Converge Winnipeg

The sermon podcast is back as we kick-off this years advent series.

The sermon podcast is back as we kick-off this years advent series.

This Saturday, Rachel spoke on the topic of Gentleness, her message was titled, A Gentle Kingdom. Questions: Why do you think gentleness is a Fruit of the Spirit? What are some words you associate with gentleness? Do any of them carry any cultural baggage for you? What roles does gentleness play in a Christ-centered community? Scripture: Galatians 5:13-26 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

This Saturday, Rachel spoke on the topic of Gentleness, her message was titled, A Gentle Kingdom. Questions: Why do you think gentleness is a Fruit of the Spirit? What are some words you associate with gentleness? Do any of them carry any cultural baggage for you? What roles does gentleness play in a Christ-centered community? Scripture: Galatians 5:13-26 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

This week Greg is speaking and he is tackling the subject of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1 New International Version Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Discussion Questions 1. What practices help you re-kindle your faith, fanning into flame the gift of God's Kingdom? 2. What fears keep you from acting courageously in your faith? How do you summon the courage given by the Holy Spirit to address those fears? 3. What good things have you learned from mentors and teachers in your life, that you have put into practice?

This week Greg is speaking and he is tackling the subject of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1 New International Version Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Discussion Questions 1. What practices help you re-kindle your faith, fanning into flame the gift of God's Kingdom? 2. What fears keep you from acting courageously in your faith? How do you summon the courage given by the Holy Spirit to address those fears? 3. What good things have you learned from mentors and teachers in your life, that you have put into practice?

Here is the message from July 10th. Matt was speaking that week and he helped us sort out what Goodness really is. Check it out as he referenced the story of the Good Samaritan.

Here is the message from July 10th. Matt was speaking that week and he helped us sort out what Goodness really is. Check it out as he referenced the story of the Good Samaritan.

Yang and Victor were both asked to share a significant Scripture in their lives. Unfortunately the recording of Yang's talk started midway through his message. We are sorry for that. Thanks to both men for sharing.

Yang and Victor were both asked to share a significant Scripture in their lives. Unfortunately the recording of Yang's talk started midway through his message. We are sorry for that. Thanks to both men for sharing.

Check out Dave's Message from the week of June 26. Dave talked about Patience or Long-suffering. Unfortunately the external videos that Dave used in his message were not recorded with the message.

Check out Dave's Message from the week of June 26. Dave talked about Patience or Long-suffering. Unfortunately the external videos that Dave used in his message were not recorded with the message.

From the June 19th Gathering. Greg speaks about Kindness.

From the June 19th Gathering. Greg speaks about Kindness.

This week Keegan spoke about Peace as part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Here is the message. The discussion questions are: 1. If you were to describe peace as explored in the Scripture, how would you explain it. 2. List three things that you have been thankful for in the past fifteen months. 3. Where do you see peace?

This week Keegan spoke about Peace as part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Here is the message. The discussion questions are: 1. If you were to describe peace as explored in the Scripture, how would you explain it. 2. List three things that you have been thankful for in the past fifteen months. 3. Where do you see peace?

Main Verse: John 16:16-24 NIV 16 Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and ‘Because I am going to the Father'?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying.” 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Discussion Questions: 1. Describe a time this week when you felt happy. 2. How have you over come a personal struggle? 3. What is a something that you are looking forward to in the next year?

Main Verse: John 16:16-24 NIV 16 Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and ‘Because I am going to the Father'?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying.” 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Discussion Questions: 1. Describe a time this week when you felt happy. 2. How have you over come a personal struggle? 3. What is a something that you are looking forward to in the next year?

This audio includes an update from Bryn about the work she is doing at Emily Carr in Vancouver. We are kicking off a new series for the summer months. We are calling it Not Illegal and we will be based in Galatians 5:16-26. This passage is one of the more famous passages in the New Testament as it refers to the Fruit of The Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is made up of 9 virtues. And over the summer months we will examine how these 9 virtues are demonstrated in the lives of Jesus followers. Discussion Questions 1. What does the phrase walking with the Spirit mean to you? 2. Have you ever had a time where you felt like Jesus was saving you from drowning? 3. How would you explain Christian Love to someone who was not a Christian?

This audio includes an update from Bryn about the work she is doing at Emily Carr in Vancouver. We are kicking off a new series for the summer months. We are calling it Not Illegal and we will be based in Galatians 5:16-26. This passage is one of the more famous passages in the New Testament as it refers to the Fruit of The Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is made up of 9 virtues. And over the summer months we will examine how these 9 virtues are demonstrated in the lives of Jesus followers. Discussion Questions 1. What does the phrase walking with the Spirit mean to you? 2. Have you ever had a time where you felt like Jesus was saving you from drowning? 3. How would you explain Christian Love to someone who was not a Christian?

We have been talking about being a church on mission. The gifting's of the Holy Spirit. Today we are celebrating the day that the church became the church. Main Verse: Acts 2:1-17,41 Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it important to remember that we don't work for God with just our own abilities? 2. What do you think about the phrase experiencing the Holy Spirit was both extraordinary and ordinary? 3. The speaker in the video said we need another Pentecost. What do you feel when you hear that? Here is what I am asking. Would you take 10 days in the two weeks to pray specifically about what God has for us as a community. What he wants us to do as a community. You can devote 10 minutes or 10 hours a day. I feel at this time that we don’t need to try create, another Pentecost but that we prepare for another one. Opening ourselves up to the direction and power of the Holy Spirit. Here is the direction of prayer that I would like to encourage you to do with me. Monday May 24 – Take time sit silently with God. Ask God what do you like about me? Tuesday May 25 – Pray for those who are suffering directly from Covid-19 in our province. Pray for healing, recovery, wisdom to act safely, and protection. Wednesday May 26 – Ask God to examine your heart and to point out anything that needs to be removed. Thursday May 27 – Pray that God will help the people you don’t like or that you are mad at. Proclaim forgiveness where possible. Friday May 28 – Pray for friends or family who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/Y5jrOd403ck

We wrap up our series Being APEST. We have looked at 4 of the 5 gifts as listed in Ephesians 4. Greg and Dave have a discussion about Spirit Infused Intuition - The Prophet. Group Discussion Questions 1. Have you ever had a prompting to check in on someone? 2. How can we encourage the gifting of the Prophets in our Converge Community? 3. Do you have any other questions, about the Prophet that you would like to ask? Ephesians 4 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

This week we start with a reminder about saying thank you to your mom this weekend. Then Tammy continues with the Being APEST series as she talks about those who demonstrate the giftings of an Evangelist. The passage Ephesians 4:1-16 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. The questions - Who is someone that has helped you grow in some area of your life? What does maturity mean to you? What does unity mean to you? How would you feel about being put into the role of an “Inviter”? What question would you have for someone whose primary gift is “Evangelist”?

We're continuing our series called Being APEST. Greg is speaking on the role of the "Teacher". Main Verse: Ephesians 4: 11-13 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. Based on your pervious knowledge and poll questions would you say that you have the gifting of a teacher? 2. What makes teachers so important in God's Family? 3. What are some of the difficulties that those with the giftings of a teacher encounter? We also watched this video as a community before the recording started. We did reference it in the message. https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/what-is-bible Watch On YouTube https://youtu.be/vwf2YslWAmw

We're continuing our series called Being APEST. Matt is speaking on the role of the "Shepherd". Main Verse: Ephesians 4: 11-13 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. Other than the paid pastor position, what roles might someone with a Shepherd gifting do particularly well in the church. 2. Given what we have been talking about (what makes up a Shepherd), when was a time that you took on the role of a shepherd? Explain. 3. Given the strengths, community, and personal focus of the Shepherd, how might a Shepherd go about creating community during Covid19?

Check out the second message of our series Being APEST! Right from the very beginning the work of God’s people confused and amazed those who observed from the outside. Ephesians 4 Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Here is the scenario – after an 18 month worldwide health crisis, a small community focused church is wanting to rebuild the sense of community that has been lost through the difficulties of the last year and a half. Based on what you know of the initiator – apostolic giftings. How would someone with these giftings propose to address rebuilding the sense and practices of community. Assuming that health restrictions are no longer in place. Follow Up question – How could those with the other giftings ensure that these initiatives truly rebuild the community to carry out the mission of Christ. Use the giftings that you think apply to you. If you are the intuitive one, how does your intuition/hearing from God help the community. If you are the inviter, what would you need to know in order to invite others. If you are the includer, what needs to happen to rebuild a community or caring and inclusion. If you are the information person, what do you need to know and what do we need to communicate about practicing meaningful community together.

We're starting a series called Being APEST. Dave is introducing the series tonight for us from the book of Ephesians. He challenges us to ask God this question. "If you have a call on my life to do whatever, I want to know."

Easter recognizes that time when through his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven that Jesus broke the oppressive power that sin and death held over all people and began the restoration of his kingdom. Jesus Has Risen 28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” The Guards’ Report 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. The Great Commission 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Discussion Questions 1. What does the story of the Resurrection of Jesus mean to you? 2. Why do you think that the leaders tried to cover up the story of Jesus Resurrection? 3. Why do you think that Jesus last instructions to his followers was to spread the Good News of Salvation?

Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, two saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your King is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee." Questions: 1. Why do you think Matthew referencing these portions of scripture? 2. With Jesus coming into the city, Matthew draws parallels from other stories for his readers to conclude. But what do you think was going through the heads of the people welcoming Jesus into the city? 3. What is the role of King in the biblical text? RESOURCES The Day the Revolution Began - N.T. Wright The Bible Project The Skeltons in Gods Closest - Joshua Ryan Butler God Has A Name - John Mark Comer

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. What makes someone trustworthy? How do you build trust with someone? On a scale of 1-10 how easy do you find helpful in building intimacy with God? Why do you think that is? Is there a discipline or practice that you would like to explore? Where am I tempted not to trust God? Watch it on YouTube https://youtu.be/fmrooDpFwXw

What have you lost during this past year of the pandemic? Today Greg talks about creating a sacred space for grieving. Job 1 They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. 12And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. 13And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. Discussion Questions Why do you think that many people find it difficult to process grief? What one is your personal M.O. from the list that we just completed? In other words when I mentioned it which one made you say ouch. Denial Minimizing Blaming Others Blaming Yourself Rationalizing Intellectualizing Distracting Hostility Elisabeth Kübler-Ross described five common stages of grief, do you know what they are?

This week we are talking about prayer. Discussion Questions How do you feel about your prayer practices? Why do you think that some people struggle with their prayer practices? What questions do you have about prayer, that you would like someone to answer?

This week Keegan teaches on the Sacred Space of Forgiveness https://youtu.be/zjVrvxMyNbo

We had a problem with our recording this week. The first few minutes of the message were cut off. We have the rest of the message here for you. Greg opens up a new series called Sacred Spaces as we go through the season of Lent. Video Link - https://youtu.be/dUbbVTdi0QU During Lent we will be creating additional resources to help you experiment with some of the different sacred practices. We will be publishing a bonus video later on Monday in order to introduce to this week's sacred practice. Discussion Questions When do you feel most connected to God’s Love? What would you like to discover about God’s love in the next weeks? What are some spiritual practices that you currently participate in? Scripture Reading 1 John 4 God Is Love 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot[a] love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Jesus Outside the Church Revelation 3:14-22 This is it. We are at the end of our series the Greatest Reset. We have taken the first 7 weeks of 2021 to look at the 7 churches of Revelation. We have discovered that although these 7 churches were actually congregations in the roman province of Asia Minor. They represent the church through the last 2000 years. The struggles, failures and successes found in these 7 oracles to the 7 churches are universal to the community of believers known as the church. Today we look at the final church that was written to. The church is Laodicea. There are two commonly quoted images in this letter. The first one is Jesus spewing out the church community like lukewarm water. The second is Jesus knocking at the door wanting to eat with those inside. We are going to explore these two images as well as trying to figure out why Jesus called his followers, wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/qUVK1iLv7Ow Listen to Podcast - The Questions 1. Are you participating in Lent? 2. What are you planning on doing for Lent? 3. What was something that impacted your life during The Greatest Reset Series? Devotional Thoughts This week we looked at the church in Laodicea in Revelation. This church was sternly warned about their deeds by Jesus. The church in Laodicea was also mentioned as an intended audience for the letter to the church in Colossae. So for this week please read the book of Colossians. Day 1 – Read Colossians 1 Day 2 – Read Colossians 2 Day 3 – Read Colossians 3 Day 4 – Read Colossians 4 We Also talked about Ash Wednesday and Lent – Click on this link to access this resource explaining how Lent connects Mardi Gras to Easter Sunday. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Elypoc6sXyE2PqxZYj4JWPhTQQQnVETu/view?usp=sharing

We are continuing our series called the Greatest Reset. Matt Peters is our speaker check out what he has to say about the Oracle to the Angel of the Church in Philadelphia. Check it out on YouTube https://youtu.be/H-OBpCNvIoE To the Church in Philadelphia 7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Discussion Questions 1. Who do you trust the most? 2. How would you describe your identity? 3. Give an example of a time that your faith has been tested.

Join us as Greg explores the issues at the Church in Sardis and we have a guest appearance by Joanne Goodwin who talks about Mental Health. Revelation 3:1-6 To the Church in Sardis 3 “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Sardis has the most in common with our modern North American evangelistic style church. The church has been a significant force in our culture for a number of years. However, we have also seen the church lose it’s way when we deal with politics, social injustice and righteousness. The rebuke in this section is the strongest of the seven churches in Revelation and so we need to take this message to heart. Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think that the Christians in Sardis had become their own worst enemy? 2. Why does the church seem to be less influential when they are not encountering opposition? 3. How do you guard against becoming your own worst enemy? How can encourage each other to escape this trap? Devotions for the week. Day 1 – Read Matthew 23:27-28 how do we avoid being like the Pharisees? Day 2 - Hebrews 10:23-24 – who in your life spurs you to love and good deeds? Day 3 - Read 2 Corinthians 13:5 – why is self examination crucial to our faith? Day 4 – Romans 12:9-13 – How do these instructions help us create a welcoming atmosphere for those struggling with mental health issues? Day 5 – Philippians 4:7 – what are some ways that you experience the peace of God in your life?

20210123 Theopolitical Video Link - https://youtu.be/pbGeaA7SV2Y Scripture Reading Revelation 2:18-29 Discussion Questions: 1. When is a time where you changed something about yourself to be accepted? 2. When you think of the word compromise, what do you think about? 3. What secret knowledge could we be enticed to pursue? Devotions Day 1 – Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7 how do these verses apply to us today as we react to many theories and conspiracies? Day 2 – How do we de-escalate the rhetoric online according to Proverbs 15? Day 3 – How does Philippians 4 help us to break from the conspiracy loop? Day 4 – Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 - Why should we be careful not to promote baseless or unproven accusations? Day 5 – How does 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 counteract the conspiracy culture?

Check out Sermon #3 of our 2021 kickoff series the Greatest Reset. Greg speaks about the church in Pergamum. Revelation 2:12-17. Here are the devotions for the week. Devotions Day 1 – Acts 15:24-30 records the decision of the Jerusalem Council. What do we learn about conflict management in the early church? Day 2 – Back to Acts 15 specifically verse 28. Have you ever felt that the Holy Spirit has given you insight into a difficult decision? Day 3 – We asked the question in the message of how to you determine right and wrong for yourself? This is the question I want you to explore today. Day 4 – In the second letter to Timothy, Paul writes these final words regarding the role of the Bible in his life. Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17 what are the four functions of Scripture? Day 5 – Reread 2 Timothy 3:10-17. How have you experienced the Bible equipping you for Christian living? Here is the youtube link for the message https://youtu.be/DkmsdcTRr4I

Here is the second message of our series the Greatest Reset. Listen to what Rachel had to say as she unpacked the Oracle to the Angel of the Church in Smyrna. For more resources check out. http://www.convergewinnipeg.ca/resources

There has been a lot of talk in the last year about the The Great Reset. Some People are claiming that the agenda of this Great Reset is led by nefarious leaders who are using the COVID crisis to usher in a new evil empire that will result in the end of the world as we know it. Evil will reign, freedom will be destroyed. Although many of these theories seem ridiculous, I can’t tell you for certain what is true and what is a product of hyperactive imaginations. This I can tell you. There is a reset coming. The Bible talks about it and much of it is radically different than the commonly held conspiracy theories. It is not a message of fear but one of hope. This is why we are kicking off 2021 with a series called - The Greatest Reset – How the world is to be reformed.

This is our kick off to advent. You can watch this message on our Converge YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5yunBfRPNdArzVUhY0tL-g Access our Advent Resources https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1woDyFtJ39clucwt-Y2uiTskMv-1AJijU?usp=sharing

The message from November 7th Greg explores the Uncommon Generosity of the church in ancient Macedonia. Reference 2 Corinthians 8-9

Discussion Questions Pre-Pandemic what was the most meaningful part of the Converge gathering? Why was this meaningful for you? What has been meaningful for you during the pandemic online gatherings? What would you like to see moving forward for the Converge Gathering?

Part 1 of our series on what makes church essential. Here are the discussion questions Questions! How have you been able to integrate your faith and life in the last 7 months? When did you feel most connected to your faith in the last 7 months? How can we your OIKOS/household help you integrate your faith and life?

Check out Matt's Message as he unpacks the Battle of AI as found in the Book of Joshua.

This week we look at the theory of justice as it relates to freedom.

Today we look at the Jesus Crazy Cousin