Tag: God

Church Life

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

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.

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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)

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]
Book Reviews

Book Review: “Revealing Jesus; A 365-Day Devotional” by Darlene Zschech

Chris

9780764211546 RevealingJesusAs a pastor I often mention that as Christians our lives should point to Jesus. Whatever we say, whatever we do, are our lives pointing to Him? At times life can seem so mundane and unspiritual. Yet we are called to shine the Light in the darkness, and that Light is Jesus.

So how do we do that? What parts of life point to Jesus? What does it look like from season to season, from good days to bad days, from solitude to spiritual community? Pastor and worship leader Darlene Zschech teaches us about these issues and more in her new devotional book, Revealing Jesus (Bethany House).

Continue reading “Book Review: “Revealing Jesus; A 365-Day Devotional” by Darlene Zschech” →

Christian Living

Depression: It Could Happen To You

Chris

I have to confess that when I heard about the loss of Matthew Warren, the son of pastor Rick Warren, my first response was not to comment on it. So many people identified with the tragedy that social media seemed set ablaze.

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Like a brush fire in the dry prairie, it spreads and affects others over time. As life has a chance to slow down and as the input continues to be received, it triggers later responses. That is what this part of what this post is for me.

At the same time I want to share with you a collection of thoughts recently posted over the Internet by some Christian names that you might be familiar with, collected by Ed Stetzer of Lifeway Research.

Continue reading “Depression: It Could Happen To You” →

Bible, Christian Living

The LIFE Offered by the Resurrection (Audio)

Chris

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is proof that His word and promise are true, and a seal and guarantee of our eternal life if we believe in Him. Yet Jesus also offered a different way of life for the days we walk on this Earth. He offered us abundant life (John 10:10).

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Jesus offers us this LIFE and makes it possible in the power of God that raised Him from the dead. There are four elements of this LIFE. When one or any combination of these elements is weak or failing, our remains less than abundant.

  • Liberty
  • Intimacy
  • Fellowship
  • Empowerment
[audio http://gatewaycampbellton.com/audio/2013-0331.mp3]

Continue reading “The LIFE Offered by the Resurrection (Audio)” →

Bible, Christian Living

Understanding the Biblical Blessing (part 2)

Chris

Every good parent wants to see their children do well. They want to see them thrive in their lives, not having to struggle, finding success and being rewarded for every effort. When parents know Christ they want their children to walk in God’s favor and receive God’s blessing.

In an earlier post we talked about when God began blessing those He had chosen to be His people. God blessed Abraham and continued to bless the following generations. A practice that has caught a lot of attention over the years is that of parents giving blessings to their children, asking God to bless that child’s life. Parents are encouraged to bless their children, regardless of their age or stage of life.

But if we take a look at the biblical record for bestowing the blessing of God, we find a different pattern. The timing of the blessing is crucial. It could be that parents are bringing harm on themselves while they are giving blessings to their children.

Continue reading “Understanding the Biblical Blessing (part 2)” →