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?