September 25, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hello:

“… God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them, and He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

Prime Minister David Cameron from the UK visited Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa last week. Gary and I were both struck by the commitment these gentlemen have for the good of each of their countries along with the precision performance of the soldiers outside at the War Museum. I am extremely grateful for the country I live in and for the Christ I serve Who is totally committed to you and me.

Please remember William. We have not heard from him in several weeks which may be good or bad news. He may have traveled to Chin State in northern Myanmar, his home region. We were able to send money to Richard this week for his son’s health needs and other ongoing financial concerns.

Our son, Rob and his music group (about 10 members) have been traveling throughout Turkey and have performed about ten gigs in shopping malls to crowds of 3-500 people and sometimes larger. Approximately 10% of listeners have filled out surveys for more information. On October 1 they move on to Kyrgystan for another two weeks before he heads home to Moosonee. Internet connection has been great for chatting with his family. Pray for ongoing safety and positive response from the people.

Home Group continues at the Burton home this Thursday and the following Thursday at 7:00 p.m. with prayer and the viewing of a new video on how to understand Islam better. Next Sunday’s service will carry on as usual even though Gary and I are away until October 8. Please e-mail Gary at gvc@kainos.org if you have a concern.

Are you available to attend a special meeting sponsored by Compass Coaching International on Tuesday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Scarborough? Guest speaker will be Dr. Richard Swenson, a medical doctor with specialties in stress and the future, along with comedian Bob Cates. Why not invite a friend to come along with you? More details to follow.

Hope you enjoy the beauty of Fall this week since it has officially arrived.

Wendy

The Importance of Every Body Part by Frances Kerr & Gary Carter: Since we were discussing the planting of seeds last Sunday, Frances presented the following poem she likes.

The parts of the rosebush were deep in debate,
Over who was important and who really great!
Said the bloom to the rest, “I’m better than you.
I’m prettily scented and lovely to view.”

“Humph!” said the leaves. “You exist on our skill.
You couldn’t live long without our chlorophyll.”
“You dolts!” cried the stem. “You’d be dragging a mile
If you didn’t have me to support you in style.”

“Without us,” the roots scoffed, “you’d not be around.
We pipe food and water to you from the ground.”
Offended at not having fared quite so well,
The rose shook with rage ‘till her petals all fell.

The leaves turned their back to the sun
To create the green stuff that everyone used.
The stubborn stems sulked and vowed, “We’ll sag or bust.”
Then sent every bud toppling down in the dust.

Where upon the roots shut their valves off and said
“Rot! We quit – work for such ingrates – no we will not!”
A bug who had listened and thought well upon it
Said stingingly, “You have bees in your bonnet.
You are all important – you all must rely
On each part to do its job – else you’ll die
The weed will take over and years hense who knows
Perhaps no one will ever have heard of a rose.”

According to I Corinthians 12:12-31 we are all members of one body: everybody is their own gift. We all have a part to play in the life of our church particularly for integration of each other and ideas. Even 3-year old Carleigh Burton greets Frances with a “Good morning, Frances!” And Frances misses her small contribution when she is not there or forgets. Several years ago Gary lost his gall bladder which is a booster to the liver to help break down extra fat. Often after the loss of this little organ he would suffer instant diarrhea due to excess fat in food. That little organ was missed. What have you got to contribute to our church life? In the New Testament believers ate together which helped them to grow together. This is an important aspect of The Breakfast Church of Heartland Fellowship Baptist.

On The Mark by Debbie Macdonald: Prayer is the communication with God. Prayer is not principally for us to selfishly ask God for things (as in “give me this”), but to honour and glorify God by spending time with Him. In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus pray five times (Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:35; 14:39; 15:34). In these examples of Jesus praying in Mark, twice we do not know what His prayer is about (Mark 1:35/6:46). Twice He prays that God’s wrath be taken away from Him, yet He submits to God’s will (Mark 14:35; 14:39). And the final prayer while on the cross, He is speaking to God asking why He has been forsaken (Mark 15:34).
Prayer, properly understood, is a conversation with God. Jesus demonstrates that prayer is not to be a big display of pomp and circumstance (Mark 12:39-40), just a conversation between you and God. In Mark 1 and 6, He either gets up before everyone else to pray or He finds a place where He can be alone. In both instances where we see Jesus pray in Mark 14, He is once again alone during His prayers. Although He brought some of His disciples with Him, they are told to stay at a distance. In Mark 15, Jesus again has a conversation with God, asking God why He had been forsaken - not asking to be spared, to have the torment end or the pain go away. It was just another simple conversation. Even in a weakened state, beaten, crucified and near death, Jesus’ first priority is to have a conversation with His Father.
In Mark 9:29; 11:24; 11:25; and 14:38, Jesus teaches us the “how or what” of prayer. He tells us that anything is possible if we believe that through prayer we will receive what we are asking for (faith in the Father); whether it is casting out demons or telling a mountain to move through His authority and our faith in Him - His will be done. We are also taught that we should forgive others so we too can be forgiven (love your neighbour as yourself). As well, we gain insight into the fact that if we spend our time in prayer, we will not fall into temptation (14:38 - fellowship with God). Prayer is a conversation between you and God. It is not for the purpose of asking for anything for you, but for you to have fellowship with Him. It is not a one way conversation; you speak to Him, His Spirit speaks to you. (if you listen). Prayer is not meant to draw attention to yourself; it is a quiet time between you and God. Through regular prayer, you may be able to resist temptation through being strengthened by Him. All things are possible through belief and prayer; nothing is impossible without prayer. Have you had a good conversation today?

To Rome by Steve Macdonald: Paul travelled to Rome via Caesarea, Sidon, Myra, Cnidus, Fair Havens, Malta, Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli. This journey is described by Luke in Acts 27:1 to 28:16. The trip began during the fall season in 59 AD and they arrived in Rome in 60AD. Some say the trip was between 60-61 AD. In Caesarea Luke is with him (Acts 27:1 – “we”) plus Julius (centurion - Acts 27:1), Aristarchus (Acts 27:2), Philip the evangelist, and maybe his daughters and Mnason. In Sidon there were Luke, Aristarchus, Julius, friends, and how about Sidon church people? Paul spent a week in Tyre while returning to Jerusalem on his third mission (Acts 21:3-4), only 20 miles south of Sidon. Paul also travelled this region with Barnabas just after his first mission and prior to his second mission (Acts 15:3). What were the fruits of these travels? No one is mentioned in Myra, Cnidus or Fair Favens except for an angel of God (Acts 27:23-24). In Malta there was Luke (“we – us”) and Publius (Acts 28:7) and possibly Aristarchus. No people were recorded from Syracuse, Rhegium or Puteoli.
In summary Paul’s companions or associates were Luke, Aristarchus, Julius, Publius and family, Philip and family, numerous un-named friends, and 276 ship mates. He travelled 2,250 miles, encountered a hurricane at sea (Acts 27:13-26), participated in a 14 day fast (Acts 27:33) and suffered a ship wreck (Acts 27:41) and a snake bite (Acts 28:3). After all of the things he has endured Paul can state in the middle of the storm to 276 people who have not eaten in 14 days, and have been battered on a ship for 14 days, that he has faith in God (Acts 27:25). Faith is a confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. It is a belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence; it is a loyalty to a person or thing. It is used 254 times in the New Testament and 16 times in the Old Testament (New International Version) or 245 times in the New Testament and 2 times in the Old Testament (King James Version). Check out Romans 3:24. We live in an incredible world compared to days gone by with resources such as Strong’s (every word numbered), Young’s or Cruden’s Concordances to learn these details.

Obstructed View by Gary Carter: Peoples’ views are obstructed by themselves or by others. Even though they are broken they can be renewed. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). He went through many valleys and came up the other side. Unfortunately at the end of this chapter (verses 28-32) we read that man is filled with much evil and wickedness. A list of 22 items follows: wickedness, evil, greed (manipulate the world to get), depravity, envy (wanting to be in different circumstances), murder, strife (one upmanship), deceit, malice (deep-seated meanness), gossip (idle talk without facts), slander (misdescribe), God-haters (don’t want a relationship with God), insolent (insulting), arrogant, boastful, inventively evil (e.g. homosexuality), disobey parents, no understanding, no fidelity(no loyalty), no love, no mercy, and approval of evil. We shouldn’t be surprised by what people can do. In our world people don’t believe they need a Saviour. Disgusting behaviour will sneek out of their brain cells. Many look for approval and are dressed up in a nice veneer. Pray that we all may be able to show them how much they need salvation.

They Were Punny Yesterday by Steve Macdonald:
O What a Relief! by Al Kaseltzer
It’s a Shocker by E. Letrizity
Passing Gas by Aida Burrito
Lewis Caroll by Alison Wonderland
Bit on the Leg by Anton Manie
Golfer’s Sandwich by B.L. Tee
I Love Wills by Benny Fishery
Houses, Offices and Apartments by Bill Ding
A Boxing Cornerman’s Story by Dawson DeTowel

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September 18, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hello there!

“The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” Psalm 18:24

You must congratulate me – my sore thumb has turned green! Yesterday morning Gary was looking for me around our house. Instead he found a sign on our front lawn. After finally locating me in the laundry room he hauled me outside and yelled, “Look!” At the edge of our property was a white sign, about a foot square stuck in the ground, inscribed Brampton Horticultural Society, Front Garden Recognition Award for 2011. It is based on visual appeal, overall appearance, general maintenance and individuality. Now that was a real surprise. I have never really thought of myself as a gardener – that was my mom’s job all her life before she passed away. It’s amazing what you can accomplish over the years if you stick with it. My prayer is that I will persevere as much over righteous living as my gardening to receive a better reward from the Lord.

Our son, Rob, arrived safely in Turkey. He reported this past Friday, “Things are going great here. We’ve done 4 shows so far and have had really good turnouts. The program that we’ve put together is real awesome. Definitely worth watching i think …
Original first show cancelled, so we did an impromptu one near the boardwalk in Istanbul. Beautiful evening.” Rob had to leave his passport with the Russian consulate for 10 days to get his visa for Kyrgystan. Please pray that he won’t need it before then.(They were in Ankara Sept. 19th, the day before the bombing – Yikes!) Donations for this trip are still coming in and will be receipted through our charity, Kainos International Ministries. You can mail money to our address below or send me an e-mail money transfer to wendy.carter@kainos.org.

Gary’s radio programs are back – Gary & Kaiya (www.littlebigshow.ca) and our Fellowship denomination (www.fellowshipradio.ca). Please remember to pray for our new national president, Steve Jones who began his leadership this month.

Gary is still getting his digital sign ready to attach to our mailbox which will advertise Go7777.ca. This website will give short explanations about our church, the Bible, Jesus etc. Our neighbours already know about my award sign resulting in interesting conversations. One lady asked Gary last night about his passion that drove him into all that he does. She commented that his great love for Jesus seems to have spilled over into our children’s lives as well.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons at 7:00 p.m. We are finishing up the Don Carson video series we have been watching.

Gary and I leave for the US after church this next Sunday for two weeks (returning Oct. for another writing/vacation trip. Please pray for our safety in travel and helpful, creative writing accomplished. He can still be reached at gvc@kainos.org.

Almost autumn!

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.

Planting Seeds by Gary Carter: Wendy plants Lavatera seeds (from the Holly Hock family) around the Carters’ backyard well each year. After these pretty pink or white flowers bloom from July to October she collects the seeds from these tall plants and saves them for the next year to plant. Unless she separates them she doesn’t know which colour is which. Our 3-year old Carleigh Burton gave some of these seeds left on the plants to each person and taught them how to remove them from the stems. These were placed in envelopes to be kept for next year or given to a neighbour/friend. Check out Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 for Jesus’ parable about the weeds. Often when you rip out weeds you wreck the good plants as well. You can’t stop weeds from growing. Christians will many times focus on ripping up weeds but that’s God’s job. One of the ways Wendy has gotten rid of her Creeping Charlie weed in the backyard is to overseed with good grass seed. We need to sow more wheat and leave the sorting out of the weeds to the Lord.

The Places/People by Steve Macdonald: Paul began his third journey in Antioch and travelled to 30 additional cities (some again revisited on the return trip), many of which he had travelled to on his previous journeys – Tarsus, Iconium, Ephesus, Troas, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Berea, Thessalonica, Apollonia, Amphipolis, Philippi, Neapolis, Troas, Assos, Mitylene, Kios, Miletus, Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea, and Jerusalem.
His circle of friends got larger. In Antioch/Tarsus/Iconium (also likely Derbe and Lystra) he strengthened all the disciples (Acts 18:23 - Lois, Eunice, Tertius who pens Romans for Paul a few years into this trip). In Ephesus there were Sceva and sons (Acts 19:14), Erastus (Acts 19-22), Timothy, Aristarchus (Acts 19:29), Gaius (Acts 19:29), probably Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16 & 4:19), Priscilla/Aquila (1 Corinthians 16:19), possibly Demetrius, Chloe (1 Corinthians 1:11), Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:17), probably Apollos (1 Corinthians 16:12), Titus (2 Corinthians 7:13), and “the brother” (2 Corinthians 8:18). Where Barnabas, Silas or Judas Barsabbas with him? In Troas, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 20:4) there were Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, Trophimus and Luke (as it says “we/us”). Other possibilities were Dionysius, Damaris (Acts 17:34), Titius Justus (Acts 18:7), Crispus (Acts 18:8), Carpus and maybe Phoebe (Romans 16-1:2). From Romans 16:22-24 if written in Corinth or Cenchrea, are the following in town? Tertius, Epenetus, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus.
On the return trip in Berea, Thessalonica, Apollonia, Amphipolis, Philippi, Neapolis, and Troas, his companions were Eutychus, Carpus, Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, Trophimus and Luke (we/us). In Assos, Mitylene, Kios, Miletus, Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, Ptolemais and Caesarea, there were Philip the evangelist and his daughters (Acts 21:8-9), Agabus (Acts 21:10) and Mnason (Acts 21:16). James is the only name mentioned in Jerusalem (Acts 21:18).
All in all, in12 years he made three trips to 66 towns/cities, travelling over 6900 miles. He suffered 195 lashes (5 times), three beatings with rods, one stoning, three shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:24-25) and was not finished.

Conversations with Jesus – When the Rubber Meets the Road (Luke 9:1-10) by Chris Burton: Jesus led His disciples by example so that they could also drive out demons, heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God. In this Gospel Jesus drove out an impure spirit, healed a man with leprosy, forgave and healed a paralyzed man, saw the faith of a centurion which healed his servant, raised a widow’s son, calmed a storm, restored a demon-possessed man, raised a dead girl and healed a sick woman. He encouraged them to stay in one house probably to develop strong bonds with that family. The disciples had hands-on experience, teaching and healing; so that more could happen through the power they had been given by Jesus. He advised them to leave a town without fanfare when they were asked to leave.
The twelve disciples had been with Jesus for some time watching as He ministered to the people. They heard His message and watched Him. Now it was time for them to follow His example. They weren’t powerless in their mission. Jesus gave them the authority to do as He did. They were give simple instructions to travel with “nothing” - no fan fare or fancy robes - no “pitchman” travelling ahead to announce their coming - no extra spending money. Stay at the first place welcomed - leave if not accepted (shaking the dust off the feet). And who was it that took notice of this as they went from town to town? Herod did! What does that tells us? Their ministry must have had an impact or Herod wouldn’t have heard about it! What can be taken away from this? Jesus empowered them with the ability to do what He sent them to do and He gave them the example. BUT, it was up to the twelve to use these powers or they would not have been welcomed into the towns they visited even thought they always didn’t see the master plan. They would not have been able to expect others (strangers) to take care of them if they could give nothing in return.

Obstructed View – Why Can’t They See? by Gary Carter: Old time pastors were often treated as the only one to make things happen.  Jesus nor Paul operated that way. They used teams. Gary’s objective all his pastoral life has been to be a kingmaker rather than becoming a king himself.  When he started out in ministry he set the goal to deeply impact 25 people in his lifetime. This is consistent with Jesus’ pattern. It does get discouraging when you invest many hours in a person’s life and it goes nowhere.
A sinful nature is very much part of our lives. All the seats in life have obstructed view - people don’t tell you about it and few are willing to admit it. Most just complain about it in others. People are amazing with their special endowments and responsibilities. When have animals ever created clothes? Every tribe or nation decorates themselves. Everyone is responsible to respond to God and the primary goal is to glorify God. But they are not responsible to figure it all out, invest in a solution, play God, redefine God or define the rules. They are not capable of that because of disordered drives, inhuman acts, ignoring the sense of ought (if marriage doesn’t work, kick him out – an alzheimer’s spouse is free to divorce. What about “until death us do part?”) and squandering higher capacities (e.g. wasting time on inane computer games).

Romans 1:16-32 teaches us that all people should know better because God made enough about Himself known through nature that they should eagerly seek to know him. Therefore nobody has an excuse.  (Romans 1:20)

People are broken and can be renewed through a faith-based system designed by God Himself. We will be studying the first few chapters of Romans over the next few weeks. We can plant seeds but only God can make the seeds grow.

Communion: The passover meal was a family event for the Jewish people that lasted for about four hours. When Jesus and His disciples met together their individual families were not present. We don’t know anything about their children. This became their new spiritual family. They learned what Jesus was symbolically saying about His body that would be broken for them - and for us in the future. The sacrificial lamb system was not foreign to them so they understand about His blood being poured out for them when He died on the cross.

Literary Puns by Steve Macdonald:
Man on a Ledge by Will E. Jump
Where’s my Hat? by Sonia Head
The Gardener by Moses Lawn
The History of the Sword by Ray Pierre
Southern States by Louise Yanna
The Visitor by Enoch Zatador
Peek-A-Boo by I. C. Yu
Never Give up! by Percy Vere
Travel Across the Desert by Mustapha Kamel

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September 11, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Today North Americans and people abroad are commemorating the 9/11 tragedy and the over 3000 that lost their lives. It is hard to believe that it occurred ten years ago. Can you remember where you were and what you were doing? The aftermath has been incredible with unbelievable retold stories; security has been heightened everywhere. This was the worst military defeat for the US in one attack that particularly affected civilian lives. I just learned that 500,000 people were rescued by boats in 9 hours when the Twin Towers fell and escapers had nowhere to go but to the water. Two weeks after that grave event Rudy Giuliani encouraged everyone in a memorable address to try and get back to their routines and normal living. There was a lot of fear and despair to get over which many have still not dealt with to this day along with all the changes that have taken place since then. Our world continues to cope with tragedies – 30,000 children die each day due to malnutrition and disease. Sara Burton and her friend Gayle Newton wrote a song at that time called Whom Shall I Fear?

God is my light, my salvation.
Whom shall I fear? I will fear Him.

God is the stronghold of my life.
Whom shall I fear? I will fear Him alone.

Though an army besiege me
My heart will not fear.
Though war break out against me
I’ll be confident in Him alone.

I will not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day.
Though I walk through death’s valley
I will be confident in Him alone.

Fear the Lord your God; serve Him only.
Listen and learn to fear the Lord; walk in all His ways.

Our son, Rob, is leaving Moosonee by train tomorrow at supper, staying overnight in Timmins, flying to Toronto the next day and then onward to Turkey for two weeks and Kyrgystan for two weeks thereafter. Please pray for safety on this mission trip – presenting the Gospel in Islam countries is always risky. Donations are coming in and will be receipted through our charity, Kainos International Ministries. You can mail money to our address below or send me an e-mail money transfer to wendy.carter@kainos.org.

Please pray for Richard and Hannah in Myanmar. Their baby son Gideon needs an operation on his “boy parts” sooner than later. Please remember the Christian family in BC whose 3-year old son was probably abducted last week (now returned home safely). They attend Sparwood Fellowship Baptist Church – a member church in our Fellowship denomination. Also Chris & Ron Burton’s step-dad, Art Cotton, is having an operation on his arm tomorrow.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons at 7:00 p.m. We are almost finished the Don Carson video series we have been watching.

Have a good 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.

Wake Yourself Up Spiritually by Gary Carter: Wendy didn’t sleep very well last night due to a sore thumb from too much weeding and painting. You never realize how much you use your thumb when it “sticks out like a sore thumb” and doesn’t work properly. (Rob agrees with that because of his middle unbendable guitar-playing finger!) Lack of sleep may be caused by various reasons.

The Bible relates good sleep to reliance on God. A farmer can get a good night’s sleep when he knows his crop is in the field, he’s done all he can do with it and he believes in a Sovereign God Who will take care of the rest. Mark 4:26-27 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” In speaking of bad sleep Paul exhorted in Ephesian 5:14, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Good sleep allows you to be more aware. Are you spiritually asleep? If you are spiritually alive you have the ability to understand. Christ’s light will shine on you.

Conversations with Jesus - What do you think Jesus meant? by Debbie Macdonald: Authority is defined as the power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge. It is the right or power to command, govern, or enforce obedience. In Mark Jesus had a number of conversations which were classified as authoritative. We can read about His authority over the wind and waves in Mark 4:39 when He told them to be calm and they obeyed. We see Jesus tell a fig tree to never bear fruit again in 11:14 and it obeys. In 1:24-25; 5:7-18; 8:33 and 9:21-25 Jesus speaks directly to demons, spirits, or Satan and they obey because He has the authority to enforce laws of nature, exact obedience and to command everything. In Mark 1:17, 19-20 and 2:14, Jesus called people to follow Him - Simon (Peter), Andrew, John, James and Levi (Matthew). We have Peter and his brother busy at work making a living with bills to pay and mouths to feed. He calls and they follow. John and James walk away from dad and the family business - no questions asked. Levi folds up a good money making business and follows. Maybe there were unrecorded conversations between Peter and his wife or John and his dad, but they still followed Jesus. They left everything they had - all the comforts of home, the salary, the pension plan, the life they were comfortable with - and stepped out of the boat. They made mistakes along the way, but they listened to the lessons and learned; they listened and they followed. They became the fishers Jesus called them to be. Check out Mark 12:3-31 and Colossians 3:12. What do you think Jesus wants you to do? Love God every day by praying, reading the Bible, finding fellowship with others, spreading the news about Jesus to neighbours, co-workers, family members, to everyone. We must love Him with all our hearts, not just on Sunday, not only when life is good, not after the Biggest Loser, not when it is convenient, but with and in everything we do. We are called to be fishers of men like Simon, Andrew, John, James and Levi (Matthew). We must follow, listen, learn from Him, and learn from our mistakes. We must be obedient to His calling and not let the world obstruct our view.

The Places/People by Steve Macdonald: Pual’s second missionary journey started at Jerusalem and took him to Antioch, Tarsus, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, Troas, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Cenchrea, Ephesus, and Caesarea. Many of these places he had travelled to on his first journey.
Many of the people were the same players. In Jerusalem (Acts 15:22-23) his companions were Barnabas, Silas (Silvanus), Judas (Barsabbas - brother of Joseph? Acts 1:23), Peter, John, James, Titus (* = assumed – Galatians 2:1), Nicodemus*, and Joseph of Arimathea*. In Antioch (Acts 15:37) there were Mark and Barnabas along with the people in the church (Acts 13:1) - Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene*, Manaen*, (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), Rufus* (Acts 11:20 - + Alexander, Mom*), Silas and Judas. Silas is assumed to be with him in the rest of the cities. It is interesting that no one else was with Paul in his home town of Tarsus (Luke 4:24 - “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “prophets are not accepted in their hometowns.”). Gaius (Acts 20:4) was in Derbe. He met Lois, Eunice and Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5) in Lystra. Tertius (Romans 16:22 – second bishop)* might have been in Iconium as well as Timothy and possibly Gaius*. Carpus* might have been in Troas (2 Timothy 4:13) with Luke (Acts 16:10 - “we”), Timothy, and Gaius*. Patrobas* was probably in Neapolis (became the bishop of Neapolis) with Luke, Timothy and Gaius*. There were a lot in Philippi – Luke, Timothy, Lydia & household (Acts 16:14-15), slave girl (Acts 16:16-19). jailer & family (Acts 16:32-34), Gaius*, Epaphroditus* (Philippians 2:25), Euodia* (Philippians 4:2), Hermas* (Bishop of Philippi - Romans 16:14). There was no one in Amphipolis or Apollonia with him. Aristarchus, Secundus (Acts 20:4), Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), Jason (Acts 17:7), and Gaius* were in Thessalonica. He probably met Sopater* (Sosipater, son of Pyrrhus - Acts 20:4), Timothy, Gaius*, and Aristarchus* in Berea. Silas and Timothy were not in Athens – only Dionysius (Acts 17:34) and Damaris. There were many in Corinth - Priscilla & Aquila (Acts 18:2), Silas and Timothy (Acts18:5), Titius Justus (Acts 18:7), Crispus (Acts 18:8) and Phoebe* (Romans 16-1:2). If Paul wrote Romans 16:22-24 where they people in town - Tertius, Epenetus, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Gaius, Erastus, Quartus? In Ephesus we have Sceva & sons (Acts 19:14), Erastus (Acts 19-22), Timothy, Aristarchus (Acts 19:29), Gaius, and Onesiphorus* (2 Timothy 1:16 & 4:19). Whew! Lots to figure out!

Conversations with Jesus – Raising the Dead & Healing the Sick (Luke 8:40-56) by Chris Burton: Jesus crossed back over the lake after casting out “Legion.” Crowds are waiting or expecting Him. Jairus, a synagogue leader comes and falls at Jesus’ feet - his 12-year old daughter is dying. Was he a convert prior to this or was he humbling himself and reaching for what he felt was his last hope to save his daughter? Jesus pushes on through the crowd on His way to Jairus’ home.
In the crowd is a woman that has been “subject to bleeding” for 12 years. Nobody has been able to cure or heal her. Was this like haemophilia? Who knows, but for 12 years she has remained unclean by Jewish Law so she either did her best to conceal this fact or she was likely left alone as an outcast begging for food and help. She works her way through the crowd, comes up behind Jesus, touches the edge of his cloak and is immediately healed. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.” Looking at each other they question and respond, “Did you?…Not me!” “Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’” And the translation could have been, “Jesus, many people have - you’re in a crowd (Duh!) Why do you ask now? This isn’t your first crowd. But Jesus said (verse 45), “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” The woman, realizing she could not go unnoticed, came trembling to Jesus’ feet, tells her story and says she’s been healed. “Then he said to her (verse 46), ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’”
They continue on the way to the Jairus’ home but they are intercepted by somebody telling them they are too late. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Thought: How often do you pause and not talk with Jesus because you don’t want to bother the Teacher? Remember: Jairus was walking with Jesus when the woman was healed. If he didn’t fully believe in the power of Jesus or understand what kind of faith Jesus was looking for, the woman gave him the ultimate example. Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” They arrive at the house (many people still following) but only Jairus is allowed in. Inside there are those that would have been at the side of the dying girl – her mom, doctors, other leaders from the synagogue. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laugh at Jesus - from wailing (were they really sincere?) to laughing. Imagine: Other synagogue leaders were laughing, “Oh Jairus, you fool! What have you done? We told you He was a fraud. Now your daughter is dead and your reputation is shot!” “But he took her by the hand and said (verse 54), ‘My child, get up!’” And up she came! Parents were stunned as no doubt were the others. If Jairus had not believed, would his daughter have been raised from the dead? Yet again, Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. We have no follow up information. The end! Nothing else! No “I told you so” from Jairus! Just on to the next town!

Obstructed View – Why Can’t They See? by Gary Carter: People cannot see what matters for a variety of reasons e.g. they say they have faith but it is not placed in Jesus; their heritage prevents them from seeing. They don’t recognize how amazing humans are with several endowments and responsibilities.
Spiritual Endowment (John 4:20-24): Even the ill-reputed woman at the well was privileged to speak with Jesus and was ready for a theological discussion. She had the capacity to respond spiritually.
Mental Endowment (Genesis 2:15): God placed man in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it.” Gary was given the sweetest honey the other day from his farmer neighbour who several years ago figured out how to keep bees and gather their honey. Can your dog figure out how to clean up his poop after himself?
Emotional Endowment (I John 4:10-16): These verses remind us that God loved us first and thus we can love Him and others. In our world we see little of this love around us.
Moral Endowment (Genesis 3:7): Sin arrived in the Garden of Eden; Adam and Eve were embarrassed about their nakedness. Some believe that since they are sinful how can they talk; they are guilty and incomplete. John Newton, a sinful slave trader (shipped 20,000 Negros from Africa to America) was converted and said that he was not what he once was even though he was not yet perfect.
Social Endowment (Genesis 2:18): Man was built to live with people. He needs a family and helpers.
People are responsible.
People are placed here to take care of creation (Genesis 1:25-28).
People are placed here to build better societies (Psalm 72:1-4). Canada is marked as #12 in the world. We can make a difference if we honour God. Many Christians enter politics to change society.
People are placed here to communicate with God (John 17:3) Who says, “You can send the memo straight to Me!” Regular, constant contact is our ultimate expression.It is our place to use time wisely to read the Bible and pray.
People are placed here to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:19-20; 3:10-23). Are people overwhelmed with your servant nature? Do you sacrifice? In everything we do – eat, sleep, play – we are God’s temple to glorify Him.

Pun with Book Titles by Steve Macdonald:
I Win! By U. Lose
Coin Tossing by Taylor Hedd
Avoid that Pedestrian! By Vera Way
Woman in Danger! By Warner Quick
Do It Yourself by Tyrone Shoelaces
The Best of Elmer Fudd by Y. U. Wabbit
Really Bad Cow Jokes by Terry Bull
I’m Always Hungry by O. B. City
Didn’t Make It to the Hospital by D. O. Way

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September 4, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Labour Day Weekend!

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8

So are you labouring around your home this Labour Day Weekend or just enjoying these last lazy days of summer? I am in the process of painting our front porch and Gary is working downstairs in his barn getting it better organized. His office is upstairs. Doesn’t it make you feel good to see a project completed? Our neighbour mentioned yesterday that she had to kick her ex-son-in-law out this summer as he was getting too lazy. Why does that happen? That was not the deal. Even though many of us don’t like ants or spiders (lots of webs on our porch!) they are a great example to us all.

Our son, Rob, has decided to go on his music mission trip to Turkey and Kyrgystan even though his finger is not in great shape for guitar playing. He says, “Both Turkey and Kyrgystan are in great need of the Gospel and we will be on the frontlines delivering the message through music, dancers, unicycling, fire breathing – a traveling road show of sorts!” He will leave September 12th, the same day his wife goes back to work from her maternity leave and will be gone over 5 weeks. That is a long time to be away from one’s family. Please pray for his safety and his need to raise $2500 for the trip. Donations will be receipted through our charity, Kainos International Ministries. You can mail money to our address below or send me an e-mail money transfer to wendy.carter@kainos.org.

Please remember our children returning to school this coming Tuesday with all the new adjustments they will encounter. Brandon Spears, in particular, is heading off to Sheridan College in Oakville to take an electronics course. Sure hope the Go buses don’t go on strike for his sake. Please pray for Chris Burton and Debbie Macdonald who will be teaching or supervising children.

Home Group happens this Wednesday at the Burtons at 7:00 p.m. as we are helping Sara Burton celebrate her 40th b-day on Thursday evening at 7:00. Congratulations, Sara! Thanks for your music ministry at Heartland.

God bless,

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

On Being Lazy by Gary Carter: When did you get your first remote control for your television? Gary’s dad had one for his large Zenith T.V. in the 70s which worked on the basis of high pitch sound unlike the later versions with infrared. Zenith had invented one way back in the 50s called Lazy Bones. Now really – how far is it to cross the room to change channels or even turn off a light switch. We do like our labour saving devices or our “energy saving mode” as Hayley Macdonald describes it which cause us to become lazier or even more lethargic. Parents and adults alike struggle with this feeling. The Proverb verses above remind us of the business of ants who have no internal command system or a boss that looks over their shoulder and yet they keep working. Do we need that snooze button to escape like using a drug? Let’s take our eyes off of this world with our laziness, pick ourselves us and put the energy we save into something productive that has eternal value.

Conversations with Jesus - On the Mark by Debbie Macdonald: (We were so excited this morning to have Debbie present for the first time in our services. Good job, Deb!) A conversation is an informal talk in which people exchange news, feelings, and thoughts. In the Gospel of Mark, there are almost 100 different conversations involving Jesus. These conversations were one on one, only 2-3 people, groups from 4-5000 or implied/assumed conversations. We can determine if these conversations can be authoritative, instructional, or prayer. They may fall into more than one of these categories.
One on One: There are 25 of these in Mark. Authoritative conversations include any time Jesus speaks to a person, a demon, malady or nature. Disobeying His words is not an option. There are 11 one on one authoritative conversations. Instructional conversations include any conversation with Jesus where He is either passing on information about things to come or is teaching the person. There are 9 of these. Prayer conservations include each time Jesus spoke to God either before the trial or when He was on the cross. He has three such conversations in Mark. There are 2 conversations which combine both authority and instructions.

Two or Three: There are 8 of these conversations; 5 fall under the authoritative category and 3 under the instructional heading.
Four or More: Jesus had more conversations with larger groups than he did with smaller groups. In total he had 50 of these conversations; 45 were instructional and only 5 were authoritative
Implied: There are a number of conversations which took place in Mark where no words were actually recorded so classifying them is not possible; yet they should be included. These were Jesus and John the Baptist, Jesus and God (after His baptism), Jesus with Satan in the desert, Jesus with Simon’s mother-in-law, Jesus with Levi and the disciples at dinner, Jesus with the disciples to ready the boat, Jesus and the impure spirits (don’t say anything), Jesus appointing the 12, Jesus going to numerous villages, Jesus to the disciples about His death, Jesus speaking to Elijah and Moses, Jesus going to the Jordan and Judea, Jesus speaking to Mary Magdalene after He has risen, and Jesus to the disciples about their lack of faith.
Clearly Jesus spent most of His time giving instructions, teaching, and explaining. He spoke to a lot of large groups of people for He knew His time was limited and needed to have as many people hear the Word and understand. He also exercised His Divine authority in many instances; however He knew that giving the people the right understanding of the new order was the most important task so they could be saved.

The Places by Steve Macdonald: On Paul’s first missionary journey he travelled to Antioch in Syria, Seleucia, Salamis (Cyprus), Paphos (Cyprus), Perga in Pamphylia, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium and then on his way back he went to Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, Perga, Attalia, Antioch in Syria, and Jerusalem.
In Antioch the people with Paul were Barnabas (Acts 11:26), Agabus (Acts 11:28), Mark (Acts 12:25), Manaen (Acts 13:1), Simeon the Niger (Acts 13:1*), Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1*), Rufus (Acts 11:20* and Alexander, Mom*) (The * assumes they were there but the Scripture does not refer to them specifically.) In Cyprus (Salamis Pathos) there were Barnabas (Acts 13:4), Mark (Acts 13:5), Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6 – sorcerer), Sergius Paulus (Acts13:7), Elymas (Acts 13:7), Lazarus* (tomb of Christ’s Friend), and Aristobulus*(native of Cyprus - Brother of Barnabas, cousin of Mark). In Perga Barnabas (Acts 13:14) and Mark (Acts 13:14) were with him. In Pisidian Antioch we are down to Barnabas (Acts 13:42). In Iconium it was Barnabas (Acts14:1) and Tertius (Romans 16:22* - second bishop in Iconium). In Lystra only Barnabas and in Derbe there was Barnabas, a crippled man (Acts 14:8), Timothy (Acts 16:1), Lois/Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) and Gaius (Acts 20:4*). On the return trip Barnabas went with him to all the cities. Tertius was probably in Iconium and Titus in Antioch (Acts 15:2*; Galatians 2:1). And finally in Jerusalem Titus (Galatians 2:1), Peter (Galatians 2:9, James and John were his co-workers.
With all this leadership no wonder the world changed.

Obstructed View – Why Can’t They See? by Gary Carter: If you are acquainted with Fenway Baseball Park on Boston you will know that many seats are obstructed by posts due to the age of the building. All the seats in life have an obstructed view. People often have a fixated view but they won’t tell you what it is. Others say you can become what you want to be; you can have what you want to have; you can find happiness on your own etc. Gary is continuing to read about the life of Johnny Appleseed. In the 13 colonies there was religious freedom but bad guys went west. The frontier was incredibly evil with numerous scams so that people found out that they couldn’t have what they wanted e.g. there was winter when people from France were told there was no winter, land supposedly purchased did not exist, life was hard with an average life expectancy of 38 years.
We learn from Genesis 1:26-28 that people are amazing. Man was created in the image of God; he is a replica of God, set apart to be in charge of the animals, not just a higher species. There are several aspects to that image.
The Moral Aspect (Ecclesiastes 7:29): Man started off right morally but then wandered away. A 2-year old is very familiar with the word “no” - that child has learned to resist. A 5-year old understands that life is not fair.
The Mental Aspect (Romans 1:20): Man has the capacity to look into the world and realize that there is a higher power that makes it all work. Water freezes on top so that the animals in the ocean won’t die. This is one of the numerous things that a loving Creator thought of. One can be drawn to Him as one’s knowledge of science expands.
The Personal Aspect (John 1:3): Man relates to each other and to God on a personal level. God is not aloof.
Matter & Non-Matter: Our bodies are made up of 206 bones controlled by 630 muscles. One of the Canadarms is going into a museum on display but it can’t do what anyone’s finger can do. God made us to stand on our feet. We are constructed differently than animals. Our soul or personality is the seat of self-awareness. We have a memory bank. We also have self-determination that allows us to decide on our own. We can choose to work or be lazy with our intellect, emotions and will. We were made to use our minds, to control our emotions and our actions. Our spirit gives us the capacity to reach out, to relate to God and accept His provision.
Isaiah 43:1-12 , written over 700 years before the birth of Jesus, shows how precious every soul is to God and that Jesus alone can save so that we think, feel and act as God has chosen us to.

Punny or Not – Here They Are! by Steve Macdonald:
When Measles Collide! By Kay Rash
Outlaw Muppets by Kermit A. Krime
No!!!! by Kurt Reply
Foolproof Gambling Tips by Lou Zerr
Tight Clothing by Leah Tard
Computer Memories by Meg Abight
Karate for Beginners by Marsha Larts
Long Walk by Miss D. Bus
Southern California Pachyderms by L. A. Funt

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