Pastor Phil reminds us to focus our minds on the things of Christ

Philippians 4:8 

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Let's take a look at what it means to dwell on these things.

Colossians 2:16-23

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body,supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perishwith use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Pastor Phil shares that through Faith "In Christ you have been brought to fullness." - Colossians 2:6-13

Marshall Eizenga and his wife, Merrie, are the co-directors of Focus on the Family Canada’s Kerith Creek Ministry Retreat Centre, located in Alberta. Formerly, Marshall served in lead and associate pastor positions at a church in Waterloo, Ontario. Merrie has traveled across Canada as a key note women’s conference speaker, and the couple has traveled extensively in other parts of the world, teaching and sharing the Bible as well as leadership principles with pastors. The couple has two grown children and one grandchild.

 "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness..."

Pastor Phil uses the text to show how mature christians are like Oak trees , sheltering, teaching, helping younger saplings grow and learn to be mature in Christ.

Pastor Phil Shares that in Jesus we see:

1. Who God is

2. The Creator and Sustainer Of All Creation

3. The Goal of All Creation

4. Redeemer & Reconciler

5. "The Way" Into Life

Pastor Phil begins our 8 week series on the book of Colossians. Exploring Paul letter to the church and payers for them.

This Easter Sunday we conclude our study of Stephen's story and we look at the hope that Stephen had!

Pastor Phil speaks about Acts 7:51-53

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

Acts 7:47-49

"But it was Solomon who built a house for him. “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. 

As the prophet says: “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.

What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?"