Vacation

 

Dr. Barclay is taking a well-deserved vacation so there will be no Something to Think About or Bible Study this week or next. (The weeks of Sept. 24th and Oct. 1st.)

He will be back for the week of Oct. 8th.

Jean Kirk - Sept. 24, 2023

Service September 24, 2023

Time: 6 PM

Place: Hillside Community Hall 27 Chance Harbour Rd.

Guest speaker Jean Kirk with worship by Jasmine Trott.

Come join us and bring a friend.

Everyone's welcome.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Daniel Part 1

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - IF

 IF

After the death of King Solomon, the nation over which he ruled split into two countries. The northern part of the country continued under the name of Israel, and under the leadership of Jeroboam. The southern part of Solomon’s former kingdom became known as Judah and came under the leadership of his son Rehoboam. Both leaders were really unfit for the task of leadership and were inadequate for the responsibilities required. As a result, the northern kingdom, Israel, slowly turned away from God and began to worship other gods. Thus, in time, God gave Israel into the hands of Assyria, where they were taken captive.

In a similar way, Rehoboam led the nation of Judah astray and it too began to go after and worship other gods. This was until God allowed the Babylonians to conquer and capture Judah in the same way that Assyria overcame Israel. God had pleaded many times for the  Israelites to follow Him and abandon their pagan ways but His entreaties were all eventually refused and as a result the nations were overthrown. They had neglected to follow His command and to reap the blessings that would ensue, as outlined in Deuteronomy chapters 28-30. Instead, they reaped the curses that were promised if God’s commands were not followed. And this was not the first time, for on many occasions in Judges we are told of how the nation of Israel rejected God’s entreaties only to suffer the consequences. 

In spite of all this, however, people were still given the opportunity to make a choice. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us once more that such a choice is possible. It begins simply with

If

When a statement begins in such a way, it implies that what follows is as likely not to be obeyed as to be adhered to.

If My people who are called by My name…

At the time this was written it implied only the Jewish nation, but since Jesus is also God it now refers to people who identify as Christian as well.

…will humble themselves…

This is a real stumbling block because individuals as well as nations are unwilling to admit that they need God; everyone thinks they have the right and ability to do everything for themselves. It’s why pride is considered one of the greatest sins in the Bible.

…and pray and seek My face…

This won’t happen unless the being humble precedes prayer and seeking because if people are unwilling to submit themselves to God, they probably see no reason to pray or to seek Him.

…and turn from their wicked ways…

Something which probably none of us are great at doing because it implies complete repentance and in actually the ways of the world always seem far too enticing. But if we individually, and nationally, did give it an honest effort then

…I will hear from heaven…

God states very clearly that He will listen to our needs, also implying that without us doing our part, perhaps our prayers may not be heard, and we may be left to our own devices.

…and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

We can’t be forgiven of our sin if we don’t recognize that we are sinners. This, however, just might be the ultimate key, more than what we try to do ourselves, to healing our planet, and improving the situation for all of us if we will only take it to heart and do it.

It is certainly something to think about.

Just a Reminder

 

For anyone going to the retreat, please have your money to give to Peter Maclaren at next Sunday's service. (Sept. 24th)

Sooner if you happen to see him.

Thanks in advance

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Colossians Part 10

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - 3000

                                         3000

As with the number 7, there are times when numbers are repeated in Scripture in an apparent purposeful manner. For example, the number 3000, or an approximation of that number, appears about 24 times in the Bible. It is comprised of the number 3 which represents divine completeness or perfection as well as the triune nature of God, followed by the three 0’s which apparently refer to lack of boundaries, divine abundance, and fulfillment of God’s provisions. The same number can also signify God’s blessings, and conversely, God’s judgement and as well may also give reference to God’s means to spread His message to others.

Perhaps the most important example of the significance of this number is in the following two instances. First, when Moses led the Hebrew people out of Egypt and subsequently went up to the mountain to meet with God. The Israelites, led by Arron, rebelled and built for themselves a golden calf to worship in Moses’ absence.

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, 

the people gathered together to Aaron…

(who) received gold from their hand…

and made a molded calf. Then they said ‘This is your god, O Israel…’

(Exodus 32:1,4)

When Moses returned to the camp, after having come down from the mountain, his “anger became hot” (Exodus 32:19) and he separated those who were on the side of God from those who no longer were and had the former slay the latter.

And about three thousand fell that day.
(Exodus 32:28)

Approximately 1200 years later, and roughly about the same time of year, the disciples were gathered in one place (apparently in the upper room). Here they were, at the same time, all filled with the Holy Spirit as a sound emanated from Heaven. This caused a large number of people to gather and who were spoken to in their own language. Peter spoke and said that this was what was referred to by the prophet Joel. And after, Peter spoke and called for repentance:

…those who gladly received his word were baptized; 

and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

(Acts 2:41)

So, at the time when the law (the Ten Commandments) was given about three thousand people lost their lives. Then, about 1200 years or so later, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, about the same number of persons were made alive. For as the Bible states:

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins… 

(Ephesians 2:1)

Thus, right from the start, the law which was to point out our sin and shortcomings resulted in the death of many, whereas the Spirit of God resulted in the salvation of the same number. Was the number three thousand as mentioned just a random figure? Not likely considering the meaning of the number as related above. The number does refer to God’s blessings, divine abundance and God’s judgements and all without boundaries. Hence, it refers to everyone. Paul also refers to the same when he stated:

 

And have such trust through Christ toward God.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being

from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who made us

sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of 

the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 

(2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

The letter of the law kills but the Spirit gives life. It is something to think about.  

CHURCH SERVICE - SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

 Master's Hand Ministry's next service wil be this Sunday, Sept.10th at the Hillside Community Hall at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Vincent Hanley.

Come join us in worship and bring a friend. Everyone is welcome.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Colossians Part 9

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - I AM - PART 2

 I AM - PART 2

When Moses was at the burning bush near Mt. Horeb, God spoke to him and said:

…I am the God of your father - the God of Abraham, 

the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob… 

(Exodus 3:6)

When Moses asked by what name God should be called when he met the children of Israel, God replied:

…I AM WHO I AM…

You shall say to the children of Israel, 

‘I AM has sent me to you’… 

(Exodus 3:14)

At first glance, this seems to be a very bland name to designate the creator and ruler of the universe. After all, the pagan gods had much more illustrative names. For instance, the god Thor had a name suggestive of power and strength. The name Venus or Aphrodite conjures up the idea of sensuality, and even Baal has a mysterious quality to it. But I AM on the surface really does little to impress.

Creating an impression apparently, however, was not the purpose. As mentioned in a  previous writing, the name I AM creates a continuance between God the Father and Christ the Son. In John, we are given the picture of Jesus identity.

I AM the bread of life. (6:48)

I AM the light of the world. (8:12)

I AM the door. (10:9)

I AM the Good Shepherd. (10:11)

I AM the resurrection and the life. (11:25)

I AM the way, the truth, and the life. (14:6)

I AM the true vine. (15:1)*

In addition to all of the above, there is another reason for the name I AM. You see, our existence comes because God exists and in essence we are totally dependent upon Him. This is very evident when we try to speak about anything regarding ourselves because we cannot without first speaking the name of God. His Name, therefore, always precedes anything we say pertaining to ourselves. Whether it refers to a name (I am called…), a profession (I am a…), an event (I am going to…), or even travel (I am travelling to…) the name, and thus the presence of God, precedes. In times of joy (I am cheerful), sorrow (I am downcast), or fear (I am anxious) God is also right there with us and precedes us.

Since our existence comes from His existence, we should always put Him first and the presence of His name preceding everything we are and do should always remind us of this fact. We have our life from Him and we are to live for Him, and by so doing we can all truly say I am His.**

Just a little something to think about.

*In part from Mysteries of the Messiah pg 100 by Rabbi Jason Sobel

** Based in part on day 2 The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Can