Luke 21: 29-31: “He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near.”
Now I grew up in Victoria, BC. There we would always have a green Christmas – which it looks like we might actually get here this year. Growing up there, we had snow maybe once every four years or so and when we did, it was gone in about a week. Every February, when much of our great country is still covered in snow, Victoria has its annual flower count. I recently found the statistics for 2002. In that year Victoria counted 8,521,514,876 flowers on that day in February.[1]
When I first moved to the Prairies some years ago now – we lived in Winnipeg – I noticed that Februaries in Winnipeg are a little bit different than in Victoria. Instead of + 8 billion flowers, in Winnipeg we had what felt like - 8 billion degree temperatures.
It is great here on the Prairies though. My girls really love sledding. They love skating and curling and whenever the snow is suitable you can see them building snow people. Our girls were 3 and 4 when we moved to Winnipeg and we lived a short walk from a really good sledding hill so we would go quite often and when we did it was a lot of fun. Inevitably, too, on our walk home there was a ‘Subway’ sandwich shop that we would pass so we would always stop for a hot chocolate and a cookie after sledding. The girls and I came to really look forward to that. Winter is great… but you know what? When the end of May – or the beginning of June (!) – rolls around and there is still snow on the ground – I am ready for it to be over.
By the time the snow starts to melt, by the time the trees start to sprout and we can see for ourselves that summer is near, I am quite happy. As fun as sledding to Subway is with the kids in the winter for a cookie, it is also good to ride our bikes to Dairy Queen on a hot summer day for an ice-cream cone! And by the end of May I am more looking forward an ice-cream cone in the heat than a cookie in the cold.
Luke 21: 29-31: “He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near.”
read more: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/luke-2129-31-first-sprigs-of-spring.html
---
more sermons of the wall: http://www.sheepspeak.com/sermons.htm
other articles: http://www.sheepspeak.com/Michael_Ramsays_opinion.htm
home: http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday's Sermon: Luke 21:29-31
Click the pict to read the sermon (or here: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/luke-2129-31-first-sprigs-of-spring.html ).
Go Riders!
---
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Go Riders!
Related sermons:
Hebrews 10:39 - "We will not shrink back!"
http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hebrews-1039-we-will-not-shrink-back.html
Romans 13:11-14 - "Victory: the final whistle"
http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2007/12/victory-final-whistle-romans-1311-14.html
Hebrews 10:39 - "We will not shrink back!"
http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hebrews-1039-we-will-not-shrink-back.html
Romans 13:11-14 - "Victory: the final whistle"
http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2007/12/victory-final-whistle-romans-1311-14.html
---
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Salvo's @ Sexpo
From Danielle Strickland @ Armybarmy REMIX: http://armybarmyremix.blogspot.com/2009/11/salvos-at-sexpo-today-show-261109.html
2009 TSA Christmas Kick-off at the Miracle Room
Swift Current's new mayor, Jarred Schafer, cut the ribbon at the Miracle Room officially kicking off our Christmas campaign. Duane Smith of Jay Dee Ag made the first official donation of the campaign season. Jay Dee is also supplying the vehicle for the campaign.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Dr Was (Daily Rations with a Smile) Nov 25
Scriptures & comics: http://drwas.blogspot.com/
Articles: www.sheepspeak.com/Michael_Ramsays_opinion.htm
Home: www.sheepspeak.com
---
Matthew 20-22
Articles: www.sheepspeak.com/Michael_Ramsays_opinion.htm
Home: www.sheepspeak.com
---
Matthew 20-22
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Faith (Hebrews 11)
Faith is not only what we do. Faith is more than that.[6] Faith and faithfulness are definitely intertwined[7] and Hebrews 11: 1&2: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”
This is important because God is faithful (Romans 3:3,4; see Psalm 51:4). Even when some of these heroes of the faith stumbled God picked them up. God carried them through the bonds of their covenants. Indeed what if they were unfaithful, would that nullify the faithfulness of Christ. Paul says in Romans 3:3,4, emphatically, No! And even when we do slip up and act in ways inconsistent with faith, we can repent. God can forgive us, rectify things, and set us straight and we also can be heroes of faith.
It was only through the Grace of God that these normal people sought God in faith and we even now experience the blessings of that. It was through the faithfulness of God and the faith and faithfulness of every one of these people in this list that God blesses us here today. Walking the path blazed by those who went before us, we experience the blessings we were promised through them just like our children will experience the blessing of a nation dedicated to God provided that we are faithful and reclaim our nation as a nation dedicated to Christ.
It was through God’s faithfulness and Abraham’s faith and faithfulness that the world was ultimately blessed through Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:1-3). It was through Moses that God gave the people of Israel that rest, that Hebrews 4 addresses, in the Promised Land (See also Deuteronomy 1 and Numbers 14). It was through David’s faith and faithfulness that God built His house (2 Samuel 7; see also 2 Sam. 23:5 and Psalms 89:3, 28-29; 110:4), His dynasty which culminates through Jesus – who is the Christ, the wonderful counselor, mighty God, the Prince of Peace whose government will never stop ruling and being peaceful (Isaiah 9:6). God’s government is a peaceful government.
Abel and Enoch were taken to be with the Lord and remembered forever as examples of faith (see Matthew 23:35 and Luke 11:51). Enoch himself never had to experience death (Genesis 5:24). Like Elijah later (2 Kings 2:11), he was avoided the pain of that transition between here and there.
Faith is not just what we do; it is that and more. Hebrews 11: 1&2: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”
read more: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hebrews-1112-good-grace-charlie-brown.html
read other sermons off the wall: www.sheepspeak.com./sermons.htm
go home: www.sheepspeak.com
(The Premier declared it green week this week: go Riders go!)
This is important because God is faithful (Romans 3:3,4; see Psalm 51:4). Even when some of these heroes of the faith stumbled God picked them up. God carried them through the bonds of their covenants. Indeed what if they were unfaithful, would that nullify the faithfulness of Christ. Paul says in Romans 3:3,4, emphatically, No! And even when we do slip up and act in ways inconsistent with faith, we can repent. God can forgive us, rectify things, and set us straight and we also can be heroes of faith.
It was only through the Grace of God that these normal people sought God in faith and we even now experience the blessings of that. It was through the faithfulness of God and the faith and faithfulness of every one of these people in this list that God blesses us here today. Walking the path blazed by those who went before us, we experience the blessings we were promised through them just like our children will experience the blessing of a nation dedicated to God provided that we are faithful and reclaim our nation as a nation dedicated to Christ.
It was through God’s faithfulness and Abraham’s faith and faithfulness that the world was ultimately blessed through Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:1-3). It was through Moses that God gave the people of Israel that rest, that Hebrews 4 addresses, in the Promised Land (See also Deuteronomy 1 and Numbers 14). It was through David’s faith and faithfulness that God built His house (2 Samuel 7; see also 2 Sam. 23:5 and Psalms 89:3, 28-29; 110:4), His dynasty which culminates through Jesus – who is the Christ, the wonderful counselor, mighty God, the Prince of Peace whose government will never stop ruling and being peaceful (Isaiah 9:6). God’s government is a peaceful government.
Abel and Enoch were taken to be with the Lord and remembered forever as examples of faith (see Matthew 23:35 and Luke 11:51). Enoch himself never had to experience death (Genesis 5:24). Like Elijah later (2 Kings 2:11), he was avoided the pain of that transition between here and there.
Faith is not just what we do; it is that and more. Hebrews 11: 1&2: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”
read more: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hebrews-1112-good-grace-charlie-brown.html
read other sermons off the wall: www.sheepspeak.com./sermons.htm
go home: www.sheepspeak.com
(The Premier declared it green week this week: go Riders go!)
Hebrews 11:1,2: Good Grace Charlie Brown!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTUy_mlpgy4
Hebrews 11: 1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
read the sermon: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hebrews-1112-good-grace-charlie-brown.html
more sermons off the wall: http://www.sheepspeak.com/sermons.htm
---
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday's Sermon: Hebrews 11
Click the pict (0r here: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hebrews-1112-good-grace-charlie-brown.html ) to read the sermon.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Christmas in Swift Current
Dates to Remember :
Kettle kick-off /Miracle room opening (Wheatland Mall)
Sat. November 21 at 10am-2pm. (Angel Tree gifts accepted until Dec.15)
The Mayor will be cutting the ribbon @ 11:15 on Saturday
to volunteer for kettles call 778-0886 Monday to Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Christmas food hamper applications accepted :
Monday, Nov.23 to Thursday, Nov.26 from 10-12:00 & 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov.30 to Thursday, Dec.3 from 10-12:00 & 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
(No appointments necessary- first come, first serve)
Broncos Teddy Bear Toss : Saturday, Dec. 5
Holiday Train : Wednesday, Dec.9 th at 12:30 p.m.
Christmas hamper pickup : Friday, Dec. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Community Christmas Dinner : Friday, Dec. 25 @ The Salvation Army hall @ 2 p.m.
Tickets are only $1.00 and are available at the following locations:
· CHMA
· Fresh Start
· The Salvation Army
· Social Services
· Sask Abilities
· Friendship Centre
· Southwest Crisis Services
· Welcome Centre
Wishing you a very joyous and blessed Christmas holiday!
Salvation Army Swift Current
Up to date info on-line: http://www.sheepspeak.com./christmas.htm
Kettle kick-off /Miracle room opening (Wheatland Mall)
Sat. November 21 at 10am-2pm. (Angel Tree gifts accepted until Dec.15)
The Mayor will be cutting the ribbon @ 11:15 on Saturday
to volunteer for kettles call 778-0886 Monday to Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Christmas food hamper applications accepted :
Monday, Nov.23 to Thursday, Nov.26 from 10-12:00 & 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov.30 to Thursday, Dec.3 from 10-12:00 & 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
(No appointments necessary- first come, first serve)
Broncos Teddy Bear Toss : Saturday, Dec. 5
Holiday Train : Wednesday, Dec.9 th at 12:30 p.m.
Christmas hamper pickup : Friday, Dec. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Community Christmas Dinner : Friday, Dec. 25 @ The Salvation Army hall @ 2 p.m.
Tickets are only $1.00 and are available at the following locations:
· CHMA
· Fresh Start
· The Salvation Army
· Social Services
· Sask Abilities
· Friendship Centre
· Southwest Crisis Services
· Welcome Centre
Wishing you a very joyous and blessed Christmas holiday!
Salvation Army Swift Current
Up to date info on-line: http://www.sheepspeak.com./christmas.htm
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Salvation Army in the news in Swift Current
Click the links to read the articles from the Soutwest Booster:
Restorative Justice Week is being held November 15-22
Online on 11/17/2009
Salvation Army Thrift Store bursting at seams
Online on 10/15/2009
The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Swift Current is bursting at the seams when it comes to the donations that they have been receiving from the generous individuals in the Southwest. However, Capt...
FCC Drive Away Hunger arrives in Swift Current on Thursday
Online on 10/13/2009
Working together to drive away hunger, Farm Credit Canada Employees and their community partners are planning a food drive in Swift Current on October 15.
City changing tactics in battle against rats
Online on 09/09/2009 by Scott Anderson
Increased numbers of pest control officers and higher amounts of poison bait are among the heightened efforts the City of Swift Current is utilizing in a newly unveiled rat control strategy.
Demands on Food Bank increase this summer
Online on 09/04/2009 by George Bowditch
The demands on the Swift Current food bank have increased this summer and the reason could be that people that have been laid off during the downturn of the economy.
Demands on Food Bank increase this summer
Online on 08/07/2009 by George Bowditch
The demands on the Swift Current food bank have increased this summer and the reason could be that people that have been laid off during the downturn of the economy.
----
If you would like to support our kettle with an on-line donation, please click here: (http://my.ikettle.ca/swiftcurrent ) or on the picture below. Your donation goes to your nearest Salvation Army.
---
www.sheepspeak.com
Restorative Justice Week is being held November 15-22
Online on 11/17/2009
Salvation Army Thrift Store bursting at seams
Online on 10/15/2009
The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Swift Current is bursting at the seams when it comes to the donations that they have been receiving from the generous individuals in the Southwest. However, Capt...
FCC Drive Away Hunger arrives in Swift Current on Thursday
Online on 10/13/2009
Working together to drive away hunger, Farm Credit Canada Employees and their community partners are planning a food drive in Swift Current on October 15.
City changing tactics in battle against rats
Online on 09/09/2009 by Scott Anderson
Increased numbers of pest control officers and higher amounts of poison bait are among the heightened efforts the City of Swift Current is utilizing in a newly unveiled rat control strategy.
Demands on Food Bank increase this summer
Online on 09/04/2009 by George Bowditch
The demands on the Swift Current food bank have increased this summer and the reason could be that people that have been laid off during the downturn of the economy.
Demands on Food Bank increase this summer
Online on 08/07/2009 by George Bowditch
The demands on the Swift Current food bank have increased this summer and the reason could be that people that have been laid off during the downturn of the economy.
----
If you would like to support our kettle with an on-line donation, please click here: (http://my.ikettle.ca/swiftcurrent ) or on the picture below. Your donation goes to your nearest Salvation Army.
---
www.sheepspeak.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Recession swells food bank use: report
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 1:49 PM ET
CBC News
The number of Canadians needing aid from food banks swelled in March to almost 800,000, an increase of almost 120,000 from the same month the previous year.
The year-over-year increase of 17. 6 per cent was the largest increase since 1997, said Food Banks Canada's executive director, Katharine Schmidt.
'Food banks have unfortunately seen first-hand the effects of three recessions in three decades.'—Katharine Schmidt, Food Banks Canada
The recession was seen as the primary culprit for the rise in food bank reliance, the group said. In total 794,738 people turned to food banks in March, representing about 2.4 per cent of Canada's population. About nine per cent — or 72,321 people — were first-time users.
“Food banks have unfortunately seen first-hand the effects of three recessions in three decades,” said Schmidt in a statement from Ottawa on Tuesday.
“It is crucially important that, as we rebuild the economy, we begin to better address the barriers that prevent too many Canadians from sharing in the national prosperity,” she said.
Schmidt said the groups' findings show both unemployment and underemployment are issues for Canadians that need to be addressed.
The group found 19 per cent of those assisted by food banks each month are living on income from current or recent employment.
The report also found:
* Alberta had the highest increase in food bank usage, with 61 per cent more Albertans relying on the assistance compared to last year.
* Food banks assisted about 5.7 per cent of the population of Newfoundland and Labrador, making the province the most reliant on the assistance.
* Canadians under 18 years old make up 37 per cent of those assisted by food banks.
* Of assisted households, 6.3 per cent reported some type of pension as their primary source of income.
Food Banks Canada called on the federal government to:
* Maintain planned levels of transfers to provincial, territorial and First Nations governments.
* Implement a national poverty prevention strategy.
* Increase use of the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) among low income seniors.
* Ensure post-recession plans take into account low-income Canadians.
----
If you would like to support our kettle with an on-line donation, please click here: (http://my.ikettle.ca/swiftcurrent ) or on the picture below. Your donation goes to your closest Salvation Army.
CBC News
The number of Canadians needing aid from food banks swelled in March to almost 800,000, an increase of almost 120,000 from the same month the previous year.
The year-over-year increase of 17. 6 per cent was the largest increase since 1997, said Food Banks Canada's executive director, Katharine Schmidt.
'Food banks have unfortunately seen first-hand the effects of three recessions in three decades.'—Katharine Schmidt, Food Banks Canada
The recession was seen as the primary culprit for the rise in food bank reliance, the group said. In total 794,738 people turned to food banks in March, representing about 2.4 per cent of Canada's population. About nine per cent — or 72,321 people — were first-time users.
“Food banks have unfortunately seen first-hand the effects of three recessions in three decades,” said Schmidt in a statement from Ottawa on Tuesday.
“It is crucially important that, as we rebuild the economy, we begin to better address the barriers that prevent too many Canadians from sharing in the national prosperity,” she said.
Schmidt said the groups' findings show both unemployment and underemployment are issues for Canadians that need to be addressed.
The group found 19 per cent of those assisted by food banks each month are living on income from current or recent employment.
The report also found:
* Alberta had the highest increase in food bank usage, with 61 per cent more Albertans relying on the assistance compared to last year.
* Food banks assisted about 5.7 per cent of the population of Newfoundland and Labrador, making the province the most reliant on the assistance.
* Canadians under 18 years old make up 37 per cent of those assisted by food banks.
* Of assisted households, 6.3 per cent reported some type of pension as their primary source of income.
Food Banks Canada called on the federal government to:
* Maintain planned levels of transfers to provincial, territorial and First Nations governments.
* Implement a national poverty prevention strategy.
* Increase use of the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) among low income seniors.
* Ensure post-recession plans take into account low-income Canadians.
----
If you would like to support our kettle with an on-line donation, please click here: (http://my.ikettle.ca/swiftcurrent ) or on the picture below. Your donation goes to your closest Salvation Army.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Swift Current's On-Line Kettle
If you live in or near Swift Current and would like to support our kettle with an on-line donation, please click here (http://my.ikettle.ca/swiftcurrent ) or on the picture below.
You are also invited to donate here if you live anywhere else in Canada - your donation will be directed to The Salvation Army nearest you.
You are also invited to donate here if you live anywhere else in Canada - your donation will be directed to The Salvation Army nearest you.
New from Project Ploughshares
Addressing Armed Violence in East Africa: A Report on World Vision Peacebuilding, Development and Humanitarian Assistance Programmes :
John Siebert and Kenneth Epps
Produced Collaboratively by Project Ploughshares and World Vision Canada, 2009
http://www.ploughshares.ca/libraries/Build/WorldVisionPloughsharesEastAfrica.pdf
John Siebert and Kenneth Epps
Produced Collaboratively by Project Ploughshares and World Vision Canada, 2009
http://www.ploughshares.ca/libraries/Build/WorldVisionPloughsharesEastAfrica.pdf
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday's Sermon
read more sermons: http://www.sheepspeak.com/sermons.htm
read other stuff: http://www.sheepspeak.com/Michael_Ramsays_opinion.htm
---
Friday, November 13, 2009
Australian YP (Hat tip Army Barmy)
http://www.armybarmy.com/blog.html
Blog: Thursday, November 12, 2009
An Australian Government report on young people had this very interesting section:
"An overall assessment of the importance of religion of 3.2 (out of 10) masks considerable variation between young people depending on which religion they belong to. Figure 10.3 shows the average score of the importance of religion for 15–24-year-olds across a selection of different religious affiliations. About half the young people who stated a religious affiliation were either Anglican or Catholic, and that explains why the overall rating of the importance of religion is so low – both those denominations recorded very low levels of importance. For some young people, however, religion is very important. Young Jehovah’s Witnesses and young Muslims both regarded religion as very important (often the most important thing in their lives). These young people represent a significant minority among Australia’s youth. An additional group of young people with a very high score were those affiliated with the Salvation Army (9 out of 10), but they also represented a very small group." page 89
http://www.youth.gov.au/Documents/YoungPeopleReport.pdf (hat tip GN Peterson 3x)
Did you catch that? The most highly religious young people in Australia are the JWs, the Muslims, and the SALVOS. So the most highly committed Christian young people in Australia are SALVOS (the other two groups mentioned are cult and other religion). Very imporessive. Praise God.
----
Holy. now.
----
William Booth: “What the poor and the fallen and the prodigal and the backslider and the hopeless crowds around us need is help, practical help, without delay. We must not only remember them and pray for them and talk about them, we must go to them in their miseries and deliver them.” (Bolton, Booth’s Drum, p. 227)
---
www.sheepspeak.com
Blog: Thursday, November 12, 2009
An Australian Government report on young people had this very interesting section:
"An overall assessment of the importance of religion of 3.2 (out of 10) masks considerable variation between young people depending on which religion they belong to. Figure 10.3 shows the average score of the importance of religion for 15–24-year-olds across a selection of different religious affiliations. About half the young people who stated a religious affiliation were either Anglican or Catholic, and that explains why the overall rating of the importance of religion is so low – both those denominations recorded very low levels of importance. For some young people, however, religion is very important. Young Jehovah’s Witnesses and young Muslims both regarded religion as very important (often the most important thing in their lives). These young people represent a significant minority among Australia’s youth. An additional group of young people with a very high score were those affiliated with the Salvation Army (9 out of 10), but they also represented a very small group." page 89
http://www.youth.gov.au/Documents/YoungPeopleReport.pdf (hat tip GN Peterson 3x)
Did you catch that? The most highly religious young people in Australia are the JWs, the Muslims, and the SALVOS. So the most highly committed Christian young people in Australia are SALVOS (the other two groups mentioned are cult and other religion). Very imporessive. Praise God.
----
Holy. now.
----
William Booth: “What the poor and the fallen and the prodigal and the backslider and the hopeless crowds around us need is help, practical help, without delay. We must not only remember them and pray for them and talk about them, we must go to them in their miseries and deliver them.” (Bolton, Booth’s Drum, p. 227)
---
www.sheepspeak.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Dr Was for November 12
Job 37-38 and 1 Corinthians 12
The Four Norsemen of the ' Apoka' ship
more: http://drwas.blogspot.com/
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
The Four Norsemen of the ' Apoka' ship
more: http://drwas.blogspot.com/
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends
.
2000 years ago, Jesus died on the cross so that we all may live.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Now, through the real horrors of the wars of the twentieth century and earlier a great thing happened: Canada’s primary foes during 1814, 1914, and 1944 are now some of our closest friends and allies. Our soldiers laid down their lives for us, their friends. And they laid down their lives so that we could be reconciled to our brothers and sisters. Canada is reconciled to her old foes and united with them more than ever because of the sacrifice of our friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, and our veterans. Thanks be to God for this reconciliation.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
And, of course, it was through Jesus’ death and resurrection that we all may experience this same reconciliation with God. John 15:13 records a part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples. He is giving them instructions before he voluntarily marches off to His death for them and for us.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus says, verses 12-15:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Jesus laid down his life for us and he now asks the same of us. Do we love our God and do we love our neighbour? Are we experiencing that reconciliation for which He died? Are we a friend of Jesus? We know that if we deny Jesus before the world that He will deny us before the Father (Matthew 10:33). Are we a friend of Jesus? And, if we claim we are, are we willing to lay down our life for our neighbour, for our God, and for our friends like Jesus commands? Jesus after commanding this reminds us that indeed, “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Remember that Jesus died so that we may live. Remember that Jesus died so that we may live lives reconciled with God and with our real family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, the family of God. Remember to that though this Salvation War is won, the battles still rage daily and these seemingly never-ending battles are not merely with flesh and blood but are in reality truly waged against other powers and principalities (Ephesians 16:11-13).
And as in the last couple of weeks we have spoken about tests (2 Corinthians 13) and results of tests (Amos 3:2), John reminds us of the test that Jesus offers to us, He says, “… If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me ” (John 14:23-24). And Jesus said, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Even more than the sacrifice of many of our servicemen and women whom we remembered this past week with real respect and with deep gratitude, Jesus, the Son of God, died so that we can live (and live abundantly) reconciled lives. Jesus laid down his life for us, his friends, and not unlike the sacrifices of many people whom we remembered this past week who died that we may be reconciled with our old foes, Jesus died so that we can be reconciled with God.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
So today I urge us all not to let Jesus’ death to have been in vain in our own lives. If there is anything between our neighbour and us, if there is anything standing in the way of our reconciliation, today let us lay it aside. If there is any aspect of our lives that we have not offered up fully to God so that we are not fully living out that reconciliation with God, today let us cast it aside. If there is any sin in our life that we have not confessed to God, let us today take this time, confess it to Him, and experience the abundant joy that comes with reconciliation.
If there are any here today who have in our lives not been living to keep His commandments, if there are any here today who have not been willing to lay down their lives for each other and for God, I invite anyone here today to come forward and pray at the cross of Jesus. May we never forget His sacrifice.
Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends.
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
2000 years ago, Jesus died on the cross so that we all may live.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Now, through the real horrors of the wars of the twentieth century and earlier a great thing happened: Canada’s primary foes during 1814, 1914, and 1944 are now some of our closest friends and allies. Our soldiers laid down their lives for us, their friends. And they laid down their lives so that we could be reconciled to our brothers and sisters. Canada is reconciled to her old foes and united with them more than ever because of the sacrifice of our friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, and our veterans. Thanks be to God for this reconciliation.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
And, of course, it was through Jesus’ death and resurrection that we all may experience this same reconciliation with God. John 15:13 records a part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples. He is giving them instructions before he voluntarily marches off to His death for them and for us.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus says, verses 12-15:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Jesus laid down his life for us and he now asks the same of us. Do we love our God and do we love our neighbour? Are we experiencing that reconciliation for which He died? Are we a friend of Jesus? We know that if we deny Jesus before the world that He will deny us before the Father (Matthew 10:33). Are we a friend of Jesus? And, if we claim we are, are we willing to lay down our life for our neighbour, for our God, and for our friends like Jesus commands? Jesus after commanding this reminds us that indeed, “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Remember that Jesus died so that we may live. Remember that Jesus died so that we may live lives reconciled with God and with our real family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, the family of God. Remember to that though this Salvation War is won, the battles still rage daily and these seemingly never-ending battles are not merely with flesh and blood but are in reality truly waged against other powers and principalities (Ephesians 16:11-13).
And as in the last couple of weeks we have spoken about tests (2 Corinthians 13) and results of tests (Amos 3:2), John reminds us of the test that Jesus offers to us, He says, “… If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me ” (John 14:23-24). And Jesus said, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Even more than the sacrifice of many of our servicemen and women whom we remembered this past week with real respect and with deep gratitude, Jesus, the Son of God, died so that we can live (and live abundantly) reconciled lives. Jesus laid down his life for us, his friends, and not unlike the sacrifices of many people whom we remembered this past week who died that we may be reconciled with our old foes, Jesus died so that we can be reconciled with God.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends.
So today I urge us all not to let Jesus’ death to have been in vain in our own lives. If there is anything between our neighbour and us, if there is anything standing in the way of our reconciliation, today let us lay it aside. If there is any aspect of our lives that we have not offered up fully to God so that we are not fully living out that reconciliation with God, today let us cast it aside. If there is any sin in our life that we have not confessed to God, let us today take this time, confess it to Him, and experience the abundant joy that comes with reconciliation.
If there are any here today who have in our lives not been living to keep His commandments, if there are any here today who have not been willing to lay down their lives for each other and for God, I invite anyone here today to come forward and pray at the cross of Jesus. May we never forget His sacrifice.
Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends.
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Today is Remembrance Sunday
Canada's Hundred Days
Canada's Hundred Days refers to the last 100 days of World War I, from 4 August to November 11, 1918. During this time period, the Canadian Corps of four divisions fought several battles against approximately one quarter of the Imperial German Army on the Western Front, all with decisive victories.
Along with the battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, Canada's Hundred Days cemented the reputation of the Canadian Corps as a tough and professional fighting force amongst its allies and foes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada
-------
JUST WAR - FROM ARMYBARMY
Read Aaron Whites blog of Saturday, November 10, 2007 - In Time for Remembrance Day... It is a very good look at the question of 'is war ever just?' www.armybarmy.com/blog.html
-------
THE SALVATION ARMY, A PRESENTATION BY THE CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM
"It would be easier to forget one's name than fail to remember the times without number when the Salvation Army was, in truth, our comforter and friend."
- General Harry Crerar (Former Commander of the First Canadian Army, Second World War)
Read more: http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/salvationarmy/index_e.html
---------
November 9, Let us not forget
The day Canada honours the sacrifices of the First and Second World War and Korea is also the anniversary of a battle that saved the country from an American invasion during the War of 1812. And as the First World War slips from living memory into pure history, how Canadians have marked the other Nov. 11 from our military heritage -- the 1813 Battle of Crysler's Farm -- offers a sobering glimpse of the future of remembrance.read more: http://www.islandnet.com/~havelock/FPNov11AmericanInvasion.html
November 8th - The Great War
Ephesians 6:11-1311Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Read whole chapter: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=56&chapter=6&version=9
A TOUCH OF HOME: The War Services of The Salvation ArmyDuring the First World War (1914-18), the Canadian Salvation Army's overseas activities were part of the much larger effort organized by British Salvationists. The latter established over 200 recreational huts (often no more than tents), 40 rest homes, and 96 hostels, all staffed by more than 1200 volunteers. The Canadian SA sent five military chaplains to the front and helped operate well-equipped huts, canteens, rest facilities, and hostels...Read more (PDF): http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/salvationarmy/sallyanneng.pdf
at 9:31 PM
Is War Ever Just?
Article from the Nipawin Journal: http://www.sheepspeak.com/is_war_ever_just.htm
Winston Churchill on The Salvation Army
Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, "Where there's a need, there's The Salvation Army".Is it as true in the 2000's as it was in the 1940's? I believe so. Let's keep it that way - and more! - mr
Canadian TSA in the World Wars (Part 1).
In 1914 the Army shared in the national tragedy of the sinking of The Empress of Ireland in the St. Lawrence. On board were more than 120 Salvationists, bound for an international congress in London. Most of them, including the national commander and members of the Canadian Staff Band, were drowned. The Staff Band was not re-formed until 1969.
Canada's involvement in the Great War of 1914-1918 saw the appointment of the first Salvation Officer as a chaplain in the Canadian armed forces, and the donation of five motor ambulances to forces serving overseas. At the end of the war, military hostels were opened in Winnipeg, London, Kingston, Toronto, and other cities, for returning soldiers.
All of this demonstrates the unique ability of The Salvation Army to respond to urgent needs...It also reflects the ingenuity, efficient use of resources and a genius for improvisation, which the organization's quasi-military structure fostered. It showed government that in most things the Army could get the job done with greater efficiency and at less cost than almost any other agency, and at the same time it forged a bond of trust between the people of Canada and the 'Sally Ann', a trust that continues to this day...
The onset of World War II found the Army accompanying Canada's armed forces overseas not only as chaplains but as the operators of Maple Leaf Clubs, providing rest and relaxation for the troops. By the end of the war there were clubs in Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and India. They were mostly staffed by Salvation Army Auxiliaries, some of them as young as twenty years old. They provided a taste of home, with Canadian cooking, mail forwarding and social activities, including dances and short term accommodation. On the home front at the end of the war, Salvationists at Canadian ports welcomed the 'war brides' of Canadian servicemen.
Read more: http://www.salvationist.ca/about/history/
The Salvation Army - From the Canadian Department of National Defence website:
The Salvation Army and the Propagation of the Faith:The central mission of the Salvation Army is evangelism. The Army exists to spread the Word of God through its distinctive methods of outreach to the world. The Church and its members do not hesitate to reach out to the poor and the abandoned, to help all toward salvation.Read more: http://www.dnd.ca/hr/religions/engraph/religions29_e.asp
Soldiers of the Cross (TSA WWI & WWII Australia and New Zealand
In April 1915, at a little-known beach in Turkey named Gallipoli, two legends were created. The first was the courage of the Australian soldier: the second was the wartime service of the Salvation Army.
Read more: http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/cross/index.html
THE HISTORY OF THE SALVATION ARMY (USA) IN WORLD WAR I
The Salvationist stands ready, trained in all necessary qualifications in every phase of humanitarian work, and the the last man will stand by the President for execution of his orders.-Evangeline Booth, National Commander, April 1918
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/salvhist.htm
at 3:38 PM
In the Lead up to Nov 11 - The Salvation Army Position on World Peace
The Salvation Army believes that the plan for creation is that all people shall live in a harmonious relationship with God. It acknowledges that only within this relationship can perfect peace be fully known, and that this peace transcends the circumstances of this life. Greed, selfishness and injustice, however, have entered human lives and often result in conflict and, at times, armed aggression.Therefore, in the light of the Gospel and in obedience to the one who declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers," The Salvation Army through its ministry around the world confronts the poverty, injustice and the inequalities that so often give rise to disharmony and unrest, and seeks to foster mutual respect and understanding between peoples of all races, ethnic origins, socio-economic backgrounds, religions and cultures.Recognizing the appalling character of modern warfare, The Salvation Army urges nations to eliminate all weapons of mass or indiscriminate destruction and divert those expenditures into measures that will benefit society, and especially into providing services that promote the welfare of the poor, suffering or disadvantaged, and bring about a more just society.The Salvation Army is ready to work, alone or in partnership with others of goodwill, to bring about an end to armed conflict and to promote reconciliation between opposing factions. It also undertakes to extend in Christian love its practical care to those who suffer because of war, civil unrest or other forms of violence, without discrimination except on the basis of the need being met and its capacity to meet it.The Salvation Army calls upon all within its influence - members, friends and fellow Christians - to pray for peace, to love their enemies and to work for the betterment of society, witnessing to God as the source of lasting peace and to a right relationship with God as the only path to perfect peace.
More position Statements:
Abortion Artificial Insemination & In Vitro Fertilization Capital Punishment Environment Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide & Advance Health Care Directives Family Gambling Gay & Lesbian Sexuality Human Diversity Marriage Pornography Poverty & Economic Justice Sabbath Substance Abuse Sunday Observance World Peace
They died for us
Remembrance Day (a poem of sorts...)
They didn't die for freedom of speech
They didn't die for freedom of expression
They didn't die for the right to vote
They didn't die for democracy
They didn't die for capitalism
They didn't die for human ideologies
They died for us
John 15:13 reminds us that Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Canada's Hundred Days refers to the last 100 days of World War I, from 4 August to November 11, 1918. During this time period, the Canadian Corps of four divisions fought several battles against approximately one quarter of the Imperial German Army on the Western Front, all with decisive victories.
Along with the battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, Canada's Hundred Days cemented the reputation of the Canadian Corps as a tough and professional fighting force amongst its allies and foes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada
-------
JUST WAR - FROM ARMYBARMY
Read Aaron Whites blog of Saturday, November 10, 2007 - In Time for Remembrance Day... It is a very good look at the question of 'is war ever just?' www.armybarmy.com/blog.html
-------
THE SALVATION ARMY, A PRESENTATION BY THE CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM
"It would be easier to forget one's name than fail to remember the times without number when the Salvation Army was, in truth, our comforter and friend."
- General Harry Crerar (Former Commander of the First Canadian Army, Second World War)
Read more: http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/salvationarmy/index_e.html
---------
November 9, Let us not forget
The day Canada honours the sacrifices of the First and Second World War and Korea is also the anniversary of a battle that saved the country from an American invasion during the War of 1812. And as the First World War slips from living memory into pure history, how Canadians have marked the other Nov. 11 from our military heritage -- the 1813 Battle of Crysler's Farm -- offers a sobering glimpse of the future of remembrance.read more: http://www.islandnet.com/~havelock/FPNov11AmericanInvasion.html
November 8th - The Great War
Ephesians 6:11-1311Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Read whole chapter: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=56&chapter=6&version=9
A TOUCH OF HOME: The War Services of The Salvation ArmyDuring the First World War (1914-18), the Canadian Salvation Army's overseas activities were part of the much larger effort organized by British Salvationists. The latter established over 200 recreational huts (often no more than tents), 40 rest homes, and 96 hostels, all staffed by more than 1200 volunteers. The Canadian SA sent five military chaplains to the front and helped operate well-equipped huts, canteens, rest facilities, and hostels...Read more (PDF): http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/salvationarmy/sallyanneng.pdf
at 9:31 PM
Is War Ever Just?
Article from the Nipawin Journal: http://www.sheepspeak.com/is_war_ever_just.htm
Winston Churchill on The Salvation Army
Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, "Where there's a need, there's The Salvation Army".Is it as true in the 2000's as it was in the 1940's? I believe so. Let's keep it that way - and more! - mr
Canadian TSA in the World Wars (Part 1).
In 1914 the Army shared in the national tragedy of the sinking of The Empress of Ireland in the St. Lawrence. On board were more than 120 Salvationists, bound for an international congress in London. Most of them, including the national commander and members of the Canadian Staff Band, were drowned. The Staff Band was not re-formed until 1969.
Canada's involvement in the Great War of 1914-1918 saw the appointment of the first Salvation Officer as a chaplain in the Canadian armed forces, and the donation of five motor ambulances to forces serving overseas. At the end of the war, military hostels were opened in Winnipeg, London, Kingston, Toronto, and other cities, for returning soldiers.
All of this demonstrates the unique ability of The Salvation Army to respond to urgent needs...It also reflects the ingenuity, efficient use of resources and a genius for improvisation, which the organization's quasi-military structure fostered. It showed government that in most things the Army could get the job done with greater efficiency and at less cost than almost any other agency, and at the same time it forged a bond of trust between the people of Canada and the 'Sally Ann', a trust that continues to this day...
The onset of World War II found the Army accompanying Canada's armed forces overseas not only as chaplains but as the operators of Maple Leaf Clubs, providing rest and relaxation for the troops. By the end of the war there were clubs in Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and India. They were mostly staffed by Salvation Army Auxiliaries, some of them as young as twenty years old. They provided a taste of home, with Canadian cooking, mail forwarding and social activities, including dances and short term accommodation. On the home front at the end of the war, Salvationists at Canadian ports welcomed the 'war brides' of Canadian servicemen.
Read more: http://www.salvationist.ca/about/history/
The Salvation Army - From the Canadian Department of National Defence website:
The Salvation Army and the Propagation of the Faith:The central mission of the Salvation Army is evangelism. The Army exists to spread the Word of God through its distinctive methods of outreach to the world. The Church and its members do not hesitate to reach out to the poor and the abandoned, to help all toward salvation.Read more: http://www.dnd.ca/hr/religions/engraph/religions29_e.asp
Soldiers of the Cross (TSA WWI & WWII Australia and New Zealand
In April 1915, at a little-known beach in Turkey named Gallipoli, two legends were created. The first was the courage of the Australian soldier: the second was the wartime service of the Salvation Army.
Read more: http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/cross/index.html
THE HISTORY OF THE SALVATION ARMY (USA) IN WORLD WAR I
The Salvationist stands ready, trained in all necessary qualifications in every phase of humanitarian work, and the the last man will stand by the President for execution of his orders.-Evangeline Booth, National Commander, April 1918
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/salvhist.htm
at 3:38 PM
In the Lead up to Nov 11 - The Salvation Army Position on World Peace
The Salvation Army believes that the plan for creation is that all people shall live in a harmonious relationship with God. It acknowledges that only within this relationship can perfect peace be fully known, and that this peace transcends the circumstances of this life. Greed, selfishness and injustice, however, have entered human lives and often result in conflict and, at times, armed aggression.Therefore, in the light of the Gospel and in obedience to the one who declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers," The Salvation Army through its ministry around the world confronts the poverty, injustice and the inequalities that so often give rise to disharmony and unrest, and seeks to foster mutual respect and understanding between peoples of all races, ethnic origins, socio-economic backgrounds, religions and cultures.Recognizing the appalling character of modern warfare, The Salvation Army urges nations to eliminate all weapons of mass or indiscriminate destruction and divert those expenditures into measures that will benefit society, and especially into providing services that promote the welfare of the poor, suffering or disadvantaged, and bring about a more just society.The Salvation Army is ready to work, alone or in partnership with others of goodwill, to bring about an end to armed conflict and to promote reconciliation between opposing factions. It also undertakes to extend in Christian love its practical care to those who suffer because of war, civil unrest or other forms of violence, without discrimination except on the basis of the need being met and its capacity to meet it.The Salvation Army calls upon all within its influence - members, friends and fellow Christians - to pray for peace, to love their enemies and to work for the betterment of society, witnessing to God as the source of lasting peace and to a right relationship with God as the only path to perfect peace.
More position Statements:
Abortion Artificial Insemination & In Vitro Fertilization Capital Punishment Environment Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide & Advance Health Care Directives Family Gambling Gay & Lesbian Sexuality Human Diversity Marriage Pornography Poverty & Economic Justice Sabbath Substance Abuse Sunday Observance World Peace
They died for us
Remembrance Day (a poem of sorts...)
They didn't die for freedom of speech
They didn't die for freedom of expression
They didn't die for the right to vote
They didn't die for democracy
They didn't die for capitalism
They didn't die for human ideologies
They died for us
John 15:13 reminds us that Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Salvation Army opens Flu Unit for Homeless
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 2:21 PM CT CBC News
Winnipeg's homeless now have a place with a roof overhead where they can recover if they get sick with the flu.
The Salvation Army opened an emergency influenza pandemic clinic at its Booth Centre, 180 Henry Ave., on Wednesday.
The message from health officials that people who get sick should stay home just doesn't work for the homeless, said Major Karen Hoeft.
So the Sally Ann has made 23 beds available for the homeless to recover in.
Jonah Young, who is living temporarily at the Booth Centre in the regular residence quarters, said the flu unit is good idea.
"For people that stay here that are in unfortunate situations when they do get kicked out of certain places, or they're homeless for a time being, they have … a place they can go to. I'm all for it," he said.
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Winnipeg's homeless now have a place with a roof overhead where they can recover if they get sick with the flu.
The Salvation Army opened an emergency influenza pandemic clinic at its Booth Centre, 180 Henry Ave., on Wednesday.
The message from health officials that people who get sick should stay home just doesn't work for the homeless, said Major Karen Hoeft.
So the Sally Ann has made 23 beds available for the homeless to recover in.
Jonah Young, who is living temporarily at the Booth Centre in the regular residence quarters, said the flu unit is good idea.
"For people that stay here that are in unfortunate situations when they do get kicked out of certain places, or they're homeless for a time being, they have … a place they can go to. I'm all for it," he said.
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Community comes together
The Swift Current Salvation Army was greatly blessed this past month through The FCC and Trailview food drives recently. They were really quite something. On Halloween a number of people from the Trailview Alliance Church went door to door collecting not candy but cans and other food for The Army's food bank. It was a lot of fun. Many people were involved and we raised quite a bit of food to help many of those in need in our community at this time of the year.
Farm Credit Canada was involved in a number of activities in this past month that really helped to bring our community together for the common goal of driving away hunger and giving hope today to those in need in Swift Current. They organized a food drive at the schools, they worked with the Broncos to collect food at a game and also raffled off a signed team Jersey, and much, much more. On October 15th after having also collected food from some of the neighbouring areas, a number of tractors decended on The Salvation Army Corps with over 36 000 lbs. of food. They were met by Captain Ed Dean of The Salvation Army (Maple Creek)who reminded them of how important the food bank is for people at this time of year. He shared stories of some people's whose lives have turned around after having been recipients of food from the food bank in their time of need. It really does help.
Thank you Swift Current for this generous support of our food bank at this great time of need.
Sincerely,
Captain Michael Ramsay
The Salvation Army
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Farm Credit Canada was involved in a number of activities in this past month that really helped to bring our community together for the common goal of driving away hunger and giving hope today to those in need in Swift Current. They organized a food drive at the schools, they worked with the Broncos to collect food at a game and also raffled off a signed team Jersey, and much, much more. On October 15th after having also collected food from some of the neighbouring areas, a number of tractors decended on The Salvation Army Corps with over 36 000 lbs. of food. They were met by Captain Ed Dean of The Salvation Army (Maple Creek)who reminded them of how important the food bank is for people at this time of year. He shared stories of some people's whose lives have turned around after having been recipients of food from the food bank in their time of need. It really does help.
Thank you Swift Current for this generous support of our food bank at this great time of need.
Sincerely,
Captain Michael Ramsay
The Salvation Army
---
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
DR Was (Daily Rations with a Smile)
November 3rd
Job 25 and Mark 13-14
November 4th
Job 26-27 and Mark 15-16
November 5th
Job 28-29 and Galatians 1-2
November 6th
Job 30 and Galatians 3-4 and Psalm 120
read more: http://drwas.blogspot.com/
Job 25 and Mark 13-14
November 4th
Job 26-27 and Mark 15-16
November 5th
Job 28-29 and Galatians 1-2
November 6th
Job 30 and Galatians 3-4 and Psalm 120
read more: http://drwas.blogspot.com/
What is My Responsibility to the Environment?
By Captain Michael Ramsay
The Nipawin Journal, September 2008.
"As people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have been entrusted with the care of the earth's resources (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship requires that we use these resources in a manner which ensures the well-being of present and future generations. God's instruction to 'subdue' the earth and 'rule' over every living thing (Genesis 1:28) cannot be interpreted to justify abuse or disregard for any life, not only human life. The privileges granted require our accountability to Him and one another" (TSA Canada Position Statement).
God cares about the environment, the land itself. He lays out some important commands concerning it (specifically relating to Palestine; Lev. 25, 26) in a part of Scripture that is – interestingly enough - known as the 'Holiness Code'.
We are directed that the land itself shall enjoy its Sabbath rest (Lev. 25:2, 26:34,35) just as man is commanded to (Exod. 20: 8-11, Deut 5:15), and as God did (Exod. 20:11, Gen. 2:3). If we, as 'tenants' of His land (Lev. 25:23), fail in our responsibility to carry out this duty to take care of the land, then the owner of the land -who cares about His land- may remove us from it.
He did remove Israel from the land as it neglected its environmental responsibilities: "He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its Sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfilment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah" (2 Chronicles 36:20-21). When Israel neglected the land, the LORD held them responsible. The land is the LORD's. He cares about His land and therefore so should we.
Given that God cares about His land and given the finite resources of our world, its expanding population, and the impact of industrialization, we each need to accept responsibility for the environment by taking practical steps to regenerate and conserve God's creation.
www.sheepspeak.com
The Nipawin Journal, September 2008.
"As people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have been entrusted with the care of the earth's resources (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship requires that we use these resources in a manner which ensures the well-being of present and future generations. God's instruction to 'subdue' the earth and 'rule' over every living thing (Genesis 1:28) cannot be interpreted to justify abuse or disregard for any life, not only human life. The privileges granted require our accountability to Him and one another" (TSA Canada Position Statement).
God cares about the environment, the land itself. He lays out some important commands concerning it (specifically relating to Palestine; Lev. 25, 26) in a part of Scripture that is – interestingly enough - known as the 'Holiness Code'.
We are directed that the land itself shall enjoy its Sabbath rest (Lev. 25:2, 26:34,35) just as man is commanded to (Exod. 20: 8-11, Deut 5:15), and as God did (Exod. 20:11, Gen. 2:3). If we, as 'tenants' of His land (Lev. 25:23), fail in our responsibility to carry out this duty to take care of the land, then the owner of the land -who cares about His land- may remove us from it.
He did remove Israel from the land as it neglected its environmental responsibilities: "He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its Sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfilment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah" (2 Chronicles 36:20-21). When Israel neglected the land, the LORD held them responsible. The land is the LORD's. He cares about His land and therefore so should we.
Given that God cares about His land and given the finite resources of our world, its expanding population, and the impact of industrialization, we each need to accept responsibility for the environment by taking practical steps to regenerate and conserve God's creation.
www.sheepspeak.com
Monday, November 02, 2009
A Salvationist in the Protestant Reformation?
“Baptism is a controversial subject. Current practices are often justified by appeal to ancient forms of baptism, but too often no actual sources are cited and there is no acknowledgement of the diversity that existed.” – Paul Foster. School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh
Reformer Ulrich Zwingli has been called the ‘third man of the Reformation’. His thoughts and practices greatly influenced John Calvin and all of Reformed Theology. What is interesting about this ‘grandfather of Reformed Theology’, as he is sometimes called, from a Salvationist perspective is that Zwingli convincingly argued that baptism and communion were purely symbolic expressions of the inward reality and he eventually stopped administering both.
Zwingli even disliked the very term ‘sacraments’ stating, “I wish the Germans never let this word get into their theological vocabulary” for it caused a great source of division between various Christian groups such as the Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anabaptists and others (this is not unlike some of our later Salvationist arguments for our similar position). Zwinglian historian, Jacques Courvoisier points out that, in contrast to the aforementioned three groups, “to Zwingli, a sacrament is thus a kind of induction or pledge. To receive it is to enlist in Christ’s forces, and to receive in return a token, a reminder, that one must not yield but remain faithful.” Zwingli’s teaching and understanding of the so-called sacraments is quite interesting.
Zwingli in Baptism, Rebaptism and Infant Baptism argues that baptism is merely an outward sign that was given to us ‘as a concession to our frailty.’ Baptism cannot take away one’s sins as no outward sign can possibly do this anymore than an outward sign can confirm faith because faith does not come from outward signs; faith comes from God. Baptism is rather like a pledge of allegiance of sorts. Zwingli states, “The man who receives the mark of baptism is the one who is resolved to hear what God says to him, to learn the divine precepts and to live his life in accordance with them.”
His theology of Baptism continued to develop the more he studied and after 1525 it became linked with his understanding of another concept that is very important to Salvationists: covenant. Whereas he had previously argued that the observance of Baptism was a covenant between the Christian and her fellow Christians, he now argued that God had one covenant with humankind and the sacraments were symbolic of that covenant. As circumcision was nothing more than a symbol of this covenant that ‘God would be the God of his chosen people and they would be his people’ in the Old Testament so is Baptism, as it is circumcision’s contemporary cultural-religious equivalent in the New Testament era and beyond.
This idea that baptism is a sign, a symbol of the covenant that God has with his chosen people, which possesses no salvific power, also applies to Ulrich Zwingli’s understanding of communion. Zwingli argued that when Jesus is recorded as saying, ‘this is my body’ as it relates to the sacrament, the word ‘is’ can and should be translated ‘signifies’. Zwingli draws on Augustine, Tertullian, and Origen’s arguments to make this point. He further cites John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh is of no avail” claiming that this text renders impossible all views of eating the flesh (including but not limited to ideas such as transubstantiation and consubstantiation). He cites 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, “we many are one bread and one body”, to argue that by eating the bread we are merely binding ourselves to an oath (much like he argued for baptism) rather than consuming Christ in any practical way. Communion like Baptism is a sign, a symbol.
Zwingli was one of the great early thinkers of the Reformation and his theology of communion and baptism is particularly relevant to The Salvation Army today. He was the first to truly argue that they were entirely symbolic acts. This discussion continues in The Salvation Army to this day. Even as recently as 2008, the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army, in consultation with the International Doctrine Council and the International Management Council, by the authority of the General has released The Salvation Army In The Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement that echoes some of the cries of the Great Zurich Minister, Zwingli, himself affirming that the “receiving of inward spiritual grace, is not dependant upon any particular outward observance.”
In many ways Zwingli would have made a good Salvationist. At the very least, I submit, his arguments about the sacraments are beneficial for any Salvationists to study as they add, from a different tradition, a strong historical rationale for our own beliefs and practices.
Reformer Ulrich Zwingli has been called the ‘third man of the Reformation’. His thoughts and practices greatly influenced John Calvin and all of Reformed Theology. What is interesting about this ‘grandfather of Reformed Theology’, as he is sometimes called, from a Salvationist perspective is that Zwingli convincingly argued that baptism and communion were purely symbolic expressions of the inward reality and he eventually stopped administering both.
Zwingli even disliked the very term ‘sacraments’ stating, “I wish the Germans never let this word get into their theological vocabulary” for it caused a great source of division between various Christian groups such as the Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anabaptists and others (this is not unlike some of our later Salvationist arguments for our similar position). Zwinglian historian, Jacques Courvoisier points out that, in contrast to the aforementioned three groups, “to Zwingli, a sacrament is thus a kind of induction or pledge. To receive it is to enlist in Christ’s forces, and to receive in return a token, a reminder, that one must not yield but remain faithful.” Zwingli’s teaching and understanding of the so-called sacraments is quite interesting.
Zwingli in Baptism, Rebaptism and Infant Baptism argues that baptism is merely an outward sign that was given to us ‘as a concession to our frailty.’ Baptism cannot take away one’s sins as no outward sign can possibly do this anymore than an outward sign can confirm faith because faith does not come from outward signs; faith comes from God. Baptism is rather like a pledge of allegiance of sorts. Zwingli states, “The man who receives the mark of baptism is the one who is resolved to hear what God says to him, to learn the divine precepts and to live his life in accordance with them.”
His theology of Baptism continued to develop the more he studied and after 1525 it became linked with his understanding of another concept that is very important to Salvationists: covenant. Whereas he had previously argued that the observance of Baptism was a covenant between the Christian and her fellow Christians, he now argued that God had one covenant with humankind and the sacraments were symbolic of that covenant. As circumcision was nothing more than a symbol of this covenant that ‘God would be the God of his chosen people and they would be his people’ in the Old Testament so is Baptism, as it is circumcision’s contemporary cultural-religious equivalent in the New Testament era and beyond.
This idea that baptism is a sign, a symbol of the covenant that God has with his chosen people, which possesses no salvific power, also applies to Ulrich Zwingli’s understanding of communion. Zwingli argued that when Jesus is recorded as saying, ‘this is my body’ as it relates to the sacrament, the word ‘is’ can and should be translated ‘signifies’. Zwingli draws on Augustine, Tertullian, and Origen’s arguments to make this point. He further cites John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh is of no avail” claiming that this text renders impossible all views of eating the flesh (including but not limited to ideas such as transubstantiation and consubstantiation). He cites 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, “we many are one bread and one body”, to argue that by eating the bread we are merely binding ourselves to an oath (much like he argued for baptism) rather than consuming Christ in any practical way. Communion like Baptism is a sign, a symbol.
Zwingli was one of the great early thinkers of the Reformation and his theology of communion and baptism is particularly relevant to The Salvation Army today. He was the first to truly argue that they were entirely symbolic acts. This discussion continues in The Salvation Army to this day. Even as recently as 2008, the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army, in consultation with the International Doctrine Council and the International Management Council, by the authority of the General has released The Salvation Army In The Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement that echoes some of the cries of the Great Zurich Minister, Zwingli, himself affirming that the “receiving of inward spiritual grace, is not dependant upon any particular outward observance.”
In many ways Zwingli would have made a good Salvationist. At the very least, I submit, his arguments about the sacraments are beneficial for any Salvationists to study as they add, from a different tradition, a strong historical rationale for our own beliefs and practices.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
