Grace Church of Cochrane

This summer we're unpacking some of what the Bible says on the theme of rest and refreshment. What is it and how do we properly enjoy it now even as we anticipate the fullness of our rest in the future? In this first sermon we begin looking at one of the most comforting invitations Jesus gave to all who "labour and are heavy laden".

The sin of pride is contrary to all reason and common to all men. Nebuchadnezzar learned first hand that God is able to humble those who walk in pride. We'd be wise to learn from his testimony and repent of our pride.

How do we navigate and respond to the pressures we face in an increasingly anti-Christian age? Daniel 3 reminds us that we have a duty to defy the world's transgressive agenda. But God doesn't leave us alone in the battle. Most importantly, we see that God is able to deliver his servants who trust him from all kinds of fiery furnaces.

In Daniel 2, God reveals the mystery of history through a dream and through his humble interpreter, Daniel. The mystery of history is this: He will shatter all earthly kingdoms and his kingdom will endure forever! This dream is a nightmare for some but a source of comfort and stability for God's people. But rest assured: this dream will come true!

This Sunday we're beginning a new series in the book of Daniel. As we enter the book we see several realities and responsibilities for those who are exiles on earth. As exiles we're called by God to seek the glory of Christ and good of our neighbours by resolving to pursue purity under pressure.

This week we're looking at one of our core values as a church - Exaltation - and its particular relationship to the ministry of congregational singing.

The book of Nahum is the sequel to Jonah. Though God's mercies never cease for believers in Christ, there will come a time when God's mercy will be no more for his adversaries. The oracle concerning Nineveh is good news designed to comfort God's people, caution his adversaries, and call the church to the ongoing work of publishing the gospel for the next generation.

Jonah knew his "Theology Proper", but his heart for sinners was far from proper towards his God and his enemies. So the Lord puts him through the wringer again to expose his messed up priorities and merciless hypocrisy.

Changes often come without warning. These Ninevites - revelling in their evil - were radically and forever changed when the prophet warned them of imminent judgment. Their repentance serves as a warning to this evil generation and a witness to God's reviving power and the new postures of God's revived people.

The events of Good Friday signify that while God remains the same Holy God, he opens a new and better way for sinners of all kinds to access life in his presence.

Jonah continues his descent down into the depths. Yet the Lord meets him in that darkest place and shows particular mercy this man. We're reminded that Salvation belongs to the LORD as we consider this story and the greater salvation it points to.

The story of Jonah probably evokes some nostalgia. Perhaps you reminisce about flannelgraph illustrations or recall the musty smell of that basement Sunday School room where you learned "you can run, but you can't hide." The book of Jonah showcases the immensely deep and wide mercy of God and constantly projects our attention to the One greater than Jonah.

Join us this Sunday, 10:30am at Frank Wills Hall in Cochrane. Everyone is welcome!

We're coming to the end of our Galatians series. Paul picks up his pen one last time to reinforce the central truths of this profoundly theological and universally applicable letter.

Paul seizes a common proverbial truth - "you reap what you sow" - to warn mockers not to be deceived and to motivate believers not to grow weary of doing good.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul directs Christians to their community and individual responsibilities in relation to the law of Christ.

Love is central to the Christian life. Having been loved by God, Christians are changed to be people of godly love. Be encouraged by God's word as this passage reorders our relationships and priorities in life.

Instead of our lives being over-run by the weeds of the flesh, the Spirit is now at work producing good fruit in those who belong to Christ Jesus. He's making us into the kind of people we could never make ourselves to be - the kind whose lives reflect the very character of God.

Justified believers are still locked in a fierce battle against the flesh. As we walk by the Spirit we can be sure we'll not gratify the desires of the flesh. But if any walk through life gratifying the flesh, they can be sure they'll not inherit the kingdom of God.

Life together as a church isn't always or often easy, thanks in no small part to the fleshly instincts that remain. Paul instructs us not to use our freedom selfishly but as charitable servants to one another. For when charitable service ceases, churches turn into dens of consuming serpents and our gospel witness is destroyed.