Word for the Week

We compare passages that speak of resting in the Lord and look at them side by side with those urging us to strive in our faith.  We look at "transformation" vs. "sanctification" and look for the balance, in this episode.  canaancommunity.org

After our first leadership retreat of the year, here's what our leadership had to say.

Everyone has influence on somebody!  Is your influence good or bad?  A Scriptural look at good spiritual leadership versus bad leadership.

Our special guest, Pastor Chet Berry speaks on the great value of the Old Testament temple, and now... you are the temple!

Last week we shared 2 interpretations of the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13.  One is a warning of future corruption, the other sees it as a promise of inner transformation.  Here's what people concluded... including us!

There are two reasonable interpretations of the parable of the leaven, Matthew 13:33.  On Word for the Week 3.6, we presented a SOBER WARNING.  The interpretation in this session is AN AFFIRMING HOPE.  Which way do you lean?  Do our 1 question survey at canaancommunity.org/media.  Let us know what you think.  

The context and the teaching from this little parable has multiple levels.  What Jesus was teaching from the mustard seed, Matthew 13:31,32.

What was going through the minds of those hearing this simple parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13?  Here's the backstory on mustard, seeds, and the ancient Jewish culture.

Understanding the parable of the Wheat & Tares as understood by the original listeners in ancient Israel.  canaancommunity.org/media

The parable of the dragnet in Matthew 13.  Moving from context to application.  canaancommunitychurch.org/media

The surprising backstory and context for understanding the parable of the dragnet, Matthew 13.

Putting the context into application- The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Fine Pearl in Matthew 13.  1. The meaning of "Kingdom."  2. The event of "Discovery."  3. The act of "Buying."

Using the ground rules from the last episode, here is an understanding of the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl.  Also, some surprising art generated by the A.I. art generator, NightCafe'

If we have ears that hear... this is what we will hear.  7 ground rules on how any parable of Jesus can be understood.  The follow-up sermon to Word for the Week 3.1.  Find it all at- canaancommunity.org/media.

There are basic Biblical rules in following what is really being said in any given parable.  Here's a quick guide. More resources: canaancommunity.org/media

In Part 2: Surveying the greatest spiritual challenges as individuals in the Christian community.  Here is what we found, along with some suggestions in continuing victory in 2023.  You can find us- canaancommunity.org

A look into the greatest spiritual challenges the Christian community faced in 2022.  In Part 1, we look at the challenges we faced collectively- as the global church, and then, as the local church.  You can find us- canaancommunity.org

A look through a century or more to see what things remain important.  From Christmas 1869 to 2022.  What aspects of life have remained crucial?

A look into the backstory of those people most connected to the birth of Christ.  In Part 2, we cover the remaining 3 groups of lives. https://www.canaancommunity.org/media

Isaiah 9 prophesied the how and why of the Messiah, Luke 1,2 accounts the lives that experienced it.

Part 1 of a historical dive into the lives that surround the Christmas story.  Enriching the teaching and the meaning.  canaancommunity.org

Isaiah 9 foretold the coming of the Christ with such accuracy that it fits as a single conversation with Luke 2.  Here's how it played out- from kingdom, to shepherds, to manger.

Two surprising things about these prophecies: 1. They seem to conflict with each other. (But don't!)  2.  They were given 7 centuries before Christ was ever born. Here's the background... let's discuss!

Why does the book of Matthew start with such a long, boring genealogy?  There's a very good reason.  Seriously!

There is a lot of material out there on "taking Christmas seriously."  There is a wide variety of views, and each one takes us to a different place.  What's it mean for you to "take Christmas seriously"?