Maranatha Reformed Church

Maranatha Reformed Church We are a community of Christians, who celebrate God’s love for us in the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ.

05/31/2026

05.31.2026 worship

05/17/2026

05.17.2026 worship

05/10/2026

05.10.2026 worship

01/25/2026

Pastor Bart is at church this morning but please don’t put yourself at risk in coming considering the weather conditions.
Have a safe and warm Sunday.

07/24/2025

7/24/25 - PB’s Devotional Thought
How do you respond when you find yourself in a precarious situation? When it seems like there is no way out? When you are caught between a rock and a hard place? Or even when you have two options and both of them are good. What do you do? Our devotion today looks at a few different alternatives for how we may respond - despair, cowardice, precipitancy (rashness or suddenness of action), and presumption. However, what we are encouraged to do is what Moses and the Israelites were told to do - stand firm and wait on the Lord. As you journey the path that is today, even as you go about your day‘s activities, maintain a firm pasture in the assurance of God’s leading and guiding.

Constrained on All Sides
Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.
Exodus 14:13

These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master’s word to him is, “Stand firm.” It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master’s word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions.

Despair whispers, “Lie down and die; give it all up.” But God would have us put on a cheerful courage and even in our worst times rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Cowardice says, “Retreat; go back to the worldling’s way of action; you cannot play the Christian’s part—it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles.” But however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine decree has bid you go from strength to strength, and so you shall, and neither death nor hell shall turn you from your course. Even if you are called to stand firm for a while, this is in order to renew your strength for some greater advance in due time.

Precipitancy cries, “Do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait is sheer idleness.” We must be doing something at once—we must do it, so we think—instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything. Presumption boasts, “If the sea is before you, march into it and expect a miracle.”

But faith listens neither to presumption, nor to despair, nor to cowardice, nor to precipitancy, but it hears God say, “Stand firm,” and immovable as a rock it stands. “Stand firm”—keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long before God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, “Go forward.”

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

07/23/2025

7/23/25 - PB’s Devotional Thought
Today’s message is a challenge to assess how different we are from the world around us. The word church is often defined as the ‘called out ones’. So the natural response should be to inquire of ourselves if we are really set apart from the world in which we live. Do people know that we are Christ followers or would they be surprised to hear that we believe? The words that are singing in my heart right now are, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus”. May those words ring true for you today as you are given opportunity to give reason for the hope that you have.

One of Them?
You were like one of them.
Obadiah 1:11

Brotherly kindness was due from Edom to Israel in the time of need, but instead of showing kindness, the men of Esau joined with Israel’s enemies. Special stress in the sentence before us is laid upon the word you, as when Caesar cried to Brutus, “and you, Brutus.” A bad action may be all the worse because of the person who has committed it.

When we sin, who are the chosen favorites of heaven, we sin with an emphasis; ours is a crying offense because we are so peculiarly indulged. If an angel should lay his hand upon us when we are doing evil, he need not use any other rebuke than the question, “What, you? What are you doing here?” Having been gloriously forgiven, delivered, instructed, enriched, blessed, do we dare give ourselves to evil? God forbid!

A few minutes of confession may be beneficial to you, gentle reader, this morning. Have you never been like the wicked? At an evening party certain men laughed at uncleanness, and the joke was not altogether offensive to your ear—even you were as one of them. When hard things were spoken concerning the ways of God, you were bashfully silent; and so, to onlookers, you were as one of them. When worldlings were bartering in the market and driving hard bargains, were you not as one of them? When they were pursuing vanity without restraint, were you not as greedy for gain as they were? Could any difference be discerned between you and them? Is there any difference?

Here we come to close quarters. Be honest with your own soul, and make sure that you are a new creature in Christ Jesus; but when this is sure, walk carefully in case anyone should again be able to say, “You also are one of them.”1 You would not desire to share their eternal doom. Why then be like them here? Do not enter into their secret, in case you enter into their ruin. Side with the afflicted people of God, and not with the world.

1) Luke 22:58

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

07/22/2025

7/22/25 - PB’s Devotional Thought
When it comes to eternity and how people think about it, I have a few concerns regarding some mis-understandings. First, when people talk about spending eternity in heaven, the truth is the present heaven is not where we will spend eternity. Eternity will be in the new heaven and the new earth. Second, when people talk about going to heaven, they focus on the joy of being reunited with loved ones. Based on what I see in scripture regarding people who have seen into heaven, loved ones are not what they rejoice in and are moved by. It the glory of our God. And lastly (sorry if this feels like a rant - I don’t want it to), our relationship with our earthly spouse will not be the same in heaven. Our partner for eternity will be our Lord and Saviour. Read on and see what heaven’s marriage is all about, and I pray, be encouraged by God’s incredible love for you.

Heaven’s Marriage
I am your master.
Jeremiah 3:14

Christ Jesus is joined unto His people in marriage-union. In love He espoused His Church as a chaste virgin, long before she fell under the yoke of bo***ge. Full of burning affection He toiled, like Jacob for Rachel, until the whole of her purchase—money had been paid; and now, having sought her by His Spirit and brought her to know and love Him, He awaits the glorious hour when their mutual bliss shall be consummated at the marriage-supper of the Lamb.

The glorious Bridegroom has not yet presented His betrothed, perfected and complete, before the Majesty of heaven; she has not yet actually entered upon the enjoyment of her dignities as His wife and queen. She is as still a wanderer in a world of woe, a dweller in the tents of Kedar;1 but she is even now the bride, the spouse of Jesus, dear to His heart, precious in His sight, written on His hands, and united with His person.

On earth He exercises toward her all the affectionate offices of Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants, pays all her debts, allows her to assume His name and to share in all His wealth. Nor will He ever act otherwise to her. The word divorce He will never mention, for He hates it. Death inevitably severs the conjugal tie between the most loving mortals, but it cannot divide the links of this immortal marriage. In heaven they marry not but are as the angels of God; yet there is this one marvelous exception to the rule, for in Heaven Christ and His Church shall celebrate their joyous nuptials.

This affinity, as it is more lasting, so is it more near than earthly marriage. The love of husband, no matter how pure and fervent, is but a faint picture of the flame that burns in the heart of Jesus. Passing all human union is that mystical cleaving unto the Church, for which Christ left His Father and became one flesh with her.

1) Psalm 120:5

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

07/18/2025

7/18/25 - PB’s Devotional Thought
One of the struggles I have had, more so in the past than presently, is comparing myself with pastors or ministers who have more ‘success’. It is easy to start playing the comparison game when it comes to any number of things - homes, cars, toys, prestige, talents, etc. When we begin down that road, we need to stop and remember who created us and why. God has perfectly designed and equipped us to be exactly what he has purposed us to be and do. Whether it is at the front or at the rear, they are both necessary and valued. Rejoice in this truth and live it out with zeal and enthusiasm to the glory of our great God!

Help the Stragglers
They shall set out last, standard by standard.
Numbers 2:31

The camp of Dan brought up the rear when the armies of Israel were on the march. The Danites occupied the hindmost place, but their position wasn’t unimportant, since they were as truly part of the company as were the foremost tribes. They followed the same fiery cloudy pillar, ate of the same manna, drank of the same spiritual rock, and journeyed to the same inheritance. Come, my heart, cheer up, even though last and least; it is your privilege to be in the army and to fare as they fare who lead the expedition. Someone must be at the rear in honor and esteem, someone must do menial work for Jesus, and why shouldn’t it be me? In a poor village among an ignorant peasantry or in a back street among degraded sinners, I will work on and take my assigned place at the rear.

The Danites occupied a very useful place. Stragglers have to be picked up on the march, and lost property has to be gathered from the field. Fiery spirits may dash forward over untrodden paths to learn fresh truth and win more souls to Jesus; but some of a more conservative spirit may be well engaged in reminding the church of her ancient faith and restoring her fainting sons. Every position has its duties, and the slowly moving children of God will find their peculiar state one in which they may be eminently a blessing to the whole company.

The rear guard is a place of danger. There are foes behind us as well as before us. Attacks may come from any quarter. We read that Amalek fell upon Israel and slew some who were at the rear. The experienced Christian will find much work for his weapons in aiding those poor doubting, desponding, wavering souls who are slowest in faith, knowledge, and joy. These must not be left unaided, and therefore let it be the business of well-taught saints to bear their standards among the rear guard. My soul, watch tenderly to help the stragglers today.

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

07/17/2025

7/17/25 - PB’s Devotional Thought
Assurance, we all like to be sure of things in our lives. In fact, I know for myself that I would prefer to know the result before I make a significant choice. If I know the outcome, specifically when it is positive or my preferred outcome, it is easy to commit to doing something or investing in it. But there is only really one thing we can be sure of - if we chose Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we will be saved. Some of you might be thinking, did PB really just say that we choose Jesus? Yes, I did. But I will also say that we choose Jesus only because he first chose us. The point is, the only thing we can count on in life, as the devotion states, is that there is no doubt that God chose of us, when we have chosen him. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, for which we need to be eternally grateful.

Know Your Election
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.
1 Thessalonians 1:4

Many persons want to know their election before they look to Christ, but that is not possible; it is only to be discovered by “looking to Jesus.”1 If you desire to ascertain your own election, after the following manner shall you assure your heart before God.

Do you feel yourself to be a lost, guilty sinner? Go straight to the cross of Christ, and tell Jesus so, and tell Him that you have read in the Bible, “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”2 Tell Him that He has said, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”3 Look to Jesus and believe on Him, and you shall make proof of your election directly, for as surely as you believe, you are elect.

If you will give yourself wholly up to Christ and trust Him, then you are one of God‘s chosen ones; but if you stop and say, “I want to know first whether I am elect,” you do not know what you are asking. Go to Jesus, just as you are, in all your guilt. Leave all curious inquiry about election alone. Go straight to Christ, and hide in His wounds, and you shall know your election. The assurance of the Holy Spirit shall be given to you, so that you shall be able to say, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”4

Christ was at the everlasting council—He can tell you whether you were chosen or not; but you cannot find it out in any other way. Go and put your trust in Him, and His answer will be, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”5 There will be no doubt about His having chosen you when you have chosen Him.

Sons we are through God’s election,
Who in Jesus Christ believe.
1) Hebrews 12:2
2) John 6:37
3) 1 Timothy 1:15
4) 2 Timothy 1:12
5) Jeremiah 31:3

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Address

42817 Highway 3 RR 1
Wainfleet, ON
L0S1V0

Telephone

+19058991336

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