add all 2020 transcripts and summaries

A Burning Bush, a Concerned God, and a Hesitant Response (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+• The speaker will be discussing Exodus 3:1-12, a story about Moses encountering God in a burning bush.
+• Moses is tasked with leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to a promised land.
+• The story fits into the larger narrative of Scripture and is connected to the previous story of Joseph.
+• The speaker hopes to help listeners find new insights in this familiar story.
+• Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is put in charge of storing food for Egypt
+• A famine hits, causing Joseph's family to move to Egypt where they reunite with Joseph
+• Over time, Joseph's family grows to 600,000 soldier-aged men (over 2 million total) and eventually becomes enslaved by the Egyptians
+• Moses is born during this time and is saved from death by being placed in a basket on the Nile River, adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, and later kills an Egyptian soldier while trying to stop abuse
+• Moses flees to Midian where he spends 40 years as a shepherd before returning to Egypt at age 80
+• The story of Moses' encounter with the burning bush takes place on a mountain that will later be the site of the Ten Commandments and worship by the Israelites
+• Two characteristics of God are discussed: 
+    • God's sovereignty over time and history (including the use of specific locations for important events)
+    • God's concern for his people, including Moses' calling as a deliverer at birth
+• The power of God in Exodus 3
+• God's presence in the burning bush as a symbol and literal manifestation
+• Angels in the Old Testament and their role as embodied entities of God
+• Moses' encounter with God in the bush, including God's instructions to Moses
+• Moses' fear of looking at God due to his own sinfulness is not the reason he hides his face
+• Comparison with Isaiah 6, where Isaiah also feels unworthy to look at God
+• Moses' encounter with God in the story emphasizes God's power rather than love or justice
+• The Bible highlights the theme of God's power, which can be incomprehensible to humans
+• Understanding God's power is essential to grasping other attributes such as grace, mercy, and justice
+• The distance between God and humanity is measured by God's power
+• Recognizing God's infinite power can help people approach Him with humility and reverence
+• Characteristics of God: powerful, concerned for his people
+• Exodus 2 and 3 passages showing God's response to suffering
+• God hears, remembers, sees, and knows his people's needs
+• God intervenes to save his people from Egypt
+• Generations of Israelites disobey and sin against God
+• God's concern for his people has been a permanent fixture throughout history
+• God sent the Son to save his people from death in Bethlehem
+• The Holy Spirit came down to save his people from captivity and temptation
+• God is here to bear trials with us, help us through them, and be with us
+• He holds us in powerful hands, beyond our comprehension or awareness
+• Characteristics of God: power and concern
+• Importance of understanding these characteristics together
+• Moses' response to God's call, considering his background as a shepherd in Midian
+• Moses' humility, contentment, and meekness, celebrated in the Bible
+• Contrasting Moses' early life with his later character, highlighting God's plan for him
+• The significance of God waiting until Moses was humbled before calling him
+• Moses' reluctance to accept God's call due to perceived inadequacy
+• The biblical account of Moses' excuses and hesitation in Exodus 3-4
+• Comparison between Moses' responses and modern-day excuses for not serving God or fulfilling one's calling
+• The irony that God often chooses people who feel unqualified or inadequate to achieve great things
+• The importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, rather than relying on personal abilities or qualifications
+• The concept of God calling the unqualified
+• A personal story about a meme and its relevance to the topic
+• The mission statement of the church and the challenges it poses
+• God's power and ability to accomplish tasks despite human limitations
+• The idea that God is more powerful than humans can comprehend
+• God is always with you and hears your prayers
+• He qualifies those He calls to fulfill His purpose
+• Don't confuse qualifications with God's calling
+• Thank God for his power and concern for humanity
+• Ask God to guide you to live a life of love, service, and gratitude

A Burning Bush, a Concerned God, and a Hesitant Response (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+• The speaker will be discussing Exodus 3:1-12, a story about Moses encountering God in a burning bush.
+• Moses is tasked with leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to a promised land.
+• The story fits into the larger narrative of Scripture and is connected to the previous story of Joseph.
+• The speaker hopes to help listeners find new insights in this familiar story.
+• Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is put in charge of storing food for Egypt
+• A famine hits, causing Joseph's family to move to Egypt where they reunite with Joseph
+• Over time, Joseph's family grows to 600,000 soldier-aged men (over 2 million total) and eventually becomes enslaved by the Egyptians
+• Moses is born during this time and is saved from death by being placed in a basket on the Nile River, adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, and later kills an Egyptian soldier while trying to stop abuse
+• Moses flees to Midian where he spends 40 years as a shepherd before returning to Egypt at age 80
+• The story of Moses' encounter with the burning bush takes place on a mountain that will later be the site of the Ten Commandments and worship by the Israelites
+• Two characteristics of God are discussed: 
+    • God's sovereignty over time and history (including the use of specific locations for important events)
+    • God's concern for his people, including Moses' calling as a deliverer at birth
+• The power of God in Exodus 3
+• God's presence in the burning bush as a symbol and literal manifestation
+• Angels in the Old Testament and their role as embodied entities of God
+• Moses' encounter with God in the bush, including God's instructions to Moses
+• Moses' fear of looking at God due to his own sinfulness is not the reason he hides his face
+• Comparison with Isaiah 6, where Isaiah also feels unworthy to look at God
+• Moses' encounter with God in the story emphasizes God's power rather than love or justice
+• The Bible highlights the theme of God's power, which can be incomprehensible to humans
+• Understanding God's power is essential to grasping other attributes such as grace, mercy, and justice
+• The distance between God and humanity is measured by God's power
+• Recognizing God's infinite power can help people approach Him with humility and reverence
+• Characteristics of God: powerful, concerned for his people
+• Exodus 2 and 3 passages showing God's response to suffering
+• God hears, remembers, sees, and knows his people's needs
+• God intervenes to save his people from Egypt
+• Generations of Israelites disobey and sin against God
+• God's concern for his people has been a permanent fixture throughout history
+• God sent the Son to save his people from death in Bethlehem
+• The Holy Spirit came down to save his people from captivity and temptation
+• God is here to bear trials with us, help us through them, and be with us
+• He holds us in powerful hands, beyond our comprehension or awareness
+• Characteristics of God: power and concern
+• Importance of understanding these characteristics together
+• Moses' response to God's call, considering his background as a shepherd in Midian
+• Moses' humility, contentment, and meekness, celebrated in the Bible
+• Contrasting Moses' early life with his later character, highlighting God's plan for him
+• The significance of God waiting until Moses was humbled before calling him
+• Moses' reluctance to accept God's call due to perceived inadequacy
+• The biblical account of Moses' excuses and hesitation in Exodus 3-4
+• Comparison between Moses' responses and modern-day excuses for not serving God or fulfilling one's calling
+• The irony that God often chooses people who feel unqualified or inadequate to achieve great things
+• The importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, rather than relying on personal abilities or qualifications
+• The concept of God calling the unqualified
+• A personal story about a meme and its relevance to the topic
+• The mission statement of the church and the challenges it poses
+• God's power and ability to accomplish tasks despite human limitations
+• The idea that God is more powerful than humans can comprehend
+• God is always with you and hears your prayers
+• He qualifies those He calls to fulfill His purpose
+• Don't confuse qualifications with God's calling
+• Thank God for his power and concern for humanity
+• Ask God to guide you to live a life of love, service, and gratitude

Connecting With God (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+• The speaker discusses the book of James and its emphasis on a fully engaged faith.
+• Scholars debate whether James is referring to faith or works, but the correct interpretation is that they are intertwined.
+• An all-in faith requires a deep connection with God, and losing this connection can cause faith to fade.
+• A German newspaper tested the theory that you can be connected to anyone in six social associations by tracing connections between people.
+• The speaker uses this example to illustrate how many people rely on easy social associations rather than genuine connection with God.
+• James' letter concludes with two ways to stay connected to God: living in the light of eternity and understanding how money, wealth, and material possessions can hinder or help one's relationship with God.
+• The book of James offers encouragement for those facing trial and hardship.
+• Trials and hardships can be considered pure joy as they strengthen faith through perseverance.
+• Connection to God is sustained by hope in Christ's return, not circumstances.
+• People who think they're in control of their lives are not connected to God.
+• Making plans without considering God or seeking His will is warned against.
+• James warns the wealthy of coming judgment for their mistreatment of workers and the oppressed
+• The condemnation is not solely aimed at the rich, but to create a background for the real point: living in light of eternity
+• Enduring hardship and oppression is possible when viewed through the lens of eternity
+• God's sovereignty and ultimate justice are emphasized as reminders that one does not own their life or control outcomes
+• Living in light of eternity solidifies connection with God, regardless of circumstances
+• Francis Chan's illustration of one inch of life in the midst of eternity
+• The importance of living in light of eternity, rather than just focusing on one's short lifespan
+• Being rooted in connection to God through prayer and learning to live in the context of prayer
+• James' instructions for prayer in times of trouble or sickness, including calling for elders to pray over them
+• The effectiveness of prayer, as seen in Jesus' teaching to ask and receive
+• A critique of the scientific method's limitations in understanding reality, suggesting that it assumes only what can be proven is real.
+• The concept of a closed universe and the struggle to understand prayer's effectiveness
+• James' reminders on the power of prayer in his letter, specifically that God listens and responds to our prayers
+• Prayer is effective not because we get the outcome we want, but because it connects us with God
+• Wrong motives for praying, such as seeking pleasure or control, can lead to ineffective prayer
+• Connection to God is rooted in learning to be connected through prayer
+• Prayer draws us into the presence of God and should not be taken for granted
+• Confessing sins to God in prayer is crucial, but James also emphasizes confessing sins to one another
+• Public confession can be superficial; individual confession is necessary for true connection with God
+• God's forgiveness and mercy are available when we live in the context of prayer
+• The speaker describes a recording issue with an overexposed image, making it difficult to see the bridge.
+• A living bridge in Meghalaya, India is mentioned as a better illustration of James chapter 5.
+• The speaker explains that these living bridges are built using ropes and roots, and require maintenance to prevent erosion from heavy rainfall.
+• The comparison is made between building connections with God and building living bridges, highlighting the need for stability and resilience in both cases.
+• The speaker reflects on how people often struggle to maintain their connection with God when faced with hardships or trials.
+• A natural tree was discovered in India with the ability to train its roots to cross a stream and be planted on the other side, allowing for the creation of a path.
+• This process illustrates the concept of connection between God as described by James, requiring a lifetime of learning to live in the light of eternity and in the context of prayer.
+• Establishing roots of learning takes time and may involve stumbling or setbacks, but ultimately leads to a firm foundation that can grow into a web-like connection with God.
+• The importance of living with the assurance that God is always present
+• Praying to thank God for being a God who hears and listens to prayers
+• Recognizing God's sovereignty over the universe from creation to eternity
+• Asking God to teach what it means to live in the light of eternity and be connected through prayer
+• Confessing the tendency to give up easily and asking God to restore, renew, and draw them closer
+• Seeking to proclaim God's goodness, let His light shine, and announce His kingdom

Connecting With God (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+• The speaker discusses the book of James and its emphasis on a fully engaged faith.
+• Scholars debate whether James is referring to faith or works, but the correct interpretation is that they are intertwined.
+• An all-in faith requires a deep connection with God, and losing this connection can cause faith to fade.
+• A German newspaper tested the theory that you can be connected to anyone in six social associations by tracing connections between people.
+• The speaker uses this example to illustrate how many people rely on easy social associations rather than genuine connection with God.
+• James' letter concludes with two ways to stay connected to God: living in the light of eternity and understanding how money, wealth, and material possessions can hinder or help one's relationship with God.
+• The book of James offers encouragement for those facing trial and hardship.
+• Trials and hardships can be considered pure joy as they strengthen faith through perseverance.
+• Connection to God is sustained by hope in Christ's return, not circumstances.
+• People who think they're in control of their lives are not connected to God.
+• Making plans without considering God or seeking His will is warned against.
+• James warns the wealthy of coming judgment for their mistreatment of workers and the oppressed
+• The condemnation is not solely aimed at the rich, but to create a background for the real point: living in light of eternity
+• Enduring hardship and oppression is possible when viewed through the lens of eternity
+• God's sovereignty and ultimate justice are emphasized as reminders that one does not own their life or control outcomes
+• Living in light of eternity solidifies connection with God, regardless of circumstances
+• Francis Chan's illustration of one inch of life in the midst of eternity
+• The importance of living in light of eternity, rather than just focusing on one's short lifespan
+• Being rooted in connection to God through prayer and learning to live in the context of prayer
+• James' instructions for prayer in times of trouble or sickness, including calling for elders to pray over them
+• The effectiveness of prayer, as seen in Jesus' teaching to ask and receive
+• A critique of the scientific method's limitations in understanding reality, suggesting that it assumes only what can be proven is real.
+• The concept of a closed universe and the struggle to understand prayer's effectiveness
+• James' reminders on the power of prayer in his letter, specifically that God listens and responds to our prayers
+• Prayer is effective not because we get the outcome we want, but because it connects us with God
+• Wrong motives for praying, such as seeking pleasure or control, can lead to ineffective prayer
+• Connection to God is rooted in learning to be connected through prayer
+• Prayer draws us into the presence of God and should not be taken for granted
+• Confessing sins to God in prayer is crucial, but James also emphasizes confessing sins to one another
+• Public confession can be superficial; individual confession is necessary for true connection with God
+• God's forgiveness and mercy are available when we live in the context of prayer
+• The speaker describes a recording issue with an overexposed image, making it difficult to see the bridge.
+• A living bridge in Meghalaya, India is mentioned as a better illustration of James chapter 5.
+• The speaker explains that these living bridges are built using ropes and roots, and require maintenance to prevent erosion from heavy rainfall.
+• The comparison is made between building connections with God and building living bridges, highlighting the need for stability and resilience in both cases.
+• The speaker reflects on how people often struggle to maintain their connection with God when faced with hardships or trials.
+• A natural tree was discovered in India with the ability to train its roots to cross a stream and be planted on the other side, allowing for the creation of a path.
+• This process illustrates the concept of connection between God as described by James, requiring a lifetime of learning to live in the light of eternity and in the context of prayer.
+• Establishing roots of learning takes time and may involve stumbling or setbacks, but ultimately leads to a firm foundation that can grow into a web-like connection with God.
+• The importance of living with the assurance that God is always present
+• Praying to thank God for being a God who hears and listens to prayers
+• Recognizing God's sovereignty over the universe from creation to eternity
+• Asking God to teach what it means to live in the light of eternity and be connected through prayer
+• Confessing the tendency to give up easily and asking God to restore, renew, and draw them closer
+• Seeking to proclaim God's goodness, let His light shine, and announce His kingdom

Faith’s Additives (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+• The importance of isolation for preserving health and healthy views of life
+• The concept of a "pandemic of sin" being just as deadly as COVID-19
+• The idea that faith can be the antidote to spiritual illness
+• Discussion of 2 Peter 1, verses 5-11, and the importance of adding virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to one's faith
+• The relationship between possessing these virtues and being effective in one's knowledge of Jesus Christ
+• The importance of confirming one's calling and election
+• A personal anecdote about receiving a new barbecue as a gift, with the speaker wishing that God would assemble us spiritually in the same way
+• The need for more than just faith to achieve a godly life, but rather building on it and adding to it
+• The importance of making an effort to add to one's faith in Jesus Christ
+• The relationship between truly believing in Jesus and wanting to be like him.
+• The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and its incentive to work out one's faith in Jesus
+• The idea is compared to fishing, where staying engaged and imagining the catch keeps the line in the water
+• Dallas Willard is quoted as saying that spiritual formation in Christians has been stifled by believing they can be slack in obeying or following Jesus
+• Jesus' words are cited, stating that if one loves him, they will keep his commandments
+• Gandhi's quote is mentioned, suggesting that if Christians lived according to their belief, all would become Christians
+• The importance of obedience and intent in following Jesus
+• Peter's instruction to add to one's faith and build on knowledge of Christ
+• Faith being a conscious and persistent choice to cooperate with the spirit of Christ
+• Characteristics of believers including patience, joy, love, and other fruits of Christ
+• The role of intention and effort in following Christ
+• Good intentions are necessary but not sufficient without actual intent and effort
+• The importance of having a strong will and making decisions to achieve goals
+• The difference between intention and action in achieving success
+• The role of God's will in the formation of human spirit and character
+• The need for humans to set their will on doing God's will, as exemplified by Jesus' passion.
+• The will of God vs human pressure and temptation
+• Jesus' example in resisting the will of others and persevering in faith
+• Peter's understanding that spiritual growth is a slow, arduous process
+• Recognizing setbacks and failures as opportunities for reflection and self-examination
+• Emphasizing the importance of humility and seeking God's guidance
+• The speaker reflects on their faith in Jesus and the importance of living a life that aligns with God's plan.
+• They discuss the concept of "adding to" one's faith, drawing from biblical language and cultural context.
+• Christ is described as the main singer or central figure, with those following Him adding to their faith through various attributes and qualities.
+• The speaker cites Peter's list of virtues and qualities that can be added to one's faith, such as goodness, moral fortitude, power, and energy.
+• The importance of diligence and self-discipline in becoming a virtuous person
+• Adding faith to one's knowledge and gaining practical insights
+• Understanding Christ and being his disciple
+• Recognizing that much of our work is done internally, including self-control and managing one's feelings and soul
+• Practicing self-leadership and perseverance
+• Perseverance in the face of obstacles is crucial for achieving godliness and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings.
+• The ultimate goal is to be like Christ and to have God "retrofit" us back into his image through the Holy Spirit.
+• Showing mutual affection, warmth, and friendliness to others is essential for building a healthy church community.
+• Loving one's neighbor as oneself is the greatest virtue and a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects Christian values.
+• Developing virtues and attributes is part of living in Christ
+• Love keeps motivation pure
+• Possessing these qualities helps prevent being ineffective and unproductive
+• Change happens slowly, requiring patience and self-graciousness
+• Addictions can be overcome with time and spiritual growth
+• Working hard and daily turning to Christ leads to maturing and seeing results
+• Ineffective and unproductive faith
+• Choosing not to work at faith and settling for the status quo
+• The importance of spiritual growth and maturity in Christ
+• Losing sight of the future that Christ offers and forgetting past sins covered by His blood
+• Failure to pursue spiritual growth as a sign of lost vision and forgotten identity in Christ
+• AA's sixth step involves surrendering to God
+• The process of becoming spiritually perfect is a gradual one
+• The difference between striving for self-determined goals vs. spiritual perfection
+• Negative consequences of not working towards spiritual goals
+• Three positive reasons for being intentional about adding to faith, based on verses 10 and 11
+• The relationship between God's initiative and human response in faith
+• The importance of balance in the Christian life, not a 50-50 split but rather 100% from both God and humanity
+• The role of Christ as the proactive initiator of redemption and humans as reactive responders to His work
+• The development of confidence and spiritual growth through consistent practice and application of one's faith
+• The assurance of eternal life and a warm welcome in God's kingdom, regardless of earthly circumstances
+• Pursuing Christ leads to a deeper sense of hope in the soul
+• The importance of prayer and God's word in life
+• Being welcomed home someday as saints, cleansed from sin
+• Living like saints by pursuing purity and holiness
+• Receiving God's grace to name sin, add to faith, and become more like Christ

Faith’s Additives (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+• The importance of isolation for preserving health and healthy views of life
+• The concept of a "pandemic of sin" being just as deadly as COVID-19
+• The idea that faith can be the antidote to spiritual illness
+• Discussion of 2 Peter 1, verses 5-11, and the importance of adding virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to one's faith
+• The relationship between possessing these virtues and being effective in one's knowledge of Jesus Christ
+• The importance of confirming one's calling and election
+• A personal anecdote about receiving a new barbecue as a gift, with the speaker wishing that God would assemble us spiritually in the same way
+• The need for more than just faith to achieve a godly life, but rather building on it and adding to it
+• The importance of making an effort to add to one's faith in Jesus Christ
+• The relationship between truly believing in Jesus and wanting to be like him.
+• The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and its incentive to work out one's faith in Jesus
+• The idea is compared to fishing, where staying engaged and imagining the catch keeps the line in the water
+• Dallas Willard is quoted as saying that spiritual formation in Christians has been stifled by believing they can be slack in obeying or following Jesus
+• Jesus' words are cited, stating that if one loves him, they will keep his commandments
+• Gandhi's quote is mentioned, suggesting that if Christians lived according to their belief, all would become Christians
+• The importance of obedience and intent in following Jesus
+• Peter's instruction to add to one's faith and build on knowledge of Christ
+• Faith being a conscious and persistent choice to cooperate with the spirit of Christ
+• Characteristics of believers including patience, joy, love, and other fruits of Christ
+• The role of intention and effort in following Christ
+• Good intentions are necessary but not sufficient without actual intent and effort
+• The importance of having a strong will and making decisions to achieve goals
+• The difference between intention and action in achieving success
+• The role of God's will in the formation of human spirit and character
+• The need for humans to set their will on doing God's will, as exemplified by Jesus' passion.
+• The will of God vs human pressure and temptation
+• Jesus' example in resisting the will of others and persevering in faith
+• Peter's understanding that spiritual growth is a slow, arduous process
+• Recognizing setbacks and failures as opportunities for reflection and self-examination
+• Emphasizing the importance of humility and seeking God's guidance
+• The speaker reflects on their faith in Jesus and the importance of living a life that aligns with God's plan.
+• They discuss the concept of "adding to" one's faith, drawing from biblical language and cultural context.
+• Christ is described as the main singer or central figure, with those following Him adding to their faith through various attributes and qualities.
+• The speaker cites Peter's list of virtues and qualities that can be added to one's faith, such as goodness, moral fortitude, power, and energy.
+• The importance of diligence and self-discipline in becoming a virtuous person
+• Adding faith to one's knowledge and gaining practical insights
+• Understanding Christ and being his disciple
+• Recognizing that much of our work is done internally, including self-control and managing one's feelings and soul
+• Practicing self-leadership and perseverance
+• Perseverance in the face of obstacles is crucial for achieving godliness and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings.
+• The ultimate goal is to be like Christ and to have God "retrofit" us back into his image through the Holy Spirit.
+• Showing mutual affection, warmth, and friendliness to others is essential for building a healthy church community.
+• Loving one's neighbor as oneself is the greatest virtue and a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects Christian values.
+• Developing virtues and attributes is part of living in Christ
+• Love keeps motivation pure
+• Possessing these qualities helps prevent being ineffective and unproductive
+• Change happens slowly, requiring patience and self-graciousness
+• Addictions can be overcome with time and spiritual growth
+• Working hard and daily turning to Christ leads to maturing and seeing results
+• Ineffective and unproductive faith
+• Choosing not to work at faith and settling for the status quo
+• The importance of spiritual growth and maturity in Christ
+• Losing sight of the future that Christ offers and forgetting past sins covered by His blood
+• Failure to pursue spiritual growth as a sign of lost vision and forgotten identity in Christ
+• AA's sixth step involves surrendering to God
+• The process of becoming spiritually perfect is a gradual one
+• The difference between striving for self-determined goals vs. spiritual perfection
+• Negative consequences of not working towards spiritual goals
+• Three positive reasons for being intentional about adding to faith, based on verses 10 and 11
+• The relationship between God's initiative and human response in faith
+• The importance of balance in the Christian life, not a 50-50 split but rather 100% from both God and humanity
+• The role of Christ as the proactive initiator of redemption and humans as reactive responders to His work
+• The development of confidence and spiritual growth through consistent practice and application of one's faith
+• The assurance of eternal life and a warm welcome in God's kingdom, regardless of earthly circumstances
+• Pursuing Christ leads to a deeper sense of hope in the soul
+• The importance of prayer and God's word in life
+• Being welcomed home someday as saints, cleansed from sin
+• Living like saints by pursuing purity and holiness
+• Receiving God's grace to name sin, add to faith, and become more like Christ

Finding Wisdom (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+• Reading from Job chapter 28
+• Three stanzas discussing finding wisdom and understanding
+• Mortals search for material wealth but cannot find wisdom
+• Wisdom is beyond human comprehension and price
+• It is hidden from humans, even the birds in the sky
+• God alone knows where it dwells and has viewed its worth
+• The fear of the Lord is considered wisdom
+• A personal anecdote about answering questions from patients at a hospital
+• The speaker discusses the question of why parents need wisdom to answer their children's questions
+• Reference is made to the story of Job and his search for wisdom in the face of suffering
+• The importance of sitting with someone in silence before offering words of comfort or advice is highlighted
+• The book of Job is referenced, specifically chapters 3-27, 29-42, and chapter 28 as an interlude
+• The question of where wisdom can be found is posed in the book of Job, with the answer being the fear of the Lord.
+• Ancient mining methods and the skill and cunning required for them
+• Mankind's resourcefulness, intelligence, and conquest of creation
+• The discovery of hidden things beneath the earth and mankind's wealth
+• The difficulty in finding wisdom through human efforts and abilities
+• The value and true nature of wisdom and its inaccessibility to mortals
+• The search for wisdom and its impossibility to be found or bought
+• The futility of seeking wisdom through material wealth and knowledge
+• The question of where wisdom comes from
+• The importance of seeking wisdom from God
+• The presence of God's wisdom in creation, but its need for revelation to be understood
+• Biblical passages referencing God's invisible qualities being seen in nature (Romans 1:19-20)
+• The complexity of understanding the universe and creation
+• The limitations of human understanding and knowledge
+• The concept of divine wisdom and its relationship to creation
+• The importance of fearing or loving God as a starting point for wisdom
+• Job's character as an example of wise behavior, despite making mistakes
+• The ability to explore the microcosm and macrocosm of the universe
+• Contrast between access to wealth and lack of wisdom
+• Importance of reverence, obedience, and worship of God for true wisdom
+• Seeking God's guidance for wisdom rather than human knowledge or wealth
+• Acknowledging God as the source of wisdom
+• Recognizing limitations in answering life's questions and understanding circumstances
+• Suffering and loss of loved ones
+• Questioning God about suffering and why it happens
+• Finding wisdom through the love of God
+• Shunning evil and walking in God's way
+• Seeking guidance from God's holy spirit
+• Turning away from evil and seeking true wisdom for life

Finding Wisdom (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+• Reading from Job chapter 28
+• Three stanzas discussing finding wisdom and understanding
+• Mortals search for material wealth but cannot find wisdom
+• Wisdom is beyond human comprehension and price
+• It is hidden from humans, even the birds in the sky
+• God alone knows where it dwells and has viewed its worth
+• The fear of the Lord is considered wisdom
+• A personal anecdote about answering questions from patients at a hospital
+• The speaker discusses the question of why parents need wisdom to answer their children's questions
+• Reference is made to the story of Job and his search for wisdom in the face of suffering
+• The importance of sitting with someone in silence before offering words of comfort or advice is highlighted
+• The book of Job is referenced, specifically chapters 3-27, 29-42, and chapter 28 as an interlude
+• The question of where wisdom can be found is posed in the book of Job, with the answer being the fear of the Lord.
+• Ancient mining methods and the skill and cunning required for them
+• Mankind's resourcefulness, intelligence, and conquest of creation
+• The discovery of hidden things beneath the earth and mankind's wealth
+• The difficulty in finding wisdom through human efforts and abilities
+• The value and true nature of wisdom and its inaccessibility to mortals
+• The search for wisdom and its impossibility to be found or bought
+• The futility of seeking wisdom through material wealth and knowledge
+• The question of where wisdom comes from
+• The importance of seeking wisdom from God
+• The presence of God's wisdom in creation, but its need for revelation to be understood
+• Biblical passages referencing God's invisible qualities being seen in nature (Romans 1:19-20)
+• The complexity of understanding the universe and creation
+• The limitations of human understanding and knowledge
+• The concept of divine wisdom and its relationship to creation
+• The importance of fearing or loving God as a starting point for wisdom
+• Job's character as an example of wise behavior, despite making mistakes
+• The ability to explore the microcosm and macrocosm of the universe
+• Contrast between access to wealth and lack of wisdom
+• Importance of reverence, obedience, and worship of God for true wisdom
+• Seeking God's guidance for wisdom rather than human knowledge or wealth
+• Acknowledging God as the source of wisdom
+• Recognizing limitations in answering life's questions and understanding circumstances
+• Suffering and loss of loved ones
+• Questioning God about suffering and why it happens
+• Finding wisdom through the love of God
+• Shunning evil and walking in God's way
+• Seeking guidance from God's holy spirit
+• Turning away from evil and seeking true wisdom for life

From Discord to Disciple (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+• The names of the 12 apostles
+• Matthew's profession as a tax collector and its significance in Jesus' day
+• The disdain towards tax collectors among the Jewish people due to their association with Roman oppression and profiteering
+• A scene from the TV show "The Chosen" depicting Jesus calling Matthew, highlighting Peter's reaction and Jesus' words about being "used to different"
+• Historical context of taxation in Israel under Roman occupation
+• Jesus called both a tax collector (Matthew) and a zealot (Simon) as his disciples, showing radical love and diversity
+• The selection of these two men was unusual and would have caused internal friction among the disciples
+• Peter asks Jesus how he can bring enemies together, citing Jesus' own words about a kingdom divided against itself
+• Jesus' call to both tax collectors and zealots reflects the same paradox in modern society, where people exclude others who don't agree with them
+• Jesus' message is relevant today, as our world becomes more divisive due to party politics and a tendency to only associate with those who share similar views
+• Criticism of current politics, where parties are portrayed as evil
+• Impact of social media on division and polarization
+• How social media platforms profit from controversy and addiction
+• Dehumanization of people based on single beliefs or opinions
+• Importance of face-to-face relationships and empathy in building common ground
+• Exclusion and judgment vs acceptance and compassion
+• Jesus' call to Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector
+• The power of an encounter with Jesus Christ
+• Transformation from zealots who judge and divide to zealots for God's kingdom who show radical love for all people
+• Examples of transformation in Paul's story and the lives of the disciples
+• Discussion of Paul's transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ
+• Paul's powerful encounter with God on the road to Damascus and its impact on his life
+• Paul's writings to the Philippians about the encounter and how it affected him
+• Paul's comparison of his former self as a Pharisee and law-abiding Jew, versus his current life as one who has lost all things for Christ
+• Paul's emphasis on the importance of faith in Christ over human righteousness or laws
+• The impact of this transformation on Paul's relationships with others, as seen in Ephesians.
+• The unity of the church, with one body, one Spirit, and one God
+• The transformation of Paul's heart through God's work in his life
+• The call to radical love for all people, including enemies
+• Confronting divisiveness and exclusivity with God's love
+• Empowerment to see the humanity and image of God in others
+• Jesus emphasizes the importance of judgment being left in His hands
+• The dangers of judging others and wanting to sit in a seat of judgment ourselves
+• The need for superhuman self-control, patience, kindness, gentleness, and love
+• The fruit of the Spirit comes through relationship with Jesus
+• God's love is only fully realized when we are in deep relationship with Him
+• Jesus' example of loving His enemies and bridging the gap between us and God
+• Growing in relationship with Jesus empowers us to bridge gaps with others, exemplify Him, and promote flourishing.
+• The importance of turning off distractions and engaging with God
+• Seeking a relationship with God through prayer and faith
+• The power of the Lord's Supper as a means of encountering Jesus
+• Jesus' invitation to His table to break bread and establish a relationship
+• The author's personal experience of feeling like God is "winking" at them during sermon preparation
+• Psalm 23 and its meaning
+• Vindictive vs reconciled relationships
+• The power of God's love to overcome brokenness
+• The Last Supper with Jesus as a picture of God's peace
+• Breaking bread with enemies as a sign of God's work in us
+• God's peace transcending all understanding
+• The power of God's love to reconcile broken relationships and bring peace
+• The idea that reconciliation is a ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit
+• The importance of peacemaking and being called children of heaven
+• Inviting others who may be considered enemies or opposites to join in fellowship
+• Praying for God's radical love to work through His Spirit, beyond human capacity
+• Asking God to encounter us in new ways and empower us with love to engage with others
+• Seeking to be a testimony of God's love and power
+• Asking for God's presence on a journey or process
+• Requesting the filling of the Holy Spirit to overcome challenges
+• Praying for spiritual growth and manifestation of the Spirit's fruits

From Discord to Disciple (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+• The names of the 12 apostles
+• Matthew's profession as a tax collector and its significance in Jesus' day
+• The disdain towards tax collectors among the Jewish people due to their association with Roman oppression and profiteering
+• A scene from the TV show "The Chosen" depicting Jesus calling Matthew, highlighting Peter's reaction and Jesus' words about being "used to different"
+• Historical context of taxation in Israel under Roman occupation
+• Jesus called both a tax collector (Matthew) and a zealot (Simon) as his disciples, showing radical love and diversity
+• The selection of these two men was unusual and would have caused internal friction among the disciples
+• Peter asks Jesus how he can bring enemies together, citing Jesus' own words about a kingdom divided against itself
+• Jesus' call to both tax collectors and zealots reflects the same paradox in modern society, where people exclude others who don't agree with them
+• Jesus' message is relevant today, as our world becomes more divisive due to party politics and a tendency to only associate with those who share similar views
+• Criticism of current politics, where parties are portrayed as evil
+• Impact of social media on division and polarization
+• How social media platforms profit from controversy and addiction
+• Dehumanization of people based on single beliefs or opinions
+• Importance of face-to-face relationships and empathy in building common ground
+• Exclusion and judgment vs acceptance and compassion
+• Jesus' call to Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector
+• The power of an encounter with Jesus Christ
+• Transformation from zealots who judge and divide to zealots for God's kingdom who show radical love for all people
+• Examples of transformation in Paul's story and the lives of the disciples
+• Discussion of Paul's transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ
+• Paul's powerful encounter with God on the road to Damascus and its impact on his life
+• Paul's writings to the Philippians about the encounter and how it affected him
+• Paul's comparison of his former self as a Pharisee and law-abiding Jew, versus his current life as one who has lost all things for Christ
+• Paul's emphasis on the importance of faith in Christ over human righteousness or laws
+• The impact of this transformation on Paul's relationships with others, as seen in Ephesians.
+• The unity of the church, with one body, one Spirit, and one God
+• The transformation of Paul's heart through God's work in his life
+• The call to radical love for all people, including enemies
+• Confronting divisiveness and exclusivity with God's love
+• Empowerment to see the humanity and image of God in others
+• Jesus emphasizes the importance of judgment being left in His hands
+• The dangers of judging others and wanting to sit in a seat of judgment ourselves
+• The need for superhuman self-control, patience, kindness, gentleness, and love
+• The fruit of the Spirit comes through relationship with Jesus
+• God's love is only fully realized when we are in deep relationship with Him
+• Jesus' example of loving His enemies and bridging the gap between us and God
+• Growing in relationship with Jesus empowers us to bridge gaps with others, exemplify Him, and promote flourishing.
+• The importance of turning off distractions and engaging with God
+• Seeking a relationship with God through prayer and faith
+• The power of the Lord's Supper as a means of encountering Jesus
+• Jesus' invitation to His table to break bread and establish a relationship
+• The author's personal experience of feeling like God is "winking" at them during sermon preparation
+• Psalm 23 and its meaning
+• Vindictive vs reconciled relationships
+• The power of God's love to overcome brokenness
+• The Last Supper with Jesus as a picture of God's peace
+• Breaking bread with enemies as a sign of God's work in us
+• God's peace transcending all understanding
+• The power of God's love to reconcile broken relationships and bring peace
+• The idea that reconciliation is a ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit
+• The importance of peacemaking and being called children of heaven
+• Inviting others who may be considered enemies or opposites to join in fellowship
+• Praying for God's radical love to work through His Spirit, beyond human capacity
+• Asking God to encounter us in new ways and empower us with love to engage with others
+• Seeking to be a testimony of God's love and power
+• Asking for God's presence on a journey or process
+• Requesting the filling of the Holy Spirit to overcome challenges
+• Praying for spiritual growth and manifestation of the Spirit's fruits

God Prevails in the Lives of People (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+• The speaker returns to preaching after several weeks and reflects on the strangeness of 2020
+• The world is facing social injustice and brokenness, and the speaker acknowledges the need for prayer
+• Today's sermon will focus on God prevailing in the lives of His people, but it won't specifically address racism or current events
+• The text to be studied is Genesis 32:22-32, the story of Jacob wrestling with God
+• The speaker plans to walk through each verse of the text and explore its application to contemporary life
+• The story begins with Jacob crossing the Dabak river with most of his family, but staying behind himself
+• Jacob is left alone on the other side of the river and has a wrestling match with a mysterious man that lasts until dawn
+• The identity of the mystery man is unclear, but some interpretations suggest he could be an angel, Christ figure, or God incarnate
+• Jacob's physical strength is highlighted through his past experiences, making it surprising when the mystery man dislocates his hip during their wrestling match
+• Despite the pain and difficulty, Jacob refuses to let the mystery man go until he receives a blessing, showing a shift from physical struggle to spiritual focus
+• Jacob's wrestling match with God in Genesis 32
+• The significance of names in the Old Testament, particularly Jacob/Israel and its meaning "deceiver/God prevails"
+• How God changed Jacob's name to Israel as a symbol of His prevailing power over sin and death
+• The implications of this name change for Jacob's descendants, including the nation of Israel
+• The struggle of the nation of Israel throughout history to trust in God's provision and prevail over their enemies
+• The promise of God's prevailing power being applicable to all people, not just the nation of Israel.
+• The story of Jacob and his wrestling match with God teaches that self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God.
+• Jacob's experience shows that his strength and efforts were not enough to prevail against God; only God's mercy and power saved him.
+• As a result, Jacob was given a new name, Israel, and a physical reminder of God's presence in his life (a limp).
+• The story highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness despite human unworthiness.
+• It emphasizes that salvation is by God's grace through faith, not by human works or effort.
+• The passage concludes with a cultural practice (not eating certain meat) that serves as a reminder of God's promise to prevail in His people's lives.
+• The power of faith to overcome worldly shackles and sin
+• God's promise to prevail in lives, leading to freedom and transformation
+• The struggle may be difficult, but God's prevailing is ultimate and transformative
+• Importance of relying on God's strength and plan rather than personal efforts
+• Prayer for God's intervention and empowerment through the Holy Spirit

God Prevails in the Lives of People (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+• The speaker returns to preaching after several weeks and reflects on the strangeness of 2020
+• The world is facing social injustice and brokenness, and the speaker acknowledges the need for prayer
+• Today's sermon will focus on God prevailing in the lives of His people, but it won't specifically address racism or current events
+• The text to be studied is Genesis 32:22-32, the story of Jacob wrestling with God
+• The speaker plans to walk through each verse of the text and explore its application to contemporary life
+• The story begins with Jacob crossing the Dabak river with most of his family, but staying behind himself
+• Jacob is left alone on the other side of the river and has a wrestling match with a mysterious man that lasts until dawn
+• The identity of the mystery man is unclear, but some interpretations suggest he could be an angel, Christ figure, or God incarnate
+• Jacob's physical strength is highlighted through his past experiences, making it surprising when the mystery man dislocates his hip during their wrestling match
+• Despite the pain and difficulty, Jacob refuses to let the mystery man go until he receives a blessing, showing a shift from physical struggle to spiritual focus
+• Jacob's wrestling match with God in Genesis 32
+• The significance of names in the Old Testament, particularly Jacob/Israel and its meaning "deceiver/God prevails"
+• How God changed Jacob's name to Israel as a symbol of His prevailing power over sin and death
+• The implications of this name change for Jacob's descendants, including the nation of Israel
+• The struggle of the nation of Israel throughout history to trust in God's provision and prevail over their enemies
+• The promise of God's prevailing power being applicable to all people, not just the nation of Israel.
+• The story of Jacob and his wrestling match with God teaches that self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God.
+• Jacob's experience shows that his strength and efforts were not enough to prevail against God; only God's mercy and power saved him.
+• As a result, Jacob was given a new name, Israel, and a physical reminder of God's presence in his life (a limp).
+• The story highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness despite human unworthiness.
+• It emphasizes that salvation is by God's grace through faith, not by human works or effort.
+• The passage concludes with a cultural practice (not eating certain meat) that serves as a reminder of God's promise to prevail in His people's lives.
+• The power of faith to overcome worldly shackles and sin
+• God's promise to prevail in lives, leading to freedom and transformation
+• The struggle may be difficult, but God's prevailing is ultimate and transformative
+• Importance of relying on God's strength and plan rather than personal efforts
+• Prayer for God's intervention and empowerment through the Holy Spirit

I Believe… ｜ John 4_43-54_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+• Reading from John 4:43-54
+• Miraculous sign in Galilee, where a royal official's son is healed
+• Discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on daily life
+• Reflections on how people adapted to isolation and cancellations
+• Comparison between the west coast and Ontario in terms of pandemic response
+• General anxiety in the system, citing COVID-19 as a recent example
+• The personal experience of fear and anxiety, particularly feeling out of control
+• The importance of individual application and self-reflection, not just listening to others' experiences
+• Shared underlying beliefs and themes that contribute to general anxiety
+• The idea that personal struggles are unique but also shared among others
+• The concept of control and agency in one's life
+• The feeling of being out of control and its relation to anxiety and fear
+• The idea that God or a higher power may have abandoned or lost control, leading to feelings of abandonment or neglect
+• The struggle between believing one should have control and the reality of not having it
+• The importance of acknowledging and accepting this paradox in everyday life
+• Belief issue vs. heart issue
+• Fear and anxiety as a result of an underlying belief
+• God's presence or lack thereof in relation to fear and anxiety
+• The fruit of other beliefs, concepts, or ideas about God and control
+• Agency and power of God in the world
+• Difficulty in confronting or dealing with emotions and fears
+• The importance of questioning and challenging beliefs and assumptions
+• Taking every thought captive to Christ, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 10
+• Testing and evaluating feelings against what is true in the gospel
+• Recognizing and confessing false narratives and living out a more accurate and better story based on faith.
+• Importance of worship and community gathering
+• Preaching the gospel to fears, worries, and anxieties
+• Asking what the Bible says about fear and anxiety
+• The role of Jesus and the gospel in addressing these issues
+• A story from John 2 about Jesus turning water into wine at Cana
+• The official's son is on his deathbed and the official begs Jesus to heal him
+• Jesus knows the hearts and minds of people, including the official's anxiety and worry
+• Jesus responds by saying "yes" to the official and offering to heal his son
+• The conversation highlights the emotional state of the official and the mix of emotions present in such a situation
+• Jesus' ability to heal a boy with one word
+• The significance of Jesus' words and their impact on life
+• Comparison between Jesus' response and human reaction in similar situations
+• Human desire for dramatic displays of power from Jesus
+• The simplicity and effectiveness of Jesus' single word in bringing about healing
+• The speaker's words are ordinary, simple, and straightforward
+• His word is filled with the power of life and spirit
+• It is all you need to answer any question about what the service was about
+• You don't need spectacle or fanfare, just his word
+• Many people believe that his word is needed now
+• The speaker's message is a means of receiving grace
+• The importance of distinguishing between truth and lies
+• Separating bone from marrow (understanding the essence vs. superficiality)
+• The transformative power of life's experiences
+• Overcoming anxiety, fear, and worry through understanding the gospel
+• Recognizing the root of one's beliefs or unbeliefs
+• Belief in God as love and presence
+• Father's will in heaven, never leaving or forsaking speaker
+• Enduring presence of God throughout time
+• Knowledge of God's word and love, experienced through spiritual experiences
+• Love of God shown by sending son to die on cross
+• The speaker claims to have knowledge about their life and worthiness due to Jesus living, dying, and giving them his spirit.
+• Jesus has given the speaker a second chance at life, allowing them to live in his love and forgiveness.
+• The speaker attributes their transformation from a selfish individual to a more compassionate person to Jesus' influence.
+• The speaker believes that others can also be transformed by letting Jesus into their lives through his word.
+• Fear and worry as a source of "fruit" in life
+• Producing fruit such as peace, prayerfulness, love, hope, patience, joy, courage, and humility through trust in God's word
+• Importance of wisdom and prudence in decision-making
+• Walking in humility and not hiding or running away from challenges
+• The danger of stockpiling and attempting to control circumstances outside one's power
+• The power of living the gospel and following Jesus' example
+• Imagining what would happen if everyone lived according to Jesus' teachings
+• Living a beautiful life in accordance with Jesus' teachings
+• Being nourished by God's spirit and speaking to Him in prayer
+• Emphasizing the importance of hearing and responding to God's word
+• The importance of the gospel being preached
+• Universal application of the gospel message
+• Personal involvement in proclaiming the gospel
+• Declaration of faith through Jesus' name and the word "Amen"

I Believe… ｜ John 4_43-54_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+• Reading from John 4:43-54
+• Miraculous sign in Galilee, where a royal official's son is healed
+• Discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on daily life
+• Reflections on how people adapted to isolation and cancellations
+• Comparison between the west coast and Ontario in terms of pandemic response
+• General anxiety in the system, citing COVID-19 as a recent example
+• The personal experience of fear and anxiety, particularly feeling out of control
+• The importance of individual application and self-reflection, not just listening to others' experiences
+• Shared underlying beliefs and themes that contribute to general anxiety
+• The idea that personal struggles are unique but also shared among others
+• The concept of control and agency in one's life
+• The feeling of being out of control and its relation to anxiety and fear
+• The idea that God or a higher power may have abandoned or lost control, leading to feelings of abandonment or neglect
+• The struggle between believing one should have control and the reality of not having it
+• The importance of acknowledging and accepting this paradox in everyday life
+• Belief issue vs. heart issue
+• Fear and anxiety as a result of an underlying belief
+• God's presence or lack thereof in relation to fear and anxiety
+• The fruit of other beliefs, concepts, or ideas about God and control
+• Agency and power of God in the world
+• Difficulty in confronting or dealing with emotions and fears
+• The importance of questioning and challenging beliefs and assumptions
+• Taking every thought captive to Christ, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 10
+• Testing and evaluating feelings against what is true in the gospel
+• Recognizing and confessing false narratives and living out a more accurate and better story based on faith.
+• Importance of worship and community gathering
+• Preaching the gospel to fears, worries, and anxieties
+• Asking what the Bible says about fear and anxiety
+• The role of Jesus and the gospel in addressing these issues
+• A story from John 2 about Jesus turning water into wine at Cana
+• The official's son is on his deathbed and the official begs Jesus to heal him
+• Jesus knows the hearts and minds of people, including the official's anxiety and worry
+• Jesus responds by saying "yes" to the official and offering to heal his son
+• The conversation highlights the emotional state of the official and the mix of emotions present in such a situation
+• Jesus' ability to heal a boy with one word
+• The significance of Jesus' words and their impact on life
+• Comparison between Jesus' response and human reaction in similar situations
+• Human desire for dramatic displays of power from Jesus
+• The simplicity and effectiveness of Jesus' single word in bringing about healing
+• The speaker's words are ordinary, simple, and straightforward
+• His word is filled with the power of life and spirit
+• It is all you need to answer any question about what the service was about
+• You don't need spectacle or fanfare, just his word
+• Many people believe that his word is needed now
+• The speaker's message is a means of receiving grace
+• The importance of distinguishing between truth and lies
+• Separating bone from marrow (understanding the essence vs. superficiality)
+• The transformative power of life's experiences
+• Overcoming anxiety, fear, and worry through understanding the gospel
+• Recognizing the root of one's beliefs or unbeliefs
+• Belief in God as love and presence
+• Father's will in heaven, never leaving or forsaking speaker
+• Enduring presence of God throughout time
+• Knowledge of God's word and love, experienced through spiritual experiences
+• Love of God shown by sending son to die on cross
+• The speaker claims to have knowledge about their life and worthiness due to Jesus living, dying, and giving them his spirit.
+• Jesus has given the speaker a second chance at life, allowing them to live in his love and forgiveness.
+• The speaker attributes their transformation from a selfish individual to a more compassionate person to Jesus' influence.
+• The speaker believes that others can also be transformed by letting Jesus into their lives through his word.
+• Fear and worry as a source of "fruit" in life
+• Producing fruit such as peace, prayerfulness, love, hope, patience, joy, courage, and humility through trust in God's word
+• Importance of wisdom and prudence in decision-making
+• Walking in humility and not hiding or running away from challenges
+• The danger of stockpiling and attempting to control circumstances outside one's power
+• The power of living the gospel and following Jesus' example
+• Imagining what would happen if everyone lived according to Jesus' teachings
+• Living a beautiful life in accordance with Jesus' teachings
+• Being nourished by God's spirit and speaking to Him in prayer
+• Emphasizing the importance of hearing and responding to God's word
+• The importance of the gospel being preached
+• Universal application of the gospel message
+• Personal involvement in proclaiming the gospel
+• Declaration of faith through Jesus' name and the word "Amen"

I Will Wait (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+• Discussion on engaging with worship through reading the Bible and taking notes
+• Reading from Isaiah 9:2-7, focusing on coming to familiar verses with fresh eyes and a fresh heart
+• Personal anecdote about driving across Canada with family, experiencing challenges due to weather and distance
+• Reflection on holding onto hope during difficult times and looking forward to better days
+• Acknowledging the current struggles and difficulties in worship services
+• The speaker discusses the challenges of worshiping in large groups with hearing difficulties.
+• The importance of meaningful encounters with God in worship and the potential for passive consumption when engaging remotely.
+• Advent as a time of hope, expectation, and longing for something more during difficult times such as the current pandemic.
+• Struggling to cope with restrictions on social interactions and gatherings.
+• Understanding the importance of submission to authority during a pandemic.
+• Recognizing the need for hope in challenging situations.
+• Explaining that Advent is not just about polarities (darkness/light, chaos/hope), but about navigating difficult times knowing that a better future is possible.
+• The concept of being "irreducibly hope-based creatures"
+• Isaiah 9 as a source of sustaining hope in the face of trial
+• The context of Isaiah's prophecy during a time of corruption, destruction, and impending exile
+• Isaiah's questions about God's sovereignty in history and the role of God's people in the world
+• God's presence and power are sufficient even in darkness and death
+• Hope comes from knowing God in Jesus, not from external sources like vaccines or healthcare
+• The Christian hope is in the birth of Jesus as a son given for humanity's salvation
+• Jesus' role as substitute in bearing punishment for sin and giving righteousness to believers
+• The imputation of sin and righteousness
+• Christ's sacrifice on the cross as a means of salvation
+• The believer's identity in Christ, including being "invincible" and "more than conquerors"
+• The life and death of Jesus Christ securing victory over sin and death
+• Christian hope being a gift freely given through faith in God's grace
+• Hope is for broken people who need it
+• Christian hope comes from knowing we're not good enough and need a savior
+• The Son is a gift because we don't deserve him
+• The truth of God's promise of redemption must be incarnated, or made real to us
+• Jesus is the embodiment of hope, and those who follow Him are called to incarnate that hope in a hopeless world
+• The speaker discusses the nature of God's thinking and how humans can have hope in life and death.
+• The Bible affirms that dying is a gain to be with Christ, but this hope is not solely based on heaven after death.
+• There is a greater hope that involves a person who is a king with an increasing government and peace, reigning forever.
+• Jesus' preaching ministry began with the announcement of the kingdom of God being near.
+• The speaker draws parallels between Jesus' teachings and the concept of praying for God's kingdom to come.
+• The nature of hope and its relationship to the gospel
+• The kingdom of God: past, present, and future
+• Living in a time of spiritual struggle and uncertainty
+• The promise of new creation through Jesus Christ
+• The importance of holding onto hope during trials and hardships
+• Filling one's life with hope and living it out in daily actions
+• Allowing people to see and hear the speaker's face, voice, and words
+• Being open to the speaker's guidance and direction
+• Filling people with hope and love
+• Being a reflection of the speaker in daily life
+• Wondering and being awed by the presence of the speaker

I Will Wait (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+• Discussion on engaging with worship through reading the Bible and taking notes
+• Reading from Isaiah 9:2-7, focusing on coming to familiar verses with fresh eyes and a fresh heart
+• Personal anecdote about driving across Canada with family, experiencing challenges due to weather and distance
+• Reflection on holding onto hope during difficult times and looking forward to better days
+• Acknowledging the current struggles and difficulties in worship services
+• The speaker discusses the challenges of worshiping in large groups with hearing difficulties.
+• The importance of meaningful encounters with God in worship and the potential for passive consumption when engaging remotely.
+• Advent as a time of hope, expectation, and longing for something more during difficult times such as the current pandemic.
+• Struggling to cope with restrictions on social interactions and gatherings.
+• Understanding the importance of submission to authority during a pandemic.
+• Recognizing the need for hope in challenging situations.
+• Explaining that Advent is not just about polarities (darkness/light, chaos/hope), but about navigating difficult times knowing that a better future is possible.
+• The concept of being "irreducibly hope-based creatures"
+• Isaiah 9 as a source of sustaining hope in the face of trial
+• The context of Isaiah's prophecy during a time of corruption, destruction, and impending exile
+• Isaiah's questions about God's sovereignty in history and the role of God's people in the world
+• God's presence and power are sufficient even in darkness and death
+• Hope comes from knowing God in Jesus, not from external sources like vaccines or healthcare
+• The Christian hope is in the birth of Jesus as a son given for humanity's salvation
+• Jesus' role as substitute in bearing punishment for sin and giving righteousness to believers
+• The imputation of sin and righteousness
+• Christ's sacrifice on the cross as a means of salvation
+• The believer's identity in Christ, including being "invincible" and "more than conquerors"
+• The life and death of Jesus Christ securing victory over sin and death
+• Christian hope being a gift freely given through faith in God's grace
+• Hope is for broken people who need it
+• Christian hope comes from knowing we're not good enough and need a savior
+• The Son is a gift because we don't deserve him
+• The truth of God's promise of redemption must be incarnated, or made real to us
+• Jesus is the embodiment of hope, and those who follow Him are called to incarnate that hope in a hopeless world
+• The speaker discusses the nature of God's thinking and how humans can have hope in life and death.
+• The Bible affirms that dying is a gain to be with Christ, but this hope is not solely based on heaven after death.
+• There is a greater hope that involves a person who is a king with an increasing government and peace, reigning forever.
+• Jesus' preaching ministry began with the announcement of the kingdom of God being near.
+• The speaker draws parallels between Jesus' teachings and the concept of praying for God's kingdom to come.
+• The nature of hope and its relationship to the gospel
+• The kingdom of God: past, present, and future
+• Living in a time of spiritual struggle and uncertainty
+• The promise of new creation through Jesus Christ
+• The importance of holding onto hope during trials and hardships
+• Filling one's life with hope and living it out in daily actions
+• Allowing people to see and hear the speaker's face, voice, and words
+• Being open to the speaker's guidance and direction
+• Filling people with hope and love
+• Being a reflection of the speaker in daily life
+• Wondering and being awed by the presence of the speaker

I Will Wait - A Faith Given (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+• Opening up God's Word in Luke 1:26-45
+• The Annunciation of Jesus to Mary by the angel Gabriel
+• A discussion on the current challenges and hardships faced by the community, including the loss of a church member, COVID cases, unemployment, and strained relationships
+• The concept of faith and its ability to help individuals persevere through difficult times, even when it doesn't make sense to others
+• Faith as a way of living and being in the world
+• The story of Mary and Elizabeth from Luke 1 as examples of faith in the face of the impossible
+• The concept of "reasons of the heart" by Pascal, referring to convictions that come from the heart rather than just reason or logic
+• Christian faith as a conviction of the heart alongside reason, but ultimately transcending it
+• The contrast between Mary and Elizabeth, with Mary being young and unmarried, and Elizabeth being old and part of the priestly class
+• The picture of community and inclusivity in the story of Mary and Elizabeth, with Elizabeth deferring her privilege to Mary
+• The main obstacle to evangelism is Christians who focus on bad news rather than good news
+• Mary and Elizabeth are examples of faith because they welcome each other with humility
+• Their faith is rooted in the word of God, which has power and authority
+• The promises of God's word are the reason for enduring hardships and trials
+• Faith is not about having enough faith to achieve a specific outcome, but about trusting in God's character
+• A lie perpetuated in some Christian circles is that faith can guarantee material blessings or success.
+• The importance of faith being in the right person (Jesus) rather than having a certain amount of faith
+• A comparison between faith and grabbing onto a branch to prevent falling using an illustration from Tim Keller
+• The definition of true faith according to the Heidelberg Catechism, including its content and wholehearted trust aspects
+• Faith as a gift created by the Holy Spirit through the gospel and granted by God's free will
+• Examples of people who have revealed the gift of faith in practice (Mary and Elizabeth)
+• Expressing gratitude to those who have had faith in them
+• Recognizing the impact of others on their life and faith
+• Considering one's role as God's messenger for others
+• Acknowledging the presence of Jesus as a reason from the heart
+• Praising God for speaking clearly, being present, and giving the gift of faith
+• Thanking those who have shown love and support in times of need

I Will Wait - A Faith Given (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+• Opening up God's Word in Luke 1:26-45
+• The Annunciation of Jesus to Mary by the angel Gabriel
+• A discussion on the current challenges and hardships faced by the community, including the loss of a church member, COVID cases, unemployment, and strained relationships
+• The concept of faith and its ability to help individuals persevere through difficult times, even when it doesn't make sense to others
+• Faith as a way of living and being in the world
+• The story of Mary and Elizabeth from Luke 1 as examples of faith in the face of the impossible
+• The concept of "reasons of the heart" by Pascal, referring to convictions that come from the heart rather than just reason or logic
+• Christian faith as a conviction of the heart alongside reason, but ultimately transcending it
+• The contrast between Mary and Elizabeth, with Mary being young and unmarried, and Elizabeth being old and part of the priestly class
+• The picture of community and inclusivity in the story of Mary and Elizabeth, with Elizabeth deferring her privilege to Mary
+• The main obstacle to evangelism is Christians who focus on bad news rather than good news
+• Mary and Elizabeth are examples of faith because they welcome each other with humility
+• Their faith is rooted in the word of God, which has power and authority
+• The promises of God's word are the reason for enduring hardships and trials
+• Faith is not about having enough faith to achieve a specific outcome, but about trusting in God's character
+• A lie perpetuated in some Christian circles is that faith can guarantee material blessings or success.
+• The importance of faith being in the right person (Jesus) rather than having a certain amount of faith
+• A comparison between faith and grabbing onto a branch to prevent falling using an illustration from Tim Keller
+• The definition of true faith according to the Heidelberg Catechism, including its content and wholehearted trust aspects
+• Faith as a gift created by the Holy Spirit through the gospel and granted by God's free will
+• Examples of people who have revealed the gift of faith in practice (Mary and Elizabeth)
+• Expressing gratitude to those who have had faith in them
+• Recognizing the impact of others on their life and faith
+• Considering one's role as God's messenger for others
+• Acknowledging the presence of Jesus as a reason from the heart
+• Praising God for speaking clearly, being present, and giving the gift of faith
+• Thanking those who have shown love and support in times of need

I Will Wait - A Joy Found (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+• Reading from Isaiah 60 and reflection on its message
+• Discussion of Christmas inflatables as a fleeting source of joy
+• Introduction to the Christian concept of joy beyond feeling happy or jolly
+• Explanation that for Christians, joy is rooted in deep satisfaction, even in difficult circumstances
+• Reference to biblical passages such as Philippians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5
+• The speaker discusses the relationship between joy and Jesus, stating that true soul satisfaction comes through knowing and being known by Him.
+• Isaiah 60 is presented as a traditional Advent text with significant implications for life.
+• The structure of Isaiah 60 is outlined, beginning in verse 1 with God's call to Arise and shine, as the Lord's glory rises upon His people.
+• The historical context of Isaiah 60 is discussed, referencing the Assyrian and Babylonian empires' threats against Judah and Israel.
+• Isaiah's message is one of hope leading to joy, emphasizing salvation not just from external enemies but also from sin and guilt.
+• The promise is made that God will empower His people with new life through the Holy Spirit, allowing the light of God's glory to shine out in them.
+• A city shines with beauty that is not its own, reflecting God's glory
+• Darkness and emptiness contrast with a promised future from God
+• Advent season highlights the darkness being overcome by light
+• The Lord rises upon believers and His glory appears to them
+• Christians are called to shine with God's beauty, radiating His light to others
+• The speaker discusses how people's attitudes and actions during difficult times, such as a global pandemic, reveal their character.
+• The story of one's life is told through their attitude, conversation, and behavior.
+• The speaker references Isaiah's promise that when people live their lives with Jesus at the center, others will be drawn to them.
+• Augustine is quoted as saying that humans were created for God.
+• C.S. Lewis' concept of joy as an unsatisfied desire that is itself more desirable
+• Christian joy vs happiness and pleasure
+• The role of Jesus in Christian living and the Advent story
+• God's beauty being made manifest in believers' lives
+• Joy being a fundamental aspect of human existence, even in darkness
+• The Westminster Shorter Catechism's definition of humanity's chief end
+• Jonathan Edwards' treatise on "Religious Affections"
+• Joy as a holy affection in true religion
+• The nature of Christian joy and its unspeakable, supernatural quality
+• Christ as the foundation of all joy and the gospel securing it for individuals
+• The joy of being known by God
+• Believing in Jesus without seeing him
+• Receiving the end result of faith: salvation and eternal life
+• Enduring trials with joy and hope
+• Living a life that reveals Jesus' story through words and actions
+• Being created for eternal joy, not present darkness
+• Reflecting the beauty of God's glory in our lives
+• Joy in times of trouble
+• Singing together as a people
+• Knowing Jesus' joy
+• Living a life that tells the story of Jesus
+• Prayer for God's guidance and truth
+• Greetings and inquiry about others' well-being

I Will Wait - A Joy Found (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+• Reading from Isaiah 60 and reflection on its message
+• Discussion of Christmas inflatables as a fleeting source of joy
+• Introduction to the Christian concept of joy beyond feeling happy or jolly
+• Explanation that for Christians, joy is rooted in deep satisfaction, even in difficult circumstances
+• Reference to biblical passages such as Philippians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5
+• The speaker discusses the relationship between joy and Jesus, stating that true soul satisfaction comes through knowing and being known by Him.
+• Isaiah 60 is presented as a traditional Advent text with significant implications for life.
+• The structure of Isaiah 60 is outlined, beginning in verse 1 with God's call to Arise and shine, as the Lord's glory rises upon His people.
+• The historical context of Isaiah 60 is discussed, referencing the Assyrian and Babylonian empires' threats against Judah and Israel.
+• Isaiah's message is one of hope leading to joy, emphasizing salvation not just from external enemies but also from sin and guilt.
+• The promise is made that God will empower His people with new life through the Holy Spirit, allowing the light of God's glory to shine out in them.
+• A city shines with beauty that is not its own, reflecting God's glory
+• Darkness and emptiness contrast with a promised future from God
+• Advent season highlights the darkness being overcome by light
+• The Lord rises upon believers and His glory appears to them
+• Christians are called to shine with God's beauty, radiating His light to others
+• The speaker discusses how people's attitudes and actions during difficult times, such as a global pandemic, reveal their character.
+• The story of one's life is told through their attitude, conversation, and behavior.
+• The speaker references Isaiah's promise that when people live their lives with Jesus at the center, others will be drawn to them.
+• Augustine is quoted as saying that humans were created for God.
+• C.S. Lewis' concept of joy as an unsatisfied desire that is itself more desirable
+• Christian joy vs happiness and pleasure
+• The role of Jesus in Christian living and the Advent story
+• God's beauty being made manifest in believers' lives
+• Joy being a fundamental aspect of human existence, even in darkness
+• The Westminster Shorter Catechism's definition of humanity's chief end
+• Jonathan Edwards' treatise on "Religious Affections"
+• Joy as a holy affection in true religion
+• The nature of Christian joy and its unspeakable, supernatural quality
+• Christ as the foundation of all joy and the gospel securing it for individuals
+• The joy of being known by God
+• Believing in Jesus without seeing him
+• Receiving the end result of faith: salvation and eternal life
+• Enduring trials with joy and hope
+• Living a life that reveals Jesus' story through words and actions
+• Being created for eternal joy, not present darkness
+• Reflecting the beauty of God's glory in our lives
+• Joy in times of trouble
+• Singing together as a people
+• Knowing Jesus' joy
+• Living a life that tells the story of Jesus
+• Prayer for God's guidance and truth
+• Greetings and inquiry about others' well-being

I Will Wait - A Peace Provided (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+• Reading from Luke 1, verses 67-79
+• Appreciation for congregation's feedback and support
+• Discussion of difficulties in preaching during pandemic times
+• Personal anecdotes about being stuck behind obstacles (snow plows, garbage truck)
+• Parables about feeling stuck and wanting to hurry through challenges (Covid-19 waiting periods, end-of-year anticipation)
+• Delayed journey due to snowplows
+• Reading from Zachariah's song (also known as the Benedictus)
+• Story of Zachariah and his encounter with Gabriel, leading to his wife Elizabeth becoming pregnant at an advanced age
+• Zachariah's initial skepticism and subsequent punishment of being unable to speak until the child was born
+• Birth of John the Baptist and his naming ceremony
+• Zachariah's song of praise and its significance
+• Explanation of the first part of Zachariah's song, describing the coming of a savior who would bring redemption and salvation
+• Jesus as the son to be born to Mary
+• Relationship between John and Jesus
+• Zachariah's prophecy about his son John
+• Purpose of John as a prophet: to prepare the way for Jesus
+• Connection between God's mercy and peace in one's life
+• The gift nature of God's mercy, grace, and peace
+• The concept of peace in the Bible and its relation to God's mercy
+• The difference between the world's peace and Jesus' peace
+• The idea that Jesus' peace is whole-life restoration, returning individuals to God's design and intent
+• The Hebrew concept of "shalom" as a greeting and a word for peace
+• The connection between the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and peace
+• The biblical concept of shalom and its meaning
+• Shalom as wholeness, flourishing, and delight
+• God's intention for humanity and the state of affairs in the world
+• The consequence of shalom breaking and its impact on individual lives
+• The gospel of Jesus Christ as a means to restore relationship with God and bring peace
+• The ongoing process of restoration and transformation through living out the gospel
+• The speaker is experiencing peace through their faith in Jesus
+• They are justified and sanctified by the gospel
+• There is a growing emphasis on justice among younger Christians, particularly in youth ministries
+• Church leaders and established churches are taking notice of this trend
+• The church needs to adapt its mission to reflect this new generation's values, such as fighting for shalom (peace)
+• The concept of "severe mercies" as God's use of extreme events to reveal His mercy and peace
+• The idea that waiting or being slowed down can be a form of preparation or protection from something greater
+• The sovereignty of God over all creation, including the purpose behind suffering or trials in life
+• A book called "Severe Mercies" by Sheldon Van Alken as an example of severe events used to reveal God's mercy and peace.
+• God's severe mercies can be used to bring glory to Himself, even if they are difficult or painful
+• Jonah's experience being swallowed by a fish was a correction from God
+• Naaman's leprosy was also used by God for His own purposes and glory
+• Severe mercy can lead individuals to the end of themselves and make them realize their brokenness and selfishness
+• This realization can be a gift, allowing people to discover the truth about themselves and their relationship with God
+• God promises that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the future glory that will be revealed in believers
+• God works for the good of those who love Him, according to His purpose
+• The trouble is often that we may never know God's purpose on this side of heaven
+• Restoration of life and being to one's intent and design
+• Being fully human and alive for the glory of God
+• Trusting in God's goodness, plan, and power through trials and challenges
+• Praying in Jesus' name
+• Confidently facing difficulties with a reliance on God's guidance

I Will Wait - A Peace Provided (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+• Reading from Luke 1, verses 67-79
+• Appreciation for congregation's feedback and support
+• Discussion of difficulties in preaching during pandemic times
+• Personal anecdotes about being stuck behind obstacles (snow plows, garbage truck)
+• Parables about feeling stuck and wanting to hurry through challenges (Covid-19 waiting periods, end-of-year anticipation)
+• Delayed journey due to snowplows
+• Reading from Zachariah's song (also known as the Benedictus)
+• Story of Zachariah and his encounter with Gabriel, leading to his wife Elizabeth becoming pregnant at an advanced age
+• Zachariah's initial skepticism and subsequent punishment of being unable to speak until the child was born
+• Birth of John the Baptist and his naming ceremony
+• Zachariah's song of praise and its significance
+• Explanation of the first part of Zachariah's song, describing the coming of a savior who would bring redemption and salvation
+• Jesus as the son to be born to Mary
+• Relationship between John and Jesus
+• Zachariah's prophecy about his son John
+• Purpose of John as a prophet: to prepare the way for Jesus
+• Connection between God's mercy and peace in one's life
+• The gift nature of God's mercy, grace, and peace
+• The concept of peace in the Bible and its relation to God's mercy
+• The difference between the world's peace and Jesus' peace
+• The idea that Jesus' peace is whole-life restoration, returning individuals to God's design and intent
+• The Hebrew concept of "shalom" as a greeting and a word for peace
+• The connection between the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and peace
+• The biblical concept of shalom and its meaning
+• Shalom as wholeness, flourishing, and delight
+• God's intention for humanity and the state of affairs in the world
+• The consequence of shalom breaking and its impact on individual lives
+• The gospel of Jesus Christ as a means to restore relationship with God and bring peace
+• The ongoing process of restoration and transformation through living out the gospel
+• The speaker is experiencing peace through their faith in Jesus
+• They are justified and sanctified by the gospel
+• There is a growing emphasis on justice among younger Christians, particularly in youth ministries
+• Church leaders and established churches are taking notice of this trend
+• The church needs to adapt its mission to reflect this new generation's values, such as fighting for shalom (peace)
+• The concept of "severe mercies" as God's use of extreme events to reveal His mercy and peace
+• The idea that waiting or being slowed down can be a form of preparation or protection from something greater
+• The sovereignty of God over all creation, including the purpose behind suffering or trials in life
+• A book called "Severe Mercies" by Sheldon Van Alken as an example of severe events used to reveal God's mercy and peace.
+• God's severe mercies can be used to bring glory to Himself, even if they are difficult or painful
+• Jonah's experience being swallowed by a fish was a correction from God
+• Naaman's leprosy was also used by God for His own purposes and glory
+• Severe mercy can lead individuals to the end of themselves and make them realize their brokenness and selfishness
+• This realization can be a gift, allowing people to discover the truth about themselves and their relationship with God
+• God promises that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the future glory that will be revealed in believers
+• God works for the good of those who love Him, according to His purpose
+• The trouble is often that we may never know God's purpose on this side of heaven
+• Restoration of life and being to one's intent and design
+• Being fully human and alive for the glory of God
+• Trusting in God's goodness, plan, and power through trials and challenges
+• Praying in Jesus' name
+• Confidently facing difficulties with a reliance on God's guidance

It Ain't Over Yet (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+• The reading and explanation of Psalm 148
+• Discussion of the liturgical calendar and Christmas season duration
+• Theological significance of continuing to celebrate Christmas in the church beyond December 25th
+• Analysis of the psalm's main theme: praising God through creation and humanity
+• Call to worship and singing, with emphasis on the command to praise God.
+• The call to worship God is a special call for God's chosen people, his church
+• Psalm 148 has a clear structure with four verses and a chorus in each section, mirroring the days of creation in Genesis 1
+• The psalmist calls on all creation to praise God, including angels, heavens, waters, mountains, hills, fruit trees, cedars, sun, moon, stars, and oceans
+• The parallel between Psalm 148 and Genesis 1 highlights that everything created is called to worship or praise God
+• Creation is called to praise God, including sea creatures, birds, animals, and humans
+• Psalm 148 describes the universal praise of God by all creation, from kings to children
+• Theologian D.A. Carson's quote emphasizes God's goodness and greatness in creation
+• Humanity has a special call to praise God, but the church has an extra special call
+• God is praiseworthy because of who he is, not just for what he has done
+• God's worthiness of worship is not dependent on human existence or achievement
+• Worship is not just a command, but also a beautiful response to God's majesty.
+• People are drawn to God without necessarily realizing it.
+• Creation sings the glory of God's name and nature.
+• Humanity has a universal desire to worship God, even if they don't admit or know it.
+• This longing is often filled with things, people, or pursuits that cannot satisfy it.
+• The church, as God's chosen people, has an extra special call to worship him through faith.
+• Worship is not just limited to church services, but should be a life of praise and adoration to God.
+• The importance of praising God in all aspects of life
+• Worshiping God not just on Sundays, but everywhere and every day
+• Recognizing the weariness and struggle that can make worship difficult
+• Acknowledging that worship is possible only through God's enabling and provision
+• Understanding that God has made provision for our weakness and sin
+• The priest Zachariah's statement about Jesus at his circumcision naming day
+• Connection of Jesus as "a horn of salvation" who makes worship possible
+• God's greatness in calling people to worship and raising up a symbol of a king for praise
+• Living on this side of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection
+• The ultimate king in the line of David is Jesus
+• Worshiping with particular intensity due to knowing Jesus who lived, died, and rose victorious over sin and death
+• Singing with angels (Luke 2 and Revelation 4:8-11)
+• Worshiping Jesus through prayer, music, and song
+• Created to worship God
+• Joining in the universal praise of creation
+• Calling for a mighty army to sing praise to God

It Ain't Over Yet (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+• The reading and explanation of Psalm 148
+• Discussion of the liturgical calendar and Christmas season duration
+• Theological significance of continuing to celebrate Christmas in the church beyond December 25th
+• Analysis of the psalm's main theme: praising God through creation and humanity
+• Call to worship and singing, with emphasis on the command to praise God.
+• The call to worship God is a special call for God's chosen people, his church
+• Psalm 148 has a clear structure with four verses and a chorus in each section, mirroring the days of creation in Genesis 1
+• The psalmist calls on all creation to praise God, including angels, heavens, waters, mountains, hills, fruit trees, cedars, sun, moon, stars, and oceans
+• The parallel between Psalm 148 and Genesis 1 highlights that everything created is called to worship or praise God
+• Creation is called to praise God, including sea creatures, birds, animals, and humans
+• Psalm 148 describes the universal praise of God by all creation, from kings to children
+• Theologian D.A. Carson's quote emphasizes God's goodness and greatness in creation
+• Humanity has a special call to praise God, but the church has an extra special call
+• God is praiseworthy because of who he is, not just for what he has done
+• God's worthiness of worship is not dependent on human existence or achievement
+• Worship is not just a command, but also a beautiful response to God's majesty.
+• People are drawn to God without necessarily realizing it.
+• Creation sings the glory of God's name and nature.
+• Humanity has a universal desire to worship God, even if they don't admit or know it.
+• This longing is often filled with things, people, or pursuits that cannot satisfy it.
+• The church, as God's chosen people, has an extra special call to worship him through faith.
+• Worship is not just limited to church services, but should be a life of praise and adoration to God.
+• The importance of praising God in all aspects of life
+• Worshiping God not just on Sundays, but everywhere and every day
+• Recognizing the weariness and struggle that can make worship difficult
+• Acknowledging that worship is possible only through God's enabling and provision
+• Understanding that God has made provision for our weakness and sin
+• The priest Zachariah's statement about Jesus at his circumcision naming day
+• Connection of Jesus as "a horn of salvation" who makes worship possible
+• God's greatness in calling people to worship and raising up a symbol of a king for praise
+• Living on this side of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection
+• The ultimate king in the line of David is Jesus
+• Worshiping with particular intensity due to knowing Jesus who lived, died, and rose victorious over sin and death
+• Singing with angels (Luke 2 and Revelation 4:8-11)
+• Worshiping Jesus through prayer, music, and song
+• Created to worship God
+• Joining in the universal praise of creation
+• Calling for a mighty army to sing praise to God

Jonah The Man and His Mission #1 (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+• The speaker plans to study the book of Jonah over several weeks
+• They invite listeners to read and reflect on the book, considering its structure and parallels between chapters one and two with three and four
+• The challenge is to find a parallel story in the New Testament that reflects a similar theme or message
+• The speaker notes that Jonah was writing about his own past experiences and encourages readers to find themselves in the story
+• The book of Jonah tells the story of Jonah's disobedience and subsequent repentance, with God sending a storm to persuade him to fulfill his mission to Nineveh.
+• Ravi Zacharias' life and ministry
+• Death of Ravi Zacharias
+• Background on Ravi Zacharias' conversion to Christianity
+• Apologetics ministry and outreach efforts
+• Importance of "Let My People Think" in spreading Christian faith
+• Reflections on the story of Jonah and its significance
+• Questioning the historicity of the story of Jonah
+• The prophet Jonah lived during a time when Jeroboam II was the king of Israel
+• Jeroboam II expanded Israel's borders to its former extent, butting up against the Assyrian kingdom
+• The Assyrian kingdom was growing in influence and power at the time of Jonah
+• In 721 BC, the Assyrians destroyed the northern part of Israel and took many people into captivity
+• Nahum, a prophet who wrote about 100 years after Jonah, condemned Nineveh for its cruelty and violence
+• Nahum's words described Nineveh as a city of blood, lies, and plunder, never without victims.
+• Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness
+• God's command to Jonah to preach in Nineveh, and Jonah's refusal
+• The story is compared to a rabbi being asked to preach in Berlin during World War II, highlighting the difficulty of responding to a divine call in a time of great crisis
+• Jonah decides to run from his responsibility and boards a ship to Tarshish, but pays for his own fare instead of bartering as was customary at the time
+• Jonah refuses to go to Nineveh and instead goes to Tarshish
+• God sends a storm as consequence of Jonah's sin
+• Sin is described as destructive, tearing apart on the inside
+• A movie about Mr Rogers is referenced as illustrating overcoming sin
+• The importance of facing death and sin directly is discussed
+• Sailors in the story of Jonah notice an extraordinary storm and begin to wonder its cause
+• Jesus' story about calming a storm in Mark chapter 4
+• Comparison of the stories of Jonah and Jesus
+• Jonah's identity question to God
+• The captain's efforts to save the ship and its cargo
+• The risks taken by the sailors in throwing their product overboard
+• The parallel between the story of Jonah and the concept "we're all in this together" during the COVID-19 pandemic
+• The pagans' actions are portrayed as being in line with God's will
+• Christians should learn to respect everyone regardless of their beliefs
+• The pagan sailors respond to the danger after it has passed, offering sacrifices to Yahweh
+• They become believers in the God of the Hebrews due to his past actions, specifically accepting Jonah's sacrifice for the benefit of all
+• The New Testament later teaches that one person should die rather than an entire nation perishing
+• The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates God's power and concern
+• The lessons to be learned from this about our identity as people redeemed in Jesus Christ
+• The call and commission to share the story of God's power with the world
+• The contrast between a God of love and a God of wrath
+• Hating sin, which destroys relationships, and wanting it crushed completely
+• Environmental destruction, such as waste management and e-waste, and how we care for the world
+• Jonah's experience and God's sovereignty
+• Identifying ourselves in Jesus and what God wants us to do with those we have relationship with
+• Requesting equipment for clear thinking
+• Goal of accurate and honoring thought 
+• Praying in the name of Jesus

Jonah The Man and His Mission #1 (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+• The speaker plans to study the book of Jonah over several weeks
+• They invite listeners to read and reflect on the book, considering its structure and parallels between chapters one and two with three and four
+• The challenge is to find a parallel story in the New Testament that reflects a similar theme or message
+• The speaker notes that Jonah was writing about his own past experiences and encourages readers to find themselves in the story
+• The book of Jonah tells the story of Jonah's disobedience and subsequent repentance, with God sending a storm to persuade him to fulfill his mission to Nineveh.
+• Ravi Zacharias' life and ministry
+• Death of Ravi Zacharias
+• Background on Ravi Zacharias' conversion to Christianity
+• Apologetics ministry and outreach efforts
+• Importance of "Let My People Think" in spreading Christian faith
+• Reflections on the story of Jonah and its significance
+• Questioning the historicity of the story of Jonah
+• The prophet Jonah lived during a time when Jeroboam II was the king of Israel
+• Jeroboam II expanded Israel's borders to its former extent, butting up against the Assyrian kingdom
+• The Assyrian kingdom was growing in influence and power at the time of Jonah
+• In 721 BC, the Assyrians destroyed the northern part of Israel and took many people into captivity
+• Nahum, a prophet who wrote about 100 years after Jonah, condemned Nineveh for its cruelty and violence
+• Nahum's words described Nineveh as a city of blood, lies, and plunder, never without victims.
+• Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness
+• God's command to Jonah to preach in Nineveh, and Jonah's refusal
+• The story is compared to a rabbi being asked to preach in Berlin during World War II, highlighting the difficulty of responding to a divine call in a time of great crisis
+• Jonah decides to run from his responsibility and boards a ship to Tarshish, but pays for his own fare instead of bartering as was customary at the time
+• Jonah refuses to go to Nineveh and instead goes to Tarshish
+• God sends a storm as consequence of Jonah's sin
+• Sin is described as destructive, tearing apart on the inside
+• A movie about Mr Rogers is referenced as illustrating overcoming sin
+• The importance of facing death and sin directly is discussed
+• Sailors in the story of Jonah notice an extraordinary storm and begin to wonder its cause
+• Jesus' story about calming a storm in Mark chapter 4
+• Comparison of the stories of Jonah and Jesus
+• Jonah's identity question to God
+• The captain's efforts to save the ship and its cargo
+• The risks taken by the sailors in throwing their product overboard
+• The parallel between the story of Jonah and the concept "we're all in this together" during the COVID-19 pandemic
+• The pagans' actions are portrayed as being in line with God's will
+• Christians should learn to respect everyone regardless of their beliefs
+• The pagan sailors respond to the danger after it has passed, offering sacrifices to Yahweh
+• They become believers in the God of the Hebrews due to his past actions, specifically accepting Jonah's sacrifice for the benefit of all
+• The New Testament later teaches that one person should die rather than an entire nation perishing
+• The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates God's power and concern
+• The lessons to be learned from this about our identity as people redeemed in Jesus Christ
+• The call and commission to share the story of God's power with the world
+• The contrast between a God of love and a God of wrath
+• Hating sin, which destroys relationships, and wanting it crushed completely
+• Environmental destruction, such as waste management and e-waste, and how we care for the world
+• Jonah's experience and God's sovereignty
+• Identifying ourselves in Jesus and what God wants us to do with those we have relationship with
+• Requesting equipment for clear thinking
+• Goal of accurate and honoring thought 
+• Praying in the name of Jesus

Jonah The Man and His Mission #2 (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+• The book of Jonah is being explored in a sermon series
+• The story of Jonah has various lessons, including understanding the grace of God, seeking justice, and dealing with racism
+• Jonah himself is portrayed as a racist in the story
+• The source of the story is likely Jonah's own account or testimony
+• Chapter 1 of Jonah sets the scene for Jonah's journey to Nineveh to preach against its wickedness
+• Jonah initially refuses to go but is eventually thrown overboard by pagan sailors who worship Yahweh, the God of covenant
+• In chapter 2, Jonah prays to the Lord from inside a fish, expressing his gratitude and vow to sacrifice to God
+• The chapter can be described as a journey toward understanding, both for Jonah and the listeners
+• Jonah's journey and the concept of depth in understanding
+• The importance of slowing down and carefully paying attention to words for deeper meaning
+• Coming to awareness of one's own ignorance as a necessary step to understanding
+• A personal story about recognizing and overcoming ignorance, requiring hard work and discipline
+• God's patience with Jonah and his journey through three days in the belly of the fish
+• The importance of coming to understand sinfulness and recognition of inability to save oneself from wrath
+• Reference to Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1-3 on comfort in life and death, salvation, and sin
+• Suppressing truth about past mistakes
+• Jonah's spiritual powerlessness and inability to earn God's favor
+• Importance of recognizing limits and avoiding trying to force God's approval
+• Turning towards hope and acknowledging dependence on God
+• Significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat in the temple
+• Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, paying the price and setting people free
+• Jonah's ongoing struggles with racism and hatred, despite learning about salvation through Jesus
+• The origin of a child's life begins at the moment of fertilization
+• A child develops and grows over time, just like believers grow in their faith
+• Salvation is received in a moment (justification), but needs to be applied and unfolded (sanctification)
+• Hope and patience are essential for understanding God's work in one's life
+• Engaging in the process of spiritual growth is crucial, rather than being lazy or passive

Jonah The Man and His Mission #2 (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+• The book of Jonah is being explored in a sermon series
+• The story of Jonah has various lessons, including understanding the grace of God, seeking justice, and dealing with racism
+• Jonah himself is portrayed as a racist in the story
+• The source of the story is likely Jonah's own account or testimony
+• Chapter 1 of Jonah sets the scene for Jonah's journey to Nineveh to preach against its wickedness
+• Jonah initially refuses to go but is eventually thrown overboard by pagan sailors who worship Yahweh, the God of covenant
+• In chapter 2, Jonah prays to the Lord from inside a fish, expressing his gratitude and vow to sacrifice to God
+• The chapter can be described as a journey toward understanding, both for Jonah and the listeners
+• Jonah's journey and the concept of depth in understanding
+• The importance of slowing down and carefully paying attention to words for deeper meaning
+• Coming to awareness of one's own ignorance as a necessary step to understanding
+• A personal story about recognizing and overcoming ignorance, requiring hard work and discipline
+• God's patience with Jonah and his journey through three days in the belly of the fish
+• The importance of coming to understand sinfulness and recognition of inability to save oneself from wrath
+• Reference to Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1-3 on comfort in life and death, salvation, and sin
+• Suppressing truth about past mistakes
+• Jonah's spiritual powerlessness and inability to earn God's favor
+• Importance of recognizing limits and avoiding trying to force God's approval
+• Turning towards hope and acknowledging dependence on God
+• Significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat in the temple
+• Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, paying the price and setting people free
+• Jonah's ongoing struggles with racism and hatred, despite learning about salvation through Jesus
+• The origin of a child's life begins at the moment of fertilization
+• A child develops and grows over time, just like believers grow in their faith
+• Salvation is received in a moment (justification), but needs to be applied and unfolded (sanctification)
+• Hope and patience are essential for understanding God's work in one's life
+• Engaging in the process of spiritual growth is crucial, rather than being lazy or passive

Jonah The Man and His Mission #3 (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+• Review of the book of Jonah, chapter 3
+• The prophet Jonah's journey to Nineveh and his mission to prophesize against its wickedness
+• God's message to Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn its people of impending destruction
+• The people of Nineveh repent and turn from their evil ways, prompting God to relent and spare the city
+• Reflection on the idea of a "do-over" in life, considering mistakes and choices made
+• The sailors in a storm identify Jonah as a Hebrew who worships Yahweh
+• Jonah tries to escape but is thrown overboard and later vomited out on land
+• He reflects on his failure to live up to the purpose of the Hebrews and cries out for mercy
+• He recognizes he has fallen short and seeks forgiveness from God
+• The word of the Lord comes a second time to Jonah, instructing him to go to Nineveh and give them a message
+• Jonah is initially reluctant because he doesn't want mercy extended to the Ninevites, due to their size and power compared to Israel
+• The Ninevites are on edge due to famine and locust plague, making them ready to lash out at others who come to take what little they have.
+• God provides second chances and forgiveness
+• The Ninevites are on edge due to solar eclipses and perceived omens of bad things to come
+• Jonah is sent by God to preach against the wicked city of Nineveh
+• God's power and provision are highlighted throughout the story of Jonah
+• God values quality over quantity, and people should care for each other despite their wickedness
+• Wickedness and violence will lead to disintegration and destruction of relationships, families, nations, and the universe
+• God gets angry with wickedness and sends a servant (Jonah) to preach against it
+• Preaching is seen as an unconventional approach to addressing wickedness
+• John Lewis' death and his role in the civil rights movement
+• Nonviolence as a key principle in achieving social change
+• Jonah's message to Nineveh: "Yet 40 days... will be overthrown"
+• The brevity and simplicity of Jonah's message
+• The contrast between Jonah's message and typical preaching styles
+• A story is told that invites reflection and decision
+• The city of Nineveh was given 40 days, 17 days, or 18 months before destruction came
+• Salvation is of the Lord, not just human effort
+• Developing skills and programs is acceptable, but one should put hope in God's power to open hearts and minds
+• The people of Nineveh changed by repenting and turning from their wicked ways
+• This change involved treating others with respect regardless of differences and pursuing justice and righteousness
+• The title of a story is mentioned, referencing the concept of justice
+• The king's decree that everyone, including animals, must abstain from eating and drinking to pursue justice
+• Discussion about mask-wearing mandates and whether they should be federally mandated
+• A personal anecdote about fixing frozen pipes on a farm and the relief it brought to the cows
+• Biblical reference to God turning away from his anger in response to repentance and turning towards compassion
+• Two schools of thought on the nature of repentance in Jonah
+• One school suggests repentance leads to change of behavior but not necessarily heart
+• The Ninevites' repentance was a change of lifestyle, not necessarily heart
+• Another school argues repentance involves both a change of behavior and heart
+• Jesus's statement in Matthew 12 about the people of Nineveh standing as a judgment against the Pharisees and Sadducees
+• Jonah and the Ninevites given a second chance by God
+• Jesus comes to Jerusalem, crying because of its people's refusal to gather together
+• Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection
+• The power of Jesus' story to change lives and release God's power into others
+• Prayer for guidance, forgiveness, strength, and obedience in following God's will
+• Invocation/amen

Jonah The Man and His Mission #3 (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+• Review of the book of Jonah, chapter 3
+• The prophet Jonah's journey to Nineveh and his mission to prophesize against its wickedness
+• God's message to Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn its people of impending destruction
+• The people of Nineveh repent and turn from their evil ways, prompting God to relent and spare the city
+• Reflection on the idea of a "do-over" in life, considering mistakes and choices made
+• The sailors in a storm identify Jonah as a Hebrew who worships Yahweh
+• Jonah tries to escape but is thrown overboard and later vomited out on land
+• He reflects on his failure to live up to the purpose of the Hebrews and cries out for mercy
+• He recognizes he has fallen short and seeks forgiveness from God
+• The word of the Lord comes a second time to Jonah, instructing him to go to Nineveh and give them a message
+• Jonah is initially reluctant because he doesn't want mercy extended to the Ninevites, due to their size and power compared to Israel
+• The Ninevites are on edge due to famine and locust plague, making them ready to lash out at others who come to take what little they have.
+• God provides second chances and forgiveness
+• The Ninevites are on edge due to solar eclipses and perceived omens of bad things to come
+• Jonah is sent by God to preach against the wicked city of Nineveh
+• God's power and provision are highlighted throughout the story of Jonah
+• God values quality over quantity, and people should care for each other despite their wickedness
+• Wickedness and violence will lead to disintegration and destruction of relationships, families, nations, and the universe
+• God gets angry with wickedness and sends a servant (Jonah) to preach against it
+• Preaching is seen as an unconventional approach to addressing wickedness
+• John Lewis' death and his role in the civil rights movement
+• Nonviolence as a key principle in achieving social change
+• Jonah's message to Nineveh: "Yet 40 days... will be overthrown"
+• The brevity and simplicity of Jonah's message
+• The contrast between Jonah's message and typical preaching styles
+• A story is told that invites reflection and decision
+• The city of Nineveh was given 40 days, 17 days, or 18 months before destruction came
+• Salvation is of the Lord, not just human effort
+• Developing skills and programs is acceptable, but one should put hope in God's power to open hearts and minds
+• The people of Nineveh changed by repenting and turning from their wicked ways
+• This change involved treating others with respect regardless of differences and pursuing justice and righteousness
+• The title of a story is mentioned, referencing the concept of justice
+• The king's decree that everyone, including animals, must abstain from eating and drinking to pursue justice
+• Discussion about mask-wearing mandates and whether they should be federally mandated
+• A personal anecdote about fixing frozen pipes on a farm and the relief it brought to the cows
+• Biblical reference to God turning away from his anger in response to repentance and turning towards compassion
+• Two schools of thought on the nature of repentance in Jonah
+• One school suggests repentance leads to change of behavior but not necessarily heart
+• The Ninevites' repentance was a change of lifestyle, not necessarily heart
+• Another school argues repentance involves both a change of behavior and heart
+• Jesus's statement in Matthew 12 about the people of Nineveh standing as a judgment against the Pharisees and Sadducees
+• Jonah and the Ninevites given a second chance by God
+• Jesus comes to Jerusalem, crying because of its people's refusal to gather together
+• Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection
+• The power of Jesus' story to change lives and release God's power into others
+• Prayer for guidance, forgiveness, strength, and obedience in following God's will
+• Invocation/amen

Jonah #4 The Man and His Mission (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+• Introducing message number four on the book of Jonah
+• Exploring probing questions in biblical study and their purpose
+• Summarizing the book of Jonah (Jonah ran, repented, preached, and ranted)
+• Identifying the main themes of chapters 2-3 (salvation from God, repentance, taking second chances)
+• Reading and interpreting chapter 4, specifically Jonah's reaction to God relenting on Nineveh
+• Examining the parallels between God's compassion in Jonah and other New Testament stories
+• The Lord asks Jonah probing questions about his concerns for a plant.
+• Jonah answers two questions but not the third, which is left unresolved.
+• Jonah's actions speak louder than his words, and he repents after being thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish.
+• He preaches to Nineveh and witnesses God's compassion, becoming angry because God relents and spares them.
+• Nineveh is seen as an evil nation that should be destroyed, but God shows mercy instead.
+• Jonah uses spiritual disciplines to express his anger, including prayer and scripture, but does so in a critical manner rather than seeking understanding or praise.
+• This behavior reveals Jonah's self-righteousness and nationalism.
+• Using scripture properly involves humility, self-reflection, and recognizing one's own flaws.
+• Christ's attitude towards humanity is one of humility and service
+• Scripture serves to encourage believers in their relationship with God
+• Jonah's story illustrates the tension between human anger and God's compassion
+• The danger of justified anger and judgment, especially when considering historical atrocities like the Holocaust
+• Reflection on personal biases and desires for punishment rather than forgiveness
+• The character of God's concern for humanity
+• A story about George, a newborn who doesn't know his right hand from his left or even his name
+• Comparison between human and animal needs, with God concerned for all living things
+• Jonah's reaction to being asked if he should be concerned for others like George
+• The story of Jonah and its parallels in the New Testament
+• Comparing Jonah's reaction to God's questioning with that of the prodigal son
+• The message of salvation being available to all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, or social economic status
+• The book of Hebrews' explanation for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross
+• A possible authorship theory for the book of Jonah: written by Jonah himself or dictated to a secretary
+• The speaker asks if they should be concerned about God's concern for them.
+• Reference is made to God sending his son, Jesus, so that people can call him "our father".
+• A prayer is offered thanking God for the story of Jesus and its impact on their lives.
+• The speaker prays for help in understanding and seeing the depth of God's amazing grace.
+• They pray for freedom from the chains that bind them and for growth into that freedom.
+• They ask to demonstrate this freedom through attitudes and behaviors that honor God and glorify Jesus.

Jonah #4 The Man and His Mission (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+• Introducing message number four on the book of Jonah
+• Exploring probing questions in biblical study and their purpose
+• Summarizing the book of Jonah (Jonah ran, repented, preached, and ranted)
+• Identifying the main themes of chapters 2-3 (salvation from God, repentance, taking second chances)
+• Reading and interpreting chapter 4, specifically Jonah's reaction to God relenting on Nineveh
+• Examining the parallels between God's compassion in Jonah and other New Testament stories
+• The Lord asks Jonah probing questions about his concerns for a plant.
+• Jonah answers two questions but not the third, which is left unresolved.
+• Jonah's actions speak louder than his words, and he repents after being thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish.
+• He preaches to Nineveh and witnesses God's compassion, becoming angry because God relents and spares them.
+• Nineveh is seen as an evil nation that should be destroyed, but God shows mercy instead.
+• Jonah uses spiritual disciplines to express his anger, including prayer and scripture, but does so in a critical manner rather than seeking understanding or praise.
+• This behavior reveals Jonah's self-righteousness and nationalism.
+• Using scripture properly involves humility, self-reflection, and recognizing one's own flaws.
+• Christ's attitude towards humanity is one of humility and service
+• Scripture serves to encourage believers in their relationship with God
+• Jonah's story illustrates the tension between human anger and God's compassion
+• The danger of justified anger and judgment, especially when considering historical atrocities like the Holocaust
+• Reflection on personal biases and desires for punishment rather than forgiveness
+• The character of God's concern for humanity
+• A story about George, a newborn who doesn't know his right hand from his left or even his name
+• Comparison between human and animal needs, with God concerned for all living things
+• Jonah's reaction to being asked if he should be concerned for others like George
+• The story of Jonah and its parallels in the New Testament
+• Comparing Jonah's reaction to God's questioning with that of the prodigal son
+• The message of salvation being available to all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, or social economic status
+• The book of Hebrews' explanation for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross
+• A possible authorship theory for the book of Jonah: written by Jonah himself or dictated to a secretary
+• The speaker asks if they should be concerned about God's concern for them.
+• Reference is made to God sending his son, Jesus, so that people can call him "our father".
+• A prayer is offered thanking God for the story of Jesus and its impact on their lives.
+• The speaker prays for help in understanding and seeing the depth of God's amazing grace.
+• They pray for freedom from the chains that bind them and for growth into that freedom.
+• They ask to demonstrate this freedom through attitudes and behaviors that honor God and glorify Jesus.

Joseph #1—The “Meanwhile” of Faith (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+• Jacob lives in the land where his father had stayed with a large family, including multiple wives and children
+• Joseph's brothers are jealous of him because their father loves him more and makes an ornate robe for him
+• Joseph has two dreams that he shares with his brothers, which further fuels their jealousy
+• The brothers plot to kill Joseph but eventually decide to sell him as a slave instead
+• Jacob is tricked into believing that a wild animal killed Joseph, leading to a period of mourning and grief
+• Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh.
+• The speaker's father wrote a book called "On the Move" which is a genealogy of their family with commentary.
+• The book includes stories about God's providence in their lives, including how they ended up in Canada.
+• A specific story from the book tells how the Christian Reformed Church in Clinton, Ontario chose the speaker's father as pastor over another candidate because it would be cheaper to bring him from the Netherlands than the other candidate from BC.
+• The speaker believes that God's fingerprints are evident throughout their family's history.
+• The Joseph story in Genesis is a major theme that ties together God's promise of blessing to Abraham and its narrowing down through the generations.
+• The Joseph story is not just about Joseph, but about how all members of his family are transformed and changed over time.
+• Genesis 37 story is about God's loving and saving purposes in history
+• Jacob's family is a blended one, with 12 sons by four different mothers
+• Joseph is favored by his father Jacob and has two dreams that foretell his greatness
+• The dreams are believed to be from God and indicate Joseph's special role
+• Joseph interprets the dreams but does so with self-importance and a desire for attention
+• Joseph shares his dreams with his family, predicting his brothers will bow down to him
+• The family reacts negatively and Father Jacob eventually rebukes Joseph for talking like this
+• Envy begins to grow among Joseph's brothers, creating tension in the household
+• Jacob sends Joseph on a mission to check on his brothers' flock, which becomes a spying mission
+• The chance encounter between Joseph and the stranger is crucial to the story
+• Joseph would not have found his brothers and been rescued from a false accusation if it wasn't for this encounter
+• He wouldn't have ended up on a trading caravan in Egypt, saving both his people and Egyptians
+• His brothers' plot against him was hatched quickly after they recognized him at a distance
+• Reuben suggested putting Joseph in a pit temporarily to rescue him later, but Judah eventually convinced the Midianites to sell Joseph into slavery
+• The transaction took place with the traders inspecting Joseph like a horse and offering various amounts of money before settling on seventeen shekels
+• The story of Joseph and his brothers
+• Silver coins as payment for selling a slave (Joseph)
+• Dreams and their interpretation
+• Sibling rivalry and family conflict
+• Favoritism and its consequences
+• Greed and deception
+• God's presence in times of hardship and suffering
+• Reflections on the complexity and evil present in the world
+• The relationship between God's providence and suffering
+• The world resisting God's work
+• Human sin and brokenness causing unhappiness
+• God bringing good out of evil situations
+• The concept that Satan is used by God to serve righteous purposes
+• The relationship between God and evil
+• The concept of goodness being created out of evil
+• The long-term vs short-term perspective on human history and the purposes of God
+• The idea that God does not guarantee understanding or control over events in life
+• The story of Joseph in Genesis as an example of how God can make sense of suffering
+• The possibility of exile and loss of faith, and how this theme is present in the Joseph story
+• The ultimate hope for redemption and restoration in God's plan
+• The story of Genesis 37 is a multi-layered narrative with seeds of hope that are sown throughout.
+• One seed of hope is Jacob's nagging sense that Joseph's dreams hold more significance than just vivid imagination or wishful thinking.
+• Another seed of hope is the appearance of the mysterious stranger, which sets in motion events that ultimately lead to God's promise being fulfilled.
+• The story implies that the appearance of the stranger was not coincidental and had a significant impact on the course of history, including the eventual deliverance of God's people from slavery in Egypt.
+• God's presence and power are not limited by our inability to see or understand his plans
+• Even when life seems to be going wrong, God is still present and working behind the scenes
+• God's strangers in our lives can serve as reminders of his presence and faithfulness
+• The story of Joseph serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, God's promises are still valid and he is working towards a greater good
+• The Bible encourages readers to remember that even when things seem darkest, God's hand is still at work weaving together the tapestry of our lives
+• The story of God's love and purpose is bigger than individual struggles and tragedies
+• Christians have hope that in the end, all will make sense and God's promises will be fulfilled
+• God will ultimately overcome human evil and empire through his continued presence and action
+• Meanwhile, God has the last word, even in difficult times, and promises to continue writing his story
+• Prayer or religious sentiment expressed

Joseph #1—The “Meanwhile” of Faith (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+• Jacob lives in the land where his father had stayed with a large family, including multiple wives and children
+• Joseph's brothers are jealous of him because their father loves him more and makes an ornate robe for him
+• Joseph has two dreams that he shares with his brothers, which further fuels their jealousy
+• The brothers plot to kill Joseph but eventually decide to sell him as a slave instead
+• Jacob is tricked into believing that a wild animal killed Joseph, leading to a period of mourning and grief
+• Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh.
+• The speaker's father wrote a book called "On the Move" which is a genealogy of their family with commentary.
+• The book includes stories about God's providence in their lives, including how they ended up in Canada.
+• A specific story from the book tells how the Christian Reformed Church in Clinton, Ontario chose the speaker's father as pastor over another candidate because it would be cheaper to bring him from the Netherlands than the other candidate from BC.
+• The speaker believes that God's fingerprints are evident throughout their family's history.
+• The Joseph story in Genesis is a major theme that ties together God's promise of blessing to Abraham and its narrowing down through the generations.
+• The Joseph story is not just about Joseph, but about how all members of his family are transformed and changed over time.
+• Genesis 37 story is about God's loving and saving purposes in history
+• Jacob's family is a blended one, with 12 sons by four different mothers
+• Joseph is favored by his father Jacob and has two dreams that foretell his greatness
+• The dreams are believed to be from God and indicate Joseph's special role
+• Joseph interprets the dreams but does so with self-importance and a desire for attention
+• Joseph shares his dreams with his family, predicting his brothers will bow down to him
+• The family reacts negatively and Father Jacob eventually rebukes Joseph for talking like this
+• Envy begins to grow among Joseph's brothers, creating tension in the household
+• Jacob sends Joseph on a mission to check on his brothers' flock, which becomes a spying mission
+• The chance encounter between Joseph and the stranger is crucial to the story
+• Joseph would not have found his brothers and been rescued from a false accusation if it wasn't for this encounter
+• He wouldn't have ended up on a trading caravan in Egypt, saving both his people and Egyptians
+• His brothers' plot against him was hatched quickly after they recognized him at a distance
+• Reuben suggested putting Joseph in a pit temporarily to rescue him later, but Judah eventually convinced the Midianites to sell Joseph into slavery
+• The transaction took place with the traders inspecting Joseph like a horse and offering various amounts of money before settling on seventeen shekels
+• The story of Joseph and his brothers
+• Silver coins as payment for selling a slave (Joseph)
+• Dreams and their interpretation
+• Sibling rivalry and family conflict
+• Favoritism and its consequences
+• Greed and deception
+• God's presence in times of hardship and suffering
+• Reflections on the complexity and evil present in the world
+• The relationship between God's providence and suffering
+• The world resisting God's work
+• Human sin and brokenness causing unhappiness
+• God bringing good out of evil situations
+• The concept that Satan is used by God to serve righteous purposes
+• The relationship between God and evil
+• The concept of goodness being created out of evil
+• The long-term vs short-term perspective on human history and the purposes of God
+• The idea that God does not guarantee understanding or control over events in life
+• The story of Joseph in Genesis as an example of how God can make sense of suffering
+• The possibility of exile and loss of faith, and how this theme is present in the Joseph story
+• The ultimate hope for redemption and restoration in God's plan
+• The story of Genesis 37 is a multi-layered narrative with seeds of hope that are sown throughout.
+• One seed of hope is Jacob's nagging sense that Joseph's dreams hold more significance than just vivid imagination or wishful thinking.
+• Another seed of hope is the appearance of the mysterious stranger, which sets in motion events that ultimately lead to God's promise being fulfilled.
+• The story implies that the appearance of the stranger was not coincidental and had a significant impact on the course of history, including the eventual deliverance of God's people from slavery in Egypt.
+• God's presence and power are not limited by our inability to see or understand his plans
+• Even when life seems to be going wrong, God is still present and working behind the scenes
+• God's strangers in our lives can serve as reminders of his presence and faithfulness
+• The story of Joseph serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, God's promises are still valid and he is working towards a greater good
+• The Bible encourages readers to remember that even when things seem darkest, God's hand is still at work weaving together the tapestry of our lives
+• The story of God's love and purpose is bigger than individual struggles and tragedies
+• Christians have hope that in the end, all will make sense and God's promises will be fulfilled
+• God will ultimately overcome human evil and empire through his continued presence and action
+• Meanwhile, God has the last word, even in difficult times, and promises to continue writing his story
+• Prayer or religious sentiment expressed

Joseph #2—Grace Conquers All (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+• Summary of Genesis 37 continued from previous sermon
+• Introduction to Genesis 38 and Judah's family
+• Judah marries a Canaanite woman named Shewet, resulting in three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah
+• The death of Er and Onan, who die for their sins
+• Tamar becomes pregnant after Judah thinks she is a prostitute and sleeps with her
+• Judah discovers he is the father and realizes his mistake, calling Tamar more righteous than himself
+• Birth of twin sons Perez and Zerah
+• The story of Judah is told to provide context for Joseph's experiences
+• Judah suggests selling Joseph to slavery instead of killing him
+• A period of 20 years passes between Judah's actions and his reunion with Joseph in Egypt
+• Judah marries a Canaanite girl and has three sons, including Onan who refuses to consummate a marriage to Tamar
+• Tamar lies about being a prostitute to get pregnant by Judah's sons, which is seen as wicked but ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham
+• The story highlights the importance of caring for widows and orphans in ancient Near Eastern culture
+• Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into sleeping with her
+• Judah does not realize it is his daughter-in-law and agrees to pay her for her services
+• Tamar conceives twins with Judah, who are Perez and Zerah
+• Judah tries to have Tamar executed for adultery but she reveals that the children's father is Judah himself
+• Judah admits his sin and accepts responsibility for Tamar's pregnancy
+• The story highlights Judah's change from a callous character to one who takes responsibility for his actions
+• Judah's recognition and reaction to Tamar's personal identification
+• The transformation of Judah through God's mercy and grace
+• Judah and Tamar as imperfect biblical role models
+• The universality of human sin and the possibility for change
+• The impact of God's grace on Judah's life in the rest of the Joseph story
+• God's prophecy to Jacob about Judah's future role in a royal line
+• The larger context of Genesis, tying in with God's covenant with Abraham
+• Judah's youngest son becomes the sole heir at the end of Genesis 38
+• The story of Tamar and her twin babies is a repetition of the Jacob and Esau birth story, highlighting God's sovereignty in choosing and working through those on the "bottom"
+• The theme of God's grace and salvation being based on merit-free actions is illustrated throughout Genesis
+• Examples of God working with flawed characters: Abraham, Jacob, Judah, and Tamar
+• The story of Tamar is used to show how God can accomplish amazing things even through morally dubious actions
+• Tamar's lineage leads to King David and eventually Jesus Christ
+• The New Testament opens with Matthew's gospel, which includes Jesus' family tree
+• Four non-Jewish women are included in this genealogy: Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba
+• Their inclusion highlights God's love for all peoples, not just Israel
+• Jesus associated with and showed compassion to people who were considered outcasts or sinners, such as prostitutes, an adulteress, and a Samaritan woman
+• He demonstrated God's grace by offering forgiveness and love to those who were seen as unclean or unworthy
+• The speaker discusses the gospel as a message of good news for sinners
+• God has every right to judge us but instead offers a fresh start through Jesus Christ
+• The gospel is not just about being more tolerant or following good morals, but about a holy God's love and forgiveness
+• We all make mistakes and sometimes do things that get in the way of God's will, but He accomplishes something good in our lives despite our flaws
+• Grace is necessary for everyone, regardless of past mistakes or dysfunctionality in life and family
+• The speaker emphasizes God's sufficient grace, never-ending love, and constant providential care.
+• The Bible story of Judah and Tamar is used as an example of God's ability to change people for the better
+• God's purpose can be fulfilled even in difficult or messed-up situations
+• Salvation comes by God's grace, not through human merit
+• God is at work directing things towards his gracious ends in every circumstance
+• The story declares a message of hope for those who feel sinful or messed up
+• The story also highlights the importance of humility and trusting God in all circumstances.
+• Jesus does not avoid sinners
+• He was willing to eat with those considered outcasts, such as prostitutes and embezzlers
+• He died on a cross between two criminals
+• His purpose is not to make nice people nicer, but to bring forgiveness and new life to all, regardless of their circumstances or past mistakes
+• Prayer to understand the depth of God's grace and its sufficiency for sin
+• Acknowledgment that God's grace is a gift through Jesus Christ
+• Expression of belonging to God despite personal shortcomings
+• Reference to the work of Jesus in affirming one's relationship with God
+• Recitation of the Lord's name in prayer, followed by repeated amens

Joseph #2—Grace Conquers All (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+• Summary of Genesis 37 continued from previous sermon
+• Introduction to Genesis 38 and Judah's family
+• Judah marries a Canaanite woman named Shewet, resulting in three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah
+• The death of Er and Onan, who die for their sins
+• Tamar becomes pregnant after Judah thinks she is a prostitute and sleeps with her
+• Judah discovers he is the father and realizes his mistake, calling Tamar more righteous than himself
+• Birth of twin sons Perez and Zerah
+• The story of Judah is told to provide context for Joseph's experiences
+• Judah suggests selling Joseph to slavery instead of killing him
+• A period of 20 years passes between Judah's actions and his reunion with Joseph in Egypt
+• Judah marries a Canaanite girl and has three sons, including Onan who refuses to consummate a marriage to Tamar
+• Tamar lies about being a prostitute to get pregnant by Judah's sons, which is seen as wicked but ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham
+• The story highlights the importance of caring for widows and orphans in ancient Near Eastern culture
+• Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into sleeping with her
+• Judah does not realize it is his daughter-in-law and agrees to pay her for her services
+• Tamar conceives twins with Judah, who are Perez and Zerah
+• Judah tries to have Tamar executed for adultery but she reveals that the children's father is Judah himself
+• Judah admits his sin and accepts responsibility for Tamar's pregnancy
+• The story highlights Judah's change from a callous character to one who takes responsibility for his actions
+• Judah's recognition and reaction to Tamar's personal identification
+• The transformation of Judah through God's mercy and grace
+• Judah and Tamar as imperfect biblical role models
+• The universality of human sin and the possibility for change
+• The impact of God's grace on Judah's life in the rest of the Joseph story
+• God's prophecy to Jacob about Judah's future role in a royal line
+• The larger context of Genesis, tying in with God's covenant with Abraham
+• Judah's youngest son becomes the sole heir at the end of Genesis 38
+• The story of Tamar and her twin babies is a repetition of the Jacob and Esau birth story, highlighting God's sovereignty in choosing and working through those on the "bottom"
+• The theme of God's grace and salvation being based on merit-free actions is illustrated throughout Genesis
+• Examples of God working with flawed characters: Abraham, Jacob, Judah, and Tamar
+• The story of Tamar is used to show how God can accomplish amazing things even through morally dubious actions
+• Tamar's lineage leads to King David and eventually Jesus Christ
+• The New Testament opens with Matthew's gospel, which includes Jesus' family tree
+• Four non-Jewish women are included in this genealogy: Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba
+• Their inclusion highlights God's love for all peoples, not just Israel
+• Jesus associated with and showed compassion to people who were considered outcasts or sinners, such as prostitutes, an adulteress, and a Samaritan woman
+• He demonstrated God's grace by offering forgiveness and love to those who were seen as unclean or unworthy
+• The speaker discusses the gospel as a message of good news for sinners
+• God has every right to judge us but instead offers a fresh start through Jesus Christ
+• The gospel is not just about being more tolerant or following good morals, but about a holy God's love and forgiveness
+• We all make mistakes and sometimes do things that get in the way of God's will, but He accomplishes something good in our lives despite our flaws
+• Grace is necessary for everyone, regardless of past mistakes or dysfunctionality in life and family
+• The speaker emphasizes God's sufficient grace, never-ending love, and constant providential care.
+• The Bible story of Judah and Tamar is used as an example of God's ability to change people for the better
+• God's purpose can be fulfilled even in difficult or messed-up situations
+• Salvation comes by God's grace, not through human merit
+• God is at work directing things towards his gracious ends in every circumstance
+• The story declares a message of hope for those who feel sinful or messed up
+• The story also highlights the importance of humility and trusting God in all circumstances.
+• Jesus does not avoid sinners
+• He was willing to eat with those considered outcasts, such as prostitutes and embezzlers
+• He died on a cross between two criminals
+• His purpose is not to make nice people nicer, but to bring forgiveness and new life to all, regardless of their circumstances or past mistakes
+• Prayer to understand the depth of God's grace and its sufficiency for sin
+• Acknowledgment that God's grace is a gift through Jesus Christ
+• Expression of belonging to God despite personal shortcomings
+• Reference to the work of Jesus in affirming one's relationship with God
+• Recitation of the Lord's name in prayer, followed by repeated amens

Joseph #3—The Lord is With Us (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+• Joseph is taken to Egypt and becomes a successful servant in Potiphar's household
+• Joseph refuses his master's wife's advances and flees when she attempts to trap him
+• As a result, Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape and he is thrown into prison
+• Despite being in prison, the Lord remains with Joseph and blesses him there as well
+• The story raises questions about God's providence and how it relates to human suffering
+• The presence of God in Joseph's life does not necessarily mean that evil will be prevented.
+• The speaker discusses how praying for God's presence can be challenging when faced with difficulties
+• Joseph's story in Genesis is used as an example to explore the temptation of power
+• The speaker describes how power can be seductive and corrupting, especially in human hands
+• God's powers are unique and should not be exercised by humans
+• The Old Testament illustrates that even good leaders, like King David, are imperfect and prone to corruption
+• Power's corrupting influence
+• The importance of revealing one's true character and goals
+• Politics and the misuse of power
+• God's kingdom being bigger than church
+• Using power to bless others, as demonstrated by Joseph's role in Potiphar's household
+• Hearing God's promise to Abraham
+• The speaker discusses the idea that success and prosperity come from God
+• The importance of recognizing one's power and responsibility to use it for good
+• The temptation of misuse or abuse of power, particularly in relationships where there is a power imbalance (such as employer-employee)
+• Joseph's story as an example of resisting temptation and using one's position for the greater good
+• The connection between power and sex, including the exploitation of slaves by their owners
+• Sexual exploitation of authority figures by those under their control
+• Difficulty in obtaining consent due to power imbalances
+• Definition of sexual abuse and its implications for church leaders
+• Story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife as an example of attempted seduction
+• Importance of commitment to God and moral principles in resisting temptation
+• Refusal of an unnamed person
+• Attempted assault by Mrs. P on Joseph
+• Joseph's escape and flight from the house
+• Consequences for Joseph, including imprisonment in a prison as good as death
+• The concept of Joseph being regarded as a joke and abnormal due to his love for his father
+• Adultery and lust being accepted as forms of entertainment in modern society
+• A psychologist's claim that Joseph was sexually abnormal due to his love for his father
+• Difficulty understanding God's will regarding sexuality, including Joseph's actions
+• Comparison between Christians being set apart in the world, similar to a person at a party who has taken an ugly turn
+• Forgiveness and God's will regarding sexuality
+• Sex is for marriage, and marriage is for life
+• Question of right and wrong in a culture that no longer recognizes traditional boundaries
+• Fear of sinning against one's covenant with God or being ridiculed by others
+• Joseph's story as an example of obedience and providence
+• The temptation to despair despite the Lord's presence
+• The idea of providence in the health and wealth gospel promoted by many evangelical Christians
+• Joseph's experiences with prison, wondering where God is and what happened to his dreams
+• Temptation to despair and losing faith in God's justice
+• Power, lust, and empires (Egypt and the world) often working out just fine for evil people
+• The psalmist complaining about injustice and comparing it to the wicked
+• Psalm 73 describing the wicked as carefree and increasing in wealth
+• God's goodness is real but not guaranteed
+• Faithfulness does not exempt from trouble or hardship
+• The book of Job illustrates that suffering comes as a test of faith, with no promise of exemption
+• Christians are not guaranteed to be spared from trouble or hardship
+• The covenant in Genesis 39 shows that God works good out of adversity.
+• Discussion of Joseph's experiences, including being sold as a slave, falsely convicted of attempted rape, and thrown into prison
+• The concept of God's providence and having a plan for one's life
+• The idea that seemingly negative events can be part of a larger divine plan
+• An explanation that the brothers' actions against Joseph were also part of this plan
+• The nature of God's relationship with humanity
+• Free will and moral responsibility
+• Sin, evil, and God's plan for humanity
+• The concept of God's covenant with humanity
+• The struggle to understand God's ways in the face of adversity
+• The story of Joseph and its relevance to understanding God's character
+• The narrator reflects on the story of Joseph and how God's providence is always at work, even when not fully understood.
+• Despite unanswered questions about life's circumstances, there is comfort in knowing that God's plan is determined to bless all peoples.
+• Providence is seen as a source of hope, especially in difficult times like Joseph experienced.
+• The narrator emphasizes that understanding God's ways can be challenging, but ultimately trusting in His goodness and love provides assurance and peace.
+• The idea that God abandoned Jesus on the cross
+• Jesus' cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
+• Jesus' resurrection and appearance to his disciples
+• The concept of God's presence with us always, regardless of circumstances
+• Invoking God's promise and provision in times of need
+• Assurance of God's presence
+• Importance of faith during troubled times
+• Prayer and thanksgiving for God's guidance
+• Acknowledgment of God's constant support and protection
+• Expression of devotion to Jesus' name

Joseph #3—The Lord is With Us (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+• Joseph is taken to Egypt and becomes a successful servant in Potiphar's household
+• Joseph refuses his master's wife's advances and flees when she attempts to trap him
+• As a result, Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape and he is thrown into prison
+• Despite being in prison, the Lord remains with Joseph and blesses him there as well
+• The story raises questions about God's providence and how it relates to human suffering
+• The presence of God in Joseph's life does not necessarily mean that evil will be prevented.
+• The speaker discusses how praying for God's presence can be challenging when faced with difficulties
+• Joseph's story in Genesis is used as an example to explore the temptation of power
+• The speaker describes how power can be seductive and corrupting, especially in human hands
+• God's powers are unique and should not be exercised by humans
+• The Old Testament illustrates that even good leaders, like King David, are imperfect and prone to corruption
+• Power's corrupting influence
+• The importance of revealing one's true character and goals
+• Politics and the misuse of power
+• God's kingdom being bigger than church
+• Using power to bless others, as demonstrated by Joseph's role in Potiphar's household
+• Hearing God's promise to Abraham
+• The speaker discusses the idea that success and prosperity come from God
+• The importance of recognizing one's power and responsibility to use it for good
+• The temptation of misuse or abuse of power, particularly in relationships where there is a power imbalance (such as employer-employee)
+• Joseph's story as an example of resisting temptation and using one's position for the greater good
+• The connection between power and sex, including the exploitation of slaves by their owners
+• Sexual exploitation of authority figures by those under their control
+• Difficulty in obtaining consent due to power imbalances
+• Definition of sexual abuse and its implications for church leaders
+• Story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife as an example of attempted seduction
+• Importance of commitment to God and moral principles in resisting temptation
+• Refusal of an unnamed person
+• Attempted assault by Mrs. P on Joseph
+• Joseph's escape and flight from the house
+• Consequences for Joseph, including imprisonment in a prison as good as death
+• The concept of Joseph being regarded as a joke and abnormal due to his love for his father
+• Adultery and lust being accepted as forms of entertainment in modern society
+• A psychologist's claim that Joseph was sexually abnormal due to his love for his father
+• Difficulty understanding God's will regarding sexuality, including Joseph's actions
+• Comparison between Christians being set apart in the world, similar to a person at a party who has taken an ugly turn
+• Forgiveness and God's will regarding sexuality
+• Sex is for marriage, and marriage is for life
+• Question of right and wrong in a culture that no longer recognizes traditional boundaries
+• Fear of sinning against one's covenant with God or being ridiculed by others
+• Joseph's story as an example of obedience and providence
+• The temptation to despair despite the Lord's presence
+• The idea of providence in the health and wealth gospel promoted by many evangelical Christians
+• Joseph's experiences with prison, wondering where God is and what happened to his dreams
+• Temptation to despair and losing faith in God's justice
+• Power, lust, and empires (Egypt and the world) often working out just fine for evil people
+• The psalmist complaining about injustice and comparing it to the wicked
+• Psalm 73 describing the wicked as carefree and increasing in wealth
+• God's goodness is real but not guaranteed
+• Faithfulness does not exempt from trouble or hardship
+• The book of Job illustrates that suffering comes as a test of faith, with no promise of exemption
+• Christians are not guaranteed to be spared from trouble or hardship
+• The covenant in Genesis 39 shows that God works good out of adversity.
+• Discussion of Joseph's experiences, including being sold as a slave, falsely convicted of attempted rape, and thrown into prison
+• The concept of God's providence and having a plan for one's life
+• The idea that seemingly negative events can be part of a larger divine plan
+• An explanation that the brothers' actions against Joseph were also part of this plan
+• The nature of God's relationship with humanity
+• Free will and moral responsibility
+• Sin, evil, and God's plan for humanity
+• The concept of God's covenant with humanity
+• The struggle to understand God's ways in the face of adversity
+• The story of Joseph and its relevance to understanding God's character
+• The narrator reflects on the story of Joseph and how God's providence is always at work, even when not fully understood.
+• Despite unanswered questions about life's circumstances, there is comfort in knowing that God's plan is determined to bless all peoples.
+• Providence is seen as a source of hope, especially in difficult times like Joseph experienced.
+• The narrator emphasizes that understanding God's ways can be challenging, but ultimately trusting in His goodness and love provides assurance and peace.
+• The idea that God abandoned Jesus on the cross
+• Jesus' cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
+• Jesus' resurrection and appearance to his disciples
+• The concept of God's presence with us always, regardless of circumstances
+• Invoking God's promise and provision in times of need
+• Assurance of God's presence
+• Importance of faith during troubled times
+• Prayer and thanksgiving for God's guidance
+• Acknowledgment of God's constant support and protection
+• Expression of devotion to Jesus' name

Joseph #4—God Remembers (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+• Joseph is in prison with two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker
+• They both have dreams that they don't understand
+• Joseph interprets their dreams correctly
+• The chief cupbearer's dream means he will be restored to his position within three days
+• The chief baker's dream means he will be executed within three days
+• Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams about cows and grain
+• No one can interpret the dreams, but the chief cupbearer remembers Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams
+• Two years later, Pharaoh has the same dream again and sends for all the magicians and wise men to try to interpret it.
+• Joseph's role as interpreter of dreams and servant to the captain of the guard
+• Pharaoh's dream about seven good cows and seven bad cows, and its interpretation by Joseph
+• Seven years of abundance in Egypt followed by seven years of famine
+• Pharaoh's plan to store food for the famine and appoint commissioners over the land
+• Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's wisdom and authority, and his appointment as second-in-command
+• A father forgets his youngest son at the beach and rushes back to retrieve him
+• The story illustrates how easily we can feel forgotten by God despite being unique individuals with our own stories
+• The speaker reflects on the importance of knowing that God remembers and cares for each person individually
+• A biblical theme is discussed, referencing Psalm 103 and the gospel of Genesis 40-41, which emphasizes God's promise to bless Abraham and his descendants
+• Joseph's story from the Bible is mentioned as an example of how God works in difficult circumstances to prosper those who trust in Him.
+• Joseph is entrusted with running the prison and has a significant role in interpreting the dreams of the pharaoh's butler and baker.
+• Both the butler and baker have similar dreams involving the expression "lifting your head", which Joseph interprets as meaning the butler will be restored to his position, but the baker will be executed.
+• Joseph is honest with the baker about his fate, even though it means being unpleasant.
+• The cupbearer is impressed by Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and promises to remember him when he returns to Pharaoh.
+• However, the cupbearer fails to follow through on his promise and instead attends a party where the butler is restored to his position, but the baker is executed.
+• Joseph's story of being forgotten by his brother and the cupbearer
+• The pain of feeling abandoned and ignored, especially after experiencing a glimmer of hope
+• The emotional struggle of wondering if God has forgotten him
+• Comparison to other experiences where people feel alone, unheard, or forsaken
+• Joseph's silence is broken when Pharaoh's court becomes frantic due to disturbing dreams
+• Pharaoh's instinctual recognition of Joseph as the real thing
+• Connection between Joseph and Pharaoh beyond human understanding
+• Chief cup bearer remembers Joseph, God remembers him too
+• Joseph's comeback after being in prison for years
+• Gears of God's purposes moving forward with Joseph's release
+• Joseph's acknowledgment of God as source of dreams and his prediction of 7 years of abundance followed by famine
+• God remembers his covenant with Abraham and his descendants
+• Joseph's story in the Old Testament demonstrates God's remembering nature
+• God's remembering is a source of comfort, thanksgiving, and hope for those who are forgotten or oppressed
+• Even when individuals feel hopeless and forsaken, God's remembering gives them new hope and future
+• Examples from the Old Testament illustrate God's consistent remembering and covenant-keeping nature
+• Forgetting a baby at birth
+• Normal mothers not perfect
+• Exceptions to normal behavior (e.g. mental disease, sinful neglect)
+• God does not forget those who are forgotten by their parents
+• Permanent mark of remembrance between God and his children
+• Jesus' teaching on addressing God as "father"
+• The concept of God's care and relationship to the world
+• Parable of sparrows falling, highlighting God's knowledge and love
+• Quote from Sevilla D. Martin in 1905 regarding God's watchfulness
+• Reflections on mortality and the passing of time
+• The husband needed a wheelchair to move around
+• The couple lived lives of faith and courage that inspired others
+• They were known for their hopefulness, which was rooted in God's promise
+• When asked about the secret of their hopefulness, the wife replied that God remembers and knows them by name
+• She shared the story of Joseph from Genesis 40-41 as an example of God's faithfulness even when it seems forgotten
+• Care for others and willingness to get involved can become a means of one's own freedom
+• God may have someone in a different situation or life than they are meant to be, but ultimately for their growth and purpose
+• Focusing on the part of the promise that says we will be blessed is more productive than dwelling on difficulties
+• Being aware of God working in others' lives can help shift focus from personal struggles to being a blessing to others
+• God's delay sometimes serves a necessary purpose, allowing time for growth or understanding.
+• Speculation about Joseph's release
+• God's plan and purpose in delaying deliverance
+• Remembering God's character (does not forget) and His knowledge of individuals' names
+• Finding a purpose and hope through remembering God
+• Jesus' teachings on being remembered by God and having a future with a sure hope
+• Jesus' kingdom and heavenly kingdom
+• God remembering people, not just their past actions or CVs
+• Promises made to Abraham and his descendants
+• God's knowledge and rule over all peoples and events
+• Pharaoh's authority and power coming from people's belief in him as a god
+• The Nile's regular ebb and flow is controlled by Ra and Pharaoh
+• Pharaoh has a dream that Joseph interprets, revealing God's plan for Egypt
+• Pharaoh is no longer in control of the future due to God's revelation
+• The God of Israel controls plenty and famine, not Pharaoh or Ra
+• Joseph declares his God owns the future, a claim at the foundation of biblical faith
+• Similar scenarios repeat throughout history: Pharaohs refusing to obey God's people
+• Jesus stands before Pilate and declares that Pilate has no power over him unless it is given from above
+• The ultimate authority lies with God, who works through individuals to achieve His plans
+• Joseph's life and actions demonstrate how God works through human participation to bless others
+• God's plan for feeding a hungry world was implemented through Joseph's gifts of imagination and administration
+• Human intelligence and discernment are not overridden by God's plans, but rather are invited to participate with Him
+• The Bible teaches that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind
+• Joseph's godliness shines through in his resistance to temptation and faith while in prison
+• The miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish can be compared to the policies of just and caring leaders.
+• God is in control, and His gospel points to Jesus Christ as the person at the center of all history.
+• Joseph's story in Genesis 40-41 parallels the story of Jesus Christ, who was challenged by the powers of this world and ultimately rose from the dead.
+• As with Joseph, Jesus' exaltation and glory is recognized by Christians, and it is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.
+• The hope, future, and blessing of the world lie in Jesus Christ.
+• Faithfulness and God's covenant with humanity
+• Remembering God's knowledge of our names and His presence in our lives
+• The importance of living a life that reflects God's name, particularly through service to others
+• Gratitude for the gospel message and its relevance to everyday life
+• Prayer for peace, confidence, trust, and hope in chaotic times

Joseph #4—God Remembers (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+• Joseph is in prison with two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker
+• They both have dreams that they don't understand
+• Joseph interprets their dreams correctly
+• The chief cupbearer's dream means he will be restored to his position within three days
+• The chief baker's dream means he will be executed within three days
+• Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams about cows and grain
+• No one can interpret the dreams, but the chief cupbearer remembers Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams
+• Two years later, Pharaoh has the same dream again and sends for all the magicians and wise men to try to interpret it.
+• Joseph's role as interpreter of dreams and servant to the captain of the guard
+• Pharaoh's dream about seven good cows and seven bad cows, and its interpretation by Joseph
+• Seven years of abundance in Egypt followed by seven years of famine
+• Pharaoh's plan to store food for the famine and appoint commissioners over the land
+• Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's wisdom and authority, and his appointment as second-in-command
+• A father forgets his youngest son at the beach and rushes back to retrieve him
+• The story illustrates how easily we can feel forgotten by God despite being unique individuals with our own stories
+• The speaker reflects on the importance of knowing that God remembers and cares for each person individually
+• A biblical theme is discussed, referencing Psalm 103 and the gospel of Genesis 40-41, which emphasizes God's promise to bless Abraham and his descendants
+• Joseph's story from the Bible is mentioned as an example of how God works in difficult circumstances to prosper those who trust in Him.
+• Joseph is entrusted with running the prison and has a significant role in interpreting the dreams of the pharaoh's butler and baker.
+• Both the butler and baker have similar dreams involving the expression "lifting your head", which Joseph interprets as meaning the butler will be restored to his position, but the baker will be executed.
+• Joseph is honest with the baker about his fate, even though it means being unpleasant.
+• The cupbearer is impressed by Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and promises to remember him when he returns to Pharaoh.
+• However, the cupbearer fails to follow through on his promise and instead attends a party where the butler is restored to his position, but the baker is executed.
+• Joseph's story of being forgotten by his brother and the cupbearer
+• The pain of feeling abandoned and ignored, especially after experiencing a glimmer of hope
+• The emotional struggle of wondering if God has forgotten him
+• Comparison to other experiences where people feel alone, unheard, or forsaken
+• Joseph's silence is broken when Pharaoh's court becomes frantic due to disturbing dreams
+• Pharaoh's instinctual recognition of Joseph as the real thing
+• Connection between Joseph and Pharaoh beyond human understanding
+• Chief cup bearer remembers Joseph, God remembers him too
+• Joseph's comeback after being in prison for years
+• Gears of God's purposes moving forward with Joseph's release
+• Joseph's acknowledgment of God as source of dreams and his prediction of 7 years of abundance followed by famine
+• God remembers his covenant with Abraham and his descendants
+• Joseph's story in the Old Testament demonstrates God's remembering nature
+• God's remembering is a source of comfort, thanksgiving, and hope for those who are forgotten or oppressed
+• Even when individuals feel hopeless and forsaken, God's remembering gives them new hope and future
+• Examples from the Old Testament illustrate God's consistent remembering and covenant-keeping nature
+• Forgetting a baby at birth
+• Normal mothers not perfect
+• Exceptions to normal behavior (e.g. mental disease, sinful neglect)
+• God does not forget those who are forgotten by their parents
+• Permanent mark of remembrance between God and his children
+• Jesus' teaching on addressing God as "father"
+• The concept of God's care and relationship to the world
+• Parable of sparrows falling, highlighting God's knowledge and love
+• Quote from Sevilla D. Martin in 1905 regarding God's watchfulness
+• Reflections on mortality and the passing of time
+• The husband needed a wheelchair to move around
+• The couple lived lives of faith and courage that inspired others
+• They were known for their hopefulness, which was rooted in God's promise
+• When asked about the secret of their hopefulness, the wife replied that God remembers and knows them by name
+• She shared the story of Joseph from Genesis 40-41 as an example of God's faithfulness even when it seems forgotten
+• Care for others and willingness to get involved can become a means of one's own freedom
+• God may have someone in a different situation or life than they are meant to be, but ultimately for their growth and purpose
+• Focusing on the part of the promise that says we will be blessed is more productive than dwelling on difficulties
+• Being aware of God working in others' lives can help shift focus from personal struggles to being a blessing to others
+• God's delay sometimes serves a necessary purpose, allowing time for growth or understanding.
+• Speculation about Joseph's release
+• God's plan and purpose in delaying deliverance
+• Remembering God's character (does not forget) and His knowledge of individuals' names
+• Finding a purpose and hope through remembering God
+• Jesus' teachings on being remembered by God and having a future with a sure hope
+• Jesus' kingdom and heavenly kingdom
+• God remembering people, not just their past actions or CVs
+• Promises made to Abraham and his descendants
+• God's knowledge and rule over all peoples and events
+• Pharaoh's authority and power coming from people's belief in him as a god
+• The Nile's regular ebb and flow is controlled by Ra and Pharaoh
+• Pharaoh has a dream that Joseph interprets, revealing God's plan for Egypt
+• Pharaoh is no longer in control of the future due to God's revelation
+• The God of Israel controls plenty and famine, not Pharaoh or Ra
+• Joseph declares his God owns the future, a claim at the foundation of biblical faith
+• Similar scenarios repeat throughout history: Pharaohs refusing to obey God's people
+• Jesus stands before Pilate and declares that Pilate has no power over him unless it is given from above
+• The ultimate authority lies with God, who works through individuals to achieve His plans
+• Joseph's life and actions demonstrate how God works through human participation to bless others
+• God's plan for feeding a hungry world was implemented through Joseph's gifts of imagination and administration
+• Human intelligence and discernment are not overridden by God's plans, but rather are invited to participate with Him
+• The Bible teaches that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind
+• Joseph's godliness shines through in his resistance to temptation and faith while in prison
+• The miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish can be compared to the policies of just and caring leaders.
+• God is in control, and His gospel points to Jesus Christ as the person at the center of all history.
+• Joseph's story in Genesis 40-41 parallels the story of Jesus Christ, who was challenged by the powers of this world and ultimately rose from the dead.
+• As with Joseph, Jesus' exaltation and glory is recognized by Christians, and it is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.
+• The hope, future, and blessing of the world lie in Jesus Christ.
+• Faithfulness and God's covenant with humanity
+• Remembering God's knowledge of our names and His presence in our lives
+• The importance of living a life that reflects God's name, particularly through service to others
+• Gratitude for the gospel message and its relevance to everyday life
+• Prayer for peace, confidence, trust, and hope in chaotic times

Joseph #5—Truth and Reconciliation (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+• The seven years of famine have begun in Egypt, but the land has food while other lands are affected
+• Jacob sends ten of his sons to buy grain from Egypt, leaving Benjamin behind due to fear for his safety
+• Joseph recognizes his brothers upon their arrival in Egypt, but pretends to be a stranger and accuses them of being spies
+• The brothers deny being spies and offer to sell their livestock if they are unable to obtain food
+• Joseph puts the brothers in custody for three days, demanding that one of them return with Benjamin before he will release his brothers
+• Brothers discuss their actions regarding Joseph's disappearance
+• Reuben blames the brothers for their role in Joseph's punishment
+• Joseph understands the brothers' conversation through an interpreter
+• Simeon is taken by Joseph, leaving a sack of grain for the brothers to take back
+• The brothers return home and find their silver in their sacks
+• They are frightened upon seeing the money pouches again
+• Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go with his brothers
+• Reuben offers to bring Benjamin back to their father
+• A woman whose husband was murdered by Vanderbrook demands that he take her to where his body was burned so she can give him a proper burial
+• She requests that Vanderbrook spend time with her in the ghetto twice a month as a form of restitution for taking her family away from her
+• The woman asks that someone lead her across the courtroom to hug Vanderbrook, symbolizing forgiveness
+• A biblical story is told about Joseph, who had the power to sentence his brothers to death but chose instead to forgive them and help them in their time of need
+• The speaker reflects on how we would respond if we were in a similar situation as Joseph or the South African mother
+• Jacob's parenting skills are questioned
+• Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt due to famine, while Benjamin stays home
+• Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go, citing his previous loss as the only son
+• The 10 brothers arrive in Egypt and easily blend into the crowd
+• Joseph recognizes his brothers despite changes over time
+• Joseph uses an interpreter to communicate with his brothers and adopts Egyptian mannerisms
+• Flashbacks of Joseph's past experiences are described, including being sold by his brothers, experiencing slavery, and false accusations leading to prison time
+• Joseph's newfound power and position in Egypt
+• His brothers' past mistreatment of him
+• The concept of holy revenge vs. seeking reconciliation
+• Joseph's plan to test his brothers through a series of circumstances mirroring their past actions against him
+• The use of "holy revenge" as a means to an end, with the ultimate goal being reconciliation
+• The speaker references the story of Joseph in Genesis and notes that genuine reconciliation cannot happen without truth
+• Joseph wants to test the character of his brothers for the sake of reconciliation, not revenge
+• The promise of God to Abraham is a key to understanding Joseph's actions and serves as the basis for the story
+• A dream that echoes God's promise to Abraham is significant in the narrative
+• Joseph comes to understand his brothers as instruments of God's purpose for him
+• Joseph's brothers were used by God to fulfill His plan for Joseph's life.
+• Joseph sees them as tools and instruments in God's hands, rather than enemies or opponents.
+• This perspective is essential for Christians to adopt when dealing with difficult people, such as those who have wronged them.
+• It requires seeing the bigger picture and trusting that God is working everything out for their good.
+• Faith over sight
+• Joseph's story as an example of faith and forgiveness
+• God using difficult circumstances to shape and mold people
+• The danger of living in a world controlled by past hurts and evils
+• Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and praying for those who persecute us
+• The cycle of retaliation and the importance of not seeking revenge
+• The Bible teaches not to return evil for evil
+• Revenge and retaliation lead to a chain reaction of escalating evil
+• It's rare for two people to weigh pain on the same scale, making revenge impossible
+• Non-resistance is not passive, but an active deed of grace
+• Sometimes standing up for rights or seeking justice may be necessary
+• Jesus' words are often misunderstood as an invitation to live as doormats
+• There's a difference between fighting against wrongs and seeking revenge
+• The brothers' question in Genesis 42 about God's actions being punishment for past evils
+• Understanding God's true intentions as healing and reconciliation through Joseph
+• Comparing the brothers' misunderstanding to human understanding of God's suffering
+• Recognizing God's immense power to endure and overcome evil
+• Acknowledging God's capacity to remember every evil act and its implications
+• Highlighting Jesus Christ's cross as a reminder of God's love and mercy
+• Applying the lesson that just as we are spared destruction, so must we respond with love and compassion.
+• The concept of God's sovereignty and redemption through Jesus Christ
+• The idea that remembering past sufferings can help alleviate pain and temptation to take revenge
+• The comfort of knowing a higher power is dealing with hurts and will ultimately wipe away tears and reconcile enemies
+• The example of Joseph's forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers as an illustration of "severe grace" rather than "amazing grace"
+• The theme of God's grace being present in both gentle and severe forms, ultimately leading to redemption and healing.
+• The concept of the prodigal son is used to describe people coming to their senses and recognizing God's presence in their lives.
+• Confessing sin and acknowledging God's hand in orchestrating events can lead to a new future of blessing.
+• Even small steps towards faith are considered amazing enough grace from God.
+• Many people have yet to catch on or join in with the Spirit of God, but they will eventually.
+• Understanding the bigger picture through Jesus is key to spiritual growth.

Joseph #5—Truth and Reconciliation (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+• The seven years of famine have begun in Egypt, but the land has food while other lands are affected
+• Jacob sends ten of his sons to buy grain from Egypt, leaving Benjamin behind due to fear for his safety
+• Joseph recognizes his brothers upon their arrival in Egypt, but pretends to be a stranger and accuses them of being spies
+• The brothers deny being spies and offer to sell their livestock if they are unable to obtain food
+• Joseph puts the brothers in custody for three days, demanding that one of them return with Benjamin before he will release his brothers
+• Brothers discuss their actions regarding Joseph's disappearance
+• Reuben blames the brothers for their role in Joseph's punishment
+• Joseph understands the brothers' conversation through an interpreter
+• Simeon is taken by Joseph, leaving a sack of grain for the brothers to take back
+• The brothers return home and find their silver in their sacks
+• They are frightened upon seeing the money pouches again
+• Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go with his brothers
+• Reuben offers to bring Benjamin back to their father
+• A woman whose husband was murdered by Vanderbrook demands that he take her to where his body was burned so she can give him a proper burial
+• She requests that Vanderbrook spend time with her in the ghetto twice a month as a form of restitution for taking her family away from her
+• The woman asks that someone lead her across the courtroom to hug Vanderbrook, symbolizing forgiveness
+• A biblical story is told about Joseph, who had the power to sentence his brothers to death but chose instead to forgive them and help them in their time of need
+• The speaker reflects on how we would respond if we were in a similar situation as Joseph or the South African mother
+• Jacob's parenting skills are questioned
+• Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt due to famine, while Benjamin stays home
+• Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go, citing his previous loss as the only son
+• The 10 brothers arrive in Egypt and easily blend into the crowd
+• Joseph recognizes his brothers despite changes over time
+• Joseph uses an interpreter to communicate with his brothers and adopts Egyptian mannerisms
+• Flashbacks of Joseph's past experiences are described, including being sold by his brothers, experiencing slavery, and false accusations leading to prison time
+• Joseph's newfound power and position in Egypt
+• His brothers' past mistreatment of him
+• The concept of holy revenge vs. seeking reconciliation
+• Joseph's plan to test his brothers through a series of circumstances mirroring their past actions against him
+• The use of "holy revenge" as a means to an end, with the ultimate goal being reconciliation
+• The speaker references the story of Joseph in Genesis and notes that genuine reconciliation cannot happen without truth
+• Joseph wants to test the character of his brothers for the sake of reconciliation, not revenge
+• The promise of God to Abraham is a key to understanding Joseph's actions and serves as the basis for the story
+• A dream that echoes God's promise to Abraham is significant in the narrative
+• Joseph comes to understand his brothers as instruments of God's purpose for him
+• Joseph's brothers were used by God to fulfill His plan for Joseph's life.
+• Joseph sees them as tools and instruments in God's hands, rather than enemies or opponents.
+• This perspective is essential for Christians to adopt when dealing with difficult people, such as those who have wronged them.
+• It requires seeing the bigger picture and trusting that God is working everything out for their good.
+• Faith over sight
+• Joseph's story as an example of faith and forgiveness
+• God using difficult circumstances to shape and mold people
+• The danger of living in a world controlled by past hurts and evils
+• Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and praying for those who persecute us
+• The cycle of retaliation and the importance of not seeking revenge
+• The Bible teaches not to return evil for evil
+• Revenge and retaliation lead to a chain reaction of escalating evil
+• It's rare for two people to weigh pain on the same scale, making revenge impossible
+• Non-resistance is not passive, but an active deed of grace
+• Sometimes standing up for rights or seeking justice may be necessary
+• Jesus' words are often misunderstood as an invitation to live as doormats
+• There's a difference between fighting against wrongs and seeking revenge
+• The brothers' question in Genesis 42 about God's actions being punishment for past evils
+• Understanding God's true intentions as healing and reconciliation through Joseph
+• Comparing the brothers' misunderstanding to human understanding of God's suffering
+• Recognizing God's immense power to endure and overcome evil
+• Acknowledging God's capacity to remember every evil act and its implications
+• Highlighting Jesus Christ's cross as a reminder of God's love and mercy
+• Applying the lesson that just as we are spared destruction, so must we respond with love and compassion.
+• The concept of God's sovereignty and redemption through Jesus Christ
+• The idea that remembering past sufferings can help alleviate pain and temptation to take revenge
+• The comfort of knowing a higher power is dealing with hurts and will ultimately wipe away tears and reconcile enemies
+• The example of Joseph's forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers as an illustration of "severe grace" rather than "amazing grace"
+• The theme of God's grace being present in both gentle and severe forms, ultimately leading to redemption and healing.
+• The concept of the prodigal son is used to describe people coming to their senses and recognizing God's presence in their lives.
+• Confessing sin and acknowledging God's hand in orchestrating events can lead to a new future of blessing.
+• Even small steps towards faith are considered amazing enough grace from God.
+• Many people have yet to catch on or join in with the Spirit of God, but they will eventually.
+• Understanding the bigger picture through Jesus is key to spiritual growth.

Joseph #6—Listening to Your Life (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+• The story of Jacob's family returning to Egypt to buy food during a famine, and Judah offering to take Benjamin in place of one of the other sons
+• The brothers are sent back with gifts, double the amount of silver, and Benjamin, but Joseph tests their integrity by hiding his cup in Benjamin's sack
+• The steward accuses them of stealing from Joseph and offers to let each brother take responsibility for the missing cup, but they all deny it
+• Judah takes responsibility for the boy (Benjamin) and offers to remain as a slave in his place if one of his brothers is found guilty of stealing
+• Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers and weeps loudly, alone with them
+• Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them for selling him into slavery
+• The story takes a dramatic turn as Joseph's true identity is revealed
+• Judah's passionate plea convinces Joseph that his brothers have changed and are no longer seeking to harm him
+• God's sovereignty and plan are evident throughout the story
+• The climax of the story is powerful due to the unexpected revelation of Joseph's true identity and the emotional response of his brothers.
+• God's relationship with people changes from direct communication to silence
+• Joseph learns to listen to his life, dreams, and experiences as a way for God to speak to him
+• Joseph finally understands the reason behind his circumstances and sees God's plan in retrospect
+• He forgives his brothers and explains that their actions were part of God's plan to save lives
+• Joseph's brothers never fully trusted him
+• They continued to scheme against him even after Jacob's death
+• The brothers claimed Jacob asked them to forgive Joseph for the wrongs they committed against him, but this was beside the point
+• Joseph believes that God can redeem any situation, no matter how difficult or tragic
+• He explains to his brothers that their intentions were not what gave meaning to events, but rather God's intent and plan
+• Joseph describes God as an inventive and creative force who can shape even negative experiences into something good.
+• Discussion of divine providence and its relationship to personal understanding
+• Parallels drawn between Joseph's story and the concept of finding good in adversity
+• Critique of common platitudes about providence and their limitations
+• The distinction between offering comfort and truly listening to others' struggles
+• The risks of being dismissive or patronizing when trying to offer help
+• Walter Brueggemann's book on Genesis discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers
+• Two dimensions to the story: human jeopardy vs divine faithfulness
+• Human dimension includes real betrayal, grief, weeping, and harm intended by others
+• Divine dimension includes rescue, blessing, healing, and God's intention for good
+• Neither human nor divine is the truth all by itself; both are intertwined
+• The human situation looks bleak due to fear, greed, and suffering
+• Absolute certainty about God's plan can ignore human suffering and lead to romanticism
+• A God who is involved in human affairs and makes choices on behalf of humans
+• The concept of divine providence, which involves a personal God working through individuals
+• The distinction between God's freedom and human freedom, with the former not overriding the latter
+• The idea that God does not prevent bad things from happening, but rather stays present amidst them
+• The role of human choice in shaping one's life, and how this interacts with divine providence
+• God's presence and voice can be evident or subtle
+• Faith is not about seeking a hidden will, but obeying a revealed one
+• Pain and evil are real, and should not be attributed to God
+• Understanding divine providence requires careful consideration of its reality and implications
+• The goal of faith is not to understand God's will, but to obey it in the present moment
+• Bad things happen to good people
+• The right question is not why bad things happen, but how good people respond
+• Sometimes we know in part why bad things happen to us
+• We may not always have clarity or understanding of God's plan
+• But through trials and pain, we can gain insight and help others avoid similar mistakes
+• Faithfulness in work
+• Temptation and perseverance
+• Joseph's experience with prison duties
+• Obedience to God's will
+• Divine providence and faith
+• Remembering the limitations of changing past events
+• Trust in God's plan for the future
+• God's intention behind the crucifixion of Jesus was for the salvation and forgiveness of humanity
+• Paul explained that despite our lives being subject to fate or chance, we have a living and faithful God who guides us
+• The past cannot be changed, but we are assured that God's love for us in Christ Jesus is unshakeable
+• Divine providence allows us to trust in God's goodness and plan, even when we don't understand the future
+• The story of Joseph in Genesis 45 demonstrates how God can turn evil into good and use it for our benefit
+• The story of God's kingdom and its full coming
+• The big picture of God's providence throughout history and in our lives
+• The astonishment, joy, and wonder that will come when God's plan is revealed
+• The time to explore the mysteries of God's covenant
+• Prayer for help to listen to their lives, open their eyes to Jesus, and know they belong to Him

Joseph #6—Listening to Your Life (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+• The story of Jacob's family returning to Egypt to buy food during a famine, and Judah offering to take Benjamin in place of one of the other sons
+• The brothers are sent back with gifts, double the amount of silver, and Benjamin, but Joseph tests their integrity by hiding his cup in Benjamin's sack
+• The steward accuses them of stealing from Joseph and offers to let each brother take responsibility for the missing cup, but they all deny it
+• Judah takes responsibility for the boy (Benjamin) and offers to remain as a slave in his place if one of his brothers is found guilty of stealing
+• Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers and weeps loudly, alone with them
+• Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them for selling him into slavery
+• The story takes a dramatic turn as Joseph's true identity is revealed
+• Judah's passionate plea convinces Joseph that his brothers have changed and are no longer seeking to harm him
+• God's sovereignty and plan are evident throughout the story
+• The climax of the story is powerful due to the unexpected revelation of Joseph's true identity and the emotional response of his brothers.
+• God's relationship with people changes from direct communication to silence
+• Joseph learns to listen to his life, dreams, and experiences as a way for God to speak to him
+• Joseph finally understands the reason behind his circumstances and sees God's plan in retrospect
+• He forgives his brothers and explains that their actions were part of God's plan to save lives
+• Joseph's brothers never fully trusted him
+• They continued to scheme against him even after Jacob's death
+• The brothers claimed Jacob asked them to forgive Joseph for the wrongs they committed against him, but this was beside the point
+• Joseph believes that God can redeem any situation, no matter how difficult or tragic
+• He explains to his brothers that their intentions were not what gave meaning to events, but rather God's intent and plan
+• Joseph describes God as an inventive and creative force who can shape even negative experiences into something good.
+• Discussion of divine providence and its relationship to personal understanding
+• Parallels drawn between Joseph's story and the concept of finding good in adversity
+• Critique of common platitudes about providence and their limitations
+• The distinction between offering comfort and truly listening to others' struggles
+• The risks of being dismissive or patronizing when trying to offer help
+• Walter Brueggemann's book on Genesis discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers
+• Two dimensions to the story: human jeopardy vs divine faithfulness
+• Human dimension includes real betrayal, grief, weeping, and harm intended by others
+• Divine dimension includes rescue, blessing, healing, and God's intention for good
+• Neither human nor divine is the truth all by itself; both are intertwined
+• The human situation looks bleak due to fear, greed, and suffering
+• Absolute certainty about God's plan can ignore human suffering and lead to romanticism
+• A God who is involved in human affairs and makes choices on behalf of humans
+• The concept of divine providence, which involves a personal God working through individuals
+• The distinction between God's freedom and human freedom, with the former not overriding the latter
+• The idea that God does not prevent bad things from happening, but rather stays present amidst them
+• The role of human choice in shaping one's life, and how this interacts with divine providence
+• God's presence and voice can be evident or subtle
+• Faith is not about seeking a hidden will, but obeying a revealed one
+• Pain and evil are real, and should not be attributed to God
+• Understanding divine providence requires careful consideration of its reality and implications
+• The goal of faith is not to understand God's will, but to obey it in the present moment
+• Bad things happen to good people
+• The right question is not why bad things happen, but how good people respond
+• Sometimes we know in part why bad things happen to us
+• We may not always have clarity or understanding of God's plan
+• But through trials and pain, we can gain insight and help others avoid similar mistakes
+• Faithfulness in work
+• Temptation and perseverance
+• Joseph's experience with prison duties
+• Obedience to God's will
+• Divine providence and faith
+• Remembering the limitations of changing past events
+• Trust in God's plan for the future
+• God's intention behind the crucifixion of Jesus was for the salvation and forgiveness of humanity
+• Paul explained that despite our lives being subject to fate or chance, we have a living and faithful God who guides us
+• The past cannot be changed, but we are assured that God's love for us in Christ Jesus is unshakeable
+• Divine providence allows us to trust in God's goodness and plan, even when we don't understand the future
+• The story of Joseph in Genesis 45 demonstrates how God can turn evil into good and use it for our benefit
+• The story of God's kingdom and its full coming
+• The big picture of God's providence throughout history and in our lives
+• The astonishment, joy, and wonder that will come when God's plan is revealed
+• The time to explore the mysteries of God's covenant
+• Prayer for help to listen to their lives, open their eyes to Jesus, and know they belong to Him

Joseph #7—A Coffin Egypt (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+• Jacob's final instructions to his sons
+• The burial of Jacob and Joseph in Canaan
+• Pharaoh's permission for Joseph to bury his father
+• Joseph's return to Egypt after burying his father
+• Jacob's age and death at 110 years old
+• Joseph's death and the promise of God's aid for his family
+• A New Testament reading from Hebrews 11:17
+• Archbishop Desmond Tutu's message about hope in a culture that denies God
+• The message to Christians as being on the "winning side" despite challenges.
+• The story of Joseph and its depiction in Genesis
+• God's covenant promise to Abraham and its significance
+• The contrast between darkness and light in the universe and in human experience
+• The symbolism of coffins and graveyards, including the cave of Machpelah
+• Joseph's character and his place in the New Testament
+• The importance of faith and obedience in extreme circumstances, as exemplified by Joseph's story
+• The writer of Hebrews commends Joseph for his dying words, which express faith in God's plan
+• Joseph speaks about the exodus of Israelites from Egypt and gives instructions about his bones
+• A phrase from Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" is mentioned: "It's not about you, it's about God's purpose"
+• The story references Genesis 15, where Abraham hears a promise from God that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan
+• Joseph recalls this promise and applies it to his own life as he approaches death
+• Joseph's old promise from generations past
+• Length of time in Egypt and the famine being over
+• Joseph's retirement and death
+• Children of Israel not yet slaves or prisoners in Egypt
+• A new king who doesn't know Joseph comes to power
+• Hardship and slavery for his brothers and people
+• Joseph believes promises of glory at the end
+• God will surely come to their aid and rescue them
+• Joseph makes his family swear an oath before dying
+• He asks to be carried from Egypt after death
+• Resurrection and hope
+• Joseph's coffin as a symbol of hope
+• Overcoming slavery and hardship through faith in God
+• Biblical definition of hope vs Christian understanding of hope
+• The role of doubt in the Christian concept of hope
+• Hope is found in Joseph's coffin, which symbolizes God's promise of deliverance and redemption.
+• The story of Joseph provides hope amidst suffering and hardship.
+• Despite God's silence during difficult times, He has not forgotten His people and will come back for them someday.
+• Faith is required to trust that God will ultimately rescue His people from slavery and hardship.
+• The book of Genesis and the story of Joseph
+• Moses leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt
+• Moses carries Joseph's bones with him during their desert pilgrimage
+• God renews his covenant with his people through years of struggle
+• Israel takes possession of the land of promise and buries Joseph's bones at Shechem
+• Fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
+• Reflection on human suffering throughout history
+• The ongoing struggle against evil, injustice, oppression, and exploitation
+• Frustration with the church's lack of progress in spreading Jesus Christ's message
+• The significance of Jesus' empty grave as a symbol of hope and new life
+• The biblical vision of a new heaven and earth in Revelation 21
+• Contrast between the old order of things and the new kingdom of God
+• Living in an "in-between" time, where death still exists but the fully realized kingdom of God is anticipated
+• Hope for a future time when God will be all in all and everything will be made new
+• The speaker discusses the meaning of a table, specifically a communion table, as a symbol of God's presence and aid through Jesus Christ.
+• The speaker explains that the death and resurrection of Jesus mean salvation and rescue from bondage to death and decay.
+• The speaker encourages listeners not to give up hope, as God is in control and goodness will ultimately prevail over evil.
+• The speaker reflects on the season of Advent and the promise of God's presence with us through Emmanuel (God with us).
+• The speaker asks for spiritual energy to dream God's dreams, strive for good, and work towards a promised future.
+• The importance of hope in faith
+• Reminding oneself and others that hope is real
+• The role of prayer in maintaining strong faith and hope
+• Living a life consistent with one's faith and hope
+• Prayer for strength, guidance, and consistency in daily living

Joseph #7—A Coffin Egypt (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+• Jacob's final instructions to his sons
+• The burial of Jacob and Joseph in Canaan
+• Pharaoh's permission for Joseph to bury his father
+• Joseph's return to Egypt after burying his father
+• Jacob's age and death at 110 years old
+• Joseph's death and the promise of God's aid for his family
+• A New Testament reading from Hebrews 11:17
+• Archbishop Desmond Tutu's message about hope in a culture that denies God
+• The message to Christians as being on the "winning side" despite challenges.
+• The story of Joseph and its depiction in Genesis
+• God's covenant promise to Abraham and its significance
+• The contrast between darkness and light in the universe and in human experience
+• The symbolism of coffins and graveyards, including the cave of Machpelah
+• Joseph's character and his place in the New Testament
+• The importance of faith and obedience in extreme circumstances, as exemplified by Joseph's story
+• The writer of Hebrews commends Joseph for his dying words, which express faith in God's plan
+• Joseph speaks about the exodus of Israelites from Egypt and gives instructions about his bones
+• A phrase from Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" is mentioned: "It's not about you, it's about God's purpose"
+• The story references Genesis 15, where Abraham hears a promise from God that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan
+• Joseph recalls this promise and applies it to his own life as he approaches death
+• Joseph's old promise from generations past
+• Length of time in Egypt and the famine being over
+• Joseph's retirement and death
+• Children of Israel not yet slaves or prisoners in Egypt
+• A new king who doesn't know Joseph comes to power
+• Hardship and slavery for his brothers and people
+• Joseph believes promises of glory at the end
+• God will surely come to their aid and rescue them
+• Joseph makes his family swear an oath before dying
+• He asks to be carried from Egypt after death
+• Resurrection and hope
+• Joseph's coffin as a symbol of hope
+• Overcoming slavery and hardship through faith in God
+• Biblical definition of hope vs Christian understanding of hope
+• The role of doubt in the Christian concept of hope
+• Hope is found in Joseph's coffin, which symbolizes God's promise of deliverance and redemption.
+• The story of Joseph provides hope amidst suffering and hardship.
+• Despite God's silence during difficult times, He has not forgotten His people and will come back for them someday.
+• Faith is required to trust that God will ultimately rescue His people from slavery and hardship.
+• The book of Genesis and the story of Joseph
+• Moses leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt
+• Moses carries Joseph's bones with him during their desert pilgrimage
+• God renews his covenant with his people through years of struggle
+• Israel takes possession of the land of promise and buries Joseph's bones at Shechem
+• Fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
+• Reflection on human suffering throughout history
+• The ongoing struggle against evil, injustice, oppression, and exploitation
+• Frustration with the church's lack of progress in spreading Jesus Christ's message
+• The significance of Jesus' empty grave as a symbol of hope and new life
+• The biblical vision of a new heaven and earth in Revelation 21
+• Contrast between the old order of things and the new kingdom of God
+• Living in an "in-between" time, where death still exists but the fully realized kingdom of God is anticipated
+• Hope for a future time when God will be all in all and everything will be made new
+• The speaker discusses the meaning of a table, specifically a communion table, as a symbol of God's presence and aid through Jesus Christ.
+• The speaker explains that the death and resurrection of Jesus mean salvation and rescue from bondage to death and decay.
+• The speaker encourages listeners not to give up hope, as God is in control and goodness will ultimately prevail over evil.
+• The speaker reflects on the season of Advent and the promise of God's presence with us through Emmanuel (God with us).
+• The speaker asks for spiritual energy to dream God's dreams, strive for good, and work towards a promised future.
+• The importance of hope in faith
+• Reminding oneself and others that hope is real
+• The role of prayer in maintaining strong faith and hope
+• Living a life consistent with one's faith and hope
+• Prayer for strength, guidance, and consistency in daily living

Return from Exile ｜ Ezra 1_1-4_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+• Restrictions have been lifted, but the community is struggling with how to proceed
+• The speaker notes a sense of celebration and mourning simultaneously due to those who are not present
+• Inequality and injustice are major concerns, particularly in light of recent events
+• The community is divided by differences in worldview and ideology
+• A "false narrative" has emerged that suggests disagreement leads to fear or hate
+• The passage from Ezra 1:1-4 is introduced as a relevant context for the community's situation
+• The passage describes the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple, mirroring the community's own return to in-person worship.
+• The kingdom of Israel divided into two parts under Rehoboam's rule
+• The northern kingdom of Israel had 19 evil kings and was eventually conquered by Assyria in 721 BC
+• The southern kingdom of Judah had 20 kings, with only eight being considered good in God's eyes, before being conquered by Babylon in 605 BC
+• The Jews were in exile for 70 years during which time they experienced trials such as being thrown into fiery furnaces and lion's dens
+• Persia conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple under King Cyrus' decree
+• God's sovereignty is demonstrated through his use of people and situations to fulfill his purposes, as seen in King Cyrus' unexpected proclamation allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple
+• Isaiah's book is out of chronological order in the Bible
+• God's plan was set in motion 150 years before Cyrus' birth to rebuild the temple
+• Isaiah prophesied about Cyrus, who would be used by God to bring back the Israelites from exile
+• God is sovereign and works through all things, even if it seems chaotic
+• God keeps his promises, as seen in multiple Bible passages including Ezra and Jeremiah
+• The Israelites were asked to sing songs while in captivity
+• God keeps his promises, citing examples from the Old Testament
+• God is sovereign and provides for his people
+• God provided the Jewish people with provisions after their return from Babylonian exile
+• The text emphasizes that God's provision is not just about material wealth but about fulfilling his purposes
+• God provides what is needed to fulfill His plans
+• The focus is not on accumulating wealth but on fulfilling God's promises
+• The church has received increased giving during the pandemic
+• The generosity of members has helped the church through a difficult time and enabled new initiatives, including:
+  • A mercy ministry initiative with other churches in Langley
+  • Live streaming options for worship services
+  • New pastor hiring is no longer a concern due to sufficient finances
+• Generosity and giving
+• God's provision in finances
+• God's provision beyond finances, including hope, peace, comfort, support, community, and strength
+• God's mandate for love and serving others
+• The ultimate provision of God: His Son, Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and eternal life
+• God's sovereignty and faithfulness
+• God providing for us regardless of circumstances
+• Thanking God for keeping promises and covenant relationships
+• Remembering God's presence, spirit, and love in our lives
+• Gratitude for Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross
+• Remembrance of his suffering and conquest over sin and death during communion

Return from Exile ｜ Ezra 1_1-4_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+• Restrictions have been lifted, but the community is struggling with how to proceed
+• The speaker notes a sense of celebration and mourning simultaneously due to those who are not present
+• Inequality and injustice are major concerns, particularly in light of recent events
+• The community is divided by differences in worldview and ideology
+• A "false narrative" has emerged that suggests disagreement leads to fear or hate
+• The passage from Ezra 1:1-4 is introduced as a relevant context for the community's situation
+• The passage describes the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple, mirroring the community's own return to in-person worship.
+• The kingdom of Israel divided into two parts under Rehoboam's rule
+• The northern kingdom of Israel had 19 evil kings and was eventually conquered by Assyria in 721 BC
+• The southern kingdom of Judah had 20 kings, with only eight being considered good in God's eyes, before being conquered by Babylon in 605 BC
+• The Jews were in exile for 70 years during which time they experienced trials such as being thrown into fiery furnaces and lion's dens
+• Persia conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple under King Cyrus' decree
+• God's sovereignty is demonstrated through his use of people and situations to fulfill his purposes, as seen in King Cyrus' unexpected proclamation allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple
+• Isaiah's book is out of chronological order in the Bible
+• God's plan was set in motion 150 years before Cyrus' birth to rebuild the temple
+• Isaiah prophesied about Cyrus, who would be used by God to bring back the Israelites from exile
+• God is sovereign and works through all things, even if it seems chaotic
+• God keeps his promises, as seen in multiple Bible passages including Ezra and Jeremiah
+• The Israelites were asked to sing songs while in captivity
+• God keeps his promises, citing examples from the Old Testament
+• God is sovereign and provides for his people
+• God provided the Jewish people with provisions after their return from Babylonian exile
+• The text emphasizes that God's provision is not just about material wealth but about fulfilling his purposes
+• God provides what is needed to fulfill His plans
+• The focus is not on accumulating wealth but on fulfilling God's promises
+• The church has received increased giving during the pandemic
+• The generosity of members has helped the church through a difficult time and enabled new initiatives, including:
+  • A mercy ministry initiative with other churches in Langley
+  • Live streaming options for worship services
+  • New pastor hiring is no longer a concern due to sufficient finances
+• Generosity and giving
+• God's provision in finances
+• God's provision beyond finances, including hope, peace, comfort, support, community, and strength
+• God's mandate for love and serving others
+• The ultimate provision of God: His Son, Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and eternal life
+• God's sovereignty and faithfulness
+• God providing for us regardless of circumstances
+• Thanking God for keeping promises and covenant relationships
+• Remembering God's presence, spirit, and love in our lives
+• Gratitude for Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross
+• Remembrance of his suffering and conquest over sin and death during communion

The Spiritual Discipline of Scripture (Sermon)_summary.md

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+• The speaker's ministry transitioned to helping schools teach online during COVID
+• A school in Cairo was helped to improve their technology and is now teaching people throughout the Arabic world
+• The speaker notes both positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on lives and churches
+• The importance of spiritual discipline, specifically Scripture, in shaping who we are into the person of Christ
+• Peter's writing in 2 Peter chapter 1 about getting a vision of Christ and living a godly life through knowledge of Him
+• The VIM acronym (Vision, Intent, Means) as a tool for remembering the process of spiritual formation
+• Importance of spiritual disciplines in making vision and intent a reality
+• Definition of disciplines as training exercises for the Spirit to shape us into image bearers of God
+• Examples of various disciplines including solitary and silent time, prayer, worship, service, giving, fasting, and reading Scripture
+• The key importance of reading Scripture and seeing its value in order to want to discipline oneself to read it faithfully
+• The body is temporary and will be left behind soon
+• Importance of remembering events after one's departure
+• The second coming of Jesus Christ in power
+• Eyewitness account of Jesus' majesty, including the transfiguration on a mountain
+• Reliability of prophetic message and importance of paying attention to it
+• Prophecy never originated from human will but was spoken by prophets as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
+• Discussion of the book's potential as a bestseller
+• Concern that the book may be relegated to the religious section in libraries, limiting its visibility
+• Importance of understanding the book's message as a special revelation from God regarding who Jesus Christ is
+• Explanation of how writers of the Old Testament were inspired by God through the Holy Spirit
+• Introduction of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior, with Peter affirming Jesus' divinity
+• Discussion of the reliability of the New Testament writers in passing on their message about Jesus
+• The Bible is the focus of God's delight and has been pointed to throughout all of scripture.
+• Moses and Elijah were not just philosophers sharing their views, but prophets who received spirit-inspired prophecies.
+• We must pay attention to these prophecies and let the spirit that inspired them work within us.
+• The Belgic Confession is a confession of faith that speaks into what the scriptures are about and affirms the Bible's authority.
+• The importance of reading and accepting the Bible as the word of God.
+• The authority of scripture in one's life, requiring submission to its teachings.
+• The need to identify with God's love story as told in the Bible.
+• The role of the Holy Spirit in carrying individuals along and guiding their lives.
+• The significance of scripture in regulating one's faith and establishing a foundation for living.
+• Sufficiency of scripture
+• Christ as the one true savior
+• Importance of believing in scripture for salvation
+• Example from John 5 where Jesus debates with Jewish leaders about studying and understanding scripture
+• Criticism that people study scripture but do not truly understand or believe its message
+• Warning against pride and misunderstanding of scripture
+• The Bible is written to teach the way of salvation and life.
+• Paul emphasizes in 2 Timothy 3:10-17 that believers will face persecution for living a godly life in Christ Jesus.
+• Examples from Paul's own experiences, including being rescued by God from persecution, are given to illustrate this point.
+• The Bible teaches that enduring suffering and persecution is necessary for living a life of faith in Christ Jesus.
+• Imposters and deception
+• Counterculture and conviction
+• Scripture as holy and inspired, with purpose of teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness
+• The role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (or freedom from eternal judgment)
+• Comparison between Paul's attribution to scripture and Jesus' statement about the Holy Spirit's work
+• The conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit
+• The role of scripture in rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness
+• The Heidelberg Catechism's three parts: recognizing sin, redemption, and gratitude
+• The importance of reading the Bible for assurance of salvation and confirmation of one's relationship with God
+• Courting by distance through letters
+• Reading scripture as a love letter from God
+• Seeing sin and shortcoming through the word of God
+• Rebuke and correction being necessary for growth
+• The Holy Spirit convicting people of sin
+• The importance of reading scripture to become holy like Christ
+• Needing to be students of the word of God to graduate in life.
+• Importance of concentrated time in the scriptures
+• Bible helps us know we're saved and loved, but also points out our sin
+• Bible teaches how to obey God's will and be righteous
+• Practical advice and teachings for everyday life
+• Learning from others' mistakes and being guided by wisdom
+• Reading the Bible leads to spiritual growth and maturity
+• Reading the Bible as a novel, rather than studying it
+• The Gospel of John as a starting point for beginners
+• Nicky Gumbel's approach to reading the Bible
+• Lectio Divina: a method of meditating on scripture
+• Chewing away at a passage like a dog with a bone
+• Reflecting on how scripture speaks into one's life
+• Reading the Bible regularly as a personal discipline
+• Initial reluctance to read the Bible, but eventually doing so for three years minus one night
+• How reading the Bible changed the speaker's life and their perspective on faith
+• Importance of individuals making an effort to become more faithful and disciplined in their spiritual practices
+• Passion for Christ
+• Importance of being self-feeders, not reliant on the church
+• Concern about people taking distance from the church and potentially the Lord
+• Need for individuals to be able to care for their own soul and not rely on others
+• Comparison between mature children who don't need their mothers and churches being compared to mothers in scripture
+• The importance of relating deeply and intimately to Christ
+• The knowledge of what it means to be saved
+• Recognizing oneself as a sinner and following the Savior
+• Living, praying, and thanking God for speaking to us
+• Praise for God's creation and his powerful word
+• Asking for help in submitting to God's living word
+• Seeing Jesus Christ for who he is and submitting to him
+• Prayer for encouragement and reminder of one's identity in Christ

The Spiritual Discipline of Scripture (Sermon)_summary.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+• The speaker's ministry transitioned to helping schools teach online during COVID
+• A school in Cairo was helped to improve their technology and is now teaching people throughout the Arabic world
+• The speaker notes both positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on lives and churches
+• The importance of spiritual discipline, specifically Scripture, in shaping who we are into the person of Christ
+• Peter's writing in 2 Peter chapter 1 about getting a vision of Christ and living a godly life through knowledge of Him
+• The VIM acronym (Vision, Intent, Means) as a tool for remembering the process of spiritual formation
+• Importance of spiritual disciplines in making vision and intent a reality
+• Definition of disciplines as training exercises for the Spirit to shape us into image bearers of God
+• Examples of various disciplines including solitary and silent time, prayer, worship, service, giving, fasting, and reading Scripture
+• The key importance of reading Scripture and seeing its value in order to want to discipline oneself to read it faithfully
+• The body is temporary and will be left behind soon
+• Importance of remembering events after one's departure
+• The second coming of Jesus Christ in power
+• Eyewitness account of Jesus' majesty, including the transfiguration on a mountain
+• Reliability of prophetic message and importance of paying attention to it
+• Prophecy never originated from human will but was spoken by prophets as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
+• Discussion of the book's potential as a bestseller
+• Concern that the book may be relegated to the religious section in libraries, limiting its visibility
+• Importance of understanding the book's message as a special revelation from God regarding who Jesus Christ is
+• Explanation of how writers of the Old Testament were inspired by God through the Holy Spirit
+• Introduction of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior, with Peter affirming Jesus' divinity
+• Discussion of the reliability of the New Testament writers in passing on their message about Jesus
+• The Bible is the focus of God's delight and has been pointed to throughout all of scripture.
+• Moses and Elijah were not just philosophers sharing their views, but prophets who received spirit-inspired prophecies.
+• We must pay attention to these prophecies and let the spirit that inspired them work within us.
+• The Belgic Confession is a confession of faith that speaks into what the scriptures are about and affirms the Bible's authority.
+• The importance of reading and accepting the Bible as the word of God.
+• The authority of scripture in one's life, requiring submission to its teachings.
+• The need to identify with God's love story as told in the Bible.
+• The role of the Holy Spirit in carrying individuals along and guiding their lives.
+• The significance of scripture in regulating one's faith and establishing a foundation for living.
+• Sufficiency of scripture
+• Christ as the one true savior
+• Importance of believing in scripture for salvation
+• Example from John 5 where Jesus debates with Jewish leaders about studying and understanding scripture
+• Criticism that people study scripture but do not truly understand or believe its message
+• Warning against pride and misunderstanding of scripture
+• The Bible is written to teach the way of salvation and life.
+• Paul emphasizes in 2 Timothy 3:10-17 that believers will face persecution for living a godly life in Christ Jesus.
+• Examples from Paul's own experiences, including being rescued by God from persecution, are given to illustrate this point.
+• The Bible teaches that enduring suffering and persecution is necessary for living a life of faith in Christ Jesus.
+• Imposters and deception
+• Counterculture and conviction
+• Scripture as holy and inspired, with purpose of teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness
+• The role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (or freedom from eternal judgment)
+• Comparison between Paul's attribution to scripture and Jesus' statement about the Holy Spirit's work
+• The conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit
+• The role of scripture in rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness
+• The Heidelberg Catechism's three parts: recognizing sin, redemption, and gratitude
+• The importance of reading the Bible for assurance of salvation and confirmation of one's relationship with God
+• Courting by distance through letters
+• Reading scripture as a love letter from God
+• Seeing sin and shortcoming through the word of God
+• Rebuke and correction being necessary for growth
+• The Holy Spirit convicting people of sin
+• The importance of reading scripture to become holy like Christ
+• Needing to be students of the word of God to graduate in life.
+• Importance of concentrated time in the scriptures
+• Bible helps us know we're saved and loved, but also points out our sin
+• Bible teaches how to obey God's will and be righteous
+• Practical advice and teachings for everyday life
+• Learning from others' mistakes and being guided by wisdom
+• Reading the Bible leads to spiritual growth and maturity
+• Reading the Bible as a novel, rather than studying it
+• The Gospel of John as a starting point for beginners
+• Nicky Gumbel's approach to reading the Bible
+• Lectio Divina: a method of meditating on scripture
+• Chewing away at a passage like a dog with a bone
+• Reflecting on how scripture speaks into one's life
+• Reading the Bible regularly as a personal discipline
+• Initial reluctance to read the Bible, but eventually doing so for three years minus one night
+• How reading the Bible changed the speaker's life and their perspective on faith
+• Importance of individuals making an effort to become more faithful and disciplined in their spiritual practices
+• Passion for Christ
+• Importance of being self-feeders, not reliant on the church
+• Concern about people taking distance from the church and potentially the Lord
+• Need for individuals to be able to care for their own soul and not rely on others
+• Comparison between mature children who don't need their mothers and churches being compared to mothers in scripture
+• The importance of relating deeply and intimately to Christ
+• The knowledge of what it means to be saved
+• Recognizing oneself as a sinner and following the Savior
+• Living, praying, and thanking God for speaking to us
+• Praise for God's creation and his powerful word
+• Asking for help in submitting to God's living word
+• Seeing Jesus Christ for who he is and submitting to him
+• Prayer for encouragement and reminder of one's identity in Christ