July 12, 2020

Oh sing to the Lord a new song!

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Over the last few weeks we introduced a few new songs during our services. Below are the links to the songs. Sing to the Lord, o church! 
 
⇒ ​The King in all His beauty
https://youtu.be/odKxftGhVRE​​​
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⇒ ​Turn your eyes upon Jesus 
 
⇒ O God of mercy, hear our plea 
 
⇒ ​The Gospel song 
 
⇒ ​We look to you 
 

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1Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;a
tremble before him, all the earth!

10Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.​
 
~ Psalm 96 ~
 
 

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May 7, 2020

Word from the Pastor: Covid19 – Looking for the Lessons

Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
 
Psalm 46:10
 
 
We are indeed living in strange times. The threat of the coronavirus has altered every area of our lives. This new way of living, working, shopping, strolling, greeting, interacting, and worshipping might be the ‘new normal’ for a while and I am sure will shape the world for generations to come. At our recent Zoom board meeting (“Zoom” is sure to become the word of 2020), we discussed: (1) some of the lessons God might be teaching us, (2) what new rhythms/patterns of church life and ministry are being established now and should be sustained later? and (3) what hidden or subtle dangers should we be watching for?
 
Here are some shared thoughts on these questions.
 

⇒ What is God teaching us?

God’s lessons in times of crisis are the same as they have always been and will be until Jesus returns: He is in control and nothing happens outside of His sovereign will. We do not need to fully understand what God is doing, but we need to trust and depend on Him completely (Proverbs 3:5-6). We should not presume about tomorrow, but also say “if the Lord wills” (James 4:13-15). We should be careful not to be angry with God or turn away.
 

⇒ What new rhythms/patterns of church life and ministry are being established now and should be sustained later?

Social distancing rules have forced us to find creative ways of maintaining fellowship with one another (phone calls, email,
letters, etc.); it is also showing us the benefit of online resources such as Zoom, church websites, and Facebook/social media as
long as they are used with caution and wisdom. We should definitely continue to fellowship with each other beyond the once-a-week routine of Sunday worship and make it a habit to encourage each other daily (Hebrews 3:13, 10:25).
 
Being confined to our homes is teaching us (both singles and family) the importance of home and home worship. Healthy
patterns of family worship and personal devotion should be maintained if/when all this is over. Partial and/or full quarantine
has also given us an idea of what it means to be “shut in”. Many of our beloved church members have been shut in for years;
knowing how they may feel should inspire us to care for and support them more. “I [Jesus] was naked and you clothed me, I
was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:36-40)​
 

⇒ ​What hidden and subtle dangers should we be watching for?

Social distancing and quarantine can and has been an opportunity for growth and healthy adjustment, ​but Satan can also use it to encourage sinful responses (idleness, laziness, impatience, etc.) and we should be on our guard. Finally, we should make sure that the exceptional does not become permanent; online worship should not replace in-person meetings. We are all praying that the day will come when we will be able to say, “let us go into the house of the Lord”.​
 
What are some of the spiritual lessons COVID-19 has taught you? ​
 
 
Your servant for His glory,​
Pastor Jerome​
 

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April 12, 2020

Holy Week – Resurrection Sunday!

Jesus Christ is alive. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Risen

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! Matthew 28:5,6 – "But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay'." Holy Week's last day Scripture readings are now up: https://www.christiestreetchurch.ca/covid-19-updates/And remember to join us at 11am for youtube livestream service: https://youtu.be/jJTiflx74bU

Posted by Christie Street Baptist Church on Sunday, April 12, 2020

 

⇒ Scripture readings for Sunday:

Matthew 28:1-13
Mark 16:1-14
Luke 24:1-49
John 20:1-23
 
 
⇒ Worship in song:
 
Low in the grave – written by Robert Lowry; performed by hymncharts.com
 
Christ the Lord is risen today – by Charles Wesley; performed by Grace Community Church
 
Crown him with many crowns – by Matthew Bridges; performed by Kingsway Music
 
I serve a risen Savior – by Alfred Henry Ackley​; performed by Divine Hymns
 
Because He lives – by Bill & Gloria Gaither; performed by Soew Rose​​
 
 
⇒ Join us this morning!
 
Please join us in celebrating the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ! Today at 11 am, we will join the youtube livestream service of Don Mills Baptist Church. Our own Pastor Jerome will be speaking on John 20:24-31. Join us by clicking on this link. And invite some friends!
 
 

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April 11, 2020​

Holy Week – Saturday

Today in the Holy Week marks the ‘in-between’ time. The period of time after crucifixion and before resurrection. Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus, the women prepared spices and ointments, the chief priests demanded to Pilate that the tomb be secured, and Pilate gave them what they demanded and the tomb was sealed and guarded.​ After everyone did their parts, there was a time of ‘nothing’ to human perception. But, on the third day, the resurrection DID happen. God had a very good and perfect plan in spite of everyone’s actions and strivings, and in spite of the silence of the ‘in-between’. In fact, all such events WERE part of God’s plan. So take heart, friend! We serve a God who is at the helm of history and at the helm of each of our lives.
 

⇒ Scripture readings for Saturday:

Matthew 27:62-66
Mark 16:1
Luke 23:56
John 19:40
 
 
⇒ Worship in song:
 
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy – written by Joseph Hart; performed by Capitol Hill Baptist Church
 
I will wait for you – Keith & Kristyn Getty
 
Low in the grave – written by Robert Lowry; performed by hymncharts.com
 
 
⇒ Join us tomorrow!
 
Please join us in celebrating the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ! On Sunday at 11 am, we will join the youtube livestream service of Don Mills Baptist Church. Our own Pastor Jerome will be speaking on John 20:24-31. Join us by clicking on this link. And invite some friends!
 
 

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April 10, 2020

Holy Week – Friday

Matthew 27:33-37

We had a blessed Zoom service this morning. Thank God for His son, who died and was buried with the rich so that the Scripture might be fulfilled and so that history will attest to it! The Holy Week's Friday Scripture readings are now posted for your evening meditation, together with some of the worship songs from today's service. https://www.christiestreetchurch.ca/covid-19-updates/

Posted by Christie Street Baptist Church on Friday, April 10, 2020

 

⇒ Scripture readings for Friday:

Matthew 27:1-62
Mark 15:1-47
Luke 22:63-23:56
John 18:28-19:37
 
 
⇒ Worship in song:
 
I stand amazed in the presence – written by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel; performed by Reawaken Hymns
 
O sacred head now wounded – attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux (and others); performed by Fernando Ortega
 
Lamb of God – written by Twila Paris; performed by Maranatha! Singers
 
 
⇒ Join us on Sunday!
 
Please join us in celebrating the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ! On Sunday at 11 am, we will join the youtube livestream service of Don Mills Baptist Church. Our own Pastor Jerome will be speaking on John 20:24-31. Join us by clicking on this link. And invite some friends!
 
 

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April 9, 2020

Holy Week – Thursday

⇒ Join us tomorrow!
 

Join us tomorrow in remembering the Savior’s sacrifice! We will have a combined Good Friday service at 11 am with All Nations Christian Fellowship. Please contact us for the Zoom sign-in information.

 

 

⇒ Scripture readings for Thursday:

1 Corinthians 15
 
Today we take a break from the Gospel readings and consider the writing of apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 15. Tomorrow we return to the Gospels.
 
 
⇒ Worship in song:
 
Gethsemane – Keith & Kristyn Getty
 
 

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April 8, 2020

Holy Week – Wednesday

Here we are, half way through this week, the week leading up to our Savior’s crucifixion. During this week Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, continued to teach about the kingdom of God, answered questions about the end of the age, shared the Passover meal with his disciples, was betrayed by Judas, and wrestled in prayer in Gethsemane. But resolute remained His love for the world! Jesus was obedient to the point of death on a cross and we can be saved because He endured the wrath of God in our place. Won’t you worship Him today!
 

⇒ Scripture readings for Wednesday:

Matthew 26:17–75
Mark 14:12-72
Luke 22:7-62
John 13:1-38
 
 
⇒ Worship in song:
 
In Christ alone – virtual, acapella choir (written by Keith Getty et. al.)
 
Ah Holy Jesus, how have you offended – written by Johann Heermann; performed by Fernando Ortega
 
Man of sorrows: – written by Philip Paul Bliss
 
 

⇒ Prayer: The valley of vision

 
Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly,
 
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
 
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
 
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
 
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
 
*taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of
Puritan Prayers & Devotions
 
 

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April 7, 2020

Holy Week – Tuesday

Following the events of Palm Sunday, Jesus did not skip a beat in doing the will of the Father and finishing His work (John 4:34). It is in the context of His impending death that Jesus taught His disciples concerning the end of the age and His second coming (Matthew 24:3).
 
It struck me this morning that we often think of wars, famines, plagues, natural disasters, persecutions, deceptions, apostasy and the like as indicative of the end of the age. While this is absolutely true (Matthew 24:4-13), we should not miss this glaring truth: amidst all the chaos and destruction, the Gospel message will not be affected; rather “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Nothing has, nothing can, and nothing will ever stop the spread of the Gospel.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! (2 Timothy 2:8-9)

 

We are stuck at home, but the Gospel is not bound; the borders of most countries are shut, but the Gospel is not bound; our church buildings are closed, but the Gospel is not bound.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35)
 
 

⇒ Scripture readings for Tuesday:

Matthew 21:23–24:51
Mark 11:20–13:37
Luke 20:1–21:36
John 12:20–38
 

⇒ Worship in song:

Facing a task unfinished – Keith & Kristyn Getty
 
Come, o sinner – Sovereign Grace Music
 
Is He worthy – Andrew Peterson
 
 

⇒ Announcements – this week’s services:

  • Wednesday prayer meeting at 7pm (Zoom link sent by email)
  • Good Friday service at 11am (Zoom link will be sent on Thursday)
  • Easter Sunday service with Don Mills Baptist church at 11am (livestream; information will be sent on Friday or Saturday)
 
 
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Jerome
 

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April 6, 2020

Holy Week – Monday

Let us prepare our hearts this week to meditate on the cross, the forgiveness of sins, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
 

⇒ Scripture readings for Monday:

Matthew 21:1 – 22
Mark 11:1-19
Luke 19:28-48
John 12:12-19
John 2:13-17
 

⇒ Worship in song:

The old rugged cross – written by George Bennard
 
This blood – written by Rita Springer
 
What grace is mine – Keith & Kristyn Getty
 

Passion week – Monday

Posted by Christie Street Baptist Church on Monday, April 6, 2020

 

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April 4, 2020

 
MESSAGE US ON FACEBOOK FOR THE ZOOM SIGN-IN INFORMATION.
 

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April 1, 2020

Psalm 90:1-2 (Study #3) — God of Eternity (part 1)

 
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:1 – 2
 
 
Psalm 90 is divided in 3 parts:
  • The eternal nature of God (v.1-2)
  • The fleeting nature of human life (v.3-11)
  • Six prayer requests (v.12-17)
Moses begins his prayer with two affirmations about God: the first in reference to His people, the second in reference to His nature.
 

God is a permanent refuge for his people

The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles was one of many commemorative festivals Israel was to observe as a people of God. The Feast of Booths was particularly significant in connection to life in the desert. While the Passover Feast commemorated deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:1-8), the Feast of Booths commemorated life in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:39-43):

Live in temporary shelters for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 23:43)

 

This festival is still observed in Israel today. For 40 years Israel lived on the go, they wandered from place to place, pitched and packed their tents longing for the time when they would enjoy more permanent circumstances (Deuteronomy 6:10-12). Yet, in the midst of the impermanence of their experience, one thing did not change: the permanence of God. From Moses’ standpoint, he looks back and looks forward, and acknowledges that God has been and will always be a constant refuge or dwelling for his people.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
 

“In all generations” suggests that God has been and always will be the refuge of his people. As our refuge,

  • He provides shelter, care, healing, deliverance etc. (Psalm 91)
  • He is an ever-present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1)
  • He protects us from our enemies (Deuteronomy 33:27)

 

More than that, I believe Moses is also inferring that God in Himself is our refuge. Although the Israelites did not have a fixed address in the wilderness, God was their spiritual refuge. Hebrews 11 gives us the best illustration in this regard. Although the people described “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Hebrews 11:33-34), yet many did not enjoy earthly wealth and protection. Abraham lived in tents; Moses and his generation died in the desert. Many of those saints of old “suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated …” (Hebrews 11:36). They endured these things because God was their refuge. The Corona virus has been wreaking havoc in the world today, affecting all aspects of our lives; only God knows when it will stop and the extent of the damage it will leave in its wake. The worst that can happen to us is not contracting the virus, suffering economic loss, or even dying; the worst that can happen to us is falling away.

 

For you have forgotten the God of your salvation
and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge (Isaiah 17:10)

 

Moses, looking back at 40 years of suffering in the wilderness, begins his assessment with an undeniable truth, “Lord you have been our refuge.” And that is all the refuge we ultimately need.

I pray that in these times of uncertainties and distress, God Himself may be:

  • Our dwelling place
  • Our rock in a weary land, our shelter in the times of storm
  • Our oasis of refreshment
  • Our peace
  • Our hope
  • Our joy
  • Our shield and our great reward
 

⇒ Worship in song:

Lord of Eternity – by Fernando Ortega
 
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer – by Sovereign Grace Music
 
 
 

⇒ Next time:

Part 2a: God is from all Eternity

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth

or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

(Psalm 90:1-2)

 
In preparation, read and meditate on these two passages:

In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain? (Psalm 11:11)

————————————

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where my help comes?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

 

Part 2b: We live in a temporary tent

In preparation, read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
 
 
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Jerome
 

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March 28, 2020

 
 

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March 28, 2020

Psalm 90 (Study #2) — Moses: the Man of God

The title of Psalm 90 or superscription was not written by Moses himself, but by those who organized the Psalms later on. Those textual notes give us information that might enable us to better read, understand or even sing the psalm. Here are a few interesting examples:
  • Psalm 100 – A psalm for giving grateful praise
  • Psalm 92 – A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath.
  • Psalm 51 – To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
  • Psalm 55 – To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.
 
In psalm 90, the editor looking at Moses’ life, ministry and writing calls him the man of God. Moses’ life can be divided into 3 periods of 40 years:
  • 40 years in Egypt as Pharaoh’s daughter’s adopted son (Exodus 1-2:10)
  • 40 years in Midian as a shepherd (Exodus 2:11-25)
  • 40 years in the wilderness as the leader of God’s people (Exodus 3-Deuteronomy 34)
 

People should remember us in relation to God

So many events in Moses’ life could have defined him. Scholars are not quite sure if his name is Egyptian or Hebrew in origin. At the end of the first period of his life, he was not sure where he belonged. He did not identify with the Egyptians, but the Israelites did not like him either (Exodus 2:11-14). You cannot blame them — after all, he had been enjoying the luxuries of Egypt while they were being oppressed. Running away and settling in Midian did not do much to boost his self-esteem either. There he marries, has a son and names him Gershom saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land” (Exodus 2:22).
 
However, everything about his identity would change following the event of the burning bush. In the course of his dialogue with God, he asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11), to which God replied, “I will be with you…” (Exodus 3:12a). In other words, what matters is My guiding presence and the fact that I sent you. Although it took some convincing (read Exodus 3-4:17), Moses listened to God and his life took a radical turn; he became a man of God.
 
As he looks back at Moses’ life, the editor of the Psalm thinks of Moses’ life in relation to God. He does not see a part-Egyptian and part-Jew, or a murderer; he sees the man of God. Moses was a prophet, an amazing leader, the law giver, a man of prayer — all this because he was a man of God. Joshua, who spent the 40 years in the wilderness as Moses’ assistant and saw first-hand the close relation and fellowship Moses had with God, called him the Man of God (Joshua 14:6).
 
Like Moses, we are called to go and make disciples of all nations, with the promise that Christ will be with us always even to the end of the age. Let these words of Isaiah 41:10 be a source of comfort and strength for us:
Fear 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.
 
 

It was the worst of times, it was the best of times

This quote of Charles Dickens in reverse is a perfect reflection of Psalm 90. Moses in this prayer is reflecting on the last period of his life, the 40 years in the wilderness. As you can see by the tone of the passage, they were challenging times. Moses led God’s people through the desert where they experienced years of “toils and troubles” (Psalm 90:10) with heat, cold, hunger, thirst, war, plagues, division, opposition and the wrath of God (Psalm 90:7). To make matters worse, Moses himself, the man of God, failed to enter Canaan, the promised land. And yet, it was the best of times. Yes, they experienced God’s wrath, but they also experienced His presence, His love, His goodness, His mercy, His protection and His provision. It was difficult, but it was worth it because both Moses and Israel saw God in ways they had never seen before:
 
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today? (Deuteronomy 4:7-8).
 
If you asked Moses which of those three periods of his life were the best, he would undoubtedly answer the 40 years in the wilderness. Hebrews 11:24 says, “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin”. That kind of blessing in the storm is a common feature of the believers’ experience. Although Psalm 90 is about suffering, it begins with an amazing statement, “Lord you have been our refuge” (v.1) and ends “may the favor of the lord our God be upon us” (v.17). It is often through suffering and times of testing that we grow in our faith, see God clearest and experience great blessings. I could use the example of Job, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul etc.
 
Hebrews 11 provides a list of men and women who went through the worst of times and yet they were the best of times because of the abiding presence of God and the hope of glory. It all culminates with the greatest example of all, Jesus Christ. In His incarnation, He experiences the worst of times; he was a man of sorrow acquainted with grief, despised and rejected by men, and ultimately crucified. But it was also the best of times. He delighted in doing the Father’s will, lived the life we could not live and saved us from our sins.
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5b)
 
I pray that we may see these trying times as the worst of times but also the best of times. I am already hearing that families a
re being strengthened, people are reading scriptures more, praying more, encouraging one another more, calling one another more often, longing for one another more. I pray that this trend may continue. Above all, I pray that this period of time may allow us to experience God in ways we have never experienced Him before.
 
 

⇒ Spiritual exercise

Spend time praying. Prayer requests:
  • Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
  • Pray for those who have lost their income because of the virus.
  • Pray for those who are experiencing loneliness, depression, frustration, idleness, and/or temptation while in isolation.
  • Pray that God may grant wisdom to our government so that they might make the right decisions.
  • Pray for all those who are sick, not just those affected by the virus. Ebola is still affecting people, there are still unrests in various parts of the world, there are people dying of hunger etc.
  • Pray for evangelism even during this time.
 

⇒ Worship in song:

 

⇒ Next time: Psalm 90:1-2 (Study #3) — God of Eternity

  • Read the whole psalm
  • What do we learn about God and time in Psalm 90?
 
 
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Jerome
 

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March 26, 2020

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March 24, 2020

Psalm 90 (Study #1) — Moses: the Man of Prayer

When we think of Moses, we think of the prince of Egypt, the deliverer, the law giver, the prophet, etc. But Moses was also a man of prayer. Psalm 90 is only one of the many recorded prayers of Moses. If praying is “talking to God”, then Moses is the perfect human example. Moses began talking to God at the burning bush experience (Exodus 3) and never stopped till the end of his life. Exodus 33:11 makes this incredible statement about Moses’ relationship to God:
Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
 
 
It would not be an exaggeration to say that no other man in the Old Testament was granted as much access to God as Moses. Exodus 19 to 34 record Moses being summoned multiple times by God to meet with him on Mount Sinai; twice he spent 40 days in the presence of God (Exodus 24, 34). Moses also regularly entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with God (Exodus 33:7, 9). We often think how wonderful it would be if we were granted such privilege, not realizing that through Christ our access to God is even better. Like Moses, we are regularly invited into the presence of God:
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16, 10:19-25)
 
 
While Moses spoke to God as a friend, we speak to God as his children: “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:14-16). Moses face was radiant when he came back from speaking to God (Exodus 34:29-35), but the Bible says it was a fading glory, it did not last. In the new covenant, our access to God by the Spirit is such that we are being transformed from one degree of glory to another:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
 
 
Moses’ 40 years in the wilderness were very challenging, but he faced those challenges with prayer. We are living in very challenging times; like Moses, we should learn to be men and women of prayer. Moses was an intercessor for the children of Israel, and we are called to be intercessors for the world:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
 
 
Moses was a man of God and a man of prayer; a man of God should be a man of prayer. May almighty God respond to the same way to our prayers as he did for Moses:
And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” (Exodus 33:17)

 

⇒ Spiritual exercise:

  • Read through these passages and note how and what Moses prayed:
      • Exodus 32:9-14, 30-32
      • Exodus 33:12-23
      • Numbers 27:12-19
      • Psalm 90:12-17
  • Consider Hebrews 4:16:
      • Is there anything hindering my confidence when I draw near to God’s throne in prayer? If so, are there sins I must confess to God and repent of? Or, what specific promises of Scripture should I hold on to?
      • What are some examples of God’s mercy and grace in a time of need in my life?
  • Consider Romans 8:14 – 16:
      • What privilege belongs to those who are led by the Spirit and how does the Spirit empower believers?
  • In these challenging times, what are specific prayers of intercession that I can pray for my family, my community, and the world?
 

⇒ Worship in song:

 

⇒ Next time: Moses: The Man of God

To think about in advance:
  • What do you know about the life of Moses?
  • Which period of Moses’ life do you think he is reflecting on in Psalm 90?
  • Read Hebrews 11:23 – 29: what faith actions of Moses are recorded by the author?

 

By His grace and for His glory,

Pastor Jerome

 

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March 21, 2020

Word from the Pastor: Worshipping in strange times

 
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
 
The saying is true that “desperate times calls for desperate measures” as we have seen in recent weeks. In light of the events happening around us, the government has suggested drastic measures be taken in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus. As believers and citizens, it is our duty to be submitted to our government (Romans 13:1-7) as long as it does not compromise our absolute allegiance to the Lord and His Word. So please follow all the precautionary measures recommended by our government.
 
In light of these events and in consultation with many of you, we have decided to cancel all our services at Christie Street Baptist Church until further notice. Note that we will not be doing video service for the time being (although we might in the future, depending on how long this season lasts). 
 
We will be in touch with further announcements. Please refer also to the church website and facebook page for announcements as well as regular devotions and words of encouragement:
• Website: https://www.christiestreetchurch.ca/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieStreetBaptistChurch/ 
You are also welcome to call me (416-705-3403) with any questions or concerns.
 
Ecclesiastes 7:14 reminds us that God is sovereign in everything. While many are spending time panicking, speculating, pontificating or arguing, perhaps God is giving us this season as time for self-reflection, prayer and seeking after Him.
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)
 
The question that many have asked is: how do we obey Hebrews 10:25 in a strange time as this?

 … not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)

 
It has only been but a few days and already I miss meeting with you for worship and fellowship. I am thankful, though, that we can still worship in Spirit and in truth.
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit,
rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:5)
 
I am considering options as to how we can remain connected (for example, creating small fellowship/prayer groups on WhatsApp or other online forums, etc) but, for now, here are some suggestions as to how we can make the most of an unusual situation. It might be a time for us to refrain from embracing (Ecclesiastes 3:5b), but certainly not from worshipping.
 

  ⇒  Pray more

  • Use the prayer request option of our website to submit prayer requests. At this time, I am also asking for volunteers to form a dedicated prayer team who will pray for any prayer requests as they come in. If you wish to be part of this prayer team, please let me know by phone or email.
  • Pray for your church family 
  • Pray for your community
  • Pray for your country
  • Pray for the spread of the gospel
  • Pray that God’s will may be done
  • Confess your own sins and the sins of the nations
      • Romans 1:18-32
      • 2 Timothy 3:1-5
  • Rejoice in the promises of the Word and the wonder of the cross
      • Romans 8
      • Psalm 91
      • 1 Corinthians 15

  ⇒  Read and meditate on the Word

  • Read through whole books of the Bible
  • Recommendation: Psalm 90 and 91, Ecclesiastes, Habakkuk, Romans, 1 and 2 Timothy
  • Find a partner or form a small group and share the Word together. This online resource is a study through the book of John and the book of Acts and is meant to be read and shared with a partner.
 

  ⇒  Sing

 

  ⇒  Read and listen to sound teaching online

Here are a few sermon websites with a wide range of speakers and topics:
  • CSBC Sermons
  • https://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library/topic_index
  • This is a good time to read and reflect on theological truths. Find a good book and read it.
 

  ⇒  Connect

  • Use your phone and social media as a means to connect.
  • Text and call members of your congregation (at least 2 or 3 people per day). If you need someone’s number, please feel free to ask me.
  • Pray with those who are willing
  • Email words of encouragement
  • Connect on Facebook
 

  ⇒  Worship at home

For those who live in a family context this is a perfect opportunity to start or continue family worship:  
  • Sing together
  • Read and discuss the word together
  • Pray together
  • Listen to a sermon and discuss it together
 
Here is typically what we do for devotion at the Jeromes’: 
 
A typical devotional time in the morning with our children looks like this: one child chooses a song for everyone to sing together, we pray for the day’s work, we work on memorizing a scripture passage of about 10 verses, then we recite our weekly catechism principle from The New City Catechism. Sometimes we recite the order of the books of the Bible as well, to keep it fresh.
 
A typical devotional time in the evening consists of reading scripture, with each child reading a portion out of their own Bible, while the rest follow along; discussion, prayer, and sometimes a recitation of scripture that we have previously memorized. Sometimes we sing a song as well to end the day.
 
For more ideas you can also read this article: 10 Ideas & 10 Tips For Family Devotions
 

  ⇒  Here are a few verses to meditate on:

Seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5: 15b
 
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. – Habakkuk 3: 17-18
 
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” – James 4:13-15
 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,

By His grace and for His glory,

Pastor Jerome

which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

 

Let us continue to watch and pray, remembering that we have an anchor that keeps our soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Let us continue to put our hope in the Lord, let us continue to proclaim Him!

 

By His grace and for His glory,

Pastor Jerome