May 31, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi There!

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18

Our son, Lee, his wife Melissa and almost 1 year old son, Aiden, are currently in S. Korea. Melissa was a bridesmaid for her Trinity Western roommate’s wedding in Seoul last weekend. We adopted Lee when he was just turning six and this week they are travelling south to Lee’s orphanage near Pusan. How exciting for them all to meet again – for the staff at this Christian orphanage and for Lee and his family alike. They will stay in this place for a few days so Lee will certainly learn a lot about his original background. They return to Canada June 9 and we will also be excited to hear all their stories. Please pray for their safety, good health and opportunity to be a tremendous encouragement to the people of his first home. God has brought Lee full circle which amazes us as a result of our family decision 24 years ago.

William is preaching at Streetsville Baptist Church just after our morning’s service. Don’t forget our Farewell Potluck Supper tonight at 5:30 at our home in Churchville. Check out his blog – www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. Tomorrow at lunch Gary and William are off to Muskoka Bible Centre for the Fellowship Pastors’ Retreat. Pray for safety in our motorhome and good conversations with other pastor friends. They will return Tue afternoon. Then William leaves for home this next Thursday (June 2) at 2:00 p.m. via Air Canada. He travels to Bangkok to stay for a few days, on to Kuala Lumpur on June 7 to visit his sisters and then flies to Yangon, Myanmar on June 14. It will be sad to see him go. He has made a lot of good friends in Canada.

We have copies of Life on the Zipline – From Fear to Awe available for purchase or you can order online (www.lifeonthezipline.com). Don’t forget Gary and Kaiya’s weekly radio program at www.thelittlebigshow.ca.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burton “manor” at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view Don Carson’s series on the Bible and praying.

Take care,

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.

Saying Good-bye to William by Gary Carter: Myanmar, known as the Golden Land, is a beautiful country with its golden pagodas but desperately in need of achieving self-sufficiency. Its GDP is $1250 per person thus being one of the poorest countries in the world. We have been in contact with Richard for several years who is running an orphanage with 55 children. He is hoping to start a brick-making business to support his ministry needs. His cousin, William, after 6 months in Canada, is returning to his church planting ministry in Yangon and Chin state. He has several business ideas in mind to create self-support: continuing his English teaching, employment services, growing a particular healing plant in Chin state and making portable solar systems for electricity. In Myanmar, if you live in a city, four hours of electricity per day are available at random due to rolling black outs. There is no electricity provided for villagers. Every day it gets dark very quickly at 6:00 p.m. since the country is close to the equator. Generators cost $300 with a fuel cost of up to $5 per evening. Candles cost $1 per week with the added risk of fire. The average male worker only makes $100 per month income if he has work at all. Gary has put together a 12 volt solar light system with LEDs to run for 10 hours that William can make. Each unit will retail at about $150. William believes he can buy the needed parts in Yangon. The fourth business idea would certainly change the education and economy in this country. However, until you have an official business license the government may shut you down on any whim. To get that license you must have $10,000 free capital in your account in a government bank. Therefore, it is impossible for an ordinary citizen to get the money and license to do business. One license will cover any number of businesses. Our church’s goal is to find 10 people in the next year who would donate $1000 each or 10 people investing $100/month for a year or any other amount to invest in William’s business license. The money will be held in our charity, Kainos International Ministries until the total amount was raised. Please pray that God will answer this need and that young men, like William, will be captured by the love of Christ to accomplish great things for Him. (Ephesian 3:14-21)

First Mission Antioch by Steve Macdonald: According to Acts 11:25-26 Barnabas and Saul (later Paul) taught the church in Antioch for a whole year. “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Acts 11:19-20 and Acts 13 lists the leaders in this church. Simeon (the Hebrew word to hear or listen) called Niger (meaning black) came from Cyrene, Libya in northern Africa (Mark 15:21). This was a Jewish community where 100,000 Judean Jews had settled in 323-285 BC. Is it safe to say that Simon may have been black? His son, Rufus made it to Rome (Romans 16:13). Was Antioch on their travel itinerary?

Lucius of Cyrene, his name being derived from Latin lux “light” or “bringer of light”, is believed to be the first Bishop of Cyrene by some churches. Was he a travelling companion of Simeon, Rufus, Alexander and MOM? He was likely one of the congregation members to whom Peter preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). Did he leave Jerusalem when the persecutions began in Acts 11:19-20 and go to Antioch?

Manaen; meaning a comforter or a leader, is brought up (Greek: syntrophos - foster brother) with Herod Antipas, the tetrarch. This was the same Herod who had John the Baptist jailed and then beheaded. Manaen was a man of rank and education. His conversion shows that the Gospel was not confined to the poor, the Jews or Gentiles but also to people of influence and nobility. And so the five church leaders were Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus by way of Jerusalem; Simeon possibly a dark skinned African; Lucius of Cyrene an African from present day Libya; Manaen, a high-class royalty; and Saul, a Jew who had formally killed Christians (Galatians 3:28) – all one in Christ..
Did Jerusalem hesitate too long to carry out the command of Jesus to take the Gospel to the whole world? Jerusalem was no longer the center of the Christian movement. Prophets were leaving there to go to Antioch (Acts 11:27), such as Agabas (Acts 21: 9-11). In Acts 13:2-3 Barnabas and Saul were set apart by the Holy Spirit for ministry. Antioch clearly became a model church because these five people listened to the Holy Spirit. What gift has the Holy Spirit given you (Romans 12:6-8)? Are you exercising that gift? What can you do to model yourself after these five?

God Answers Prayer (John 15:7) by William: God answers our prayer in three ways. Yes! He immediately gives us what we ask for. Wait! He sometimes lets us wait. It might be a week, a month or years. The Heavenly Father and God who knows the needs of His children always answers our prayer requests in the right time. God is never late. No! He sometimes answers us with “No! that’s not good for you. Every believer easily accepts No.1 (Yes). But it is very hard to understand God when He answers our prayers by No. 2 (Wait) and No. 3 (No!).

Every answer to our prayers is perfect and good enough for us from God’s point of view. God never does anything without having a specific purpose in our lives. Every single thing that has been happening always brings and bears God’s purposes. Even in the hardest time of our lives or when our prayer is not given yet, it is very important to think and carefully find out what is God’s purpose with this or that thing which is happening. Why isn’t my prayer answered yet? What does God want to teach me with this lesson? If we can’t understand the reasons by ourselves, why don’t we ask God Himself? He will definitely tell us and help us clearly understand His purposes. One of the reasons why God answers our prayer by saying “No!” is that we ask for the satisfaction of our desires and passions (James 4:2-4).

Another reason why God sometimes answers “No!” to our prayer is that He is the Creator of the universe. He can count every single hair on our head and knew us even before we were born. He knows what we need and what is good for us. He knows us more deeply and even better than we know ourselves. On December 26, 2004 a tsunami took place in Indonesia. Some Christians wanted to worship on the beach but were refused permission. They held their service in the mountains and were not affected by this crisis. Why does God let us wait to get the answer of our prayers? It is simply because He wants us to learn some important lessons about Him and His purposes in our lives.

These purposes have to do with our sins. Disobedience to the Words of God, bitterness and unforgiveness hinder the hands of God who always loves and cares for His children. Even though we are quite ready to get the answers of our prayers physically, God cannot send the answer to us until we are spiritually ready to receive it. The second purpose is our faith. God’s biggest purpose for letting us wait is to make our faith grow so that we can see Him clearly and understand Him more. When our prayer is answered beyond what we can afford or imagine, the tears of our heart-felt thanks flow like a river. We become to understand how God is working in our lives and confess His faithfulness and protection in our lives. That makes our faith grow so that we will be able to encourage others by our experiences.
Matthew 7:7-11 says, “Everyone who asks receives.” But why don’t we get all the answers of our prayers every time? Maybe we are asking for a serpent instead of a fish. Many believers understand these Bible verses in a wrong way. It leads them to not believe the Bible and stop praying. But the Scripture must be interpreted by the Scripture itself. One of our biggest problems for not getting the answers of our prayers is that “we only know how to ask.” We are just asking all the time!
According to Jesus’ teaching in John 15:7, asking is not the first priority but abiding in His words is the very first thing that we need to do. Only after that whatever we wish and ask will be done for us. If we first abide in His Words and follow His instructions, Jesus promises us to answer all our prayers. Matthew 7:7-11 teaches us that whatever we ask will be given. At the same time, Luke 18:1-7 teaches us to pray patiently and continuously until we get what we ask. In order to pray continuously, we must be patient. Unless we are patient, we will give up praying too soon. When we are praying continuously, it does not mean that we are bothering God. But it rather means that we have communication and fellowship with our Father in Heaven who loves us with unchangeable love. He always gives us what we need, but not what we want. Check out the story of Ishmael, Abraham’s son from Hagar (Genesis 16). A true disciple must learn how to pray patiently. Patience will help a true disciple to be able to wait for the right time of God.

Groaners by Steve Macdonald:
Did the musician who robbed the bank make off with the lute?
If an optometrist fell on a lens grinding machine, would he make spectacle of himself?
Did Christopher Columbus finance his trip to America with a Discover Card?
Does reading while sunbathing make you well-red?
If the place Stalin is buried a communist plot?
Is an eye doctor on an Alaskan Island and optical Aleutian?
Is propaganda a gentlemanly goose?
When you step on a grape, does it say anything or just whine a little?
Is a cardboard belt a waist of paper?

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May 22, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:27-28

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.

The End of the World by Gary Carter: According to I Thessalonians 5:2, we learn that “…the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Unlike Harold Camping who wants to feel like he is in the “know”, we must be ready at all times. At least his prediction, along with predictions of others or world crises, causes people to think a little bit about eternity (e.g. Y2K at the turn of the century, 9/11 catastrophe and even the skirmishes in Syria and Egypt today). Many remember terrible suffering during World War II because of the powerful men – Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito – who wanted to dominate the world. God is in charge of all these events and commissioned His Son, Jesus, “…as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21). Even though we are happy to see William go we are sad to see him leave. We are sending him back to his country to fix it under God’s hand. We are all part of the “sent ones.” Gary is preaching again at High Park Baptist in Toronto where some people sit at the back and others sit near the front with the “wood” family in between. The old sit with the old and the young with their young friends. He will ask the people in the back to move up one row and others to sit with someone they don’t know. These small changes will allow newcomers to feel accepted. We are to be His ambassadors until that great “day of the Lord.”

Crescens by Steve Macdonald: Unlike Demas who deserted Paul as we learned last week Paul mentions that Crescens “has gone to Galatia” (2 Timothy 4:9-10). Little is known about this man. The meaning of his Latin name is “increasing; growing.” Eusebius, Epiphanius and others believe he preached in Gaul, (Galatia, reads Gallia, or France) and may have founded the church in Vienne in Dauphiny. Some churches hold that Crescens was part of a large popular group, (the 70). It is also commonly believed in many churches that Crescens was the Bishop of Churches in Galatia, Bishop of Vienne in Gaul and Mainz on the Rhine.

Can we determine why Crescens is in Galatia? Is this a mission to help the church in Galatia get back on the right path? Or has Crescens deserted Paul? With many churches honouring him with special days being listed as Bishop of various regions we can assume that he did not desert; he continued to spread the gospel. History may have distorted his existence and his positions, but when others fell away, he continued. His life may not be well documented in many books, but his faithfulness to the Gospel has him in the book of life.

Conversations with Jesus (Part 12) – Luke 7:11-17 by Chris Burton: “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” This conversation with a widow took place when Jesus and His disciples approached the town of Nain and saw her dead son being carried out of the town near the gate to be buried. The gate might not have been in the sense of a walled town but a marker signifying the town. At this point of His ministry Jesus is travelling from town to town and drawing larger crowds with him. The village of Nain, was southwest of Capernaum about 25 miles - a good day’s journey if they had come all the way from Capernaum. If that is the case it would be nearly dusk, a common time for Jewish funerals.
Women would usually lead a funeral procession, accompanied by great weeping. The whole town seemed to have turned out to support her in her time of grief. Accompanying the body to its burial place was considered a “good work” that any believing Jew could not neglect. The body was carried upon a bier and would have been wrapped in a burial shroud with the face exposed. The men would take turns sharing the honor of pall bearer. They were on their way to the burial grounds in some caves a few miles outside of town where all their dead were buried. Likely the widow’s husband was also buried there. Life as a widow was hard enough but in this instance there was only one child to help take care of her and earn a living. Dying as a “young man” (somewhere between 24 & 40) would leave the woman alone to fend for herself (there were no jobs for widows, however, in most situations).

Why did Jesus respond? Is he moved to help because he can see the future that awaits his own mother? Was the “young man” near Jesus’ own age making the connection even stronger? This is a “huge” miracle by comparison to the others so far. Was it just his time to ramp things up? It doesn’t say anything about why Jesus did what he did. There is no event that precedes it as in other situations where people approach with great faith or He is challenged. In fact this time there is no follow up words of wisdom - just the act itself.

This is the first person Jesus raises from the dead. The people were all filled with awe and praised God saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us.” and “God has come to help his people.” The verb is episkeptomai. In secular Greek the word has several senses: to look upon, consider, have regard to, to reflect on, examine, investigate something and to visit, e.g., the sick. The people feel that perhaps God has not abandoned them but does still care - a reflection of just how far they had fallen. This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. This is also the first time Jesus is referred to as Lord by Luke and after this point it becomes more common.

A Lesson from Jonah’s Life by William: The city of Nineveh was founded by King Nimroth who was the leader of those who built the tower of Babel (Genesis 10:8-12; 11:1-2). The word Jonah means “dove”; therefore he was a “humble man” even though he was stubborn. We are sinners, unclean and stubborn people; however God still calls us “my beloved sons and daughters.” The Bible doesn’t mention about Jonah’s past life but it does record Jonah’s life after the Lord called him. God doesn’t record our past life and sins before we receive Jesus Christ in our hearts. He erases all our sins and doesn’t remember them anymore. Nobody can do God’s work without receiving the command of God which has full of authority. We are to take the command of God from our inmost being - not just start doing by our own thoughts or skills.

Jonah ran from the Lord and headed to Tarshish by ship. There is no way for a man to flee from God’s sight when he is called to do something. We cannot hide ourselves from the Lord. During the storm even though they threw away all their precious goods, it was still too heavy for the ship to carry them. They didn’t throw away what they should have thrown away. Sometimes, we don’t remember to throw away our Jonah (sins inside us). We wouldrather complain to our friends, spouses, parents or people around us. Sometimes, we are angry when the meeting decision is not our desire. Actually, the one who makes mistakes or who is in the wrong position is not others, but ourselves. There are many sleeping believers who are called by God; while others are struggling for the rescuer of their lives (Ephesians 5:14). Some believers dare not say they are believers of Christ.

Jonah told the men to throw him into the sea to make it calm. When they threw him away, what they really should have done, the ship became completely lighter so that the lives of others were saved. Please understand what you should throw away. Because of Jonah many people confronted hardness and difficulties. Likewise many others were saved because of him alone. This predicted the salvation of Christ (I Corinthians 15:22). The Lord then provided a great fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah became a big snack to be swallowed. It is not God’s pleasure that His children become Satan’s slaves. Fish is the sign of early Christian believers. It symbolized their salvation through Christ. Christians have used the fish symbol — also known as the ichthys (ixthus, icthus) symbol — since the first century. The meaning of the word and symbol is very clever. The word ichthys means fish in Greek, but the letters are also the initials of five Greek words that mean “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” (Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter) (Matthew 4:19). As the early Christians followed Christ’s command to follow Him and lead others to the Lord, the fish symbol became a natural extension of Christ’s command and also a way to recognize and identify others who knew the symbol’s meaning. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God - chapter 2 records Jonah’s prayer of confession and repentance. When God cooked Jonah with His cooker, Jonah’s words and heart became soft and humble. He repented. God locked him up. If we don’t listen to God, He will teach us lessons until we learn to listen to Him. He can use sickness, losing our loved ones or our jobs. God will never give up teaching His children (Jeremiah 23:33-34). Jonah alone was more heavier than all the other people and their goods. Are we the burdens of God? If so, God will punish us and throw us away.
God told Jonah to go to Ninevah. He forewarned these people and they repented of their sins. We don’t need to be perfect in speech or highly qualified in a worldly point of view. God’s Word that we have in us is perfect enough. It is the word of God that changes and changes and transforms the life of people. But then Jonah became angry. He wanted to see the fire from heaven falling down and burning the city of Nineveh. We preach the truth, love and the Word of God but we don’t practice it in our lives. Unforgiveness and bitterness still take place in our hearts. We must overcome these sins in us by the power of the cross every time. Unlike other prophets, Jonah dared to be angry and complain to God (Psalm 19:12-14).

Funny Questions by Steve Macdonald:
If someone only works part-time at a funeral home do they work mournings?
Is the fear of being asked ”who goes there?” called friendorphobia?
If the police arrest a man for stealing human hearts is that a cardiac arrest?
Do kleptomaniacs help themselves because they can’t help themselves?
Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers?
Why do sleeping pills warning labels state “Caution – May Cause Drowsiness?”
Why do dollar stores advertise their prices?
Is a criminal’s best asset his lie ability?

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May 15, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there:

“… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Gary and I became reacquainted this past weekend with our London College of Bible & Mission (now Tyndale College & Seminary in Toronto) professors and student peers - friends from long ago. Even though over 43 years have come and gone we are still family. Gary and I are not really people that dwell on the past but our hearts went out to each one as they shared their joys, challenges, sorrows, and interests. Maybe in the years ahead we will be able to help several of them get to see their valuable God-working stories in print.

William has become another valued friend connected to our Heartland Fellowship Baptist family. He only has about two weeks left with us before he makes his long trek home to Myanmar. On th e way home he will be going to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to see his sisters. Don’t forget our farewell potluck supper we are planning for him on Sunday, May 29 @ 5:30. Please bring any food but dessert to share. Check out his blog – www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca.

On May 10 Richard and Hannah in Myanmar gave birth to a baby boy (7 lbs. 4 oz.). Both mother and baby are fine. Since both sets of parents are deceased, they asked Gary and me to name their child - they regard us as their Canadian parents. Our daughter-in-law Jessica suggested Gideon and so it is. It seems we are continuing to collect children and grandchildren throughout our journey through life.

Congratulations to Howie Johnson on his birthday May 17 and to Chris Burton on May 21. God’s best to both of you during this next year! Please pray for Brandon Spears who is looking for a summer job.

Halfway through our service Gary left to go to High Park Baptist Church in Toronto where he preached today and will the next two Sundays. Please remember this church and their pastor, Adam in your prayers as they really want to reach out to their community with the Gospel. Their motto is “followers of Jesus impacting lives in High Park neighbourhoods.” They have lots of room for newcomers - their round church auditorium can seat hundreds.

We have copies of Life on the Zipline – from Fear to Awe available for purchase or you can order online (www.lifeonthezipline.com). We will be up to Thornbury, ON during this week as Gary is writing another book called See You Next Week which will be a church resource for meeting and following up visitors. Please pray for my sister and her husband who will move to this lovely little vacation town to retire right on Georgian Bay (about 20 km west of Collingwood).

Our son, Rob, became part of our preaching team this morning. Please pray for their safety as he and his family return home to Moosonee in the next few days and minister among the needy Cree Indians there.

Home Group happens this Wednesday at the Burton “manor” at 7:00 instead of Thursday this week

Enjoy those beautiful spring flowers!

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.

Light for Our World by Gary Carter: As a child in Grade one Gary was intrigued with a world map on the wall in his classroom. He thought the colours for each country and various lines were real. Today because of the Hubbel telescope we can get Internet pictures of the world that show light at night particularly from cities with their own electrical advancement. Toronto and Japan are very bright; Moosonee, the jungles of South America, Myanmar are quite dark. An elderly colleague from our Bible School visited North Korea recently. She showed a dark map of that country that is terribly oppressed by its government. On the other hand Lee and Mel Carter with their baby boy Aiden are traveling to S. Korea next week for a wedding and a visit to Lee’s orphanage. This country is very bright at night. It is amazing how one little light multiplied over and over can shed. We must pray with the Psalmist (2:8), “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” Gary is still working on a portable solar system for William to use in Myanmar. If his Oslo trip happens he will have traveled all around the world.

Spreading Your Hope in the Gospel (Psalm 1; Colossians 1:9-14) by Rob Carter: Psalm 1, Rob’s favourite Psalm, is a backdrop to the Colossians passage (written by Paul from Rome). We are to put ourselves in the seat of the “righteous”, not in the “wicked” category. Rome was a world super power that extended from England to India and ruled for 1500 years. 50,000 miles of road, built to last (perfectly in tact in Turkey today), led to Rome. This allowed the common people to travel but also resulted in cultures colliding. Elements of Roman law are part of our society today. Unfortunately outside of Rome, life was brutal, horrible and evil. Paul was encouraging the Colossae people to put there hope in Jesus, not in Rome. Is your hope in a job, money, Canada, righteous deeds? Jesus is still alive today.

Epaphras was converted under Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and took that message of hope back to Colossae. Paul is praying that the Colossians will be filled deeper and deeper with the knowledge of God. Rob’s 7-month Isabella is now beginning to eat solid food. Paul’s prayer is also that the Colossians will please God in every way and bear fruit. Rob as a young boy was always intrigued by plastic grapes his grandmother had in a bowl on the table. No nutrition there; they just looked nice. Our knowledge of God leads to good works – not the opposite. Religion is about obedience and thus acceptance. The Gospel is acceptance first and obedience will follow. The more Rob gets to know his wife, Jess, the better he understands her and wants to do things for her. God’s power given to us strengthens us to bear fruit. We can’t muster it ourselves. We also will have great endurance and patience. We can be thankful for the hardship in our lives, navigating the difficult parts. God has qualified us; therefore we want to serve Him because of what He has done for us.

Psalm 1 talks about the tree roots traveling down deep into the soil to get the water from the nearby stream for growth and bearing fruit. Fruit tastes good but also comes with seed for reproduction. We need to be like Epaphras whose roots grew deep into God and took seed back to Colossae.

Demas by Steve Macdonald: Another friend and co-worker of the Apostle Paul was Demas. His Greek name means “governor of the people” and is likely a contraction from Demetrius or Demarchus. Not too much is known about him. He was probably from Thessalonica or the area of Berea, Philippi or Neopolis. He may have met Paul on this 2nd or 3rd journey and became a believer (Acts 17:4). In Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24, we .learn that Demas is a fellow worker joined with the others in hardships and good times. They strove together in the common goal of spreading the Gospel (a band of brothers). He is mentioned in the same breath as Luke.

Unfortunately in 2 Timothy 4:19 we find that Demas deserted Paul and returned to Thessalonica. He loved the world despite being a part of and sharing in the hardships of Paul and an all-star traveling Gospel team. He remained a worldly man at root. He hurt Paul but more importantly deserted Jesus as well, probably unlike Cresens and Titus who were just elsewhere. The seed planted did not bear fruit (Mark 4:18-19; 1 John 2:15-17). By loving the world he lost out on “life as your victor’s crown.” (Revelations 2:10) His associates would have been Silas, Timothy and Jason (a homeowner) on Paul’s 2nd journey; Cresens, Titus and anyone from Romans 16 during Paul’s Roman imprisonment; and Luke, Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus during Pauls’ 3rd journey.

Following the Way of Our Faith Leaders (Hebrews 13:7) by William: William wrote another hymn (see his website) which he entitled He is the Answer of My Life. This was the first time he used a power point presentation for his preaching. The Apostle Peter was a great example to follow.
Peter didn’t get angry when Paul corrected his fault. (Gal 2:11-14). Paul said, “I oppose him.” But Peter listened to Paul’s correction. From that time, Peter was not ashamed of being a Gentile’s friend and brother in Christ. A church elder became angry when others advised him that his preaching was too long. As a human being we can be angry but we must be able to control ourselves. The distinction of God’s children is that they don’t mind correcting their faults. Earlier on in Peter’s life he sometimes did ask questions that were not according to Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 18:19-22). He did not get angry when Jesus condemned him for cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (Matthew 28:51-52; John 18:10; Proverbs 15:10).
Peter loved the believers of Christ (Acts 12:5-17). When we live according to the will of God, He is always ready to send His angels to help us. One of the psalm writers said that God protects his children even when they are sleeping (Psalm 3:5-6). We must not give up our faith for any reason nor worry about anything. We must stand peaceful with God’s Word in every circumstance.
Peter did not try to please human beings (Acts 4:18-20; Galatians 1:10). The Jews were commanded to bring gifts or offering when they came to the house of the LORD to give the needy such as the crippled beggar. If Peter and John had silver or gold, they would not be able to heal this crippled beggar. Sometimes, our money can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. Because we have money to give; we just give our money instead of praying for them. Telephone and email are very useful but they lead us to ask help from our family and friends around the world when we are in hard time, rather than bringing our prayer request first to God. We have to use our knee more and bring our prayer request to God. We have a God and Father who always takes care of His children.
Peter always gave honour and glory to God (Acts 3:16; 10:25-26). When people asked them about how they performed miracles, they always say that it is because of Jesus. In everything always give glory to God. Whatever your success is always remember to say it is because of God. People may congratulate you by saying that you got a job (or passed an exam with great marks) because you are excellent and work so hard. Reply to them, “Yes! This just happened because of God’s grace!” If you are supposed to congratulate others’ success, just say, “God is so good to you.” or “You are so blessed!” The Bible says that glory and honour is of the LORD.
Peter obeyed the Word of God rather than the Jewish law (Acts 10:28-29; 15:5-11). Jews thought that God and heaven were theirs alone. Don’t let the law rule you, but let the grace of God reign in your life. A strong defence does not make a pig grow but it is the good and healthy food that he eats. Disciplining our children too strictly (with laws) is not the best way to teach them.
Peter exalted his co-worker Paul (2 Peter 3:15-16). There are some pastors or believers who hate their own co-workers. If he hates his own brother, how can he help or lead others to the truth? Of course, everybody has their own weakness.
Peter died as a martyr (upside down) for Christ and His Gospel (about 68 AD). Check out Hebrews 13:7.

Communion led by William: The Lord’s Supper is very important for Christians. We remember that Christ’s blood cleans our sins. It helps us to expect His coming back. I Corinthians 11:27 tells us to examine ourselves and ask for forgiveness.

Things You Need to Know by Steve Macdonald

If a dog gave birth to puppies on the street would its owner be ticketed for littering?
Is a will a dead give away?
If you jump off a Paris bridge are you in Seine?
Is a Freudian slip when you say one thing but mean your mother?
If two silk worms had a race, would it end up in a tie?
If a man survives mustard gas and pepper spray, is he a seasoned veteran?
Why is it, no matter how much you push an envelope, it is still stationary?

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May 8, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mothers!

“You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:7); “Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman…” (John 4:27).

Were you surprised by the Conservative majority win this past week? How about the killing of Bin Laden? So many events in life we cannot predict. Jesus was full of surprises during His earthly ministry e.g. He talked to a Samaritan woman. Was she a mother? Wonder what’s coming around the corner to surprise you this next week? Do you have Christ’s confidence to face that surprise well?

After church this morning and hamburgers at Wendy’s (not our house) with Ron Burton treating, Gary drove William to Hamilton. He is preaching for a Karen Burmese (another different tribe) congregation. The Karen people have been the most persecuted in Myanmar; they have had to live in the jungles along the eastern border near Thailand. I’m sure you will learn all about it on William’s blog – www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. Tomorrow he is off to the Metro zoo with the Macdonald family. We are trying to figure out his trip back home as he would really like to visit his cousin in Oslo, Norway for a few days and possibly his sisters in Malaysia. These visits will be so much more possible now than later. Please pray that we will come up with the best route for him to follow and don’t forget to jot down Sun. evening May 29th on your calendar for his farewell potluck supper. Bring any food items you wish to share except dessert. Remember to invite anyone who has an interest in this young man’s life and ministry in Myanmar.

Copies of Gary’s and his colleagues’ book, Life on the Zipline – from Fear to Awe, arrived at our home a few days ago. It is easily purchased at www.lifeonthezipline.com.

Listen to Gary’s and Kaiya Burton’s weekly program – www.thelittlebigshow.ca. Gary also continues to record another radio program every Thursday afternoon with Dan Shurr from our Fellowship denomination. Check out www.listento.fellowshipradio.ca. Please continue to pray for a new national president.

Home Group takes place this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. We are being inspired by Don Carson’s video series providing a general outlook on the whole Bible.

Enjoy being with your families this weekend,

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.

Respecting All Women by Gary Carter: According to James 1:27 in order to obtain “pure and faultless religion” we are to look after orphans and widows and keep from being polluted by the world. Did you know that adoption in South Korea, as in most South Asian countries, happens secretly? And if the child is an infant that child is never informed. This is just not done in their society. They are afraid of possible ridicule or teasing; the child might be considered less than equal. A woman is looked down upon if she cannot have children; she is incomplete and this may even lead to divorce. This belief system still persists today even among Christians. These women bear a double grief; we must not push them aside especially on Mother’s Day.

Carpus by Steve Macdonald: The only mention of this gentleman is in 2 Timothy 4:13. Paul at one point (Acts 16:8) had left his cloak, scrolls and parchments with Carpus in Troas where he lived. Later when Paul was in prison he wanted Timothy to bring these personal items to him. Carpus is the Latin form of the Greek name which means fruit or profits. He was a convert of Paul’s or one of the 70 Apostles. According to many traditions he became the first Bishop of Laodicea, then Crete, and Bishop of Berytus in Thrace. Not much else is known of his life.

Why was Paul forced to leave his belongings with Carpus? Did he leave in a hurry, didn’t he need the cloak due to the weather or did he owe a debt to him (Matthew 5:40)? If it is assumed he left in a hurry (possibly arrested for the last time), would Paul know who had his belongings? He may have been a guest of Carpus who was generous and giving. If he owed a debt to Carpus, is he assuming Timothy will pay it off in order to gather Paul’s belongings? Was Carpus forgiving and honourable? If Paul left them with Carpus because they were not required then Carpus would have been trustworthy and honest. Are these writings from the Old Testament or some of Paul’s own works? It doesn’t really matter; Paul just wanted or needed them (Philippians 4:8). Associates of Carpus were Paul, Silas, Timothy, Mark (returning with Timothy) and Luke as well as Sopater son of Pyrrhus, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus, Trophimus and Eutychus (Acts 20:1-11).

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: Do we have a better church culture today? Should we be seriously questioning what exists in our churches in the light of God’s Word? Kate and William’s wedding last weekend was a wonderful church event. The incredible lofty Christian hymn, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, was sung. Kate knew the words. Will that change her life?

Last week we learned about King Hezekiah from the southern kingdom of Judah (apologies for the mistake from Wendy!). He reset his button and made some changes. One hundred years later Josiah, also from Judah, ascended to the throne at eight years of age (2 Chronicles 34-35). He started some serious thinking when he turned 16 as he formulated his adulthood. He sought the God of his forefather, David and God, in turn, stirred him. Today North American teenagers feel the need just to float in life and do what they want. They are not expected to accept adult responsibilities as in many other countries. More and more this period can span from age 13 to 30.

After four years of stewing and evaluating Josiah started ripping down asherah poles. At age 26 he began refurbishing the temple which had suffered deferred maintenance. One day a priest found the Lord’s Book of the Law which should have been in the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. Maybe it had been hidden from marauding enemies; but in any case the high priest didn’t know where it was. God’s stuff wasn’t being cared for. Shaphan, the secretary brought it to King Josiah’s attention. His response was to tear his clothes demonstrating his grief and disgust. Then he got his people reading God’s Word. Gary’s Sunday School teacher, when he was 11 or 12, asked him if his Bible was collecting dust on the shelf. Gary said “no” but it was really on his desk covered with other things. When he started reading his Bible he made some changes. Even though Josiah only lived to be 39 he reformed himself, he reformed the religion (eliminated pagan worship and found God’s Word) and he reformed the nation. G. Campbell Morgan is quoted, “Obedience is one qualification for further vision.” What’s the next step before you? Look at your life, dust off your Bible and put the Bible in other people’s hands so that it will change their hearts.

Hmmmm! by Steve Macdonald:
If a midget psychic escaped from jail, is that a small medium at large?
How can there be an all natural boneless chicken breast?
What is the opposite of opposite?
Why can’t you make another word using all the letters in “anagram?”
How come the word “one” has a “w” sound in it but the word “two” does not?
Why isn’t evaporated milk a gas?
Why is there a pouring spout on a Macaroni and Cheese box if you still have to open it to get the
cheese packet?

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