Category: This Week at The Centre

Last week we looked at the Creation of all things, and that we are made by God and for God. Our purpose in life is to glorify Him in everything we do. Our reality in this life is that we don’t do that all the time; we mess up, we fall short, we sin.

An easy way to describe sin is that it is simply the absence of God. Anytime we act, or even think, apart from God’s leading we can easily fall into sin (and usually do). Anytime we put something other than God as first in our life, we fall into sin. Anytime we think we know what’s best and can do it on our own, we fall into sin. Sin is the absence of God – read John 3:19-21 and Romans 1:18-23.

But sin is always our choice. God doesn’t force us to sin (He can’t, because that would go against His character); Satan doesn’t force us to sin; no one on earth can force us to sin. It always has been and always will be a choice that we make. So the big question that will likely come to your mind is, “Why would God allow this to wreck our relationship with Him, and destroy His creation?” Great question! We’ll look at that on Sunday – hope to see you there!

In the meantime, you can read through Genesis 3-4 to help you prepare for Sunday. I hope you have a wonderful week!

Blessings,
Pastor Mike

Have you ever wondered why you’re here, or what your purpose in life is? Why did God create us? Who is God? Does God exist? And if God does exist, why does He allow such terrible things to take place? Does He really care about us at all?

This Sunday we will be starting a new teaching series that will look at the major theme of Scripture – Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. We’re going to give a bird’s eye view of the whole story of the Bible, from the beginning to the end, and as we do so we’ll hopefully answer some of those big questions listed above that everyone asks at some point in their life.

If you know of someone who right now is wrestling through these questions, this will be a great time for them to come and hear about the hope we have in Jesus, and how He ultimately is the answer! There will also be times for people to respond and ask questions throughout the series.

In order to prepare for this Sunday, read through Genesis 1-2, John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:15-19.

I hope you have a great week, and that you’re able to see God’s hand at work in your life, and in the lives of those around you!

Blessings,
Pastor Mike

Very shortly after a professional sports team has won a major championship there is usually a parade through the home city, giving the chance for fans to show their support for their favourite team.  This is actually a practice that goes back centuries, to a time when returning armies would march through their nation’s capitol, bringing in tow all of the spoils of war.

In Luke 19:28-44, Jesus enters into Jerusalem and it has all of the appearances of a conquering king coming into his new capitol — people are lining the streets, cheering and shouting his praises.  Everything seems as it should be except for two things: Jesus is riding on colt (or a donkey), and He weeps over Jerusalem instead of shouting out his victory.  Both of these things are out of place and are in stark contrast to everything else going on around Jesus.

Jesus knew that He wasn’t coming to conquer by force, but to submit to those who were already in power.  He also knew that He was coming to offer His life as a sacrifice — He knew that He would soon die.  And so we have this picture of Jesus, riding not on a warhorse but meekly on a donkey, and weeping rather than yelling out in victory.  That victory yell would come five days later when He shouted, “It is finished!”

This Sunday I hope that you can join with us as we look at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.  In order to prepare for this Sunday I’d encourage you to read through Luke 10-19, looking at Jesus’ ministry leading up to the Triumphal entry.

Pastor Mike

“Who’s your Nineveh?” This was the question that was asked of my last church a number of years back. Essentially, who is the person, or the people you’d rather not talk to? Who are the ones that if you could you’d ignore and pretend you didn’t see? If we are honest with ourselves, there are those that rub us the wrong way and who we find hard to love.

Jonah struggled with loving the Ninevites. And he hated the fact that God was going to save them. These were the enemies of Israel, God’s chosen people! Why should they be spared?! Why shouldn’t they be found guilty for what they’d done?

In the final chapter of the book, God makes a plant spring up overnight that gives shade to Jonah from the hot, desert sun. Jonah was extremely grateful for the plant. The next day it withered up and died, and Jonah was once again angry with God, angry enough to die. God confronts Jonah with his attitude saying that the plant is inconsequential compared to the many lives at stake in Nineveh.

All too often we put our own comfort and desires ahead of God, and what He is calling us to do. Jesus says we are to lay down our lives, pick up our crosses and follow Him no matter where He leads us. We are to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and bring glory to His name in all situations. He loves all He’s created, and therefore so should we. And our actions and attitudes should demonstrate this love.

On Sunday we’ll be finishing up our quick look at Jonah. Read it over a few times this week in order to prepare for our Gathering at 6 pm. And remember that we have prayer before the service starting at 4:30pm — all are welcome.

I hope that you all have a wonderful week, and that you experience the love, joy, and peace of knowing Jesus as your Lord and Saviour!

I think most people like to give a good first impression when they meet someone new. There’s a story about a gentleman who was going to be late for an interview. He drove quickly into the parking lot, pulled into the first space he saw, but cut off another person who was about to take the space. The other gentleman who was cut off rolled down his window and yelled at the guy who was late, telling him he’d been waiting for that space. The guy who was late smiled, waved, and went inside making the other guy even more angry. He rushed into the office with one minute to spare, grabbed a seat and waited to be called in. When he was finally called in for the interview he walked through the door and saw the man he’d just cut off in the parking lot. First impressions do matter!

If we are to follow Jesus there should be a few characteristics that people notice when they first meet us. We should be joyful. We are children of the most high God and we need to constantly remember that. What can separate us from His love? Nothing! We should also be gentle with those we meet, whether we are driving, walking, or speaking to someone. Our gentleness should be evident to all! Another characteristic we should look to have is being peaceful. We are called to be peacemakers, people who bring calm and comfort to every situation, who look to build up and encourage rather than criticize and tear down.

It isn’t always easy to do — we will mess up. But when we do sin we need to remember that we have a Saviour who  will forgive all our sins if we confess them to Him, and trust in Him. And that’s also a good reminder that we too need to be people full of grace.

This Sunday will be our second last week in Philippians as we look at 4:1-9. I’d encourage you to read it over a few times this week, and examine your life to see where you are doing well and where you are falling short.

Pastor Mike