The ECC Podcast Emmanuel Christian Community

To understand the setting and context for the book of Judges, Ken takes a quick look at the ending of the book of Joshua, which sets the stage for what comes next in the book of Judges.Some horrific things happen in the book of Judges and we see God's people being shaped by their culture and not by God. But God's grace (and justice) shines throughout the whole book.What can we learn about ourselves and about God from this wild and often strange book? A very relevant book for us today. 

Has anyone ever told you to "grow up?" Ouch! It feels kind of insulting doesn't it?  Those who followed Jesus in the 1st century were told by both Jesus and Paul (the guy who wrote half of the New Testament) to be mature, to grow up, to be shaped liked Jesus. But it wasn't meant to be a smart alec comment.In this closing message of the Shaped by Jesus Series series, pastor Ken shows us from the Bible what both Jesus and Paul had in mind for the followers then and for us today.

Jesus invites all who follow him to be people that are "salty". To add flavor to life. To preserve life. He invites us to be like a light that shines and impacts everyone around that light. To be like a city on the top of a hill, where everyone can see it (kind of like Burnaby).  But maybe we’ve never considered that by giving away our faith could also be part of our own spiritual formation?In this message pastor Ken will share scripture and stories that illustrate what it can look like to give away our faith and also how God uses this to grow our faith and shape us to be more like Him.

How does Christian service help shape us to be more like Christ? Through Matthew's Parable of the Sheep and Goats we will learn what it means that service done to "the least of these" is service rendered to Jesus. Just as Jesus gave His life as a ransom for others so the church is called to be shaped by Jesus in giving ourselves for the sake of others. By engaging in service, the church reaffirms that wholeness is found when mercy and justice overflow. 

Carl Gaede, director of our partners at Tutapona, is our guest and challenges us to understand more about our fears and how not to be overcome by them.Shaped by Jesus Series Info

Do you want to be a happier person and live longer? Maybe 11 years longer, to be exact?There is so much busy-ness in our lives: the hurry, the endless emails, unfinished projects, relationships that need attention, and of course the financial stress we have.  Our minds, souls and bodies need a rhythm of rest. We need a Sabbath. In fact, not only do we need it, but God has said it’s a holy, consecrated act to stop, rest, find delight in Him and to worship. When we Sabbath we draw closer to God. We allow ourselves to be “Shaped by Jesus.” But first…we must try.  Are you willing to try?

Ken continues our Shaped by Jesus Series speaking from Gen 2:1-3 & Ex 20:8-11.