February 27, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

How evil can one man become? It is sad to watch the the terrible ongoing conflict and death happening in the streets of Libya because of Colonel Gaddafi’s defiance. What is even sadder is the same defiance heard in his son, Sayf’s voice who seems to be following and supporting his father’s thinking. How many more lives will be taken before this man is deposed? May we all keep informed this week so that we can pray for this nation that is seeking freedom along with so many of its neighbours. The ripple affect is incredible and not just with the increase of gas prices on our side of the world.

William arrived safely in Ottawa Friday afternoon. It seems he is really enjoying meeting these Chin people, his own tribe from Myanmar. They are all figuring out their various connections from the past. Pray that the two congregations will want to support William in his many ministry endeavours when he returns in June. I’m sure he will have lots to tell and pictures to show on his blog - www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. He is coming back to Brampton on Monday. Please continue to pray that we will be able to grow him while he is here in various ways. His nation is mostly likely in line for a major upheaval and William’s apartment is right in downtown Yangoon where any action could occur. Next weekend he will travel up to Howie & Sheila’s cottage in Parry Sound for another “winter wonderland” experience. Please pray for Sheila whose teaching assistant died unexpectedly this past week due to a heart attack.

Please remember to pray for Richard and his orphanage. This week he mentioned that they would be embarking on making bricks for their own use and for sale. Richard has been quite sick for the past couple of weeks.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. as we view Don Carson’s video series and pray.

Gary and I will be away March 5-13 for another week of writing. Please pray that Gary will be able to get a lot accomplished and that he will be able to sell his books through various opportunities. Gary can always be reached at gvc@kainos.org.

God bless,

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. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Are Rich People Special? by Gary Carter: Charlie Sheen, a rich actor, didn’t show himself to be very special this week because of his poor behaviour. In Matthew 19:23, Jesus says, “…it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” One main difference of a rich person is their capacity to give. Paul told Timothy (I Timothy 6:18) to command rich people to be generous. We are embarking on a new program to go after grant money for Heartland’s various projects in the weeks ahead. Foundation money is available but some of these organizations are more generous than others. Please pray that the hearts of the leaders we contact will be stirred to the causes God has laid upon our hearts. Money doesn’t count for much if it isn’t used properly.

Yours/Mine/Ours (Romans 16) - by Steve Macdonald: Steve continued with his defining of Paul’s friends and various connections. Phoebe lived in Cenchrea (Romans 16:1) which is about 8 miles from Corinth and she also lived in Rome. According to Acts 18:18 after Paul’s lengthy stay in Corinth he stopped off in Cenchrea to have his hair cut because of a vow. Did Paul visit her church in Cenchrea to see it for himself? Would he have entrusted this letter to the Romans that she delivered to a woman he had not met? Priscilla & Aquila lived in Corinth, Cenchrea, Syria, Jerusalem & Rome at various times. In their travels did they ever talk about a friend of theirs named Phoebe and the church in Cenchrea?

Petrobas became a Bishop of Neapolis (main port of Philippi) and later spent time in Jerusalem and Rome. Paul visited Neapolis (Acts 16:11). Hermas was a Bishop of Philippi and spent time in Rome. Were Andronicus and Junias prisoners in Philippi with Paul (Romans 16:7)? And if so would they not have encouraged each other by talking about their friends and the good they were doing?
Plilologus and his wife, Julia, travelled with Andrew. Andrew appointed him as Bishop of Sinope.
Apelles, Bishop of Heraclea, and Paul’s friend, Stachys, Bishop of Byzantium, also travelled with
Andrew. Herodian, Bishop of Patrae and Paul’s “fellow Jew” travelled with both Paul & Peter. Phlegon
Bishop of Marathon was a resident of Rome. With all of these connections and travels to similar places
- Rome, Jerusalem, Byzantium, Macdonia, Patrae, Sinope – many more good conversations would have happened along the roads.

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: The Oscars are happening this evening. These awards have become gods to some people. Even to get a nomination is something. But who really knows or cares? People are developing solutions based on their own wishes. They are diverting attention from the real problem. They are doubling speed in the wrong direction.

In 2 Chronicles 14, 15 & 16 in the Old Testament we learn about King Asa (king of Judah) whose father was King Abijah. Asa started off well and had peace in the land for about ten years as he relied on God who was aware of him and was used by God. But when he did not rely on God and after being rebuked by the prophet Hanani he became angry and brutally oppressed some of his people. As a result he suffered a disease and in a few years died.

Lessons from Asa:
1.He was conscious of the mess up: sin was accepted, idols occupied the mental space of the people.
2.He was convicted to tear up: he sought the Lord and obeyed Him. In our world it seems we can’t speak against anything. You have to ask yourself the right questions and not develop better answers.
3.He was committed to build up: some times we need to make changes in our lives.
4.He was consecrated to look up: he relied on God himself.
Some important questions to ask:
Do you see how bad it is?
Do you know what you need to change?
Are you committed to repositioning your assets?
Are you completely sold out to the Lord:

More Proofreading Needed (in newspaper headlines) by Steve Macdonald:
Experts say Death by Fire Squad isn’t that Bad
Lawyers Back despite Use of Bug Spray
Slowdown Continues to Accelerate
The top half of the students are well educated, the bottom half receive extra help, but the middle half we are leaving out.
Berkley turns blind ear to Fiance Committee
“We hate math” say 4 in ten – a majority of Americans

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February 20, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Heritage Weekend Everyone!

“I… delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.” Colossians 2:5

Does some new order in your life encourage you? It does me. It’s great when I can add to my systems of life to help me improve or work more efficiently day by day. Paul seemed to think that was a good thing too. In our service last Sunday Sara mentioned about her research about the pomegranate. In ancient Israel scouts brought this fruit to Moses to show the promised land was fertile. The robe of the Hebrew High Priest was embroidered with pomegranates. According to tradition, the pomegranate symbolizes fruitfulness and it is also said that a pomegranate often contains about 613 seeds which correspond to the 613 commandments of the Torah. In any case, throughout the Bible and nature surrounding us we can understand that our God is a God of order and systems. Maybe we need to examine our lives more frequently to see where orderliness can benefit us in moving forward in our Christian walk. A little bit of change each day will encourage our hearts.

William is travelling by bus this next Friday (Feb. 25) to Ottawa. He will be preaching at services for two Burmese congregations. Pray for safety in travel and his ability to speak well in his home language of Chin to these people. May they be motivated to reach out to their Canadian communities. We have sold 18 hats and scarves for the church planting ministry of his father’s church in Yangoon, Myanmar. About a week ago the country named Thein Sein as its new president. Half of the 30 ministers in his newly formed cabinet served under the previous military regime. Pray that true democracy will take over this country in the years ahead.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view 14 sessions of a video series by Canadian, Don Carson on Christianity. We are appreciating his Biblical insights.

Birthday greetings to Mylene Nghiem this coming Wednesday. Thanks for taking such good care of William in your home during his Canadian visit, Mylene and Can.

Continue to pray for the search for a national president for our denomination, The Fellowship of Evangelical Churches in Canada. If you haven’t done so, check out Gary’s article on prayer in the Fellowship’s online magazine – www.thrive-magazine.ca.

Enjoy the holiday if you get one!

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. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

An Angel Party by Gary Carter: Balloons, streamers and whistles etc signify party celebrations. Gary and Wendy’s 6-year old granddaughter, Sydney, called yesterday to announce her big news that there had been an angel party Friday evening, Feb. 18. At bedtime she had said she wanted to become a Christian. Her father prayed with her so she could invite Jesus into her life. What does this mean to her at this young age? Is it just a phase? Gary did the same thing with his dad at age 4. What a wonderful heritage to pass along. Jesus’ parables about the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son (Luke 15:3-10) all show how special and remarkable it is when someone has been found who was lost or comes to repent. In verse 10 Jesus says, “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This event is not all that common and a lot of work is involved e.g. there had been tremendous grief over the lost son who decided to go his own way. It is important to celebrate and mark these events in peoples’ lives.

William’s Eighth Song Again – Embrace Me Warmly in your Wings (www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca): William sang his song from last week again. He didn’t create a new one this week as he got stalled in reading about his favourite character in the Old Testament. Solomon was the wisest and richest man but as he got older his 700 wives and 300 concubines wanted him to worship their idols. God appeared to him to repent but he would not listen which made God angry. He didn’t punish Solomon as he remembered his father, David. Attendance at church and Home Group is not in vain. God loves and blesses parents’ faithfulness long term. When Naaman, the commander of the King of Aram’s army, contracted leprosy (I Kings 5) he was told by a Jewish slave girl to go see the prophet, Elisha. Elisha told him to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman’s servants encouraged him to do this simple act and he was cleansed. Believers like to do things in their own way. When God comes to you in a simple way give it a try. That is why so many people miss Him.

My/Mine (Romans 16) - by Steve Macdonald: Ten of the people Paul greeted in Romans 16 were described as “my co-worker”, “my dear friend” or “my fellow…” Of these ten friends, six are thought to be among the 70 or 72 Apostles. This being the case, these six people would have to been near Jerusalem just after the transfiguration (Luke 10:1). So somewhere between Mt. Tabor, (likely place of the transfiguration - Luke 9:28-32) and Jerusalem, these new Apostles were sent out on their mission. The places known or associated with these friends are Pannonia, Corinth, Jerusalem, Odessos, Byzantium(Constantinople), Patras, Cyrene, Achaia, Rome, Ephesus, and Philippi.
Paul met Epenetus in Ephesus on his second journey and was the first convert in Asia. Was he also Paul’s first convert ? Priscilla & Aquila also met Paul in Corinth during his second journey although they believed before Paul. Did he first meet Rufus at a synagogue? Remember Simon from Cyrene? It was Jewish custom that you had to have at least ten members in a congregation before setting up a new synagogue. Is it possible that there weren’t many Jews from Cyrene in Jerusalem early in the first century? Were they forced to join with others to form a synagogue? Were Rufus and mom present when the trial of Stephen took place? (Acts 6:8-10) Were they standing there outside the city when the people laid their clothes at the feet of a Paul from Tarsus? If Andronicus & Junia were fellow cell mates with Paul, then they likely met in Philippi (Acts 16:23). Paul is arrested a few more times, however these all occur after the letter is written to the Roman church. Paul is arrested in 58 A.D. by Roman troops who save him from being killed in a temple riot. He is taken to Caesarea but this is after he wrote to the Roman church (Acts 23:23). Did Stachys, Ampliatus, Herodion and Persis ever meet Paul? Wikipedia could be modified to say almost anything, however there is not much to support these people ever meeting Paul. The strongest evidence comes in Paul’s own words, “my dear friends, my beloved friends, my co-workers”. Relationships run long-standing and become deep.

Blessings – Getting the Definition Correct by Gary Carter: Do you remember the old hymn, Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman Jr. written in1897. Did he get it right?

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

We enjoy a nice, sunny day, good family, our spirits to be buoyed up, something to make us feel happy. And we say we are blessed. However, in the early days of the church they were more truly blessed but not in terms we think of in our world. They took their lives in their hands to spread the Gospel. Our world has become too safety conscious; although we have had a little greater understanding of difficulties with William living before us telling of his life. If we don’t grasp the real truth about blessings we become cranky in ministry as the years go by. No one likes old and cranky people. Rufus’ mother was a blessing to Paul but we don’t even know her name. She is a blessing to us as well in this testimony and legacy she left.

Check this list of the 16 blessings Jesus promised and rethink the word blessing so that you use it correctly:
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:20 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Luke 6:21 … Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:10-11 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
Matthew 11:6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.
Luke 7:23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.
Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.
Matthew 16:17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Luke 10:23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
John 13:17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Luke 14:13-14 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.“
Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
We need to count differently, to count correctly, and to count later. God will be the last counter as He said, “…the last will be first and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). The jury is out until later. Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us that we are the salt of the earth and shining lights. Don’t lean on the horn to be noticed now. We will be noticed by our light. As time goes by things become memorable. What will be the blessings for the rest of your lives? The blessing is in living for the eternal not for the worldly things of time.

Communion: In I Corinthians 11 we learn about the chaos in the Corinthian church. Some were left hungry, others were drunk. They really didn’t know what the celebration of the Lord’s Supper was all about. Paul had to give instruction thus correcting the chaos. This is an opportunity to examine oneself, confess all known sin and repent. We must live our lives in remembrance of what Christ has done for us but also understand that the best is yet to come.

Proofreading Pays (particularly in newspaper headlines) by Steve Macdonald:
Diana was still alive hours before she died
Fish need water, Feds say
Midget sues grocer, cites belittling remarks
Homeless Man under House Arrest
One-armed man applauds the kindness of strangers
Opinions on the 44st President of the USA
Statistics show that teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25
World Bank says poor people need more money

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February 13, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15

Don’t you like happy endings? At least it seems the Egyptian people are headed in a more encouraging direction. They are saying they are happy now that their president has resigned. It’s amazing how the “twitter revolution” took over this country in just a few short weeks. Let us pray that Christians will be able to make good strides in reaching these people for His sake in the months ahead since they are more open and optimistic about their future. And may we remember other suppressed countries that are trying to follow in their example. The Egyptian people came out to celebrate in their cars. Very few people in Myanmar have cars which shows us once again how much poorer this country is than many others. We can rejoice with Egypt but still mourn for Myanmar.

Thanks to the Macdonald family William got a taste of skating yesterday. He realized how slippery ice can be. Continue to pray that he will be able to reach out to more and more people while he is here. So far we have been able to sell 12 of his hats and scarves which is great. We can send that money back to his father’s church so they can do some work. Why not consider buying one for yourself or a friend?

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view a video series by Canadian, Don Carson on Christianity and spending more time in prayer.

Don’t forget to be on the look out for more information about the “Little Big Show” coming to a station near you in the weeks ahead!

A 2010 Kainos International Ministries financial statement was handed out this morning. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to ask. Also see Gary’s article on prayer in the Fellowship’s online magazine – www.thrive-magazine.ca.

Since Wiarton Willie indicated we are going to have an early spring Feb. 2, it looks like there are 5 weeks left to go. Yeah!!

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. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Valentine’s Day by Gary Carter: The origin of Valentine’s Day is rather uncertain. Frances Kerr mentioned this morning that a monk who had a garden hung bouquets on door handles. People gave to each other by following his example. However it started Valentine’s is for celebrating love. Love is first and foremost what you do and the way you act even when you don’t feel like it. Over the years its effect accumulates and you don’t realize until later in life how meaningful and valuable these acts of love are. We are here to serve others, not to be served which all leads to a wonderful life, family and church.

William’s Eighth Song – Embrace Me Warmly in your Wind www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca: As believers we fight life’s storms every day. There is only One we can hope and trust in to help us withstand these storms. Everyone has a cross to carry. We are not special people or scholars of God’s Word but we can ask for His help so that He will be glorified. Back in Myanmar William met a lady who was struggling with her marriage. When she came to hear him preach she wanted to receive Jesus into her life. Even though her husband was a Muslim and she was a Buddhist no one had ever taught her about the love of God. Another lady he prayed for was healed from her allergies. Some times people are healed and some times they are not but the joy is far deeper when the prayer is answered. We do not have health insurance to depend on. Submit your life to God and we will share our joys together in heaven over winning lost souls for Christ.

The 70 Apostles - by Steve Macdonald: Steve researched the names of the 70 apostles from Hippolytus the early church historian. Here they are: James the Lord’s brother, bishop of Jerusalem; Cleopas, bishop of Jerusalem; Matthias, who supplied the vacant place in the number of the twelve apostles; Thaddeus, who conveyed the epistle to Augarus; Ananias, who baptized Paul, and was bishop of Damascus; Stephen, the first martyr; Philip, who baptized the eunuch; Prochorus, bishop of Nicomedia, who also was the first that departed, believing together with his daughters; Nicanor died when Stephen was martyred; Timon, bishop of Bostra; Parmenas, bishop of Soli; Nicolaus, bishop of Samaria; Barnabas, bishop of Milan; Mark the evangelist, bishop of Alexandria; Luke the evangelist; Silas, bishop of Corinth; Silvanus, bishop of Thessalonica; Crisces (Crescens), bishop of Carchedon in Gaul. Epaenetus, bishop of Carthage; Andronicus, bishop of Pannonia; Amplias, bishop of Odyssus; Urban, bishop of Macedonia; Stachys, bishop of Byzantium; Barnabas, bishop of Heraclea; Phygellus, bishop of Ephesus.and Simon; Hermogenes. had the same mind with the former Demas, who also became a priest of idols; Apelles, bishop of Smyrna; Aristobulus, bishop of Britain; Narcissus, bishop of Athens; Herodion, bishop of Tarsus; Agabus the prophet; Rufus, bishop of Thebes; Asyncritus, bishop of Hyrcania; Phlegon, bishop of Marathon; Hermes, bishop of Dalmatia; Patrobulus, bishop of Puteoli; Hermas, bishop of Philippi; Linus, bishop of Rome; Caius, bishop of Ephesus; Philologus, bishop of Sinope; Olympus and Rhodion were martyred in Rome; Rhodion was martyred in Rome;
Lucius, bishop of Laodicea in Syria; Jason, bishop of Tarsus; Sosipater, bishop of Iconium; Tertius, bishop of Iconium; Erastus, bishop of Panellas; Quartus, bishop of Berytus; Apollo, bishop of Caesarea; Cephas; Sosthenes, bishop of Colophonia; Tychicus, bishop of Colophonia; Epaphroditus, bishop of Andriace; Caesar, bishop of Dyrrachium; Mark, cousin to Barnabas, bishop of Apollonia; Justus, bishop of Eleutheropolis; Artemas, bishop of Lystra; Clement, bishop of Sardinia; Onesiphorus, bishop of Corone; Tychicus, bishop of Chalcedon; Carpus, bishop of Berytus in Thrace; Evodus, bishop of Antioch; Aristarchus, bishop of Apamea; Mark, who is also John, bishop of Bibloupoli; Zenas, bishop of Diospolis; Philemon, bishop of Gaza; Aristarchus Pudes; and Trophimus, who was martyred along with Paul.

The following are included according to some Orthodox Churches, which then requires you to remove some listed by Hippolytus: Aquila, Crispus, Gaius, Archippus, Onesimus, Titus, Timothy, Symeon, Alphaeus, Apphia, Junia, Quadratus, Zacchaeus, Achaicus, and Fortunatus.

Conversations with Jesus in Luke 4:1-13 – If you Go Out in the Woods Today … by Chris Burton: Jesus was tested in the wilderness by Satan. He ate no food for 40 days. There are symptoms of inadequate food consumption; although it is not as critical as going without water. Missing even just a few meals can cause a host of undesirable complications such as irritability, low moral, lethargy, physical weakness, confusion and disorientation, poor judgment, weakened immune system, inability to maintain body temperature which can lead to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. There are also factors affecting how long you can live without food e.g. initial state of health, amount of muscle on the body, amount of body fat, one’s metabolism, the amount of work being performed while going without food and the temperature of the environment. Jesus’ body was taken to the threshold without sustaining damage. Medical doctors commonly cite one can survive 4 to 6 weeks without food. Ten political prisoners in Ireland lived 46 to 73 days before succumbing to lack of food. The results for 12 individual starvation protestors were: two lost tongues, one lost feet, seven went on kidney dialysis. Many war prisoners lived 28 to 40 days with no food . World War II concentration camps provided only 300 to 600 calories per day; many thousands did not have enough food to survive more than a few months at best. Terminally ill patients live 10 days to 3 weeks without food depending upon initial heath. Obese people can live from 3 weeks up to 25 weeks and more without food depending upon initial health and amount of fat. Mahatma Gandhi survived a 3-week fast while in his 70’s.

As part of this conversation, several questions can be asked. What did the devil look like and how did he present himself (verses 3-4)? Does the devil really believe this? Is he acutely aware that his days are numbered (verses 5-8)? “Hey Satan … didn’t you already test God? How’s that working out for you (verses 9-13)?” Jesus’ three responses were 1) there’s more to life than what you see before you (verse 4); 2) even if you are a Buddhist or a Muslim, there is only one God to worship; and 3) don’t test God.

Blessings (Matthew 5:8) by Gary Carter: Do you remember the Ivory soap commercial that stated the soap was 99 & 44/100% pure? The soap could float because the mixture was whipped and had a lot of air in it but with 56/100% contamination. “Pure in heart” refers to thinking and motives that are not selfish. Our motives are weighed by the Lord (Proverbs 15:26; 16:2). What do you want – an easier life? Why do you want it – the betterment of something? I John 3:2-3 talks about purifying yourselves. What is your hope worth to you today? What are you willing to set aside? Are you becoming pure and blameless as you grow in Him (Philippians 1:9-11)? What are you grumbling about and why (Philippians 2:14-15)? What are you doing to find purity (Titus 1:15)? The result will be we get to see God and be like Him eternally. That will be worth the price and effort of every day.

Headlines Galore by Steve Macdonald:
Gas Company Behind Bean Supper
17 Remain Dead in Morgue Shooting Spree
New Sick Policy Requires 2-day Notice
Federal Agents Raid Gun Shop, Find Weapons
Inmate Attempts Suicide, Moved off of Death Row
Missippi’s Literacy Program Shows Improvement
Volunteerism should be Mandatory
Female Trap Shooters Aim to End Homelessness
One in for Kids Drops out of High School
Caskets Found as Workers Demolish Mausoleum

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February 6, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“…love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 19:19

Have you had enough snow yet? Our neighbour, Ferd, endeared himself to us and many other neighbours on our street this week when he plowed out our driveways. His show of care was a thoughtful gesture that he didn’t have to make. Chris Burton didn’t fair as well with his neighbour who just came to chat. During our church service this morning an ambulance came down our hill on its way to Ferd’s house. We thought help had come to take care of his elderly mother-in-law whose health is failing. Instead, Ferd, had hurt his finger tips on the snow blower and he required stitches. Could you please remember to pray for this family during this stressful time and to pray that we would take opportunities to be good neighbours ourselves in our very self-centred society?

The ladies of William’s father’s church sent about 10 scarves they had made with William when he arrived in December. The scarves were quickly sold for $20 each and we sent the money to Myanmar in January. The ladies, in turn, purchased more material and last week William received a box full of 45 scarves and hats. Now that’s the way to do business. Please let us know if you wish to buy a scarf or a hat. Don’t forget William’s blog at www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. Last night he experienced Chinese New Year’s celebrations with Can & Mylene Nghiem and their family. His education is becoming multi-cultural. Happy New Year to you all! William’s prayer is to lead someone to the Lord before he returns to Myanmar in June.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view a video series by Canadian, Don Carson on Christianity and spending more time in prayer.

Thank you everyone for your contributions to our Farewell Potluck supper last night with Fred & Maureen Brown. A good time was had by all even with all the snow.

Please continue to pray for Debbie Macdonald and the healing of her upper arm. She needs to keep her cast on for another six weeks which is rather frustrating for her and her family.

Don’t forget to be on the look out for more information about the “Little Big Show” coming to a station near you in the weeks ahead!

Enjoy the football game!

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. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Special Events by Gary Carter: Special events throughout the year tend to keep you going. Yesterday the Chinese celebrated New Year’s Eve with 2011 being the Year of the Rabbit. Super Bowl 45 happens this weekend which is very big with Americans. The World Cup engages more of the world every four years. The Water Festival happens in April every year in Myanmar for a week.

With the establishment of the church in the New Testament, except for some events inherited from the Old Testament, there were no real big festivals connected to the church. There were the celebrations of baptism for the individual and participation in the Lord’s supper as churches. There were the weekly observances of Sunday (or the Sabbath), the first day of the week, when God’s people wanted to be together. What could be more important than building for eternal life during these special times? There is no comparison to a sports extravaganza or a cultural tradition. And even though things can go wrong in a church continuing to attend will get you through the valley; for if you drop out your life will become weaker and eventually the flame may go out.

Et Al - Romans 16:15 - by Steve Macdonald: Paul concludes his greetings to the Roman Christians in this verse. Again, there isn’t too much information on these individuals. Philologus’ name means a “lover of letters or of the word.” He was numbered among the 70 Apostles and Andrew consecrated him as Bishop of Sinope located on the most northern edge of the Turkish side of the Black Sea coast, in the ancient region of Paphlagonia in modern-day northern Turkey. Julia means, “downy; soft and tender hair.” She was likely the wife of Philologus by the manner in which Paul puts the two names together. Some think Julia may have been his sister; however when looking at the next couple, it is unlikely as Paul specifies a relationship of brother and sister. Her name points to a member of the imperial household as it is the feminine version of Julius. Nereus was more commonly known from Greek mythology as being a Greek sea god and the son of Pontus and Gaea. According to Catholic.net he was a soldier in the imperial Roman army and a member of the Praetorian Guard. He was converted to Christianity and baptized by Peter. He later exiled from Rome for his faith, where he was ultimately beheaded with his brother, Achilleus after suffering with Flavia Domitilla.

OR according to William Barclay, in A.D. 95, two of the most distinguished people in Rome were condemned for being Christians. Flavius Clemens, had been consul of Rome and his wife Domatilla was of royal blood, the granddaughter of Vespasian, a former Emperor, and the niece of Domitian, the reigning Emperor. Flavius was executed and Domatilla was banished to the island of Pontia. The name of the chamberlain of Flavius and Domatilla was Nereus. Is it possible that Nereus the slave had something to do with the making into Christians of Flavius Clemens the ex-consul and Domatilla? The last person mentioned is Olympas; his name means “heaven descended.”
The group greeted last week together with today’s, are likely household congregations. Not many of the Christians would have owned a house large enough to accommodate a congregation regularly so it would have been quite logical for them to have taken turns, Sunday by Sunday, worshiping in different homes of members with houses large enough or convenient enough to meet the needs. Consider that there are only four or five Sundays per month, and in both passages, Paul mentions four or five persons. In contrast, verses 3-4, where Paul greets Priscilla and Aquila, The impression is that Priscilla and Aquila were able to provide a place in their home as a regular meeting place for all the services of their group. All the Lord’s people who are with them. Paul salutes the saints who are with them in family or relations in the bond of Christian communion. Just in case anyone should find themselves upset, as if Paul had forgotten them, he concludes with the remembrance of the rest - all the unnamed brothers and saints. It is observable that in Christian congregations there are smaller societies linked together in love, taking opportunities to be together. Check out Acts 1:4; 2:44, 26; and Ephesians 2:22.

Examine your Heart by William: Psalm 26:2-3 reads, “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.” Through love we are perfect before God and there is no more shame as in the case of Adam & Eve in the garden of Eden when they discovered they were naked. Buddhists tell their people to follow their teachings. Christians are commanded to follow Jesus. This is very different. May we be like the believer, Paul, who could say, “Learn from me.” Job continued to have the love of God in him even though his possessions were all gone. Entrust this love to your children so we can have better families, churches and societies.

Conversations with Jesus in Luke 2 by Chris Burton: When Jesus was a baby he was presented in the temple, Simeon a devout and righteous Jew sees in Jesus salvation, light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to the Israel people. Even though there was no conversation Jesus’ destiny was revealed. Moving forward to when Jesus was 12, he again was found in the temple after his parents had been searching for him for three days. The conversation with his mother is recorded in verses 48-49. Verse 51 says, “…his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” She probably clicked back in her mind to when her Son was first presented in the temple which helped her realize again how unique, different, unbelievable and a blessing Jesus was. Even though still a child, Jesus revealed His identity and probably realized all the more the impact with its implications He would have on people.

Blessings & Results (Matthew 13:1-23) by Gary Carter: Paul instructed Timothy to give attention to the public reading of Scripture and so Gary read this passage of the parable of the sower from last week once again. The purpose of Jesus’ parables was not to help the listener understand better but allowed some listeners to see the truth while others did not. This passage refers to Isaiah’s message from the Old Testament (Isaiah 6:9-10). He also said that many would not see and hear. At the beginning of chapter 6, verses 1-8, Isaiah’s call is described which was at the end of a dynasty. It is hard to figure if these verses are real physically or mystically but one does grasp a little of the majesty of God. It changed Isaiah’s life for he recognized himself in contrast to the holiness of God. His life was cleansed by the touch of the “live coal.” He responds positively to the Lord’s question,”Whom shall I send?” This will only happen for you if you see God and yourself in stark contrast. Isaiah asks (verses 11-13), “How long?” He is not promised that his ministry will get great results. He had to fight through rejection and negativity of his world as we do. Most of the seed will die in the field but the failure does not belong to the sower. There will be nuggets or “the stump in the land.” The blessing is in knowing yourself and in the opportunity to share the truth with others whether or not they understand.

Interesting Headlines by Steve Macdonald:
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Friday ONLY - White Flower Two Day Sale
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Deaf Mute Gets New Hearing in Killing

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