Sunday July 12, 2015.

A few notes from Sunday's service.  (Thank-you, Jean)

Something to Think About

 

Dr. Barclay spoke of the importance of praying for our country's leaders and government.

 

Dr. Barclay told the encouraging news of an Evangelical church in Cairo Egypt. That has over 7000 members and that baptism services are held almost every month.  He stated with the previous regime, baptisms were held perhaps twice a year and now with a change in government the church is growing and baptisms could be held every week. This news is exciting and uplifting and speaks to the power of prayer, the people of Egypt prayed for their country and their government, God answered their fervent prayer and their rulers were replaced.

 

God makes the rules for us to live by. We have to obey them if we want to live and  be blessed and see Heaven.

 

In 1 Samuel chapter 8 the people of Israel no longer wanted Judges, they insisted and requested they be governed by a King. Samuel gave them good warning (verse 18). God still let the people of Israel make their own choice. They wanted a King so they could be like the heathen nations around them (verse 20).

 

We should always be careful what we wish for. We just might get it and it may not be what we thought it would be. Saul was Israel's first King. He had all the outward qualities of a King. However he did not have a heart for God. Saul did not follow God. Saul's legacy was of very poor governance. The person who reigns over us must be just and follow after the rule of God. David did not have the worldly expectations of a King and did not physically look like a King. Yet David served Israel well and was a very good ruler and King.  

 

Canada will be facing an decision soon with an upcoming election. We should remember the children of Israel and how their requests and decisions had long lasting consequences. It is not just enough to vote we must study and research our leaders and examine their policies and platforms. We must pray for our country and nation, and pray fervently  for those who rule over us.

 

 

Rev. Steve Webb

 

Reverend  Steve Webb talked about having bad days and how we cannot complain and feel bad for ourselves till we fully understand what Jesus went through. Reverend Webb took us on a study of Mark  Chapters 5 and 6.  As soon as Jesus gets out of the boat he is faced with a legion of smelly death ridden demons. A legion can range from 3000 to 6000. Jesus healed the man that had been possessed  by the demons and drove the demons into a heard of pigs.  This man became a great missionary  going home and telling his friends of his healing  and deliverance (Mark 5:19-20).

Also there had been a woman with an issue of blood that had perused  Jesus for a healing. She had been unsuccessful  in seeking  treatments from various doctors. This woman had great faith, she touched Jesus clothes and was instantly healed of her disease. Jairus was one of the rulers of the Synagogue, yet he recognized   there was something special about  Jesus  (Mark 5 Verse 22). He requested that Jesus heal his daughter. Jesus said to Jairus only believe. Jesus healed Jairus twelve year old daughter who had been near death.

 

The man delivered of demons and Jairus daughter and the woman with the issue of blood  will never be the same again and will forever be thankful and grateful. Jesus worked miracles and spoke with great authority, however as we read in Mark 5 Verse 40 many people doubted his healing power they laughed and scorned at him.  In Mark Chapter 6 Verses 1 to 6 we read how some people  and some religious rulers were offend at Jesus and disrespected him. The people  had shaken their fists at God and were offended by him. They could not see and fathom his goodness and compassion and forgiving heart. Jesus was rejected and not appreciated by his own people in Nazareth. Jesus had spent his whole day doing good and yet was mocked and humiliated Jesus shows a great example of pressing on and doing good even in the midst of hardships

This was an excellent message reminding us as Christians to never give up and keep on following our Lords example.

 

At the close of the service  Pastor Caroline reminded us that nothing can separate us from the love of God.