The Jerusalem Council

The Jerusalem Council forms the CENTRE of the book of Acts both structurally and theologically.⁠  Acts 15 brings us to arguably the most significant decision in the history of the New Testament church.  Acts 15:1-35

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Not One Thing Has Failed

As Canada stops today to give thanks, the greatest and the most profound thanksgiving should spring up from the church, for who has more to be thankful for than the people of God?  Psalm 105

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Today’s passage is about the final leg of the Apostle Paul’s first intentional, cross-cultural missions trip.   Paul is breaking new ground as he makes his way into communities that have never heard the gospel. This reality should frame how we study this passage. This is a story about missions.  Acts 14:8-23

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Individualism

Individualism is a big topic in on our culture’s all-consuming emphasis on self. This individualism can creep into the church. That’s a frightening reality. The church is supposed to provide us with a little foretaste of heaven, but when the church is filled with 150 people asking, “What’s in it for me?” it becomes instead […]

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Confrontation Avoidance

We avoid confrontation like the plague. That would involve meeting with people that we disagree with in person. That would involve looking them in the eye. That would involve a real conversation that might actually lead to real change. That’s scary. Matthew 18:15-20

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Instant Gratification

We are – by and large – a microwave culture. We demand quick results. Why read a book when you can read a tweet? Unlike our ancestors who placed seeds in the soil and waited for crops to grow, we get what we need with the click of a mouse. Our target today is instant […]

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Self-Reliance

Our topic this morning is self-reliance. It may seem far less sinister than other traits we’ve look at but of all the topics we will discuss in this series, this way of thinking has gained the most traction in the church. Romans 12:3-8

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The Idolization Of Feelings

This week, we will study a problem that is pervasive. It is dangerously subtle, and terribly destructive. We will look at what God’s Word says about the idolization of feelings.  Psalm 42-43

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Tribalism

Tribalism refers to the “us and them” mentality that fuels so much of the rage in our culture.  In our passage this morning, we are reminded that long before social media or Canadian politics, this sin of tribalism existed, and it even crept into the church.  1 Corinthians 3:1-9

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