Today, we will reflect on Habakkuk 1:12-2:20, Why Do You Tolerate the Treacherous? Israel had become too attracted to the kingdoms of the world and now faces the punishment of being overcome by the most powerful kingdom on earth at the time, Babylon. Jesus invites his listeners to become citizens of God’s kingdom, a way of forgiveness and prayer, a way of jubilation and celebration, which can be practiced right where we live. Jesus uses Jerusalem as his example. In the center of Jerusalem is the temple, “The Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth be silent before him”, is how God ends his message to Habakkuk.

Today, we will reflect on Habakkuk 1:1-11, Why Doesn’t God Act or Listen? Habakkuk sees the oppression and injustice happening in Israel, and he wonders why King Josiah’s reforms and God’s Law aren’t creating a holy people; why God is allowing evil and violence to continue? Habakkuk receives an answer he doesn’t expect. We will reflect on God’s answer to Habakkuk. We will also be celebrating the Profession of Faith of a youth in our church family.

Today we have the privilege of having Pastor Gary Bomhof lead us in worship. We will reflect on Philippians 2:12-18, Work Out Your Own Salvation. We have been saved by grace; nothing we do merits our salvation. Yet, this gift needs to be “worked out” in our lives. And that is where our efforts and work comes in !

Today, we have the privilege of having Chaplain Harold Roscher from the Edmonton Healing Center to lead us in worship. We will reflect on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 & Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, All My Relations. 

A reflection on the book of Obadiah to begin our summer series on the Minor Prophets. 

Today we will reflect on Psalm 95, Do Not Harden Your Hearts. We often look to the Psalms for comfort, encouragement, and for inspiration. However, Psalm 95 can be a bit shocking as it ends with a sobering reminder of both the temporal and eternal consequences of hardening our hearts to God's offer of grace.

Today we will reflect on 2 Samuel 13:1-22, A Broken Family. This is a story of Amnon & Tamar, and of Absalom & King David, and how Amnon abused his sister. This tore apart King David’s family because he failed to hold Amnon accountable for what he did. In Bethel and in Classis Alberta North, we believe safe church policies & practices are an important and integral part of our ministries. These policies are to protect our children & those who are vulnerable, while holding us accountable for creating safe churches for everyone. We are called to love and protect each other as children of God, created in God’s image and worthy of respect and protection.

Today we will reflect on the early church story of Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira. Our passage will be Acts 4:32-5:11, Generosity. The early church after Pentecost embraced the teachings of compassion and service found in the Torah. In response, Barnabas sells a field and gives the money to the apostles to help those who had need. Pride enters in as Ananias and Sapphira want to be seen as generous, but the lure of money leads them to deceive the apostles. But God knows their hearts and so they experience the consequences of their deceit and they both fall and die. Our generosity needs to flow out of the overwhelming generosity and love of Jesus for us as shown on the cross. This is how we give with cheerful hearts and open hands.

Today we will reflect on Ephesians 4:29-5:2, The Hardest Thing to Do! Many people struggle with hurt from others. Jesus forgives us and wants us to forgive others.  It’s never easy to forgive.  We need to choose to forgive with God’s help because our lack of forgiveness blocks our fellowship with God.   Forgiveness will release the pain and will give us renewed joy.  It also opens the door for God to use us in fresh new ways.

Today we will be celebrating Pentecost by reflecting on John 14:22-31, The Holy Spirit – The Teacher. Jesus leaves his disciples here on earth when he returns to heaven, so we can carry on the work he began. To equip them, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to teach them and remind them of everything he’s said to them. But Jesus also mentions that the prince of this world is coming, Satan, but that he has no hold over Jesus; instead, it’s an opportunity to show the world that he loves the Father and does what the Father has commanded him. The Holy Spirit is given to us so that the world can see that we also love the Father and follow his commands!