Hope CRC Thunder Bay

Hope CRC Thunder Bay Hope Christian Reformed Church located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Weekly Services start at 10am.

“It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but ...
06/22/2026

“It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A little sad we are finishing our journey through Acts as a church but grateful for what we’ve been growing in. Last few...
05/25/2026

A little sad we are finishing our journey through Acts as a church but grateful for what we’ve been growing in. Last few verses in Acts 28: ““Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭28‬:‭28‬, ‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.28.28.NIV

05/21/2026

What would you say if one of the most influential people in the world asked you:
“What’s your story?” 👀
Imagine stepping into an elevator with someone powerful, influential, and respected, and they turned to you and asked what your life is all about.
That is kind of what happens to Paul in Acts 26:1-23.
King Agrippa gives Paul the opportunity to explain himself, and Paul does not waste it. 🙌
He shares who he was before Jesus.
He shares his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
And he shares how Jesus completely transformed his life and mission.
At the center of Paul’s story is this truth:
Jesus is the Messiah. The One the Scriptures were pointing toward all along.
And because of Jesus, light and hope are available not just for the Jewish people, but for everyone.
Including us.
I think this passage forces us to ask an important question:
What is your life about?
If someone asked you today what gives you hope, purpose, and direction, would you know how to answer?
Your story matters more than you think.

This past Sunday we looked at Acts 24 where Paul was yet again on trial. Tertullus spoke lies. Paul spoke the truth. And...
05/19/2026

This past Sunday we looked at Acts 24 where Paul was yet again on trial. Tertullus spoke lies. Paul spoke the truth. And Felix couldn’t handle the truth. “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

05/19/2026

Cancelled? 👀
Do you ever worry about saying the wrong thing and losing relationships, opportunities, or influence because of it?
In Acts 25, Paul is facing something much bigger than social media backlash. People are trying to eliminate him completely because of what he believes and teaches about Jesus.
What is fascinating is that even the Roman leaders listening to the accusations are confused.
They keep asking:
“What exactly did he do wrong?”
And the deeper issue becomes clear.
Paul’s message about Jesus challenged the entire system people had built their identity around. 🙌
He was saying that righteousness and salvation are not earned through religious performance or human effort, but through surrendering our lives to Jesus.
That message was offensive then, and honestly, it still can be today.
Because surrender is hard.
We all want control over our own lives, our own truth, and our own direction.
But following Jesus means trusting Him with all of it.
So maybe the question today is this:
Are you willing to follow Jesus even when it costs something?
Even when people misunderstand you?
Even when it is uncomfortable?
Paul believed it was worth everything.

05/15/2026

Use your brain! 🧠
Have you ever said that to yourself after doing something dumb?
In Acts 22:22 to 23:10, Paul actually uses his brain in some really strategic ways.
First, when the Romans are about to flog him, he speaks up and reminds them that he is a Roman citizen. That immediately changes the situation.
Then later, standing before the Sanhedrin, Paul notices something important. Part of the crowd are Pharisees and part are Sadducees, and they disagree about resurrection.
So Paul brings up the resurrection, and suddenly the crowd starts arguing with each other instead of attacking him.
At first it almost feels sneaky, but we later realize why Paul is doing this. 🙌
God is opening doors for Paul to eventually speak about Jesus to powerful leaders in Rome.
Paul is not just reacting emotionally. He is thinking strategically about the mission God has given him.
I think sometimes Christians can act like faith and intellect are opposites, but they are not.
God gave us minds to grow, learn, think deeply, ask questions, and use wisdom.
So maybe the challenge today is this:
How are you using your mind, your knowledge, and your wisdom to help point people toward Jesus?

05/14/2026

What’s your story? 📖
If someone asked you today why you have hope, would you know how to answer?
In Acts 22:1-21, Paul gets the chance to speak to a crowd that was just trying to kill him. And instead of arguing, he shares his story.
It is actually a powerful framework for all of us.
Paul talks about who he was before he encountered Jesus.
Then he talks about the moment everything changed.
Then he shares what happened after.
And finally, he talks about the mission God gave him moving forward. 🙌
That is such a helpful reminder because sometimes we think sharing faith means having all the answers.
But often the most powerful thing you can share is simply your story.
What was your life like before?
How did you encounter Jesus?
How has He changed you?
And what is He calling you toward now?
Your story matters.
And sometimes your story is exactly what someone else needs to hear.

05/13/2026

Falsely accused? 😔
Have you ever had someone say things about you that simply were not true?
Maybe they misunderstood you.
Maybe they twisted your words.
Maybe they assumed the worst.
In Acts 21:27-40, a crowd turns against Paul because of false accusations. Things get so intense that the Romans have to step in and pull him away from the mob.
And here is what amazes me.
When Paul finally gets the chance to speak, he does not focus on defending himself.
He focuses on the mission. 🙌
Instead of trying to win the argument, he wants people to encounter Jesus.
That is challenging because most of us naturally become defensive when we are attacked or misunderstood. I know I do.
But Paul responds differently.
He sees even hostile people not as enemies, but as people who still need hope, grace, and truth.
What if we invited God into those moments when we feel attacked?
What if instead of reacting out of anger, we paused and let the Holy Spirit shape our response?
That could change everything.

05/11/2026

Trouble with your fit? 👕🧢
Have you ever gotten in trouble for wearing the wrong thing?
Maybe you felt underdressed, overdressed, or just out of place.
In Acts 21:15-26, Paul walks into a situation where people are questioning him and misunderstanding what he teaches about Jesus. Some believe he is trying to throw away all the old traditions and rituals.
Now if you have been reading through Acts, you might expect Paul to push back hard.
But instead, he chooses to go through certain rituals anyway.
Why?
Because Paul realizes something important.
The message of Jesus matters more than his personal preferences. 🙌
He does not want unnecessary distractions to stop people from hearing the good news.
That really challenges me.
Sometimes we can get so focused on our own comfort, style, or preferences that we forget the bigger mission.
Paul was willing to adapt if it helped people hear about Jesus.
So here is the question today.
Are there things in your life that might distract people from hearing the hope you carry?
And how can you better meet people where they are so they can encounter Jesus?

Happy Mother’s Day! Whether today is a happy day or today is one with mixed emotions, may the “God who sees” (Genesis 16...
05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! Whether today is a happy day or today is one with mixed emotions, may the “God who sees” (Genesis 16:13) make His presence known to you today!

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1315 Crawford Avenue
Thunder Bay, ON
P7E3E3

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