We will take a look at some of the problems with the way the unmerciful servant acted and that we often replicate. Then in turn we will look at what Ken Sande of Peacemaker ministries calls “Four Promises of Forgiveness”. We will take a good look at these promises one by one and their relevance to the text and our lives.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

I have committed to doing some research in hopes of uncovering some resources that could help us all in our role of leading those in our congregation towards a divine encounter with God.

One resource that I know will end up on my list is the following:
Worship Matters

This is the website of Bob Kauflin. I have been following Kauflin for a long time now. He is an exceptional musician, composer/arranger and leader. There is a lot about him as a person that I admire, which I am sure you will discover as you read his writings.

Let me encourage each of you to pick up a copy of his book titled Worship Matters and if you have the time, to begin to read some of his stuff on his blog.

‘More protection’ needed in hate speech cases: lawyer

I am by no means an expert in the subject of “freedom of speech” laws but I can tell you that as a member of the clergy, I would warmly welcome greater protection for my freedom to speak and to act according to the dictates of scripture.

It is possible in life to place just about everyone into one of two categories.

There are those people who are drainers. They are like the people who siphon gas out of your car. They take away your ability to move forward. It may be their negativity, or their inability to offer criticism in a constructive fashion.

On the positive side, there are people who are gainers. These are like the best of fans in the stands. They are loud and you know they are on your side. They cheer for you by name, and they believe in you.

Barnabas in Scripture was a gainer. He was the best of cheerleaders when others needed it most. Think of his relationship with Paul and how on Paul’s conversion, it was Barnabas who embraced him. Or when Paul and Barnabas were debating about Mark, Barnabas stood up for Mark.

Our greatest gainer though is Jesus. He came to serve us, to help us, to love us, and most importantly, for those who have put their faith in Him, he will stand before the Father in heaven as our advocate.

On thanksgiving Sunday. We have a lot to be thankful for. We have gainers in our life, with the potential of having the greatest “gainer” of all – Jesus Christ.

Come to Alma Thanksgiving Sunday, and you will get to hear more about Barnabas, the encourager. More importantly, you will have an opportunity to give thanks to God for the greatest “gainer” of all Jesus.

I find this “apology” to be disturbing at best. I was not aware of it, till someone at Church pointed it out to me.

It seems to me that they are undermining the argument they make about free speech by apologizing for posting the add and refusing to publish it again. I wish I could see the add.

The role of the school system should be to teach children skills in the area of reading, writing, and mathematics. To teach grade 3 students about issues of gender identification, homosexuality and transgenderism infringes into the territory of parental responsibility.

The National Post has done a terrible thing by pulling the add, apologizing for running it, and forwarding the proceeds of that add to groups that advocate behaviors that undermine our well being as a society.

Specifically, I have broken my message down into the following sections:
1. Explaining the process
2. Identifying some exceptions where the process shouldn’t be used
3. Explaining the criteria as to when the process should be used
4. and finally what the goals of the process are.

On the one hand some people are totally unaware of this process, and on the other, some people are so rigid in applying this process to every situation that they fail to see that Biblical reconciliation comes about in many different ways, depending on the situation.

As we go through it all, there are some things that we need to keep in mind. We need to be prepared to include the following in the process:

1. Bring some creativity into how we relate to others
2. Mercy – as we have been shown mercy so we ought to show mercy to others
3. Compassion – the goal is restoration not revenge

It should be a good Sunday. I know that I am looking forward to it.

This movie comes to us from Sherwood pictures – the same people who brought us Fireproof and Facing The Giants.

The movie hits theaters on September 30. If you are a movie goer – be sure to put this one next on your list.

To learn more about the film check out the website:
Courageous

The last movie of religious interest was SoulSurfer. I still haven’t seen it, but am hoping to soon now that its out on DVD.

So when he comments on issues like homosexuality, we all do well to listen.

Evangelicals and the Gay Moral Revolution

This article was brought to my attention through my regular reading of the blog produced by The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Enjoy your reading, and take it to heart.

We are going to explore this Psalm in great depth and see what it has to say to us when we find ourselves crying out “Where is God?” or in Davids words “How long o Lord?”

The Psalm breaks into three parts. Each part helps us to understand a little bit about Davids thinking when he was in the depths of despair. David is really an example for us of what we ought to do when we are facing similar battles.

My guess is that if you are like me, you have had moments when you have asked the question – “where is God?” For me just knowing that someone else has dared to ask the question is of great help. A good study of this passage will hopefully be of some encouragement to you.

I took a course on the Sermon on the Mount by distance for which Stott gave the lectures.
John Stott – Sermon On The Mount

There is much to be admired of this man. Sad to see him go.