Barrie Church of Christ, 345 Grove Street East, Barrie, ON (2026)

09/06/2026

God and the Physics of the Universe Part 2
As mentioned Einsteins theory described gravity as mass interacting with spaces, curving it like you might get if you placed a bowling ball on a trampoline. His description however although more accurate than Newton needed some repulsive force to keep matter from congealing together into one massive ball. Einstein added a constant to his equations which he called the cosmological constant. This allowed for time-space to not compress and allowed for the empty spaces between bodies in the universe. Other physicists questioned Einsteins cosmological constant suggesting that in fact the density and radius of the universe changed or varied with time. Einstein rejected this theory and wrote rebuttals of the scientists who suggested it favouring a steady state universe.
In 1927 Belgian physicist Georges Lemaitre offered solutions to Einsteins field equations based on observations of distant galaxies. Lemaitre used Vesto Slipher’s research on the doppler effect and distant galaxies. The data indicated that galaxies that were further away were moving faster than those closer Galaxies. His solution suggested a universe which was expanding in all directions expanding in a spherical shape. This further implied that in the past the universe was also smaller. As mentioned above Einstein was highly critical of this theory.
In 1931 Einstein famously visited Mt Wilson to look through Hubble’s telescope this event is often presented as the definitive moment that changed Einsteins mind. Upon considering Hubble’s data which showed red shift of galaxies was proportional to their distance Einstein was forced to admit that the universe was expanding. He called his insistence on his cosmological constant the greatest blunder of his life. Red shift is caused by the lengthening of light waves into the infrared spectrum caused when an object is moving away from the observer. Thus, more redshift indicates greater speed of movement away.
The implications of this expanding universe were immediately evident to scientists. British Astrophysicist Arthur Eddington said “Philosophically, the notion of a beginning of the present order is repugnant to me.” Einstein himself expressed a similar sentiment regarding Lemaitre’s hypothesis saying his primeval atom hypothesis was inspired by the Chrisitan dogma of creation, and totally unjustified from the physical point of view.” Robert Dicke explained “An infinitely old universe would relieve us of the necessity of understanding the origin of matter at any finite time in the past. A finite universe, by contrast, would force scientists to confront uncomfortable questions about the ultimate beginning of the material universe itself. It also raised the possibility that the universe had begun in something like a creation event produced by a cause that existed independently of matter, space, time and energy.”
~ Kevin Cleary

08/31/2026

God and the Physics of the Universe Part 1
From the time that Galileo calculated that the earth was orbiting the sun and not vis-versa critics of Christianity have claimed that the science of the cosmos was contrary to the record of creation found in Genesis 1:1. These claims are often overstated as Galileo remained a man of faith even during his conflict with the Catholic church. In fact he famously stated “the laws of nature are written by God in the language of mathematics.” As physicists learned more about how the universe functioned they usually did so with the conviction voiced by Kepler that they were “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” Isaac Newton wrote in his famous principia Mathematica that “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful being”
From Newton to Einstein most scientists held to the steady state theory of the universe. However, around the turn of the last century things started to change. Most are familiar with Newtonian physics and may have used some of his equations in high school to calculate gravitational pull.
Einstein arrives on the scene and develops the theory of general relativity stating that time, space and matter are related to one another. One of the ways we might think of what Einstein discovered is to imagine being extremely fast perhaps like the comic book character Flash. The faster we move the closer we become to being in two places at the same time thus we can consider time and space to be relative. Einstein used a different experiment to demonstrate this principal. He imagined two people one standing on a train platform the other onboard the train which is moving very fast almost as fast as light. Further he imagined two simultaneous lighting strikes on at each end of the train. He points out that only for the person on the platform would the strikes be simultaneous. For the person on the train who is moving away from one strike and toward the other the strike would appear to be separate as they would perceive the one at the front first and the one at the back second. In this way Einstein showed that time is different depending on perspective or relative. Einstein showed that Newtons understanding of the universe was wrong and instead developed general relativity to explain the interaction of matter. Rather than bodies attracting one another Einstein envisioned gravity as mass bending or distorting space similar to how a bowling ball would deform a trampoline. Einstein wrote a series of equations which are known as field equations in which he described his theory of general relativity. The most famous of his equations is of course the relationship between energy and mater E=Mc2.
Einstein initially didn’t realize it but his theory would demand the universe had a beginning.

~ Kevin Cleary

08/23/2026

What’s Going to Happen When I Die?
We don’t know how it’s going to happen or what is going to be the cause but we often talk about how we want to go. Most often you hear, “I want to go to sleep and not wake up” or “I want to die doing something I love.” I have never heard anyone say they wanted to be eaten by a crocodile or burned at the stake.
We are essentially saying I don’t want it to hurt and I don’t want it to be drawn out. Today I want to think about the moment after. When our souls have left our bodies and we have entered what we generally today call the afterlife. Let me say we don’t know much about this because we don’t have access. I know there are these 30 minutes in heaven books or variations on it; they may be nice fairy tales but the fact is, we don’t know from direct experience. It should also be said here that God has not revealed every detail and so there will be some questions we just can’t answer but he has given us what we need to know so that we can “not mourn as others do, who have no hope.”
The very moment leading up to and at death may be different depending on circumstances I suspect a heart attack is different than a bullet wound which is different than drowning, or burning, or being attacked by a lion.
What about the moment just after, perhaps we can gain some insights into that:
- Eccl 12:7 says the body returns to dust but the soul returns to God who gave it
- Luke 16:19-31 tells us that Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom while the rich man dies and is in torment.
- II Cor 5:8 Paul says he would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord
- Luke 23:43 Jesus tells the criminal on the cross “today you will be with me in paradise”
- Ex 3:6 God says “I Am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” using the present tense. Indicating that those individuals were living when Moses spoke to God hundreds of years after their physical deaths.
These passages and others remind us that while our physical bodies are finite our souls are not and we can anticipate experiencing eternity in one way or another. We must then be sure that our physical lives here on earth are lived with an eye toward eternity. Knowing that we have placed our hope in the only one who has ever died and then returned to tell the tale. Who is then uniquely able to say “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except by me”
~ Kevin Cleary

08/17/2026

Neighbours who are far away
Today, we often have less in common with our neighbours than previous generations did. Many hold values and beliefs that differ from our own. Yet by learning a little about those around us, we may find common ground that opens the door to conversations about God's truth.
With that in mind, here is a snapshot of Barrie's religious landscape according to Statistics Canada:
Non-religious/Secular: ~41% (the fastest-growing group)
Catholic: ~24%
Other Christian traditions: ~17% (United Church, Anglican, Presbyterian, etc.)
Islam: ~2.5%
Hinduism: ~1.5%
A few observations stand out. First, we are most likely to encounter people who identify as non-religious. Given Canada's increasingly secular culture, this is not surprising.
So how can we engage with those who have no religious affiliation?
Conversations about meaning, morality, truth, and purpose can provide natural opportunities to discuss faith.
It can also be helpful to be familiar with secular thinkers who affirm principles consistent with Christian morality. Writers such as Louise Perry, Gad Saad, Debra Soh, and Tom Holland may provide useful points of connection. Even the atheist Richard Dawkins argues for an objective view of truth in The God Delusion.
Once a conversation has begun, simple, accessible Christian apologetics can be helpful. Frank Turek's I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist is a good introduction. Apologetics Press also offers valuable material, though some resources are quite technical, so beginning with introductory content is often best.
Podcasts can be another useful bridge. Joe Rogan, for example, has interviewed guests such as Wesley Huff and Stephen Meyer. Sharing those conversations may spark further discussion. Other helpful podcasts include Uncommon Knowledge and The Diary of a CEO.
While every person is different and no single approach works for everyone, these tools can help create meaningful opportunities for conversation. And don't underestimate the simple invitation to attend church. Many people cite a personal invitation as a key factor in their conversion.
~ Kevin Cleary

08/09/2026

Jesus Taught Us To Suffer And Serve ... Not Conquer The World

What do you think Jesus meant when he said, "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two?" • Mt 5.41

Jesus said this to Jews, whose first two kings — Saul and David — were "soldier kings" ...
To an audience whose most recent indigenous ruler-kings, the Hasmoneans, drove out the Syrian Antiochus Epiphanes and his army ... To listeners, some of whom might have been Zealots, waiting for/looking for an opportunity to overthrow their Roman oppressors ...
To many who, just like the apostles after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, may have been waiting for the arrival of a physical kingdom.

And yet, Jesus taught them to go the second mile. Don't just go one ... go two. Submit to Roman soldiers. Who serve the emperor, Tiberius. An emperor they did not vote for. They were taught by Jesus to submit to soldiers who would COMPEL them (KJV, NKJV, RV), who would FORCE them (NASB, NAS95, NIV, RSV, NRSV, CSB, NET, ERV, RV), who would DEMAND (NLT) that they walk and carry their loads and assist them as unpaid porters, even labourers in building projects.

Is there a message in this text that applies to 21st century Christians? In this country, the land of the free and the home of the brave? Where we are often more concerned about individual and political rights—and control—than service to others?

Three times in the greater context of Mt 5.41, Jesus taught his followers to suffer wrong …
For a greater good. They were to endure slaps to the face. Forfeit their shirt. And go the second mile when conscripted by a soldier in the Roman army. Do not, in these situations, escalate wrong by responding in kind. Accept the duty. Accept the wrong. Immediately after teaching the disciples to endure hardships and indignity, he encouraged them to positively and overtly reach out to others for good. Give to those who ask. Lend to those who need. The message here, as often found in the teachings of Jesus; Do not seek to dominate, rule or control. Seek to serve others. Even if it costs you. And service to others always costs us.
Love your neighbour today.
It might cost you, but that’s okay.
You will be following Jesus in doing so.

Double love, Jody Apple

~ Kevin Cleary

08/03/2026

The Gospel in the Story of Joseph
Joseph's story foreshadows the gospel. He is cast into a pit, sold into slavery, and effectively considered dead by his father. Yet the very betrayal intended to destroy him becomes the means of his exaltation to Pharaoh's right hand, where God uses him to save his family from death. In the same way, Christ's rejection and crucifixion become the means of salvation for His people.
The parallels deepen on closer inspection. Joseph was loved by his father and favoured by God, as evidenced by his dreams (Acts 7:9-10). Jacob sent his beloved son to check on his brothers, but they rejected him and plotted his death, just as Jesus came to His own and was rejected (Jn 1:11). Joseph's brothers stripped him of his robe, echoing the stripping of Jesus' garments at the cross (Jn 19:23-24). Revelation 19:13 portrays Christ wearing a robe dipped in blood, recalling Joseph's story and presenting Jesus as the true beloved Son who delivers His people.
As a slave, Joseph remained faithful despite severe temptation (Gen 39:9), paralleling Christ's faithfulness under temptation (Matt 4:1-11). His obedience led ultimately to exaltation (Heb 2:10; Phil 2:5-11), though only after further suffering and imprisonment. Joseph's imprisonment placed him in contact with Pharaoh's court and led to his elevation as ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Likewise, Christ was exalted to God's right hand (Acts 2:34). Joseph then stood as judge over the very brothers who had betrayed him, and they had to come before him in order to live (Gen 42:2, 18; 43:8), foreshadowing Christ's role as judge (2 Cor 5:10).
Joseph tested his brothers to reveal the reality of their repentance. Similarly, God remains partially hidden, allowing people to respond to Him freely rather than through overwhelming compulsion.
Another gospel picture emerges when Judah offers himself in Benjamin's place, volunteering to bear the penalty so his brother may go free. Significantly, Judah would receive the royal line, and from his descendants would come the Messiah, who would bear the penalty of sin on behalf of His people.
Because of his exalted position, Joseph was able to rescue his family and bring them into the abundance and security of Egypt, where they received the best of the land (Gen 47:6). Likewise, Christ, through His exaltation, brings His people into the blessings of God's kingdom.
At the end of Genesis, Joseph explains God's purpose in his suffering: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good... to keep many people alive" (Gen 50:20). In the same way, the greatest evil ever committed, the crucifixion of Christ, was used by God to accomplish the greatest good: the redemption of His people (Isa 53:10).
~ Kevin Cleary

07/30/2026

I remember as a child seeing Yosemite Sam fall down into hell and meet Satan. This is the depth of many people’s theology of “Satan” the accuser. Perhaps the somewhat recent television series Lucifer is more accurate where Satan is wealthy, good looking, and charismatic (2 Cor 11:14). Whatever source is most influential its sadly not scripture.

The general perception of Satan is often that he is God’s equal and opposite however this is simply not the case. Satan is a created being Gen 1:1; Col 1:16. He is malevolent toward man but is limited in his ability to impact them Job 1:9-10; 1 Pet 5:8. Recall that he must seek God’s permission before he can accost Job. This is not to say that we should not be concerned Paul warns that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.

Satan’s most distinctive characteristic is his deception Jn 8:44 He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is not truth in him. When he lies he speaks out of his own character for his is a liar and the father of lies.

Satan’s greatest power and greatest danger is deception. Just as he was with Eve he can be very convincing. His greatest power is that he tells you the lies you most want to believe. He will do this especially when you are at your lowest, and most stressed.

We should remember that we not only struggle against our own worst impulses and those of our fellow human beings. We contend with a malevolent spiritual power. That power however is not unlimited or overwhelming. As James advises we must resist the devil and draw near to God.

While we don’t need to obsess over the spiritual realm and it’s influence we should also not be ignorant of it. As Paul reminds us we are not ignorant of his devices, and that knowledge empowers us to be successful in not just resisting evil but carrying out God’s good and perfect will.--

07/26/2026

Debate and Biblical Literacy?
For most of my life growing up I was aware that Debates were a thing that had happened but apart from political debates it sort of felt like there were a thing of the past. First of all, it was somewhat frowned upon to discuss strong disagreements. Secondly, how were two stiff shirts using big words going to compete against the visual smorgasbord of cable television. Of course there were debates, but as a younger person I was largely unaware of them, as were most other people I interacted with.
The invention of social media especially in recent times has represented a major problem for mainstream media. Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Tik-tok often receive considerably more views than mainstream outlets. These same outlets have also noticed dwindling numbers even for major events. ABC World News Tonight is the most watched news broadcast with six to eight million views. These numbers are easily overshadowed by various social media news creators many of whom receive multiple tens of millions of views. The most watched show of recent times was Stranger Things which was created and released by Netflix.
This growth in media which is selected by the viewer has created space for specialized topics especially including those engaging in socio-political commentary and religious commentary. While this kind of content doesn’t get the kind of attention that Mr. Beast, for example, gets making more entertainment driven videos, it does get multiple millions of eyeballs.
Charlie Kirk proved that open disagreement is one of the best ways to capture a large audience. Many others have taken a similar approach and this has meant that religious discussions which were recently considered not for public airing are now much more common. While not everyone is comfortable with public debate there is clearly an appetite for it. While there are some challenges to this format there are also opportunities and I have spoken to people who have become interested in Bible study simply because they were exposed to online short video discussions and debates of Theological matters.
My prayer is that these debates will lead at least some to greater Biblical literacy. This may also lead to evangelistic opportunities as friends and neighbours look for trusted Christians to ask about what they are seeing online. I might add that those of use who are interested in serving God may be able to learn what is on people’s minds and be better equipped for service by consuming some of the Christians content which has become available on social media as well.

~ Kevin Cleary

Social Media Trent Horn, Wes Huff, popularity of debate and discussion.
Growing Orthodoxy and Growing Catholicism,
Breakdown of historical/ institutional/ denominational boundaries and identities.
Increased access to resources and arguments

07/20/2026

Exhaustive Truth/ Simple Truth and Hermeneutics
How detailed does a statement need to be in order to be considered true? If I say I am wearing a shirt is that true? Do I need to specify the cut and fabric and colour? Most would say no of course simply stating that you’re wearing a shirt is enough. I would suggest that if truth is that which corresponds to reality. Then so long as a statement accurately describes the real world that is enough. This of course excludes lies by omission. If I am trying to eat healthy and I say “I had some milk and fruit,” but leave out that it was milk and fruit in the form of ice cream while that does correspond to reality it is purposefully intended to deceive.
A favourite game of some philosophers is to question truth claims on the basis of accuracy. For instance if you say the sky is blue they may question you by pointing out that the sky really isn’t blue but rather you are seeing a reflection off of the atmosphere and if you go into space you’ll find that in fact it’s mostly black. Based on this they will go on to suggest that you really can’t claim that the sky is blue.
This same principle when applied to Bible study is deeply manipulative, and unhelpful. Consider for example the statement “The church met on the first day of the week.” I would suggest that this is a true but not exhaustive statement. Someone may object; asking is that the only time they met? Did every member meet? Are you reckoning days based on Jewish or Roman custom? These questions are not completely inappropriate and may have relevance in certain discussions but none negate the truthfulness of the original claim.
The detail required depends on what I am trying to do. I don’t need to know the exact speed and what forces will be generated by the impact of a vehicle to know that I shouldn’t step out in front of it. I will need that data and more if I am the engineer responsible for designing the crumple zones on a specific car.
As Christians we are accountable to God to obey basic truths that he has revealed. Paul argued that God’s will is accessible and knowable Rom 1:20; 10:8 such that we can understand and respond. There may be more nuance to a subject that we have yet to learn or there may be a deeper understanding to be gained by examining related texts. These things don’t mean that we can know and do Gods will. They do call us to dedicated study and even more to dedicated surrender to Jesus.
To summarize, truth is simply that which corresponds to reality. This may be simply ascertained and expressed or it may be more exhaustively described. The level of detail does not determine truthfulness rather accuracy does. May God bless us in our effort to know his will in simplicity and in exactitude.
~ Kevin Cleary

07/12/2026

The Fields are White Unto Harvest
But I don’t have a combine
Most will be familiar with Jesus statement to his disciples in John 4:35. Jesus had spoken with the woman at the well in Samaria and she was going to bring others to him. The disciples were urging him to eat but Jesus sensing the immediate opportunity didn’t want to stop for food.
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
In a similar vein we are living in a time when people are dissatisfied. Many have a nagging feeling that the generally accepted narrative offered by secular institutions and the “experts” is seriously deficient. I would submit the popularity of Jordan Peterson calling people to be responsible and self-sacrificial is evidence of this. I have mentioned before and will say here again that young people are becoming increasingly interested in religion. There is a major resurgence of debate in the public square something that for most of my adult life was viewed as somewhat distasteful and kind of off putting.
I strongly suspect that given the current trends many could be reached with truths that until recently they would not have given time or attention to.
I pray that with some careful thought and targeted effort Christians can find great opportunity to share the good news with those who are especially hungry for it. The conditions however are slightly difficult. The large numbers on social media are much like a thousand-acre field filled with wheat. However much a person with a scythe wanted to harvest it the task would be overwhelming. He needs a combine along with the knowledge of how to run it. Similarly churches may need to gain some new skills to take advantage of opportunities. My strong suspicion is that a well presented social media presence backed up by a loving community dedicated to God’s grace and truth could yield good results.
~ Kevin Cleary

Barrie Church of Christ

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