Perhaps you have been like me the past little while – seemingly having my head in the ground as I hear brief summaries of what is going on around the world. This week, I began to understand more of the details of the BP oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico and its possible ramifications should the problem not be resolved quickly. I heard of intensified confrontations in the Middle East and was reminded of the ongoing tension over geographic territory. We have attempted to help those in Haiti still trying to resume some type of “normalcy.”

Did you know that such issues are referred to in the Bible? Now before you label me as a “doomsday preacher,” I am not saying that these particular events certainly announce the end of the world. Nor am I saying this is not possible.

In our morning services, we have been investigating the life of Jesus. And before Jesus goes to die on a cross, he briefly speaks of the signs of the times pertaining to the end. Contrary to many television preachers who like to predict when the end will come, I believe Jesus refers to such things in an attempt to wake us from our slumber and to focus on things that are eternally significant. In other words, I believe that people too often focus solely on things that are temporal and neglect to consider their relationship to their Creator. So as you peruse news headlines, I would challenge you not to trust in the temporal security we experience in the Western world, but realize that life is fragile. And what is of utmost importance is your relationship to God. Join us Sunday mornings to see how the cross of Jesus is vital in this pursuit.

In Love,

Pastor Jonathan 

The Cross is Still Relevant 

The past weekend many people attended churches celebrating a significant event in history – the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It isn’t just a neat story about a good man though it has been told and retold in churches and even movie theatres.

On Good Friday, we explored the events of the cross specifically. If we believe that Jesus died a violent death on a cross, it would make sense that we would want to know why this had to take place. And why we might consider it “good.”

In our service, we considered some of these reasons by looking at Paul’s letter to the Romans. And in chapter 5, we are quickly reminded of what happened and why. In verse 6-12, the apostle Paul reminds us that apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ, there is nothing that we can humanly do that would reconcile a broken relationship to God. He uses words to describe us as morally weak, ungodly, sinners, and even enemies of God.

Within the same paragraph, Paul includes a very significant truth that brings hope to people. And his thoughts begin with some of my favourite words in the Bible – “but God.” In Romans 5:8, Paul includes, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The story of the cross is still relevant today because its message continues to provide a solution to our helpless condition before God. Jesus Christ paid a debt that we were unable to pay so that we might trust him for our salvation. And this is certainly “good!”

Love,

Pastor Jonathan
Squamish Baptist Church. 

Dear SBC family,

I am looking forward to our weekend as we meditate upon the great truths of the death and resurrection of Jesus. On Friday morning we will marvel at how the King of Kings would lay down his life for sinners. And we will respond by participating in Communion. It is a bittersweet reality knowing that our Saviour was nailed to a tree because we also know that the penalty of our sins would be paid that day. And we know how the story ends. The grave could not hold the Lord Jesus and we will rejoice in his resurrection Sunday morning.

Recognizing that this weekend often presents us with unique opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus with unsaved friends and family, we will not be having an additional service Sunday evening. We want you to feel no pressure to cut short any conversations you may have and enjoy your company and fellowship that evening. Praise the Lord for he has risen!

For His Glory,

Pastor Jonathan