Horizon Weekly | 4 December 2020
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I remember with so much fondness a man I looked up to and respected very much. Dan Morgan was so many things wrapped up in a humble, intelligent follower of Jesus. He was my friend and colleague, and I will miss him very much.
I don’t know anyone who knew as much about church planting. He was as close to being an expert as I have ever seen, if there is such a thing in church planting where innovation is the one constant. He could exegete the theoretical underpinnings as well as the practical outworkings of starting a new church better than anyone I knew. If you broached the subject of starting a new church, he could carry you to new heights and insights.
In fact, insight was a common occurrence with Dan that seemed to characterize my relationship with him. I remember so many times where my thinking, my perspectives and my orientation to a particular subject changed as a result of my discussions with Dan. He had a way of helping you rethink something and changing your whole attitude to it.
I don’t want you to think we always agreed, because we didn’t. In our team leader retreats which he more accurately labelled “attacks,” we had some of the best positive arguments ever. Dan could defend his position like no one I knew. He could also have fun while doing it and would often burst into laughter during heated discussions, reducing the possibility of conflict and personal offence. Dan was so much fun to be with.
Dan was first and foremost a follower of Jesus. Not perfect but saintly. He ordered his whole life to serve God and His Kingdom. Ministry was who Dan was and he lived it in his everyday routine life. The church was incredibly important to Dan and he spent his life making it better. The Lord knows why he was taken so soon and how much we will miss him and his wonderful contributions to the Kingdom of God.
Dan Morgan enriched my life and I thank the Lord for a life well-lived.
Daniel (Dan) Jay Morgan, devoted husband, beloved father, loving Papa, and loyal friend passed away on November 4, 2020. Dan was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and is now home with his Saviour.
Gerry Taillon, National Ministry Leader
Canadian National Baptist Convention
Advent Moment - Peace
By Lynda Blazina
Peace. What a wonderful word. Especially in times that seem anything but peaceful. If you are involved with social media at all, you will quickly hear the general consensus that 2020 was "one for the books" and was anything but peaceful in many ways. And yet, neither was the time that Jesus decided to make himself known to the human race.
We often look at the beautiful scenery that bestows our sparkle laden Christmas cards or the cover of the latest Hallmark Christmas movie and equate the wonder of beauty and stillness with peace. Sometimes we forget that Jesus came to earth amidst great trials and tribulations. Chaos reigned via the Roman empire throughout the early church. From the moment that Jesus came to the world, people wanted to kill Him. The early disciples were persecuted and often martyred.
Yet amidst the turmoil, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
If we believe scripture, the peace that Jesus came to bring, the peace that He promised to us, the peace that was heralded at His birth, is available amidst trials, tribulation and suffering. Peace is found in Jesus himself. When we spend time in God's Word, and with Jesus, we will be at peace in spite of our circumstances.
I must confess, when I find myself not at peace because of my surroundings, it's often because I have not spent enough time surrounding myself with Christ. His peace surpasses understanding and can be felt amidst all the pressures and insecurities that this world has to offer.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” (Luke 2: 10 - 14)
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help us in this season to find rest in the peace You offer to us. Show us Your peace when we spend time with You through your Word. We pray for our churches, that they would be instruments of Your peace this season and allow them opportunities to spread the Good News of Your peace. We thank you that Your peace is promised even through the most trying times. ~ Amen
Do you have a story you would like to share? Please contact Lynda Blazina and let her know. We would love to share your stories with our CNBC family of churches.
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CNBC Weekly Horizon |
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CNBC Mission: We are churches in covenant giving ourselves away to advance the Kingdom. CNBC Vision: We see a day when every man, woman, boy and girl has multiple opportunities to see, hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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