Byron Hurn has been an integral part of the history, ministry, and leadership of NAC. His influence and service simply can't be overstated. As the Hurns make a major life change, which includes settling in a different province, we wanted to hear if Byron had a "word" for NAC - a church he loves dearly.

Today Jonathan would like to pose a question to you.

Have you already decided what your limitations are?

Have you got a fixed idea of what your capacity is?

How do you know what your capacity is if you never challenge it?

How do you know what you’re capable of if you never get beyond what you're comfortable with.

There is a God who is able to do “Immeasurably more than what we hoped or imagined”

Uh-oh.

Is this one of those "The Church only wants my money" sort of things?

Nope.

In fact, we're starting this series in the midst of a surplus and healthy giving at NAC.

Generosity is MORE than money BUT money IS a subject Jesus talked about ALOT. He knew back in the day that it was as true than as it is now, that money has the biggest potential to take us off course of being a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Generosity at it's core is a lifestyle: A lifestyle in which we share all that we have as a demonstration of God's love and a response to God's grace.

God is generous. If we want to "look" more like God we will absolutely have to grow in the character and attributes of generosity.

But I assure you, this is not something God wants FROM you, it's something He wants FOR you.

So often we have viewed Church as a “gated community”. Whose “IN”? Whose “OUT”? Who has the same Beliefs and Behaviours that we do so that they can belong? Who has said a specific prayer so that they get access?

Maybe that wasn’t the model Jesus had in mind. Maybe Disciple-making isn’t even necessarily reserved for those who have “crossed the line of faith”.

See if this very un-sermony presentation of a different model of church resonates with you.

*** There are many whiteboard illustrations that may not translate to the audio only experience. To see the illustrations, you can watch this talk at https://youtu.be/SWmr4A5rCck

to share briefly about a word he senses just might be the keyword for our church this year.

Share your own encouragements, resolutions, prayers and even prophetic impressions by contacting us.

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Boxing Day, 2021 Newmarket Alliance Church

The final story in our "Original Christmas Playlist" of people just breaking into spontaneous song, is that of old man Simeon who came to the temple every day hoping to catch a glimpse of the promised Messiah.

One day his waiting paid off.

So will yours.

Even after having been visited by an angel herself, it wasn’t until Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (who herself was miraculously pregnant with John) that Mary burst into song, praising God in what has come to be known as Mary’s “magnificant”.

Could the good news of Christmas this year even cause us to want to burst into song?

Before Frosty or Rudolph; Before chestnuts roasting on an open fire or dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh… Before even “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World” there were four songs recorded in the Bible surrounding the birth of Jesus.

They are songs that aren't sung much at all these days, and perhaps need to be introduced to a new generation. The ancient church captured their words and created songs known as canticles.

The angels sang a song to the shepherds. We know part of their song: "…peace on earth and goodwill toward men."

Mary sang a song to God after she had time to get over the shocking news that she was going to be the mother of the Saviour.

Two elderly, Godly men sang spontaneously when they saw their life’s desire had been fulfilled through this baby in the waning years of their lives. Zechariah sang it prior to Jesus' birth and Simeon afterward as he held the child close.

This might be as close as we get to the world of Broadway musicals— where people overcome with joy truly did burst into song.

NEW SERIES: “THE ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST”

Before Frosty or Rudolph; Before chestnuts roasting on an open fire or dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh… Before even “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World” there were four songs recorded in the Bible surrounding the birth of Jesus.

They are songs that aren't sung much at all these days, and perhaps need to be introduced to a new generation. The ancient church captured their words and created songs known as canticles.

LOSING MY RELIGION Part 7: “A Story of Re-construction”

As we wrap up this series on the epidemic of folks losing their religion... walking away from their faith because of... well... because of a litany of reasons. Christians are deconstructing the religion they were raised with. A lot of GOOD has come out of that. Sometimes deconstructing has led to REVIVAL. Sometimes deconstructing has led to REFORMATION.

Sometimes though deconstruction has led to yet another disenchanted, discouraged, disenfranchised EX-Christian who wants nothing to do with Church, Christians or God.

It's tragic.

It's why I'm so encouraged when we hear stories of deconstruction paired with RECONSTRUCTION.

Join us tomorrow for one of NAC's own - Peter Elford - who has gone through a difficult season on the frontlines of healthcare, a difficult season of emotional stress, and a difficult season of wrestling with God.

And yet...

Through it all...