There has been a lot of talk lately about the needs for missions, discipleship, evangelism, prayer, Christian living and so much more. Many are confused and end up focusing on one thing and missing the beauty of how God gave us His instruction in His Word. ALL of our lives are to be lives and work together for His glory.
We are commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples, teaching them all that He commanded. Jesus taught how to live, how to share the Gospel, how to make disciples, how to live, how to pray. All of it is meant to fit together. As we learn and grow we are to take all the God teaches us and use it to train others. God does not want us to learn and grow as His disciples to our own end but rather for His purposes and those purposes are stated clearly in His Word.
So we are to pray, prayer is one of the primary parts of our faith. This in union with the Bible is how we commune with God, we are to do this alone and with other believers. As we pray and seek God through His Word then we are to also serve Him. We serve Him by following His commands like go and make disciples which begins with the word "go" meaning as you go through your life. So we live out our faith and as we do we seek to share the Gospel (evangelism) and as people respond we are to teach them or help them to grow as disciples of Jesus. This all to be so that where ever we go it can continue. What we teach others about Jesus is for them to become stronger in their faith and to share with others. Replication is a core part of Christianity and we must have this mindset in what we do.
So we commune with God so we can server Him to His glory out of His power to bring others into relationship with Him so that they can learn and grow to do the same. A cycle of reproduction, the Church is to be living and growing through God's people being active in this mission.
So let us get radical. Let's make better decisions. Let's make kingdom minded decisions. Maybe one less holiday or a less expensive car or wait on new appliances and instead be on mission. That mission may be in your neighborhood, city, province, country or across the world and we need to make sure we keep our resources (time, talents and Treasure) freed up to be used by God. Yes we need to use all of what God has given us for His glory. These are hard words for me and I pray that God would continue to be patient with me as I mature in the process of making my desires, my wants, my time, my priorities, my resources, my life all fully submitted to the Lord Jesus to be used for His mission.
Pastor Bruce
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Education, who is responsible?
Too many times lately I am hearing about things that cause real concern in our world today. Some are about wars, bombings, shootings and such violence. But some are the more subtle acts in politics and changes in law and policing. One of the areas of concern is education.
It seems that in today's culture there has been a big mistake made. Education is seen as the responsibility of the "state", the country or region you reside in is seen as the one in charge of educating your children. The challenge in this environment has been the growing idea that this also means that as a parent you have no choice and no control in the area of your child's education. We have heard recently of families being taken to court because they decided to home educate, families that had their children removed from the home because they refused to send them to the state run schools.
Society is heading down a scary road, not only for Christians but for all of us. The ideals being followed to bring us to this place where the government is in charge of your child and their education is against the idea of family and investing in your own children. It is also against the idea of true learning.
First I want to address the reality of family. Whether you are a Christian or not, your children are a gift given to you to raise and invest in so that they are prepared for life and can be ready to live and contribute to society in a positive way. I believe it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that this is happening. I also believe that the parent may choose different forms of education and tools that assist in the process. What works for one child and family may not work for another. The State should be available to help the family if needed but not to enforce their particular program of learning as the "best" way or "only way". This is the government getting involved too much in a matter that is for families to deal with.
Second I want to address learning itself. We know from looking at history and at societies where the government's prescribed schools and curriculum were enforced by law. That what happened was a set back to true learning. That in these situations learning was stifled because there were certain topics that were not to be taught and there other topics that were taught and they were incorrect but it was what you were being told to believe. True learning happens when we teach the younger generation to ask questions and to look for the answers. We share what we have learn't along the way but not because we cannot learn more and have different perspectives. Learning needs freedom for it to flourish. Governments have never assisted in moving true learning forward by enforcing their "views" on the people. The times and places where society has had a relaxed control on education is where learning flourishes.
By the way I have been known as extremely conservative at times. I am no hippy and not into some crazy world view where we need no government. But when I see trends that concern me then I need to speak out. So do you. Do you want the government to tell your children what to believe? Do you want your freedom to train your children in the way that works best for them to be taken away? Do you want to ensure that there is freedom to talk and discuss thoughts, ideas, issues, theories etc... without being shut down for fear that these things might go against the "state" schools?
I think that in areas like education and religion the government should stay out of as much as possible. there are other areas too but today's point is education. Governments of the world, offer to help people with a service, encourage learning and training to be a lifestyle but keep your distance and drop the "enforcement" model.
Let's appreciate the freedom we still have in Canada, at least for today.
Pastor Bruce
It seems that in today's culture there has been a big mistake made. Education is seen as the responsibility of the "state", the country or region you reside in is seen as the one in charge of educating your children. The challenge in this environment has been the growing idea that this also means that as a parent you have no choice and no control in the area of your child's education. We have heard recently of families being taken to court because they decided to home educate, families that had their children removed from the home because they refused to send them to the state run schools.
Society is heading down a scary road, not only for Christians but for all of us. The ideals being followed to bring us to this place where the government is in charge of your child and their education is against the idea of family and investing in your own children. It is also against the idea of true learning.
First I want to address the reality of family. Whether you are a Christian or not, your children are a gift given to you to raise and invest in so that they are prepared for life and can be ready to live and contribute to society in a positive way. I believe it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that this is happening. I also believe that the parent may choose different forms of education and tools that assist in the process. What works for one child and family may not work for another. The State should be available to help the family if needed but not to enforce their particular program of learning as the "best" way or "only way". This is the government getting involved too much in a matter that is for families to deal with.
Second I want to address learning itself. We know from looking at history and at societies where the government's prescribed schools and curriculum were enforced by law. That what happened was a set back to true learning. That in these situations learning was stifled because there were certain topics that were not to be taught and there other topics that were taught and they were incorrect but it was what you were being told to believe. True learning happens when we teach the younger generation to ask questions and to look for the answers. We share what we have learn't along the way but not because we cannot learn more and have different perspectives. Learning needs freedom for it to flourish. Governments have never assisted in moving true learning forward by enforcing their "views" on the people. The times and places where society has had a relaxed control on education is where learning flourishes.
By the way I have been known as extremely conservative at times. I am no hippy and not into some crazy world view where we need no government. But when I see trends that concern me then I need to speak out. So do you. Do you want the government to tell your children what to believe? Do you want your freedom to train your children in the way that works best for them to be taken away? Do you want to ensure that there is freedom to talk and discuss thoughts, ideas, issues, theories etc... without being shut down for fear that these things might go against the "state" schools?
I think that in areas like education and religion the government should stay out of as much as possible. there are other areas too but today's point is education. Governments of the world, offer to help people with a service, encourage learning and training to be a lifestyle but keep your distance and drop the "enforcement" model.
Let's appreciate the freedom we still have in Canada, at least for today.
Pastor Bruce
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
what to do when tech fails?
What do you do when your technology fails? Well I hope you continue on as best as you can. Like at our Church FFBC in Brandon, the last few weeks the internet drops out often. Now the techs are looking at it this week and hopefully it gets fixed. But as the problem has been present it caused us to not have video feeds or recordings of the last few Sunday sermons. Whether it is your internet, your IPAD, Laptop, Projector or Sound Board, if your technology dies your message must continue on. The message is much greater than the technology we use.
God will use the message and like the many generations of Christians who preached and taught without such technology we too must be prepared to minister without them. The message of the Gospel, the teaching of God's Word is not to be held back by our "program" crashing.
So all that being said for those of you who missed Church in the last few months we do have a link for you to access the audio files if you would like them. I will post this same info in a few other places as we do not have the Church website updated yet with the files.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bz69ajNSG55pRk1FV0ZXdkNrMXM&usp=sharing
It should be sorted in folders of year, then month and then the files should be named in dates on which they were recorded.
Lets us seek to grow together and not be restrained by our modern technology or lack of it.
Pastor Bruce
God will use the message and like the many generations of Christians who preached and taught without such technology we too must be prepared to minister without them. The message of the Gospel, the teaching of God's Word is not to be held back by our "program" crashing.
So all that being said for those of you who missed Church in the last few months we do have a link for you to access the audio files if you would like them. I will post this same info in a few other places as we do not have the Church website updated yet with the files.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bz69ajNSG55pRk1FV0ZXdkNrMXM&usp=sharing
It should be sorted in folders of year, then month and then the files should be named in dates on which they were recorded.
Lets us seek to grow together and not be restrained by our modern technology or lack of it.
Pastor Bruce
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Why digital Bibles are so important.
I read a post earlier in a popular publication that while it seemed ok with the embracing of the Bible in digital format (iPad,e-reader,android,pc, mp3, etc...), the author felt that there were some rather large issues with such formats being used from the pulpit during preaching. I was taken back. The idea that we could think that a bound paper with leather outer was more "holy" is not only ridiculous but it is rather close to idolatry.
The hard reality is that the originals were not bound paper with leather exterior and they also were not digital. We have been blessed and are happy that for so many generations we have had true ability to have printed and bound Bibles. But the format of that process is not Holy. Just like the move forward to print the Bible in such a way was key to getting the Word of God into the hands of everyday people it was also a huge improvement for the Clergy. The ability to study and preach for the Word greatly increased. As with any new medium or format there are dangers, like those who would print what looks like a Bible and yet it was changed to fit their beliefs and not truly God's Word.
The new movement of digital media needs to be embraced properly. We should be thankful that we can get the Word of God into so many hands so quickly now. If Pastors refuse to use the new media because they want things to appear more Holy then they will send a message (intentional or not) that the printed and bound is superior to the digital and this is not true. God's Word is His Word in whatever format it is printed in. Of course I am talking here about medium and format not particular translation, that would be a different topic.
So I encourage you to embrace Ethernet Bible apps out there and to encourage their use. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by games or texting when it is time for the Word. This is the same as not being distracted by a football game on the radio or writing notes to a friend or doing a crossword when it is supposed to be time for the Word. The principle is the same, so use new technology but do not allow it to overtake you.
Remember in the same way your digital format is not better than printed material. On such things there is no law so each one must follow their conscience and seek to honour God while they show Grace to their brothers and sisters.
Press on in obedience
Pastor Bruce
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Warning! The Philosophy of Man
I have been pondering this topic for a while and felt it necessary to record my thoughts. I mentioned it in part during last Sunday service. Anyway I hope that you will patiently read my pondering here.
I have to confess that at different times in my life I held to certain man made philosophies. I once was an extreme conservative, now I am not. I once identified myself as a Baptist when asked about religion, I no longer do. I used to label myself as an Arminian in my theology, then as a Calvinist, then as an Augustinian, but now I do not ascribe to any of these. I used to follow humanistic concepts, but I see them now clearly as broken and have left them behind.
I am in no way perfect in my beliefs but I have grown in my conviction that man driven and made labels for my beliefs are actually contrary to what I believe. Let me explain. I firmly believe that Jesus is the center of all things. That He is also to be the center of my beliefs, values, philosophy and actions. His Word, the Bible is my source and guide for learning, growing, teaching, inspiration and so much more. It is on this foundation that I find myself sitting. I firmly believe that those who claim to have submitted their life to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, are to have this same conviction. So if people want to know my "religion", I am a follower of Jesus or a Christian. If they ask what I do for work, I am a Pastor at a Baptist Church. But no longer am I defined as a "baptist" but as a Christian. If the Baptists began to follow some crazy false doctrine then I would no longer be a part of that group but I will always be a part of Christ.
My Theology in similar fashion is Biblical meaning based on the Bible. Not Baptist, Calvanistic, Reformed, or whatever other designations that might be more common. I refuse to even use the label of "systematic" in regards to my Theology due to the connection that this word has with the idea of subscribing to a particular man defined theological system. Instead I firmly believe we are to follow proper systematic methods of study so that we learn the proper context and meaning of the Bible. However the Bible itself is our guiding document for Faith and practice not just a resource book for us to use to back up our own documents.
Why do I say all of this? Because I have found that even some of the scholars that I greatly respect have at times fallen to points of belief that they include as doctrinal truth and yet they do not have proper Biblical basis for such a point. They may have a verse or two that they have been told supports this point because it is a part of their denomination's systematic theology. The problem is that sometimes people fall to what we call "proof texting". This is a process where people state a belief and then find some verses that seem to back it up. Instead we should study the Bible as a whole and accept the obvious teachings taken from the author's intent and original context. Then as we study and God opens our minds to His Truth our doctrine should change more and more to fit His Word.
So the problem is that if I proclaim a particular system of belief other than the Bible then I am in danger of declaring a man developed set of statements as being what I believe, instead of those statements helping me to be challenged in what I believe so that I get into the Word and know what I am supposed to believe by It's teaching. It is not wrong to write out our beliefs and statements. But they are not to be our primary identifier. Not only are we in danger of placing our statements about Scripture but we also can cause division in the Church. Sure I think it is ok to have division over doctrine but we should not cause it by our man made philosophies and statements. Instead let us study the Word of God together and if some refuse the Word then we pray that God would open their mind and heart to His Truth and that if we lack understanding on the matter that God would open our minds to better understand His Truth.
In short form I am saying that we should not answer people's questions of doctrine with canned statements from Calvin, Luther, Piper, Wesley, Origen or any other person. Rather we should direct people to God's Word and help them learn how to study the Scripture taking in the obvious and hard Truth that it has. Too often people will jump around from verse to verse to prove their belief. I know that there may be instances where this is valid. But often it comes with avoiding other verses that seem to give a different answer and this is not how we are to treat God's Word. The Bible was written in large sections we call books and letters. It is meant to be understood within the context of the whole not just verse at a time but as God gave it. Also keeping in mind that we are not to use His word to fit our purposes but rather our purposes are to shaped by His Word.
Anyway I could go on and on and I am not sure if more would really be of value here. If anyone wants to talk or chat about this with some specifics feel free to message me and we can do that.
Stand with your gaze centered on Jesus firmly on His Word.
Pastor Bruce
I have to confess that at different times in my life I held to certain man made philosophies. I once was an extreme conservative, now I am not. I once identified myself as a Baptist when asked about religion, I no longer do. I used to label myself as an Arminian in my theology, then as a Calvinist, then as an Augustinian, but now I do not ascribe to any of these. I used to follow humanistic concepts, but I see them now clearly as broken and have left them behind.
I am in no way perfect in my beliefs but I have grown in my conviction that man driven and made labels for my beliefs are actually contrary to what I believe. Let me explain. I firmly believe that Jesus is the center of all things. That He is also to be the center of my beliefs, values, philosophy and actions. His Word, the Bible is my source and guide for learning, growing, teaching, inspiration and so much more. It is on this foundation that I find myself sitting. I firmly believe that those who claim to have submitted their life to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, are to have this same conviction. So if people want to know my "religion", I am a follower of Jesus or a Christian. If they ask what I do for work, I am a Pastor at a Baptist Church. But no longer am I defined as a "baptist" but as a Christian. If the Baptists began to follow some crazy false doctrine then I would no longer be a part of that group but I will always be a part of Christ.
My Theology in similar fashion is Biblical meaning based on the Bible. Not Baptist, Calvanistic, Reformed, or whatever other designations that might be more common. I refuse to even use the label of "systematic" in regards to my Theology due to the connection that this word has with the idea of subscribing to a particular man defined theological system. Instead I firmly believe we are to follow proper systematic methods of study so that we learn the proper context and meaning of the Bible. However the Bible itself is our guiding document for Faith and practice not just a resource book for us to use to back up our own documents.
Why do I say all of this? Because I have found that even some of the scholars that I greatly respect have at times fallen to points of belief that they include as doctrinal truth and yet they do not have proper Biblical basis for such a point. They may have a verse or two that they have been told supports this point because it is a part of their denomination's systematic theology. The problem is that sometimes people fall to what we call "proof texting". This is a process where people state a belief and then find some verses that seem to back it up. Instead we should study the Bible as a whole and accept the obvious teachings taken from the author's intent and original context. Then as we study and God opens our minds to His Truth our doctrine should change more and more to fit His Word.
So the problem is that if I proclaim a particular system of belief other than the Bible then I am in danger of declaring a man developed set of statements as being what I believe, instead of those statements helping me to be challenged in what I believe so that I get into the Word and know what I am supposed to believe by It's teaching. It is not wrong to write out our beliefs and statements. But they are not to be our primary identifier. Not only are we in danger of placing our statements about Scripture but we also can cause division in the Church. Sure I think it is ok to have division over doctrine but we should not cause it by our man made philosophies and statements. Instead let us study the Word of God together and if some refuse the Word then we pray that God would open their mind and heart to His Truth and that if we lack understanding on the matter that God would open our minds to better understand His Truth.
In short form I am saying that we should not answer people's questions of doctrine with canned statements from Calvin, Luther, Piper, Wesley, Origen or any other person. Rather we should direct people to God's Word and help them learn how to study the Scripture taking in the obvious and hard Truth that it has. Too often people will jump around from verse to verse to prove their belief. I know that there may be instances where this is valid. But often it comes with avoiding other verses that seem to give a different answer and this is not how we are to treat God's Word. The Bible was written in large sections we call books and letters. It is meant to be understood within the context of the whole not just verse at a time but as God gave it. Also keeping in mind that we are not to use His word to fit our purposes but rather our purposes are to shaped by His Word.
Anyway I could go on and on and I am not sure if more would really be of value here. If anyone wants to talk or chat about this with some specifics feel free to message me and we can do that.
Stand with your gaze centered on Jesus firmly on His Word.
Pastor Bruce
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Walk as you have been made
Here is a little video I made today ... just sharing my heart and how God has challenged me.
Let us walk together
Pastor Bruce
Let us walk together
Pastor Bruce
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
How to handle criticism and correction.
Criticism and correction are two very hard things to receive. Often we find ourselves on the defensive in either of these situations. In fact some people fail to understand the difference between the two and do not know how to handle or respond to them. It is on my heart today to share some of what God has taught me over the years on these issues.
The Critic ... Often people in ministry especially seem to encounter this person. They never seem to be happy with you, they find fault it seems in everything. So often we tend to write such people off as those who just do not like or support us. We describe them as difficult, complainers, antagonistic and negative. They tend to be painted with a brush that places them in a camp of people who have no value to add and only cause problems or issues. I am not going to say that there is no truth in any of that sentiment but I have come to realize that often people are mis-understood and the more they are mis-understood and they feel that no one is listening to them, they fall into a pattern of trying to be heard. Often this pattern comes across as very negative and harsh. Sure there are some that truly are just against us for some reason but many people labeled that way I think are unjustly labeled because of our lack of dealing with things properly.
When we interact with someone perceived as the Critic, we need to take some time to hear them, even if they are upset and we think they are totally off base. They need to be heard and we need to listen to them for the nuggets of Truth rooted in what they are saying. Even if someone has poor delivery of the information, there may be some Truth to it. So we are first to listen to them.
Second we are to ponder what they are saying and truly ask ourselves and God if this is true and if it is then how am I to respond and if it is not how am I to respond. We must take some time and not respond in a reactive defensive way. If there is even a small amount of Truth present in the message we have received we need to acknowledge that and express what we intend to do about it. The portions of the message that we believe are not valid need to be exposed as such, but in as loving and gracious a way as possible.
Third we must pray for the person who has brought this forward, that God would give them proper insight, patience and grace for others and that they would seek to honor God and learn how to interact with others in a healthy way.
The Correcter ... When we receive correction it is important that we not confuse it with criticism. Too often people feel threatened by even loving and gentle correction and respond poorly. Biblical Correction is always to be done in love and with grace for the person being corrected. It is to follow much prayer and study to ensure that the correction is given properly. When we receive this type of correction we need to respond positively with repentance and a desire to move in a fresh direction. If you believe that the correction is not based on Truth and is incorrect then you must not get upset and defensive but rather you must expose any lies or mis-representations and proclaim Truth in return with grace and love for the other person. Make sure you are walking in humility to receive correction properly, or we can sometimes place ourselves in a sinful prideful state by setting out our arguments of defense and winning over our corrector to see our side even if we are in the wrong. Correction can come not because of our lack of Truth or Logic but because we may have a delivery that causes hurt or division with others. So we must be even more receptive to correction in a healthy way so we can grow and not continue to hurt others.
Just like criticism can be unfounded so can correction, but both need to be dealt with properly. I know this blog is not exhaustive on these matters and I do not consider myself an expert. Rather I have had to learn a lot of these things the hard way, because I was critical, because I was prideful and did not receive correction well. God can work in your life as He has in mine and crush a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of tender flesh.
Keep short accounts with each other and walk in love. Extend forgiveness for the wrongs done and the hurts caused. If God has saved you and your accuser as well, then the same Spirit resides in you both and is grieved when we fail to show humility, grace and love toward one another.
Let us walk together
Pastor Bruce
The Critic ... Often people in ministry especially seem to encounter this person. They never seem to be happy with you, they find fault it seems in everything. So often we tend to write such people off as those who just do not like or support us. We describe them as difficult, complainers, antagonistic and negative. They tend to be painted with a brush that places them in a camp of people who have no value to add and only cause problems or issues. I am not going to say that there is no truth in any of that sentiment but I have come to realize that often people are mis-understood and the more they are mis-understood and they feel that no one is listening to them, they fall into a pattern of trying to be heard. Often this pattern comes across as very negative and harsh. Sure there are some that truly are just against us for some reason but many people labeled that way I think are unjustly labeled because of our lack of dealing with things properly.
When we interact with someone perceived as the Critic, we need to take some time to hear them, even if they are upset and we think they are totally off base. They need to be heard and we need to listen to them for the nuggets of Truth rooted in what they are saying. Even if someone has poor delivery of the information, there may be some Truth to it. So we are first to listen to them.
Second we are to ponder what they are saying and truly ask ourselves and God if this is true and if it is then how am I to respond and if it is not how am I to respond. We must take some time and not respond in a reactive defensive way. If there is even a small amount of Truth present in the message we have received we need to acknowledge that and express what we intend to do about it. The portions of the message that we believe are not valid need to be exposed as such, but in as loving and gracious a way as possible.
Third we must pray for the person who has brought this forward, that God would give them proper insight, patience and grace for others and that they would seek to honor God and learn how to interact with others in a healthy way.
The Correcter ... When we receive correction it is important that we not confuse it with criticism. Too often people feel threatened by even loving and gentle correction and respond poorly. Biblical Correction is always to be done in love and with grace for the person being corrected. It is to follow much prayer and study to ensure that the correction is given properly. When we receive this type of correction we need to respond positively with repentance and a desire to move in a fresh direction. If you believe that the correction is not based on Truth and is incorrect then you must not get upset and defensive but rather you must expose any lies or mis-representations and proclaim Truth in return with grace and love for the other person. Make sure you are walking in humility to receive correction properly, or we can sometimes place ourselves in a sinful prideful state by setting out our arguments of defense and winning over our corrector to see our side even if we are in the wrong. Correction can come not because of our lack of Truth or Logic but because we may have a delivery that causes hurt or division with others. So we must be even more receptive to correction in a healthy way so we can grow and not continue to hurt others.
Just like criticism can be unfounded so can correction, but both need to be dealt with properly. I know this blog is not exhaustive on these matters and I do not consider myself an expert. Rather I have had to learn a lot of these things the hard way, because I was critical, because I was prideful and did not receive correction well. God can work in your life as He has in mine and crush a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of tender flesh.
Keep short accounts with each other and walk in love. Extend forgiveness for the wrongs done and the hurts caused. If God has saved you and your accuser as well, then the same Spirit resides in you both and is grieved when we fail to show humility, grace and love toward one another.
Let us walk together
Pastor Bruce
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