Clyde Christian Bible Church

Israel's demand for a king represents a sea change for the people of God.  It's a microcosm of everything broken about humanity, and everything good and beautiful about the King they already had: God Himself.  But what is the problem with having a king?  What are their motivations in demanding one?  How does this affect us today?  And how is ancient Israel like a hippopotamus?All these questions are examined here, in a series of subjects that Chris is incredibly passionate about: power, justice, and the Kingship of Christ.--------------------------------------------------------Features "What Joy (Psalm 146)", by Sarah EmersonCCLI Song # 5633113© 2009 Centricity Music Publishing; Sarah Emerson Music Publishing(Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Features "You Are My King (Amazing Love)", by Billy J. FooteCCLI Song # 2456623© 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)CCLI License # 1251412Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured

Israel has made some big mistakes by the time we get to 1 Samuel 7.  Will they learn from their mistakes, or perpetuate them?  Will they truly repent, or will they turn to faithlessness and fear at the first sign of trouble?  And what does repentance look like, anyway?Time to take a leisurely stroll through the monument to God's deliverance that is 1 Samuel 7.  Take your time and read the signs, and pore over the details, and remember that we are not so different from Israel after all.------------------------------------------------------Features "Forever", by Chris TomlinCCLI Song # 3148428© 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Features "Be Thou My Vision", by Eleanor Henrietta Hull and Mary Elizabeth ByrneCCLI Song # 30639Words & Music: Public DomainCCLI License # 1251412Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use.  They

Part III of 1 Samuel's Ark Narrative is an Easter story.  It may not sound anything like an Easter story, but it's definitely an Easter story.The presence of God has departed with the Ark of the Covenant, deep in the dark heart of enemy territory.  Where is the strong hand of God?  How could He let the nemesis of His people defeat Him?  What happens when God's glory dies and evil seems victorious?Around 1000 BC, Israel had to look backward 1000 years to the Exodus in order to see where they would be going in another 1000 years with Jesus' death and resurrection.  Find out the connection here.Happy Easter!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!--------------------------------------------------------------Features "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)", by Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher & Marty SampsonCCLI Song # 70377872015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Features "Stronger", by Ben Fielding & Reuben MorganCCLI Song # 50608102007 Hillsong Music Publi

Social Distancing is tough.  But it gives us an opportunity to appreciate the suffering of Jesus (and the purpose of that suffering) a little deeper.Happy Good Friday everyone!---------------------------------------------Features "How Deep the Father's Love For Us", by Stuart TownendCCLI Song # 1558110© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)CCLI License # 1251412Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use.  They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.Photo by Alireza Esmaeeli on Unsplash

In Part 2 of our three part "Ark Narrative" (1 Samuel 4-6), we find what becomes of the Philistines (and Indiana Jones' Nazis) once they have gained possession of the Ark of the Covenant.  Will they be able to control Almighty God once they gain control of His throne?  Or does this wild, Sovereign God have a lesson for everyone involved?From there, we take the story to today, a special day leading up to Easter.  The similarities are as unmistakable as they are beautiful, but there's also a warning for us, the same warning as the Philistines and Israelites received: Remember Who you are dealing with here.-----------------------Features "Blessed Be Your Name", by Beth & Matt RedmanCCLI Song # 3798438© 2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Features "What a Beautiful Name", by Ben Fielding & Brooke LigertwoodCCLI Song # 7068424© 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)CCLI License # 1251412Clyde Christian Bible Chur

Like Indiana Jones battling the Nazis, today's passage sees the Israelites battling the Philistines.  In both cases, fictional and factual, the action surrounds one small, simple, sacred golden box: the Ark of the Covenant.The Ark had long been the symbol of the supremacy of the God of Israel.  What does it mean, therefore, if the Ark doesn't bring victory?  Has His glory departed from His people?  What does all this have to do with our little quarantined church community?  And did Chris ever defeat those imaginary Nazis in his backyard?  Answers within.--------------------------Image of "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" is copyrighted by Lucasfilm and was used for the 2012 IMAX release of the film.  CCBC does not own the rights to this is image and is not profiting from its use.Features "Lord Let Your Glory Fall", by Matt RedmanCCLI Song # 2526728© 1998 Thankyou MusicFeatures "Better is One Day", by Matt RedmanCCLI Song # 1097451© 1995 Thankyou MusicClyde

The coronavirus has many of us following small, low-key instructions for health and safety: stay at home, wash hands, limit personal contact.  Why isn't God doing bigger things?  If Our God is greater, stronger and healer, then where is He in the midst of all this?Perhaps the story of Naaman, a foreigner with a highly infectious skin disease, can shed some light on fear and love in the time of COVID-19.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Features "I Stand in Awe", by Mark AltroggeCCLI Song # 23914© 1987 Sovereign Grace PraiseFeatures "Our God", by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, Matt RedmanCCLI Song # 5677416© 2010 Atlas Mountain Songs; sixsteps Music; Thankyou Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use.  They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship

"Here I am."  Three simple words with history-altering consequences.  As Israel transitions leadership from the old, corrupt priesthood of Eli to the new, faithful priesthood of Samuel, we catch a glimpse of the necessity of transformation.  God is doing a new thing in us; but first, the old must pass away.Featuring the excellent acting debuts of Sharon and Dave!

Allow me to introduce you to two world class losers: Hophni and Phinehas.  Thanks to their complete contempt of God and His holiness, their father's line of priests is going to be replaced.  In this sermon, Chris contrasts the corruption and self-interest of the wicked priests who get replaced with the innocence and growth of the righteous Samuel who will eventually be the one who replaces them.  You know, like when you want to replace your cookware because you've watched too many infomercials.  Exactly like that.Also, this is about as close as Chris gets to hellfire and brimstone, so eat it up while you can!

Hannah's song is a powerful piece of protest against injustice, and praise for the God Who raises the vulnerable, the voiceless, the hopeless and the hurting.  Her song becomes the paradigm under which the rest of the Books of Samuel function (not to mention the rest of God's work with humanity).Near the end, Chris gives an impassioned plea for Alberta as a province to stop being the ones who increase the suffering and hardships of our most vulnerable populations in schools, hospitals, Child Services, and other places.  We have a chance to, like Hannah, seek the God Who Raises those whom society deems lowly.There's also some low key rapping, if you're into that!

As we kick off 1 Samuel, we will come to hear stories of mighty men who perform heroic acts: David, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan and many others.  But first, setting the stage for the entire proceedings, we meet a small, unknown, and depressed woman named Hannah.Her story of God bringing life and hope out of a barren, lifeless situation mirrors Israel's own situation at the beginning of these books.  But it's also a small, intimate story of God hearing, remembering and redeeming a faithful servant who turns her desires over to Him.We also somehow compare all of this to James Bond.  Daniel Craig fans unite!

Hannah.  Samuel.  Saul.  David.  Jonathan.  Bathsheba.  Absalom.  Facing giants, dancing naked, sparing enemies, demonstrating repentance.  That's right: we're heading off on a new adventure, through the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel.  Here, Chris sets the stage for the characters, stories, and themes we will encounter.  All of it boils down to this: Israel had always wrestled with having Yahweh as King, but who would God choose as their earthly king?  It's a question that has ramifications for our faith today.Come for the intro to the Books of Samuel; stay for the ten minute rant on how to properly read the Old Testament.

Our Church has been deeply involved with Heart for Home Haiti, which has now come under the umbrella of Lifeline Christian Mission (LCM).  Our friend Rick Scruggs from LCM gives us an update on the nation of Haiti, the house being built in Port Salut to further the mission, and his most recent trip to help with the building program (along with all the dangers and unforeseen struggles that pop up when doing mission work).The deeper message, however is an encouragement to finish the work.  Whether it's missions, community, salvation, or whatever... God isn't finished with us yet.  Keep overcoming struggles, and keep your eyes on Him.And watch out for small wooden bridges in Haiti!

Deserts feel barren, lifeless, and harsh.  Many of our heroes in Scripture, including the most familiar names, spent time in desert places.  While there, God often showed up and transformed them.Each of us encounter desert experiences in our lives as well: times of loneliness, obscurity, discipline, mental illness, and thirst for more in life- just like our heroes in Scripture.  Is there a Way out?  Who knows it?  How can we find that Way, in all the sandy sadness and searing stress of life?And what comes after Luke 3?  Thankfully, Barb is there to guide us through that (tricky?) question as well.

Wrapping up a two week miniseries, we look at how our second PRE word, Presents, tell us how to respond to the arrival of the Messiah.  Don't be rude: follow the examples of the magi, shepherds, Simeon & Anna, Zechariah & Elizabeth, Joseph & Mary, Little Drummer Boys, and Friendly Beasts.  Open your gift like a rejoicing child... and then bring Him something in return.  But what present should we bring, to lay before the King (pa rum pa pum pum)?PS: If you ever find yourself worshiping at Clyde Christian Bible Church, maybe avoid licking your fingers, putting your hand over the mouth of the glass, belching, or saying Happy Holidays.  Actually... maybe that last one is fine!PPS: Big thank you to Darcey for perfectly interrupting the sermon to give Chris a giant stuffed stegosaurus!

As we move from the RE:series to the PRE:series, we begin to examine Advent through the lens of words that begin with "pre".  Our first word is Preparations.  The Christmas season is filled with preparations, which can be burdensome and stressful, but also joyful and meaningful.  The same was true for the arrival of the Messiah.God had been making preparations for centuries beforehand, and the birth narrative itself prepares us for Jesus' identity and purpose.  But what do all these preparations mean for us this Advent season?  And who is this mysterious "Gangie Rantz" individual who stresses over picking Christmas gifts?  And how will Chris' daughter do in her big Christmas concert recorder performance?  These important questions (and more) await!

The following is NOT a Christmas message, despite kicking off our celebration of Advent 2019.  It is, however, an examination of how Jesus refused to grasp onto His divine status, but instead came to Earth to give, give, give and give some more.  He has great gifts ready for us, and He came in humility and power to give them.  Great gifts, like the gifts of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.  And Ferrero Rocher.Okay, so maybe there is some Christmas in there somewhere.

One of the many bizarre things about Chris is how much he resists sleep... at his own peril.  Humans are designed for rest.  In this, the final installment of the RE:examination series, we explore the 4 types of Old and New Testament rests and combine them together to get a portrait of how crucial it is for the people of God to rest in Him.  It sounds like a small, weak, and unsuspecting word.  But REST contains enormous power and purpose.We also answer the age-old question of whether or not Jesus watched Netflix on the mountain.

The greatest grudge match for followers of Jesus becomes how to understand their means of expressing faith.  Is Christianity a religion, or a relationship?  What is the difference between them, and what does Scripture say about them?  Chris' answer is probably obvious- he seems to preach about this topic every second sermon.  But in the end: are religion and relationship really combatants?  Or is Christianity a tag team between them?  To find out... LET'S GET READY TO PODCAST!!!

Israel underwent a severely traumatic experience with the Exile.  But God remained with His people, preserving a faithful remnant.  Out of that remnant came a New Growth, with New Life for a New People, and this New Growth promised to remain with His New People if they remain in Him.  What does this look like for us?  What does this mean?  We'll RE:examine these questions (and more) in this sermon.And if anyone is a gardener who is deeply offended by Chris' ignorance of basic gardening tips, please forgive him.  He also doesn't know much about trees, apparently.