Messages From Christian Fellowship Chapel

Pastor John explores the three "C"s of what it means to be a disciple: It begins by hearing Christ's call and positively responding. Then, one considers what it means to be a follower of Christ: both the joy and the difficulty. Finally, a disciple commits to taking up his or her cross and following Christ.

When was the last time you thought hard about what happened before creation existed? And how often do you think about what happens after we pass from this world? Pastor John explores the terror and the power of what it means to live in fear of the Lord. Passages from throughout scripture are explored.

These are some final thoughts on the entire chapter dealing with servitude, wealth, and adherence to scripture. Paul addresses how those who serve others should behave towards their masters. While he details it in the context of slavery, this is applicable in workplaces and other hierarchies today as well. He also covers a Christian attitude towards wealth and warns against itinerant preachers who stray from the Word of God - equally as applicable today as it was then.

In chapter 6, Paul gives practical advice to Timothy on how to treat different members of the church family appropriately. Here we get a window into how the church is to support and provide for both younger and older widows as well as church elders. Verses covered are 1 Timothy 1-21.

We must never forget that we are in a spiritual battle. It is a situation that our western thinking makes difficult for us western Christians to grasp, because we have been conditioned to think scientifically and such thinking is founded in, and focussed on, the material world not the spiritual world. Perhaps that is one reason why we have trouble understanding how some can abandon the faith because of demonic influence. Paul speaks of that very problem in 1 Timothy 4 as he outlines for Timothy how to deal with false teachers who fall under the influence of the lies of demons.

Having explained the origin of headship in the church, Paul now instructs Timothy regarding choosing the men who would be leading the church in Ephesus. He lays out for us the qualifications that are necessary for good and godly leadership. He deals first with the qualifications of elders, and then of deacons, in 1 Timothy 3:1-12.

1 Timothy 2:8-15 is a passage that, over time, has been clouded by controversy, which is not what Paul intended at all. Some parts of his teaching have been co-opted over the centuries to support different theological and social agendas, resulting in damage to, and disunity in, the church. Paul speaks on the topic of women here, and how we engage this passage is important. Join Pastor John as he continues this series in 1 Timothy.

Last time, we were introduced to this first letter of Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, and learned of Paul’s purpose for writing it—to give Timothy some wise instruction for shepherding the congregation in Ephesus. Paul began his letter with a reminder to Timothy that he was in Ephesus to confront doctrinal error in the church and the practice of some who were wasting time on speculation, rather than focusing on the work of God. In chapter 2, Paul begins by providing instructions to Timothy regarding public worship. Join Pastor John as he continues our series in 1 Timothy

Who is Timothy?  One four of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to a specific person, and the figure of Timothy is an important one.  Join us as we begin a new series, this one on 1 Timothy.

He is risen!  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in history.  Perhaps you know in whom your faith is, or perhaps you have doubts.  Pastor John explains the reasons why we can have confidence in the evidence.

As Jesus enter Jerusalem before His crucifixion, a celebration breaks out!  Throngs calling "Hosanna to the Son of David!" line the streets.  But this is no mere celebration, but a deeply meaningful event.  Join Pastor John as he outlines the significance of this incredible moment in history.

What is faith?  Why are the answers to that question so important? What do we understand about what faith is?  How does faith influence our thoughts and our actions? We go through our day, or week, or year thinking and acting based upon our perception of the world, but too often we don’t contemplate how our view of the world came to be. Nor do we consider that our view of the world influences and guides our interactions with it and with others. So, what is faith?  Pastor John explores these questions continuing his series on Hebrews

Hebrews 10:12-39 is loaded with paired statements: "Therefore... Let Us..."  The author of Hebrews takes the time to connect the truth of what Jesus does as priest with a call for us to act.

Melchizidek is something of an enigma in history.  A priest and a King, he is only mentioned once in the Old Testament, and then again in Hebrews.  The author of Hebrews takes the time to contrast the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Jesus Christ - not to denigrate the former, but explain how much superior Jesus Christ is as High Priest.  Pastor John continues the series in Hebrews with a look at Hebrews 7-9.

The author of Hebrews has just exhorted us to grow up, to persist in our faith, and remain grounded in the truth. As he finishes his exhortation, he encourages us not to become lazy or sluggish in our pursuit of maturity but to imitate those who through faith and patience in Jesus inherit what was promised. That prompts two questions: what is it we have been promised, and who are we to imitate? Join us as Pastor John continues his series in Hebrews with an examination of Hebrews 6:13-20.

Something is very wrong when believers are not able to teach others the basics of Christianity.  Every Christian should be able to teach others the very basic doctrines of Christianity: every believer, unless a brand new born again child of God, should be able to explain what it is they believe. In Hebrews 5:11-6:12 the author has a very stern warning for those who cannot - or worse, will not - grow up spiritually.

Jesus is our Great High Priest.  But what does this mean, given how far separated we as Christians are from the religious practice of the Jews of the New Testament's time?  What is the writer of Hebrews saying about Jesus?

The most common direction given to people in the Bible is "Do not be afraid."  In Hebrews 4, we discover there is something we are supposed to fear - unbelief.  But what does it mean?  And how do we overcome unbelief? Our series in Hebrews continues.

The sinful, disbelieving heart is brought on by the deceitfulness of sin. The deceitfulness of sin originates from outside sources, both Satan and men. Whether it is the twisting of the truth or the presentation of hollow human philosophies, the end-game is to cause us to withdraw from the living God. For that reason, the author of Hebrews urges us to encourage one another every day while we still live on this earth. We are to encourage one another to hear and live the truth that Jesus taught, so that we will not succumb to the outside influences trying to lure us away from the living God. Pastor John shares the warning and encouragement from Hebrews 3.

Why did Jesus come in the flesh?  Why did He become human, given the limitations of such a thing?  Why set aside His godhood as He did? Join us as Pastor John explains using Hebrews just how Jesus shows us what we are supposed to be.