New Road

Hey, everyone.

 We are going to be trying a new ETHOS website to see how it works.

Please checkout the link, and feel free to give me your thoughts.

It is definately not done yet.

A multitude of gods

Thousands of years ago a man named Moses (known affectionately to his friends as simply, Mo) walked up a mountain to meet God (known by His friends as YHWH)face to face. Up to this point he had only known Him by His actions. He met Him first in a bush that was burning, but refused to become ash. Soon, however, His mighty acts were seen by all of Egypt and their Hebrew slaves, who YHWH had decided were His. Plague after plague was thrown down upon Egypt as they refused to release God’s people and ultimately refused to recognize YHWH as THE God.

The lack of recognition was understandable (at first) considering the fact that the Egyptians had enough gods to cover all their needs already. The gods the Egyptians worshiped tell us what was important to them. After all, unlike YHWH, these gods were created to represent that which the Egyptians relied upon for crop growth and that which they feared would destroy it. Thus, Ra, the god of the sun, was worshipped, because he brought about growth, but feared, in that he could also scorch the crops. The Nile was worshipped as a life source, bringing water to the kingdom. Yet, if it overflowed it could cause great damage.  The plagues were not simply a judgement on Egypt and their Pharaoh, but on all the gods they looked to in order to survive.

The cobra was a symbol of Egyptian sovereignty. Thus, when Moses came into the throne room of Pharaoh and turned a rod into a cobra, (and perhaps more importantly, when it swallowed up the snakes of Pharaoh’s magicians), he was showing the complete sovereignty of YHWH. It was a way of saying, “You are no longer the greatest power, and I’m going to show you.”

Because of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, miraculous sign after miraculous sign came, not simply to pummel him until he said uncle, but to show the all encompassing power of YHWH; the God of Israel; a God whom they had not even met with yet. He, for some reason, had decided that they were going to be His. The signs where just that; signs of how much greater YHWH was than all the gods of Egypt. They had no true power. The gods of the Nile, the gods who brought good crops and strong cattle, the gods who controlled the sun (Ra), and finally the gods who were in control of death, all were shamed by the self appointed God of Israel (who hardly even knew they were a people yet). Thus, the signs were perhaps not as much for Pharaoh, or the people of Egypt, but for the Hebrew people; to establish the great power and extreme concern YHWH had for His people.

Now imagine it is three months later, the Hebrew people have just been released from 400 years of slavery, because their God did all these things to purchase their release. They are finally about to hear from Him.  They have seen what He will do for them, now they will find out what He would have them do in response. I wonder how surprised Moses was when the first thing God asked was that He be the only God of Israel. Imagine that! All you have ever known is Egypt, every deity you know of outside of this YHWH has just been shamed (or more importantly shown to be false), and now He asks to be exclusive.

It seems obvious doesn’t it? I imagine Moses saying (or at least thinking) something like “Of course You’re going to be our God, God! Who else is there? Everything we’ve been taught, everything we were told should define us, everything we were told to consult, You have shown to be false and worthless. You saved us when we didn’t even know Your name. We have done nothing for You, and you have done everything for us!! You want to be our God, well let me answer for the people that you saved…. YES, PLEASE!!!”

It seems obvious doesn’t it? But we all know what happened.

As years went by, and the influence of other nations seeped in, the first commandment didn’t seem to be so obvious. The people of Israel had to be reminded from time to time (to time, to time, to time….) that their God was the God who saved them from slavery. Time and time again prophets and other people of God reminded the Hebrew people of where they once were, where they were now, and Who it was that brought them there.

So here is my point, (I do have one). Every once and awhile you and I need to be reminded of where we came from, remember the gods we once served, and get back to the YHWH who saved us.  Too often we decide to follow the old gods. The gods that the society around us says are substantial, but which God has shown us (and even our own experience has shown us) are not gods at all. We say we have left Egypt behind, but some of us are still clinging to its beliefs; belief in the god of possessions, the god of sex, the god of pride and the god of revenge. We forget the God who delivered, and thirst for the old days, without a God who wants to be ours and we His.

However, there is a problem with those gods and the life surrounding them. We have forgotten that when we served those gods, we were slaves.

  “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place……”

Exodus 13:3a

Let’s get this party started!!

Well, Happy New Year!

-Is it too late to say that?-

It has been a great year (I cannot believe I’ve been here a year already). I have enjoyed getting to know you (and lamented the fact that I haven’t been able to get to know more of you).

Anyway, I just want to make sure you are all aware that we will be starting up Level Ground(s) on Sunday the 27^th of January, at 7PM.

As usual, we will have some great live music, gourmet coffee, cheesecake, mousse cake, games, and all around good times. As per usual, all will be for a small donation; not a charge.

Please take the opportunity to come out and meet some new people. Also, please invite some friends who you think might find the environment a comfortable one. I have always seen the event as a great way to connect people, but all I can do is provide the environment. I need you to bring people.

I am looking forward to another great year and want to remind you that I am always willing to lend you an ear, buy you a coffee, or mow your lawn.

Cheers,

Brad

Two ways to help out this Christmas

Hey, everyone!

There are two things I want to let you all know about.

First, is this.

Now that the city of Coquitlam has passed the zoning bi-law allowing Coquitlam Alliance to take in the homeless as part of the Cold and Wet Weather Mat Program, we need your help to run it.

I have attached information here! Please check and read. There are all sorts of ways you can help, and they are all suggested on the attached pdf. If you have questions, you can call or email Pastor Bernie here at the church (604-464-6744), or you can email cachomelessproject@gmail.com.

We will begin taking ion the homeless on the 31st, so volunteers are needed NOW.

Please get involved.

Second, I want to let you know about a Union Gospel Mission fundraiser happening in the Tri-Cities on Sunday night. It is a great cause and the performers are second to none; all local theatre talent. One of which (Joel Ballard) attends our church.

It is taking place at Eagle Ridge United Church at 7:30PM on Sunday night.

Here is a map.

Have a Merry Christmas, everyone!

Brad

There is room at the Inn!-Rivendell Baby!!

 Hey, All! There is room for 10 more participants for the Rivendell Retreat, December 27-30.

This is a great opportunity to spend some time in spiritual reflection, community, good food and our beautiful British Columbian natural surroundings.

 Rivendell is a pristine lodge (with Ramada-like rooms), located on Bowen Island, on a hilltop, overlooking Howe Sound. It is surrounded by great views, lakes, pathways, and trees; lots, and lots, of trees.

You really do not want to miss this experience!

The schedule will be rather open, with plenty of time for just hanging out, playing games, going for walks, or visiting the town for some gourmet coffee.

All this for only  $100 (including food).

 Please let me know if you are interested and I will add you to the list of participants. 

Thank,

 Brad

Which Gospel?

Well, I think it may be time to write.

I have spent some time this morning reflecting on the first chapter of the book of Galatians. I have often been struck by the powerful language used by the Apostle Paul in this letter; right up to the ending, when he asks his readers to “stop causing him trouble” (see 6:17).

The letter to the church in Galatia has, I believe, much to say to us today. And, dare I say, maybe more to us as young adults than to those who are more “set in their ways.”

In chapter 1 verses 6-9, Paul writes these words:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different Gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a Gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a Gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

I think I am far too smug if I dismiss these words as meant for a first century church that had gone astray in its theology. To be sure, they had. Paul was speaking to a group of people who had accepted the good news of Christ at face value; who had made their choice, their allegiance—“Christ is my Lord.” However, they were then infiltrated by those who said that the Gospel they had accepted was just a piece of what they needed; in essence, they said it was inadequate.

We as believers are prone to wander. In the same way that the Galatians wanted acceptance from a certain group (and changed their practice to appease this group) our attachment to the Gospel can often become loosely joined. We are meant to be transformed by the renewing of our minds(Romans 12:2). We do no one any favours by living Christianity Lite.” Christianity Lite isn’t only lite in calories, it is lite on truth and therefore conviction. It calls on nice behavour, but requires little of a person other than some simple words of devotion.

So, I simply want to ask you to reflect on your week. What Gospel have we been attaching ourselves to? What have our minds been on this week? Acceptance of all the Gospel asks of us, or the acceptance of those who see the Gospel and inadequate

  Brad  

PEACE-PAX-PACE-PAZ

This Week and that Week

Two important events I want you all to be aware of!! A reminder that coming up tomorrow night (October 26^th)is the Some Strings Attached concert here at Coquitlam Alliance Church. Pastor Jon and his rockem’ sockem’ worship band (not their real name) will be leading us in worship and an offering will be taken to help out the Potter’s House Mission downtown. A great cause and a great reason to get together; both to worship and help those in need. Be there!! Also, coming up on November 16th and 17^th is the Make Your Mark Conference here at CAC. If you are in a position of leadership or would like to be in a position of leadership, this is for you. If you are not sure whether or not you have what it takes to be a leader, this is for you. If you simply want to listen to a couple of great speakers, this is for you. Mark Buchanan (author and pastor) as well as our own Pastor Mark will be walking us through the “Three Cs” of leadership; the Call of a leader, the Character of a leader, and the Courage of a leader. It is only $20 and will be well worth the price. To register, simply email: info@cachurch.ca , typre Make Your Mark in the subject heading and give your Name, Telephone #, and e-mail address. Payment of $20 is due upon arrival.

-Brad

Following and Leading

Hey, All

 I want to fill you in on a few things happening over the next little while.

 First, Level Grounds will be open next Sunday, the 21st of October. As usual we will have great coffee, good eats, live music, fun and games. PLEASE invite some friends out!!

Second, we are going to be having a Celebration Service on November 17th. That means that if any of you are wanting to get dunked (i.e. baptized) this would be your opportunity, and if you are a Christ follower and you have not yet been baptized, I would strongly encourage you to take this step. Please contact me if you are interested or just want more info. brad@cachurch.ca or 604-464-6744.

Thirdly/finally, I want to encourage any of you in a position of leadership in the church (Life Group or any other ministry) or even outside of the church to sign up for the Make Your Mark conference at Coquitlam Alliance Church on November 16/17. We will be hearing from renowned speaker and author Mark Buchanan and from our own Mark Francisco on the Calling, the Character, and the Courage of a leader.  Even if you are not yet in a position of leadership, but see yourself as possibly leading in the future, or questioning whether God could use you as a leader, this event is for you as well.

You can register here.

Thanks, Thoughts and The Challenge

Hey, everyone!

I want to say a great big thanks to everyone who came out to the ETHOS kick-off a few weeks ago. Thank you also to Brett, Rob T., and Darren Z for leading us in worship, a thought provoking message, and some great coffee drinking entertainment. I must also sa a very special thank you to my committee that did all the setting up and tearing down for the night. I would not be able to pull this stuff off were it not for all of you guys. So to Tim, Stephanie, Krista, Tracy, the Ruiz family (hehehe)….Thanks.

I want to encourage you to take to heart the challenge given to us by Rob. There are plenty of opportunities to do God’s work, and to be advocates on the behalf of the poor in our community. I will do my best to keep you up to date on these different opportunities.

For those of you who want to do more than stand up for the poor, and who would like to get your hands dirty in ministry, you can do so with a handful of people from our church who are heading down to Vancouver’s East side every few weeks to the Potter’s House(wow, run on). Down at the PH, you would be given the opportunity to lead some worship, share a testimony, or (if those freak you out)simply serve. If you are interested, send Mike Pederson an email  mdpederson@shaw.ca.  

There is also a pressing matter for all those who live in Coquitlam and I beleive we must take action. The Vancouver YWCA is proposing to build a single mothers shelter (this would provide shelter for many who are right now living on the street with small children)at the far end of Como Lake. There are, of course, many who are against this, believing it will be bad for the community. Therefore, it is up to us!! We need to stand up for “widows and orphans in their time of need” (James 1:27) and one way we can do that is by writing. I have placed an example of a letter that you could send to the Coquitlam counsel (and mayor), as well as their email addresses and phone numbers.  Click here.

Please take advantage of how easy this is. Use the letter and send each of the members and email with a short letter stating your support of the proposition for the shelter.  Finally, as we are well into a new year, I want to remind each of you that I want to be available. Please feel free to contact me at any time, should you be in need of a listening ear, prayer, or just a coffee.

brad@cachuch.ca

604-464-6744

PAX (pease)

Kick-Off, Coffee, Community, und Kuchen

 I want to make sure everyone is aware of the Ethos Kick-Off next Sunday night, September 23, at 7:00PM, at the church.

Brett Alexander ™(and band) will be “shakin’ the joint” (I can’t pull that off, can I?) and leading us in worship.

We will also hear from Rob Thiessen concerning the plight of the homeless in the Tri-Cities area. He is on the battle lines and he is going to fill us in on his work and share with us his thoughts on the current situation.

Afterwards, we will be starting up Level Grounds and inviting everyone to enjoy a gourmet coffee, cake, and boardgame fun, all to the music of Darren Zimmerman.

Invite your friends out and let’s start the season off right!!

See you there!!

Brad