Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - The Path of Prayer

Prayer is the life line that connects a believer to the presence, power and person of God, and yet it is often misunderstood, and neglected.  Here are some good questions about prayer.

What is the purpose of prayer?

How are we to pray?

Why do some prayers seem to be unanswered?

How important is prayer?

How did Jesus pray?

This week on our Pathways series we will explore what Jesus has to teach us about the incredible privilege and power of Prayer.  Please join us in person or online this week as we explore the Scriptures together and have a time praying together as well.

We have a Resource Guide below to help you develop your time with the Lord and to equip you to seek Biblical revelation and guard against projecting our thoughts onto our understanding of Scripture.  Click on the link in the section below to download the Pathways Scripture Exploration Guide.

Join us this week as as we walk the Pathway of Prayer, on the Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - Path of Understanding

Knowledge and understanding are not necessarily the same thing. A person can have great knowledge even about God's Word and yet lack understanding. Jesus frequently commented on the religious leaders of his day concerning this very truth.

To move from knowledge to understanding we need to apply the Truth Test, to what we think and examine how it lines up with the fullness of God’s Word. This week on our Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him known, we will explore practical ways to ensure we have a correct understanding of God's Word. In this study we will learn the difference between Projection and Revelation.

Projection is the process of "eisegesis" (to write in) where we imprint our worldview, opinion or wants onto a passage of Scripture. Projection imports a persons subjective interpretations on the passage of Scripture, often disregarding the overall context and the balance that is found in other passages of Scripture.

Revelation is found through "exegesis" (to draw out). Which means to allow the text to speak in context and in harmony with other scriptures to reveal meaning, understanding and application.

We have a Resource Guide below to help you develop your time with the Lord and to equip you to seek Biblical revelation and guard against projecting our thoughts onto our understanding of Scripture. Click on the link in the section below to download the Pathways Scripture Exploration Guide.

Join us this week as as we walk the Pathway of Understanding, on the Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - Narrow Path of Truth

Last week we discovered that Truth is a Person not just a set of ideas. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.: John 14:6. Therefore truth will always conform to Jesus character, commands and example. He is how we measure between what is true and what is false.

This week we will explore the importance of our though patterns and how we are to take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Jesus. Each one of us in engaged in a spiritual battle for our minds. And the front line of that battle is learned to discern truth from error. This study will give you some practical ways to measure whether or not a teaching or belief is true. This is so important for us to learn. We all need to measure what we believe, and what we practice by the Truth Test of how it compares to Jesus, character, commands and example.

We have a Resource Guide below to help you develop your time with the Lord. Click on the link in the section below to download the Pathways Scripture Exploration Guide.

Join us this week as as we wrestle with the Narrow Path of Truth, on the Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - Pathway of Truth

This week's Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known, is The Path of Truth. Truth is a person. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, according to John 14:6. Truth is not an abstract principle. Rather truth flows from the very character and nature of its author. It is possible to know a great deal about the bible and never know its author. We are called to have an encounter with the person of truth, Jesus Christ and to then live out the truth He reveals in His strength.

This week is very practical and we have a tool below to help you develop a personal time with the Lord each day in the Scriptures. It is designed to help you encounter God Himself through His World.

We have a Resource Guide Below to help you develop your time with the Lord. Click on the link in the section below to download the Pathways Scripture Exploration Guide.

Join us this week as as we wrestle with Truth, on the Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - Pathway of Blessing God (part 2)

God has revealed Himself to us in so many ways.  His fingerprints are on all of creation.  He has given us His Word to show usHis thoughts and character.  And He sent His Son, Jesus to rescue us from sin and from ourselves.  God wants us to know Him.

On our Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known, this week we will explore the second half of Psalm 103 and discover how to grow closer to the Lord.

The incredible Psalm has 4 steps for learning how to Bless God.

1. Appreciation for God’s Gifts (V 1-5)

2. Admiration of God’s Character & Grace (V 6-12)

3. Awe of God’s Love & Greatness (V 13-21)

4. Adoration of God’s Person (V19-22)

Join us this week as seek to foster as tens of Awe for God greatness and an Adoration for God Himself as we travel through Psalm 103 on the Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - Pathway of Blessing God

Knowing God is an interactive relationship. As we come to know the greatness of God, our hearts respond with praise. There is a progression of worship in the Psalm 103 that parallels our growth in knowing and loving God. Worship is the natural outgrowth of love for God. True love must be expressed.

Psalm 103:1 (ESV) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

What does it mean to “Bless God?"

Join us this week as we explore Psalm 103 as we travel the ancient Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Pathways to Knowing God and Making Him Known - Desiring God

Today we begin a new series entitled Pathways to Knowing God and Making God Known. My prayer is that your heart for God will be enlarged and that you will discover that the Lord is the true desire of your heart.

Thomas Watson, the great puritan minister made this important point... In heaven the saints rest with Him; on earth we may walk with God. We are to draw near to God and to see Him…. There is no walk in the world so sweet as to walk with God.\We were made to walk with God, to not just know God intellectually but to experience His presence and love in a way that is better than life. That is how David describes his walk with God.

Psalms 63:2-3 (ESV) 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.Join us this week as we explore Psalm 63 as we travel the ancient Pathway to Knowing God and Making Him Known!

Jesus as Risen Savior

For our Resurrection Sunday service we will focus in on Jesus as Risen Saviour, Reigning, and soon Returning King. We will explore the incredible description of Jesus as He is right now as recorded in Revelation chapter 1.

This powerful passage pulls back the curtain of heaven to allow us the see the majesty, and power of Jesus Christ.

Here is John's description of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Revelation 1:12-18 (ESV) 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Jesus Christ is Risen from the Dead. He is risen indeed!

Jesus Christ Reigns over heaven and earth. He reigns supreme!

Jesus Christ is Returning soon. He is coming soon. Even so come Lord Jesus!

Worship in the Dark: A Song in the Dark

Last week we saw. How Habakkuk learned about how faith overcomes the darkness. This Sunday we will explore "A Song in the Darkness." Habakkuk teaches us not just how to endure trial but to worship in the middle of our questions and struggles. God did something incredible in the heart and life of Habakkuk. The Lord shared His own heart and His incredible plan to rescue every tribe, tongue and nation from sin. Habakkuk came to see that he was part of God's amazing work of redemption in reaching out to all peoples with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That revelation transformed Habakkuk.

Here is the amazing news, you as a follower of Jesus Christ are also part of God's amazing work of redemption. When we see how our lives connect with the greatness news in all of history, it empowers us to sing in darkness as well. Join us as we conclude our exploration of Habakkuk.

Worship in the Dark: Faith over the Darkness

The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with tough questions about the evil in he world around him.  He struggled to understand how God was working.  Habakkuk took his questions to the right place, to the Lord Himself. The answers He received were confusing at first, but He learned to trust God with his doubts and discovered how to worship in the darkness.

Hidden in the middle of this small book is one of the most transformative truths in all the Bible; "the righteous will live by faith."

Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV) 

4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

What is faith? (Biblical faith)

Faith is trusting and treasuring God above everything else.  This is the faith of Habakkuk and this little phrase occurs 3 times in the New Testament.  At each point, god uses it to direct us to a correct understanding of what our should be and how we are to live by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Join us this week as we see how God met Habakkuk in the middle of his questions.  God's answer to Habakkuk was to assure him that His plan was accomplishing much more than Habakkuk could see or believe.  He offers us the same assurance when we take our questions to the Lord as well.

Worship in the Dark: When God Doesn't Make Sense

This Sunday we begin a new message series entitled "Worship in the Dark." It explores the incredible little book of Habakkuk. The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with tough questions about the evil in he world around him. He struggled to understand how God was working. Habakkuk took his questions to the right place, to the Lord Himself. The answers He received were confusing at first, but He learned to trust God with his doubts and discovered how to worship in the darkness. Habakkuk ends with one of the most beautiful songs in all the Bible.

Habakkuk 3:17​-19 (ESV)
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Join us this week as we see how God met Habakkuk in the middle of his questions. God's answer to Habakkuk was to assure him that His plan was accomplishing much more than Habakkuk could see or believe. He offers us the same assurance when we take our questions to the Lord as well.

Re-Image: Reflecting God's Light in the Darkness

There is a growing darkness in our world. But light always overcomes darkness. Jesus has called us to be His light in a world of darkness. This week we will explore how to live as God's light to those around us and how to share the hope we have in Jesus with others. Join us for a very practical look at Reflecting God's Light in the Darkness. We will explore 1 Peter 3:13​-15 and Matthew 5:14​-16.

How to live as Light:

Trust Jesus Christ personally as your Saviour and Lord Chose to shine as LIGHT in the world:

L - Love motivates you to take action (Light of Love)
I - Identity and confidence comes from Jesus not your own power (Light of Faith)
G - Give grace to others as God has shown grace to you (Light of Hope)
H - Help others in practical ways
T - Tell others what Jesus has done in your life (The Light of Gospel)

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Re-Image: Reflecting the Image of God in our work

As follower’s of Jesus Christ, our life purpose is to accurately reflect the image of God in all we are and in all we do. One very important aspect of that is to reflect the beauty of God in our work. The God of the universe is not a passive or distant God. He actively engages in work that is very good. Therefore the work we do, no matter what field of work we are in should reflect the goodness and beauty of God’s Work.

In fact our work and our worship should be an interwoven pursuit. This week we will look at how David blended his worship and his work together as one in reflecting the image of God both as a Shepherd and as King. We will also look at Bezalel, a very interesting person we read about in Exodus 35. Join us this week as we explore reflecting the Image of God in our work.

Re-Image: Made in the Image of God

We are exploring the relational attributes of God that we as followers of Jesus are called to reflect.  There is no attribute more central to an accurate view of God than "holiness."  God is absolutely holy in all of His nature.  And His holiness permeates all of His other attributes.  We cannot understand His love apart from His holiness.  We cannot understand His justice apart from His holiness either.

And yet holiness is rarely talked about in the modern church, as a result our witness has greatly suffered.  Many confuse holiness with self righteousness and they could not be more different.  

Join us for this important study and let us all pray that we as the church of Jesus will be holy.  The world needs to see an accurate reflection of Jesus, one that is filled with the beauty of His holiness.

Faithfulness is the New Normal

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-14

Everything we hear these days tells us the pandemic will be with us for a long time. How are we to remain faithful to the Lord when it seems there is no end to such a challenging situation? The prophet Jeremiah sent a letter to some of Israel’s people who had been exiled from Jerusalem, and they were told to prepare for a long exile. Even though their exile was due to their rebellion, they were still God's people and he still had a purpose for them being in that place at that time. This letter from Jeremiah can help us consider how to be faithful to Jesus during these challenging days, no matter how long they last.

What Does It Mean to Wait for the Lord?

We know what it is like to wait—we are caught in circumstances often beyond our control and we may not have a clear sense of what is next, how it will turn out, or how the Lord is involved. Especially in this season, we wait—for restrictions to ease, for return to work, for life to return to normal. We sometimes wonder if we’re going to make it. The promise the Lord makes in Isaiah 40:31 is that those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. What does it mean to “wait for the Lord”, and how can we find new strength from day to day until we see the things for which we long?

Re-Image: Called to Reflect Jesus

God not only tells us we were created in His image, but that we were created for his glory.  

Isaiah 43:7 (ESV) 7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

God has a beautiful purpose for each of our lives that brings Him honor and us a deep significance.  That truth holds the key for understanding ourselves, seeing others properly, discovering our purpose and fulfilling our destiny.  Our true identity and life purpose is flows from an understanding of what is being created in the image of God means. But most of us have very little understanding of how that reality should shape our lives. 

Over the next few weeks we are going to explore what the significance of being created in God’s image and how that points to God’s plan of restoration and ultimately to the purpose for our lives that brings true meaning.  

This Sunday we will explore the purpose God has for us as His image bearers from Isaiah 43:1-10.

Join us online Sunday Mornings as we explore Re:Image - What it means to be made in the image of God.