In memory of George Floyd and others who have been senselessly killed and unjustly treated. May we break the cycle and change the culture.
Archie Williams spent 36 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He was finally exonerated in 2019 and auditioned for America’s Got Talent a few weeks ago. His audition and story went viral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShgOH1u78XA) not only because of his soulful singing (he sang Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me) but also because of his indefatigable spirit.
Music breaks down barriers.
One of my favourite movie scenes is from Shawshank Redemption (1994) when the main character Andy Dufresne risks severe punishment to play an except from the opera “The Marriage of Figaro” over the PA system of Shawshank State Penitentiary. His fellow prisoner narrates that moment:
The South Pacific Division has produced videos & discussion questions to help you through the study of “How to Interpret Scripture” – check them out here:
1. The Uniqueness of the Bible
2. The Origin and Nature of the Bible
3. Jesus and the Apostles View of the Bible
4. The Bible – The Authoritative Source of Our Theology
5. By Scripture Alone – Sola Scriptura
more to come!
Have you ever gotten to a long list of names in the Bible and skipped over them? I have. They don’t seem important and aren’t as interesting as the action bits.
But then I read this passage:
Jesus’ victory gives me freedom from sin!
Sometimes, however, this freedom is gradual. As I seek Christ and know Him more each day, I learn to walk in line with His victorious nature. I have begun to make choices that align with His heart instead of my old habits. As I do, I find more and more freedom in the resurrection of Christ.
I accepted Christ as my personal saviour many years ago. On the day I made the commitment I was invited to choose a song for the congregation to sing. I chose one of my all time favourite hymns Because He Lives.
We asked some of our MCAC members what Jesus’ resurrection means to them – here are their answers! Feel free to add your answers below.
In my last sermon about patience I shared my story about Psalm 40:1-6 and how it led me to understand grace. Psalm 40 is a multi-layered song about salvation:
During these troubled times, when the COVID-19 pandemic creates anxiety, chaos, and stress, may this version of Psalm 23 remind us that God is still with us – He will lead us through this valley and we are never, ever alone.
Passion Translation:
1 The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough.
2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
3 That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure
and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness
so that I can bring honor to his name.
4 Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.
5 You become my delicious feast
even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.
6 So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterward, when my life is through,
I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!