Audio Blog Podcast

1 Corinthians 3:5-9. It is not the pastor's job to make the church grow. If this is true then whose responsibility is it? The answer may surprise you. Why do we focus so much on church growth, when God is more interested in the harvest? We look at the stages of growth, and who is responsible.

Psalm 26:2-3, Psalm 139:23-24. As our last corporate worship time of the year, we take a moment to reflect on 2012 with all it's joys and pains. We take time for reflecting, thanksgiving, grieving and dreaming. Taking inspiration from the year of Jubilee, we prepare our hearts for the year to come.

Luke 2:29-32. Although this song was inspired by a supernatural encounter as was the others, Simeon's is different in that the Holy Spirit spoke directly to him. What the Spirit shared with him became the desire of his heart, his reason for living. (4/4) Christmas Song Series

Luke 2:14. Songs have the capacity to go beyond the intellect, the human mind, and into the heart. The Angel's song is short, but powerful. Perhaps equally profound is who the audience is, the shepherds. These men suffered from unsavoury reputations. This gives insight into God's intention for mankind. David speaking (3/4) Christmas Song Series

Luke 1:67-79. Zechariah's Song is an interesting one as it signals the end of 400 silent years of God's prophetic voice to the people. Zechariah's Song reveals God's intention for the world. It sings of fulfillment of the promise, a future without fear and the finding of salvation for all. (2/4) Christmas Song Series

Luke 1:26-55. Advent is a thoughtful and patient journey; a time of reflecting on and preparing for the coming of Jesus. Mary's Song is a response to the work of God in her life for the benefit of her community and her people. She responds in faith, rejoices in praise, and receives God's gift in community. (1/4) Christmas Song Series

Joshua 5:13-15, John 13:34-25. The message of the Gospel is rendered ineffective when the Church is divided over political, national and ideological lines. Jesus said the evidence of His Lordship was in how we would love each other. Jesus is the eraser of dividing lines. Why do we insist on drawing them back in?

John 15:1-16. In this I AM statement Jesus calls himself the true grapevine. The pervasive growth of grapevines in that culture is a significant image. But to bear good fruit, the gardener must apply aggressive pruning practice to the vine. An important reflection for disciples of Jesus no matter how long we have followed! (6/6) Jesus' Autobiography Series. David speaking.

John 14:1-14. Jesus is comforting his disciples with the shocking news that not only will he be leaving them soon, but through death. In this I AM statement Jesus calls himself three words leading to everlasting fellowship with God. We look at these three names as progressive steps in our discipleship journey. (5/6) Jesus' Autobiography Series

John 10:11-21. Jesus continues to use the sheep herding analogy to further paint a larger picture of who the I AM is. Jesus contrasts himself with the bad shepherds referenced in Ezekiel 34. He also reminds us what good shepherds do. (4/6) Jesus' Autobiography Series

John 10:1-10. In a loaded combination of contrasts and comparisons, Jesus opens the door wide by calling himself the Gate. Not only connected to the I AM statement with Moses, He ties himself to the great Gate in the age to come. Today, He is our safety, structure, sovereignty and satisfaction, who saves us as we come and as we go. (3/6) Jesus' Autobiography Series Benediction prayer reference: www.churchtreasurers.ca

John 11:17-27. Martha not only had an expectation that Jesus would heal her brother before he died, but also a hunch that He could do something after. When Jesus rose from the dead, he confirmed a unique Jewish belief in the resurrection of the dead. His resurrection not only has implications for the age to come, but also for life today. (2/6) Jesus' Autobiography Series. Guest Ministry: Alan Gilman For ministry and contact information, see Alan's website, www.alangilman.ca. Twitter: @alangilman

John 8:12-20. Everyone likes a story, especially true stories. Jesus tells his story through the "I Am" statements in John. We look at Jesus' statement, "I am the light of the world". We no longer have to stumble in the darkness. If we follow, His light will fill our hearts. (1/6) Jesus' Autobiography Series.

Leviticus 7:11-15. We look at the OT Thanksgiving Offering. We learn that giving thanks is tied to peace and fellowship with God. It is meant to be celebrated and shared with the whole community in the presence of the Lord. We also find a surprising connection to the Lord's Supper. To download the 40 Days of Thanks document, go to http://bit.ly/ORdTOS.

Daniel 10. When we persist in disciplined prayer, it is Christ that sustains us in our circumstance. It is not the answer to our prayer that is critical, but our encounter with Jesus. He cares deeply for our lives, and He hears us. A must listen! (3/4) David Speaking.

Romans 8:10-11. We conclude looking at why it is important to be baptized. In water baptism, we are raised by the Spirit to new life; life that is abundant now and life eternal. Recorded outside at the park just before our cold Canadian water baptisms in the river. (3/3)

2 Corinthians 5:19-21. We continue looking at why it is important to be baptized. In water baptism, we identify with Jesus death on the cross. It is there that we are reconciled to God, and are given the ministry of reconciliation to others. (2/3)

Colossians 2:9-15, Acts 8:26-40. Leading to our baptismal service, we are looking at why it is important to us as believers. In water baptism, we identify with Jesus and He fully identifies with us in our humanity, in our suffering and our propensity for violence. (1/3)

John 6:61-69, Luke 14:15-24. Sadly, the crowd did not accept Jesus' invitation to receive the Bread of Heaven. It is similar to Jesus' parable of the man who prepared a great feast. We get a glimpse of the Father who sets the table, sends the invitation and sups with whosoever comes.

John 6:35, 41-58. Continuing in John 6. Bread was the substance they could not live without. In bread, they were looking to satisfy their longing for strength, status and success. We look for the same things today. (Message 2 of 3)