PastorDan.Blog

Sunday January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T07:41:00.001-08:00

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!

Thank-you for joining us this morning for the second part of a message on the Apostles Creed.

Please follow along in the Bible using the links below and enjoy the service!

2 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 2 Chronicles 33:1-7; Romans 7:19-24; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 3:1-3

This Sunday at DCC

2012-01-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14)

I hope everyone will join our gathering for these first few Sunday mornings of 2012 at DCC because we have some important unfinished business to tie up.

This week I want to conclude our look at the Apostle’s Creed from the last Sunday before Advent. What, if any; are the current threats to sound teaching? What, if anything; can be done about them?

Next Week I hope to wrap up our “Unity of the Body” Series from Ephesians 2:11-22 and the final Sunday in January will be the year end review, our annual “Money Sunday” service in which we will have a great deal to discuss and decisions to make.

Why not turn over a new leaf for 2012 and become a regular attendee if you are not one already - don’t miss any of the next three weeks if it is at all possible!

This Sunday in Winnipeg

2012-01-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T05:28:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Thank-you for Joining us today and best wishes for a 2012 that is blessed in every way, especially with spiritual growth; as you draw near to the Lord!

I know you will be encouraged and inspired this morning as we welcome Pastor Brian Hamilton of Ambassadors for Christ Canada to share the value of short term missions and the unique AFC approach to getting the job done in third world countries.

Enjoy the service!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T04:16:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a 2012 that is blessed in every way, especially with spiritual growth; as you draw near to the Lord!

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

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Colossians 2:6-16

This Weekend at Dakota

2011-12-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17)

Let me begin by wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a 2012 that is blessed in every way, especially with spiritual growth; as you draw near to the Lord.

The plans for worship this weekend include:

A Christmas Eve Communion/Candle Light Service to be held at 5:30 pm in the upstairs sanctuary. Pastor Chris will be leading us and sharing the Word.

Sunday morning Service at the usual time (10:30 am), also in the upstairs sanctuary with PCC invited to join us! My message is entitled; “The Reality is Found in Christ” and I feel certain it will be a blessing.

To those who will be travelling or away for whatever scheduling reasons - God bless and keep you over the holiday season and see you next year!

Sunday December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T05:25:00.001-08:00

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!

Thank-you for joining us this fourth Sunday in advent; our theme for today’s service and title of our message is: “Love”

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

Scripture for today’s sermon:

John 3:1-21; Mark 10:45; Matthew 2:16; Exodus 20:1-7; Romans 7:21-25; Romans 2:4

December 18, 2011 at Dakota

2011-12-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)

This Sunday morning - (the last before Christmas!) - we will be lighting the fourth candle in the advent wreath which serves to remind us of God’s incredible love for us.

To think of the God of the Universe, the creator of all things, lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, in the care of a teenage girl is mind boggling to say the least.

What does this “advent” say about the nature of God’s love? What does it say about the human condition that this extreme measure is necessary?

In order to save us, God became one of us, tempted in every way as we are - yet without sin.

Please join me this Sunday morning as we celebrate the love of God as it is revealed to us through the incarnation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Sunday December 11, 2011

2011-12-11T05:22:00.001-08:00

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!

Thank-you for joining us this third Sunday in advent; our theme for today’s service and title of our message is: “Joy”

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

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Luke 2:8-10; Hebrews 12:22-24; Nehemiah 8:10; Ecclesiastes 1:12-14; Isaiah 8:21-22; Isaiah 9:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23

Sunday November 27, 2011

2011-11-27T04:58:00.001-08:00

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!

Thank-you for joining us this first Sunday in advent; our theme for today’s service and title of our message is: “Hope”

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

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Isaiah 35:1-10; Isaiah 7: 14; Proverbs 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Hebrews 10:10-25; Genesis 3:14-15

November 27, 2011 at Dakota

2011-11-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

Advent means "coming" or "arrival" so the focus of the entire season is twofold: the celebration of the birth of Jesus in His First Advent, and the anticipation of His return at His Second Advent.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we are celebrating the most astounding truth about our God, the revelation that in Christ all of creation might be reconciled to Him! We now participate in and are daily affected by that reconciliation, and we long for its final consummation at Christ’s return.

In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. We live "between the times" and are called to be ambassadors and evangels of the gospel that has been entrusted to us.

I hope you will join me every Sunday between now and December 25th as we celebrate God’s breaking into history in the Incarnation, and longingly anticipate the future consummation to that history for which “all creation is groaning.”

Sunday November 20, 2011

2011-11-20T05:32:00.001-08:00

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 is Church History Sunday at DCC and we will be looking at “The Apostle’s Creed”

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

Scripture for today’s sermon:

2 Timothy 1:13-14; Jude 1:3-4; 1 John 4:1-3

Law and Gospel in a Nutshell (From: letterofmarque.us)

2011-11-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

Now Scripture sets forth two kinds of teaching—Law and Gospel. The Law, in condemning sins and setting forth the gravest threats of God, is that hammer (Jer. 23:29) through which God breaks rocks, that is crushes the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humbles it, so that truly and earnestly acknowledging the multitude and magnitude of sins and of the wrath of God over sin, the mind begins to hate and detest sin, to fear the wrath and judgment of God so that it is unwilling to perish eternally under them but sighs and struggles with groaning that it may be freed from them. There the Law indeed has and sets forth promises of life, but on condition of perfect fulfillment… The Gospel, however, teaches that what was impossible for the Law on account of the flesh, God provided by sending His Son (Rom. 8:3). More... http://www.letterofmarque.us/2011/11/law-and-gospel-in-a-nutshell.html

Sunday November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T07:02:00.001-08:00

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 Pastor Chris Cormie will share a message entitled “Finding Our Freedom” - Enjoy

Sunday October 30, 2011

2011-10-30T03:15:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-26T04:55:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-23T05:47:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

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, Peterand 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

2011-10-20T06:03:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-16T05:46:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-09T05:19:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-05T05:13:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Fall in Winnipeg!

2011-10-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

What Are You Seeing?

2011-10-04T08:16:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-02T05:15:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

"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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October 2, 2011 at Dakota

2011-09-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

...we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience... (Colossians 1:9-13)

Many of you who have been consistently attending DCC in recent times will be able to attest to the fact that your pastor is fired-up about grace! I have always been enthusiastic where the gospel is concerned but lately something new has happened in me, I believe God has opened my eyes and given me a greater understanding of His merciful grace - the result has been revolutionary, exhilarating and oh so liberating! I can’t stop thinking about what Jesus has done for me and this obsession is invading every area of my life. In the shadow of the cross; everything comes into proper perspective, narcissistic ideals collapse, selfish ambitions fade, eternal treasures loom large; in the words of Tim McGraw: “I like it, I love it, I want some more of it!”

Please join me this Sunday at Dakota for “more of it” and by “it” - I mean GRACE!

In “Grace Transforms 4” we will continue to look at just how grace becomes an agent of real change in the Christians life. Grace transforms: (a) When the gospel remains central. (b) When the gospel is not turned back into law. And (c) When we understand the great exchange - substitutionary atonement. More on Sunday.

If God is For Us

2011-09-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Christian life is not first dependent on what's in our heart for God but what's in God's heart for us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)

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Making Peace

2011-09-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

There is a difference between making peace and avoiding conflict.

My natural tendency is toward “playing nice” over enduring strife.

The avoidance of conflict, the ignoring of divisive issues; these do not result in peace.

A cold war stand-off is not peace.

Real peacemakers sometimes have to stir up trouble before peace can be reached.

I am not saying the other end of the spectrum is right either, some people are not looking for peace they just want a fight, but consider this:

Even in our own salvation before we have peace with God we have conviction of sin, repentance, and bowing to Lordship at the cross of Christ.

If we were there in the temple that day, when Jesus was flipping over the money-changers tables, would we have thought this behavior suitable for the Son of God?

Jesus is showing us here His passion for all things sacred, he is showing us his justice on behalf of the victims of this world especially victims of religious systems, and he is showing His ability to carry out judgment and penalty for sin.

What did these temple service providers do to so enrage the passion of Jesus?

a) They took sacred things and treated them as common.

It wasn’t that they were selling animals for the sacrifice, those services were needed, it wasn’t that they were exchanging money, money had to be exchanged, the problem Jesus had with it was that they were doing it inside the temple.

Do we do this?

Our bodies, our words, our treatment of each other, marriage, worship, sacraments – Just asking

b) They caused the people to despise the temple sacrifice.

They charged a temple tax that was the equivalent of 2 days pay.

The tax had to be paid in “shekels of the sanctuary” because Jewish coins were acceptable to God, foreign coins were not acceptable. The exchange rate was about 1 days pay.

The animals were for sale for temple sacrifices to the Lord.

The animals offered to the Lord are required by law to be without spot or blemish. A fee was charged to have a temple official inspect your animal.

Animals brought from outside the temple were almost always rejected as unfit for the Lord.

The thing set up by God to make closeness to Him possible (substitutionary atonement) is turned into a source of resentment toward God because of the actions of His ministers.

Do we do this?

(You need Jesus AND… fill in pet behavior ,,, to really be saved) Membership, tithing, covenants, legalism, performance based approval – Just asking

c) They were motivated by profit and not service to God or the people.

Jesus made this point clearly to the disciples as we later learn in Peter’s writing.

1 Peter 5:1-3

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Do we do this?

Mansions, private jets, entourages, limos, multi site, special treatment – Just asking

Sunday September 25, 2011

2011-09-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

This mornings sermon entitled “Grace Transforms” 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 ; Colossians 1:12-14 ; Galatians 2:3 ; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ; Matthew 5:17

Heavenly Minded

2011-09-23T04:53:00.001-07:00

Read history & you find that Christians who did most for the present world were those who thought most of the next

#CSLewis

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)

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September 25, 2011 at Dakota

2011-09-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

...we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:9-13)

Paul is clearly fired up as he tells the Colossian Church that He has been praying for them and asking God on their behalf for what all believers long for – changed lives!

He wants them living worthily, pleasing God with their lifestyles, bearing fruit, growing, becoming stronger, more tenacious, patient, joyful and thankful to God. Paul wants the Colossians; and all subsequent believers down through the ages, to know the life transforming power of the gospel.

After the summer break we are now returning to our trek through the Book of Ephesians by picking up where we left off in the “Grace Transforms” sermon series. To date we have looked at the origins and the definition of biblical grace. I hope you will join me this Sunday morning as we turn our attention to just how exactly “grace” becomes an agent of actual life change. See you Sunday.

2011-09-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Because of the grace given to us in Christ we lack no spiritual gift and He keeps us strong to the end.

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Pastor's Kids

2011-09-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

"One of the reasons pastors' kids have the reputation they do is due to their fathers' constant public exploitation of them." - Burke Parsons

It is difficult not to abuse the steady supply of illustrations from family life and I fear that I am guilty in this department for sure. I do have a great relationship with all three of my sons though so I guess they have forgiven me.

Any thoughts?

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Sunday September 18, 2011

2011-09-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

We are a Christ centred Church coming togeather to worship the One who has paid the ultimate price to redeem us for Himself.

This morning we are looking at our gospel proclamation. Has the message of the church changed? Have men evolved beyond superstitious notions like sin and repentance? Has the mystery of the ages been re-hidden? Has the commanded way of salvation been modified, revoked, or expanded in any way?

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Acts 17:22-31; Genesis 18:18; Isaiah 49:6; Exodus 9:16-18; Acts 17:29; Acts 4:6-12; Acts 19:23-27; Acts 17:30; Ephesians 3:2-6; Romans 10:11-15; Acts 17:31; John 10:14-16; Acts 2:6-8

September 18, 2011

2011-09-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. (Acts 17:22-23)

The Apostle Paul is very bold in his declaration to the men of Athens. In the past God overlooked the religious ignorance of men - but no longer. At one time offering worship to a false or unknown deity went largely unchallenged by the one true and living God of heaven. Where once he worked primarily in and through one covenant nation; now He commands ALL men EVERYWHERE to repent! Now the mystery of the ages is being revealed! Now the day of judgement is declared appointed and proven

Fast forward 2000 years.

What about our day? What about the modern men of Athens, or New York City, or Winnipeg?

Has the message changed? Have men evolved beyond superstitious notions like sin and repentance? Has the mystery of the ages been re-hidden? Has the commanded way of salvation been modified, revoked, or expanded in any way?

I hope you will join me this Sunday as we examine this message that has been handed down to us. The good news! This same gospel that we have received; we are now boldly commissioned to proclaim.

After a Hard Sunday

2011-09-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

I stood in the pulpit to preach three times yesterday, small crowds, some clearly exhausted from hard weeks or late Saturday nights. Fidgety bottoms and restless hands, to many hasty parades to the restroom; are they thinking about the last gasps of summer going on just a few short steps - or perhaps one, now regretful, decision away?

I am the dungeon master in some twisted new version of the inquisition, forcing my captives to sit through a gruelling ninety minutes of torture, first the singing and then the sermon; droning on and on about this God they cannot see and who seems to be drifting further and further from cultural relevance. (Foolishness I know but this is where I go in my obsession with self.)

The anger rises like bile in the back of my throat - vomit is beyond holding down. My legalistic heritage longs to be turned loose:

“Where is everybody, it’s back to school time, what about back to church?”

“What of sacrificial love, of duty, of commitment to body and ministry?”

“How can they treat me like this, why don’t they get it?”

I struggle to stay on task... to remember the gospel - “It’s not about me, it’s not about me, it is NOT about ME!”

Soon enough the job is done.

Anger gives way - about 18 hours early this time - to my old friend; despair. My wife can see it; hanging on me like a heavy winter coat on this hot September afternoon, there is compassion in her sad eyes but somehow that only makes it worse. I long for solitude, if only the earth would open up and swallow me like Korah and his fellow rebels, where is that hiding place, that “cleft for me” in the rock of ages; please, please Lord Jesus... make it stop.

It doesn’t stop.

There are wounds that need healing salve, heartaches that need compassionate ears, tired legs that only need a drive, lonely souls in want of company; and desperate situations in need of prayer and answers. It’s all too much for me; I must have gotten it wrong. If God called me to this shouldn’t I be better at it and if He didn’t call me... then why - even now - do I love it so much?

Gently, gently the turning comes. I am reminded of the point; it always seems to return to this with me. Martin Luther said that sin is: “homo incurvatus in se”, humanity curved in on itself - this certainly rings true of me.

A parishioner skipping church, a sullen family member, that idiot in traffic, my phone ringing now of all times, the Bombers losing... back to back... to Saskatchewan; it’s all about me. I am hopelessly, endlessly, selfishly, curved in on myself - a sinner.

Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!

The gospel penetrates and sets me free from myself one more time! Oh - how many times will I need to be reminded?

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness ...for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

He leads me, He guides me, He puts me back on the path, He grants me rest, and He restores my soul all the while reminding me that it’s not about me. It’s for His Name’s sake!

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Sunday September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

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 are wrapping up the “God’s Incommunicable Attributes” sermon series with a look at another of the characteristics of God that we do not share - “Eternity” - God has no beginning and is without end!

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Jeremiah 9:23-24; Psalm 90:1-6; Exodus 3:14; Colossians 1:13-23; Psalm 102:25-27; Hebrews 2:1-3; Isaiah 46:1-13; Hebrews 9:11-12; Deuteronomy 33:27

Interpreting Scripture

2011-09-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

The principle rule of interpreting Scripture is that scripture interprets Scripture. - R.C. Sproul

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Rest

2011-09-10T05:19:00.001-07:00

Jesus says: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)

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September 11, 2011 at Dakota

2011-09-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1-2)

I hope you will join me this Sunday morning as we wrap up the “God’s Incommunicable Attributes” series.

To date we have covered God’s immutability (His unchangeableness), His Self-Sufficiency (His independence), and His Unity (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit - ONE); You may review those messages by clicking on the underlined title.

In this weeks series conclusion we will examine the eternality of God.

Some of you know what it is to have particularly inquisitive children. They drive you to the very edge of sanity with endless questioning. “Who made that?” “Oh… then Who made that?”

After you have exhausted your personal incite regarding history and ancestry you will begin to answer universally, “God made it”. “Who made our apple tree?” – God made it. “Who made dinosaurs?” – God made them. “Who made my little sister?” – God made her The final question becomes, “And Who made God?”

Sunday morning we will try to wrap our minds around the concept of the living God who is “unmade.”

On it Goes in Winnipeg

2011-09-06T16:42:00.001-07:00

Sunday September 4, 2011

2011-09-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

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 return to the “God’s Incommunicable Attributes” sermon series with a look at another of the characteristics of God that we do not share - “Unity”!

Scripture for today’s sermon:

Jeremiah 9:23-24; Galatians 5:17; Genesis 11:6; Acts 2:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Isaiah 6:8; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 22:41-46; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1-4; John 20:26-31; Acts 5:3-4; Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-4

September 4, 2011 at Dakota

2011-09-02T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

I hope you will join me this Sunday morning as we resume the “God’s Incommunicable Attributes” series.

To date we have covered God’s immutability, that is His unchangeableness and God’s Self-Sufficiency, also known as His total independence - He does not need anything or anyone outside of Himself. You may review those messages by clicking on the underlined title.

Most of us have been aware at one time or another of the painful loneliness that exists as a part of life for fallen creatures like ourselves. King Solomon put it like this in Proverbs 14: “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”

The fall has left us isolated; separated from God and somehow, even at the best of times, feeling as though we are standing on the wrong side of the door to a room we want desperately to be welcomed into. This is not something that God experiences; and it is nothing that He ever intended for us!

God exists and always has existed as “One” - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, ever experiencing interpersonal relationship and always in perfect unity. God did not create the universe to satisfy some cosmic sense of loneliness - more on this Sunday morning at 10:30

Opinions of Men

2011-08-31T16:42:00.001-07:00

You are not the sum total of the opinions leveled against you. The righteousness of Christ trumps the opinions of men.

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Grace Will...

2011-08-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

Grace will teach you how selfish you are, while it moves you to live for the glory of Another.

Grace will expose the depth of your rebellion, while it works in you a heart to obey.

Grace will reveal the extent of your weakness, while it gives you power beyond what you have ever known.

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Offensive Indeed!

2011-08-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

True Gospel preaching will always be "foolishness" to every culture. Any attempt to remove the offense diminishes the power of the Gospel.

Paul Washer

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Things That Make You Go HMMMM

2011-08-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Sunday August 28, 2011

2011-08-28T05:42:00.001-07:00

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!

You are in for a blessing this Sunday morning as we take a break from the Incommunicable Attributes series to hear the good news from Pastor Chris.

Scripture for “Putting Up or Putting Down”

James 3:2; Proverbs 10:19; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Acts 13:15; Proverbs 11:25-26; Acts 13:15; Acts 13:42-48; Acts 13:15

August 28, 2011 at Dakota

2011-08-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. (Acts 13:12)

Believers are all ambassadors representing the Kingdom of heaven and its King - Jesus. As such none of us are free to go about voicing opinions or taking actions that are not in line with the will of the King. We are not our own, we were bought at a very high price!

So how are we doing on that front?

Are we representing the King well?

Are our words and actions in line with His will?

Are people believing and being amazed at what we are teaching about the Lord?

You are in for a blessing this Sunday morning as we take a break from the Incommunicable Attributes series to hear the good news from Pastor Chris.

Don’t miss what is sure to be a great service featuring this important message which Chris has entitled: “Putting Up or Putting Down?”

See you Sunday.

Why It Has To Be Jesus

2011-08-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Every human stands guilty of sin before a Holy God who rightfully claims all as His own. We all deserve eternal separation from Him - the just penalty for sin - also known as hell.

God, in his mercy willed to forgive sinful men, and being truly merciful, willed to forgive them righteously, that is, without in any way condoning their sin. Thus He purposed to direct against his own very Self in the person of his Son the full weight of that righteous wrath which they deserved.

Jesus stands alone as the solution to the problem that plagues humanity. He is the door - he does not show us the door, he does not demonstrate the correct behaviour which shall open the door - HE IS THE DOOR!

No one gets to the Father except THROUGH Him.

View From My Hammock

2011-08-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Preachers Love Mondays!

On Hope

2011-08-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

"It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent."

- Jeremy Taylor

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Life on the Line

2011-08-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

You never know how much you really believe anything until it's truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.

- CS Lewis

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Sunday August 21, 2011

2011-08-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

We are a Christ centred Church coming togeather to worship the One who has paid the ultimate price to redeem us for Himself.

In today’s sermon we will examine another one of the incommunicable attributes of God (Those He does not have in common with us).

Self-Sufficiency: God knows no lack

Today’s Texts:

Jeremiah 9:23-24; Psalm 95:1-7; Acts 17:24-25; Genesis 1:1; Job 38:1-7; Job 40:1-14; Job 42:1-6; Romans 11:34-36; Matthew 3:17; Exodus 3:2-6; Acts 9:3-9

Today's Focus

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Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Remember it's not about you and how you are doing - it's about Him and how He did in your place!

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Worth the Read

2011-08-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Rod Rosenbladt answers how the law functions in sanctification?

READ: http://t.co/x57ACP7

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Our Substitute

2011-08-18T16:02:00.001-07:00

Jesus not only died a substitutionary death for us - absorbing the wrath of God on our behalf - He also lived a substitutionary life for us. His righteous life and it's reward are imputed to us. This means that we are not only saved by grace - we are also kept by grace.

Go ahead and forget about yourself. It's ALL Him!

The more you keep your focus off of you and how you are progressing and the more you keep your focus on Jesus and His finished work on your behalf the better.

Don't worry you are not going to drift into sinful living with your eyes fixed on Jesus. If you are really honest, all of your diligent efforts at law keeping have not produced a lot of life change anyway.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

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Forgive

2011-08-18T15:32:00.001-07:00

When you forgive, that means you absorb the loss and the debt. You bear it yourself. All forgiveness, then, is costly. - Tim Keller

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August 21, 2011 at Dakota

2011-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

This Sunday morning we will be continuing our latest series entitled: “God’s Incommunicable Attributes”.

Last Sunday we looked at God’s immutability, this week our subject is His self-sufficiency.

The human experience is one of total dependence.

We are born helpless, unable to feed, clothe or provide for even the most basic of our needs; without immediate and constant help from others we face imminent death.

As life goes on many of us manage to convince ourselves that we are becoming more and more independent - this is of course complete foolishness. We never stop being in need. We require community interaction and human support but; beyond that we need the provision of God, air to breath, organs that function, water, land and to much more to mention.

Our God is completely unlike us in this - living eternally without need of anything outside Himself - I hope to see you Sunday!

Exuding Grace

2011-08-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

A sign you're growing in grace: Even your body language is gospel. People feel God's welcome in your presence. - Scotty W Smith

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Nothing is Confidential

2011-08-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

Interesting thoughts on the digital revolution

First from Pastor Darryl Dash on the need to be aware of privacy issues:

http://www.dashhouse.com/blog/2011/8/15/nothing-is-confidential.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed

From Dr. Albert Mohler – After the Revolution

Welcome to the Brave New World of new media. Over the last two decades, we have experienced nothing less than a revolution in the ways that information is gathered, manipulated, published, and disseminated. And, as is the case with any development of this magnitude, Christians must give careful consideration to our responsibility in the context of this new digital age…

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/after-revolution/

Why Do We Gather?

2011-08-16T08:09:00.001-07:00

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

These are things Christians are to focus on when they meet togeather.

Ephesians 4:11-13

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The gathering of the saints is not for those who are “far from God”. The saints gather to be prepared for service, to be built up, and to mature through knowledge of the Son of God. We are to be sensitive to the seeker but not the seeker that has gained prominence in these times. We are to be sensitive to the One who came to “seek and to save”.

Colossians 3:15-17

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Do these things sound “seeker sensitive”? Does this sound anything like what church services have become in the last 15-20 years?

Quote:

We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive. - C. S. Lewis

John 21:15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Was this a word for Peter only?

I think it is a word for all leaders in the church at all times, feed the sheep!

When the sheep gather the primary purpose is feeding of the sheep!

Sanctification

2011-08-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

Sanctification is the long slow process of accepting our justification.

Over time - a long time - belief in the work of Christ, in it's totality, in it's completeness, in it's utter nonreliance upon our contributions; begins to sink in.

It dawns on us little by little that "It is finished" actually meant - IT IS FINISHED!

The gospel really is good news - lay your burden down.

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Keeping It

2011-08-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

God's favor is not earned - or kept - by human effort. His favor is ours because of Christ's effort on our behalf. #Dakotacc

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The Help

2011-08-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Really enjoyed this movie - go see it in the theatre - the story is fantastic and the visuals deserve the big the screen!

The Struggle

2011-08-14T15:02:00.001-07:00

Our ongoing fight of faith is to resist the temptation to find our life in anything or anyone other than Christ. Our eternal value and identity are settled forever in Christ.

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Grace is Central

2011-08-14T14:56:00.001-07:00

"The very center and core of the whole Bible is the doctrine of the grace of God"

- J Gresham Machen.

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God Knows

2011-08-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

"The difference between you and God is that God doesn't think He's you." Anne Lamott

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Sunday August 14, 2011

2011-08-14T06:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

We have gathered to lift up, to exalt, and to make much of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Our desire is to know the one true God as He has revealed Himself in scripture. We do not want to merely know about Him, to continually gather facts without entering into relationship; however the facts He has revealed about Himself are important if we are going to avoid creating a god in our own image.

In today’s sermon we will examine one of the incommunicable attributes of God (Those He does not have in common with us).

Immutability: God does not change.

Today’s Texts:

Jeremiah 9:23-24; Leviticus 10:1-2; Hebrews 6:13-20; James 1:16-17; Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Exodus 3:14-15; Psalm 119:89-90; Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 100:5; Romans 11:34-36; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 Samuel 15:10-35

What is the Gospel

2011-08-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Tim Keller answering, "What is the Gospel?" - http://t.co/u9dHrm1

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The 100% Reality

2011-08-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

"You can do all the Pilates you want, but eventually you're going to die." - Matt Chandler

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Not of this World

2011-08-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

We have a longing for something that we remember, but that we have never had. #home - Tim Keller

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Boasting

2011-08-12T13:04:00.001-07:00

"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
   or the strong man boast of his strength
   or the rich man boast of his riches,
²⁴ but let him who boasts boast about this:
   that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
   justice and righteousness on earth,
   for in these I delight,"
            declares the LORD.

To know the LORD as He is, as He has revealed Himself; not as I wish Him to be, not as I really feel that He should be - AS HE IS

This is my desire - but not consistently enough - yet another revelation of my need of grace.

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Jude 1:24-25

2011-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

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Jets logo militaristic? Absurd

2011-08-12T12:39:00.001-07:00

http://m.en.canoe.ca/sports/hockey/18542466#.TkWA-2dhYho.mailto

A voice of reason

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Grow In Grace

2011-08-12T12:02:00.001-07:00

A sign you're growing in grace: You err on the side of not taking things personally. You're not as hair-trigger fragile - Scotty W Smith

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