tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59323339464732818382024-02-19T05:14:03.529-05:00BLCF Cafe Community Dinner, 1307 Bloor Street W., Toronto, ONBLCF Cafe was established in 2008 by BLCF Church and is run solely under the auspices of Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship , 1307 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON. BLCF Cafe Community Dinner serves dinner to over 100 homeless and marginalized people every Wednesday evening. If you or your group are interested in helping the cause of feeding the homeless in the heart of Toronto, contact us: BLCF Phone: 416-535-9578 * BLCF email: blcfcafe@yahoo.ca * BLCF Web Page: www.blcfchurch.caBLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-26133914836143925472023-06-12T14:20:00.005-04:002023-06-12T14:30:07.724-04:00Celebration of Life Service for Kevin Havens June 24, 2023 at Dovercourt Salvation Army Church<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-17158" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/kevin-havens-4.jpg" alt="Kevin Havens 4" width="589" height="982"></h3>
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<h3><strong>There will be a service </strong><strong>to celebrate the life of Kevin Havens </strong><strong>at the Salvation Army</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Church, 789 Dovercourt Road, </strong><strong>Toronto on Saturday, </strong><strong>June 24th at 11:00 am. </strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Luncheon to follow. </strong></h3>
<h3 dir="auto"><strong>The family is requesting that donations be made to the church in lieu of flowers.</strong></h3>
<h3 dir="auto"><strong>Thank you from the family.</strong></h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-17156" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/kevin-havens-b.jpg" alt="Kevin Havens B"></h2>
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<h2 style="text-align: center"></h2>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-63002948650311800142023-05-30T11:01:00.004-04:002023-05-30T11:04:40.110-04:00We will miss our friend, Kevin Havens<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>We have just received word of the passing last night of our friend, Kevin Havens. Our condolences to his family and friends.</b></span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ97KxiXKHYMXmVvdO3iXkaqn65c38GlxS_ttx2lBmrjUliWCDwrQAMHvTqomMOzk-wj-EPOvDwzTtoymY91s7vjKms8V_z3oc_ntVmQx4JR9tr8PHFYttAU3U4JCIzF5ewy7bnuI6FLiqEnYxqtxVVVz7TUQG5X_p3AS7Pw9pAWqi2zVJEj79b6kN/s714/Kevin%20Havens%20C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="714" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ97KxiXKHYMXmVvdO3iXkaqn65c38GlxS_ttx2lBmrjUliWCDwrQAMHvTqomMOzk-wj-EPOvDwzTtoymY91s7vjKms8V_z3oc_ntVmQx4JR9tr8PHFYttAU3U4JCIzF5ewy7bnuI6FLiqEnYxqtxVVVz7TUQG5X_p3AS7Pw9pAWqi2zVJEj79b6kN/w421-h237/Kevin%20Havens%20C.jpg" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK_7HBFzxEm5e983lEpRJ2WHOGGNGJM66awQV4hNcmf7MkPKw34niylef7j06mpQvZ5nhJbP2iHj1wTc2IyB1COK0JKIjE2sYVSGneUFSjmd-loIvV_grcr_Y-JsDcxubBTuqG62DCVXs4ucugBCHkq847hQiJtK_UBlTYC5tfMbETO6uzzLYTN3o/s714/Kevin%20Havens%20B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="714" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK_7HBFzxEm5e983lEpRJ2WHOGGNGJM66awQV4hNcmf7MkPKw34niylef7j06mpQvZ5nhJbP2iHj1wTc2IyB1COK0JKIjE2sYVSGneUFSjmd-loIvV_grcr_Y-JsDcxubBTuqG62DCVXs4ucugBCHkq847hQiJtK_UBlTYC5tfMbETO6uzzLYTN3o/w419-h226/Kevin%20Havens%20B.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlfVoqeBOPOBKfFYeNZcoY_1Ut7Ze1NcAmg-xCUgDkesRyX-JMsmeooWxjiTHdUOoEviAmBiw6Jheg_ft9KBIfoGOXqzKeafZUYE33hBhSjNqf2wS4k7E-YB6OkU37psVDuEf_PbZWTDfLVNoTEZN-Gc95ye-EA7bO6DY73Sz8ZOLHrTb6S1LSwb_/s1440/Kevin%20Havens%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlfVoqeBOPOBKfFYeNZcoY_1Ut7Ze1NcAmg-xCUgDkesRyX-JMsmeooWxjiTHdUOoEviAmBiw6Jheg_ft9KBIfoGOXqzKeafZUYE33hBhSjNqf2wS4k7E-YB6OkU37psVDuEf_PbZWTDfLVNoTEZN-Gc95ye-EA7bO6DY73Sz8ZOLHrTb6S1LSwb_/s320/Kevin%20Havens%204.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b></span></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-4348626502845535092023-05-13T12:52:00.001-04:002023-05-13T12:52:24.894-04:00Your Invitation for Mother's Day this Sunday May 14, 2023<p> </p> <h2 style="text-align: center">Hey Mom, you're invited. Bring the family along too!</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-16961" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/blcf-church-mothers-day.jpg" alt="BLCF Church Mothers Day" width="511" height="596"></h2>
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<!-- /wp:paragraph -->BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-75532854483681596912023-04-14T13:36:00.006-04:002023-04-14T13:43:15.586-04:00This Sunday's Message: Prayer and the Holy Spirit: The ‘Dynamic Duo’ of Faith <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT83fz8cbaFiDD2C-K88NLZp04mrmD6MM_u35k-jhAEATVxYXNZKYQxzBaBcqaHvFQEZKwiLJf9-BmJRgKReox2OEk4kxF_2Y9JsFZnlmmlAcXyE_u4wKDmTJJdpBOpu0Ozec6N57BotueWkjiw4mvYqynjClyS2N3690X6N_KPvFvgiQxBtddVPc/s960/Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit%20-%20The%20%E2%80%98Dynamic%20Duo'%20of%20Faith%20promo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT83fz8cbaFiDD2C-K88NLZp04mrmD6MM_u35k-jhAEATVxYXNZKYQxzBaBcqaHvFQEZKwiLJf9-BmJRgKReox2OEk4kxF_2Y9JsFZnlmmlAcXyE_u4wKDmTJJdpBOpu0Ozec6N57BotueWkjiw4mvYqynjClyS2N3690X6N_KPvFvgiQxBtddVPc/w606-h455/Prayer%20and%20the%20Holy%20Spirit%20-%20The%20%E2%80%98Dynamic%20Duo'%20of%20Faith%20promo.jpg" width="606" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq0TevXJJmg19ozjrpW1FcDM5ghGjdc7fQ0ZPTxCvVSycK-LdbSOvObIcH23588yaiEeu5EK6vHVecpMbZAgZcrGS5KrdcMY1psDAcZI9llz41eBqewXHwKGK49cVMSWJUKOEINdfcI1IbTNgaQWAUN5zaHoH0GR4Obz6C6ed_OVkTBtiShrlLg0d/s640/I%20will%20pray.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq0TevXJJmg19ozjrpW1FcDM5ghGjdc7fQ0ZPTxCvVSycK-LdbSOvObIcH23588yaiEeu5EK6vHVecpMbZAgZcrGS5KrdcMY1psDAcZI9llz41eBqewXHwKGK49cVMSWJUKOEINdfcI1IbTNgaQWAUN5zaHoH0GR4Obz6C6ed_OVkTBtiShrlLg0d/w604-h604/I%20will%20pray.jpg" width="604" /></a></p><br /><p></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-6978952169327093502023-04-04T22:31:00.002-04:002023-04-04T22:31:15.358-04:00Join Us 11 AM Easter Sunday at BLCF Church!<p> </p>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-16665 aligncenter" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blcf-church-easter-invitation.jpg" alt="BLCF Church Easter Invitation" width="595" height="682">
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong> </strong></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Celebrate Easter Sunday in the Heart of Toronto </strong></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong> Join us at 11:00 AM</strong></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne </strong><strong>Christian Fellowship - BLCF Church </strong></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong> 1307 Bloor Street West </strong></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>(Lansdowne Station - Bloor West Subway Line) </strong></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>416-535-9578</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-16667" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/closed-good-friday-sign.webp" alt="closed good friday sign" width="586" height="168"></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-86629075597312286212023-03-16T02:13:00.004-04:002023-05-13T12:58:11.458-04:00Remembering Rawle - A Celebration of the Life of Rawle James<p> </p> <!-- wp:jetpack/slideshow {"autoplay":true,"delay":5,"ids":[16421,16332,16423,16425,16404,16433,16335,16438,16333,16431,16440,16429,16464,16465,16466,16467,16468,16469,16470,16472,16473,16474,16436,16476,16477,16478,16479,16480,16481,16483,16484,16498,16499,16500,16501,16502,16503,16505,16506,16482,16542,16508,16543,16509,16510,16545,16544,16337,7607,7593,4555],"effect":"fade","sizeSlug":"large"} -->
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src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/10623410_10154565104815167_663461885761002976_o.jpg?w=1024"/></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-16477" data-id="16477" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34199791_1026369310846364_5170050261036564480_n-copy-copy-1.jpg?w=1024"/></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-16478" data-id="16478" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/104241648_3343345095700150_6568521175854234541_n-copy-copy-1.jpg?w=744"/></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-16479" data-id="16479" 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<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Celebrating the Life of Rawle James – March 26, 2023</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><a title="Celebrating the Life of Rawle James" href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/celebrating-the-life-of-rawle-james.pdf">Celebrating the Life of Rawle James</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><a title="Celebrating-the-Life-of-Rawle-James-Bulletin-xcsdms" href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/celebrating-the-life-of-rawle-james-bulletin-xcsdms-1.pdf">Celebrating-the-Life-of-Rawle-James-Bulletin-xcsdms</a></p>
<p><strong>Celebrating the Life of Rawle James – March 26, 2023</strong></p>
<p><strong>Invocation And Prayer: Pastor Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p><strong>Prayer and Offering: <em>Doxology </em>(<em>Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow</em>)<em> - </em>Lyric Instrumental Video - <a href="https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU"><em>https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU</em></a></strong><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU</p>
<p><strong>Music Special: <em>Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me</em> - Lyric Instrumental Video - <a href="https://youtu.be/GdN7q2lroJI">https://youtu.be/GdN7q2lroJI</a> </strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/GdN7q2lroJI</p>
<p><strong>Music Special: <em>I, the Lord of Sea and Sky</em> (<em>Here I Am Lord</em>) - Lyric Video - <a href="https://youtu.be/5zURbVI3xp0">https://youtu.be/5zURbVI3xp0</a></strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/5zURbVI3xp0</p>
<p><strong>Message - Pastor Steve Mickelson: </strong> </p>
<p><strong><em>Celebrating the Life of Rawle James</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16421" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/11102798_10155515854215167_7132785994642178972_n-copy.jpg" alt="11102798_10155515854215167_7132785994642178972_n-copy" width="286" height="371"></p>
<p>Let us pray…</p>
<p>Good morning. I would like to welcome you to Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship’s Sunday Praise and Worship Service, which includes a life celebration of our dear friend, and brother-in-Christ, Rawle James. A recent article, written by <strong>Kerry Doole</strong> of <strong>FYI Music News</strong> on March 7, gave the following summary of Rawle’s career:</p>
<p><strong>FYI Music News </strong><strong>by </strong><strong>Kerry Doole</strong><strong>, </strong><strong>M</strong><strong>ar</strong><strong>ch</strong> <strong>07, 2023</strong></p>
<p><strong>Rawle James, </strong><strong>a Toronto dance music industry veteran, died of a heart attack on March 1 at age 68. James' career included roles in A&R, marketing, radio promotion, management, publicity, retail buying, record store ownership, DJing, record production and mixing, and album compilations (including some of the Much Music Dance Mix series) at such companies and labels as Koch, TJSB, Disco Sound, J's Records, Aires Entertainment, and Quality. </strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2023/03/07/obituaries-march-9-2023">https://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2023/03/07/obituaries-march-9-2023</a></strong></p>
<p>While “dash” found between Rawle’s date of birth and his date of death would include a multitude of achievements, anniversaries, and important events over the 68 years of his lifetime. I would like to leave the sharing of Rawle’s personal and career events to those who will come forward to share their memories of him later in this service and focus instead upon Rawle’s actions as a friend and brother-in-Christ here at BLCF over the last 16 or 17 years.</p>
<p>My first impression of Rawle was his great smile, booming laugh, and friendly, casual demeanor. How could you not like this guy? Early on, our conversations were limited to the short coffee and tea time held after the service. Sometimes we talked about the message of the service, others it might be an aspect of sports or politics.</p>
<p>So if you were to ask me what single verse from the Bible best exemplifies Rowle James, I would have to say that Psalm 100 best exemplifies Rawle’s joyfulness, gladness, and love for song:</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center"><strong>Psalm 100 - His Steadfast Love Endures Forever (ESV)</strong></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center"><strong>A Psalm for giving thanks.</strong></h4>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong> </strong><strong>Make a joyful noise to the </strong><strong>Lord</strong><strong>, all the earth!</strong><strong><br><sup> </sup> Serve the </strong><strong>Lord</strong><strong> with gladness!</strong><strong><br> Come into his presence with singing!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><sup> </sup></strong><strong>Know that the </strong><strong>Lord</strong><strong>, he is God!</strong><strong><br> It is he who made us, and we are his; <br> we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><sup>4</sup></strong><strong>Enter his gates with thanksgiving,</strong><strong><br> and his courts with praise!<br> Give thanks to him; bless his name!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><sup>5</sup></strong><strong>For the </strong><strong>Lord</strong><strong> is good;</strong><strong><br> his steadfast love endures forever,<br> and his faithfulness to all generations.</strong></p>
<p>Over time BLCF sought to an outreach activity to grow the church and make the local community aware that BLCF was there to serve the needs of the neighborhood. When another church which had run a community dinner for several years proposed that we sponsor a similar one at BLCF, we did not hesitate to take the leap.</p>
<p>Within a few months, the Bloor Lansdowne Community Dinner, grew from an initial outreach to 30 guests to over 50 guests and by 2010, we found the number jumping to 100 or more every Wednesday.</p>
<p>When we needed servers Rawle stepped up. Then when BLCF needed a cook to help prepare and cook 100 or more meals ever Wednesday, Rawle stepped in. Later when one of the partner churches which would bring bread for the dinner moved to another part of the city, Rawle stepped in and negotiated donations from a couple of bakeries, which provided brad and pastries insufficient quantity to be served both as part of the meal and dessert, with enough left over that we could start distributing bread for our guests to take home after their meal. On two occasions we had local bakeries close their doors due to the economy, Rawle had sourced a new donor. And when we found that serving a weekly dinner to a 100 or more guests necessitated us to find a source of 70 to 80 chairs, Rawle found a donor willing to give us 80 chairs, as well as shelving and tables.</p>
<p>When Terry Sywanyk, our regular singer for the dinners bought in the rest of his group, Coldwater Roots to sing for fundraisers for the dinner and at special dinners, such as Christmas and New Years, Rawle approached them to see if he could help them fill their need for an experienced manager.</p>
<p>It was about this time that I realized that Rawle was a person who could easily wear any of many hats, including a chef’s hat or the hat of a musical consultant. Rawle had a knack of finding solutions to logistical problems by involving friends in his quest to become the “Bread Man of BLCF”. If he needed help to pick up donations from the bakery, he would ask friends to help. If would help if the friend had a vehicle to help transport the donations. After bringing the bread to the church during the week prior to the Wednesday BLCF Café, Rawle would ensure that the bread delivery was put safely away.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, Rawle would arrive around noon, and after seeing that the needs for the dinner prep were taken care of, our “Bread man” would next set up his bread tables, clean them, and after putting on the table cloths, he embarked upon cleaning them, then sorting his bakery goods and packaging them individually for distribution at the dinner that evening. At the end of the day, Rawle would strike down the tables, vacuum the floor. Our George Brown volunteers would keep attendance by taking a group photo of their student volunteers. As everyone needed to be in the photo, Rawle would offer to take the group photo. He would end the day by sweeping and mopping the kitchen and prep room, often offering to lock up at the end of the evening.</p>
<p>When all is said and done, you may conclude Rawle was a good, dedicated volunteer for a local dinner feeding the marginalized in our community, and you would be right. However, like broadcast journalist Paul Harvey would say, “and now the rest of the story.”</p>
<p>Often after Rawle arrived at the bakery to pick up a donation, he would talk with the staff, and find that some would have a family or friend who may be in need of prayer for a concern. Rawle would bring these Prayer Requests to either the Wednesday Bible Study at BLCF or to the Sunday Worship Service.</p>
<p>And while Rawle serving at the bread table, dinner guests would often share a concern with the bread man. If Rawle could not think of a solution, he would ask if were OK to bring up the concern at Sunday Prayer at BLCF.</p>
<p>And then, having brought bread to BLCF for the dinner, Rawle would often play a game or two of hoops in the church gym, which provided him an opportunity to chat with those who helped him pick up the bread.</p>
<p>Rawle wore the hats, sometimes more than one at a time, of chef, musician, baker, basket ball player, and lay minister. If we had a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and needed an MC for the event, Rawle would step up to the task.</p>
<p>This brings me to one of our multi-talented friends gifts, which was the ability to read the room, whether it be occupied by two individuals or a hundred and twenty. Rawle would see a need, figure out a solution, and take action to fix the problem.</p>
<p>Rawle’s next talent was the tactful use of humour and a positive attitude to address a problem.</p>
<p>A number of years ago, I had developed what I thought was a great formula for writing my sermons. Having written the lesson for Sunday, and chosen illustrations for the online version of the message, all I needed was to select hymns which complemented the sermon. In the back of our hymnals were several indexes, allowing one to find a hymn by its title, by the first line of lyrics, based on a Scripture Verse, or based on a topic. I used the latter two to search out an appropriate hymn based on topic or a Scripture used in the lesson. If I did not know the hymn, I would read through the lyric, to see whether they were a match to the Scripture verses used in the message. But there was one problem to this system, I did not read music.</p>
<p>One Sunday, the failure of my system became quite evident when two of the hymns I had selected, though containing wonderful inspiring prose for lyrics, had a terrible melody. Both were remarkable for unknown, difficult for the congregation to sing, and almost depressingly slow. At the end of the service, Rawle walked up to me, and commented that “a couple of those hymns today were so bad, I wouldn’t sing them at a funeral.” To which I agreed and we both had a chuckle. Needless to say, when selecting hymns, I first audit either on <strong>Youtube</strong> or <strong>Godtube</strong>, and then verify with Sophie if it is OK from a musical standpoint. And then check to see if it meets the following criteria described by <strong><a href="http://www.churchofatonement.org/">Stephen Witwicki</a></strong>:</p>
<p><strong>1) Is it singable?</strong><strong><br>2) Is it memorable?<br>3) Does it tell the truth about God?<br>4) Does it tell the truth about us? (are we saying/singing something we wouldn’t actually do)</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://search.brave.com/search?q=christian+music+artists&source=web">https://search.brave.com/search?q=christian+music+artists&source=web</a></p>
<p>I believe on one occasion, a few years later did I repeat my mistake. And as Rawle approached me I said, “No need to say it, Rawle. I know!” At which point we both burst out in laughter!</p>
<p>Rawle had a compassionate care for the needs of others. Whether it was alternately missing church on alternate Sundays so that he could travel from his place near Mimico to visit his mom in a home in Markham, by way of public transit, or the time he invested in teaching students how to clean and temper a cast iron pan, or having taken a group photo of student volunteers, asking for them to pose for another one, this time make a funny face, Rowle always found a funny way to break the ice when the going gets tough. Rawle shone his light to all he met, just as Jesus taught us in <strong>John 8:12</strong>,</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>John 8:12 (ESV): I Am the Light of the World</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>12 </sup></strong><strong>Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, </strong><strong>“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”</strong></p>
<p> Rawle allowed the light of his faith to shine, as we see in <strong>Matthew 5:14-16</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): You Are the Light of the World</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>14 </sup></strong><strong>“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.</strong><strong> <sup>15 </sup>Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. <sup>16 </sup>In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A14-16&version=ESV#fen-ESV-23251a">a</a>]</sup> they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dear</strong><strong> friend Rawle, we will miss your booming, infectious laugh,</strong><strong> your</strong><strong> compassionate concern for those in need, your love for your God and your </strong><strong>m</strong><strong>om, and your joy for music. Goodbye for now dear friend</strong><strong>, you will be sorely missed until the day the Lord chooses to reunite us. For how you have treated others, reflects a love for the Lord reflected through your love for others, as we read in </strong><strong>Matthew 25:21</strong><strong>:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Matthew 25:21(ESV)</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>21 </sup></strong><strong>His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A21&version=ESV#fen-ESV-24026a">a</a>]</sup> You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’</strong></p>
<p><strong>As believers in the resurrected Christ, I would like to share the following poem, written by </strong><strong>Clare Harner</strong><strong> entitled, Immortality, which describes Jesus’ promise to those who believe:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Immortality </strong><strong>- b<em>y </em>Clare Harner</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong> </strong><strong>Do not stand at my grave and weep </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>I am not there; I do not sleep. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong style="font-size: revert;text-align: center;color: initial">I am a thousand winds that blow,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong> I am the diamond glints on snow,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>I am the sun on ripened grain, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong> I am the gentle autumn rain. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>When you awaken in the morning’s hush</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>I am the swift uplifting rush</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Of quiet birds in circled flight.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>I am the soft stars that shine at night.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Do not stand at my grave and cry,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>I am not there; I did not die.</strong></p>
<p>This poem reflects the faith that we as believer in the resurrected Christ Jesus, believe is promised to all by way of His New Covenant:</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): The Coming of the Lord</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.</strong><strong> <sup>14 </sup>For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.</strong></p>
<p> Let us pray…</p>
<p>At this time, I would like to invite members of the family and friends to come forward and share a memory of experience they had of our friend Rawle James.</p>
<p><strong>Eulogies from Family and Friends</strong></p>
<p><strong>Music Benediction Special:<em> In Jesus' Name</em> (<em>God of Possible</em>) - Lyric Video - <a href="https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y">https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y</a></strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y</p>
<p><strong>Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13 (ESV)</strong> </p>
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<p>BLCF wishes to thank the family, friends, and volunteers for attending this Service to Celebrate the Life of our dear friend, and brother-in-Christ, Rawle James</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-16494" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/334087185_887927155825838_8606304332189554485_n-942360770-e1679162647755.webp" alt="334087185_887927155825838_8606304332189554485_n-942360770-e1679162647755" width="518" height="779"></p>
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<h2 class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="text-align: center">Thank<strong style="font-size: revert;color: initial"> you for sharing t</strong><strong style="font-size: revert;color: initial">he Celebration of the Life</strong></h2>
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<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>Of our dear friend </strong><strong>Rawle James</strong></h2>
<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>Dear friend many good thoughts and</strong></h2>
<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>Words were shared</strong></h2>
<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>Love you and you will be missed</strong></h2>
<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>But Rawle of many hats you will be not be forgotten:</strong></h2>
<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>BLCF church and BLCF Cafe and your</strong></h2>
<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>Music Industry friends and family</strong></h2>
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<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: center"><strong>-Sophie Mickelson, BLCF, March 27, 2023</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="alignnone wp-image-16509" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/25487419_1771008386267170_7381645257575025717_o.jpg" alt="25487419_1771008386267170_7381645257575025717_o" width="591" height="443"></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>Trish Buchanan: Rawl James (Posted March 31, 2023)</strong></h2>
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<div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="text-align: center"><strong style="color: initial">I with John & Irene had the pleasure of attending our neighbour Rawle’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 26th, 2023.</strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>There were many common threads that everyone had to say about Rawle.</strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>First & foremost Rawle was a man of God and served every day of his life. This was evident in the stories that was shared by his friends that went back to the 70’s.</strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>His charm and charisma stole everyone’s <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tac/1/16/2665.png" alt="♥️" width="16" height="16"></span>.</strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>Rawle was kind, soft, a teddy bear, funny, had a hearty laugh, beautiful smile, not materialistic, intelligent, saved lives, travelled a lot, master of music, loved deeply and LOVED his Mother. <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7c/1/16/1f64f_1f3fc.png" alt="🙏🏼" width="16" height="16"></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t96/1/16/1f49c.png" alt="💜" width="16" height="16"></span></strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>So long neighbour. You are missed as you pass by our homes, smiling, waving & singing a tune. No more chats on the street, ,no more Milo (my dog) greeting you, a ride to the subway, & no more bread runs with Rod. <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" role="link" href="https://www.facebook.com/parisbakery2u?__cft__[0]=AZUlgZqGXvyfXVF24rqi2U4awg_-AVgNHsyQtjqouDcTmJk9fIoqEhrtFbsylEhsa1aOH0-jFJFR5wAhXjZhnSQUzg2lbU1udNGG_s2coEg16hpKOMrOWjdNKn8Nd4Pe89dBUSDnq5oALFG1ZgaNAhp2ReyNh8s5TKi2aAaYZmBDNQ&__tn__=-]K-R"><span class="xt0psk2">Parisbakery</span></a></strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>The love in your church was bountiful and your presence with be deeply missed for a long time.</strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong>RIP Rawle James <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7c/1/16/1f64f_1f3fc.png" alt="🙏🏼" width="16" height="16"></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od"><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb4/1/16/2b50.png" alt="⭐️" width="16" height="16"></span></strong></div>
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<div dir="auto"><strong><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x676frb x1nxh6w3 x1sibtaa xo1l8bm xi81zsa x1yc453h" dir="auto"><span id="jsc_c_4"><span class="xh99ass"><span aria-hidden="true">- Trish Buchanan: (Posted March 31, 2023)</span></span></span></span></strong></div>
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<p><strong>About 60 attended Rawle James' Celebration of Life at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship - <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" role="link" href="https://www.facebook.com/blcf.church?__cft__[0]=AZUM5o_IX5RTEMiJW8uO5ROrCtTFfMeS5ePyC5n3g-9Csdkd3MFnJ7VC9kgn5uOQSLnb6MmBSxgvWF06p4mwntGonmFhQ1snC2JtxUXK_ZWnbgGy4dO3rljbU_ZFB-Z5I73KvLfXOqhxlX55R-Rwn4M7uYMXzbyWyrLETweIxMxIyBrQOxIR2BlME33L21gFAPc&__tn__=-]K-R"><span class="xt0psk2">Blcf Church</span></a> on March 26, 2023. Memorial Service photos courtesy <span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x676frb x1nxh6w3 x1sibtaa xo1l8bm xi81zsa x1yc453h" dir="auto"><span id="jsc_c_4"><span class="xh99ass"><span aria-hidden="true">Trish Buchanan.</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<h3><strong>We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Rawle James on March 1, 2023. Rawle is in now God's hands. Our friend Rawle, we will miss your booming, infectious laugh, compassionate concern for those in need, your love for your God and your Mom, and your joy for music. Goodbye for now dear friend. - Steve and Sophie Mickelson</strong></h3>
<h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Remembering Rawle - A Celebration of the Life of Rawle</strong><strong> James</strong></h3>
<h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><strong>He was a member of Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship and BLCF Cafe</strong></h3>
<h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Please join us 11 AM </strong><strong>Sunday, March 26, 2023, at </strong><strong>1307 Bloor Street West</strong></h3>
<h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><strong>For more information call: </strong><strong><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/blcf.church?__cft__[0]=AZXL0VJYOpVnElZi06qyTLhPjs5dQp-eM7SgwgADpDPbOHbmVLmMdP94gFAQlZ87eSOczGF8XNa1YuKrhYDeNi7kbmLeEg8TjQ6yXv1KfYsWKSn_y1JoyjYTCd4lpibM4kY6IEoAKw1qnpFyVq0lH-s7dBSlizAhhPvYnZx8jKVKwA&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link"><span class="xt0psk2">Blcf Church</span></a> at 416 535-9578</strong></h3><div><strong><br /></strong></div>
<p><img alt="18700301_1556942907673720_3854449610103389167_n" class="wp-image-16332 aligncenter" height="400" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/18700301_1556942907673720_3854449610103389167_n.jpg" width="300" /></p>
<p><img alt="34340983_1026407844175844_1051571065379094528_n (1)" class="wp-image-16333 aligncenter" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34340983_1026407844175844_1051571065379094528_n-1.jpg" width="400" /></p>
<p><img alt="34199791_1026369310846364_5170050261036564480_n" class="wp-image-16335 aligncenter" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34199791_1026369310846364_5170050261036564480_n.jpg" width="400" /></p>
<p><img alt="34110822_1026370644179564_7760752586700881920_n" class="wp-image-16337 aligncenter" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34110822_1026370644179564_7760752586700881920_n.jpg" width="400" /></p>
<h2><img alt="IMG_20150624_153116_2" class="size-full wp-image-16347 aligncenter" height="400" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_20150624_153116_2.jpg" width="300" /></h2>
<h3><em><b><span class="text 2Tim-4-7" id="en-ESV-29861">I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.</span> <span class="text 2Tim-4-8" id="en-ESV-29862"><span class="versenum"> </span>Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. - </span></b></em><em><b><span class="text 2Tim-4-8" id="en-ESV-29862"><strong style="color: initial;">2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV</strong></span></b></em></h3>
<p></p>
<h1 dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><strong> Remembering Rawle </strong><strong> </strong></h1>
<h1 dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Celebration of the Life of Rawle</strong><strong> James</strong></h1>
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<!--/wp:jetpack/slideshow-->BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-5611024909833051472023-03-04T02:50:00.011-05:002023-03-07T05:55:19.794-05:00Rawle James<p> </p>
<h2><strong>We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Rawle James on March 1, 2023. Rawle is in now God's hands. Goodbye for now dear friend</strong>.</h2><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Our friend Rawle, we will miss your booming, infectious laugh, compassionate concern for those in need, your love for your God and your Mom, and your joy for music. - Steve and Sophie Mickelson</b></span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<img alt="18700301_1556942907673720_3854449610103389167_n" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16332" height="640" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/18700301_1556942907673720_3854449610103389167_n.jpg" width="480" />
<img alt="34340983_1026407844175844_1051571065379094528_n (1)" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16333" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34340983_1026407844175844_1051571065379094528_n-1.jpg" width="400" />
<img alt="34199791_1026369310846364_5170050261036564480_n" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16335" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34199791_1026369310846364_5170050261036564480_n.jpg" width="400" />
<img alt="34110822_1026370644179564_7760752586700881920_n" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16337" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/34110822_1026370644179564_7760752586700881920_n.jpg" width="400" /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVvCZPS_lrfKxn-HMRWgWHxc7Erl6jIoI9RY-XNtsO5jdjhPkIG5ssj6t884Witewt1YrT46oSFh7ATuqN7kMt3YBcXqxg7iUB0CyZg6S6j92WPLsLWGDKeKpO3hlK5No_8W1dmSSRcr-9plMwR8_6eq9j9VA22lpKcTNj-dL-JaG0YxGKuFLgoNR/s629/IMG_20150624_153116_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="471" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVvCZPS_lrfKxn-HMRWgWHxc7Erl6jIoI9RY-XNtsO5jdjhPkIG5ssj6t884Witewt1YrT46oSFh7ATuqN7kMt3YBcXqxg7iUB0CyZg6S6j92WPLsLWGDKeKpO3hlK5No_8W1dmSSRcr-9plMwR8_6eq9j9VA22lpKcTNj-dL-JaG0YxGKuFLgoNR/w398-h531/IMG_20150624_153116_2.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 501.578px;"><br /><div class="clearfix" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"></div></h1><div class="passage-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7em; margin-top: 50px; min-width: 0px;"><div class="passage-content passage-class-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><div class="version-ESV result-text-style-normal text-html" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b style="font-size: 1.6rem;"><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b style="font-size: 1.6rem;"><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-7" id="en-ESV-29861">I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.</span> <span class="text 2Tim-4-8" id="en-ESV-29862"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.</span></i></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><b><i><span class="text 2Tim-4-8"></span></i></b></p><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 501.578px;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-labelledby="dropdown-e63cc" class="bcv d-container go2538389840" id="dropdown-e63cc" role="button" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><i>2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV</i></div></div></div></h1></div></div></div></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-64701285508202917372023-01-01T09:35:00.001-05:002023-01-01T10:01:40.123-05:00Overcoming Darkness of the World with Light from the Word - 2023<p> </p>
<strong>Music Prelude: </strong><strong><em>Noel</em> - Chris Tomlin ft. Lauren Daigle Nativity Story video - https://youtu.be/t-dGh5E_AQw</strong> <div><br /></div><div> https://youtu.be/t-dGh5E_AQw <div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Dear BLCF Friends,</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Effective April 10, 2022, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church will reopen by reservation only for Sunday worship under the limitations and guidelines set by Public Health and the Board of BLCF. In order to protect those who are vulnerable at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship from COVID-19 Virus infection, the BLCF Board mandates that the church will be open by reservation, with the following rules:</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>attendees must wear a mask while on the premises</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees give their contact information upon arrival</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees observe two meters of social distance while seated</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees use hand sanitizer as needed</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees follow any additional directions given by members of the board, while inside the church</em></strong></li>
</ul>
<strong><em>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. </em></strong></div><div><strong><em><br /></em></strong></div><div><strong><em>We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to reopen safely more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>
<strong><em>– Pastor Steve</em></strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Light over darkness" class="alignnone wp-image-4685" height="337" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/light-over-darkness.jpg?w=640" width="581" /></p>
<strong>Responsive Reading #631: (The Incarnate Christ – John 1) </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: animaties-kerststallen-99411" class="alignnone wp-image-6381" height="98" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/animaties-kerststallen-99411.gif" width="588" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church Message for Sunday:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>‘Overcoming Darkness of the World with Light from the Word’</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© January 2, 2023, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on a Message Shared at BLCF on December 27, 2015</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/bulletin-december-27-2015.pdf">BLCF Bulletin December 27, 2015</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Psalm-119-105-22" class="alignnone wp-image-6366" height="200" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/psalm-119-105-22.jpg?w=640" width="590" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Call to Worship: Announcements and Prayer </strong></p>
<strong>Tithing and Prayer; Hymn #572: <em>Praise God</em>; Prayers </strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>D</em><em>oxology (Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow) Instrumental - https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Music Special: Ryan Stevenson - <em>Heart and Soul of Christmas</em> (Official Lyric Video) - <a href="https://youtu.be/nEzrCN_yEvA">https://youtu.be/nEzrCN_yEvA</a> </strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>https://youtu.be/nEzrCN_yEvA </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong><em>Light of the World</em> - Lauren Daigle (with Lyrics) - https://youtu.be/WR5iwssnTn4</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div> https://youtu.be/WR5iwssnTn4
<strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;">Amy Grant - Thy Word (Lyric Video) - </strong></div><div><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;">https://youtu.be/sKlQpjl_oqY</strong></div><div><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;"><br /></strong></div><div><div class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" id="title">
https://youtu.be/sKlQpjl_oqY
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<div class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" id="top-row">
<div class="item style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" id="owner"><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;"><br /></strong></div><div class="item style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" id="owner"><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;">Scriptures:</strong><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;"> <em>Psalm 119:105, </em></strong><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;"><em>John 1:1-18, John 12:44-50, 2 Peter 1:16-21</em></strong></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Years jumping from 2022 to 2023 actually next year is a leap year" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15930" height="256" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/new-years-jumping-from-2022-to-2023-actually-next-year-is-a-leap-year-2423700180-e1672472283618.webp" width="360" /></p>
<strong>Message by Steve Mickelson:</strong> <strong><em>Overcoming Darkness of the World with Light from the Word’</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>Let us pray… </div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to BLCF Church’s Praise and Worship Service, on this, the first Sunday of 2023.God's Blessings for a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today is a special Sunday, as it is Communion Sunday, where we will be lighting a candle to honour the birth of Jesus, and of course welcome in the New Year, 2023. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our lesson today will focus on light, the spiritual light that the Lord brought to humanity, a little over 2000 years ago, notable on that Day of Pentecost, when through the sacrifice of Jesus to pay the debt for the sins of humanity, believers were able to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit of God, illuminating each believer with a flame like the glow that came to them, not unlike a might gust of wind. </div><div><br /></div><div>That Spirit, a gift of God’s presence continues to be given unto each believer from that day until the present time.
For the last month, we observed each of the Sunday Advent Services by lighting four Advent Candles, one on each Sunday, which respectively represent the hope, peace, joy, and love that our Savior’s nativity brings us. </div><div><br /></div><div>Due to the severe winter storm that caused the closure of BLCF Church last Sunday, we have chosen today to light the fifth candle, known as the <strong>Christ Candle</strong>, lit to observe the nativity or birth of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img height="293" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/advent5thcandle.jpg" width="305" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The 5<sup>th</sup> Candle: Christ Candle (John 8:12)</strong></p>
At this time of the service, we will light the <strong>Christ Candle</strong>. Having lit an Advent Candle on each of the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day, a fifth candle is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. </div><div><br /></div><div>We light the <strong>Fifth Candle,</strong> the<strong> Christ Candle, </strong> in order to reflect upon the following significant aspects of the Lord Jesus Christ: </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Jesus is our light, the Son of God and a son of man; the King of kings.</strong>
<strong>Jesus is our hope; he died a man and rose from the grave; the highest Priest of priests.</strong>
<strong>Jesus is our peace; he brought us our salvation from the judgment of sin; no more worry, pain or fear.</strong>
<strong>Jesus is our joy; promising us eternal life. He demonstrates God’s love-- pure, holy, undying love.</strong>
<strong>Whoever believes in Him will never perish but have eternal life! (John 3:16).</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)</strong>
<strong>Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!</strong> <strong>(Psalm 4:6b)</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christ Candle</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-6367 size-full" height="345" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/advent-wreath-main1.jpg" width="345" /></p>
Celebrating the birth of Jesus and rejoicing in His coming to us, we light the Christ candle. Let us read the verse: <strong>John 1:5 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Walking in the Light</strong></p>
<strong><sup>5 </sup></strong><strong>This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.</strong>
Light represents an important symbol in the Scriptures, often represented by flame or a candle, as we light the Christ Candle, let us read <strong>John 8:12 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> I Am the Light of the World</strong></p>
<strong><sup>12 </sup></strong><strong>Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”</strong>
<strong>Mary Fairchild</strong>, writing in <strong>Christianity.about.dot com,</strong> gives us a further explanation of what the light, represented today by a lit candle, signifies:
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christianity Symbols Illustrated Glossary: Light in the Bible</strong></p>
<strong>Light represents the presence of God. God appeared to </strong><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/oldtestamentpeople/a/Moses-Giver-Of-The-Law.htm"><strong>Moses</strong></a><strong> in the </strong><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/a/Burning-Bush.htm"><strong>burning bush</strong></a><strong> and to the Israelites in the pillar of flame. </strong>
<strong>The eternal flame of God's presence was to be lit in the Temple in Jerusalem at all times. In fact, in the Jewish </strong><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefeastsandholidays/p/feastofdedicati.htm"><strong>Feast of Dedication</strong></a><strong> or "Festival of Lights" we remember the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple after being desecrated under Greco-Syrian captivity. Even though they only had enough sacred oil for one day, God miraculously causes the eternal flame of his presence to burn for eight days, until more purified oil could be processed. </strong>
<strong>Light also represents the direction and guidance of God. Psalm 119:105 says God's Word is a lamp to the feet and a light to our path. 2 Samuel 22 says the Lord is a lamp, turning darkness into light. </strong>
<a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/symbolspictures/ig/Christian-Symbols-Glossary/Light-of-the-World.htm"><strong>http://christianity.about.com/od/symbolspictures/ig/Christian-Symbols-Glossary/Light-of-the-World.htm</strong></a>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4639" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/candle-animated.gif?w=270" width="270" /></p>
Continuing with our lesson... </div><div><br /></div><div>Many Christians mistakenly believe that the <strong>New Covenant</strong>, between God and humanity, began with the birth of the Lord in Bethlehem and ended with Christ’s death on the cross at Calvary. </div><div><br /></div><div>This somewhat simplified view of our Lord is both inaccurate and incomplete. To begin with, the New Covenant was spoken by our Lord at the Passover Supper, which Christians commonly refer to as the Lord’s Supper or the Last Supper, in which he broke bread and served wine to begin the institution or practice of the Communion between God and humanity. As part of this New Covenant, believers are instructed to regularly observe Communion until the day the Lord returns. </div><div><br /></div><div>While it is true that our Savior’s death on the cross was the final blood sacrifice to atone for humanity’s sins, the oversimplified view that the Lord was born to die really misses other aspects of the Savior's impact upon our lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>A more complete assessment of the Gospel of Christ could be given, as follows:
Jesus is often referred to as, '<strong>The Word made flesh</strong>' and the ‘<strong>Light of the world</strong>', as we see in <strong>Psalm 119:105</strong> <strong>(ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: thyword1" class="alignnone wp-image-6394" height="374" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/thyword1.jpg" width="564" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>105 </sup></strong><strong>Your word is a lamp to my feet</strong><strong>
and a light to my path.</strong></p>
This light came from God to shine in a world enveloped in the darkness of sin as described in <strong>Isaiah 9:2</strong><strong>(ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: GREAT_DARKNESS_GREAT_LIGHT" class="alignnone wp-image-6387" height="758" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/great_darkness_great_light.jpg" width="507" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><sup>2 [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A2&version=ESV#fen-ESV-17832a">a</a>]</sup></strong><strong> The people who walked in darkness</strong><strong>
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.</strong></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A2&version=ESV#en-ESV-17832">Isaiah 9:2</a> Chapter 9:1 in Hebrew</h4>
While we have the arrival of the Christ child alluded to by Isaiah, the physical light God provided at the creation, described in <strong>Genesis 1:1-3</strong> <strong>(ESV)</strong> was there at the time of creation:
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Creation of the World</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Genesis1-1" class="alignnone wp-image-6378" height="316" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/genesis1-1.jpg?w=640" width="579" /></p>
<strong>1 </strong><strong>In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.</strong><strong> <sup>2 </sup>The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.</strong>
<strong><sup>3 </sup></strong><strong>And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>The light we celebrate as Christians is not the physical illumination that comes from the sun, but the Spiritual light from the Word. When we say Word, we are not talking about the Bible, but Jesus, the Word made flesh. It was at his nativity or birth, that Jesus not only arrived as the Word made flesh, we see that the Nativity of Christ brought God to humanity, <strong>John 1:1-18</strong> <strong>(ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Word Became Flesh</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: True_Light" class="alignnone wp-image-6389" height="430" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/true_light.jpg?w=640" width="573" /></p>
<strong>1 </strong><strong>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.</strong><strong> <sup>2 </sup>He was in the beginning with God. <sup>3 </sup>All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. <sup>4 </sup>In him was life,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26038a">a</a>]</sup> and the life was the light of men. <sup>5 </sup>The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.</strong>
<strong><sup>6 </sup></strong><strong>There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.</strong><strong> <sup>7 </sup>He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. <sup>8 </sup>He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.</strong>
<strong><sup>9 </sup></strong><strong>The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.</strong><strong> <sup>10 </sup>He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. <sup>11 </sup>He came to his own,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26045b">b</a>]</sup> and his own people<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26045c">c</a>]</sup> did not receive him. <sup>12 </sup>But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, <sup>13 </sup>who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.</strong>
<strong><sup>14 </sup></strong><strong>And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.</strong><strong> <sup>15 </sup>(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) <sup>16 </sup>For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26050d">d</a>]</sup> <sup>17 </sup>For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. <sup>18 </sup>No one has ever seen God; the only God,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26052e">e</a>]</sup> who is at the Father's side,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26052f">f</a>]</sup> he has made him known.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#en-ESV-26038">John 1:4</a> Or was not any thing made. That which has been made was life in him b. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#en-ESV-26045">John 1:11</a> Greek to his own things; that is, to his own domain, or to his own people c, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#en-ESV-26045">John 1:11</a> People is implied in Greek e. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#en-ESV-26050">John 1:16</a> Or grace in place of grace f. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#en-ESV-26052">John 1:18</a> Or the only One, who is God; some manuscripts the only Son g. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=ESV#en-ESV-26052">John 1:18</a> Greek in the bosom of the Father</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>While by Jesus’ birth, we see God coming to humanity, we see in the Crucifixion of Christ, we see the Way he brings humanity to God by removing the judgment for sin, <strong>John 12:44-50</strong> <strong>(ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jesus Came to Save the World</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Jesus-the-true-light-of-Christmas" class="alignnone wp-image-6375" height="376" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/jesus-the-true-light-of-christmas.jpg?w=640" width="578" /></p>
<strong><sup>44 </sup></strong><strong>And Jesus cried out and said, </strong><strong>“Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.</strong><strong> <sup>45 </sup>And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. <sup>46 </sup>I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. <sup>47 </sup>If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. <sup>48 </sup>The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. <sup>49 </sup>For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. <sup>50 </sup>And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>The Resurrection of Christ demonstrates the Lord’s glory as Jesus brings the promise of eternal life to humanity, <strong>2 Peter 1:16-21</strong> <strong>(ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: cradle_to_the_Cross" class="alignnone wp-image-6391" height="588" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/cradle_to_the_cross.jpg" width="593" /></p>
<strong><sup>16 </sup></strong><strong>For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.</strong><strong> <sup>17 </sup>For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A16-21&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30480a">a</a>]</sup> with whom I am well pleased,” <sup>18 </sup>we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.</strong>
<strong> <sup>19 </sup>And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, <sup>20 </sup>knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. <sup>21 </sup>For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.</strong>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A16-21&version=ESV#en-ESV-30480">2 Peter 1:17</a> Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved</h4>
On the Day of Pentecost, Christ sends humanity the Comforter, which is God’s Holy Spirit, so that, as apostles or messengers of Christ’s Gospel, we are empowered by the Spirit to shine the light of Christ throughout the word to the Glory of God, <strong>Matthew 5:13-16</strong> <strong>(ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Salt and Light</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: light_salt" class="alignnone wp-image-1841" height="433" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/light_salt.jpg?w=640" width="577" /></p>
<strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.</strong>
<strong><sup>14 </sup></strong><strong>“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.</strong><strong> <sup>15 </sup>Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. <sup>16 </sup>In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A13-16&version=ESV#fen-ESV-23251a">a</a>]</sup> they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.</strong>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A13-16&version=ESV#en-ESV-23251">Matthew 5:16</a> Or house. <sup>16</sup>Let your light so shine before others that</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: deliver-us-from-evil-final-deliverance" class="alignnone wp-image-6373" height="438" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/deliver-us-from-evil-final-deliverance.jpg" width="583" /></p>
In conclusion, Jesus, the Word, existed as part of the Godhead or Holy Trinity at the time of Creation.
Sin brought a loss of Spiritual light upon humanity, causing us to fall into a state of darkness, devoid of the Spirit.
Jesus, the Word, came as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, in order to restore the Spiritual light upon humanity, by being a final sacrifice to atone for our sins.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: from_darkness_to_light" class="alignnone wp-image-6368" height="436" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/from_darkness_to_light.jpg" width="582" /></p>
We may celebrate Christ by observing the following:
The Nativity of Christ brought God to humanity.
The Crucifixion of Christ brings humanity to God.
The Resurrection of Christ brings the promise of eternal life to humanity.
On the Day of Pentecost, Christ sends humanity the Comforter, which is God’s Holy Spirit.
And that the light of Jesus, the Word made flesh, shines to overcome the darkness of the world. A light that shines from all who believe in the Lord, by way of the Holy Spirit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let us pray…
<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="BLCF: Psalm-119-105._jpg" class="alignnone wp-image-6385" height="364" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/psalm-119-105-_jpg.jpg?w=640" width="582" /></p>
<strong>Communion Specia</strong>l <strong>- Lauren Daigle - "<em>We Will Not Forget</em>" (Lyric Video) -</strong> <strong>https://youtu.be/izeZa9wx8wA</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>https://youtu.be/izeZa9wx8wA
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<div class="dropdown-display-text" style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mark 14:22-25 ESV: <em>Institution of the Lord's Supper</em></strong></div><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> </em></strong></div>
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<div class="clearfix"><strong style="color: initial;"><span class="text Mark-14-22"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing, it broke it and gave it to them, and said, <span class="woj">“Take; this is my body.”</span></span> <span class="text Mark-14-23" id="en-ESV-24770"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.</span> <span class="text Mark-14-24" id="en-ESV-24771"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>And he said to them, <span class="woj">“This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.</span></span> <span class="text Mark-14-25" id="en-ESV-24772"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”</span></span></strong></div><div class="clearfix"><strong style="color: initial;"><span class="text Mark-14-25"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<strong>Matt Maher - <em>Glory</em> (<em>Let There Be Peace</em>) ([Official Lyric Video]) - https://youtu.be/QW4c6DcxgGc </strong></div><div><br /></div><div>
https://youtu.be/QW4c6DcxgGc </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Closing Music Special:<em> </em></strong><strong><em>In Jesus' Name</em> (<em>God of Possible</em>) - Katy Nichole - Lyric Vide</strong>o <strong>- https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y</strong></div><div>
https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Benediction – (Numbers 6:24-26):</strong>
<strong><sup> </sup>The Lord bless you and keep you;</strong>
<strong> <sup> </sup>the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;</strong>
<strong> <sup> </sup>the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong> <img alt="amen" class="aligncenter wp-image-6372" height="550" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/amen.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Happy New Year 2023 header" class="alignnone wp-image-15967" height="224" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/happy-new-year-2023-header.jpg" width="597" /></p>
<strong> </strong></div></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-81126632656814959082022-11-03T19:34:00.002-04:002022-11-03T19:34:51.356-04:00Daylight Saving Time Ends This Weekend - Turn Clocks Back 1 Hour<img class="size-full wp-image-15590 aligncenter" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/daylight-saving-time-ends-november-6-church.webp" alt="Daylight Saving Time Ends November 6 church" width="500" height="570">BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-73929769883662693532022-11-03T19:31:00.000-04:002022-11-03T19:31:08.847-04:00Light In The Darkness: The 34th Crew Member of Copiapo - 2022<strong><em>Dear BLCF Friends,</em></strong>
<strong><em>Effective April 10, 2022, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church will reopen by reservation only for Sunday worship under the limitations and guidelines set by Public Health and the Board of BLCF. In order to protect those who are vulnerable at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship from COVID-19 Virus infection, the BLCF Board mandates that the church will be open by reservation, with the following rules:</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>attendees must wear a mask while on the premises</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees give their contact information upon arrival</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees observe two meters of social distance while seated</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees use hand sanitizer as needed</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>attendees follow any additional directions given by members of the board, while inside the church</em></strong></li>
</ul>
<strong><em>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to reopen safely more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</em></strong>
<strong><em>– Pastor Steve</em></strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church Message for Sunday: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘Light In The Darkness: </strong><strong>The 34<sup>th</sup> Crew Member of Copiapo</strong><strong>' </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© October 30, 2022, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on Messages Published at BLCF on July 6, 2014, and </strong><strong>October 31, 2010</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/bulletin-july-6-2014.pdf">BLCF: Bulletin July 6, 2014</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miners-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3420" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miners-2.jpg" alt="BLCF_Christ_with_miners" width="434" height="656" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong><strong>Service Prelude: </strong><strong>Here I Am To Worship | Maranatha! Music (Lyric Video) - https://youtu.be/03G52K9X2hQ</strong></p>
https://youtu.be/03G52K9X2hQ
<strong>Announcements and Call to Worship</strong><strong><em>; </em></strong><strong>Prayer </strong>
<strong>Tithing & Prayer Requests; Hymn #572: <em>Praise God from Whom All Blessings </em> <em>D</em><em>oxology </em>(<em>Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow</em>) Instrumental - https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU</strong>
https://youtu.be/Mk4p3rihONU
<strong>Today’s Scriptures: </strong><strong>Isaiah 7:11, Colossians 1:13, </strong><strong>Psalm 139:1-12</strong><strong> </strong>
<strong>Opening Hymn: Send</strong><strong> the Light - Live worship from FBC Glencoe - https://youtu.be/TqSN_QZ_VD4</strong>
https://youtu.be/TqSN_QZ_VD4
<p class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><strong>Light of the World - [Lyric Video] Lauren Daigle - https://youtu.be/dCRunZGYBi4</strong></p>
https://youtu.be/dCRunZGYBi4
<p class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><strong>Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Lyrics) - https://youtu.be/KRCqkgE4p-Y</strong></p>
https://youtu.be/KRCqkgE4p-Y
<strong>Responsive Reading #</strong><strong> 608 (God’s Omniscience – Psalm 139)</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/helping_hand.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3419" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/helping_hand.png" alt="BLCF" God'shelping_hand" width="464" height="595" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Colossians 1:13 (ESV)</strong></p>
<strong><sup> </sup></strong><strong><sup>13</sup></strong><strong>He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/i-will-hold-your-right-hand-and-i-will-help-you-isaiah-41_13.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3438" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/i-will-hold-your-right-hand-and-i-will-help-you-isaiah-41_13.jpg" alt="BLCF: i-will-hold-your-right-hand-and-i-will-help-you-isaiah-41_13" width="592" height="696" /></a></strong></p>
<strong> </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Psalm 139:1-12 (ESV) </strong><strong>Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! <sup> </sup>You know when I sit down and when I rise up; </strong></p>
<strong>you discern my thoughts from afar. <sup> </sup>You search out my path and my lying down </strong>
<strong>and are acquainted with all my ways. <sup> </sup>Even before a word is on my tongue, </strong>
<strong> behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, </strong>
<strong>and lay your hand upon me. <sup> </sup>Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; </strong>
<strong>it is high; I cannot attain it.</strong>
<strong>Where shall I go from your Spirit? </strong>
<strong>Or where shall I flee from your presence? <sup> </sup>If I ascend to heaven, you are there! </strong>
<strong> If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! <sup> </sup> If I take the wings of the morning </strong>
<strong>and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, <sup> </sup> even there your hand shall lead me, </strong>
<strong>and your right hand shall hold me. <sup> </sup>If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, </strong>
<strong> and the light about me be night,” <sup> </sup></strong>
<strong>even the darkness is not dark to you; </strong>
<strong>the night is bright as the day, </strong>
<strong> for darkness is as light with you</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/joe-castillo-face-of-christ.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3424" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/joe-castillo-face-of-christ.jpg" alt="BLCF: Joe Castillo - Face of Christ" width="457" height="529" /></a><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miner_miracle.jpg"> </a></p>
Let us pray…
Welcome to our Praise and Worship Service for the last Sunday of October here at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship - BLCF.Church. Next Sunday falls on the weekend when we set our clocks back an hour to transition time from Daylight Savings Time in order to return to Standard Time. We find that to accommodate Daylight Savings and Standard Time changes it is often necessary to want to mark our calendars in order to live a safer, more comfortable life twice a year.
The website, <strong>timeanddate.com</strong>, indicates that as described by its name, <strong>Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months, and back again in the fall, in order to make better use of natural daylight.</strong>
<strong>When Germany first set the clocks forward on <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/germany/berlin?year=1916">April 30, 1916</a>, it became the first country in the world to use DST on a national level. However, the town of <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/canada/thunder-bay?year=1908">Thunder Bay</a> in Ontario, Canada implemented DST as far back as 1908.</strong>
<strong>https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/</strong>
Saving Daylight by changing the time is not the only reason we find it beneficial to change our hours of operation, as we have done something similar to accommodate the waves of infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
If you look at the disclaimers indicating the hours of operation for BLCF Church and its ministries over the past two and a half years, you find a number of changes we had to make during the waves of infection of the COVID-19 Pandemic, including closing our doors and restricting activities from time to time.
Politicians may have announced that the Pandemic has ended, but seems that the virus did not get the memo, as we witness the continued weekly count of infections and deaths as reported by <strong>The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME),</strong> an independent global health research center at the University of Washington:
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>COVID-19 Results Briefing: </strong><strong>Canada, </strong><strong>October 24, 2022</strong>
<strong>This document contains summary information on the latest projections from the IHME model on COVID-19</strong>
<strong>in Canada. The model was run on October 21, 2022, with data through October 18, 2022.</strong></p>
<strong>Daily reported cases in the last week increased to 3,000 per day on average compared to 2,900 the week</strong>
<strong>before.</strong>
<strong>• Daily hospital census in the last week (through October 18) increased to 6,800 per day on average</strong>
<strong>compared to 6,700 the week before.</strong>
<strong>• Reported deaths due to COVID-19 in the last week increased to 39 per day on average compared to 33</strong>
<strong>the week before.</strong>
<strong>• Total deaths due to COVID-19 in the last week increased to 62 per day on average compared to 53 the</strong>
<strong>week before. </strong>
<strong>This makes COVID-19 the number three cause of death in Canada this week</strong><strong>. Estimated total daily deaths due to COVID-19 in the past week were 1.6 times larger than </strong><strong>the reported number of deaths. </strong>
<a href="https://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/covid_briefs/101_briefing_Canada.pdf">https://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/covid_briefs/101_briefing_Canada.pdf</a>
But that is not the subject of today’s lesson. The event which is the topic of today’s lesson had in some regards, engaged more worldwide public interest than the current state of infections and deaths due to COVID-19, as it had dominated the media around the world for over two months.
It was just twelve years ago this month, on October 13, 2010; that 33 Chilean Miners were rescued from their underground mine, where they were trapped on August 7, 2010, some 69 days previous. Wikepedia.org indicates that twice as many people observed the rescue operation than the moon landing:
<strong>After winching the last trapped miner to the surface, the mine rescue paramedics, the best available drawn from multiple national agencies and military services, all still underground, held up a sign for the TV cameras reading </strong><strong><em>"Misión cumplida Chile"</em></strong><strong> (English: "<em>"Mission accomplished Chile"</em>), which was seen by a TV/Web audience estimated at more than 1 billion viewers around the world watching the rescue live. </strong>
<strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Copiap%C3%B3_mining_accident">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Copiap%C3%B3_mining_accident</a></strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miner_miracle.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3421" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miner_miracle.jpg" alt="BLCF: Miner_Miracle" width="531" height="609" /></a></p>
The lesson I would like to share with you this morning has several elements that are important to the Christian walk: trusting God in times of danger and adversity; faith in the Scriptures when tempted by Satan; and why God allows believers to be placed in harm’s way in order to convict others in faith.
It is interesting that as with Job in the Old Testament, God allowed Jesus to be tempted by Satan, an account recorded in <strong>Luke 4:1-13:</strong>
<a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/the_temptation_of_jesus.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-3425 aligncenter" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/the_temptation_of_jesus.jpg" alt="BLCF: the_temptation_of_Jesus" width="591" height="443" /></a>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Luke 4:1-13(ESV): <em>The Temptation of Jesus</em></strong></p>
<strong>And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" </strong>
<strong> And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" </strong>
<strong>And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.</strong>
We studied this verse on a previous Sunday when we spoke of temptation, where I highlighted several aspects of the story of Jesus' temptation and compared it to what we may face today. You may recall that Jesus, having been baptized by John, known as John the Baptist, received the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit to a place in the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. When you think about it, this is not quite the path or journey you would expect from one who has just received the Holy Spirit.
When Satan tempted Jesus, he appealed to three things: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.
First, he challenged Jesus, after a 40-day fast, to use his powers to make food and satisfy His needs of the flesh. Then he challenged Jesus to look at the world from a high place and offered Him dominion over all He saw. Finally, he tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from a tower, saying that surely, as God's son, He would be saved - an appeal to pride. We find to each challenge, not only did Jesus resist Satan, but in fact, Jesus rebuked the devil with the Holy Scripture.
Interestingly enough, we read in Luke 4:13 that the devil departed from tempting Jesus until an opportune time, indicating that Satan would return again when he had the opportunity. We see that even the Son of God may be subject to temptation and testing by Satan. Just like Jesus, we may defeat the devil by way of a determined faith and the appropriate use of Scripture. We must trust that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/creation-of-33-300x231.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3426" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/creation-of-33-300x231.png" alt="BLCF: creation-of-33" width="595" height="458" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Romans 8:38-39 </strong></p>
<strong>For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.</strong><strong><em> </em></strong>
The 33 miners were rescued in the middle of the month of October, just a couple of weeks before the eve of <em>Dia de Los Muertos </em>or <em>des Los Difuntos </em>in Hispanic countries, known as <em>Dia de Finados </em>in those that speak Portuguese. In English, we translate both as <em>Day of the Dead</em>. Because this day happens to occur on the calendar shortly after <em>Halloween </em>or <em>All Hallows Eve</em>, many mistakenly believe the two are similar or related, while the two have little in common. The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration, where partying and eating are common. In Spain, there are festivals and parades and, at the end of the day, people gather in cemeteries and pray for their dead loved ones. Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox Christian churches observe the day as <em>All Souls’ Day</em>, though the Eastern Orthodox celebrate it on a Saturday because of Jesus’ resting in the tomb on a Saturday. In Lebanon, Israel, and Syria, the observance is called <em>Yom el Maouta</em>. Unlike its Hollywood portrayal, the Day of the Dead is a day to commemorate departed loved ones, and pray for the day of the Rapture when all believers will be reunited.
By all expert calculations, in Chile’s northern Atacama desert, near the town Copiapo, the Day of the Dead should have been a day of mourning for 33 miners trapped 700 meters, 2300 feet below the surface, about 5 kilometers or 3 miles from the entrance of the San Jose, an old gold and copper mine. For two massive cave-in, had seemed to seal the fate of any survivor. All that could be done was to pray for the 33 lost souls. Chile is a mineral-rich country, approximately the size of the U.S. state of California in North America, Chile stretches along the western portion of the South American continent, bordered by mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. And like California, Chile is located on an active earthquake belt.
Unlike Chile’s larger, newer mines, the San Jose Mine where the miners were trapped was very old having been opened in 1889, and lacking many of the safety features of more modern mines, such as an alternate entrance that could allow a means of escape for those surviving a cave-in. Since the year 2,000, about 34 miners die each year in Chilean mines. In the past 12 years, 8 miners had lost their lives at the San Jose mine. Chile is the world’s leading copper supplier. Because of the demands for copper by emerging industrialized nations such as China, such mines as the San Jose were kept open and offered an appealing livelihood in an otherwise sluggish world economy. Several of the miners trapped in San Jose had migrated from other regions after losing jobs in a worldwide recession. In spite of the risks, San Jose offered the miners the means to put food on the table and a better life. That is until that fateful day in August when the miner’s world literally collapsed.
On the surface, news of the disaster and the fact that the miners were 700 meters below the surface seem to indicate that the fate of any survivors was sealed, as a ventilation shaft viewed as the only means of rescue had collapsed in a second cave-in. No rescue from such a depth had ever been contemplated, let alone attempted. It seemed that the 2010 Day of the Dead observances would include a visit to the San Jose tomb of the lost 33 miners.
This is where the tale took a turn. In their moment of profound loss and in spite of any real hope of rescue, the families of the 33 miners, showed uncommon strength of purpose; demanded that the Chilean government recover the bodies of their lost loved ones. This is where the next surprise occurred, as the government bowed to the families’ demands and began drilling pilot holes to locate the miners’ bodies. Over the next 17 days, seven 700-meter-deep holes were drilled without any success. On the eighth attempt, according to one report, the drill bit was deflected by some hard rock strata and then penetrated into a cavity deep beneath the earth.
<strong> "It was 75% engineering and 25% a miracle," </strong>said topographer Macarena Valdes.
Ms. Valdes was speaking of her own role in the rescue, as she augmented science with a touch of gut instinct to help guide rescuers' probe drills into the rock, in hopes of finding survivors, in the days after the miners' disappearance.
Her method paid off after more than two weeks, when searchers sent one of their narrow probe drills down through the rock, punched it into the chamber where the men had taken refuge, and, from more than 2,000 feet above, and felt someone tap back. Even more astonishing was the note attached to the retracted drill bit to which a piece of paper was attached with the message:
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Estamos bien en el refugio los 33"</strong><strong> (English: "We are well in the shelter, the 33 [of us]"). </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/message.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3428" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/message.jpg" alt="BLCF: message los 33" width="512" height="299" /></a></p>
It was a miracle beyond belief that all of the 33 missing miners were alive, but would anyone dare to hope for a rescue? No miners were ever rescued from 700 meters. Trapped miners had been rescued from a cave in Pennsylvania, but they were only one-tenth the depths of the 33 in San Jose. For 17 days the miners have survived on meager rations of two spoonfuls of tuna and half a glass of milk every 48 hours.
While still trapped in the mine, there emerged several stories of faith in God and how He sustained the entombed 33. In a letter to his brother, miner Jorge Galeguillos says he believes a white butterfly saved his life the day the mine caved. Mining consultant Miguel Fortt is not given to flights of fancy. He says white butterflies flutter around purple flowers that blossom in the desert early in the morning, but they rarely fly deep into a mineshaft. He says the two miners slowed down to observe the butterfly and that saved them from driving into rock falls triggered by the first cave-in. Fortt says:
<strong>"People who are religious would call this a miracle. From a scientific perspective, the butterfly may have flown into the mine on air currents. You can draw your own conclusions but that butterfly saved lives," </strong>
Galeguillos' brother, who is also a miner, can't explain how a butterfly flew more than 500 meters deep into the mine. But like most of the miners there, he believes the butterfly was protecting his older brother's life. The butterfly was a sign from God.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/311fig01.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3429" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/311fig01.jpg" alt="BLCF: aop3111.pmd" width="575" height="463" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Isaiah 7:11</strong></p>
<strong>"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."</strong>
It is interesting that the butterfly is often used to represent the resurrected Christ freed from the chrysalis tomb.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/hebrews13_7.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3430" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/hebrews13_7.jpg" alt="BLCF: hebrews13_7" width="419" height="532" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 Corinthians 5:17</strong></p>
<strong>"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."</strong>
<strong> </strong>Above the miners, a rescue plan was formed, though chances of a successful rescue of the miners alive were calculated at a meager 2%. I would speculate that no politician in North America would even consider embarking upon planning any action that had a 98% chance of failure. I give kudos to the president of Chile for the bold and compassionate action of initiating a rescue plan. Three separate rescue holes were drilled, using technologies from Germany and the U.S.A. NASA scientists were consulted and a rescue capsule was designed by engineers of the Chilean Navy.
The world watched, prayed, and waited as the drama of the trapped 33 unfolded. And more stories of God’s presence. Miners acknowledge that they survived thanks to a 34th member of the crew.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6167" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/jesus-christ-arm-wrestling-satan-devil-lucifer-animated.gif" alt="jesus-christ-arm-wrestling-satan-devil-lucifer-animated.gif" width="320" height="238" /></p>
<strong>Mario Sepulveda, the second miner rescued said: "I was with God, and I was with the devil," he said through a translator. "But God won, I held onto God's hand, the best hand, and at no point in time … did I doubt that God wouldn't get me out of there."</strong>
It was Sepulveda’s faith in God that assured him of his rescue. Satan used temptation and was defeated. And who other than the Son of God could understand and support those who are tested by temptation by Satan.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/hebrews2_18.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3431" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/hebrews2_18.jpg" alt="BLCF" Hebrews2_18" width="552" height="572" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hebrews 2:18</strong></p>
<strong>For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. </strong>
<strong> </strong>Miner Ricardo Villaroel describes the incident as a moment of faith renewal:
<strong> “I never use to pray. Here I learned to pray. I got closer to God.”</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/rom_8_38.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3433" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/rom_8_38.jpg" alt="BLCF: Romans_8_38" width="522" height="391" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Romans 8:38-39</strong></p>
<strong> For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. </strong>
Nineteen-year-old miner Jimmy Sanchez wrote in a letter sent up prior to his rescue:
<strong> “There are actually 34 of us because God has never left us down there.” </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/isaiah_41_v_10j.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3434" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/isaiah_41_v_10j.jpg" alt="isaiah_41_v_10j" width="504" height="346" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Isaiah 41:10</strong></p>
<strong>F</strong><strong>ear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. </strong>
<strong>It was reported that while trapped underground, three of the miners and one of the miner’s wives accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/isaiah_41_13.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3435" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/isaiah_41_13.jpg" alt="BLCF: Isaiah_41_13" width="400" height="575" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Isaiah 41:13</strong></p>
<strong>For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."</strong>
Finally, the main drill punched through and one by one the 33 were brought out to safety. Faith is also a major theme of national rhetoric. At the beginning of the rescue Chilean President Sebastian Pinera stated, “When the first miner emerges safe and sound, I hope all the bells of all the churches of Chile ring out forcefully, with joy and hope. Faith has moved mountains.”The first action of several, as they emerged, immediately gave thanks to God for being delivered from the shadow of death.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/col1_13-14.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3436" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/col1_13-14.png" alt="BLCF: Col1_13-14" width="596" height="335" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Colossians 1:13</strong></p>
<em> <strong>He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.</strong></em>
There are a number of similarities between the plight of the 33 Chilean miners and Jesus’ temptation described in <strong>Luke 4.</strong> Both involved a confrontation between God and the devil while taking place in an isolated desert place. Both are examples of courage and faith in the face of adversity, where the devil tempted and was defeated. Finally, both teach Christian believers valuable lessons in the power of faith and trust in God and His Holy Word.
The Chilean story shows how God may allow the devil to tempt believers and how faith can defeat temptation. Without trust and faith, all of the miners would have perished. One can only ponder many aspects of this story that indicate God was the 34<sup>th</sup> Crew Member in the mine.
What if those drilling who sought the miners had given up after only seven attempts? What if on the eighth try, the bit wasn’t deflected by a stone, which is how it reached the miners? What if President Pinera had decided not to attempt a rescue with 2% odds? What if the miners had given up after the cave-in and not rationed food in the darkness and allowed death and Satin to have their way?
We know from Christ’s example, that as Christian believers, we will be tempted by Satan and that God will battle the devil on our behalf. I believe that the story of the faith and courage of the trapped miners is meant to show us all that the devil will tempt us and faith and trust in God will deliver us.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/jesus-is-light-pic.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3441" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/jesus-is-light-pic.png" alt="BLCF:Jesus-is-Light-Pic" width="587" height="322" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/chilea12.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3442" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/chilea12.jpg" alt="BLCF: Chilean 33" width="587" height="243" /></a></p>
Miner Mario Gomez's wife, Lilianett Gomez, said her emotions had changed dramatically. She said, though, that people here had shown that they have the strength to weather the crisis, and now the whole world knows it:
<strong>"God put these 33 miners together," she said. "It must have been for something, perhaps to send a message to the world." </strong>
Perhaps God’s message that Lilianett Gomez alluded to can be found in the Scriptures, particularly in Hebrews 13:5 (NIV):
<strong>"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.</strong>"
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/chilean_mne_disaster.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3440" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/chilean_mne_disaster.jpg" alt="BLCF: Chilean_mine_disaster" width="574" height="1235" /></a></p>
Let Us Pray…
<p class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><strong>Closing Music Special: Phil Wickham - Living Hope (Lyrics) - https://youtu.be/9f2FXxDVO6w</strong></p>
https://youtu.be/9f2FXxDVO6w
<strong> </strong><strong>Benediction (Psalm 51:11-12): </strong><strong>Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/jesus_escobedo.gif"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3444" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/jesus_escobedo.gif" alt="BLCF: jesus_escobedo" width="595" height="921" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-9488" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/know-jesus-know-peace-animated.gif" alt="BLCF: kNOw Jesus kNOw Peace animated" width="589" height="589" /></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-16450123320345629892022-10-14T10:24:00.007-04:002022-10-14T12:21:24.798-04:00With the Lord: James Lawrence Mathew McMillan<p><img alt="James Lawrence Mathew McMillan" class="wp-image-15456 aligncenter" height="876" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/10/james-lawrence-mathew-mcmillan.webp" width="594" /></p>
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<p><strong>James Lawrence Mathew McMillan passed peacefully, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Gillian. He is dearly missed by his children and their families, Ruth and her daughter Sunshine, Philip (Veronica) and their daughter Janelle, Luke (Diane), and their sons Hudson, Logan, and Magnus. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane Subway, on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 2 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service in the Chapel at 3 p.m. Online condolences may be made through <a href="www.turnerporter.ca">www.turnerporter.ca</a></strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="blcf3" class="wp-image-15466 aligncenter" height="447" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/10/blcf3.jpg" width="596" /><img alt="BLCF Congregation 2" class="wp-image-15467 aligncenter" height="410" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/10/blcf-congregation-2-e1665764062489.jpg" width="595" /></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-503330105925550922022-09-11T03:10:00.004-04:002022-09-11T03:11:05.926-04:00Raise the Roof with Terry FUNdraiser 2 at BLCF <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh5J6g1eBv-XfkD0W3i9v18rMMXrt0fDwnG8RrhXdj3edyHVqh8jzYpV-_bJUdKx-a4Hnlo-mkgIGpjqgDV2nZ7xtAeZNgAfHr_dXMROtX3GF7gVF6IGk-FQR2UVqQxANVJccEXvUMWiPY4jCdgLciPQgUKiRdaoK_tn77H1f03zhk37T4mT-qCP0/s1650/Raise%20the%20Roof%20FUNdraiser%202%20with%20Terry%20at%20BLCF-page0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh5J6g1eBv-XfkD0W3i9v18rMMXrt0fDwnG8RrhXdj3edyHVqh8jzYpV-_bJUdKx-a4Hnlo-mkgIGpjqgDV2nZ7xtAeZNgAfHr_dXMROtX3GF7gVF6IGk-FQR2UVqQxANVJccEXvUMWiPY4jCdgLciPQgUKiRdaoK_tn77H1f03zhk37T4mT-qCP0/w431-h557/Raise%20the%20Roof%20FUNdraiser%202%20with%20Terry%20at%20BLCF-page0001.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-67091397604535537812022-06-17T22:34:00.002-04:002022-06-17T22:34:53.796-04:00Saturday, June 18 at 2 PM: Be There or Be Square to Raise the Roof with Terry FUNdraiser at BLCF<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-14780" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/coldwater-roots-raise-the-roof-at-blcf-2022-page0001.jpg" alt="Coldwater Roots Raise the Roof at BLCF 2022-page0001" width="597" height="773"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6900" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/terry-sywanyk.jpg" alt="BLCF: Terry Sywanyk" width="401" height="604"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10784" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/fundraiser-blackboard.jpg" alt="BLCF Fundraiser Blackboard" width="596" height="428"></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-9755781578058895952022-06-15T11:31:00.000-04:002022-06-15T11:31:01.196-04:00Raise the Roof at BLCF Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rIeUaTIHez3mNNge5QaRy_gRaSx7gAujuiu7336HqMsZOCbWjbefDcfgv95rk14O9L8c3ZoOJ1ffTIqmeJT6HldFJi7Umsjy7GMEehsKhUwDVUkRnKVcjPbN_Qw5MQvQc3dRrxDdp7h4DUPtF1iI5QBKEKbsfq9UmBFIMYk-TeeZdSRhtKDLAZ0E/s1650/Coldwater%20Roots%20Raise%20the%20Roof%20at%20BLCF%202022-page0001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rIeUaTIHez3mNNge5QaRy_gRaSx7gAujuiu7336HqMsZOCbWjbefDcfgv95rk14O9L8c3ZoOJ1ffTIqmeJT6HldFJi7Umsjy7GMEehsKhUwDVUkRnKVcjPbN_Qw5MQvQc3dRrxDdp7h4DUPtF1iI5QBKEKbsfq9UmBFIMYk-TeeZdSRhtKDLAZ0E/w494-h640/Coldwater%20Roots%20Raise%20the%20Roof%20at%20BLCF%202022-page0001.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-20222518956995938532022-05-08T06:12:00.002-04:002022-05-08T06:57:44.992-04:00Divine Miracles that Satisfy: A Wedding, a Widow, and a Multitude - 2022<p><strong><em>Dear BLCF Friends,</em></strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Effective April 10, 2022, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church will reopen by reservation only for Sunday worship under the limitations and guidelines set by Public Health and the Board of BLCF. In order to protect those who are vulnerable at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship from COVID-19 Virus infection, the BLCF Board mandates that the church will be open by reservation, with the following rules:</strong></em></p>
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<ul><li><em><strong>attendees must wear a mask while on the premises</strong></em></li><li><em><strong>attendees give their contact information upon arrival</strong></em></li><li><em><strong>attendees observe two meters social distance while seated</strong></em></li><li><em><strong>attendees use hand sanitizer as needed</strong></em></li><li><em><strong>attendees follow any additional directions given by members of the board, while inside the church</strong></em></li></ul>
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<p><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to reopen safely more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="blessings-to-all-from-blcf-church-on-mother-s-day" class="wp-image-14520 aligncenter" height="695" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/blessings-to-all-from-blcf-church-on-mother-s-day.png" width="596" /></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church Message for Sunday:</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘<em>Divine Miracles that Satisfy: A Wedding, a Widow, and a Multitude</em>’</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>© May 8, 2022, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on a Message shared at BLCF on May 9, 2021, and on May 10, 2015 </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/bulletin-may-10-20151.pdf">BLCF Bulletin May 10, 2015</a></strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: faith_thanking-God_in_advance" class="size-full wp-image-5676 aligncenter" height="480" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/faith_thanking-god_in_advance.jpg" width="480" /></p>
<p><strong>Music Special - Church (Take Me Back) Cochren & Co. Worship Video with lyrics -</strong> <strong>https://youtu.be/ns8lIG6cLc8 </strong></p>
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https://youtu.be/ns8lIG6cLc8
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<p><strong>Announcements & Call to Worship; Prayer</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tithing and Prayer Requests: Hymn #572: <em>Praise God; Prayers</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Today’s Scriptures: </strong><strong>John 2:1-12</strong><strong>, </strong><strong>2 Kings 4:1-7,</strong> <strong>Matthew 14:13-21</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/bread-of-life.png"><img alt="BLCF: bread-of-life" class="wp-image-5528" height="451" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/bread-of-life.png" width="427" /></a></figure>
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<p><strong>Music Special - </strong><strong>O' Lord w/ Lyrics (Lauren Daigle) - https://youtu.be/K42bvpgimTg</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/K42bvpgimTg</p>
<p><strong>Music Special - </strong><strong>Shout to the Lord (Hillsong Worship) Lyrics Video - https://youtu.be/-uMiCFfva3M</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/-uMiCFfva3M</p>
<p>Let us pray...</p>
<p>Good morning and welcome to BLCF Church’s Praise and Worship Service on this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 2022. I pray the Lord will bring a special blessing to all the moms on this day where we appreciate motherhood.</p>
<p>For our lesson this morning, I would like to examine how the Lord supplies for the needs of those who serve Him faithfully. Today’s lesson, ‘<strong><em>Divine Miracles that Satisfy: A Wedding, a Widow, and a Multitude,</em>’</strong> we shall begin with the reading of three accounts in the Bible, where the Lord responded to the needs of His faithful servants, each by way of a Divine miracle.</p>
<p>The first Scripture, <strong>John 2:1-12</strong>, describes the miracle at the wedding at Cana:</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>John 2:1-12 (ESV): <em>The Wedding at Cana</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong>2 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. <sup>2 </sup>Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. <sup>3 </sup>When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” <sup>4 </sup>And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” <sup>5 </sup>His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>6 </sup></strong><strong>Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-12&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26091a">a</a>]</sup> <sup>7 </sup>Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. <sup>8 </sup>And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. <sup>9 </sup>When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom <sup>10 </sup>and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” <sup>11 </sup>This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>12 </sup></strong><strong>After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-12&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26097b">b</a>]</sup> and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-12&version=ESV#en-ESV-26091">John 2:6</a> Greek <em>two or three measures</em> (<em>metrētas</em>); a <em>metrētēs</em> was about 10 gallons or 35 liters b. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-12&version=ESV#en-ESV-26097">John 2:12</a> Or <em>brothers and sisters</em>. The plural Greek word <em>adelphoi</em> (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, <em>adelphoi</em> may refer either to <em>brothers</em> or to <em>brothers and sisters</em></strong></p>
<p><img alt="BLCF: God_I_need_a_miracle" class="aligncenter" height="191" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/god_i_need_a_miracle.jpg" width="592" /></p>
<p>In the above passage, Jesus was asked by his mother, Mary, to help provide more wine for the wedding. The wine had run out and, though Jesus told his mother that his hour had not yet come, her son obeyed his mother’s wishes by changing six stone jars of water into wine.</p>
<p>This was the first of the miracles Jesus that was to perform as a sign to the disciples of his manifested glory.</p>
<p>The second Scripture, <strong>2 Kings 4:1-7</strong>, tells of how the death of one of the sons of the prophets had created a situation where a creditor has come to make the widow’s two children his slaves, as payment for the dead man’s debts. The widow asks the prophet, Elisha, to help save her sons:</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV): <em>Elisha and the Widow's Oil</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong>4 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” <sup>2 </sup>And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” <sup>3 </sup>Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. <sup>4 </sup>Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” <sup>5 </sup>So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. <sup>6 </sup>When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. <sup>7 </sup>She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”</strong></p>
<p>In our second Scripture, Elisha asks the widow, what does she have of value in the house? Her reply is a single jar of oil. The widow was instructed to acquire as many empty vessels as possible, from her neighbors, next to close the doors, and then fill the empty vessels from her single vessel of oil. When all of the empty vessels were filled, the oil stopped flowing. Elisha instructed the widow to sell the oil from the vessels in order to pay off her debts, and that she and her sons could live off the rest.</p>
<p>The third Scripture account, from <strong>Matthew 14:13-21</strong>, describes how Jesus multiplies five loaves of bread and six fish to feed some five thousand men, plus their women and children:</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Matthew 14:13-21 (ESV)</strong></p>
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<p><strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. <sup>14 </sup>When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. <sup>15 </sup>Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” <sup>16 </sup>But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” <sup>17 </sup>They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” <sup>18 </sup>And he said, “Bring them here to me.” <sup>19 </sup>Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. <sup>20 </sup>And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. <sup>21 </sup>And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.</strong></p>
<p>In these three miracle accounts, we see that the Lord provided an abundance of wine, oil, and food to take care of his faithful servants. Not only do these miracles demonstrate the ‘Glory of God’, but they also provide food from the earth to feed the hungry, wine to gladden the believers’ hearts, and oil to anoint the widow and her sons.</p>
<p>These first two accounts show how the Lord takes care of the needs of the faithful by providing wine for a wedding in one case and oil for an indebted widow in the other. All three miracles required actions of faith on the part of those seeking help from God.</p>
<p>It is appropriate that on Mother’s Day, we see that the first two miracles are in response to requests from the Lord's faithful servants, who are mothers seeking the Lord’s help for the needs of others. It is just like a mother, who is faithful to the Lord, putting the needs of others ahead of her own! And the third had sought guidance from a prophet of the Lord to meet her family's needs.</p>
<p>In the three Scripture accounts that we studied, we have miracles of the Lord providing an abundance of wine, oil, and food, all staples, and necessities of life. These miracles demonstrate how God provides for the needs of His own, which the Psalmist acknowledges in, <strong>Psalm 104:13-16 (ESV):</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>13 </sup>From your lofty abode you water the mountains; </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;">t<strong>he earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>14 </sup></strong><strong>You cause the grass to grow for the livestock </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong> <sup>15</sup>and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>and bread to strengthen man's heart.</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>16 </sup></strong><strong>The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.</strong></p>
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<p>Our righteousness, as demonstrated by our obedience to God, gives us His reward of wine, oil,, and food to gladden our hearts. In the same manner, when we honor and obey our parents, we provide joy to our parents. For when we honor our parents, we honor His commandment, <strong>Proverbs 23:22-25 (ESV):</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>22 </sup></strong><strong>Listen to your father who gave you life, </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>and do not despise your mother when she is old.</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>23 </sup>Buy truth, and do not sell it; </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>24 </sup>The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>25 </sup>Let your father and mother be glad; </strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>let her who bore you rejoice.</strong></p>
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<p>When we are not obedient to the Lord, by not serving God and following His commandments; worshipping other gods, we face His wrath and judgment, <strong>Deuteronomy 11:13-17 (ESV):</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>“And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, <sup>14 </sup>he<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deut+11%3A13-17&version=ESV#fen-ESV-5223a">a</a>]</sup> will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil. <sup>15 </sup>And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full. <sup>16 </sup>Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; <sup>17 </sup>then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the Lord is giving you.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Footnotes: a. </strong><strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deut+11%3A13-17&version=ESV#en-ESV-5223">Deuteronomy 11:14</a> Samaritan, Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew I; also verse <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut.11.15&version=ESV">15</a></strong></p>
<p>And just as a servant of the Lord may look to Him to provide for the physical needs, Jesus promises to provide for our spiritual needs, <strong>John 6:35 (ESV):</strong></p>
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<p><strong><sup>35 </sup></strong><strong>Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.</strong></p>
<p>The Divine Miracles shared in today's lesson are wine, oil, and bread, all multiplied by the power of the Lord. The three are not just staples of our physical life, providing for the physical needs, when blessed, they are also used as elements of spiritual worship; wine and bread when we remember the Lord as elements of communion and oil to anoint those who seek His healing.</p>
<p>Just as the ordinary elements of these staples of life are transformed into elements of spiritual worship, when blessed through faith, by faith, ordinary people are elevated to a place of sanctification when they accept, by faith, the gifts of the bread of life and living water, given by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus.</p>
<p>The provision of the Devine, both physically and spiritually, is faith’s reward, which gladdens our hearts and glorifies His name. Let us praise His name and share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus unto the ends of the earth and until the end of our days.</p>
<p>Let us pray...</p>
<p><strong>Music Special - </strong><strong>In Jesus' Name (God of Possible) - Katy Nichole - Lyric Video - https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/R84PqRdZ7_Y</p>
<p><strong>Benediction – (Philippians 4:19-20):</strong> <strong>And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized"><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/believe.jpg"></a></figure>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-22796361517503204042022-05-08T06:06:00.005-04:002022-05-08T06:55:41.393-04:00Sunday is Mother's Day at BLCF Church - 2022<img alt="keep calm tomorrow is mothers day" class="alignnone wp-image-14501" height="699" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/keep-calm-tomorrow-is-mothers-day.png" width="599" />
<img alt="Mothers Day at BLCF" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14503" height="700" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/mothers-day-at-blcf.png" width="600" /> <div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Dear BLCF Friends,</em></strong> </div><div><em><strong><br /></strong></em></div><div><em><strong>Effective April 10, 2022, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church will reopen by reservation only for Sunday worship under the limitations and guidelines set by Public Health and the Board of BLCF. In order to protect those who are vulnerable at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship from COVID-19 Virus infection, the BLCF Board mandates that the church will be open by reservation, with the following rules:</strong></em>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>attendees must wear a mask while on the premises</strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong>attendees give their contact information upon arrival</strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong>attendees observe two meters social distance while seated</strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong>attendees use hand sanitizer as needed</strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong>attendees follow any additional directions given by members of the board, while inside the church</strong></em></li>
</ul>
<em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to reopen safely more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em> </div><div><br /></div><div>
<em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-52963559871800230482022-04-19T23:10:00.005-04:002022-04-19T23:10:56.862-04:00God's Easter Miracles: In a Tomb, On a Road, and In a Room - 2022<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="He Is Risen Indeed" class="alignnone wp-image-14302" height="453" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/he-is-risen-indeed-1.jpg" width="595" /></p>
<b>Music Special: </b><strong>Cochren & Co. - Church (Take Me Back) [Official Lyric Video] - https://youtu.be/3eTOcrWu8mQ</strong>
https://youtu.be/3eTOcrWu8mQ
<strong><em><img alt="have faith this too shall pass" class="wp-image-12109 aligncenter" height="480" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/have-faith-this-too-shall-pass.jpg" width="600" /></em></strong> <div><strong><em><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color: red;">Dear BLCF Friends,</span></em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Effective April 10, 2022, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church will reopen by reservation only for Sunday worship under the limitations and guidelines set by Public Health and the Board of BLCF. In order to protect those who are vulnerable at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship from COVID-19 Virus infection, the BLCF Board mandates that the church will be open by reservation, with the following rules:</strong></em></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees must wear a mask while on the premises </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees give their contact information upon arrival </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees observe two meters social distance while seated </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees use hand sanitizer as needed </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees follow any additional directions given by members of the board, while inside the church</strong></em></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to reopen safely more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>
<span style="color: red;"><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>
<strong><b>Music Special: </b>Cochren & Co. - Grave (Official Music Video) - https://youtu.be/azcaS6c8muE</strong>
https://youtu.be/azcaS6c8muE</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img alt="" class="wp-image-10718 aligncenter" height="801" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/believe-the-hand-of-jesus.jpg?w=225" width="598" /><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Message for Sunday: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘God's Easter Miracles: In a Tomb, On a Road, and In a Room’</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on Messages Shared at BLCF on April 4, 2021, April 21, 2019, and April 20, 2014</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/blcf-bulletin-april-21-2019-.pdf">BLCF Bulletin April 21, 2019</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/bulletin-april-20-2014.pdf"><strong>BLCF: Bulletin April 20, 2014</strong></a></p>
<strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>In Christ Alone (with lyrics) - <span color="initial">Rosemary Siemens - https://youtu.be/ZodJFBxUKIU</span></strong>
https://youtu.be/ZodJFBxUKIU </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Announcements and Call to </strong><strong>Worship; </strong><strong>Prayer </strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Prayer and Tithing: </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Hymn #572: <em>Praise God; </em>Prayer Requests<em> </em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Responsive Reading #623: <em>The Risen Lord </em>(– Matthew 28 and John 20)</strong></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Message by Steve Mickelson:‘God’s Easter Miracles: In a Tomb; On a Road; and In a Room’ </strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-5377" height="217" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/he-is-risen-indeed.jpg?w=300" width="592" /> </strong></p>
<p class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><strong>Music Special - </strong><strong>He Is Not Here, He Is Risen (Song: Now We Are Free) - https://youtu.be/svGrySsQi4I</strong></p>
https://youtu.be/svGrySsQi4I
<p class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><strong>Tiffany Coburn - The Easter Song OFFICIAL Lyric Video - https://youtu.be/dSbcYzgy8ao</strong></p>
https://youtu.be/dSbcYzgy8ao
<p style="text-align: left;">Let us pray…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘He is risen!’ </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Congregation’s reply: <strong>‘He is risen, indeed!’</strong></p>
Today is the day we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection from his death upon the cross at Golgotha. The world is full of many religions, many false gods, and worshiping a variety of idols. </div><div><br /></div><div>But only Christ, the Son of the one true God, performed the miraculous and supernatural act of returning from the dead.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared neither on just a single occasion nor only to the eleven apostles. </div><div><br /></div><div>For today’s lesson, we will study four events, where the Resurrected Christ came to those who loved and believed their Saviour, which occurred in three places: in a tomb; on a road; and in a room.
Let us look at these meetings with the Lord in their proper chronology and begin with the account in John’s gospel, <strong>Chapter 20, verses 1-18</strong>, which gives the account of Mary Magdalene, who arrived at the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week, only to find the gravestone rolled away and the tomb empty.
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>John 20:1-18 (ESV): <em>The Resurrection</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2968" height="232" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/jesus-christ-empty-tomb-resurrection-salvation.jpg?w=300" width="600" /></p>
<strong>20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. <sup>2 </sup>So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” <sup>3 </sup>So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. <sup>4 </sup>Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. <sup>5 </sup>And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. <sup>6 </sup>Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, <sup>7 </sup>and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus'<sup>[</sup></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-18#fen-ESV-26863a"><strong><sup>a</sup></strong></a><strong><sup>]</sup></strong><strong> head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. <sup>8 </sup>Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; <sup>9 </sup>for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. <sup>10 </sup>Then the disciples went back to their homes.</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2962 size-full" height="459" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/mary-magdalene-at-tomb.jpg" width="374" /></p>
<strong><sup>11 </sup></strong><strong>But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. <sup>12 </sup>And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. <sup>13 </sup>They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” <sup>14 </sup>Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. <sup>15 </sup>Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” <sup>16 </sup>Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,<sup>[</sup></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-18#fen-ESV-26872b"><strong><sup>b</sup></strong></a><strong><sup>]</sup></strong><strong> “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). <sup>17 </sup>Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” <sup>18 </sup>Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Footnotes: a. </em></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-18#en-ESV-26863"><strong><em>John 20:7</em></strong></a><strong><em> Greek his b.</em></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-18#en-ESV-26872"><strong><em>John 20:16</em></strong></a><strong><em> Or Hebrew</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>The Scriptures indicate that Mary ran to report her discovery to Peter and to another, referred to in this passage as the ‘other disciple.’
You may ask what is the identity of the ‘other disciple’ mentioned in this account?
Most scholars agree that the ‘other disciple’ is John. This also makes sense, in that by referring to himself as the ‘other disciple’, in the third person, John not only demonstrates humility but avoids a narrative that uses the personal pronouns I and me, which could cause the reader to stray from the focus of the passage, the Lord’s victory over death. </div><div><br /></div><div>And Mary Magdalene, the first to find the tomb empty, became the first to meet Jesus after his resurrection. We see that Mary, while weeping at the tomb, first encounters two angels inside the tomb, where the head and feet of Christ’s body had lain. </div><div><br /></div><div>You may recall in <strong>Exodus 3:2</strong> when Moses first approached God’s Presence within the Burning Bush on Mount Horeb, he encountered an angel of God.
<strong><sup> 2 </sup></strong><strong>And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.</strong></div><div><b><br /></b>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-9322 size-full" height="351" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/the_women_meeting_the_angels_at_the_tomb_on_easter.png" width="400" /></p><div><br /></div>
We read in <strong>Exodus 25:18-21</strong>, that two angels adorned the Ark of the Covenant, positioned in much the same manner as the two Mary Magdalene encountered in the tomb of Christ: </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><sup>18 </sup></strong><strong>And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. <sup>19 </sup>Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. <sup>20 </sup>The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. <sup>21 </sup>And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>In contrast to the angels on the Ark of the Covenant, the angels encountered by Mary Magdalene in Christ's tomb do not face inwards, but outwards. </div><div><br /></div><div>By Christ's sacrifice, the judgment seat of God has been removed and God's presence is no longer contained in the Ark of the Covenant, as all believers now contain God's presence, as we become Arks of God's New Covenant. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so the angels look outward.
As believers in Christ, who took our judgment upon himself, we are saved from the eternal death judgment for sin, and like the Lord, we will be resurrected from the grave, when Christ returns. This is God’s covenant.
The next encounter with the Resurrected Christ occurs with two Disciples of Christ on the Road to Emmaus, described in <strong>Luke 24:13-35</strong>.
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Luke 24:13-35 (ESV): <em>On the Road to Emmaus</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-5559" height="298" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/road_to_emmaus.jpg?w=300" width="400" /></p>
<strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles<sup>[</sup></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024:13-35#fen-ESV-25994a"><strong><sup>a</sup></strong></a><strong><sup>]</sup></strong><strong> from Jerusalem, <sup>14 </sup>and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. <sup>15 </sup>While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. <sup>16 </sup>But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>17 </sup>And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>18 </sup>Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” <sup>19 </sup>And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, <sup>20 </sup>and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>21 </sup>But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. <sup>22 </sup>Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, <sup>23 </sup>and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>24 </sup>Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” <sup>25 </sup>And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! <sup>26 </sup>Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” <sup>27 </sup>And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><sup>28 </sup></strong><strong>So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, <sup>29 </sup>but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>30 </sup>When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. <sup>31 </sup>And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. <sup>32 </sup>They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>33 </sup>And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, <sup>34 </sup>saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” <sup>35 </sup>Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Footnotes: a. </strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024:13-35#en-ESV-25994"><strong>Luke 24:13</strong></a><strong> Greek <em>sixty stadia</em>; a <em>stadion</em> was about 607 feet or 185 meters</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>In the Emmaus account, which gives the name of one of the two disciples as Cleopas, we have the pair telling the Lord how they had hoped before his crucifixion; they had hoped that Israel had been delivered. To which the Lord chides them, saying (in <strong>verses 25-25</strong>):
<strong>“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!<sup> </sup>Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>It is only after the breaking of the bread, does Christ reveals himself.
It is important to note that these two disciples did not initially recognize this stranger as Christ, which is similar to Mary Magdalene’s mistaking the Lord as a gardener or groundskeeper at the cemetery. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our next encounter with the Resurrected Christ comes from <strong>John 20:19-29</strong>, where our Lord appears before the disciples. This occurs on the evening of the same day after he had met Mary Magdalene in the morning and the two disciples on the Emmaus Road. This time Jesus meets the disciples in the same Upper Room where he shared the Passover Supper before his crucifixion, as described in <strong>John 20:19-23 (ESV): </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Jesus Appears to the Disciples</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-9333" height="269" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/ressurected-christ-jesus-upper-room.png?w=300" width="400" /></p>
<strong><sup>19 </sup></strong><strong>On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,<sup>[</sup></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-29&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26875a"><strong><sup>a</sup></strong></a><strong><sup>]</sup></strong><strong> Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” <sup>20 </sup>When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. <sup>21 </sup>Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>22 </sup>And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. <sup>23 </sup>If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>Footnotes: a. </strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-29&version=ESV#en-ESV-26875"><strong>John 20:19</strong></a><strong> Greek <em>Ioudaioi</em> probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>In this encounter, Jesus announces his presence by saying:
<strong>“Peace be with you.” And after showing them his hands and side, the Lord gives the eleven the assignment or commission to share his Gospel, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you.” </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>22 </sup>And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. </strong></div><div><strong><sup>23 </sup>If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>Having received the Holy Spirit and been instructed that the Lord is sending them, as he was sent by the Father, the disciples no longer are disciples or students of the Lord but become his Apostles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wikipedia defines an apostle as:
<strong>The word "apostle" derives from the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_language"><strong>Ancient Greek</strong></a><strong> word </strong><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E1%BC%80%CF%80%CF%8C%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%82"><strong>ἀπόστολος</strong></a><strong> (<em>apóstólos</em>), meaning "messenger" or "envoy" that was formed from the prefix </strong><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E1%BC%80%CF%80%CF%8C-"><strong>ἀπό-</strong></a><strong> (<em>apó-</em>, "from") and root </strong><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AD%CE%BB%CE%BB%CF%89"><strong>στέλλω</strong></a><strong> (<em>stéllō</em>, "I send", "I depart"</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostle_(Christian)"><strong>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostle_(Christian)</strong></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>However, in spite of the testimonies of <strong>Mary Magdalene</strong>, the two disciples on Emmaus Road, and to his fellow disciples, now apostles, the disciple Thomas refuses to believe in the resurrection of Jesus without visible proof, as we read in <strong>John 20:24-29 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-5553" height="273" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/fi03-incredulity-of-st-thomas.jpg?w=300" width="400" /></p>
<strong><sup>24 </sup></strong><strong>Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin,<sup>[a]</sup> was not with them when Jesus came. <sup>25 </sup>So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><sup>26 </sup></strong><strong>Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” <sup>27 </sup>Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” </strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>28 </sup>Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” <sup>29 </sup>Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Footnotes: a. </strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-29&version=ESV#en-ESV-26875"><strong>John 20:19</strong></a><strong> Greek <em>Ioudaioi</em> probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time b. </strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-29&version=ESV#en-ESV-26880"><strong>John 20:24</strong></a><strong> Greek <em>Didymus</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>The fourth and final encounter with the Resurrected Lord takes place in the same Upper Room where he appeared before other disciples, some eight days later. </div><div><br /></div><div>This time Thomas is present and the Lord instructs him to touch the wounds on his hands and side, and tell the disciple, “Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, <strong>“My Lord and my God!”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>Though Jesus did not initially reveal himself to the two disciples encountered on the Emmaus Road, he was not recognized by Mary Magdalene at the tomb where he was buried. Mary mistook our Lord at first as a gardener or groundskeeper, until he spoke her name. </div><div><br /></div><div>After being informed by Mary Magdalene of the empty tomb, the disciples, Peter and John, ran to the tomb to see for themselves. While <strong>John 20</strong> indicates that the disciples believed, it also indicates that they did not understand the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Christ first appeared to the eleven disciples, in the Upper Room, he showed them his hands and side, revealing the wounds from the crucifixion. Jesus returned again to the twelve disciples in the Upper Room, this time to show Thomas the same wounds he had shown to the other disciples some eight days previous. </div><div><br /></div><div>The question arises: Why did the disciples not believe the reports that Christ was alive and risen from the dead? And why was it necessary for Jesus to show them tangible evidence, such as the wounds from the cross, to convince the disciples? After all, the disciples were part of Jesus' inner circle for over three years. They had seen Christ's miracles and had heard his gospel, and still, they had to see tangible evidence of the miracle of the Lord's resurrection! That is why the Lord breathed God's Holy Spirit into the disciples in order to equip them for their new Commission as Apostles of Christ’s Gospel. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before Jesus died, because of sin, people practiced a religion filled with good works in order to worship God. They had to make sacrifices to God for their transgressions and communicated with God through such intermediaries as holy prophets or high priests. Worship involved performing visible, tangible actions to honor God.
Through Jesus, God reveals His new Paradigm for His relationship with His people. </div><div><br /></div><div>The term <strong>“paradigm”</strong> was a popular buzzword that was perhaps overused throughout the 1990's. For those unfamiliar with it, let us consult <strong>dictionary.com</strong>:
<strong>par·a·digm /ˈpærəˌdaɪm, -dɪm/ Show Spelled [par-uh-dahym, -dim] Show IPA noun </strong>
<strong>an example serving as a </strong><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/model"><strong>model</strong></a><strong>; pattern. <em>Synonyms: </em>mold, standard; ideal, </strong><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paragon"><strong>paragon</strong></a><strong>, touchstone.</strong>
<strong> such a cognitive framework shared by members of any discipline or group: the company’s business paradigm.</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paradigm"><strong>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paradigm</strong></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus implemented the new paradigm for humanity's relationship with God, by removing the stigma for the sin of humanity by taking upon himself both the judgment and punishment for sin. </div><div><br /></div><div>At his first appearance in the Upper Room, we see in John 20, that he commissioned the disciples, sending them to go forth, as the Father in heaven had sent him. And knowing that he was soon to ascend to heaven, Jesus breathed upon them the Holy Spirit of God, which was the first Pentecost. Some forty days after his ascension to heaven, Christ sent God's Holy Spirit to the rest of the believers gathered in the same Upper Room. After that, the Spirit, which is God's presence, came upon those believers, who accepted Christ as savior; confessed their sins; and have chosen to follow the Way of the Lord. </div><div><br /></div><div> And at this point, the disciples were no longer students of the Lord, but having received the Spirit, become Apostles or messengers of his gospel of forgiveness, sanctification, and following the Day of Pentecost. As Apostles, believers are vessels of God’s Holy Spirit or Arks of God's New Covenant. God’s new Paradigm is His New Covenant, which not only includes salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit but the promise of our own resurrection. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like the twelve Apostles, we are commissioned as messengers of Christ’s gospel.
The most important part of this passage, which all Christians who did not live in the time when Christ walked before his crucifixion should note, are the words that were spoken by Jesus to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”</div><div><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is justified_sanctified.jpg" height="549" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/justified_sanctified.jpg?w=300" width="582" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Communion</strong></p>
Part of our faith covenant with the Lord, is the observation and practice of Holy Communion, to remember Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf, until His return. Interesting, how the breaking of bread is an important part of today’s message, starting with the communion served at the Passover or Last supper, continuing with the breaking of bread with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later to the eleven in Jerusalem. So it is quite fitting and appropriate that we observe communion in today‘s service.</div><div><br />
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<div class="dropdown-display-text" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mark 14:22-25: <span color="revert" style="font-size: revert;">Institution of the Lord's Supper</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/communion_remember_me.jpg"><img alt="BLCF:Communion_Remember_Me" class="wp-image-2615 aligncenter" height="263" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/communion_remember_me.jpg" width="511" /></a></div>
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<div class="version-ESV result-text-style-normal text-html"><strong><span class="text Mark-14-22"><sup class="versenum"><br /></sup></span></strong></div><div class="version-ESV result-text-style-normal text-html"><strong><span class="text Mark-14-22"><sup class="versenum"><br /></sup></span></strong></div><div class="version-ESV result-text-style-normal text-html">
<strong><span class="text Mark-14-22"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, <span class="woj">“Take; this is my body.”</span></span> <span class="text Mark-14-23" id="en-ESV-24770"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.</span> <span class="text Mark-14-24" id="en-ESV-24771"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>And he said to them, <span class="woj">“This is my blood of the<sup class="footnote" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+14%3A22-25&version=ESV#fen-ESV-24771a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> covenant, which is poured out for many.</span></span> <span class="text Mark-14-25" id="en-ESV-24772"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”</span></span></strong>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Last Supper" class="wp-image-1706 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/last-supper.jpg?w=300" style="height: 430px; width: 493px;" width="300" /></p>
Let us pray... </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>Because He Lives - Cochren & Co. [Live Green Room Session] - https://youtu.be/F7a5Idd8Dhg</strong>
https://youtu.be/F7a5Idd8Dhg
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> <img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14267" height="480" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/17917325_1508445909190087_7213908866431844611_o.jpg" width="640" /></strong></p>
<strong>Benediction - (</strong><strong style="color: initial;">Numbers 6:24-26): </strong>
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<div class="dropdown-icon" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;"><span class="text Num-6-24"><br /></span></strong></div><div class="dropdown-icon" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;"><span class="text Num-6-24" id="en-ESV-3848">The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> bless you and keep you;</span></strong></div>
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<p class="line" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="text Num-6-25" id="en-ESV-3849">the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;</span></strong>
<strong><span class="text Num-6-26" id="en-ESV-3850">the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> lift up his </span></strong></p><p class="line" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="text Num-6-26">countenance upon you and give you peace.</span></strong></p>
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<strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>The WORLD BLESSING: Easter 2022 - 154 Nations, 257 Languages - Surprising unity in our divided world - https://youtu.be/d48-qbcovVY</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div> https://youtu.be/d48-qbcovVY
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-7794" height="218" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/happy-easter-religious-banner.jpg" width="589" /></p></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-60248667410563285482022-04-11T20:02:00.004-04:002022-04-19T23:17:26.987-04:00Note: NO Good Friday Service this year at BLCF Church, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf97wUHvuxGb_0NkSyNwFs0vu0FqiGHt28VshRq9hmNwEVYXISk3IsRwLzdqGtNmAOnKNx6LqTDFdx9fL3Y7dQOdlorgDp_j1dWHbQ_03BlMsZ9EFgw48b2IKnSOiHX3nUl9k6DpnavG1ehVdU6N_w_sn0dvARnCZVEL1QmBq2xtSrLOWRojnL0cng/s3300/Easter%20at%20BLCF%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf97wUHvuxGb_0NkSyNwFs0vu0FqiGHt28VshRq9hmNwEVYXISk3IsRwLzdqGtNmAOnKNx6LqTDFdx9fL3Y7dQOdlorgDp_j1dWHbQ_03BlMsZ9EFgw48b2IKnSOiHX3nUl9k6DpnavG1ehVdU6N_w_sn0dvARnCZVEL1QmBq2xtSrLOWRojnL0cng/w491-h379/Easter%20at%20BLCF%202022.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Note: NO Good Friday Service at BLCF Church this year!</span></span></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-55720849339818456862022-04-10T00:51:00.006-04:002022-04-19T23:16:27.201-04:00Important Announcement the Regarding Operating Hours of BLCF Church, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.<p> <strong><em><span style="color: red;">Dear BLCF Friends,</span></em></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Effective April 10, 2022, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church will reopen by reservation only for Sunday worship under the limitations and guidelines set by Public Health and the Board of BLCF. In order to protect those who are vulnerable at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship from COVID-19 Virus infection, the BLCF Board mandates that the church will be open by reservation, with the following rules:</strong></em></span></p>
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<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees must wear a mask while on the premises </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees give their contact information upon arrival </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees observe two meters social distance while seated </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees use hand sanitizer as needed </strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>attendees follow any additional directions given by members of the board, while inside the church</strong></em></span></li>
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<p><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to reopen safely more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></span></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-42387758237684612892022-03-27T00:00:00.004-04:002022-04-19T23:19:32.657-04:00Regarding BLCF Church's Hours of Operation, BLCF - 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.<span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Dear BLCF Friends,</strong></em></span><div><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Important Notice: Due to the current explosion of infections of the Omicron Variant of the COVID-19 Virus and in order to minimize exposure to vulnerable members who depend on public transit to get to and from church on Boxing Day, December 26, 2021, we regretfully announce that BLCF Church Sunday Worship Service is suspended for the time being. Please monitor our social media for the date that BLCF will resume our Sunday Worship Services.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><em><strong> </strong></em></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to safely reopen more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><em><strong> </strong></em></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>God’s Blessings for this Christmas and for the 2022 New Year. May you, your family, and your friends have a safe and blessed Holiday Season throughout the New Year! Though we will be closed on December 26, I believe you would enjoy the lesson that I have prepared for that Sunday.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></span></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pray for Peace" class="alignnone wp-image-14049" height="205" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/pray-for-peace.jpg" width="596" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church</strong><strong style="text-align: left;">, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.</strong><strong> </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Message for Sunday:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>‘Gathered in the Spirit and Gifted with Understanding, Unity, and Blessing of the Lord’ </strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© March 27, 2022</strong><strong>, </strong><strong>by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on Messages Shared at BLCF on February 23, 2020, & January 22, 2017</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/blcf-bulletin-februay-23-2020.pdf">BLCF Bulletin Februay 23, 2020</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/bulletin-january-22-20171.pdf">BLCF: bulletin-january-22-2017</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Holy_Spirit_Romans_8_11" class="alignnone wp-image-6809" height="449" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/holy_spirit_romans_8_11.jpg" width="449" /></p>
<strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>Music Special: </strong><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;">Peace Be Still (feat. Lauren Daigle) // The Belonging Co // All The Earth - https://youtu.be/dUpKZz0Nm7c</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><b>https://youtu.be/dUpKZz0Nm7c </b><div><br /></div><div><strong>Announcements and Call to Worship; Prayer </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>Tithing and Prayer; Hymn #572: <em>Praise God</em>; Prayers </strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Responsive Reading #634: (<em>Christian Unity – John 10 & 17, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12</em>) </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>Message by Steve Mickelson: <em>‘Gathered in the Spirit and Gifted with Understanding, Unity, and Blessing of the Lord’ </em></strong>
<strong><em> </em></strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><img alt="BLCF: Holy_Spirit_Pentecost" class="aligncenter wp-image-6066" height="540" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/holy_spirit_pentecost.jpg?w=222" width="400" /></em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>Lauren Daigle - Still Rolling Stones (Social Distancing Version) - https://youtu.be/Vr0d51uFTMc</strong></p><b>
https://youtu.be/Vr0d51uFTMc</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Let us pray… </div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to BLCF Church’s Praise and Worship Service for Sunday, March 27, 2022. It is ironic that the world has yet to recover from a COVID-19 Pandemic, that the threat to humanity of an expanded Russian Ukrainian conflict brings pause that Satan enjoys testing our faith by multiplying our suffering and misery, with fear, anxiety, and despair. It is at such times we must redouble our efforts to draw nearer to the Lord through prayer, studying the truth in His Word, and by actions of love to others that demonstrate His grace, mercy, and peace. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our lesson today, entitled <strong><em>‘Gathered in the Spirit and Gifted with Understanding, Unity, and Blessing of the Lord’, </em></strong>will examine how the power and presence of God’s Holy Spirit are most effective when more than one believer is present. Remember the Lord’s promise found in <strong>Matthew 18:20 </strong><strong>(ESV):</strong> </div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup><br /></sup></strong></div><div><strong><sup>20 </sup></strong><strong>For where two or three are</strong><strong> </strong><strong>gathered in my name,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>there am I among them.”</strong>
<strong>Music Special:</strong> <strong>Crowder - Come As You Are (Music Video) - https://youtu.be/r2zhf2mqEMI</strong>
<b>https://youtu.be/r2zhf2mqEMI </b></div><div><br /></div><div>You may recall that Jesus, after His resurrection and just before he ascended, to heaven, instructed his disciples to gather in the Upper Room so that together they may receive God’s Holy Spirit as one group on the Day of Pentecost.
But what was Christ’s reason for sending the Holy Spirit? The answer to this question is found in <strong>John 14:15-17</strong><strong> (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: United by the Holy Spirit" class="alignnone wp-image-2623 size-full" height="408" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/pentecost_2.gif" width="300" /></p>
<strong><sup>15 </sup></strong><strong>“If you love me, you will</strong><strong> </strong><strong>keep my commandments.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>16 </sup></strong><strong>And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Helper,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15-27&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26673a">a</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>to be with you forever,<sup>17 </sup>even</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the Spirit of truth,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>will be<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15-27&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26674b">b</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>in you.</strong>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15-27&version=ESV#en-ESV-26673">John 14:16</a> Or Advocate, or Counselor; also <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.14.26&version=ESV">14:26</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.15.26&version=ESV">15:26</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.16.7&version=ESV">16:7</a> b. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15-27&version=ESV#en-ESV-26674">John 14:17</a> Some manuscripts and is</h4>
The Spirit is described as the Spirit of truth, sent as a Helper, a Companion forever, to those who believe in the <strong>Gospel of Christ, Jesus</strong>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Power of the Spirit is expressed by way of <strong>Gifts of the Spirit</strong>, which are described in <strong>1 Corinthians 12:4-11</strong><strong> (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gifts of the Spirit</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: HOLY_SPIRIT_DOVE_ANIMATED_GIF" class="alignnone wp-image-3084 size-full" height="240" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/holy_spirit_dove_animated_gif.gif" width="320" /></p>
<strong><sup>4 </sup></strong><strong>Now</strong><strong> </strong><strong>there are varieties of gifts, but</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the same Spirit;</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>5 </sup></strong><strong>and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>there are varieties of service, but</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the same Lord;</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>6 </sup></strong><strong>and there are varieties of activities, but it is</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the same God who empowers them all in everyone.<sup>7 </sup>To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.<sup>8 </sup>For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of</strong><strong> </strong><strong>wisdom, and to another the utterance of</strong><strong> </strong><strong>knowledge according to the same Spirit,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>9 </sup></strong><strong>to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>faith by the same Spirit, to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>gifts of healing by the one Spirit,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>10 </sup></strong><strong>to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the working of miracles, to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>prophecy, to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>various kinds of tongues, to another</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the interpretation of tongues.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>11 </sup></strong><strong>All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>who apportions to each one individually</strong><strong> </strong><strong>as he wills.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>You see that no one person receives all the possible gifts of the Spirit, as collectively all of the gifts are empowered in everyone. That means that when the Spirit of God arrived in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost to the group of believers, each believer received a gift for the common good. </div><div><br /></div><div>The gifts were not intended for the benefit of individuals and all are only effective together in a group or gathering of individual believers, acting together in harmony as a single group.
Our Lord intended the Holy Spirit’s Gifts to be distributed amongst a body of believers, gathered as His Church. </div><div><br /></div><div>Together, Christ’s Church becomes the unified expression of His love and power.
It is expected that Christ’s Church expresses the Lord’s Commandments, which Jesus described in <strong>Matthew 22:37-40</strong><strong> (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Commandments of Jesus</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: 2_Commandments" class="alignnone wp-image-7049" height="200" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/2commandments.png?w=300" width="400" /></p>
<strong><sup>37 </sup></strong><strong>And he said to him,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>38 </sup></strong><strong>This is the great and first commandment.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>39 </sup></strong><strong>And</strong><strong> </strong><strong>a second is like it:</strong><strong> </strong><strong>You shall love your neighbor as yourself.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>40 </sup></strong><strong>On these two commandments depend</strong><strong> </strong><strong>all the Law and the Prophets.”</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>The Holy Spirit’s presence helps the Church, the collective group of believers, to best express God’s Gifts.
It is Christian Unity that assures that all of its members are acting in harmony, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. </div><div><br /></div><div>This brings us to Paul’s letter to the members of the Church in Corinth, who demonstrated a disharmony or absence of unity of mind and judgment, expressed quarrels and disagreement between Church members, as described in the verses in <strong>1 Corinthians 1:10-31</strong><strong> (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Divisions in the Church</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Phillippians-2_2" class="alignnone wp-image-7584" height="281" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/phillippians-2_2.png?w=300" width="400" /></p>
<strong><sup>10 </sup></strong><strong>I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28357a">a</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no</strong><strong> </strong><strong>divisions among you, but that you be united</strong><strong> </strong><strong>in the same mind and the same judgment.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>11 </sup></strong><strong>For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is</strong><strong> </strong><strong>quarreling among you, my brothers and sisters.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>12 </sup></strong><strong>What I mean is that</strong><strong> </strong><strong>each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Apollos,” or “I follow</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you</strong><strong> </strong><strong>baptized in the name of Paul?</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>14 </sup></strong><strong>I thank God that I baptized none of you except</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Crispus and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Gaius,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>15 </sup></strong><strong>so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>16 </sup></strong><strong>(I did baptize also</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>17 </sup></strong><strong>For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.</strong>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Christ the Wisdom and Power of God</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: 1corinthians_1_26-31" class="alignnone wp-image-7579" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/1corinthians_1_26-31.jpg?w=300" width="400" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><sup>18 </sup></strong><strong>For the word of the cross is</strong><strong> </strong><strong>folly to</strong><strong> </strong><strong>those who are perishing, but to us</strong><strong> </strong><strong>who are being saved it is</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the power of God.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>19 </sup></strong><strong>For it is written,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,</strong><strong>
</strong><strong>and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”</strong></p>
<strong><sup>20 </sup></strong><strong>Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<sup>21 </sup>For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28368b">b</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>to save those who believe.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>22 </sup></strong><strong>For</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,<sup>23 </sup>but we preach Christ</strong><strong> </strong><strong>crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>24 </sup></strong><strong>but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the power of God and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the wisdom of God.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>25 </sup></strong><strong>For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.</strong>
<strong><sup>26 </sup></strong><strong>For consider your calling, brothers and sisters:</strong><strong> </strong><strong>not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28373c">c</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>27 </sup></strong><strong>But</strong><strong> </strong><strong>God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;</strong><strong> </strong><strong>God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>28 </sup></strong><strong>God chose what is low and despised in the world, even</strong><strong> </strong><strong>things that are not, to</strong><strong> </strong><strong>bring to nothing things that are,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>29 </sup></strong><strong>so</strong><strong> </strong><strong>that no human being<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28376d">d</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>might boast in the presence of God.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>30 </sup></strong><strong>And because of him<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28377e">e</a>]</sup></strong><strong> </strong><strong>you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us</strong><strong> </strong><strong>wisdom from God,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>righteousness and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>sanctification and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>redemption,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>31 </sup></strong><strong>so that, as it is written,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”</strong>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-28357">1 Corinthians 1:10</a> Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Cor.1.11&version=ESV">11</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Cor.1.26&version=ESV">26</a> b. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-28368">1 Corinthians 1:21</a> Or the folly of preaching c. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-28373">1 Corinthians 1:26</a> Greek according to the flesh d. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-28376">1 Corinthians 1:29</a> Greek no flesh e. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-28377">1 Corinthians 1:30</a> Greek And from him</h4>
Paul implied that the disharmony of the Spirit in Church in Corinth resulted when the church’s members attempted to apply worldly standards and values to matters and actions related to the Spirit.
In this regard, Paul felt that this disharmony acted as a “stumbling block” to the church achieving full Spiritual health.
We see a similar expression of this Spiritual disharmonious behavior among Christian churches today when our attendance and activities within the church are focused on other people and not the Lord. Our service and commitment should be focused solely on Jesus, as we read in <strong>Ephesians 4:1-8</strong><strong> (ESV)</strong> <strong>:</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Unity in the Body of Christ</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: baptised into the body of Christ" class="alignnone wp-image-5460" height="306" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/baptised-into-the-body-of-christ.jpg" width="320" /></p>
<strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>4 </strong><strong>I therefore,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to</strong><strong> </strong><strong>walk in a manner worthy of</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the calling to which you have been called,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>2 </sup></strong><strong>with all</strong><strong> </strong><strong>humility and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>gentleness, with</strong><strong> </strong><strong>patience,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>bearing with one another in love,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>3 </sup></strong><strong>eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the bond of peace.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>4 </sup></strong><strong>There is</strong><strong> </strong><strong>one body and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>one Spirit—just as you were called to the one</strong><strong> </strong><strong>hope that belongs to your call—</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>5 </sup></strong><strong>one Lord,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>one faith,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>one baptism,</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>6 </sup></strong><strong>one God and Father of all,</strong><strong> </strong><strong>who is over all and through all and in all.</strong><strong> </strong><strong><sup>7 </sup></strong><strong>But</strong><strong> </strong><strong>grace was given</strong><strong> </strong><strong>to each one of us</strong><strong> </strong><strong>according to the measure of Christ's gift.<sup>8 </sup>Therefore it says,</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>“When he ascended on high</strong><strong> </strong><strong>he led a host of captives,</strong><strong>
</strong><strong>and he gave gifts to men and women.”<sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A1-16&version=ESV#fen-ESV-29264a">a</a>]</sup></strong></p>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A1-16&version=ESV#en-ESV-29264">Ephesians 4:8</a> The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women</h4>
The other cause of ineffectiveness and disharmony within the body of the church miss attending gatherings or services within the church.
We see this effect described in the following poem by an anonymous author<strong> p</strong>oem someone wrote about people who miss church:
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You missed the fellowship that’s there,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You missed the handshake, missed the prayer.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> You missed the Word of God when read,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You missed the things the preacher said.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You missed the worship’s wondrous hour,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You missed the Holy Spirit’s power.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Not only did you miss the chance </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Your life in Jesus to enhance, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You missed your chance to do your share,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>To build His church, the house of prayer.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>And so the loss is yours indeed,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>God had no chance to meet your need.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>–Unknown Author</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>Cochren & Co. - Church (Take Me Back) [Official Lyric Video] - </strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>https://youtu.be/3eTOcrWu8mQ</strong></p>
</div><div>We are reminded of both the importance and benefit of meeting as a church body in <strong>Hebrews 10:24-25</strong> <strong>(ESV)</strong>: </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><sup>24 </sup></strong><strong>And</strong><strong> </strong><strong>let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,<sup>25 </sup>not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and</strong><strong> </strong><strong>all the more as you see</strong><strong> </strong><strong>the Day drawing near.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div> Let us pray…
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Isaiah-11-_2-3" class="alignnone wp-image-7578" height="203" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/isaiah-11-_2-3.jpg" width="596" /></p>
<b>Music Special: </b><strong>KATY NICHOLE - In Jesus Name (God Of Possible): Song Session - https://youtu.be/RoUfwjwQ_Xk</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><b>https://youtu.be/RoUfwjwQ_Xk </b></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Benediction – (2 John 3):</strong> <strong>Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.</strong></div><div><b><br /></b>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF" class="aligncenter wp-image-148" height="450" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/blcf.jpg?w=300" width="600" /></p></div></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-6614573365231773062022-03-19T22:06:00.005-04:002022-04-19T23:18:33.665-04:00The Cross: A Symbol of Our Faith and Reminder of God’s Love 2022 - BLCF Church, , 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.<p> </p>
<span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Dear BLCF Friends,</strong></em></span><div><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Important Notice: Due to the current explosion of infections of the Omicron Variant of the COVID-19 Virus and in order to minimize exposure to vulnerable members who depend on public transit to get to and from church on Boxing Day, December 26, 2021, we regretfully announce that BLCF Church Sunday Worship Service is suspended for the time being. Please monitor our social media for the date that BLCF will resume our Sunday Worship Services.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to safely reopen more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>God’s Blessings for this Christmas and for the 2022 New Year. May you, your family, and your friends have a safe and blessed Holiday Season throughout the New Year! Though we will be closed on December 26, I believe you would enjoy the lesson that I have prepared for that Sunday.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong><br /></strong></em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF Church Cross Angle View" class="alignnone wp-image-14011" height="794" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/blcf-church-cross-angle-view.jpg" width="595" /></div>
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<div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Music Special - </strong><strong style="color: initial; font-size: revert;">The Power of the Cross (Official Lyric Video) - Keith & Kristyn Getty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wcULqyoINg</strong></div>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wcULqyoINg
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<strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>Near the Cross - The Petersens (Lyrics) - https://youtu.be/Gf_wlFwBIMc</strong>
https://youtu.be/Gf_wlFwBIMc
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8806" height="154" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/jesus-hope-of-the-cross.jpg" width="596" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church</strong><strong style="text-align: left;">, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.</strong><strong> </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Message for Sunday:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘The Cross: A Symbol of Our Faith and Reminder of God’s Love’</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© March 20, 2022, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on Messages shared at BLCF on January 14, 2018, and October 26, 2014</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/blcf-bulletin-january-14-2018.pdf">BLCF Bulletin January 14, 2018</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bulletin-october-26-20141.pdf" title="BLCF: Bulletin October 26, 2014">BLCF: Bulletin October 26, 2014</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-7478" height="571" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/jesus_and_mary_manger_by_bnw-cross.jpg?w=263" width="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Announcements and Call to Worship;</strong> <strong>Prayer </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Prayer and Tithing Hymn #572: <em>Praise God from Whom All Blessings</em> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Responsive Reading #632 (<em>G</em>o<em>d’s Redeeming Lover – John 3 and 1 John 4); </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Message by Steve Mickelson:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>‘The Cross: A Symbol of Our Faith and Reminder of God’s Love’</strong></p>
<img alt="Bloor Lansdowne - BLCF Cafe Community Dinner" class="wp-image-228 aligncenter" height="449" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/blcf-front.jpg?w=300" width="599" />
<strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>Pass It On - <a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQyDtqX8oyeeQqLXQ2u1bQ">TheNCrew</a> - https://youtu.be/ovdKx6lQ8OM</strong> </div><div>https://youtu.be/ovdKx6lQ8OM</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us pray… </div><div><br /></div><div> Welcome to our Sunday Praise and Worship service today at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship, on this the first day of Spring for 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was just over two years ago, on March 16, 2020, that Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship closed its doors and suspended all in-person Church Service Meetings, as well as all outreach activities, including the BLCF Cafe Community Dinner, due to the deadly threat to the vulnerable from the COVID-19 Virus which had spread to a Pandemic. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finally reopened our doors last October 2021, to Sunday Worship Services, under the guidelines of Public Health of wearing masks, keeping social distance, etc.
Services at BLCF continued until Boxing Day, 2021, when BLCF again suspended in-person worship activities due to the Omicron Variant of COVID-19, from December 2021 until the present date. </div><div><br /></div><div>While we hope to reopen again prior to this Easter, we continue to keep a watchful eye for any new variant, including the new Omicron Sub-Variant that is currently in the UK, USA, and Canada. </div><div><br /></div><div>After being open since 1938 as Crusaders Church, and now as Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship. only a deadly virus could shut the doors to this church. The two tenant congregations who also use our church building have had to deal with the threat of COVID-19 while keeping their own health and safety policies. </div><div><br /></div><div>We continue to maintain contact with fellow members of the BLCF Community by way of phone and via social media until we are certain that the threat to the vulnerable in our community from the COVID-19 has passed. </div><div><br /></div><div>We encourage you to continue to pray for each other and contact one another with words of encouragement and hope, until the day we can reopen our doors for Praise and Worship Services at Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship.</div><div><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sunday Sermon Pastor Steve BLCF Church Cross" class="alignnone wp-image-14008" height="447" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/sunday-sermon-pastor-steve-blcf-church-cross.jpg" width="596" /></p><div><br /></div>
Let us now begin our lesson for today, which is entitled:<strong> ‘The Cross: A Symbust over two years jol of Our Faith and Reminder of God’s Love’.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>Before we delve into the lesson, I would like to share our own <strong>miracle of the cross</strong> here at BLCF. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was at a BLCF picnic in the back of the church at St. Helens several years ago, that the congregation decided to invite the Bloor Lansdowne Community to a simple barbeque/picnic, featuring hot dogs and corn on the cob.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> .
<img alt="" class="wp-image-7208 aligncenter" height="667" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/img_1239.jpg?w=225" width="500" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Since we had a small Hibachi grill, it was decided to cook the hot dogs outside and boil the corn inside the church kitchen. I was running the barbeque in the front driveway so as to catch the attention of passersby with a sign, posted as an invitation to join the picnic posted above my station. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I cooked the hot dogs, a group of four or five young people passed by, where one having read our sign commented: “What kind of place is this?” To which another replied: “I think it is a church.”</div><div><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8808 size-full" height="375" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/bloor-lansdowne-christian-fellowship-blcf-church-toronto-on.jpg" width="500" /></p><div><br /></div>
When I heard their comments, I realized that the church signage consisted of a front marquee sign and another on the east wall, outside of the prayer room, both mounted high above eye level, making the signs all but invisible to pedestrians walking on the sidewalk in front of the building. </div><div><br /></div><div>The church had a small cross, composed of white bricks embedded in the red brick wall located high above the front facade of the church. No wonder many people were unaware that we were a church. The lights inside the marquee sign had stopped working several years before. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later, intrigued about the cross, I went to the roof and found an old five-foot cross made of plywood with faded white paint sitting upon the roof. It looked as if the weather and wind had caused the cross to fall some years before, with the lag bolts pulling free from the peak of the front wall.
Here is where our little miracle occurred. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I pondered whether the cross might be repaired, restored, and mounted back on the roof, we received an interesting message from the daughter of one of the members of our congregation, who had passed away two years before. It seemed that a nearby church had closed and the property sold for commercial use. The new owners intended to convert the building to lofts. </div><div><br /></div><div>Part of the conversion included the removal of the large twelve-foot silver cross mounted on the front of the building.
It seems that the young lady noticed the cross was placed in a scrap bin. She convinced the contractor to give her the cross, indicating that she knew of a church that needed a cross. When she contacted me, she asked: “Could use a new cross?” </div><div><br /></div><div>My reply was an emphatic ”Yes", though I was not sure how to arrange delivery of a twelve-foot cross, let alone how we would mount it on the building. I did not tell her that the church at the time had funds for either.
I was informed that in memory of her mother, she wanted to hire a contractor to deliver and mount the cross, all at her expense and that we do not reveal her name. </div><div><br /></div><div> When I received the dimensions, I measure the wall and from examining recent photos of the building, I had determined that it would fit perfectly above the front doors, between the double arches that framed the front doorway.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8809" height="409" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/bloor-lansdowne-christian-fellowship-blcf-church-0068.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p><div><br /></div>
The contractors have asked whether we wanted the small white cross formed by white bricks embedded in the wall to be painted red so that the new cross would be the only cross above the front entrance. I told them to leave the cross as is and asked that the small white window arch behind the new cross be painted red to match the rest of the brickwork of the front wall.</div><div><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8810" height="389" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/bloor-lansdowne-christian-fellowship-blcf-church-0057.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p><div><br /></div>
I marveled how the Lord had provided a solution to the need to replace the old cross before I had even raised the need to him. And the solution that the Lord provided was far better than what I had imagined. The Lord was going to ensure that people in the community knew without a doubt that BLCF is a place of worship. The Lord recognized the need for a new cross. He provided both the cross, as well as the means to install it before we had a chance to pray for it</div><div>.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8811" height="370" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/bloor-lansdowne-christian-fellowship-blcf-church-0007.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p><div><br /></div>
I wonder how many times God provides for His children before the need is raised? And how many times does the Lord provides for a need before it is even recognized? This was not the first time God has provided in a miraculous way for the need at BLCF. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, I did manage to repair, stain, and mount the old BLCF cross and mount it on the wall behind the risers where Terry Sywanyk performs at our BLCF Cafe Community Dinner beside the “kNOw JESUS kNOw PEACE” sign.</div><div><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Terry BLCF Cafe Cross" class="alignnone wp-image-14007" height="793" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/terry-blcf-cafe-cross.jpg" width="595" /></p><div><br /></div>
It may surprise you to find out that the cross has not always been a symbol of the Christian Church. Let us check our Wikibits for the history of the cross:</div><div><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Christian Cross</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8813 size-full" height="356" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/crosses.png" width="440" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Latin cross</strong></p>
<strong>The Christian Cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion_of_Jesus"><strong>crucifixion of Jesus</strong></a><strong>, is the best-known </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_symbol"><strong>symbol</strong></a><strong> of </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity"><strong>Christianity</strong></a><strong>. It is related to the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifix"><strong>crucifix</strong></a><strong> (a cross that includes a usually three-dimensional representation of Jesus' body) and to the more general family of </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross"><strong>cross</strong></a><strong> symbols.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>In contemporary Christianity, the cross is a symbol of the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atonement_in_Christianity"><strong>atonement</strong></a><strong> and reminds Christians of God's </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agape"><strong>love</strong></a><strong> in sacrificing his own son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin"><strong>sin</strong></a><strong> and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself. </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>See </strong><a href="http://tools.wmflabs.org/bibleversefinder/?book=Colossians&verse=2:15&src=NIV"><strong>Colossians 2:15</strong></a><strong>, "Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross".</strong></div><div><b><br /></b>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8814 size-medium" height="285" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/cross.gif?w=300" width="300" /></p>
<strong>The cross is often shown in different shapes and sizes, in many different styles. It may be used in personal jewelry, or used on top of church buildings. It is shown both empty and in </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifix"><strong>crucifix</strong></a><strong> form, that is, with a figure of Christ, often referred to as the corpus (</strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin"><strong>Latin</strong></a><strong> for "body"), affixed to it. </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic"><strong>Roman Catholic</strong></a><strong>, </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Anglican and Lutheran depictions of the cross are often crucifixes, in order to emphasize that it is Jesus that is important, rather than the cross in isolation. Large crucifixes are a prominent feature of some Lutheran churches, as illustrated in the article </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rood"><strong>Rood</strong></a><strong>. </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>However, some other </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant"><strong>Protestant</strong></a><strong> traditions depict the cross without the corpus, interpreting this form as an indication of belief in the resurrection rather than as representing the interval between the death and the resurrection of Jesus.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Crosses are a prominent feature of Christian </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cemeteries"><strong>cemeteries</strong></a><strong>, either carved on </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravestone"><strong>gravestones</strong></a><strong> or as sculpted </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stela"><strong>stelas</strong></a><strong>. Because of this, planting small crosses is sometimes used in countries of Christian culture to mark the site of fatal accidents, or to </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protest"><strong>protest</strong></a><strong> alleged deaths.</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>In Catholic countries, crosses are often erected on the peaks of prominent mountains, such as the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugspitze"><strong>Zugspitze</strong></a><strong> or </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Royal"><strong>Mount Royal</strong></a><strong>, so as to be visible over the entire surrounding area.</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchal_cross"><strong>Patriarchal cross</strong></a></p>
<strong>Also called an archiepiscopal cross or a <em>crux gemina</em>. </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>A double cross, with the two crossbars near the top. The upper one is shorter, representing the plaque nailed to Jesus' cross. Similar to the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Lorraine"><strong>Cross of Lorraine</strong></a><strong>, though in the original version of the latter, the bottom arm is lower. The Eastern Orthodox cross adds a slanted bar near the foot.</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cross (disambiguation)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-8817" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/latin-cross.png?w=215" width="215" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</strong></p>
<strong>The Cross consists of two lines or bars, intersecting each other at a 90° angle and dividing one or both of the lines in half.</strong>
<strong>Cross or to cross may also refer to:</strong>
<strong>Religion</strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_cross"><strong>Christian cross</strong></a><strong>, the basic symbol of Christianity </strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>As a simple ritual or prayer, it is the </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_Cross"><strong>Sign of the Cross</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_necklace"><strong>Cross necklace</strong></a><strong>, a necklace worn by adherents of the Christian religion</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong>Object</strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_(crown)"><strong>Cross (crown)</strong></a><strong>, the decoration located at the highest level of a crown</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>A cross with a human body affixed is referred to as a </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifix"><strong>crucifix</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_(x_mark)"><strong>cross (x mark)</strong></a></li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_cross"><strong>High cross</strong></a><strong>, early Medieval free-standing Christian cross made of stone and often richly decorated</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_(disambiguation)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_(disambiguation)</a></strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4064" height="200" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/cross-yourself-step-1.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></p>
The cross as a symbol in the Christian Church may refer to either an object or a motion with the hand or fingers did not come into practice in the Christian Church until the third or fourth century A.D.
Members of the early Christian church would often use a fish, represented by two intersecting arches as a symbol to represent the Christian faith.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-8815" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/christian-fish-symbol.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></p>
Some churches avoid having a cross in their place of worship, fearing that the cross may be treated not as an icon or symbol but worshiped as an idol. In the same manner, many evangelical churches avoid having statues for the same fear that they will be prayed to and worshiped as idols.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6755" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/last_supper.png?w=280" width="280" /></p>
There are some denominations who feel the cross may offend church attendees as a symbol of torture and death. I think that if you sanitize what happened to Jesus on the cross you run the risk of diminishing the impact of the resurrection! </div><div><br /></div><div>The fact that our Lord, Christ Jesus instructed all disciples to remember his sacrifice by way of the Communion observance indicates that we should not hide what the cross represents, his death and sacrifice for our sins.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8816" height="400" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/jesus-picture-on-the-cross-it-is-finished-crucifixion.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p>
While the cross or crucifix does remind us that Christ suffered and died for the sins of humanity, without the resurrection Christ’s death would have only made him a martyr. It is only after Jesus was resurrected from the grave and following the Holy Spirit’s arrival on the Day of Pentecost, did the Christian Church come into being, as a proof of Christ’s Lordship with the fulfillment of the prophecy found in the Scriptures, as we read in <strong>Isaiah 53:5-6 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8819" height="375" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/jesus-paid-it-all-isaiah-53-5.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>5 </sup></strong><strong>But he was pierced for our transgressions;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> he was crushed for our iniquities;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>and with his wounds we are healed.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><sup>6 </sup>All we like sheep have gone astray;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>we have turned—every one—to his own way;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>and the Lord has laid on him</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>the iniquity of us all.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-6391" height="496" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/cradle_to_the_cross.jpg" width="500" /></p>
Is it wrong to have a symbol such as the cross as a reminder of the sacrifice of the cross? I believe that Jesus felt it was useful to have visual cues to help remind us of the price that he paid for our salvation. We find that the holes left by being nailed to the cross, and by the Centurion’s spear to his side, helped Jesus demonstrate his supernatural victory over death to the disciples, including Thomas who was absent at his first appearance but arrived eight days later, <strong>John 20:19-31 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jesus Appears to the Disciples</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2970 size-full" height="290" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/upperroom_.jpg" width="500" /></p>
<strong><sup>19 </sup></strong><strong>On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” <sup>20 </sup>When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. <sup>21 </sup>Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” <sup>22 </sup>And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. <sup>23 </sup>If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jesus and Thomas</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-3144 size-full" height="282" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/doubting_thomas.jpg" width="234" /></p>
<strong><sup>24 </sup></strong><strong>Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. <sup>25 </sup>So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”</strong>
<strong><sup>26 </sup></strong><strong>Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” <sup>27 </sup>Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” <sup>28 </sup>Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” <sup>29 </sup>Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Purpose of This Book</strong></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Word made flesh" class="wp-image-1914 size-full aligncenter" height="256" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/john-1_14.jpeg" width="197" /> </div></div><div><br /></div><div>
<strong><sup>30 </sup></strong><strong>Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; <sup>31 </sup>but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>Footnotes: a. </strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-26875"><strong>John 20:19</strong></a><strong> Greek <em>Ioudaioi</em> probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time b. </strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=ESV#en-ESV-26880"><strong>John 20:24</strong></a><strong> Greek <em>Didymus</em></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>The signs of the wounds Jesus showed his disciples helped them to understand both the suffering he endured and the supernatural victory Christ achieved over death by His resurrection. Interestingly, though Jesus had the wounds from the cross, he now was able to pass through the locked door of the upper room. Having shown the disciples his wounds, Jesus breathed onto them the breath of the Holy Spirit, to help them go forth in his place, no longer disciples, but apostles of the Gospel of Christ. Jesus death on the cross had removed the debts from sin, <strong>Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8818" height="495" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/colossians-2_13-14-nailed-to-the-cross.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p>
<strong><sup>13 </sup></strong><strong>And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, <sup>14 </sup>by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div>
The cross is a symbol, not just of the suffering and death that Jesus experienced, but reminds us that while we are called to follow the Lord and may suffer for our faith, we have the assurance that the judgment for our sins has been born by the Lord, <strong>1 Peter 2:20-24 (ESV):</strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8821" height="375" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/1peter-2_21-24.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p>
<strong><sup>20 </sup></strong><strong>For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. <sup>21 </sup>For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. <sup>22 </sup>He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. <sup>23 </sup>When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. <sup>24 </sup>He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.</strong></div><div><br /></div><div>
Just as the cross acts as a reminder to Christians of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, our faith in the Lord is made perfect, not just because he endured the cross, but the holes in his hands and side act as a reminder to God the Father in heaven, as Jesus sits at the right-hand side of the throne of God. Our faith is made perfect through Jesus, <strong>Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): </strong>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8822" height="319" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/hebrews_12_1-2.jpg?w=300" width="500" /></p>
<strong>12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, <sup>2 </sup>looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus revealed his hands and side to the disciples, it was not so that they would dwell upon his wounds upon the cross. The intent was to give encouragement and hope in the victory of his resurrection. And we read that is exactly what took place, <strong>John 20:19-20 (ESV):</strong></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8824 size-medium" height="300" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/jezus-and-thomas.jpg?w=263" width="263" /></p>
<strong> <sup>19 </sup>On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” <sup>20 </sup>When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. <sup> </sup></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div> The disciples were glad when they saw the marks of the crucifixion. Let us, therefore view the cross not as an instrument of torture and death of Christ, but as a symbol for our own hope in his resurrection and be encouraged in the truth of his promise to all believers of their own resurrection on the day Christ returns.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us pray...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="449" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/crucified-with-christ-man-cross.jpg" width="300" /> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) - Adrienne Liesching | LYRIC VIDEO - https://youtu.be/rn9-UNer6MQ</strong>
https://youtu.be/rn9-UNer6MQ</div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Benediction - (</em></strong><strong>Romans 15:13)<em>: </em>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope</strong>.</div><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship -BLCF Church in the heart of Toronto" class="alignnone wp-image-1578" height="448" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/new-photos-may-2012_-024.jpg" width="597" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-29774628921142133252022-03-17T07:47:00.006-04:002022-04-19T23:14:54.166-04:00Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Heart of Toronto - BLCF Church, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzk2VScji8Qh-BrktmqMsJxptc6_7yypVBNKG78bi7QLHkdUEponlxwsKfxC12FTdXk_PkenQN-O8_zsx95htMVxbrkcSzRoxap6SlE27Vqkus5ano_sNMxX0UZh2eDGVFQx1-ZdU5x5uV1rv9h87t8dkjDv2vanstPhtnnAT8pAUOrslZOFpbbGc/s570/St%20Patricks%20Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzk2VScji8Qh-BrktmqMsJxptc6_7yypVBNKG78bi7QLHkdUEponlxwsKfxC12FTdXk_PkenQN-O8_zsx95htMVxbrkcSzRoxap6SlE27Vqkus5ano_sNMxX0UZh2eDGVFQx1-ZdU5x5uV1rv9h87t8dkjDv2vanstPhtnnAT8pAUOrslZOFpbbGc/w400-h400/St Patricks Prayer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-37093581551772366942022-03-13T04:59:00.002-04:002022-04-19T23:14:16.073-04:00The Three Rewards of Faith: Grace, Love, and Fellowship 2022<p> <em style="color: red;"><strong>Dear BLCF Friends,</strong></em></p>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Important Notice: Due to the current explosion of infections of the Omicron Variant of the COVID-19 Virus and in order to minimize exposure to vulnerable members who depend on public transit to get to and from church on Boxing Day, December 26, 2021, we regretfully announce that BLCF Church Sunday Worship Service is suspended for the time being. Please monitor our social media for the date that BLCF will resume our Sunday Worship Services.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to safely reopen more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>God's Blessings for this Christmas and for the 2022 New Year. May you, your family, and your friends have a safe and blessed Holiday Season throughout the New Year! Though we will be closed on December 26, I believe you would enjoy the lesson that I have prepared for that Sunday.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></span></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8362" height="173" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/living-the-great-commission.png?w=300" width="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church</strong><strong style="text-align: left;">, 1307 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> Message for Sunday: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘The </strong><strong>Three Rewards of Faith: Grace, Love and Fellowship’</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© March 13, 2022, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on a Message Previously Shared at BLCF on August 6, 2017 </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/bulletin-august-6-2017.pdf">BLCF Bulletin August 6, 2017</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8364" height="338" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/grace-love-fellowship.jpg?w=300" width="450" /></p>
<p><strong>A</strong><strong>nnouncements and Call to Worship</strong><em><strong>; Prayer </strong></em></p>
<p><strong>Opening Music Special: </strong><strong>Cochren & Co - One Day (Lyrics) - https://youtu.be/LIWAoT9aX78</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/LIWAoT9aX78</p>
<p><strong>Tithing and Prayer Requests: Hymn #572: </strong><em><strong>Praise God; </strong></em><em><strong>Prayers </strong></em></p>
<p><strong>Responsive Reading #640 </strong><em><strong>(Redemption in Christ – Romans 5) </strong></em><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Message by Steve Mickelson: </strong><em><strong> ‘ </strong></em><strong><em>The</em> </strong><strong><em>Three Rewards of Faith: Grace, Love, and Fellowship</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8363 size-full" height="338" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/grace-love-and-fellowship.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>Music Special: <strong>Lauren Daigle - We Believe (Acoustic) [Newsboys Cover] - https://youtu.be/DoPLgOwg4tY</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/DoPLgOwg4tY</p>
<p>Let us pray…</p>
<p>Welcome to BLCF’s Praise and Worship Service, on this the second Sunday of March. I trust those who live in a Time Zone that observes Daylight Saving Time, that you remembers to adjust your clocks ahead last night!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Spring Forward dont be late for church" class="alignnone wp-image-13952" height="633" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/spring-forward-dont-be-late-for-church.jpg" width="507" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Daylight Savings Time Map" class="alignnone wp-image-13951" height="407" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/daylight-savings-time-map.jpg" width="595" /></p>
<p>For our lesson today, we will examine: <em><strong>‘</strong></em><strong>The </strong><strong><em>Three Rewards of Faith: Grace, Love, and Fellowship’</em></strong> .</p>
<p>Let us begin our lesson by examining what is meant by <strong>faith</strong> and how could we explain its presence? I found an interesting posting on the topic on the Web site, <strong>bibleinoneyear.org</strong>:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>On Faith</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-7736" height="175" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/faith.jpg?w=300" width="367" /></p>
<p><strong>John Paton (1824–1907), a Scot, had travelled to the New Hebrides (a group of islands in the south-west Pacific) determined to tell the tribal people about Jesus, but he struggled to find the right word for ‘faith’. One day, when his indigenous servant came in, Paton raised both feet off the floor, sat back in his chair and asked, ‘What am I doing now?’ In reply, the servant used a word that means, ‘<em>to lean your whole weight upon</em>’. This became the expression that Paton used. Faith is <em>leaning our whole weight upon Jesus.</em></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bibleinoneyear.org/bioy/commentary/2354"><strong>https://www.bibleinoneyear.org/bioy/commentary/2354</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8030" height="399" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/faith-cross.jpg?w=300" width="599" /></p>
<p>So we have a good working definition of faith, but what about the three rewards of faith that are the focus of today’s lesson: grace, love, and fellowship?</p>
<p><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>This Is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham (Lyrics) - https://youtu.be/SUglaJyobks</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/SUglaJyobks</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christian Grace</strong></p>
<p>In <strong>2 Timothy 2:1-7</strong><strong>, </strong>e have a good description of <strong>g</strong><strong>race</strong>, which is the first reward of our faith:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV): <em>A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8370" height="338" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/2-timothy-2-1-7.jpg?w=300" width="450" /></p>
<p><strong>2 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, <sup>2 </sup>and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men and women, who will be able to teach others also. <sup>3 </sup>Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. <sup>4 </sup>No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. <sup>5 </sup>An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. <sup>6 </sup>It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. <sup>7 </sup>Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.</strong></p>
<p>While there are three examples of the rewards of faith in everyday life, valid both today as well as in the time of Christ: a dedicated soldier, a winning athlete’s crown, and a productive farmer’s first share of the harvest.</p>
<p>In the same regard, as apostles or messengers of the Gospel of Christ, we are expected to bear witness of Jesus, so that others may become messengers and teachers of the Way of the Lord.</p>
<p><strong>Music Special:</strong> <strong>Lauren Daigle ~ Love Like This (Lyrics)- https://youtu.be/U7eyU9EPGWo</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/U7eyU9EPGWo</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christian Love</strong></p>
<p>But how does one best share the Gospel of Christ? Just as God gave us His only Son, Jesus, who demonstrated his love for humanity by surrendering his own life as the final sacrifice for the sins of the world, the best way to share the message of the Gospel is to share the love that God and His Son Jesus, demonstrated to us:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>John 3:16-21 (ESV): <em>For God So Loved the World</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8366" height="448" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/gospel-john-3-16.jpg?w=214" width="320" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>John 3:16-21 (ESV): <em>For God So Loved the World</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>16 </sup></strong><strong>“For God so loved the world,<sup>[</sup></strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16-21&version=ESV#fen-ESV-26126a"><strong><sup>a</sup></strong></a><strong><sup>]</sup></strong><strong> that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.</strong><strong> <sup>17 </sup>For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. <sup>18 </sup>Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. <sup>19 </sup>And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. <sup>20 </sup>For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. <sup>21 </sup>But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”</strong></p>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16-21&version=ESV#en-ESV-26126">John 3:16</a> Or For this is how God loved the world</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>John 13:35 (ESV)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4011" height="105" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/jesus_loves_you_animated.gif?w=300" width="300" /></p>
<p><strong><sup>35 </sup></strong><strong>By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”</strong></p>
<p><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>Church (Take Me Back) Cochren & Co. Worship Video with lyrics https://youtu.be/ns8lIG6cLc8</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/ns8lIG6cLc8</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christian Fellowship</strong></p>
<p>While we may take comfort in the unconditional love of our Father and His Son that we receive as our reward to faith, as a body of believers in the message of the Gospel of Christ we enjoy a fellowship with the Lord and each other, by way of the Holy Spirit, another gift which Jesus gives us as a reward to our faith and trust.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1 John 1:3 (ESV)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8365" height="175" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/christian-fellowship.jpg?w=300" width="515" /></p>
<p><strong> <sup>3 </sup>that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.</strong></p>
<p>The gift of the Holy Spirit, an expression of God’s love is not only a reward for our faith, His love is intertwined in the message of the Gospel of Christ, Jesus:</p>
<p>We may conclude that grace, love, and fellowship are t<strong>he </strong>three rewards of faith in the message of the Gospel of Christ, there is another reward to our receiving and sharing God’s New Covenant made manefest by His Son Christ, Jesus is the complete joy found in the fellowship we enjoy with our Father, His son and each other:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1 John 1:1-4 (ESV): <em>The Word of Life</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-7254" height="225" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/the_word.jpg?w=300" width="469" /></p>
<p><strong>1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— <sup>2 </sup>the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— <sup>3 </sup>that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. <sup>4 </sup>And we are writing these things so that our<sup>[</sup><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1john1%3A1-4&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30528a"><sup>a</sup></a><sup>]</sup> joy may be complete.</strong></p>
<h4>Footnotes: a. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1john1%3A1-4&version=ESV#en-ESV-30528">1 John 1:4</a> Some manuscripts your</h4>
<p>Let us pray…</p>
<p><strong>Closing Music Special: </strong><strong>Word Of Life - [Lyric Video] Jeremy Camp - https://youtu.be/s6Q1KCI6teg</strong></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/s6Q1KCI6teg</p>
<p><strong>Benediction – (</strong><strong>2 Corinthians 13:14):</strong></p>
<p><strong>The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-8374" height="287" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/be-the-church.jpg?w=300" width="593" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-17841395528249079502022-03-06T01:54:00.004-05:002022-03-06T03:15:19.204-05:00Jesus Walks on Water: An Example of Religion or Faith? 2022<p><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Dear BLCF Friends,</strong></em></span></p><div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj"><em style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>I<span style="color: red;">mportant Notice: Due to the current explosion of infections of the Omicron Variant of the COVID-19 Virus and in order to minimize exposure to vulnerable members who depend on public transit to get to and from church on Boxing Day, December 26, 2021, we regretfully announce that BLCF Church Sunday Worship Service is suspended for the time being. Please monitor our social media for the date that BLCF will resume our Sunday Worship Services.</span></strong></em></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March 16, 2020, and until further notice. We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19 vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will have subsided sufficiently, to allow BLCF to safely reopen more of our worship and outreach activities without any concern of infection to the vulnerable within our community.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>God's Blessings for this Christmas and for the 2022 New Year. May you, your family, and your friends have a safe and blessed Holiday Season throughout the New Year! Though we will be closed on December 26, I believe you would enjoy the lesson that I have prepared for that Sunday.</strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong>– Pastor Steve</strong></em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><img alt="BLCF: Jesus-walks-on-water" class="alignnone wp-image-3217" height="388" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/jesus-walks-on-water.jpg" width="600" /></strong></div>
</div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church Message for Sunday:</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘Jesus Walks on Water: An Example of Religion or Faith?’</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>© March 6, 2022, by Steve Mickelson</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Based on Messages Shared with BLCF on March 13, 2016, August 18, 2010, and April 18, 2010</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/bulletin-march-13-2016.pdf" rel="">BLCF Bulletin March 13, 2016</a></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img alt="BLCF: by-faith-we-grow-to-sonship" class="alignnone wp-image-6653" height="338" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/by-faith-we-grow-to-sonship.jpg?w=300" width="600" /></strong></p><p><strong>Music Special: </strong><strong>Lauren Daigle - Light Of The World (Lyric Video) - https://youtu.be/_cLhaZIBSpo</strong></p><p>https://youtu.be/_cLhaZIBSpo</p><p><strong>Announcements and Call to Worship:</strong></p><p><strong>Responsive Reading # 660 (<em>The New Way of Life – </em>Luke 6); Prayer </strong></p><p><strong>Tithing & Prayer Requests: Hymn #572: <em>Praise God from Whom All Blessings </em></strong></p><p><strong>Scripture Verses: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:51-52 and John 6:20-21</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: exercise_faith" class="alignnone wp-image-6650" height="375" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/exercise_faith.jpg" width="400" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lauren Daigle - </strong><strong>I Am Yours (Acoustic) - https://youtu.be/w9B-81mZV5E</strong></p><p>https://youtu.be/w9B-81mZV5E</p><p>Let us pray…</p><p>This morning’s message is about the miracle of Jesus’ walking in the Sea of Galilee.</p><p>But first, let us look what is the definition of a miracle, as described in the Bible? It's very interesting that a common word used for a miracle in the New Testament can also be translated as "sign." A miracle is a sign that God uses to point to Himself; the same way we follow signs to guide us along highways or city streets.</p><p>Most scholars agree that the Gospels record 37 supernatural miracles of Jesus or, 37 Devine interventions in nature. There are 21 of Jesus' miracles recorded in Matthew, 3 of which are unique to Matthew. There are 19 of Jesus' miracles recorded in Mark, 2 of which are unique to Mark. There are 22 of Jesus' miracles recorded in Luke, 7 of which are unique to Luke. And there are 8 of Jesus' miracles recorded in John, 6 of which are unique to John.</p><p>We do not have time this morning to go through all 37 of these miracles, which are by definition supernatural events. And when we say supernatural, we are not talking about ghosts, zombies, or things that go “bump in the night”, though the disciples did initially mistake the Lord treading across the sea for a ghost or apparition. A supernatural event can be described as something that is super or above and beyond nature or what is described as a natural event. Natural events follow the rules and laws of physics. The natural event can be predicted to follow these rules and laws. A supernatural event defies the rules because it was caused by the Lord, Who is supernatural, as He is part of the Trinity of God. God created the universe and therefore is not bound by the rules of nature.</p><p>This morning we will focus on the miracle of Jesus walking on water, that occurred the day after Jesus had performed the miracle of the “Loaves and Fishes.”</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Matthew 14:22-32 (ESV)</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Jesus walks on the sea" class="alignnone wp-image-3717" height="681" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/jesus-walks-on-the-sea.jpg?w=264" width="600" /></p><p><strong> <sup>22</sup> Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. <sup>23</sup>And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, <sup>24</sup>but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. <sup>25</sup>And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. <sup>26</sup>But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. <sup>27</sup>But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." </strong></p><p><strong><sup>28</sup></strong><strong>And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." <sup>29</sup>He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. <sup>30</sup>But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." <sup>31</sup>Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" <sup>32</sup>And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.</strong></p><p>Mathew’s account of events records three miracles; Jesus walking on the water; Peter walking on the water; and the calming of the wind and waves. John’s account records the fourth miracle; and that the boat was instantly transported to their destination of Bethesda, some 3½ miles away. Only Luke’s Gospel does not give us an account of any of these miracles. Perhaps he was asleep in the cabin, having served an earlier watch? But, upon what body of water did these events take place.</p><p>Sometimes referred to as a lake, the Sea of Galilee, lake described in this passage, from <strong>Britannica Online:</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Jesus walks on the water" class="alignnone wp-image-2107" height="432" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jesus-walks-on-the-water.jpg?w=640" width="600" /></p><p><strong>The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in the north of Palestine. It is 13 miles (21 km) long and about 8 miles (14km) across at its widest point, with a maximum depth of 150 feet (46km). Lying 640 feet (195m) below sea level, it is surrounded by mountains 1,200-1,500 feet (365-460m) high, rising close to the shore except for short stretches on the south, southwest and northwest. The lake is fed from the north by the River Jordan and by numerous lesser streams, as well as by underwater springs, some of them hot, to which medicinal properties have been attributed. Emerging from the southern end of the lake, the Jordan carries the outflow to the Dead Sea.</strong></p><p><strong>The area was very prosperous in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Early on, under the Ptolemies, the fort of Philoteria was built on the site of ancient Beth Yerah and served as the capital of a district, developing into a large Jewish city in the Roman period. The shores of the Sea of Galilee were the scene of the early ministry of Jesus. From Nazareth he went to preach in the synagogues, some of them in cities close to the sea, such as Capernaum and Chorazin. It was from these shores that he called the fishermen, Simon and Andrew, and James and John "to become fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-21), and at the water's edge that he fed the multitude with two loaves and five fishes (Matthew 14:19-20). Tradition places the site of this miracle at Heptapegon, where the early Church of the Loaves and Fishes was built. Both Jewish and Christian communities flourished along the shores of the lake during the whole of the Roman and Byzantine periods. Excavations made on many sites round the lake, such as Beth Yarah, Tiberias, Hammath, Heptapegon and Capernaum, have revealed much evidence of the splendor and prosperity of the region in all periods.</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/224050/Sea-of-Galilee"><strong>http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/224050/Sea-of-Galilee</strong></a></p><p>Similar to Ontario’s Lake Nipissing, near North Bay, the Sea of Galilee’s dimensions and orientation make it a prime candidate to sudden unpredictable storms caused by the prevailing winds. Needless to say, I am sure that Jesus, having been blessed with the Holy Spirit, and by virtue of being the Divine Alpha and Omega, (beginning and end), knew that the disciples would encounter a storm on their journey.</p><p>So why did He allow them to go in the boat without Him? And why did He wait so long before joining them?</p><p>Do not forget that Jesus wanted to go up the mountain to pray. As Christians, we need to take time to pray, to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, in order to clear our slate of all the thoughts, actions, and feelings in our lives that may tend to distance us from God.</p><p>Jesus was a good teacher, not only to the multitude but to the twelve who followed him. The journey from Heptapegon, also known as Tabgha, el-Oreme, or 'En Sheva to Bethesda was about seven miles distance and would have normally taken the disciples a maximum of 3-4 hours, under normal conditions. Because of extreme headwinds and waves, the disciples’ boat had covered only half the distance in about 12 hours’ time or about 1/6 of the normal rate of travel.</p><p>There is no doubt that Jesus knew about the challenges his disciples were encountering, but he allowed them to go for some time before he set out to tread across the sea. Until Jesus arrived, the disciples had to work persistently and together to keep their boat on course, against the storm. The disciples would need the same persistence and cooperation, in the not too distant future, to share the Gospel to people who knew nothing of God, or worse, had drifted away from God in the pursuit of a religion devoid of the Holy Spirit.</p><p>Continuing with <strong>Mathew 14, verse 25</strong>:</p><p><img alt="BLCF: Jesus walking on water" class="aligncenter wp-image-6655" height="450" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/jesus-walking-on-water1.jpg?w=300" width="600" /></p><p><strong><sup>25</sup></strong><strong>And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. <sup>26</sup>But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. <sup>27</sup>But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."</strong></p><p>Again there is the human tendency to forget their faith, as initially, none recognized Christ on the water, thinking instead that they saw a spirit or ghost on the water. If Christ had told them he would join them later, they would have likely forgotten the lesson Jesus had intended to teach them. If they had expected Christ to join them before they departed, they likely would not have understood that Jesus had the power to effortlessly cross a stormy sea that held the disciples’ vessel stationary for so many hours.</p><p>Now Peter, not sure if it was Jesus said, reading <strong>Mathew 14, verse 28: </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Jesus-walking-on-water" class="alignnone wp-image-3681 size-full" height="697" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/jesus-walking-on-water.jpg" width="591" /></p><p><strong><sup>28</sup></strong><strong>And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." <sup>29</sup>He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. <sup>30</sup>But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." <sup>31</sup>Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" <sup>32</sup>And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased</strong>.</p><p>The disciples, who had already seen the power of Jesus, having personally witnessed several of His miracles, had not connected the dots to conclude that it was their Master Who approached their vessel. At this time of Worldwise Pandemic and the horror of war that Russia is currently inflicting upon Ukraine, we as Christian believers may suffer from an absence of faith in the face of such adversity. If for a second we take our eyes away from the Saviour, just like Peter walking on the sea, we can be distracted from our faith, by dwelling on our circumstances, just as Peter did, and in our fear and doubt, sink in the sea of our adversities. In spite of the fleetingness of faith, Jesus still is there just waiting for us to call to Him to extend His hand and lift us from a sea of sadness and despair. He joins us and He calms the stormy sea and accompanies us to our destination. Up to this point, the disciples had shown a lot of religion and only a little faith. Their hearts had been hardened to the source of the miracles which they had witnessed up to this point, as was indicated in <strong>Mark 6:51-52:</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Lord-Jesus-animated" class="alignnone wp-image-6179 size-full" height="200" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/lord-jesus-animated.gif" width="350" /></p><p><strong><sup>1</sup></strong><strong>And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, <sup>52</sup>for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.</strong></p><p>Jesus had allowed the twelve disciples to suffer life-threatening peril of the storm at sea and they had not recognized the supernatural Christ, who had dominion over all of nature, walking towards them on a violent sea. Instead, they saw a ghost. Peter allowed his vision of the stormy conditions around him to act as a distraction, causing him to be distracted momentarily, which resulted in him forgetting the presence of Jesus, whereupon the disciple promptly sank into the sea. It was not until Jesus had boarded the vessel, that the disciples finally understood just Who had performed the Miracle of the Loaves; feeding the multitude; Who had walked across and calmed the stormy sea; and Who had empowered Peter to walk the sea, In short, the disciples had forgotten just Who Jesus really was <strong>Matthew 14:33:</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Jesus_is_Lord_animated" class="alignnone wp-image-3813" height="345" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/jesus_is_lord_animated.gif" width="400" /></p><p><strong><sup>33</sup></strong><strong>And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."</strong></p><p>I believe that this was the purpose of the exercise of the voyage to Bethany, the storm on the sea, and the subsequent miracles. The miracle was a sign to the disciples who their teacher was: the Son of God! For this miracle established in the disciples a belief without question that Jesus was the Son of God, and from this belief comes faith that as Son of God, Jesus performed miracles to fulfill the scriptures. As we read in <strong>Hebrews 11:1 (ESV):</strong></p><p><strong><sup>1</sup></strong><strong>Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.</strong></p><p>Now Christ did one more miracle that was not only for the benefit of the 12 disciples, but it was also for everyone, man, woman, child, for all generations of the next 20 centuries, up to and including today. He died on the cross for our sins, to remove for us the tempest of God’s judgment. Jesus did the ultimate miracle by rising from the dead. Not finished with His miracles, he ascended to heaven to be our Advocate. Finally, He rewarded our faith by sending us a Comforter in the Holy Spirit, to join us on our travels through life; to assure us through the storms we may encounter; to calm of fears in our trials; to accompany us to our destinations, and to assist us in sharing the Gospel.</p><p>Our bodies are like clay jars, fragile, easily shattered, but thanks to His miraculous power He is capable of transforming us from empty clay jars into being vessels of the most valuable of treasures, which is the Holy Spirit. <strong>2 Corinthians 4:7:</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: earthen_vessels_with_heavenly_treasure" class="alignnone wp-image-4326 size-full" height="200" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/earthen_vessels_with_heavenly_treasure.jpg" width="545" /></p><p><strong><sup>7</sup></strong><strong>But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.</strong></p><p>Just as the disciples set out in a vessel that can be destroyed by the raging sea, our bodies are subject to destruction by the natural forces of misadventure, disease, and age. But by faith in Jesus, we can remove the threat of natural death and supernaturally share the miracle of eternal life. But to make our bodies a proper vessel for the Holy Spirit, we must cleanse ourselves of unrighteousness, by confessing our sins and accepting the miraculous gifts of the sacrifice made by Jesus on our behalf, so that we may receive justification in God’s eyes. Only then, are our bodies sanctified to receive God's Holy Spirit, as we read in <strong>2 Timothy 2:20-21:</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: Holy Work Earthen-Vessels" class="alignnone wp-image-1761 size-full" height="219" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/earthen-vessels.jpg" width="390" /></p><p><strong><sup>20</sup></strong><strong>Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honourable use, some for dishonourable. <sup>21</sup>Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house ready for every good work.</strong></p><p>It may appear, come from outside this church, that Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship is like a vessel set upon by a great destructive storm. We are a relatively small congregation, with a large mission of sharing the Gospel of Christ. Still, God has rewarded our faith with what is necessary to achieve His purpose in our community: to feed and minister to a multitude of up to 150 souls each and every Wednesday evening. God continues to provide the means, including the funds, volunteers, even the fridges and stoves, for workers in His house to do this good work. </p><p>While our work has been paused due to the COVID-10 Pandemic, we may take this respite to reflect on the wonderous miracles the Lord has worked in our lives, in the life of His Church, and prepare to pick up the standard of faith so as to rededicate our commitment to continue His plan in our community!</p><p>Do we need a ghostly apparition in our midst to convince us from whom these miracles come? Dare we take our eyes away from Him to look at the storm around us, and in doing so, risk losing our precious faith to end up, only to sink into a sea of despair? Are we here to perform hollow religious worship or are we here to demonstrate our faith in our Savior, faith in the gift of Salvation, cleansing our bodies in faith, so that our vessels may continue to hold the Holy Spirit, in order to do the Lord’s work?</p><p>Let us conclude today’s message with the following characteristics of religion and faith:</p><p><strong><em>Religion exists to control faith; </em></strong></p><p><strong><em> Faith exists to keep religion in check. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Religion is man's interpretation of God's will, </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Faith is its acceptance</em></strong><strong>.</strong></p><p>May our actions demonstrate our faith and trust in God, not a practice of religious ritual. Let us not question God’s will, but with the help of His Holy Spirit, accept and implement it to His glory!</p><p>Let us pray…</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="BLCF: faith_in_God" class="alignnone wp-image-5561" height="205" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/faith_in_god.gif" width="400" /></p><p><strong>Closing Music Special: </strong><strong>Lauren Daigle - Trust In You (Lyric Video) - https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE</strong></p><p>https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE</p><p><strong>Benediction (Romans 15:5-6):</strong></p><p>
</p><p><strong>May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.</strong></p><div><div class="_1mf _1mj"><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img alt="BLCF: Faith - Hebrews 11_1" class="alignnone wp-image-6651" height="450" src="https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/faith-hebrews-11_1.jpg" width="600" /></strong></p>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="color: red;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div></div>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932333946473281838.post-48798556013689211242022-01-06T03:25:00.006-05:002022-01-06T03:30:41.750-05:00Jim Carrey on homelessness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimHMuZgs-0j2dMeFhIPkFYcDoVBUx8vZazbrWXNyJ0djiWGsCkfOXaZzlaq8b2rgvJHEeAQPTMT71xO42jZXMGK6JJ7JU_L8AclLwwU8nBeREyHrHW_mJ6FNBXto22w5AhuQRrJYqXkv8l0w9PQhKhVG2ySxr5GTxdc36Jdzll4IPVho19hl9tF0ir=s680" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimHMuZgs-0j2dMeFhIPkFYcDoVBUx8vZazbrWXNyJ0djiWGsCkfOXaZzlaq8b2rgvJHEeAQPTMT71xO42jZXMGK6JJ7JU_L8AclLwwU8nBeREyHrHW_mJ6FNBXto22w5AhuQRrJYqXkv8l0w9PQhKhVG2ySxr5GTxdc36Jdzll4IPVho19hl9tF0ir=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please be advised that both the BLCF Café Community Dinner and the
BLCF Wednesday Prayer Service will continue to remain closed effective March
16, 2020, and until further notice. <o:p></o:p></span></b></em></p>
<p><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We pray with the administration of sufficient COVID-19
vaccinations, and following the determination of Health Canada and other Health
Authorities, that the danger of the Pandemic will subside sufficiently, to allow
BLCF to reopen safely our worship and outreach activities without any concern
of infection to the vulnerable within our community. Please watch for postings
here and on BLCF social media for an announcement of when the church will
re-open.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></p>
<p><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have a Blessed New Year 2022 and keep safe,</span></b></em><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">– Pastor Steve </span></b></em></p><p><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bloor
Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church</span></b></em><o:p></o:p></p> <p></p>BLCF Cafe Community Dinnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808328709708202047noreply@blogger.com0