Thursday, October 20, 2005
Sunday at Five, October 23, 2005
Discussion and Holy Communion at five pm this Sunday, followed by potluck supper, at 2087 Beaton Ave, Comox, BC.
Confirming Faith Week 5 The Holy Spirit
Confirming Faith Week Five. The Holy Spirit.
Who is the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a thing or an impersonal force. He is the third Person of the Godhead (the Trinity) and proceeds from the Father through the Son (or, at the Son’s request). He does not draw attention to Himself. He draws us into a relationship with the Father and glorifies the Son. He is present in scripture from the second verse of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation.
What was His role in the Old Testament?
He was present at Creation and at various times rested upon or filled individuals so that they could be empowered for God-directed action or to speak God’s message. He inspired the prophets and the authors of the books of the Bible. In the OT it was only special people who had the HS and then only for specific purposes.
What was His role in the New Testament?
Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was active in people such as Mary, Elizabeth, Zecharias, John the Baptizer, and in Jesus. He came upon Jesus at his baptism and led him out into the wilderness. John the Baptist predicted that Jesus would baptize people with the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit and to wait in Jerusalem until the Spirit came. We are told that it was the Holy Spirit’s power that raised Jesus from the dead, thereby proving that the Father had accepted His sacrifice.
At Pentecost (Acts 2) all the gathered followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in languages they did not understand but which were understood by people of various nationalities who overheard them. Peter preached to the crowds that they too would receive the HS if the repented, believed in Jesus and were baptized. Subsequently, the HS was received by a number of individuals and groups including Samaritans, Gentiles and others.
What does He do today?
He does what he has done ever since He was given to the church at Pentecost.
How to receive or be filled with the Spirit.
Becoming a Christian has four parts to it: repentance, faith in Jesus, baptism in water, and receiving the Spirit (Acts 2:38). These may occur together or at different times and not always in that order.
If you are not sure whether or not you are a Christian, then the first thing to do is to do make sure you are. Pray a “sorry, thank you, please” prayer: confess your sinfulness, asking God to forgive you, thank Him for Jesus’ death for you, and ask him to give you His Spirit.
If you are already a Christian, confess to God any known sin that would interfere with the HS working in your life and to reveal to you anything which needs to be made right with Him. Then ask Jesus to fill you with his Spirit and to give you any gifts you need to serve Him. Praise Him and thank for doing so. Focus on God rather than on your feelings – the Giver is more important than the gift. Use your own language as well as any other language which comes to mind as you pray. You will probably find yourself praising Him in a language you have never learned. It’s that simple.
Conversion and baptism are unrepeatable, but repentance, faith and walking in/by the Spirit are a way of life. Remember, being filled with the Spirit is not a once only event. You need to be continually filled with the Spirit. At different times you may need or experience a special infilling, gift for a particular purpose.
What does it mean to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
This expression only occurs 7 times in the Bible, 5 times predicting that Jesus would baptize in the Holy Spirit in contrast to John baptizing in water. This came true for Jewish believers at Pentecost and for Gentiles when Cornelius (Acts 10) and his family were baptized in the Spirit. After Cornelius’s conversion Peter refers to those predictions to explain what had just occurred (Acts 11:16-18). The final time is the reference in 1Cor 12:13 which indicates that all Christians have been baptized by one Spirit into the one body of Christ. So some Christians understand the term to refer to being born again at which time one receives the Spirit.
Some Christians refer to a special experience, after conversion, of being filled with the Spirit in a very powerful way, usually accompanied by speaking in tongues, as being “Baptized in the Spirit.” Other Christians, while having a similar experience, prefer not to call it by that name because of the confusion which arises from the terminology.
Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians after Pentecost commanded to seek an experience called the Baptism in the Spirit. We are, however, commanded to go on being filled with the Spirit, to walk by the Spirit, to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, not to quench or grieve the Spirit. Not everyone has an identical experience but we are all expected to receive the Spirit and the gifts He wishes us to have. Nobody should be proud of their experiences or consider others less for not having the same experience. Nevertheless, Jesus intends for us to be filled with his Spirit and to have His power at work in our lives. We should not be afraid of asking the Father for this, as Jesus promised the Father will give the Spirit to anyone who asks (Luke 11:13).
Discussion:
At a subsequent time we shall discuss the connection between the Holy Spirit and water baptism and with public profession of faith (eg church membership or Confirmation).
As before, some of the material for this backgrounder was taken from Faith Confirmed by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (published by SPCK). However most of it was drawn from other authors such as Nicky Gumbel, Michael Green and David Pawson.
Who is the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a thing or an impersonal force. He is the third Person of the Godhead (the Trinity) and proceeds from the Father through the Son (or, at the Son’s request). He does not draw attention to Himself. He draws us into a relationship with the Father and glorifies the Son. He is present in scripture from the second verse of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation.
What was His role in the Old Testament?
He was present at Creation and at various times rested upon or filled individuals so that they could be empowered for God-directed action or to speak God’s message. He inspired the prophets and the authors of the books of the Bible. In the OT it was only special people who had the HS and then only for specific purposes.
What was His role in the New Testament?
Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was active in people such as Mary, Elizabeth, Zecharias, John the Baptizer, and in Jesus. He came upon Jesus at his baptism and led him out into the wilderness. John the Baptist predicted that Jesus would baptize people with the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit and to wait in Jerusalem until the Spirit came. We are told that it was the Holy Spirit’s power that raised Jesus from the dead, thereby proving that the Father had accepted His sacrifice.
At Pentecost (Acts 2) all the gathered followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in languages they did not understand but which were understood by people of various nationalities who overheard them. Peter preached to the crowds that they too would receive the HS if the repented, believed in Jesus and were baptized. Subsequently, the HS was received by a number of individuals and groups including Samaritans, Gentiles and others.
What does He do today?
He does what he has done ever since He was given to the church at Pentecost.
- Before we become Christians He convinces us of our need for God. He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). Nobody can truthfully confess Jesus as Lord without having the Spirit (Romans 8:9 and 1Cor 12:3).
- When we become Christians we are “born again” or “born from above” (John 3:3-8 and 1John 5:8) and receive the Spirit of adoption by which we are assured that God is our Father (Romans 8:15). The Holy Spirit comes to live within us (1Cor 3:16).
- He incorporates us into the Body of Christ which is the church. (1 Cor 12:13). Water baptism and baptism in/with/by the Spirit are two sides of the same coin but are not the same thing and may or may not occur at the same time.
- He transforms our character by producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
- He gives us gifts to be used for the benefit of the whole church. There are numerous lists of these: 1 Corinthians chapters 12 (three lists), 1 Peter 4, Romans 12, 1 Cor 7:2, Ephesians 4.
- He helps us to understand the truth of scripture which He inspired. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). See also: 1 Cor 2:10-13.
How to receive or be filled with the Spirit.
Becoming a Christian has four parts to it: repentance, faith in Jesus, baptism in water, and receiving the Spirit (Acts 2:38). These may occur together or at different times and not always in that order.
If you are not sure whether or not you are a Christian, then the first thing to do is to do make sure you are. Pray a “sorry, thank you, please” prayer: confess your sinfulness, asking God to forgive you, thank Him for Jesus’ death for you, and ask him to give you His Spirit.
If you are already a Christian, confess to God any known sin that would interfere with the HS working in your life and to reveal to you anything which needs to be made right with Him. Then ask Jesus to fill you with his Spirit and to give you any gifts you need to serve Him. Praise Him and thank for doing so. Focus on God rather than on your feelings – the Giver is more important than the gift. Use your own language as well as any other language which comes to mind as you pray. You will probably find yourself praising Him in a language you have never learned. It’s that simple.
Conversion and baptism are unrepeatable, but repentance, faith and walking in/by the Spirit are a way of life. Remember, being filled with the Spirit is not a once only event. You need to be continually filled with the Spirit. At different times you may need or experience a special infilling, gift for a particular purpose.
What does it mean to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
This expression only occurs 7 times in the Bible, 5 times predicting that Jesus would baptize in the Holy Spirit in contrast to John baptizing in water. This came true for Jewish believers at Pentecost and for Gentiles when Cornelius (Acts 10) and his family were baptized in the Spirit. After Cornelius’s conversion Peter refers to those predictions to explain what had just occurred (Acts 11:16-18). The final time is the reference in 1Cor 12:13 which indicates that all Christians have been baptized by one Spirit into the one body of Christ. So some Christians understand the term to refer to being born again at which time one receives the Spirit.
Some Christians refer to a special experience, after conversion, of being filled with the Spirit in a very powerful way, usually accompanied by speaking in tongues, as being “Baptized in the Spirit.” Other Christians, while having a similar experience, prefer not to call it by that name because of the confusion which arises from the terminology.
Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians after Pentecost commanded to seek an experience called the Baptism in the Spirit. We are, however, commanded to go on being filled with the Spirit, to walk by the Spirit, to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, not to quench or grieve the Spirit. Not everyone has an identical experience but we are all expected to receive the Spirit and the gifts He wishes us to have. Nobody should be proud of their experiences or consider others less for not having the same experience. Nevertheless, Jesus intends for us to be filled with his Spirit and to have His power at work in our lives. We should not be afraid of asking the Father for this, as Jesus promised the Father will give the Spirit to anyone who asks (Luke 11:13).
Discussion:
- What is the evidence that the Spirit is active in one’s life?
- What are the gifts of the Spirit?
- Should all Christians have the same gifts?
- Why might people be afraid to ask God to fill them with His Spirit?
- What metaphors for the Holy Spirit are there in the Bible?
At a subsequent time we shall discuss the connection between the Holy Spirit and water baptism and with public profession of faith (eg church membership or Confirmation).
As before, some of the material for this backgrounder was taken from Faith Confirmed by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (published by SPCK). However most of it was drawn from other authors such as Nicky Gumbel, Michael Green and David Pawson.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
New Dawn in East Africa: the East African revival - Christian History & Biography - ChristianityTodayLibrary.com
New Dawn in East Africa: the East African revival - Christian History & Biography - ChristianityTodayLibrary.com
Might the East Africa Revival have something to teach us in Canada?
Might the East Africa Revival have something to teach us in Canada?
Rick's Rwanda Road Map - Christianity Today Magazine
read these articles on how the Anglican church in Rwanda is helping heal the effects of Genocide.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Confirming Faith Week 4 Jesus Death and Resurrection
Confirming Faith - Week 4. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
(A) HIS DEATH
Why Jesus Had to Die: There are several ways of looking at what Jesus achieved by his death and resurrection. All of these are true. Some Christians emphasize one over the others.
1. Atonement: this means to “make one” (at-one-ment). God made us for a relationship with him. We are estranged from God through our rebellion against him. (sin). Christ came to restore that relationship. Only someone who was both fully man and fully God, and who was himself without sin, could bridge that gap between us and God.
Read Eph 3:16-19. The cross is a picture of the lengths to which God was willing to go to reach out to us and of the depth and breadth of his love. The vertical part of the cross represents restoration between us and God; the horizontal beam represents the ministry of reconciliation he has given us (Romans 5:6-11, 2 Cor 5:18-20).
2. Substitution: This means that Jesus took our place. He received the punishment we deserve so that we could go free. We are justified (declared righteous and not guilty) because he has taken our sin on himself. (2 Cor 5:21). We exchange our sinfulness for his righteousness. The righteous wrath of God against evil was borne by him. Jesus experienced separation from God the Father so that we might be re-united with him and become his children. Essentially, he traded places with us. That is why he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” All the sacrifices of the Old Testament are pictures of the one final sacrifice of Jesus.
3. Victory over Death and Evil:
Man was created immortal. Death entered human experience after man rebelled. Jesus experienced death for us. His resurrection overcame the power of death.
4. Ransom: This metaphor is that of paying a ransom price to set free a kidnapped victim or a slave (man is enslaved by sin and under Satan’s influence). Jesus purchased our liberation with his own blood. We therefore now belong to him. (Matt 20:28, 1Tim 2:6)
5. Rescue: Christ’s incarnation, death and resurrection represent God’s rescue mission to planet Earth. He rescued us from Satan’s dominion and transferred us to God’s dominion, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. (Col 1:13).
6. Example to follow: Jesus’ death was an example (1Peter 2:21) of self-less love and devotion, of willingness to lay down one’s life for others and of loving one’s enemies. We are called to follow in his footsteps. His death, however, was not simply one of a revolutionary dying for a good cause.
Think of different examples from history, your own experience or the news which illustrate these different ways of looking at the cross, eg. someone risking his/her life for someone else.
Through his conception, birth, life and death, Jesus identified fully with all that it means to be human. He assumed our nature so that we could become by adoption and grace, what he is by nature, namely sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
(B) HIS RESURRECTION
1 Cor 15:1-20 and 50-58) Christians believe, as we say in some liturgies, that: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Easter is thus the central feast of the Christian year. Each Sunday is a mini-Easter as we gather around the Lord’s Table to remember and receive him in the bread and wine.
What should our response to this be?
One of the paradoxes of the Christian faith is this: when we think we are free to do whatever we want by rebelling against the God who made us, we are actually enslaved by sin. When we voluntarily submit to the Lordship of Christ we are truly free to be all we were meant to be.
Acknowledgement: As with the other sessions in this series, this topic is based substantially on Faith Confirmed by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (published by SPCK), supplemented with other material.
(A) HIS DEATH
Why Jesus Had to Die: There are several ways of looking at what Jesus achieved by his death and resurrection. All of these are true. Some Christians emphasize one over the others.
1. Atonement: this means to “make one” (at-one-ment). God made us for a relationship with him. We are estranged from God through our rebellion against him. (sin). Christ came to restore that relationship. Only someone who was both fully man and fully God, and who was himself without sin, could bridge that gap between us and God.
Read Eph 3:16-19. The cross is a picture of the lengths to which God was willing to go to reach out to us and of the depth and breadth of his love. The vertical part of the cross represents restoration between us and God; the horizontal beam represents the ministry of reconciliation he has given us (Romans 5:6-11, 2 Cor 5:18-20).
2. Substitution: This means that Jesus took our place. He received the punishment we deserve so that we could go free. We are justified (declared righteous and not guilty) because he has taken our sin on himself. (2 Cor 5:21). We exchange our sinfulness for his righteousness. The righteous wrath of God against evil was borne by him. Jesus experienced separation from God the Father so that we might be re-united with him and become his children. Essentially, he traded places with us. That is why he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” All the sacrifices of the Old Testament are pictures of the one final sacrifice of Jesus.
3. Victory over Death and Evil:
Man was created immortal. Death entered human experience after man rebelled. Jesus experienced death for us. His resurrection overcame the power of death.
4. Ransom: This metaphor is that of paying a ransom price to set free a kidnapped victim or a slave (man is enslaved by sin and under Satan’s influence). Jesus purchased our liberation with his own blood. We therefore now belong to him. (Matt 20:28, 1Tim 2:6)
5. Rescue: Christ’s incarnation, death and resurrection represent God’s rescue mission to planet Earth. He rescued us from Satan’s dominion and transferred us to God’s dominion, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. (Col 1:13).
6. Example to follow: Jesus’ death was an example (1Peter 2:21) of self-less love and devotion, of willingness to lay down one’s life for others and of loving one’s enemies. We are called to follow in his footsteps. His death, however, was not simply one of a revolutionary dying for a good cause.
Think of different examples from history, your own experience or the news which illustrate these different ways of looking at the cross, eg. someone risking his/her life for someone else.
Through his conception, birth, life and death, Jesus identified fully with all that it means to be human. He assumed our nature so that we could become by adoption and grace, what he is by nature, namely sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
(B) HIS RESURRECTION
1 Cor 15:1-20 and 50-58) Christians believe, as we say in some liturgies, that: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
- Jesus died; he did not merely swoon or appear dead.
- He was buried in a known and guarded tomb
- The tomb was empty on the first Easter morning.
- Jesus appeared to numerous people during the forty days before his ascension. They saw, touched and talked with him. He ate with them.
- His predictions came true.
- His claims were vindicated by God. i.e. his resurrection proved him to be who he claimed to be.
- He has power over death.
- We can have confidence that we too shall rise.
- The same power which raised Christ from the dead is alive in us through his Spirit.
- We can experience the risen Christ.
- If he kept his promise to rise from the dead, we can rely on his promise to come back again.
Easter is thus the central feast of the Christian year. Each Sunday is a mini-Easter as we gather around the Lord’s Table to remember and receive him in the bread and wine.
What should our response to this be?
One of the paradoxes of the Christian faith is this: when we think we are free to do whatever we want by rebelling against the God who made us, we are actually enslaved by sin. When we voluntarily submit to the Lordship of Christ we are truly free to be all we were meant to be.
Acknowledgement: As with the other sessions in this series, this topic is based substantially on Faith Confirmed by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (published by SPCK), supplemented with other material.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Sunday at five Oct 16th
Hi everyone.
Last week Jannice presented an excellent discussion on the life and ministry of Jesus.
This coming Sunday, October 9th (Thanksgiving Sunday) there will be no gathering. We next meet for communion, discussion and supper at 2087 Beaton Ave in Comox at 5pm October 16th.
See you there.
Last week Jannice presented an excellent discussion on the life and ministry of Jesus.
This coming Sunday, October 9th (Thanksgiving Sunday) there will be no gathering. We next meet for communion, discussion and supper at 2087 Beaton Ave in Comox at 5pm October 16th.
See you there.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Sunday at Five October 2, 2005
Communion, discussion and supper will be at 2087 Beaton Ave, Comox, at 5pm on Sunday, October 2nd, 2005. Notes will be posted later.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Sunday at Five: 25th September, 2005
Confirming Faith – Week 2: Human Nature and Sin.
This week we are looking at human nature from the perspective of what the Bible teaches.
Christianity has a very high view of Man as God originally intended humankind to be. Read Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2: 15-26, Psalm 8:4-8, and Colossians 1:15. Man is a mammal but more than an animal.
Christianity has a realistic view of Man as humankind became through rebellion against God. Read Genesis 3. Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1:18-23 and Romans 3:23. As a result of their rebellion, every human born since has inherited mortality and a bias towards sin. We call this “original sin”.
Christianity provides a unique way for people to be restored to relationship with God. We shall look at this in more depth in the discussions on Jesus’ life and death over the next two weeks
Christianity has a high view of what Man and the universe will be like when Christ returns. We shall look at this at the end of this series. We shall be like him and shall reign with him. There will be a new heaven and earth. All of creation will be renewed
.
This week we are looking at human nature from the perspective of what the Bible teaches.
Christianity has a very high view of Man as God originally intended humankind to be. Read Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2: 15-26, Psalm 8:4-8, and Colossians 1:15. Man is a mammal but more than an animal.
- What does it mean to say that we were created in God’s image?
- In what ways is Christ similar to us and in what ways is he different?
- In what ways are angels similar to us and in what ways are they different?
- What kind of relationship did our first parents (Adam and Eve) have with God before they sinned?
- Why were we made?
- In what ways are we different from the rest of the animal kingdom?
Christianity has a realistic view of Man as humankind became through rebellion against God. Read Genesis 3. Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1:18-23 and Romans 3:23. As a result of their rebellion, every human born since has inherited mortality and a bias towards sin. We call this “original sin”.
- What is sIn?
- What is the difference between sins and sin?
- Is anyone entirely evil?
- Is anyone entirely good?
- Can we be good without God?
- Can we ever achieve perfection in this life?
- What was the result of Adam and Eve’s sin (a) for their relationship with God, (b) how they saw themselves and each other and (c) for generations since then?
Christianity provides a unique way for people to be restored to relationship with God. We shall look at this in more depth in the discussions on Jesus’ life and death over the next two weeks
Christianity has a high view of what Man and the universe will be like when Christ returns. We shall look at this at the end of this series. We shall be like him and shall reign with him. There will be a new heaven and earth. All of creation will be renewed
.
yucv.com :: Youth Unlimited - A Community
Here is the Youth Unlimited, UNDERGROUND website. The YFC team in the Comox Valley provides an awesome inter-denominational program for teens. Check it out.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Sunday at Five (September 25th, 2005)
Next Sunday, September 25th, we meet at five at Brian and Susan Hamp's house at 4736 Headquarters Rd Courtenay. ( look for the Youth Unlimited sign on the right across the road from Riverbend, past Casa Loma and before Vanier.)
We shall have music and discussion followed by the Lord's Supper and a potluck meal together.
We shall have music and discussion followed by the Lord's Supper and a potluck meal together.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Going Deeper Confir
Going Deeper – Confirming our Faith. Week 1
How do we know God? He is greater than we can imagine or describe but we know him by faith.
He reveals himself:
What is God like? Think of words used to describe God. Think of some metaphors and similes for God. Eg Psalm 18:2, 1John 1:5. Psalm 23:1.
What Christians believe about God:
God is:
Look up:
God is active in history: Isaiah 41:1-4
God reveals himself supremely in Jesus: Hebrews 1:1, John 14:9, Col 1:15
God makes covenants with people: with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses. Jesus introduced the New Covenant.
God is our Father. Luke 1:2. Deuteronomy 32:6. He is also like a mother. (Isaiah 49:15.)
God is One (Deut 6:4) and Three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Cor 13:14 and Matt 28:19)
Thoughts to ponder:
How is God related to Creation/Nature?
How do we believe in God when we see suffering?
What does the cross tell us about God?
How do we know God? He is greater than we can imagine or describe but we know him by faith.
He reveals himself:
- Through the Bible 2:Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21
- Through the Church
- Through Nature Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20
- Through Experiences
- Through Prayer.
What is God like? Think of words used to describe God. Think of some metaphors and similes for God. Eg Psalm 18:2, 1John 1:5. Psalm 23:1.
What Christians believe about God:
God is:
- Creator.
- Everywhere
- All-powerful
- Knows everything
- Eternal
- Holy
- Unchanging
- Just
- Merciful
- Love
Look up:
God is active in history: Isaiah 41:1-4
God reveals himself supremely in Jesus: Hebrews 1:1, John 14:9, Col 1:15
God makes covenants with people: with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses. Jesus introduced the New Covenant.
God is our Father. Luke 1:2. Deuteronomy 32:6. He is also like a mother. (Isaiah 49:15.)
God is One (Deut 6:4) and Three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Cor 13:14 and Matt 28:19)
Thoughts to ponder:
How is God related to Creation/Nature?
How do we believe in God when we see suffering?
What does the cross tell us about God?
Going Deeper Confirm
Going Deeper: Confirming our Faith
Introduction
Over the past couple of years at house church we have covered the basics of the Christian faith through the Alpha course, Christianity Explored, The Purpose-Drive Life and an overview of the Bible in The Bible for Blockheads. This Fall we propose to go a bit deeper into the faith by having a series of discussions drawn from the book “Faith Confirmed” by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (published by SPCK), supplemented by other materials. We may not agree on all their perspectives but the book provides a useful resource. We shall continue to meet on Sundays at five pm combining the study with worship and following it with potluck supper. Bring your friends.
We shall prepare the material ahead of time but the discussions will be informal and interactive. Rather than everyone having a book to study from, there will be questions to use as a basis for discussion.
Most of what we cover will be common to Christians as a whole. On some topics we shall present a range of opinions, attempting to be fair to the different view-points of, say, Roman Catholics and Protestants, while discussing why Anglican Christians arrived at conclusions which recognize the best of both. Initial topics are a revision exercise of what we have already covered in other discussions. We’ll get the most out of it if we try to participate every week. Depending on numbers we shall do an overview of the topic together ad then divide into groups for discussion eg teens/kids and one or more adult group. As always, feel free to ask any question.
Outline:
1 God
2. Human Nature and Sin
3. Jesus: Life and Ministry
4. Jesus: Death and Resurrection
5. The Holy Spirit
6. The Church
7. The Creeds
8 The Bible
9. Living as a Christian
10. Prayer & Worship
11. The Sacraments
12. Baptism
13. Confirmation
14. The Eucharist (ie Communion)
15. Marriage
16. Confession
17. Ordination
18. Anointing the sick (ie. Prayer for healing)
19. Life after Death
Introduction
Over the past couple of years at house church we have covered the basics of the Christian faith through the Alpha course, Christianity Explored, The Purpose-Drive Life and an overview of the Bible in The Bible for Blockheads. This Fall we propose to go a bit deeper into the faith by having a series of discussions drawn from the book “Faith Confirmed” by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (published by SPCK), supplemented by other materials. We may not agree on all their perspectives but the book provides a useful resource. We shall continue to meet on Sundays at five pm combining the study with worship and following it with potluck supper. Bring your friends.
We shall prepare the material ahead of time but the discussions will be informal and interactive. Rather than everyone having a book to study from, there will be questions to use as a basis for discussion.
Most of what we cover will be common to Christians as a whole. On some topics we shall present a range of opinions, attempting to be fair to the different view-points of, say, Roman Catholics and Protestants, while discussing why Anglican Christians arrived at conclusions which recognize the best of both. Initial topics are a revision exercise of what we have already covered in other discussions. We’ll get the most out of it if we try to participate every week. Depending on numbers we shall do an overview of the topic together ad then divide into groups for discussion eg teens/kids and one or more adult group. As always, feel free to ask any question.
Outline:
1 God
2. Human Nature and Sin
3. Jesus: Life and Ministry
4. Jesus: Death and Resurrection
5. The Holy Spirit
6. The Church
7. The Creeds
8 The Bible
9. Living as a Christian
10. Prayer & Worship
11. The Sacraments
12. Baptism
13. Confirmation
14. The Eucharist (ie Communion)
15. Marriage
16. Confession
17. Ordination
18. Anointing the sick (ie. Prayer for healing)
19. Life after Death
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Sunday September 18th, 2005
COOL meets at 5pm on this Sunday at 2087 Beaton Ave, Comox, BC for Communion followed by pot-luck supper.
We shall begin a new series on "Faith Confirmed" .
See you there.
We shall begin a new series on "Faith Confirmed" .
See you there.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Kairos Journal Award Honors Four Anglican Archbishops
On Thursday, September 8, 2005, the Kairos Journal honored four leading Anglican archbishops with the Kairos Journal Award in recognition of their bold and consistent stand for historic orthodoxy in light of theological decline in the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada. The 2005 award recipients were: The Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola, Archbishop of All Nigeria; the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop of the Province of Uganda; the Most Rev. Gregory James Venables, Archbishop of the Southern Cone of South America; and the Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung, Archbishop of the Province of South East Asia. The Journal, an on-line resource with subscribers in over eighty countries, seeks to equip and support pastors and church leaders as they strive to transform the moral conscience of the culture and restore the prophetic voice of the Church.
“The Kairos Journal Award is given to individuals who demonstrate exemplary fidelity to the authority of Scripture and exceptional pastoral courage in their efforts to restore the prophetic voice of the Church,” said publisher Emmanuel A. Kampouris. “I am delighted to present these outstanding individuals with the 2005 award.”
Honorees are further chosen based upon their discernment of, and response to, what the Journal calls the “kairos moment”—a moment of cultural crisis demanding timely action from the Church.
Archbishops Akinola, Orombi, Venables and Yong, part of the Global South, have been at the forefront of the crisis within the Anglican Communion precipitated by actions of the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) and the Anglican Church of Canada. The American and Canadian provinces have embraced theology and practice which is contrary to Scripture, Anglican teaching and historic Christianity. Archbishops Akinola, Orombi, Venables and Yong and their provinces have declared broken or impaired communion with the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada and urged the two churches to repent. The Global South makes up the vast majority of Anglicans world-wide and is the fastest growing segment of the Anglican Communion.
“What affects one part of the Christian Church affects us all,” said Mr. Kampouris. “We hope this award will offer encouragement and support not only of our four honorees and others within the Anglican Communion fighting for orthodoxy but also for clergy across denominational lines who are responding to the ‘kairos moment’.”
“The Kairos Journal Award is given to individuals who demonstrate exemplary fidelity to the authority of Scripture and exceptional pastoral courage in their efforts to restore the prophetic voice of the Church,” said publisher Emmanuel A. Kampouris. “I am delighted to present these outstanding individuals with the 2005 award.”
Honorees are further chosen based upon their discernment of, and response to, what the Journal calls the “kairos moment”—a moment of cultural crisis demanding timely action from the Church.
Archbishops Akinola, Orombi, Venables and Yong, part of the Global South, have been at the forefront of the crisis within the Anglican Communion precipitated by actions of the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) and the Anglican Church of Canada. The American and Canadian provinces have embraced theology and practice which is contrary to Scripture, Anglican teaching and historic Christianity. Archbishops Akinola, Orombi, Venables and Yong and their provinces have declared broken or impaired communion with the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada and urged the two churches to repent. The Global South makes up the vast majority of Anglicans world-wide and is the fastest growing segment of the Anglican Communion.
“What affects one part of the Christian Church affects us all,” said Mr. Kampouris. “We hope this award will offer encouragement and support not only of our four honorees and others within the Anglican Communion fighting for orthodoxy but also for clergy across denominational lines who are responding to the ‘kairos moment’.”
Friday, September 09, 2005
Sunday 11th September
COOL Community meets at 1930 Pridy Rd Comox this Sunday . Holy Communion and discussion at 5pm followed by potluck supper. See you there!
On Tuesday 13th we meet at 7pm at Comox Community Baptist Church on Anderton Rd in Comox.
On Tuesday 13th we meet at 7pm at Comox Community Baptist Church on Anderton Rd in Comox.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Hurrican Katrina Relief
Hurricane Katrina Strikes Gulf Coast--
Urgent Response is Needed
Hundreds of thousands have been impacted by the recent hurricane in the Gulf Coast, what is emerging as the worst natural disaster to hit the United States. Many are in the affected areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, and countless more have fled to higher ground. Relief agencies are responding, but are overwhelmed, and churches and Christian organizations are seeking to provide help, support and ministry.
The Anglican Mission offices have fielded many calls and emails about the role of the AMiA as this disaster continues to unfold, and about the situation of our churches. Our congregations along Mobile Bay (Christ Anglican Church—Mobile and Grace Anglican Church—Fairhope) witnessed flooding and related property damage. It appears from our communication with them they were on the periphery of this storm, although they are still evaluating the situations of their various families. Power is down in many areas, but the situation there is better than anticipated. Holy Trinity Anglican is in Jackson, Mississippi, and Rector Tim Smith reports that it was rain, wind and some property damage there, as well. They also lost power for a couple of days, but are getting back to normal.
The Anglican Mission does not have congregations in the hardest hit areas of Mississippi and Louisiana, but will be evaluating, through those closest to the situation, the best ways to be involved in response. Hundreds of thousands of storm victims have fled to other areas, including Houston, which has become a major refugee city. Two AMiA congregations there are directly involved in ministering to these people. All Saints Church and Church of the Holy Spirit (the Woodlands) are partnering with other churches and ministries to serve the growing number of refugees in various regions (not just the Astrodome) and those who are coming to Houston to look for relatives.
Some Anglican Mission churches, such as Holy Trinity in Hudson, Ohio, have already responded by sending a team of people to the region, with trucks loaded with supplies. Rector "Doc" Loomis said that his congregation thought the direct approach would be best, and they decided to personally go to the area. Others are collecting suppplies and monies for distribution, and yet others are organizing response teams this week.
You Can Help
Prayer is urgently needed, of course, and there are various ways to provide assistance to the victims. The Anglican Mission in America has established a relief fund, and contributions can be made by sending checks to:
AMiA Katrina Relief
PO Box 3427
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
You can make credit card donations over the phone by calling our National Mission Resource Center at 843-237-0318.
The two churches in Houston have suggested providing gift cards that they can use in reaching out to the storm refugees, and they are needed immediately. These would be gift cards from companies such as WalMart, Sam's Club, Target, etc; phone cards for long distance calling (for those trying to reach loved ones) and gasoline cards. Such gift cards can be sent by individuals or churches to:
The Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit
c/o Loranne Johnson
719 Sawdust Road Suite 103
Spring, TX 77380
These cards will be shared by the outreach ministries of All Saints Church (Fr. Augustine Ogbunugwu, Rector) and Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit (The Rev. Clark Lowenfield, Lead Pastor).
Powered by: iControl WebStudio
Urgent Response is Needed
Hundreds of thousands have been impacted by the recent hurricane in the Gulf Coast, what is emerging as the worst natural disaster to hit the United States. Many are in the affected areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, and countless more have fled to higher ground. Relief agencies are responding, but are overwhelmed, and churches and Christian organizations are seeking to provide help, support and ministry.
The Anglican Mission offices have fielded many calls and emails about the role of the AMiA as this disaster continues to unfold, and about the situation of our churches. Our congregations along Mobile Bay (Christ Anglican Church—Mobile and Grace Anglican Church—Fairhope) witnessed flooding and related property damage. It appears from our communication with them they were on the periphery of this storm, although they are still evaluating the situations of their various families. Power is down in many areas, but the situation there is better than anticipated. Holy Trinity Anglican is in Jackson, Mississippi, and Rector Tim Smith reports that it was rain, wind and some property damage there, as well. They also lost power for a couple of days, but are getting back to normal.
The Anglican Mission does not have congregations in the hardest hit areas of Mississippi and Louisiana, but will be evaluating, through those closest to the situation, the best ways to be involved in response. Hundreds of thousands of storm victims have fled to other areas, including Houston, which has become a major refugee city. Two AMiA congregations there are directly involved in ministering to these people. All Saints Church and Church of the Holy Spirit (the Woodlands) are partnering with other churches and ministries to serve the growing number of refugees in various regions (not just the Astrodome) and those who are coming to Houston to look for relatives.
Some Anglican Mission churches, such as Holy Trinity in Hudson, Ohio, have already responded by sending a team of people to the region, with trucks loaded with supplies. Rector "Doc" Loomis said that his congregation thought the direct approach would be best, and they decided to personally go to the area. Others are collecting suppplies and monies for distribution, and yet others are organizing response teams this week.
You Can Help
Prayer is urgently needed, of course, and there are various ways to provide assistance to the victims. The Anglican Mission in America has established a relief fund, and contributions can be made by sending checks to:
AMiA Katrina Relief
PO Box 3427
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
You can make credit card donations over the phone by calling our National Mission Resource Center at 843-237-0318.
The two churches in Houston have suggested providing gift cards that they can use in reaching out to the storm refugees, and they are needed immediately. These would be gift cards from companies such as WalMart, Sam's Club, Target, etc; phone cards for long distance calling (for those trying to reach loved ones) and gasoline cards. Such gift cards can be sent by individuals or churches to:
The Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit
c/o Loranne Johnson
719 Sawdust Road Suite 103
Spring, TX 77380
These cards will be shared by the outreach ministries of All Saints Church (Fr. Augustine Ogbunugwu, Rector) and Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit (The Rev. Clark Lowenfield, Lead Pastor).
Powered by: iControl WebStudio
COOL Celebration
We are having a service of thanksgiving and communion at Comox Community Baptist Church, 1250 Anderton Road Comox, and we would love to have you join us.
Date: Tuesday 13 September, 2005
Time: 7 pm
Guest speaker: Paul Carter
Celebrant: David Bowler
Rev Paul Carter, after distinguished service as a British Paratroop chaplain, moved with his family to Canada to work as a priest in Vancouver. He is now the Network Co-ordinator of the Anglican Communion in Canada, a missionary outreach of the Anglican Provinces of Central Africa, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and South East Asia. He pastors a new church plant, Immanuel Westside, at UBC campus and co-pastors St Timothy's on the North Shore (North Vancouver) with Rev Ken Bell.
Date: Tuesday 13 September, 2005
Time: 7 pm
Guest speaker: Paul Carter
Celebrant: David Bowler
Rev Paul Carter, after distinguished service as a British Paratroop chaplain, moved with his family to Canada to work as a priest in Vancouver. He is now the Network Co-ordinator of the Anglican Communion in Canada, a missionary outreach of the Anglican Provinces of Central Africa, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and South East Asia. He pastors a new church plant, Immanuel Westside, at UBC campus and co-pastors St Timothy's on the North Shore (North Vancouver) with Rev Ken Bell.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Ordination Sunday
COOL will not be holding its usual Sunday evening supper and service this week, 28th August, 2005. Instead everyone is cordially invited to attend the ordination service at 2:30 pm hosted by St Timothy's on the North Shore at Lynn Valley Recreation Centre, 3590 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver. Bishop "TJ" will be officiating.
+TJ will aslo be conducting an ACiC Strategy Session at Sutherland Church in North Vancouver on Saturday 27th August (630 19th Street EastNorth Vancouver, BC V7L 3A1) 10am to 3pm.
Sunday at Five will resume on September 4th at 1930 Pridy Rd, Comox. Tel 339-4359.
+TJ will aslo be conducting an ACiC Strategy Session at Sutherland Church in North Vancouver on Saturday 27th August (630 19th Street EastNorth Vancouver, BC V7L 3A1) 10am to 3pm.
Sunday at Five will resume on September 4th at 1930 Pridy Rd, Comox. Tel 339-4359.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
