October 31, 2010 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there:

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Have you raked all of your leaves yet?  Churchville is a village of trees but we have no large ones on our property.  We didn’t even get many blown over the fence from our neighbour’s backyard during the recent strong winds.  As I looked out our bathroom window the other day there didn’t seem to be one leaf remaining on their beautiful maple tree.  We have it made in the shade! The yearly change of seasons is predictable and interesting which is a comfort; however vegetation does fade and die off.  Aren’t you glad God’s Word does last forever?  That is a bigger comfort, wouldn’t you agree?

Friday we sent money to William in Myanmar for his expenses in getting from there to here.  Please pray that all will go well as he applies for his visa in Bangkok. It is hard to get e-mail messages through to his country these days probably due to the upcoming elections in November.  We are looking forward to this young man’s arrival in Canada in the next few weeks.

Pray for Howie Johnson who is starting his new job tomorrow.  Also remember our Fellowship denomination and its leaders who are preparing for the annual convention being held in Banff, AB from November 8-11.  Gary and I will be attending and then travelling to Kelowna, BC to visit our daughter, Rebekah and her family until November 16.

Home Group will happen this coming Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Burton home. This week we will continue studying about Paul before Agrippa in Acts 26.

Remember that next weekend we set our clocks back an hour so don’t come too early for church.

And don’t eat too much leftover candy from Hallowe’en!

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116.

Blessings by Gary Carter: If you sat down and made a quick list of your blessings, what would be on your list?  You could probably go on for a long time.  If you were William living in Myanmar how different would your list be to his?  Through the years our church has been blessed with Chris Burton’s teaching on church history.  The church hasn’t always been the way it is today.  If you don’t study history you are bound to make the same mistakes of old.  According to Jesus there are two indicator behaviours that should be followed – love God and love your neighbour.  We need to ask ourselves, “Do I love God more today than ever before?”  “Do I love others more today than ever before?”  May we encourage each other forward as we thank God for all the various blessings He has given to each one of us.

Diotrephes by Steve Macdonald: Diotrephes’ name is found in 3 John 1:9-10.  It means that he was fed or loved by Jupiter.  He probably was a converted Gentile who had a position of authority in the church as an elder or even the pastor.  Unfortunately his character was not the best; he was ambitious, proud, disrespectful of apostolic authority and their characters, rebellious, weak in doctrine, and inhospitable.  We can learn a lot about this man on how not to be a leader.  He wanted to be number one unlike Gaius and Demetrius mentioned in the same passage or even Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers baseball player).  Check out his powerful testimony, “I am Second” on youtube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOrKT7SUoY.

The Waldensians by Chris Burton: According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs the Waldensians were Christians who led a spiritual movement during the Middle Ages founded by Peter Waldo (1140-1218).  Before 1160 a series of events in Lyon, France caused some radical changes in Peter’s life.  He heard a sermon on the life of St. Alexius about good deeds for the poor; rejection of transubstantiation ( Roman Catholics believe the communal bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ.) was made a capital crime; and a friend died unexpectedly.  He gave his property to his wife and the remainder of his belongings he distributed among the poor.  He began preaching and teaching publicly on a life of simplicity and poverty as well as condemned Papal excesses and Catholic dogmas.  By 1170 his teaching was spread by many followers abroad who disguised themselves as peddlers and were known for their strict adherence to the Bible. From 1175-1185 Peter commissioned (or did it himself) a cleric from Lyon to translate the New Testament into the vernacular.  He was credited for this first translation outside of Latin for Europe.  In 1179 he went to Rome to meet with Pope Alexander III and a panel of three clergymen to explain his faith.  The movement was condemned due to universal priesthood, the Gospel in the vulgar tongue, and self-imposed poverty.

Peter and his followers were driven from Lyon; some settled in Piedmont, Italy.  He was finally excommunicated by Pope Lucius III in 1184.  In 1215 the movement was condemned by the Roman Catholic church as heretical.  Many Waldensians were persecuted, tried and sentenced to death in European countries particularly during the years of the Inquisition.  They fled to the Alps to hide and later joined the Genevan or Reformed branch of the Protestant Reformation.  Even though they tried to live honest, quiet, industrious lives they were persecuted for not being Roman Catholic, for not making any boys priests, for not making any girls nuns, for not going to mass, for not giving wax tapers to priests as offerings, for not going on pilgrimages and for not bowing to images.  More next week.

A Blessed Life by Gary Carter: Many try to create a blessed life by owning a better TV, wearing clothes with the right labels etc.  The majority believe that the church is not where it’s at.  So who are the blessed?  They are highly favoured people with good fortune and are characterized by happiness.  What is the nature of the good fortune?  And who can teach us about this blessed life?  The Dalai Lama from Tibet didn’t earn his position in that country but is highly respected worldwide.  He believes that giving to other people in some ways makes one happy.  He has some good insights.

Jesus Christ made 15 cause and effect statements telling us how to be blessed.  If you knew and understood them would you pursue them?  If you lived them would others see the difference in you?  If you knew and understood them would you renounce your inferior definitions?  If you knew and understood them would you change the way you live?  Do you really believe that the Bible is God’s Word and so by doing it His way, you would obtain the blessed life?  Jesus’ statements are found in Matthew 5:3-11; 11:6; 13:16; 16:17; Luke 10:23; 11:28; 14:13-14; John 20:29.  Over the next few weeks Gary will categorize these verses in five groups and provide some insights on how to truly be blessed.

The unblessed life has its focal point on something inferior.  Jesus does not mention that wealth, health, position, family, education are important.  He sums it all up in just two rules found in Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37; and Mark 12:30, 33.  One must love God and love one’s neighbour.

S’More Signs By Steve Macdonald:
Department Store: Bargain basement upstairs.
Tattoo Shop: Tattoos while you wait.
Restroom: Toilet out of order. Please use floor below.
Car Dealership: The best way to get back on your feet – miss a car payment.
Message on a Leaflet: If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.
Funeral Home: Drive carefully – we’ll wait.
The Electric Company: We will be delighted if you send in your bill payment; however if you don’t you will be.

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October 24, 2010 by Wendy Carter.

Greetings!

“Now we ask you brothers, to respect those who work hard among you…”
I Thessalonians 5:12

Children all over will be getting themselves ready this week for one of their most favourite and yet controversial times of the year – Hallowe’en. It actually is a very good time to meet your neighbours before winter sets in. But did you know the following? “On October 31, 1517, nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.  This event marked a key turning point in the emerging Reformation.  The commitment, vision and bravery of men such as Luther, Hus, Wycliffe, Calvin, Zwingli, and Tyndale left a lasting imprint on the unfolding of Western civilization and the Christian Church.“ These men certainly worked hard for the Gospel’s sake.

William in Myanmar is making progress in his plans to come here for a 6 month internship, staying at Mylene and Can Nghiem’s home. He hopes to travel to Bangkok, Thailand around Nov. 11 to get his visa. He will purchase his ticket from there and then be on his way to Canada. He is currently training his leaders and disciples so that they can continue to work together at his place while he is away.

Congratulations to Steve, Debbie, & Macdonald and to Cassidy & Kaiya Burton for successfully reaching the top of the CN Tower very early this morning to raise money for the United Way. Their time ranged from 21 – 38 minutes.

After today’s service Gary is heading over to Logos Baptist Church in Mississauga where he will be preaching in their English Chinese service. Please pray for good health and ability to cope with his busy schedule.

We are grateful to God for answering prayer this week. Howie Johnson has obtained another job. Except for a bump, Kaiya Burton was not injured in a school bus accident last Wednesday. Please remember to pray for our Heartland children day by day for protection and safety, for peer pressure or influence that is not positive.

Home Group will happen this coming Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Burton home. This week we will study Paul before Agrippa in Acts 25.

Don’t forget to vote!

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116.

Did You Smile Today? by Gary Carter: Many children will be carving a smile on their Jack O’ Lanterns this coming week. Did you know that babies smile 200 times a day, women 60 times and men 8 times? How about you? Our friend, Helen who died last week, had a “grand piano” smile as described by her husband. Someone has demonstrated by research that you can tell by a couple’s smiles in their wedding pictures if they will be happy in the years ahead. A smile can reveal what is really going on in your heart. Here are some benefits to smiling:
It makes us attractive.
It changes our mood.
It is contagious.
It relieves stress.
It boosts your immune system.
It lowers your blood pressure.
It releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin.
It lifts the face and makes you look younger.
It makes you seem successful.
It helps you stay positive.
Note that these points are mostly personal except the third one which affects others. People often pay lots of money for tooth whitening to enhance their smile. Smiling is a universal human act that everybody understands. Use your smile; it makes a difference to those around you as they will be more responsive to you. You can even hear a smile over the phone. Proverbs 17:22 is a great verse to follow this week, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…”

The Spanish Inquisition (1478-1834) by Chris Burton: The Inquisition was a Roman Catholic tribunal for discovery and punishment of heresy which had been started by Pope Innocent III (1198 - 1216), not the Spanish or the Portuguese. By 1255 this system was in full gear throughout Central and Western Europe. Clergy would sit at the proceedings and deliver punishments such as confinement to dungeons, physical abuse and torture. Those reconciled to the church were still punished with their property confiscated and banished from public life. Those who never confessed were burned at the stake without strangulation first. Those who did confess were strangled first. High attendance occurred at these events during the 16th & 17th centuries. Initially they only dealt with Christian heretics, not Jews. But in 1242 thousands of Talmuds were burned and in 1288 the first mass burning of Jews took place in France.

In 1481 the Inquisition spread to Spain and targeted secret Jews and new Christians. Fear of Jewish influence had led Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to petition the pope to start an Inquisition there. More than 13,000 secret Jews were put on trial in the first 12 years of the Inquisition. Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492 Finally this procedure was abolished by Joseph Bonaparte in 1808 in Spain. It had been stopped in Portugal in1765.

There were many martyrs throughout these years. In 1560 a Nicholas Burton, an English merchant, who lived in Cadiz, Spain was arrested. He witnessed to the prisoners for 14 days and was then transported to the city of Seville where he was burned at the stake with many other Christians who had professed their faith.

A Blessed Life by Gary Carter: Everybody wants a better life. People often look to others as their heroes. They don’t understand the blessings that surround their own lives or have a big enough picture of what a blessed life is all about. The Apostle Paul in Acts 20:34-35 quoted Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Instead of receiving support for his ministry Paul had chosen the different route of supplying his own needs as a tent-maker. He had:
Hustling Hands: He was a busy guy who worked very hard.
Hospitable Hands: He covered the needs of his companions as well. He took care of about 12 co-workers at any one time. He probably was the chief sales person for his tent-making business.
Hovering Hands: “In everything I did” he made sure he could work the system by generating a lot of money to achieve a purpose. He led the way.
Hardened Hands: He set an example as a hard worker mentally and physically.
Helping Hands: He helped the weak coming along side of them and helping them move forward. I Thessalonians 5:14 encourages us to “warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
It is more blessed to do the hard thing than to receive from others.

Business Signs By Steve Macdonald:
Muffler Shop: No appointment needed – we hear you coming!
Towing Company: We don’t charge an arm and a leg – we just want your tows!
Optometrist’s Office: If you don’t see what you are looking for you have come to the right place!
Veterinarian’s Door: Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!
Safe Company: If your stuff is stolen, it’s not our vault!
Outside a Hotel: Help wanted – we need your inn-experience!
Restaurant Window: Don’t stand there & be hungry – come in and be fed up!

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October 17, 2010 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

So did you watch along with the whole world the amazing and emotional rescue of the Chilean minors this week?  It must have been very nerve-wracking for the first rescue worker to enter that capsule and descend through the tunnel.  But what a relief for the miners to finally get to hug another human being after such a long period of time.  It is true – you never can expect what will happen from one day to the next and today those men’s lives will never be the same.  I am very sad today as one of my Bible School roommates died last night with cancer.  What makes it worse is that it only takes a few hours after one’s death to change from “is” to “was”.  I always admired Helen’s beautiful contralto voice, her enthusiasm for life and her keen mind.  Please remember her family and friends as they begin mourning for her this week.  What will be coming around your corner in the next few days or months that you will have to face for the good or the bad?  Through it all our trust in Jesus does give comfort.

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116.

Truth & Error by Gary Carter:  Much has been written through the years – some of it true and some not.  In New Testament times, besides the Bible, literature did get passed along that portrayed Christ’s life as rather whacky e.g. the Infancy Gospel of Thomas.  People will believe what they want to believe.  Truth and error lives in this world and we must figure out what truth really is.  Are you the kind of person whose credibility and honesty will lead others to truth?

Take a Note by Steve Macdonald:  Another person mentioned in Romans 16 was Tertius.  This Roman believer and one of the 70 apostles became Paul’s amanuensis or scribe.  Paul used him quite regularly to dictate his letters to except for a few passages when Paul specifically mentions that he was the writer (Galatians 6:11; Colossians 4:18) himself.  Tertius means third in Greek.  He became the second Bishop of Iconium and helped convert many pagans to Christ in his ministry.  He was martyred and is now remembered on October 30 or November 10 in many churches.

The Martyrdom of Stephen by Chris Burton: In Acts 6 & 7 we learn that Stephen, a Jew by birth, born outside of Palestine and raised as a Greek-speaking Jew, was chosen by the disciples along with six other men to oversee the welfare of widows.  He became a great teacher, preacher, and performed miracles.  Opposition arose in the Sanhedrin against him for it seemed the members could not overcome his wisdom and the work of the Holy Spirit. They stoned him thus becoming the first Christian martyr.  Paul stood watching his death and this event must have made quite an impact on his life.  Stephen later was appointed the patron saint of deacons and bricklayers and stone masons.  His life is celebrated on December 26 in western churches and on December 27 in eastern churches.  His feast day is the oldest in the calendar.

One Another – It Sets Us Apart by Gary Carter: When you admonish someone else that person may heed what you have said, may not listen, or may come back later to say that your advice was correct.  Jesus healed ten lepers; one came back to say thank you.  When that happens it is a great blessing.  Whatever the case it is our Christian responsibility to relate to others.

What do you think those who do not attend your church expect?  More often than not many probably don’t think much.  Some may feel that they will leave with less than what they came with. They may expect to meet and endure plastic people.  They may believe they will be put on the spot.  They may planned to be bored.  They may think they will be made to feel bad, not good or have their world view hassled.  If five new people came to our church what works or characteristics of “one anothering” would they see from the list below?

Mark 9:50 – Peace
John 13:14 – Wash
John 13:34 – Love
Romans 1:12 – Encourage
Romans 12:5 – Belong
Romans 12:10 – Devoted
Romans 12:16 – Harmony
Romans 13:8 – Debt
Romans 14:13 – Don’t judge
Romans 14:19 – Edify
Romans 15:5 – Unity
Romans 15:7 – Accept
Romans 16:16 – Greet
I Corinthians 7:5 – Don’t deprive
I Corinthians 11:33 – Wait
I Corinthians 12:25 - Concern
Galatians 5:13 – Serve
Galatians 6:2 - Carry
Ephesians 4:2 – Bear with
Ephesians 4:32 – Compassion
Ephesians 5:19 – Sing
Ephesians 5:21 – Submit
Philippians 2:3 – Consider
Colossians 3:9 – Don’t lie
Colossians 3:13 – Forgive
I Thessalonians 3:12 – Overflow
I Thessalonians 4:18 Encourage (with 2nd Coming hope)
I Thessalonians 5:11 – Build
I Thessalonians 5:15 – Be kind
2 Thessalonians 1:3 – Increase
Hebrews 10:25 – Encourage
James 4:11 – Don’t slander
James 5:9 – Don’t grumble
James 5:16 – Confess
I Peter 3:8 – Harmony
I Peter 4:9 – Hospitality
I Peter 5:5 – Humility
I John 1:7 – Fellowship

We have much to work on to set the standard and be an example to others.

Communion:  Observing the Lord’s Supper is a love feast that can be solemn without formality when we remember our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. I Corinthians 11 is the only Scripture that gives instruction for this event.  Perhaps it has been elevated too much by Christendom throughout the years.  Our practice is once a month which is probably the level of attention it deserves.

Not Quite Right Headlines By Steve Macdonald:
Stiff Opposition to Casketless Funeral Plan
Drunk gest Nine Months in Violin Case
Safety Experts Say School Bus Passengers should be Belted
Miners Refuse to Work after Death
Stolen Painting Found by Tree
2 Sisters Reunited after 18 years in Checkout Counter
Complaints about NBA Referees Growing Ugly
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
Police Begin Campaign to Run down Jaywalkers
Plane too Close to Ground, Crash Probe Told

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October 10, 2010 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

“Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.” Psalm 47:6-7

Gary and I were indeed singing God’s praises this past Saturday as we travelled home from the Poconos in Pennsylvania through the Finger Lakes in New York. The beauty of the autumn leaves was spectacular. We are thankful that Gary is 85% finished with his book, Living on the Zipline – From Fear to Awe. Please pray for its completion asap after input from his three colleagues that are participating in this project for Compass Coaching International and that it may have a positive impact on the lives of all who read it. We are also thankful for the safe arrival of our 10th grandchild, Isabella on Oct. 7. Rob & Jess are returning home to Moosonee and rejoining their other three daughters. After being away since August 28 please pray for their adjustment back to normal living.

Please pray for William in Myanmar who is working on the logistics to arrive in Canada in the next few months. Also remember Richard’s orphanage. Several of the older children are enjoying their work each week at a flower farm. This is a great step forward towards this ministry becoming self-sufficient. Through additional donations they have been able to purchase much needed school supplies for which they are very grateful.

Please pray for Fred and Maureen Brown as Fred transitions to a new music ministry at a another church in town. Also remember Howie Johnson who is once again searching for employment. Please continue to pray for the follow up that is happening in St. Eustache with all the people that were contacted in August. May this church become well established in the province of Quebec.

Home Group will happen this coming Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Burton home.

God bless,

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116.

Mansion Over the Hilltop by Gary Carter: Some of you might be familiar with the old country Gospel song, Mansion Over the Hilltop, which was written by Ira Stamphill in 1949 and based on John 14:2,3.

I’m satisfied with just a cottage below,
A little silver and a little gold;
But in that city where the ransomed will shine,
I want a gold one that’s silver-lined.
Chorus
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;
And someday yonder we will never more wander,
But walk the streets that are purest gold.
Tho’ often tempted, tormented and tested
And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone,
And tho’ I find here no permanent dwelling,
I know He’ll give me a mansion my own.
Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely,
I’m not discouraged, I’m heaven bound;
I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city,
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown.
Gary met an elderly lady in her mid-80s when he was out for a walk last week near the Delaware River where the Carters were staying. Her home was built in the 1700s. She is in the process of renovating it. This area experienced severe flooding in 2006 during Hurricane Diane. The water came up to the base of the wall of her house. She has lived in this home all her life and is really looking forward to the day when her “mansion” is finished. She didn’t want any “personal questions” about her life which shows that she is not thinking about her life after she dies and moving into a “perfect dwelling place” there. As Christians we can be very thankful for God’s future provision for us. May He enable us to point others to this truth.

Thanks to God by Chris Burton: The following hymn of thanksgiving was written by August Ludvig Storm who was born in 1862 in Motala, Sweden.

Thanks to God for my Redeemer, Thanks for all Thou dost provide! Thanks for times now but a memory, Thanks for Jesus by my side! Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime, Thanks for dark and stormy fall! Thanks for tears by now forgotten, Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny! Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply! Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair! Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside, Thanks for thorns their stems contain! Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain! Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee! Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,Thanks through all eternity!
This song became one of the most popular Swedish hymns and found its way into many evangelical hymnals in Sweden and the US. Mr. Storm was converted to Christ in a Salvation Army meeting and joined the Salvation Army Corps becoming one of its official leaders. He wrote this hymn for the publication, The War Cry, in 1891. It contained thanks for both good and bad (32 in all). At age 37 he suffered a back ailment which crippled him for life.

Phoebe by Steve Macdonald: Paul, in his last chapter of the book of Romans, sends personal greetings to a list of friends. The first to be commended is Phoebe (16:1-2), a successful business woman, a trusted companion, a benefactor to the early church, and one of the first women church leaders. She served in the church of Cenchrea about eight miles east of Corinth. The church probably met in her home. She is commemorated with Lydia of Thyatria and Dorcas in the Calendar of Saints of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on January 27. Her Feast Day in the Roman Catholic Church is September 3.

One Another – Romans 16 - by Gary Carter: In Romans 16 Paul uses the word “greet” 21 times. When travelling in the US there are many toll booths along the highways. Gary noticed that one of the attendants at a particularly busy one was saying, “Thank you and have a good day!” probably every 15 seconds. What a job! In verse 16 Paul encourages the people to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” He is urging them to grow a relationship with respect and fondness. It is interesting to note that many of the people listed were women who helped move the church forward with their heart and soul. In our society we have many forms of greeting – fist bumps, pops, high five, low five – all human touches. With just a smile you can start a relationship. A caption on a poster that the Carters’ son had in his bedroom when growing up was, “A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet.” The word “holy” refers to being set apart for a unique purpose of God. In starting a new relationship within the church and outside can you deliberately break through the resistance and take it to the next level? Will the other person come to respect and esteem you so that they will actually believe that you care? This is all an extension of “one anothering” and an opportunity for you to take them home to heaven with you.

Ads Gone Wrong By Steve Macdonald:
Illiterate? Write today for free help.
Semi-Annual After Christmas Sale.
For sale: Braille Dictionary – must see to appreciate!
10 free French Fry Certificates – only $1
Classified: An unexpected vacancy for a knife thrower’s assistant. Rehearsals start immediately.
Remember, you get what you pay for. And at Hub Furniture Store, you pay less.
The Superstore – unequaled in size, unmatched in variety, unrivaled inconvenience.

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