Murray

Tuesday, April 26 – Connect Group – meeting at Murray and Cheryl’s 7:00 pm. – 9:00 pm.

A Sunday gathering is only one small piece of what it means to be the church. Our goal is for you to be formed into a disciple of Jesus, shaped by his gospel and committed to his mission… and that kind of spiritual formation doesn’t happen just by attending on a Sunday morning.  Our hope is to see you immerse yourself in missional community.  The starting place for this is our connect group where you can learn more about our church and our community groups or to get connected to one of our existing community groups.   Call Murray at 244-4372 for more information.

Saturday, April 30 – Porterbrook Network Leadership Training

Sunday, May 1st – New series begins this Sunday morning at the Galaxy Theatre: Galatians: The Gospel vs. Religion

This first message will introduce the series and lay a foundation for the rest of the book.

We will also follow our Sunday service with a picnic at nearby River Landing if the weather is nice.

“Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that what He started, He will finish!”

We are excited to be a part of a church plant for the Deaf Community in our city.  Grace Deaf Fellowship gathers in the Sutherland Hall each Sunday morning, in addition to fellowship gatherings and Bible studies during the week.  You can connect with Grace Deaf Fellowship on facebook.  You will find video clips and contacts on their home page there.  Just log onto facebook and type “Grace Deaf Fellowship” in the search box.

John Piper wrote a great post back in 2009, and it is well worth repeating…

This is my confession:

I was born into a believing family through no merit of my own at all.

I was given a mind to think and a heart to feel through no merit of my own at all.

I was brought into the hearing of the gospel through no merit of my own at all.

My rebellion was subdued, my hardness removed, my blindness overcome, and my deadness awakened through no merit of my own at all.

Thus I became a believer in Christ through no merit of my own at all.

And so I am an heir of God with Christ through no merit of my own at all.

Now when I put forward effort to please the Lord who bought me, this is to me no merit at all, because

… it is not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

… God is working in me that which is pleasing in his sight. (Hebrews 13:21)

… he fulfills every resolve for good by his power. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

And therefore there is no ground for boasting in myself, but only in God’s mighty grace.

Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:31)

Check out this link … History of Redemption The History of Redemption was designed as a tool for you to memorize the history of redemption and be reminded of God’s great grace so that you might be compelled to share it with others.

Watch the sermon. It is a recitation of a number ofmemorized Scriptures that together proclaim the redemption story in Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.  This would be a great project to work on together as a church.  Anyone want to join me?

Sanctification (growth in holiness as a follower of Jesus) is a community event.  God designed ii that way as we “image forth” Jesus the light of the world – together in community – loving and encouraging one another and on mission together.

There are  levels of community that Jesus’ followers need and in which they serve and partake.

1. The most intimate level is with Jesus HImself.  Every believer needs to commune with God – listening to Him (through the Bible) and talking to Him (prayer) and responding in worshipful obedience. Jesus always took time to be alone with His heavenly Father.  Do you have a plan for regular time with God prayerfully in His Word?

2.  Secondly, it is incredibly valuable for every believer to have a one on one or a small group of 2 or 3 where you develop a love relationship – where you can be real, held accountable, gospel one another, and invest in another person’s life on a deep and caring level.  Jesus did this with John.  Jesus also had his 3 – Peter, James, and John.  Who are you discipling or who is discipling you?  Who would God have you invest your life in right now?

3. Third, every believer needs to be in a group of often diverse individuals to live out being the church together.  These groups can be anywhere from around 6 to 20 or so people who share life together and seek to be on Jesus’ mission together – formed by the Gospel and for the Gospel.  Jesus had His 12.   Are you plugged in as a part of a community group?  In Grace Fellowship our community groups are at the heart of what it is to be the church of Jesus together.

4.  Fourth, there are larger gatherings where believers and unbelievers hear the Gospel Word proclaimed.  Jesus taught the multitudes.   Jesus’ sermons and parables heralded to the larger group, were then explained and applied interactively in smaller groups (His disciples).  For us, we are currently meeting in the Galaxy Theatre that we might reach out into the city, make the presence of Jesus in and through His people known, and gather others to hear the Word of God … for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.   That Gospel truth is heralded in our songs, in our preaching, and proclaimed in our partaking of the Lord’s Table.  This larger gathering of corporate worship unites us around the Gospel and the once for all delivered faith, and around the mission for which Jesus has gathered us and sent us out into the world.

All of the above aspects of community are necessary.  There may be times in individual lives where one or more of the above are lacking for a time (hopefully never the first one!) due to specific short-term reasons, but as a general rule, all need to be a part of our lives as faithful, devoted followers of Jesus to the glory of God.

As I consider my God-given mandate, I realize that my calling as a steward of Jesus the King, is to be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2).  In reading through the book, The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander, I was reminded of my focus:  Preach the Word; Pray; Pursue relationships; and have Patience.  There are many different options before us, but these items are not optional.  They must be deliberately pursued as we seek to build all that we do on the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of our God.

Please pray for us as a church – for unity and passion for Jesus and His mission.  The enemy is real, so be on guard and watchful.  Be mindful of your thoughts.  Is that thinking in line with the Gospel of Jesus and the Spirit-inspired word?  The devil is a liar and subtle and divisive.  May we not be instruments in his hands, but vessels fit for the true Master’s use.

1 John series

We have just finished the first 3 chapters in this challenging letter.  John writes in black and white statements of truth, but does so in genuine love – of His Savior and of Jesus’ church.  The audio of these messages can be found here on the website in the media section.  The study guide for the series is also available there.

Join me in praying that this would not just be a series to study through intellectually, but a time where God speaks to us through this beloved apostle and transforms our hearts in real and lasting Gospel change.

Baptism

What an amazing time of testimony and picture as Jacques and Lisl were “doop” (Afrikaan for dipped or baptized) in obedience to and to identify with Jesus who went under the judgment flood waters for us.  And praise God, Jesus made a full and sufficient payment and rose again to life!  If Jesus did not rise, we have no hope and we could never have joy without the knowledge of the reunion of Jesus with His Father and the Holy Spirit – to the glory which He shared with them from all of eternity.  I could never be truly happy unless Jesus was to receive the honor and praise and glory that He so richly deserves.  Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, but who now lives forevermore.

I was disappointed that there were not more there to share in that time together, but for those who were there, it was a rich time of worshipping our glorious sovereign and saving God.  It was neat to see the kids on lined up along the edge of the water to get a great view.

And Chelsea, you may have thought you saw me cry during the testimonies, but I think it was the “powder” deodorizer coming from your car.  (OK,  maybe I did shed a tear or two – in amazement of the grace of God in our lives).

Grace Deaf Fellowship

I said my “see you later” to Neil and Helen tonight as they leave early Tuesday morning for Calgary and then on to the UK.  We will miss them.  Please continue to pray for Grace Deaf Fellowship.  They had another 4-5 new people this Sunday.

Acts 29 Coaching

On Monday evening, I have my coaching session with Scott Tucker in Lethbridge.  Please be in prayer for the church plant there.  Scott is just in the process of gathering others.

This coming weekend

This Saturday morning, we have the Porterbrook Training for those involved in that Gospel training.  The advanced group is going to begin working through the benefits of our reading in The Deliberate Church and the Porterbrook material on “The Missional Church and Church Planting”.

Lord willing, a number will also be going to the Bridge on 20th to serve there in the afternoon – as a tangible way to love the people in our city.

Please make the time to stay for our pizza lunch at the Galaxy following this coming Sunday gathering.  I look forward to spending extended time with the church family on Sundays … you’re not heavy, you’re my brothers and sisters!

Our third “redeeming your marriage” class will be held in the church office at 3:30 pm. this coming Sunday as well.  Lord, teach us how to love others – in particular, our spouses.

Rest in the midst of war

There are times in this whole church planting adventure, when I can feel overwhelmed with one thing after another.  It is in these times that I have to go to the Word of God and preach the Gospel to my own heart.   People may disappoint me – I disappoint me; but I am loved by the Lord of the universe.  He has adopted me for His own.  It was His delight to do so for His own glory.  I was a stranger to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world; BUT NOW in Christ Jesus, I, who was once far off, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  I was walking, willingly and blindly following the course of this world – following my father, the devil, to the wrath he and I deserved, BUT GOD who is rich in mercy plucked me out of the grip of the evil one; when I was still a sinner, Christ died for me.  I have a heavenly Father who considers me His own beloved son.  I have an elder brother who is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, who at great cost to himself redeemed this prodigal who had squandered every gift the Father had given me.  Jesus did not do this begrudgingly but with joy.  He is a saving God.  I have the Spirit of God Himself in me.  This same Spirit who raised up Jesus from the grave, transformed my heart in the hearing of the Word of the Gospel (with ears He Himself opened).  This Spirit who has sealed me to the ultimate fullness of my redemption.  How can I complain?  I am an unprofitable servant who is loved as a son.  How can it be?  Jesus is my Sabbath rest.  In Him I cease from my labours and enter His rest –  in His perfect finished work.  Whatever is in store for me in the next while, it will be far too good for me – and so much more than I deserve.   I am His and He is mine.  Now I’m going to go to bed and sleep like a Calvinist!

Jen Wilkins from the Village Church has some great insight (and balance) to the education debate.

“One of the biggest decisions Christian parents face is how they will educate their children. Should they send their children to private school? Should they homeschool? What about public school? …”  Read the rest of her entry here :  The Beginning of Wisdom

Jonathan Dodson put these basic principles in writing:

Eat with Non-Christians

We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations. Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.

Walk, Don’t Drive

If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox or convenience store, walk to get mail or groceries. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, carrying along a 6-pack to share, bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Last night I spent an hour outside gardening with my family. We had good conversations with about four of our neighbors. Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people.

Be a Regular

Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places at the same times. Get to know the staff. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of leftover pastries to our church 2-3 times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give them to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a regular.

Hobby with Non-Christians

Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports or local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons, such as sewing, piano, knitting, or tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.

Talk to Your Co-workers.

How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.

Volunteer with Non-Profits.

Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take a Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!

Participate in City Events

Instead of playing XBox, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, and concerts. Participate missionally. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.

Serve Your Neighbors.

Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, or fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!

Desiring God hosted a Q and A with Paul Tripp recently.  In this video, Paul discusses Gospel-centered living, including parenting, marriage, and more.  As a broken person ministering to other broken people, you will gain much from this session.

Video of “Ask Paul Tripp”

Men’s Discipleship Breakfast at Grainfield’s on Circle Dr. at 7:45 a.m.  on Mondays  This will be a weekly event until Dec. 20th.  Come for coffee or grab a full breakfast.  Bring your Bible and come prepared to examine the passage in Hebrews corresponding to the Sunday message.

Community We gather in Community Groups with our friends and neighbors to live life together and experience the gospel in ways we can’t on our own. They are a place to wrestle with the truths of the Bible, love one another, serve the city, and participate in the mission of God with Grace Fellowship.  Contact Murray for information about our various Community Groups.

Serving The need for more volunteers is always great–not only to fulfill certain roles, but to demonstrate love and care to our guests. But more than anything, blessing our guests and the church family through simple acts of self-sacrificial service is an act of worship and an opportunity to grow in relationship to each other and Jesus!  Currently we could really use at least one more volunteer in the nursery/children’s ministry.  We also need help setting up chairs etc. Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m.

Hangout with the Grace Leadership team On Saturday evenings we have an informal hangout time from 6 pm. until 9 pm.  It is come and go and there is no set agenda – just time to get to know one another, talk about the Gospel and the vision of the church, play a few games, eat a bit of finger food etc.  This evening provides opportunity to connect with our leaders, ask questions, discuss issues etc.  These evenings can help keep you up to date with what is happening in our church.

Leadership Team Meeting Friday mornings at 6:30 a.m. the Grace Fellowship leadership team meets.  Since I am currently the only elder (though we’re working on that), those men interning with us serve in this capacity so that we can function with a plurality of leaders, until we have more than one elder qualified and appointed.  The current leadership team is Sammy Whitehawk, Clay Bitner, Rob Clark, and myself, Murray McLellan.  If you have items that you would like us to address at one of our meetings, please contact one of us.

Upcoming Events

• Christmas Musical The musical – “The Lamb of God” will be held on Sunday evening, Dec. 19th at the Sutherland Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome.
• Galaxy Theatre Beginning on Sunday morning, Dec. 12th we will be gathering at the Galaxy Theatre downtown for four consecutive Sundays as we try out this new location.  We are excited about a potential downtown site in the centre of our city that we might better serve the people of Saskatoon for the sake of Jesus and His amazing Gospel.
• Potluck Meal The first Sunday of the month, Dec. 5th, we share a potluck meal together following our morning service.  We will take some time over this meal to talk about our move to the Galaxy.