The Country Gospel Church

The Country Gospel Church Find out what's happening at The Country Gospel Church (Dundalk), and enjoy Daily Features Monday-Friday.

The Country Gospel Church, affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, is a group of imperfect people who gather Sunday mornings at 10:30 to worhsip together; who desire to become more like Jesus; and who desire for others to know Him too, that they might enjoy the "abundant life" that He promises those who call Him their Lord.

04/01/2020

Recently I read a FB post from my sister, saying she was talking to her neighbour (from a safe distance, of course; I believe they were across the street from one another). The neighbour said that she was approached by someone in her church who wanted to give her a hug and a kiss. The neighbour replied that she'd just as soon refrain from personal contact, thanks; and the other person replied that if she truly had faith in God, she wouldn't hold back.

This incident brought at least three things to my mind. First, it reminded me of when I was growing up, and someone would dare us to do something, and if we didn't, we were automatically branded as "chicken." It didn't matter if fear entered our decision-making or not; we were called chicken to try and shame us into doing whatever the dare was.

That leads me to the second thing I was reminded of: in "Anne of Green Gables," Anne Shirley is dared to walk along the ridgepole of a barn. Because it was a dare, she felt she had to do it, to prove she wasn't afraid. She got all the way across, but then fell, and (spoiler alert!) she survived (because there were sequels yet to come).

The third thing this reminded me of? "Then the devil took him [Jesus] to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.'”" (Matthew 4:5-7)

To jump off the Temple, or to take unnecessary chances during a global pandemic, are both examples of "testing" God.

I wear my seat belt when I'm in a moving vehicle; I don't walk on thin ice; I don't jump out of an airplane without a parachute (or with one either, for that matter). I also don't have a picnic in the middle of the 401. That doesn't mean I don't have faith in God; it means that I don't dare Him to protect me when by doing something foolish.

Have faith in God, by all means, and live out that faith; but don't dare Him to protect you by ignoring sensible precautions.

03/20/2020

I haven't updated this page for a couple of months now, for a basketful of reasons (and it's a pretty big basket), not the least of which is the fact that I'll be stepping aside as pastor of The Country Gospel Church in the near future. But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, before I step aside I thought I'd step up with a word or two of what I hope will be comfort and encouragement.

We've seen various reactions to the pandemic. On one extreme is fear and panic - hoarding toilet paper (of all things!) and hand sanitizer. On the other end of the spectrum are those who think there's nothing to worry about, and the whole thing has been blown out of all proportion.

To those in the second camp, if it turns out you're right, feel free to laugh at the rest of us after the whole thing has blown over. But what if you're wrong? What if the only reason it seems like it was blown out of proportion was that most people followed the directions we've been given about staying home, social distancing, extra hand-washing, etc.? By all means, still laugh at us as say, "I told you so!" In all likelihood we'd never be able to prove whether you were right or not wrong.

Here's the thing: what is beyond dispute is that people have died, and are dying, from COVID-19. And if a few simple precautions can slow down, or even eliminate its spread, then I say go for it.

I'm not advocating going into panic mode, or operating out of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." But that doesn't mean that we don't calmly, wisely and sensibly follow certain guidelines that can help keep ourselves and others safe.

I may have more to say in the coming days. But in the meantime, wash your hands, keep your distance, but also keep your faith in God. He's still in control.

On a windy, snowy, blowy, blustery day, here's a little something to (hopefully) brighten up your day:
01/08/2020

On a windy, snowy, blowy, blustery day, here's a little something to (hopefully) brighten up your day:

01/06/2020

Since we're at (or just past, anyway) the beginning of a new year (that's 2020, for those not paying attention), here's a Monday Memory Verse that speaks of "the beginning":

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).

That's all for now!

12/23/2019

I haven't posted here for a bit, so I thought that, as an added bonus (and at no extra charge), I'd give you not one, not three, but TWO Monday Memory Verses:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34, 35).

That's a possible Christmas present you could give this year - to love others as Christ loves us. Just a thought.

12/05/2019

Just a couple of days ago I offered up this Trivia Question:

What woman, known for her good works (like giving), did the Apostle Peter raise from the dead in Joppa? I now offer up the correct answer: a), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-40).

That's it for now. Have a good one!

12/03/2019

Since it's Giving Tuesday, I'm going to Give you a Trivia Question:

What woman, known for her good works (like giving), did the Apostle Peter raise from the dead in Joppa? a), Tabitha; b), Lydia; c), Drusilla; or d), Bernice?

The giving never ends, as I'll be sharing the correct answer in joust a couple of days. Until then, give it some thought!

11/28/2019

It's Thanksgiving in the USA, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to give you the answer to this week's Trivia Question:

How did Jesus say He was sending out His disciples? And the correct answer is b), like sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16).

Enjoy some turkey, enjoy some football, but mind you don't get fleeced!

11/26/2019

Here's this week's Tuesday Trivia Question:

How did Jesus say He was sending out His disciples? a), like doves among hawks; b), like sheep among wolves; c), like travelers among thieves; or d), like children among bears?

I'll send out the correct answer later this week. Stay tuned!

11/25/2019

Here's another Monday Memory Verse coming your way:

"Now as he [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, 'Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you'" (Acts 24:25).

That's it for now. If quite convenient, I'll see you next time.

11/22/2019

A few days ago I posted this trivia question:

What convinced the Apostle Paul to take the Gospel message to Macedonia? I now post the correct answer: b), a vision of a man requesting help (Acts 16:9).

That's it for now. Have a great weekend!

Address

Dundalk, ON
N0C1B0

Telephone

+15199233523

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