Luke 9:23-24; 51-62

This week, Pastor Jonathan brings us the good news of being disciples of Jesus today.

This calling and identity we have is not just a label or some religious identity, it is a way of life; a way of life following Jesus, our Lord and Saviour with the whole of our lives.

Matthew 4:1-11

This week, Pastor Dave brings us the good news that by the power of God's Spirit living in us, we can overcome the temptations and currents that pull us away from God.

Our Lord Jesus faced those same challenges and overcame by the same power gifted to us. So we can overcome, not by our own strength, but by the one who lives in us.

Matthew 1

This week, Pastor Dave brings us the good news from the genealogy of Jesus.

Through Matthew's account, we can see the good news of Jesus inviting us to serve and be comforted by the one who came to us for redemption.

Galatians 4:4-7 & 1 Kings 19:11-18

This week, Pastor Sid brings us the message of hope from a period in the biblical story of seeming silence from God.

God is always active and works for the good of his redemptive plans, even if it may not feel like it sometimes. Also, even in the face of seeming great difficulties, the foundation of our hope is that God is great and we trust that he is in control.

2 Kings 17:1-7

This week, Pastor Dave continues the story of the Bible where Israel faces the consequences of rejecting God's ways.

Even as they lose their land and live in exile, God continues to work through them to be a blessing for all nations.

We are called to be that same blessing, living in our "exile" among the nations today.

As we journey through the story of the Bible in our sermon series, we had the privilege of hosting a conversation with Dr. Mike Goheen.

Pastor Dave and Jonathan sit down and discuss some questions about the Bible being a unified story and why we should read it in that light.

Michael W. Goheen –Professor, Author, Speaker (missionworldview.com)

Time stamp:

0:00~7:02 Introductions

7:03~19:54 Where does the Bible itself that describes itself as a "story"?

19:55~24:02 Give us your best "1min" telling of the story of the Bible (Surge exercise)

24:03~33:48 Why is it important to read the Bible as a unified story?

33:49~43:24 Counter-cultural story…feeling the tension against our idols as we identify with the Biblical story

43:25~52:01 If we view the Bible as a story, what do we make of it being authoritative?

52:02~58:24 The challenge of living this counter-cultural story

58:25~End How would you guide those new/exploring the Christian faith to read the Bible?

Mike Goheen's Bible Reading plan:

*Read one of the gospels first (Matthew, Mark, or Luke), then read Genesis, first part of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, one of the gospels again

*Then go back and wrestle with how other biblical books/genres fit in into this story (skeleton)

Hosea 14:1-9

This week, Pastor Jonathan continues our series on the unified story of the Bible, reflecting on the call to repentance from Israel's prophets.

Prophets call God's people to be uncomfortable and therefore turn away from idols and return to the Lord's good ways.

In the same way, we are called to return and seek God's own heart as we face and wrestle with our own idols today.

1 Samuel 8:1-21

This week, Pastor Dave continues the story of the Bible in the era of kings in Israel.

Just like the people back then, we sin by identifying and putting our hopes in human rulers. Only Jesus is the true king that can bring restoration and peace through his everlasting kingdom. We are called to put our hopes in the true king, not any human ruler.

What does it mean to be an office-bearer as an elder or deacon at our church?

Pastor Dave sits down with Elder and Council Chair Andre and one of the head Deacons, Grace to ask and discuss that exact question.

Time Stamp:

0:00~2:43 Introductions

2:44~8:32 How did you discern taking on leadership as elder/deacon when you first received the invitation?

8:33~16:15 What exactly do you do as an elder/deacon?

16:16~22:52 What has God been teaching you in this role as a leader in the church?

22:53~29:18 What are some specific joys and challenges serving as a leader?

29:19~35:16 If it were up to you, how long should a elder/deacon serve for?

35:17~ Final words and advice for new elders/deacons?

Joshua 23:6-11; 24:31 & Judges 21:25

This week, Pastor Sid brings to us the good news of the story of the Bible from the books of Joshua and Judges.

Even in the failures and sins of his people, God continues to be faithful to his promises, the goodness and blessing that he desires for us.