Sunday October 30, 2011

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

We are a Christ centred, cross focused community of believers united by the good news of salvation by grace through faith!

This morning we add an Old Testament (Judges) book to our journey through the Bible with a message entitled “Judges 1: Introduction and Context”.

Enjoy and please follow along in the Bible using the links below.

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Judges 3:7 ; Judges 3:12 ; Judges 4:1 ; Judges 1:1-2 ; Judges 1:27-34 ; Judges 2:18-19 ; Judges 3:8-9 ; Judges 17:6 ; Numbers 16:1-3 ; 1 Samuel 8:1-7 ; Genesis 18:17-26 ; Zechariah 7:9-10  

 

 

October 30, 2011 at Dakota

Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them. 19 But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. (Judges 2:18-19)

The Book of Judges covers the chaotic period in Israel's history between the death of Joshua and the installation of Saul as King. (Approx. 1380-1050 B.C.)

Under Joshua's leadership, Israel had conquered and occupied much of the land of Canaan, but extensive areas still had not passed into the hands of the individual tribes. With the lack of clear leadership a disturbing trend begins to emerge.

A cycle of sin, bondage, repentance, and devotion, followed by sin and bondage again weaves its way through the entire age of the Judges in Israel.

Parallels may be drawn, lessons may be learned!

Join us this Sunday morning as we add an Old Testament book to our journey through the Bible with a message entitled “Judges 1: Introduction and Context”.

Social Justice

The man who truly understands what Jesus has done for him cannot help but lead a life of compassion; gratitude and humility work together eventually compelling him to seek justice for those less fortunate.

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:9)

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God. (Proverbs 14:31)

October 23, 2011

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

We are a Christ centred, cross focused community of believers united by the good news of salvation by grace through faith!

We have seen the powerful transformative effect the gospel has on every individual who believes but now, in Part 2 of “Unity of the Body”; we are reminded that individuals do not live in lonely isolation. The gospel impacts and transforms whole communities as it seizes the hearts and minds of those it encounters!

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Ephesians 2:11-22; Revelation 21:1-5; Psalm 145:1-2; Judges 8:22-23; Genesis 12:1-3; Luke 4:24-30; Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 15:21-28; Ephesians 2:14-15; Galatians 6:12-16; Hebrews 8:6-7; Titus 3:4-7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; Luke 23:44-46     

 

October 23, 2011 at Dakota

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. (Ephesians 2:14-15)

I hope you will join me this Sunday morning for “Unity of the Body - Part 2” as we continue to work our way through the Book of Ephesians.

 (You may listen to Part 1 if you missed it by clicking here.) 

Having clearly defined the good news as “salvation by grace through faith and not by works so that no one can boast”; Paul now begins to explain what life looks like in light of this truth. In order to underscore the importance of unity in the Body of Christ, he reminds the gentile Ephesians of just how divided from the people of God they were before Christ.

Formerly they were divided by circumcision, meaning that they were strangers to the covenants and promises of God.

Formerly they were divided by hope - the gentiles did not share in the hope of Messiah, a hope which allowed the people of God to endure incredible hardship with the knowledge that history is headed somewhere, there is a Sovereign plan being worked out.

This Sunday morning we will continue along these lines as we once more dive into the Word of God.



Join DCC at Lighthouse Mission

Join DCC for a service at Lighthouse Mission this Friday evening from 6:00–8:00pm. 2-4 more people are still needed to help with serving and clean-up.

James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.  (Galatians 2:9-10)



Serious Sin

God's grace never moves us to be casual about sin. If sin was anything  less than deadly serious, there would be no need for God's grace. Those who remain casual about sin after an encounter with grace have failed to grasp the meaning of the cross. Revelation of Christ's finished work at Calvary always leads to a desire for holiness, what changes is our motivation. #gratitude 

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Sunday October 16, 2011

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

We are a Christ centred, cross focused community of believers united by the good news of salvation by grace through faith!

We have seen the powerful transformative effect the gospel has on every individual who believes but now we are reminded that individuals do not live in lonely isolation. The gospel impacts and transforms whole communities as it seizes the hearts and minds of those it encounters!

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Ephesians 2:11-22; Acts 10:25-28; Acts 11:2; John 4:7-9; Exodus 24:7-8; Romans 3:28-30; Revelation 21:1-5; Psalm 145:1-2; Judges 8:22-23   

 

 

Out of Season

At times the gospel is not popular with the majority in a given culture, the temptation in these times is to ease up a little, to soften the rough edges of the message to make it easier for a wider audience to embrace. 

To do this is to lose the gospel - stand firm - there is no other way but Christ.

"We must obey God rather than men! ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹ God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. ³² We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." 

Acts 5:29-32

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October 16, 2011 at Dakota

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. (Ephesians 2:14-15)

Join me this Sunday morning (and don’t forget to invite a friend) as we continue to work our way through the Book of Ephesians.

Having established clearly the foundational definition of the gospel Paul now moves on to describe God’s plan to unite all things in Christ by this same gospel.

In one “body” God is uniting his church and breaking down all that separates us from each other and from Him.

In one “body” God is tearing down divisions between political, social, and ethnic groups.

In one “body” God is removing every barrier between husband and wife, parent and child; and even master and slave.

We have seen the powerful transformative effect the gospel has on every individual who believes but now we are reminded that individuals do not live in lonely isolation. The gospel impacts and transforms whole communities as it seizes the hearts and minds of those it encounters! See you Sunday morning.



Happy Thanksgiving

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

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October 9, 2011 at Dakota

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison… to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.    (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)

Happy Thanksgiving!

This weekend our nation sets aside a special time for the giving of thanks. It has to do with our history, it has to do with abundant lands and bountiful harvests, it has to do with surviving treacherous journeys and winning hard battles. Our ancestors were often overwhelmed with the opportunities and challenges that this vast dominion presented; conditions were brutal, the work was hard, but they were free and so they looked heavenward and gave thanks.

Those of us living in the shadow of the cross experience gratitude that goes far beyond issues of human survival or seasons of blessing.

Every day we turn to the one who has redeemed us from death, who has purchased us with HIS own blood; every day we realize who we are and what HE has done for us in spite of that. For us every day is Thanksgiving Day!

This Sunday morning at Dakota Joel Cormie will share a special holiday message he has entitled; “Remembering the Goodness of God.” Hope to see you there!



Loving the Call

I have had a verse from James 4 stuck in my head for the better part of the last year and wonder if you are aware of this shocking discovery. - It seems that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Not a good place to find yourself let me assure you - being "resisted" by God.

The problem for me is that I get fully convinced of the correctness of my point of view - and don't be trying to confuse me with the facts. The love of my life knows that when I say, "Whisper those three little words I am longing to hear." The words I am talking about are, "You were right." This is very odd behaviour for a man who has proven so consistently over the years to be flat out wrong.

It is one thing to irritate the people I love with this kind of nonsense, but when I really examine myself I see that I have spent a good deal of time relating to God in this way as well. A couple of examples:

• I have never liked my physical appearance and have often questioned God as to why He made me this way.
• I question His wisdom in calling me to the ministry.
• I know that men are never tempted beyond their ability to resist but I feel certain at times (especially mealtimes) that I am the exception to this rule. 
• Let's not forget that I have been fist shaking angry about being called to plant a (slow growing though not the plan) church in Winnipeg. - (This happens mostly in February and March when temperatures hit -40.)

If you can relate to any of this I want to point out that it is the absolute pinnacle of pride to believe even for a second that you "know better" than God and again - please remember that - GOD RESISTS THE PROUD!

There is only one reasonable course of action in this case - repent!

Humble yourself under the mighty sovereign hand of God and receive grace.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. (Acts 17:26)

He made us, He called us, He equipped us, He even put us in the correct place and time.

He is God and He is right!

Love My Winnipeg

Fabulous Fall in Winnipeg!

What Are You Seeing?

It is so easy to focus on the failures and shortcomings of others - especially of family members and close friends. Have you noticed a tendency to judge the weaknesses of others against your own strengths?

What did you do to gain those strengths? You say you worked hard, you studied long hours. Where did you get that healthy body? What did you do to gain a capable mind?

Face it - everything you are and all that you have achieved can be traced back to the grace of God.

Rather than fault finding; try looking for evidences of God's grace at work in the lives of those closest to you.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.   (1 Corinthians 13:2)

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Today

This is the day the LORD has made.

Think on this: the LORD who made this day suffered and died on another day that HE made... On a cross, absorbing the just wrath of God, taking the due penalty for your sin and mine.

Consider your need of that sacrifice.

Serve humbly. It's okay to stand at the back of the line. Everything you need for today you already have in Christ. Fix your attention on HIM. It's not about you.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

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Sunday October 2, 2011

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

We are a Christ centred, cross focused body of believers gathered to celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This meeting is about Him and His great victory and it is most definitely not about us!

This morning’s sermon entitled “Grace Transforms 4” is about the life altering power of grace in the life of a believer, please follow along by making use of the links below.

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Ephesians 2:8 ; Colossians 1:9-14 ; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ; Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 4:9-11; Philippians 1:20-21; Philippians 3:8; Colossians 1:12-14

 

 

Law

"The law detects, grace alone conquers sin." - Augustine

Fallen hearts respond to law with grudging compliance or rebellion; grace alone generates willing submission.

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