June 26, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 2:17-18

Yeah! The Canada Postal strike is over. The delivery of mail to our door is not as important as it has been in the past due to the Internet but it still is very important. I am actually looking forward to receiving some bills this week so I don’t get messed up in my accounting. I will also be able to get back to sending out cards – an old time friend is celebrating her birthday today so I’ll have to telephone instead since she doesn’t email very much. The Apostle Paul thought it very necessary to communicate with friends and churches along the way through letter-writing. Now you too can rev up those communication tools to a higher level. Do you respond to every letter/email/telephone call? It is important even if it is just a one-line email note or a card letting a friend know you are thinking about them. Let’s together start a new page since we have been hearing so much about our postal system lately.

It is not as easy for William to communicate with us since his Internet availability is slow and expensive. He let us know this week that he has finally received all his luggage and is now beginning to source out necessary solar system parts. “I am now in the process of searching all the parts of the things that Gary gave me.  I will come up with more questions soon.” Please continue to pray for William as he adjusts back to Myanmar life and Richard with his orphanage. Richard sent through some pictures of his new baby boy, Gideon who seems very healthy. That is a good thing in a country where a huge proportion of children die before age five because of poor health conditions. Also pray for our ongoing work to raise funds for them through available foundation money.

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 together.

Take advantage of those lazy days of summer!

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.

On Being Good Leaders and Followers by Gary Carter: An excellent 3-minute youtube video (http://sivers.org/ff) on leadership has tons of lessons we can learn. For example, it takes guts for a leader to stand alone and look ridiculous; a leader is easy to follow; a leader embraces each follower as his equal; leadership is often over glorified; a first follower needs courage to step out and has to over exaggerate; second follower creates a turning point towards momentum; new followers emulate old followers.

These lessons are not from the Bible but the Bible has proven over and over that an original leader cannot get things done without a follower. A group is easy to join if their activity is obvious; but it’s not easy to join if you don’t want to or if you are getting in too late. It is easy for our youth to go where the crowd goes and that’s okay if we are just talking about clothing styles but moral issues are different. Who was the first person to ever start worrying about the quality of our air? We don’t know and often the leader will disappear but the movement will continue if it is good. Some don’t like the ban on insecticides but what about the quality of water with our oceans dying? This is God’s world and we all can be good leaders and followers to take charge of it.

The Second Mission (Part 2) by Steve Macdonald: A possible travel mate for Paul on this second journey was Dr. Luke, a Greek and a Gentile. Eusebius indicates Luke was born at Antioch in Syria; others believe his home was in Philippi. When did he first meet Paul? On the first mission when Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, since Paul had not yet been to Philippi, it is almost certain this is where Luke joined Paul, simply by the language Luke uses in Acts. Acts 16:6-7- 8 says about Paul and his companions, “… when they came to the border; so they passed.” Then Acts 16:9 records “we, got ready to leave.” What business brought Luke to Troas and caused him to join Paul?

Paul continued his trip and landed in Neapolis (Romans 16:14) meeting “Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Patrobas who later became Bishop of Neapolis according to the Eastern churches and thought to be one of the select elite group (the 70). Patrobas meaning paternal pursues the steps of his father from Greek origins. Was he there as Paul came into port? We simply don’t know.

In Philippi he meets Lydia, a Greek. Her name means “from Lydia”, an area in Asia Minor. She was originally from Thyatira but lived in Philippi. Lydia was probably a Gentile attracted to Judaism as she was at the “place of prayer” on the Sabbath. What is so significant about Thyatira? Because of the waters - there is no other place where the scarlet cloth was made so brilliantly or so permanently dyed. Lydia is a successful business woman selling fine purple cloth; she likely had a big factory on the river in Thyatira making the cloth she sold. Lydia is the first recorded convert to Christianity in Philippi. She listened to Paul’s message and became a believer only after God ”opened her heart” (Acts 16:14). Her immediate response was to get her household, be baptized and then invite Paul and his companions to her house. It is interesting that after her conversion, this successful business woman, not so much invited Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke and who ever else was with them to her house, but she actually challenged them.

Others in Philippi who met, were influenced and saved during Paul and Company’s visit were a possessed slave girl (not really by Paul’s intervention or preaching - Acts 16:16-18) and some prisoners, a jailer and his family(Acts 16:25-34). Did Hermas come into the story at this time? He became the “Bishop of Philippi” (Romans 16:14). What was the reaction from all these people after they were saved? Lydia opened her house to these strangers and challenged them to test her faith; she and her household were baptized. We don’t know more about the slave girl. The jailer was filled with joy as was his family. They were baptized and opened their house to Paul and Silas. Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25) was a messenger from Philippi when Paul was in prison for the first time in either Rome or Ephesus. His name was a pagan one meaning loved by Aphrodite. He became a Bishop of Philippi. Clement (Philipians 4:3), it is believed became the Bishop of Rome. Euodia (Philippians 4:2) was a member of the church in Philippi. Her name means “sweet scent.” Syntyche, a Greek name meaning “common fate” was lady of note and prominent in the work of the church there. Both obviously had a disagreement and Paul pleads with them to come to an agreement.

In Thessalonica Jason is referred to in Acts 17:5-6-7-9 and maybe in Romans 16:21. Is this the same Jason? Did he forfeit his bond, lose his property and have to move or did he also begin to travel with Paul and spread the Gospel? If so, when? Who else heard and believed? Aristarchus and Secundus were both natives of Thessalonica. Aristarchus became a constant companion to Paul on his later journeys – Ephesus (Acts19:29), Greece, Macedonia, Troas, Philippi (Acts 20:1-6), Adramyttium (Acts 27:2), Rome (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24) and more.

Paul and Silas left Thessalonica during the night and arrived in Berea where they spoke in the synagogue. Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea is mentioned in Acts 20:4 and Romans 16:21. Sopater or Sosipater means who defends the father. It is likely that Sopater and Sosipater are the same person in both verses as he was born in Achaea, became Bishop in Iconium and traveled with Jason (Thessalonica) to the Island of Corfu.
Throughout Paul’s second missionary journey, people are coming and going. At the start Luke was likely not there and doesn’t come onto the scene until Troas. In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas left with Timothy, leaving Luke behind likely with others. In Berea, Paul leaves for Athens traveling with unnamed men leaving Silas and Timothy behind. Where was Demas from? Likely from Thessalonica or that area (Berea/Philippi/Neapolis).He may have met Paul and become a believer on either this mission or his 3rd journey. And what about Carpus in 2 Timothy 4:13? Has Crescens from Galatia become a member of the entourage?

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: “A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.” (Jim Rohn) “Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.“ (Stephen Covey)

These quotes have come from two excellent God-fearing leaders. Ezra had similar outstanding leadership qualities as found in his Old Testament book of Ezra. When there is a demise of a nation usually leaders can’t lead any more due to their new restrictive circumstances. William is probably under high risk in his country as he is a good leader in his militaristic country. This type of government works for a while until the whole crowd rises up as in the French Revolution or the Civil Rights movement in the US. It starts with a leader and followers who are willing to take a stand. Martin Luther King, even though not a great leader, was a great orator with his repeated “I have a dream …” message. He was surrounded with good followers.

After the rebuilding of the temple, the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem and their consequent sacrifices to the Lord, leaders came to Ezra to draw his attention to the problem of intermarriage among the people with their neighbours (Ezra 9). This was one of God’s commands as He knew His people were headed for trouble, not racially but spiritually because of the different value systems. The farming analogy of two animals with different strengths in a yoke having a very hard time in plowing a straight path will bring the farmer much grief. It is important for a teenager not to date an unbeliever or there will be struggles throughout their lives if marriage occurs. Ezra didn’t realize how bad this situation had grown and became very upset with the unfaithfulness. His solution was prayer to ask for forgiveness. In chapter 10 a large crowd wept with him as well and one of the leaders told Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel. Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children … we will support you, so take courage and do it.” This was very harsh medicine.

Restoration:
1. Get online (9:1) – develop awareness.
2. Get upset (9:3) – people have pulled their hair out in extreme grief.
3. Get up (9:5) – don’t just give up.
4. Get down (9:6) – pray.
5. Get others (10:1) – unholy alliances sneak up on you. Others must see the problem with you.
6. Get out (10:7) – move outside your past behaviour to do the hard thing that must be done.
7.Get on (10:16) – do what must be done to eradicate from your life the culturally accepted thing which is also against God’s law.
“But in spite of this, there is hope for Israel.”

That’s Not Punny! by Steve Macdonald:
Italian Delicacies by Liz Onya
Fallen Undewear by Lucy Lastic
I Love Bull Fighting by Matt Adore
Round the World by Madge Ellen
The TV News Anchorman by Maury Ports
The Terminator by L. B. Back
Common Tennis Injuries by L. BoPayne
When Baseball Heroes Strike Out by K. C. Atbatt
They’re Not Cows! By M. R. Horses

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June 19, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Father’s Day, Fathers!

“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honour.” Proverbs 21:21

From pride to disgust and embarrassment – how events can change attitudes so quickly in just a few short days. The news since Wednesday has been filled with the rampaging and chaos in Vancouver after the Canucks’ defeat by the Boston Bruins. It saddened me to learn that most of the exploiters who caused so much damage were male teenagers and young men. They were definitely not interested in “pursuing righteousness.” Have there been no honourable fathers in their families for them to follow respectfully? May God reach into each of their lives with some Christian influence that will cause them to turn around even as they face more troublesome days ahead.

William is now back in Yangon and here are some excerpts from his recent e-mails: “I finally arrived Yangon. Right now I stay with my parents because they missed me … Some of my friends and our church member were coming to meet me last night. We had a prayer meeting. They loved to hear my story in Canada … It is raining season here. It rains cats and dogs. We need to walk on the water. Thank you so much for your love and taking care of me … All the believers here are doing well. My co-workers are also excellent in their works. They are well organized. They will continue to lead the people as it is exactly the same as I was outside the country. I will only meet the 5 leaders recently. They will do the same way to the people whom they lead … We are fixing the roofs of our members houses as a volunteer workers. Some of their houses were needed to replace the whole roof. Blessings.”

We also learned from Richard that 3 of his orphans including his own daughter passed their matriculation exams on June 5. He says these exams are very important and difficult. “Nancy Zo Than Pui and Ram Nei Mawi are taking charge of ladies hostel in our orphanage home, and teaching orphanage students.” His daughter wants to continue her studies in college.

Ron Burton is celebrating his birthday this coming Tuesday. Congratulations, Ron! Hope you enjoy your visit with your folks in Sarnia this week. Please pray for Chris Burton as he leaves tomorrow on a field trip with his students to Montreal for three days.

We have copies of Life on the Zipline – From Fear to Awe available for purchase or you can order online (www.lifeonthezipline.com). This past week we enjoyed our stay at Lake Calabogie near Ottawa. In this lovely setting Gary was able to come close to finishing his next book, See You Next Week! Please pray that this book will be a great tool for many churches to improve their welcome of visitors each Sunday.

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 together.

Sorry the blog was so late in getting out last week!

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 Glory of Fatherhood by Gary Carter: After our service Gary is heading to Logos Baptist Church (Chinese) in Mississauga where they want him to preach in the English service on The Glory of Fatherhood. What does that really mean? Some societies are patriarchal or male oriented while others are matriarchal or female oriented. Certain roles are best fitted depending on whether they be male or female. Men find it difficult to pass along spiritual or moral values to the next generation but it is much appreciated when it happens.

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 is a good passage on parenting. The Israelites were just heading into the Promised Land. Moses is telling them to observe God’s commands so that “you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live … and so that you may enjoy long life.” Often people feel cheated because of an unfair teacher, coach, or boss. They are looking in the wrong directions for life to go well. Vancouver city officials believe that they were taken by surprise by the 100 plus who have been arrested for disrespecting their city and embarrassing the nation. Did these young people want to gain notoriety or were they just in a drunken stupor? Whatever the reason have their fathers been too busy to impress on their hearts what is important from God’s viewpoint? The glory of fatherhood comes in small incremental things. It’s not what you say but who you are. An example makes a huge difference in kids. Gary chatted with a father and a young son this week by the lake. The father was taking his son out in the boat to teach him how to fish. This would be a great memory for them both but would the father be interested in talking about the God who created all the nature around them in that boat? An English lady commented on how “flat” the lake was and then grew wavy. Does she really appreciate how it got there for all of us to enjoy?

The Second Mission Begins by Steve Macdonald: Paul’s second missionary journey took place between 49 and 52 AD. He traveled through part of Asia and Europe - Jerusalem, Antioch, Tarsus, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, Troas, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Cenchrae, Ephesus, and Caesarea. The Jerusalem crew were Peter, James, John, Barnabas, Titus, possibly Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, Judas Barsabbas and Silas (Silvanus) (Galatians 2:1,9).

Judas Barsabbas was a leader in the Jerusalem church and chosen to deliver the decree to Antioch (Acts 15:30-32). There was a Joseph Barsabbas nearly chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve (Acts 1:21 -23) - also known as Justus. Are Joseph and Judas brothers and their father called Sabba (Mark 3:16-17)? Were Joseph and Judas brothers and given the name “Barsabbas” by Jesus or the apostles? Jesus often gave new names to his disciples to distinguish the people from others with the same first name (John 1:42). If Barsabbas is a new name, what does it signify? The name can be interpreted as “son of the Sabbath day”, “son of the Sabbath year” (Leviticus 25:1-13) or “son of rest.” Acts 15 can be dated to 48-50 AD and a Sabbath year occurred in this time period. Did Joseph and Judas leave their fields in accordance with the Sabbath year requirement of Leviticus 25:1-13 to follow Jesus who gave them the name “Barsabbas”? Judas would then have returned to his fields in non-Sabbath years, but, because of this Sabbath year observance, became available in a subsequent Sabbath year to travel to Antioch (Acts 15:22-33). Judas was a prophet (teacher), a leader in the Jerusalem church, faithful to his beliefs, trustworthy, and associated with the Church of Antioch (Acts 13).
There was Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. Silas, short for or derived from Silvanus meaning “woody” and derived from the Latin “silva”, was a Hellenistic Jew and a Roman citizen. He was mentioned 20 times in the New Testament (Acts 15:22, 27, 32, 40; 16:19, 22, 25, 29, 36, 38, 40-41; 17:4-5, 10, 14; 18:5; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12). He was chosen by Paul for this journey. Paul travelled to Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. In Lystra he met up with Timothy, Lois and Eunace whom he had contacted on his first mission (Acts 16:1). Gaius from Derbe also travelled with him (Acts 20:4).

Conversation with Jesus (Pt. 14) by Chris Burton: The next conversation is found in Luke 7:36-50 when Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman. Jesus was invited for dinner by Simon, one of the Pharisees. Why the invitation? Was it respect for this new teacher? Did Simon want to learn more about Jesus? You can’t count Simon as a believer; but perhaps a skeptic trying to be open-minded. In Jewish tradition, it was an honour to host a visiting teacher and his “entourage.” A basin would typically be provided so guests could wash the dust from the road off their feet. Scented olive oil was sometimes offered to anoint a guest’s hair and beloved guests would be kissed as they were greeted - none of this was done for Jesus. Jesus reclined at a very low table with other guests. This is a characteristically Eastern style of dining. He reclined on the left arm, supported by divans or cushions and the right hand was free to eat. Sandals were removed and feet would be splayed out behind.
The woman had not been invited so why was she let in? Even though she is a sinner there is still another tradition that allows for people to enter the home and listen to the words of a visiting Rabbi. It was similar to sitting in the gallery listening. She had likely heard the teachings of Jesus and wanted a closer look. Simon did not seem to care initially that she was there (avoiding a scene maybe?) as he is more focused on the meal and conversation. When she began to weep and the feet of Jesus are wet from her tears the woman bends down, dries them with her hair and anoints them with perfume.
This became too much for Simon and now feels he should speak up since he has seen enough to pass judgment. He either mumbles to himself or perhaps to a guest next to him. Jesus responds, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” The trap is sprung! Simon wanted to hear what Jesus had to say; that’s why he invited him to this meal but he is about to get an earful. Jesus reviews Simon’s lack of acts in contrast to what the woman has done. What’s Simon feeling at this point? He’s an educated man so he must know that this has all gone wrong. He has become the centre of an object lesson that he won’t soon forget. BUT does he get it? Does he repent? Does he get angry? Instead of twisting the knife deeper Jesus turns from Simon and addresses the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” It wasn’t a miracle, but Jesus still manages to stun the crowd once again. Nothing more is said about Simon and his thoughts. This would have been a perfect place for him to respond and try to get back some “credibility.” Instead there is nothing but silence from him.

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: Abraham Lincoln said, “The fiery trials through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation … If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my ax.” The trials that you go through reveal what you are made of. To prepare yourself you must sharpen your ax.

The Jewish people got beat up over a long period of time and it took another long time for them to come back. Ezra became a leader in the movement to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem which had been burned by the Babylonians. He was one of the highest respected men in Jewish history. He had a yearning to see the former years restored. He was devoted to sharpening his ax and taught others whether they learned or not. In Ezra 7:25 the pagan King Artaxerxes realized that the Israelite God had something. He trusted Ezra who always did his job. In 9:3 we see that when things didn’t go well he really got upset; however he did everything he could do to make a difference. This great leader took a stand and became an example without fanfare.

Communion: This little ceremony shows a consistent pattern of doing what God has asked. It is not a glitzy event but a building block in our lives. Jesus is the centre of God’s plan of salvation. Ezra looked forward to His coming and we look back upon His death and resurrection for our sins. When you are injured in an accident you may lose enough blood to even die. The Jewish people understood the sacrificial system to cover sin. When you appreciate the depth of your selfishness or sinfulness you appreciate all the more Christ’s sacrifice.

Punny Book Titles by Steve Macdonald:
The Old Codger by A. T. Yearsold
How to Build a Robot by Anne Droid
Stop Mosquito Bites by Annette Curtain
I Want to Help by Abel N. Willin
I’m not a Mutant by Abner Mallety
Fish Recipes by Ann Chovie
New Mexico Tour Book by Al B. Kerky
Keeping Old Furniture Looking Good by Ann Teak
Guitars and other Stringed Instruments by Amanda Lin

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June 12, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there:

“But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all You do.” (Psalm 73:28 - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

There’s lots of excitement happening these days in Vancouver as our Canadian Canucks vie for the Stanley Cup against the Boston Bruins. Events such as these always seem to stir up so much national pride and unity. Lots of opportunities for conversation occur as everyone tries to determine in advance who the winners will be. Sorry Chris (our son-in-law is a diehard Boston Bruin fan), but I’m voting for the Canucks. Please pray that we will be just as excited and encouraged to talk about the Lord we serve to our friends and family members over this next week.

We finally heard yesterday from William that he did make it to Malaysia to visit his sisters for a few days. He was without Internet and we were getting a little worried that he was O.K. God has kept him safe once again. Continue to check out his blog – www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Thank you for your prayers for our son, Lee and his wife Melissa and son Aiden. They returned home safely Thursday evening after their visit to South Korea. It was encouraging to hear that his orphanage is doing well with local organizations contributing to their daily needs to care for about 54 children. The staff were thrilled to have them visit and even put on a special traditional first year birthday party (upcoming b-day July 5) for Aiden.

Please pray for both Brandon Spears and Heather Macdonald that they will be able to find summer jobs.

Gary and I are headed to Ottawa today for another week of writing. Please pray that Gary will get a lot accomplished on his latest book, See You Next Week! (re church follow-up) that he is co-authoring with his friend, Robin Pifer. Sales from Life on the Zipline: From Fear to Awe, are mounting (www.lifeonthezipline.com).

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.

FYI www.allworship.com is a free steaming Christian music site that Gary recently found.

Enjoy!

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 Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 9:35-10:15) by Gary Carter: In this passage we see Jesus doing His thing, traveling throughout towns and villages. He was teaching, preaching and healing. He took His Good News message of the Kingdom of Heaven to the people and that created a buzz in the neighbourhood. The people were watching. Everyone is looking for a better life. Steve Macdonald is looking for a better week after contending with loss of electricity during last week’s thunderstorm at his TTC Wilson station. This crisis created big problems for him in getting his subway cars out on time. Jesus’ Good News or the Gospel is about God’s rule. He makes fair rules for one and all which are managed by Him and everything turns out well. We have meaning and direction for the future. All elements of our lives are affected. It is a foretaste of our rest to come and a place that belongs to us which is beyond pressure and tiredness.

Jesus had compassion on the crowds who were harassed and helpless. When lives are built and managed by humans with sin there is a mess. Life is hard. Most don’t get it or want His message. There is a remnant, however, who do want it and we must “…ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers” to find them. Jesus sent out His 12 disciples with instructions. They were to go to the “lost sheep of Israel”, not the Gentiles who were least responsive. They were to adopt a life to not worry about money on their time limited short term mission. They would be paid as they went because they were worthy. They were to look for a person of “peace” who would pick up the tab and with whom they could build a relationship. If not, they were to shake off the dust of their sandals and move on. It was not their problem. Friends of Brandon Spears are going to receive a citation for coming to the aid of an elderly lady whose purse was stolen last week. Does her eternal destiny matter as much?

First Mission - Guilty by Association (continued) by Steve Macdonald: Recapping from last week we learned that Paul and Barnabas began their first missionary journey around 44 AD. At the start there were only the two of them plus John (Mark). Their journey took them to Seleucia, Cyprus, Perga , Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In Derbe they met Timothy, his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1). Paul healed a man in Lystra during his first mission. Were Lois, Eunice and young Timothy part of the crowd who witnessed this miracle (Acts 14:8-11)? Did their knowledge and faith in the God of Abraham help them to realize this was not Zeus or Hermes but a servant of the one real God?

Aristarchus’ name comes from two Greek words “arist,” meaning best and “archus,” meaning rule. It is believed he was one of the 70, travelled with Paul on his third mission, imprisoned with him in Ephesus and was on the ship when Paul was sent to Rome. Aristarchus can be linked to many places Paul travelled to including on his first journey, Jerusalem and Cyprus. Did they meet there and the relationship began?

Aristobulus, meaning “best counsellor”, was mentioned in Romans 16:10. He was a Jewish native of Cyprus and believed to be the brother of Barnabas, cousin of Mark.
Was he at home when Barnabas and Paul left Antioch and arrived on Cyprus? Did he choose to go with them when they left? Did he leave with Mark at Perga or stay on at Pisidian Antioch?

Titus was a Greek Gentile whose name means honour. Was he a native of Antioch and exposed to the Gospel by Paul and Barnabas before they set out for Cyprus? He was in Antioch at the end of Paul’s first mission (Galatians 2:1).

Acts 20 indicates that Tychius travelled with Paul on his third mission and was with Paul in Rome, delivering the letters to Colossae, Ephesus, Philemon and possibly Philippi. He was also being sent to Crete so Titus could meet Paul in Nicopolis. He is believed to be a native of Ephesus; some have him listed as a bishop of Neapolis in Cyprus, while the Roman Martyrology places his commemoration at Paphos in Cyprus. So was he also in Cyprus when Paul came through on his first mission?

Acts 13-14 contain no names of Paul’s travelling companions with the exception of Barnabas and Mark. Clearly the people discussed at some time prior to setting out on missions or delivering letters or being imprisoned, heard and believed the gospel and had time to prove their faith to Paul. I believe, Paul would not tolerate nor risk his mission on someone he did not feel was full of the Spirit. He and Barnabas went their separate ways because he did not believe in Mark. Did these people meet Paul on his first mission or did they get the gospel elsewhere? We cannot be sure when they heard the message and received the Spirit. Maybe they did hear and immediately believe and begin travelling with Paul. Maybe they heard the message from someone else, believed and when they met Paul, they began to travel with him. What is clear is that someone at some time spoke to them about Jesus, gave them the Gospel and it saved their lives. History does not record much about these people; however one day if we do what we have been tasked to do, to spread the Gospel to every corner of the world, we may just be able to sit down with them and get their story firsthand.

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: You may know the famous quote by Brutus in Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.”
Ezra and Nehemiah and their fascinating life stories were a part of another major revival or renewal period in the Old Testament for the Jewish people who returned from exile. God did it and the people did it. Ezra’s writings are recorded in I & II Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. These men took the “current” before them. Ten northern tribes had been captured by the Assyrians. Then about 100 years later Babylon conquered the remaining two southern tribes and now approaching 100 years after that Persia, a huge and powerful nation took over Babylon. Canada has only been around for a blink in comparison. The Jewish people found themselves low spiritually; most of their brain power, the intelligentia had been taken away. Myanmar has kept its people down by using incredible oppression such as rape which will shut neighbours up with the country growing passive and not willing to raise themselves up. Our society seems to be headed in that downward spiral as well – not with oppression but with such things as not allowing Scripture to be quoted.
In Ezra 1:1-11, the King of Persia, even though he was a very long way from Jerusalem and even though the Jews were a small ethnic group, he got engaged. The Lord spoke through Jeremiah and He kept His word. The Lord moved the king’s heart - the king had a heart; the king had awareness; and the king responded to the Lord. The king gave permission; he cleared the way; and he encouraged generosity. The people also responded. The heads of families and everyone whose heart God had moved prepared to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Even their neighbours contributed valuable gifts. King Cyrus gave back the articles belonging to the Lord’s temple that Nebuchadnezzer had taken away to put in the temple of his god.
The Jewish people were give hope (When does a need become obvious and the conditions right?), help (When do things start to move because someone steps up?) and heart (When will the burden grow to the point where action is not to be denied?) It all starts small and moves forward. We sent William on his way with suitcases full to change Myanmar. Now we must ask God to move in hearts in his country and in our church.

Book Titles & Authors by Steve Macdonald:
Coping with Pain by A. King
The Unknown Rodent by A. Nonny Mouse
I Love You! By Alma Hart
Dirty Harry is… by Amanda B. Reckondwith
Electrical Wiring Made Easy by A. C. Deesey
Singing Without An Orchestra by A.K. Pella
The Irish Heart Surgeon by Angie O’Plasty

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June 5, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Greetings on this beautiful spring Sunday!

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me … He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way … He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.” Psalm 25: 4-5, 9, 12

God made it happen for William to come to Canada and allowed our church to be his teacher for six months. His church planting ministry in Myanmar will be all that more effective because of this process. He was learning new things right to the very last minute when we dropped him off at the airport Thursday morning. He will probably experience little time bombs going off in his mind throughout the months and years to follow as he remembers his time here. May we all learn to be as teachable as William. He has been a great example.

Thank you one and all for your contributions to our Farewell Potluck Supper for William last Sunday evening. Gary and William had a great time at the Muskoka Bible Centre the next two days with our Fellowship pastors. From both of these events it looks like we have already raised $3-4000 towards William’s business license ($10,000 needed). This is very encouraging. He arrived safely in Bangkok where he will stay until Tuesday and then will fly to Malaysia to see his three sisters until June 14. Continue to check out his blog – www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. The Internet is very slow and not very secure so when he finally returns home, we are not sure what he can post. Please pray for William’s adjustment back into his culture and that a new family will come along to replace the spot that he has now left vacant for our church in the days ahead.

Last week we were able to send money once again to Myanmar for Richard and his orphans for their food and expenses for a new school year. Richard says, “We are really highly appreciate for your financial support for our orphanage. We pray for you always.” Please remember to pray for our fund-raising efforts through foundations so that he can start his brick-making business soon.

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.

Go Canucks! Go!

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.

What One Small Step Can Accomplish by Gary Carter: In 1994 Pastor Jack Hannah at Westney Heights Baptist Church in Pickering, ON gave $10 to Gary to make a phone call to California to learn about churches reaching out to communities. This began the development of our Mass Personal Contact Campaigns. Westney agreed to reach out to their community through our very first campaign. Since then several people have been won to Christ and the church has prospered. Their missions’ budget is now about $80,000/year and this church will most likely contribute to William’s business license. Two men in the church own factories in China that could facilitate us getting parts to Yangon. You never know what will happen with the next step. If you are stalled on the road of life, your destiny is in your next step of obedience.

In Matthew 9:35-38 we learn about Jesus preaching and healing in villages and towns. He was surrounded with crowds of people who were empty, wandering, lacking in direction. We find the same crowds today in our favourite mall. They are looking for something. They are harvestable. The problem is that there are few workers. Jesus’ solution is to “ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Since Jesus owns the harvest field we must pray every day and see what God does through us one person at a time.

First Mission Part 2 – Guilty by Association by Steve Macdonald: Paul and Barnabas began their first missionary journey around 44 AD. We know at the start there were only the two of them and John (Mark). Their journey took them to Seleucia, Cyprus, Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 13:4-6).

We learn about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 12:9-12. What happened to Lazarus? Did he stay or did he go? Eastern Churches believe Lazarus went to Cyprus and became the first bishop of Kittim. It is also believed he died for the second (and last) time on Cyprus. A tomb was found in 890 AD in Larnaca with the inscription “Lazarus the friend of Christ.” If the Eastern church is right, did Paul while travelling on Cyprus meet Lazarus?

Very few names are mentioned by Luke on Paul’s first journey (Acts 13:6-8). Some companions were Philemon, Apphia and Archippus. Philemon became Bishop of Colosse, in the region of Phrygia near Pisidian Antioch. Did this family meet Paul on his first journey or his second? (For more information see previous blogs - The Hits just Keep on Coming 25/09/10 or All in the Family 23/04/11.) Gaius (the Greek version of the Roman name Caius) is Latin in origin and means happy/rejoice. He is mentioned five times in the New Testament, four times in association with Paul and once by John (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Romans 16:23; I Corinthians 1:14; 3 John 1). Was this the same Gaius or different people? From the scriptures we can place Paul in the following places: Derbe (first mission), Corinth (second mission), Rome, (final trip) and Ephesus (second & third). Tradition also places John in Ephesus in his later years along with Mary. Did Gaius hear Paul and Barnabas on their first trip to Derbe? Maybe we can neither prove or disprove when he heard and believed. Maybe it is clear that a Gaius travelled with Paul. Did he hear, believe and immediately begin travelling? Some churches have Tertius (pronounced TER-shus, meaning third in Latin) the second bishop (after Sosipater or Sopater) in Iconium and a member of a certain ever expanding group. Others believe he was a Roman Christian residing in Corinth. Sopater (so-pat-ros) means the father who saves or saviour of the father. Were these men present at Iconuim as Paul passed through on his first trip? It is unknown when they first heard the gospel. If they were one of the 70, they were already spreading the gospel before they met Paul. Maybe they were travelling together. Both are mentioned during Paul’s third mission, but it is not out of the realm of possibility that their lives crossed before.

Conversation with Jesus (Pt. 13) by Chris Burton: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19) This was the question John the Baptist’s disciples (Luke 3:15-18) were asking of Jesus. Jesus replied with an accounting or resume of his activities – sight restored for blind, lame walking, leprosy cured, deaf hear, dead raised and preaching to the poor. Some scholars think that John wasn’t entirely convinced about Jesus. After John’s disciples leave, Jesus questions the crowd left behind, “What did you go out to see? A prophet?” His answer was, “Yes, I tell you and more than a prophet.” Jesus was the new covenant; whereas John’s faith lay with his knowledge of God in the Old Testament and the old covenant. Jesus finishes by saying, “But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Jesus’ followers were changed with the result of numerous mission journeys recorded throughout the centuries.

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: “The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.” Friedrich Hegel (German Philosopher 1770-1831) “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” “Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.” Edmund Burke (British Politician 1729-1797)
These are interesting quotes; however, previously in this series we have actually learned from four Old Testament kings. In review King Asa (2 Chronicles 14 …) was conscious of the mess up; became convicted to tear up; was committed to build up; and consecrated to look up. King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17 …) solved the pagan worship problem; created the coalition problem; felt a need that wasn’t real; responded to a request that wasn’t wise; got involved where he should have stayed out; fought a battle he didn’t need to fight; and lived under God’s wrath. King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29 …) started young; analyzed the situation carefully; recognized the failure of his parents, noticed the junk; evaluated the program; and made immediate changes. King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35) ascended the throne at age 8; later in life he reformed himself; he reformed the religion of the day by eliminating pagan worship and started the reading of God’s Word; and he reformed the nation.
You can note common themes among these four kings. The world was rotted around them (no reality to it); they restarted faith within themselves (“It’s me!”); and radical actions were made by them (they actually did stuff – unlike the page in the House of Commons this week with her “Stop Harper” sign). Each one accepted responsibility. Each one used their resumé – you can affect the world that is yours. We are praying that William will rise to the levels that he can in his country even with his raw capability he has now. Each one invested time and effort – put your money were your mouth is. When Moses was called by God he protested with all his excuses, “Not me!” God turned his staff into a snake (It’s my job, income, identity etc.!) When the snake was taken out of it, Moses used the staff to set his people free. This is a more important quote, “Obedience is the one qualification for further vision. G. Campbell Morgan

Just Askin’! by Steve Macdonald:
When a clock is hungry does it go back four seconds?
Is life pointless without geometry?
Is “How to Better Serve your Fellow Man” the cannibal’s best selling cookbook?
Is it tough to take inventory in Afghanistan because of the tally ban?
Is a dockyard a physician’s garden?
Does a dyslexic poet write inverse?
When two egotists disagree is it an I for an I?

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