In the Apostle John’s first letter, he asks an interesting hypothetic question: “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Really? Is that so? The fact of the matter is, you may read this passage and feel like you haven’t overcome the world at … Read more2021-04-11 Sunday Worship “Victory”
Celebrate Easter with us, as we rejoice in the Lord. We welcome Bishop Charlie on this special day as he shares the Good News of Easter!
Jesus enters Jerusalem amidst royal fanfare, with an enthusiastic crowd cherishing their new king. But Jesus’ kingship is of a style that was unheard of in those days and completely unexpected. Rev Mathew opens up our Epistle reading this week, Philippians 2.5-11, to discover three astounding characteristics that makes Jesus the greatest king of all!
In John’s Gospel, some non-Jews are in Jerusalem and ask a disciple if they can see Jesus. Jesus’s response seems like a non-answer. He says the “hour” has come, and then offers up a farming metaphor about grains of wheat. What is “the hour”? What is the metaphor about? What are its implications for you … Read more2021-03-21 Sunday Worship “The Hour”
Philip has a dilemma. A math problem of sorts. He is surrounded by over five thousand people and it is suppertime. And they’re hungry. He doesn’t have enough money for take out, and all he has to work with are five dinner rolls and a couple of small fish. What’s a guy to do? Join … Read more2021-03-14 Sunday Worship – Lent 4 – “Bread”
Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders after he storms through the temple court, overturning tables and chasing out the merchants. It’s quite a chaotic and dramatic scene and we can sometimes be enthralled by the drama, while pointing our fingers at the objects of Jesus’ ire. But there is a better takeaway from this … Read more2021-03-07 Sunday Worship – Lent 3 – “Heaven”
The Bible continually warns us of the dangers of listening to false teachers. It is a good warning for us today, too. There is a false Gospel out there, teaching that your faith means you deserve all the riches in the world that God has to offer. This prosperity Gospel feeds on our desire for an easy-going, … Read more2021-02-28 Sunday Worship for Lent 2 – “Commit”
Why was Jesus led to the wilderness to be tempted? Is it simply to symbolize our own lives in the wilderness? Was this just an example of how we can avoid our own temptations? This week, Rev. Jim makes an important connection between our fall into sin, Jesus’ temptation by Satan, and our vindication from … Read more2021-02-21 Sunday Worship “Vindicated”
When Jesus does anything, he always has a specific purpose in mind. He does everything for good reason. And it’s no different when he invites his three closest friends to follow him up a mountain. This week, Rev. Mathew Seeram walks us through Mark 9.2-9 to reveal three important lessons from Jesus’ Transfiguration.
What is the true purpose of the Church? Fellowship? Outreach? Worship? Community engagement? Astronomical attendance? Programs? All these things are good, but are they the actual purpose of our existence as a community? This week, Rev Jim unpacks Matthew 28.18-20 to reveal the real reason Good Shepherd St. Catharines exists. (Hint… it’s none of the above.)