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November 18th, 2023
Is Anti-Semitism Good or Bad Theology?
Comments Off on Is Anti-Semitism Good or Bad Theology?, Filed in Videos, by CGP.Jesus said that a good tree would produce good fruit and a bad tree would produce bad fruit. When we consider the conflict between Hamas and the state of Israel, we realize it is a theological controversy. This controversy and the underlying anti-semitism has ancient roots and the tree has either produced good or bad fruit.
But we will start to examine the story beginning with the history of the Roman world at the time of the Jewish revolts in the first and second century. We will briefly look at the causes of a rising anti-semitism in the state and a subsequent adoption of anti-semitic bias in the early Roman church. We will consider the question of why the early Roman church fathers forsook their Hebrew roots and developed a new ‘Gentile Christianity.’
Then we will examine the scriptures to determine God’s attitude towards his people and how he dealt with them when they failed to live up to their covenant. God made and reiterated promises to his people, so we must ask whether the God we worship as Christians is a God who keeps his promises. Can we count on God to be good to his word? And if so, do we have the same mindset that God has when it comes to the issue of anti-semitism. More
November 11th, 2023
Salvation is of the Jews??
Comments Off on Salvation is of the Jews??, Filed in Videos, by CGP.In a time of rising anti-semitism, Jesus statement that ‘Salvation is of the Jews’ seems antithetical to many who consider themselves Christians. So what was Jesus talking about and how should it direct our thought and action today?
Understanding the context of this scripture gives us the first clue and provides us with more questions. Who were the Samaritans, what did they believe and what was their relationship to the scriptures? Answering these questions in their historical context helps us understand what Jesus said and why he said it. More
November 4th, 2023
Attached to God — The Remedy for Separation
Comments Off on Attached to God — The Remedy for Separation, Filed in Videos, by CGP.Are we ‘attached’ to God and what does this mean in daily life? Gordon Neufeld, an inspiring speaker has proposed a developmental model for human growth based on the power of attachment of children to nurturing parents. This model is also useful in considering our spiritual parent, our Father, and our relationship to him as his children. Just as children attach to parents and family life, so God’s children are in a deep and abiding, lifelong relationship with him. We need to be close to God, imitating his actions, loyal to his values, feeling loved and appreciated, and knowing that God understands our deepest yearning. And yet. there are times when we misstep, derail, and fall short of God’s expectations for us. What then? Is God only there for us when we please him? Or does God provide a remedy to bridge those things that separate us from God?
Consider this powerful hope that we have in God’s grace and mercy, so we can continue to walk with him even after we have stumbled. And then consider the implications for family life and mending relationships between parents and children. More
November 1st, 2023
Do You have a Generous Spirit?
Comments Off on Do You have a Generous Spirit?, Filed in Videos, by CGP.A spirit of generosity is an element that has united brethren for millennia, beginning in those very first weeks when the brethren in the Jerusalem church supported those who had travelled from afar with food and lodging. Our generosity towards others is an outgrowth of God’s generosity towards us, for not only has he provided all of our physical benefits but he has given us the great hope of eternal life. Paul in writing to the brethren in Rome, reiterated the vital importance of giving generously in our service to God and to those in our care. He asks us to reflect on whether our spiritual sacrifice reflects that generous spirit in the use of the gifts we have been given. Whether writing to the Corinthians or Ephesians or speaking with the Macedonians or the Greeks in Athen’s his generosity of spirit was evidenced in how he treated the believer and the non-believer. Are we living with a deep appreciation of God’s graciousness towards us and are we living with that same generosity of spirit in our interactions with others? It’s time to consider how we can better reflect God’s nature in this matter. More
October 22nd, 2023
Prayer — When Prayer is Under Attack
Comments Off on Prayer — When Prayer is Under Attack, Filed in Videos, by CGP.There is a major push to remove prayer to God, our heavenly Father, out of the public square. Prayer has been challenged by those who don’t believe it can make.a difference.
So what should we be doing as people who believe and follow the scriptural narrative?
Jesus had a lot to say about prayer in response to the formulaic prayers of the religious leaders of his time. He knew useless repetitive prayers were unproductive. But he also used parables to teach the importance of praying faithfully and with persistence. God does hear our prayers and will answer, but perhaps not in the way we might expect or according to the timetable we have in mind. Consider the example of Hezekiah and the outcome of his prayers to God in the face of an overwhelming foe – the Assyrians who had conquered all the land outside of Jerusalem. Be encouraged by Hannah’s prayer and God’s speedy answer. And understand the importance of being patient and persevering as you examine the life of Paul and see the way in which God answered his prayer to be with the brethren in Rome.
Learn more about prayer and how to have effective prayers in your walk with God. More
October 14th, 2023
Hamas Attacks Israel: A Scriptural Reflection
Comments Off on Hamas Attacks Israel: A Scriptural Reflection, Filed in Videos, by CGP.Two millennia ago, Jesus Christ had a message for the people of Judea that resonates in our world. He spoke of the tragedies of his time when the Galileans were murdered by Pilate and the Tower of Siloam fell and many were killed. He also reflected on the nature of Jerusalem and its people in his day and what the future had in store for the people of Israel in Judea.
This message harkened back to the Song of Moses written before Israel entered their promised land. It was a song recounting Israel’s wilderness experience and prophesying about the future of the people and the land. Many of its verses seem to have a partial fulfillment in our time – a time when the people of Judah have surprisingly returned to their inheritance and been re-established in the land centuries after the destruction of their temple state.
Listen to the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah to gain insight into what was foretold by God. They reveal a picture of God’s justice, his mercy and his purpose for Israel that will be fulfilled in the future. God is faithful and he will deal justly with the evil-doers and those who turn to him for mercy. Consider the message of the prophets to us and be encouraged in spite of the times of trouble that we may be enduring at the present. More
September 30th, 2023
Feast of Tabernacles 2023
Comments Off on Feast of Tabernacles 2023, Filed in Videos, by CGP.Feast of Tabernacles 2023
Join us daily for a message to encourage you during the Feast of Tabernacles:
FIRST DAY OF THE FEAST – September 30, 2023
Lessons in Leadership
The Feast of Tabernacles gives us hope and a mission to help us prepare for our future as those who will reign with Christ. Take a journey through the scriptures and explore the reality of the prophecies of the day of Christ’s return as King of Kings. Be aware of what will happen ‘In that day’ the day when dramatic political and social changes will occur just as the prophets predicted. Then consider the message that the Father has for his children, his saints, and the role that we as the followers of Christ should be preparing to fulfill in the establishment of God’s world order.
SECOND DAY OF THE FEAST – October 1, 2023
Kingdom of God — What’s a Saint to Do?
The picture is very fuzzy in the minds of many believers when it comes to who are qualified to be saints and what will their responsibilities be in the future. Come along on this exploration of the promises of Jesus Christ to his disciples. Consider the evidence of the writings of Paul, Luke, and John relating to the time of the restoration of all things. And, read the witness of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah and Micah who outline the events that will transpire at the return of the Messiah.
THIRD DAY OF THE FEAST – October 2, 2023
Amos prophesied that God would “sift the people through the nations” and not a kernel of the faithful remnant of the people would be lost. The Lord God came to earth as Jesus the Messiah to fulfill the messages given by the prophets to Israel. Amos prophesied that there would come a time of building and renewal of the nation of Israel. Jesus and the apostles repeated these promises. Do we believe this message of hope for the future concerning the millennial rule of Christ?
FOURTH DAY OF THE FEAST – October 3, 2023
Restoring the Paths Repairing the Breaches
The prophet Isaiah wrote to encourage the people of God with a message of hope in restoring the paths and rebuilding the ruins. This was all predicated on the people returning to God and re-establishing justice based on the truth of scripture. History offers us the examples of those who put the pursuit of the truth and doing what was right, ahead of personal ambition or ideology. General Robert E. Lee was such a person, one who was willing to suffer, if need be, to do what was right and honourable. He was willing to act without pride, and to do what was best for his people in suing for peace, instead of pursuing a protracted guerrilla war. What about us? Are we restoring the path and repairing the breaches?
FIFTH DAY OF THE FEAST – October 4, 2023
Throughout history, the people of God have faced times when the ‘household of God’ has collapsed, and the people have been scattered. So it is no surprise that the scriptures offer advice about how we are to live in such times of uncertainty. In each generation there is a call to return to the active faith that will allow the re-establishment of God’s way of life in the community of believers. The story of Zerubbabel and the return from Babylonian exile offers us many lessons. And we learn from the prophets that just as God gave the ancient Israelites a hope and a future, so God gives his people now an even greater hope and responsibility.
SIXTH DAY OF THE FEAST – October 5, 2023
The biblical story of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and their brothers has many important lessons for those who see the need to restore the paths of God today. They faced many obstacles in rebuilding the temple and in fulfilling God’s purpose. The project languished due to hostile political leaders, the economic pressure to return to business as usual and the discouragement of weary labourers. Many elders also bemoaned the fact that this new temple was a mere shadow compared to its magnificent predecessor. Some wondered if the temple would ever be restored. So what about us? Are we feeling oppressed, overwhelmed, or discouraged? What can we learn from scripture to bolster our resolve to fulfill God’s mission in our time?
SEVENTH DAY OF THE FEAST – October 6, 2023
Restoring the Wall — Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra the scribe had returned to Jerusalem with a valuable cargo of precious vessels to restore the temple worship. But he was greatly dismayed by the moral and spiritual state of the people. It would seem that they had fallen back into many of the harmful practices that had led to their captivity in the first place. Eventually, as a result of dealing with dangers without, and betrayal within the community, Ezra knew he would need help. He understood the importance of rebuilding the walls, both literally and metaphorically. They were needed to protect a pure relationship with God and defend against corrupting outside influences. Are we wall-builders in our time?
LAST GREAT DAY
EIGHTH DAY OF THE FEAST – October 7, 2023
Hope of the resurrection!
Can these bones live? The short answer is, “Yes!” but there is much more to the story. God says that, “all will be saved” but is that happening now? When will God work to save all of humanity? God’s plan of salvation for all is revealed through the Holy Days that God created as memorials and as prefigurative events envisioning what is to come in the future. The future is full of hope for those who put their trust in the God of scripture.
God has a plan for humanity that he reveals through a series of Holy Days during the yearly cycle. These days remind us of historic events, give us a glimpse into the future, and help us to know the mind of God — his plans and purposes. Throughout scripture there is a singular message that our hope is in embracing God’s path and developing his nature so we might eventually dwell with him for eternity. Let the scriptures open your mind and heart to the message that God has for you at this time of year — a message of hope to encourage you in your daily walk with your Creator.