton, New Brunswick, has found its way into the news. The story of two young boys’ death is known around the world. Its sorrow has touched so many. We pray that God would comfort family and friends in such a difficult time.

Times of tragedy and sadness often leave us wondering and questioning. But there is hope in the God who promises to never leave us. He welcomes us in these times and wants to impart His power into into our lives. God wants to be the God of our bad days as well as our good days. He wants to be the God of our tragedy.

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[audio http://gatewaycampbellton.com/audio/2013-0811.mp3]