Central Saint John Community Ministries is a ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, operating in the urban core of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Stone Church

ELIJAH ASCENDS TO HEAVEN and is SUCCEEDED by Elisha (A Sermon on 2 Kings 2:1-11) 
 
1 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” 
But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 
3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” 
“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” 
4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” 
And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 
5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” 
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” 
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” 
And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. 
7 Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” 
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” 
11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

ELIJAH ASCENDS TO HEAVEN and is SUCCEEDED by Elisha (A Sermon on 2 Kings 2:1-11)

1 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.”
4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.”
And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lo

ELIJAH ASCENDS TO HEAVEN and is SUCCEEDED by Elisha (A Sermon on 2 Kings 2:1-11)

Why did Jesus say, "BLESSED ARE THE POOR?" A Sermon on Luke 6:20-26 
 
Jesus said, blessed are the poor, blessed are the hungry, blessed are those who weep, and blessed are those who are hated. Ask anyone who falls under one of the above categories and I doubt they'd tell you that they feel particularly blessed. And yet, Jesus pronounces them blessed, anyway. Why? That's the question that Jasmine will be exploring in her sermon on Luke 6:20-26. 
 
Luke 6:17-26 
17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 
18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. 
20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 
21 "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 
22 "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 
24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 
25 "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 
26 "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets."

Why did Jesus say, "BLESSED ARE THE POOR?" A Sermon on Luke 6:20-26

Jesus said, blessed are the poor, blessed are the hungry, blessed are those who weep, and blessed are those who are hated.  Ask anyone who falls under one of the above categories and I doubt they'd tell you that they feel particularly blessed.  And yet, Jesus pronounces them blessed, anyway.  Why?  That's the question that Jasmine will be exploring in her sermon on Luke 6:20-26. 

Luke 6:17-26
17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.
18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.  19 And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 "Blessed

Why did Jesus say, "BLESSED ARE THE POOR?" A Sermon on Luke 6:20-26

What Jesus Taught about Marriage and Divorce 
It's common to see headlines in the tabloids about the divorce of celebrities and other, high profile public figures. If there were tabloids in Jesus' time, a headline might read like this: “Royal Marriage Scandal: King Herod to Wed Herodius, the Divorced Wife of His Brother. John the Baptist Ouraged!" With this divorce scandal on everybody's minds , the Pharisees approach Jesus with a question: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" (Mark 10:2). In response, Jesus offers a lengthy teaching- a teaching that focusses, not so much on divorce itself, but marriage. The unspoken question that Jesus poses is this: What is God's ultimate will for marriage? What do the scriptures say? The response to this question ultimately informs Jesus' teachings on divorce. 
 
Join us as we take a closer look at Mark 10:1-12 
 
Mark 10:1-12 (NRSV) 
10 He left that place and went to the region of Judea and[a] beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. 
 
2 Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,[b] 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 
 
10 Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

What Jesus Taught about Marriage and Divorce
It's common to see headlines in the tabloids about the divorce of celebrities and other, high profile public figures.  If there were tabloids in Jesus' time, a headline might read like this:  “Royal Marriage Scandal: King Herod to Wed Herodius, the Divorced Wife of His Brother.  John the Baptist Ouraged!"  With this divorce scandal on everybody's minds , the Pharisees approach Jesus with a question: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" (Mark 10:2).  In response, Jesus offers a lengthy teaching- a teaching that focusses, not so much on divorce itself, but marriage.  The unspoken question that Jesus poses is this: What is God's ultimate will for marriage?  What do the scriptures say?  The response to this question ultimately informs Jesus' teachings on divorce.   

Join us as we take a closer look at Mark 10:1-12

Mark 10:1-12 (NRSV)
10 He left that place and went to the region of Judea and[a] beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathe

What Jesus Taught about Marriage and Divorce (A Sermon on Mark 10:1-12)

The story of Shem, Ham and Japheth- the three sons of Noah- is a strange one. Although the original audience of the story would have understood the subtleties of the tale, its hard for a twenty-first century, western reader to discern precisely what's going on. 
 
In today's Bible Study, we'll take a closer look at some possible interpretations. We'll also discuss how this story helped the Jewish people define themselves as a distinct people, set apart from the neighbouring nations. 
 
Genesis 9:18-28 (NIV) 
18 The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.) 19 These were the three sons of Noah, and from them came the people who were scattered over the whole earth. 
 
20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded[a] to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked. 
 
24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, 
 
“Cursed be Canaan! 
 The lowest of slaves 
 will he be to his brothers.” 
26 He also said, 
 
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Shem! 
 May Canaan be the slave of Shem. 
27 May God extend Japheth’s[b] territory; 
 may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, 
 and may Canaan be the slave of Japheth.” 
 
28 After the flood Noah lived 350 years.

The story of Shem, Ham and Japheth- the three sons of Noah- is a strange one. Although the original audience of the story would ...

The Sons of Noah: Shem, Ham and Japheth after the Flood (A Bible Study on Genesis 9:18-27).

Check out this sermon on a related topic: Why Would Christ Choose Judas? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyfqo2mMm54 
 
Acts 1:15-26 
15 At this time Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters (a group of about 120 people was there together), and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the residents of Jerusalem; as a result that field was called Hakeldama in their own language, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms: 
 
‘May his residence be made desolate, 
And may there be none living in it’; 
and, 
 
‘May another take his office.’ 
21 Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out [e]among us— 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell [i]to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Check out this sermon on a related topic: Why Would Christ Choose Judas? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyfqo2mMm54

Acts 1:15-26
15 At this time Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters (a group of about 120 people was there together), and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the residents of Jerusalem; as a result that field was called Hakeldama in their own language, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms:

‘May his residence be made desolate,
And may there be none living in it’;
and,

‘May another take his office.’
21 Therefore it is necessary that of the men

JUDAS IS REPLACED BY MATTHIAS- A Bible Study on Acts 1:15-26

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about a church community, a healthcare clinic, a school or a family-run-business. Who you choose to higher as senior staff matters. Pick the wrong candidate and there can be some serious repercussions. Most likely it will cost you some revenue. And, if you’re in healthcare, it can even cost lives. People can literally die if the wrong person is hired. 
 
So, with all that in mind, let’s talk about Judas Iscariot. One could say the worst hiring decision in all of history. First, he routinely embezzled company funds. Second, he was a key player in a successful plot to murder the son of the C.E.O! Can you imagine a more disastrous outcome? 
 
Which, of course, raises the question: Did Jesus know what he was doing when he chose Judas to be an apostle? This is the question we'll be exploring in today's sermon. 
 
Acts 1:15-26 
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scriptures had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared our ministry.” 
 
18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 
 
20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership’ ” 
 
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection”.” 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast its, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about a church community, a healthcare clinic, a school or a family-run-business.  Who you choose to higher as senior staff matters.  Pick the wrong candidate and there can be some serious repercussions.  Most likely it will cost you some revenue.  And, if you’re in healthcare, it can even cost lives.  People can literally die if the wrong person is hired. 

So, with all that in mind, let’s talk about Judas Iscariot.  One could say the worst hiring decision in all of history.  First, he routinely embezzled company funds.  Second,  he was a key player in a successful plot to murder the son of the C.E.O!  Can you imagine a more disastrous outcome?  

Which, of course, raises the question: Did Jesus know what he was doing when he chose Judas to be an apostle?  This is the question we'll be exploring in today's sermon. 

Acts 1:15-26
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers 

DID THE LORD KNOW WHAT HE WAS DOING WHEN HE CHOSE JUDAS ISCARIOT? A Sermon on Acts 1:15-26

Check out the latest sermon: A Great, Big, Audacious Hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDHNyc-aivU 
 
Those of us from liturgical churches would be very familiar with the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed. These are affirmations of faith that we recite every Sunday morning— perhaps even every time we pray. However, you might be surprised to learn that there are certain creeds that are even older than these— one of which is found in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Today, we’ll take closer look at this “proto-creed” as we examine 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 
 
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Check out the latest sermon: A Great, Big, Audacious Hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDHNyc-aivU

Those of us from liturgical churches would be very familiar with the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed.  These are affirmations of faith that we recite every Sunday morning— perhaps even every time we pray.  However, you might be surprised to learn that there are certain creeds that are even older than these— one of which is found in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.  Today, we’ll take closer look at this “proto-creed” as we examine 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

1 Corinthians 15:3-8
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fa

THE OLDEST CREED: A Bible Study on 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-8

The story of the prophet Samuel's birth is set in a chaotic time in Israel's history. The nation is disunited, the religious establishment is corrupt and immorality is rampant. It is around this time that a barren woman- desperate to have children- calls out to God for help. Hannah's prayers are answered and she eventually gives birth to a baby boy- a boy whom she names "Samuel." Samuel will be not only a blessing to Hannah but a blessing to all of Israel for it is Samuel who will ultimately lead Israel out of this state of disunity and chaos and into a new state of relative order and peace. 
 
1 Samuel 1:4-20 
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year after year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, ‘Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?’ 
9 After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. 11 She made this vow: ‘O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.’ 
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.’ 15 But Hannah answered, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.’ 17 Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.’ 18 And she said, ‘Let your servant find favour in your sight.’ Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer. 
19 They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked him of the Lord.’

The story of the prophet Samuel's birth is set in a  chaotic time in Israel's history.  The nation is disunited, the religious establishment is corrupt and immorality is rampant.  It is around this time that a barren woman- desperate to have children- calls out to God for help.  Hannah's prayers are answered and she eventually gives birth to a baby boy- a boy whom she names "Samuel."  Samuel will be not only a blessing to Hannah but a blessing to all of Israel for it is Samuel who will ultimately lead Israel out of this state of disunity and chaos and into a new state of relative order and peace. 

1 Samuel 1:4-20
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year after year; as often as she went up to the 

Hannah's Desperate Prayer and the Birth of the Prophet Samuel: A Bible Study on 1 Samuel 1:4-20.

In chapter 22 of Matthew’s Gospel, the Jewish religious leaders surround Jesus, asking him one controversial question after another, all in an attempt to embarrass him in front of the crowds. After handling three particularly tough questions, Jesus then turns to the religious leaders and asks them: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” (Matthew 22:42). It is a question that is directed, not only at the Pharisees and Sadducees, but to us, too. What do we think of Jesus? 
 
In today’s sermon, Jasmine will take a closer look at this question along with all of the other tough questions that the religious leaders have for Jesus.

In chapter 22 of Matthew’s Gospel, the Jewish religious leaders surround Jesus, asking him one controversial question after another, all in an attempt to embarrass him in front of the crowds.  After handling three particularly tough questions, Jesus then turns to the religious leaders and asks them: “What do you think of the Messiah?  Whose son is he?” (Matthew 22:42).  It is a question that is directed, not only at the Pharisees and Sadducees, but to us, too.  What do we think of Jesus? 

In today’s sermon, Jasmine will take a closer look at this question along with all of the other tough questions that the religious leaders have for Jesus.

Who do you say I am? A Sermon on Matthew 22:15-46

When the Israelites arrive at the border of the promised land, God tells Moses to send 12 scouts to explore the territory. When the scouts return, 2 of them (Joshua and Caleb) are very confident that God will allow the Israelites enter into the land and take it. The other 10 scouts, however, are much less optimistic. In fact, they offer their fellow Israelites a misleading report about the land and try to convince them to retreat. Because of the false report of the 10 scouts, the Israelites become very frightened. They say, “It would have been better to die in Egypt or even here in the wilderness! Why is the Lord taking us into that land? We will be killed in battle, and our wives and children will be captured” (Numbers 14:4). 
 
The Israelites then decide to choose a leader for themselves and go back to Egypt. When Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb try to convince them not to do this, the Israelites threaten to stone them. Before they do so, however, God intervenes. Today’s reading from the Book of Numbers is about the consequences of the nation's fear and inability to trust. 
 
Read Numbers 14:5-9, 20-35

When the Israelites arrive at the border of the promised land, God tells Moses to send 12 scouts to explore the territory.  When the scouts return, 2 of them (Joshua and Caleb) are very confident that God will allow the Israelites enter into the land and take it.  The other 10 scouts, however, are much less optimistic.  In fact, they offer their fellow Israelites a misleading report about the land and try to convince them to retreat.  Because of the false report of the 10 scouts, the Israelites become very frightened. They say, “It would have been better to die in Egypt or even here in the wilderness!  Why is the Lord taking us into that land? We will be killed in battle, and our wives and children will be captured” (Numbers 14:4).  

The Israelites then decide to choose a leader for themselves and go back to Egypt. When Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb try to convince them not to do this, the Israelites threaten to stone them.  Before they do so, however, God intervenes.  Today’s readin

Part 7 in a Bible Study Series on Israel's Wilderness Wanderings (Numbers 14:5-9, 20-35).

On the night of his arrest, Jesus shares one final meal with his disciples.  After the meal, Jesus performs a startling act.  He "got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him" (John 13:4-5).  Why does Jesus do this?  And what does it mean for those who follow him?

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