Balmoral Bible Chapel

Unfortunately, the video camera failed, so there is only audio for this sermon.

A Father-In-Law's Wisdom - Exodus 18:13-27 Community Questions for Sunday, May 1st: 1. Does your life seem to have a healthy balance? Are there any small adjustments required for more or less of your attention? 2. In this season of your life, what factors of change are you needing to adjust for? 3. What influences or pressures tend to draw you off the balance God would have for you? 4. How will you find ways to live within your limits while making sure to focus on the priorities the Lord has for you?

Unfortunately, we do not have video of this week, so only an audio sermon.

One of Jesus' teachings was that his followers could expect to be treated (eg. rejection) the same as he had been treated.  Guess what?  That's exactly what happened to Paul.  How did he deal with it?  What stance did he adopt when mistreated?  You might be surprised!

After a big (or little!) dust-up, whether between friends, spouses or even in a congregation, there are few things more satisfying than reconciliation.  At the heart of the Bible story is God's amazing quest to achieve reconciliation between us and himself.  How'd he do it?  What's our part in it?  This really is breaking news! 

Ever wonder about this?  What is the motivation, the purpose for service across all spectrum's of society and all manner of people?  Why cling to beliefs that others find outdated?  We won't have all the answers, but there will be some, as Fred Thomson continues our 2 Corinthians series in Chapter 4. 

How often have you heard someone praise a spouse, declaring they never realized when they met and married, just what a gem they were?  But after sharing life for some years, it's now become clear to them.  Knowing Jesus Christ and living for Him is like that. 

How would you like to be remembered?  How does compassionate sound?  A bearer of good (breaking) news?  A legacy of changed lives?  It's possible to create such a positive life-long legacy.  Join us as we explore how. 

Anyone who has raised a family or led a congregation knows that from time to time, discipline is required.  We (children and congregants) are all sinners who need timely correction.  And in order for correction to be effective, it needs to be balanced with love.  Love and discipline.  Both are needed.  Alone they won't accomplish the task of calling wayward folks back on track. 

Have you ever written an email or text and had its meaning or tone misunderstood by the recipient?  It is  all too common.  How about if your message was written with corrective language to get your point across?  This is where we find Paul, as he is facing some accusations as to what kind of man he is, and how he has acted towards the church in Corinth.  He defends himself in our passage, but what is most important for us to see is what motivates him to respond the way he does. 

"Pay it Forward" was a popular movie in 2000.  It told the story of how people who'd been truly blessed in life, instead of returning the favour to the original benefactor, blessed others.  It's a great idea.  In fact, in 2 Corinthians 1, we discover it's a biblical idea.  When we are helped (by God) while going through hard times, we should consider it God's invitation to return the favour... to others!  During these frigid winter months in central Alberta, who can you bless out of the blessings God has given you? 

Ever tried listening to one-half of a phone conversation?  You're overhearing someone talking on the phone.  You don't know who they're talking to or what they're talking about.  So, you keep guessing as to whom and what.  That's a bit what reading the letter of 2 Corinthians is like.  In our opening sermon, we'll try to take some of the guesswork out of the background to this important letter.  In the meantime, you might try reading the first 7 chapters in a modern translation. 

A favourite question of mine when getting to know someone is, "Who are your heroes?"  These days, we might rightly ask, "Who are Canada's heroes?"  Or even, "Who are the heroes of Balmoral Bible Chapel?"  We would do well to observe who in the Bible receives hero status... and who doesn't!  Join us as we conclude our series on the book of Joshua with a primer on 'heroes'. 

Reflect on all the ways God has been evident in your life (sometimes even when you do not realize it).  Also, look to see if syncretism has crept into your life and started to erode your faith.  All this from Joshua's farewell speech to the people of Israel.  What better time to renew your faith in God than at New Year's? 

What makes Christmas so special?  The lights of Christmas remind us that while we find our world walking in darkness, we can see a great light of new hope.  God came to us and made a way to bridge the gap.  Christmas is our invitation to receive Christ as King, now and forever.  Is there room in the kingdom of your heart for a New King? 

During a dark period in American history, one of their poets wrote what has become a beloved carol - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.  The lyrics of this carol, reveal a man in despair.  Although his despair had its reasons, it doesn't get the last word.  Seeing something, his poem takes a turn for the better and his despair is transformed into hope.  Wonder what he saw? 

What inheritance will you leave behind?  Too often, we think only of leaving a material inheritance to our family and friends.  But, leaving them a spiritual inheritance is of so much greater value.  In chapter 23, Joshua is nearing the end of his life.  He looks back over his life in order to give his people guidance about looking forward.  As you look back over your life, what lessons have you learned about walking with God?  What has your spiritual journey taught you about God's character and deeds which give you faith, hope and assurance for the future?  What spiritual inheritance will you leave your loved ones?  Listen to Joshua's parting wisdom, his inheritance to his people, as he gives his farewell message in Chapter 23. 

There's a book in our church library titled, "Caring Enough to Confront".  Apparently, it's not one of our most popular titles because it rarely seems to get checked out!  I wonder why?  Do you care about your friends?  I mean really care?  Do you care enough that when you see them heading for trouble, you stick your neck out at some risk?  Today's sermon is about that kind of loyalty. 

There's a book in our church library titled,"Caring Enough to Confront".  Apparently, it's not one of our most popular titles because it rarely seems to get checked out!  I wonder why?  Do you care about your friends?  I mean really care?  Do you care enough that when you see them heading for trouble, you stick your neck out at some risk?  Today's sermon is about that kind of loyalty.

Joshua had made an unwise treaty with the Gibeonites, and now because of this, he was being drawn into a seemingly impossible task - a battle against an alliance of five armies all at once.  He was faithful, and God intervened miraculously.  We may be asked by God to undertake what seem like impossible tasks.  Will we have the faith and courage to tackle them?

It's estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day.  Each decision, of course, carries certain consequences with it that are both good and bad.  How are you at making decisions?  Joshua 9 points us to something that will help anyone make better decisions. 

Whatever we celebrate, grows in importance to us.  We celebrate wedding anniversaries not only to remember, but also to reinforce the importance of that relationship.  Why would we believe that our relationship with the King of the World is any different?  Intentionally marking our relationship with God helps to keep us connected to our King.  How are we doing this? 

If you've ever watched a soccer match, you'll know that it's not a game of continuous play.  There are lots of stops and starts.  Whenever the ball is mishandled or illegal contact occurs, the referee blows the whistle to stop the play.  Sometimes he'll explain the infraction and give preventative advice.  Then play resumes.  In Joshua 8, Israel's conquest of Canaan came to a halt because of an infraction.  After administering a penalty, God was ready to resume action.  Ever felt like God's work in your life was stalled?  Maybe you feel that way right now.  What would have to happen for things to resume? 

Children come in different shapes and sizes.  One variety of child is what has been called 'the strong-willed child'.  According to a leading expert, when raising this kind of child, it's important to clearly define boundaries of acceptable behavior and then to enforce them when they're crossed.  In Joshua 7, God's people cross a divine 'boundary' and pay dearly for it.  Sound familiar?

Ever faced an "impossible " moment?  When what needed to be done couldn't?  At least, not by us.  But then, Someone stronger and wiser intervened.  Of course, the Intervenor is none other than God.  In the opening battle of the conquest of Canaan, the God of Israel shows himself superior to the Canaanites and a savior to his own people and to one of the residents of Jericho!  Such might, and such mercy.  Can you think of a time when God delivered you?  Or maybe that time is now!

The Israelites have finally crossed the Jordan River and entered the land that God promised to their ancestors.  The first thing they are commanded to do is to erect a monument as a reminder to coming generations that their God is mighty, and He is to be feared.  He has, through His covenant with them, shown the way to His blessing.  He has provided a way to spiritual blessing for us as well.  Will we, as God's people, remember His way? 

Sometimes we get bogged down with issues and life in general.  Difficulties seem insurmountable.  Thankfully, God deals in the realm of impossibilities.  Find consolation and practical truths from the story of the Jewish nation crossing the Jordan River that you can apply to your own life. 

The realism of the Bible is seen in the way it portrays people at different stages of faith.  Some are mature believers.  Others are still very much along the way.  In this story, it's possible that Rahab the prostitute is just now moving across the threshold of faith.  Like someone straddling a border - each foot in a different country, Rahab is moving out of her old life and  into her new life of faith.  Where are you in your faith journey?

In my parents' home hung a plaque which read, "The future is as bright as the promises of God".  That's good to know because we know precious little about the future.  Often, we are anxious about the future.  We've even coined a phrase for it: the fear of the unknown.  In the opening chapter of Joshua, reasons are revealed for why God's people can face the future confidently. 

What's the skinny on money?  It it a blessing?  Or is it a curse?  Most of us fantasize over the advantages of wealth.  Would you believe money can (and has) be a hazard to a person's well-being?  How has wealth been a challenge in your life?  When did you last pray that the Lord would give you 'just enough' - no more, no less wealth? 

The words we speak have great power to refresh, encourage, challenge and heal.  When has a well-timed word made a difference for you?  How can you wisely choose your words?  Your words can make a difference. 

Excuses, excuses.  There are always good reasons for avoiding chores and assignments we don't like.  There may be things on your to-do list right now you have been excusing yourself from.  The Bible speaks to the laziness in all of us and offers us inspiration to 'pick it up". 

As children, we learned the rhyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  Even before we reach adulthood, we know the rhyme is wrong.  Words do hurt.  A lot.  And they can ruin reputations and devastate relationships.  Think of a time when you were hurt by bad words.  Do you ever employ such words?  Join us as we explore why bad words should be eliminated from our vocabulary. 

As one would expect from Proverbs, this passage nurtures us toward a fulfilled and meaningful life, but how might this ancient wisdom become relevant and pertinent to us today?  Come and find out... It could be interesting!

In this day and age, most people do not even know who lives next door to them, let alone how to deal with them.  Ignoring them is not a good option for relating to them.  However, Proverbs gives some good advice (wisdom) for relating to people (those next to us and those we know at a deeper level).  How close is the wisdom for horizontal relationships to the view of relationships that God holds?  Proverbs 3:27-35 sheds light on these issues of relational wisdom. 

In the Bible, wisdom plays 'hard to get'.  It doesn't offer itself to just anybody.  It's only for those with the right stuff.  So, who can have it?  Join us as we explore the conditions for acquiring biblical wisdom. 

Decisions.  Decisions.  Our lives are filled with decisions.  Of all of the choices we make, is there any more important than the choice of one's life-path?  Which voice should we heed?  Which path should we pick?  According to the wisdom of the Bible, our choice of a life-path should be informed by the reality of the destination of our path.  Where is the road you're on taking you? 

We've all heard the saying, 'live and learn'.  Behind it, is the idea that 'experience is the best teacher'.  In the book of Proverbs, the live-and-learn mantra is flipped and restated as 'learn and live'.  The idea seems to be that while a smart person learns from their mistakes, an even smarter person learns from the mistakes of others!  Join us as we begin a consideration of a book attributed to the wisest man who ever lived. 

How fitting to close out the Facts of Life sermon series with a message on loss. If we care or love then we are exposed to grief and mourning. It's simply part of life, whether from death, divorce, broken dreams, financial setback, or a myriad of other situations. Often we don't know what to say or do or think or feel. If this has been or might be your experience this message based on the words and actions of Jesus just might be helpful.

What does God expect of children while growing up in their parent's home?  And what does God expect of parents who are raising their children?  It's important to know what God is holding us accountable for.

Aging comes to us all.  Still, we deny it.  What counsel does scripture offer us as we move towards middle age and on to old age?