GNN EDITION 10

2

THE AUTHOR

4

PRAYER POINTS

5

LETTER FROM THE UKRAINE

8

LETTER FROM GNCV

9

PUT GOD FIRST

11

OCCUPY

12

NAKEIVA'S TESTIMONY

13

PROPHETIC WINDOW

14

FEED THE HUNGRY

16

ACTS AFTER THE ACTS

18

GNU: THE CALL

20

DEVOTION

24

BIBLE READING PLAN

25

YTH UPDATE

26

GNC KIDS: SHARE THE JOY

27

GNN EATS

28

YOU GOTTA READ THIS

32

NN

FG

O SUE

IS

SETTING IT UP

GNN@GOODNEWSCHAPEL.ORG 1

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EDITOR ELISABETH GERONIMO

our focus is celebrating this Easter weekend.

While the world has relocated Easter to being just another holiday, focusing on the chocolate eggs, Easter bunnies, and family gatherings, we want to celebrate the real reason behind this weekend; thanking God for sending His Son Jesus to die on a cross for our salvation.

Christ’s finished work on the Cross is central to our faith and deserves our attention. Without Jesus, there is no Christianity.

The theme verse for this issue is Hebrews 12:2.

This is one of my favorite verses in Scripture, as it highlights the heart, will, and work of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s look at our theme verse in more detail and pull out some key points.

2

It must be noted that preceding our theme verse is the famous Hebrews chapter 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” In Hebrews 11, great men and women of the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, and Rahab are listed, being commended for the great things they accomplished by their faith. In Hebrews 12 however, we are presented with the best example of faith: Jesus. We as believers are instructed to keep our eyes solely on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Some translations describe Him as the Champion and Perfecter of our faith. He is the originator of our faith, and it is He who brings our faith to maturity. But what is Jesus’ example of faith? Jesus lived a life that was in complete submission to the governance and leading of the Father. He did nothing outside of Himself. His life truly embodied the command of Romans 12:1, where we are instructed to “present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Jesus’ life was a life of obedience and worship in spirit and truth.

One of the main things that qualifies Jesus as our perfect example is His devotion to accomplishing the will of the Father. This verse gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus, as it says,“for the joy set before Him endured the cross, disregarding it’s shame.”

Jesus did not allow the humiliation of coming to earth in the form of a man, nor the thought of a gruesome and shameful death on a cross stop Him from accomplishing His purpose in coming to earth. Why? Because it was His joy to carry out God’s wonderful plan of salvation. Jesus shares the same desires as the Father, and therefore, “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross” (Phil 2:8).

But what was the motivating force behind this joy in seeing God’s will accomplished?

It’s very easy to answer, love. God loves us and desires to have relationship and spend eternity with us. His prime desire is not to pour out His wrath on His creation but to reconcile us back to Him, and that’s why He sent Jesus. God’s will and Jesus’ will are not disconnected but the same. He didn’t accomplish God’s plan of salvation out of a feeling of compulsion to obey the Father but because Jesus also loves us. He was driven by the fact that many would accept Him and follow Him, and live that abundant life He came for.

Jesus is described as now sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven. There is an important point here that can easily be overlooked. Jesus is sitting; His work is over, and He now enjoys the reward of His obedience.

But what does that mean for you and me?

Jesus’ work on the cross is complete, it is done, He has paid in full for everything we need to live a victorious life now and forever. Jesus said in John 10:10b, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

He paid the price for our sin, He has paid for our freedom, He has paid for our healing, He has paid for our reconciliation to the Father, He has paid for our eternal life. He doesn’t need to do it again and because of that, we can enjoy and live in all the benefits of His sacrifice today.

You don’t need to wait another day. Today is the day where you can live in all that Christ has accomplished on the Cross.

we are celebrating the release of our tenth issue! In these ten issues, we’ve shared powerful testimonies, inspiring devotions and many more articles and resources. From everyone at GNN, we would love to express our gratitude to all our contributors and partners over the past years. Our hope at GNN, is that we continue to encourage and edify everyone who picks up a copy of the magazine,

3

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” – Philippians 1:6 Have you ever considered the work of an author? Authors are very creative and imaginative people. The only experience that I have as an author would be this article and the sermons that I write from week to week. It’s a whole different ballgame when it comes to writing a full-length story. There must be an idea, an outline, the actual content (beginning, middle and end) as well as the twists and turns needed to keep the reader engaged.

It’s been my experience that when I write something, it begins with an idea. But to be very truthful I often don’t know where to go from there. It takes time, and even when I start writing, I don’t necessarily know where I’m going or how it’s going to end. Thankfully, the Spirit helps me, and He knows where I’m going, and He gets me there.

But when it comes to the story of us, speaking of humanity, there is the Author. It is without a doubt that I can assure you that when the Author penned the story of man, He knew the beginning, the middle, and the end. Within that story there is a flow, there is cohesiveness, a point, and a definite end; even though many try to hijack the story, like Satan has tried many times. Even man has tried to “contribute” or carve out a name for himself by redirecting the narrative away from the main Character, Jesus. However, God ultimately oversees and edits the story of Us. I know that there are many of us who think we are in a drama of sorts, many things shifting and changing around us. Sometimes we are thrown for a loop that catches us completely off guard, but we must remain confident. Not in some fleeting idea that everything is just going to be alright or that eventually the ship will right itself.

But rather that our confidence is in Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. We must trust in the revelation

that we have through Scripture that constantly reminds us of the sustaining and perfect work of Jesus. We must be convinced that the Author knows the beginning, middle and end of all things and that through His great power, this story that He has written will come to pass both on the grand scale and even in our own individual lives.

4

There it is in black and white. The Author has determined that what He has begun in you is a good work and true to form; whatever He starts, He finishes. This type of confidence can only be developed when we come to know the Author. There are many who have received Christ as Lord and Savior but have not entered into a deeper knowledge of who He is beyond that. He isn’t some character in the story, He is the Author and what He has penned with the ink of His blood will come to pass and no man will be able to thwart it.

It is only then that you can confidently repeat the words of the apostle Paul, who himself, was brought through all kinds of circumstances and yet still said,

“for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” 2 Timothy 1:12b

PRAYER POINTS

PRAYER POINTS

PRAYER POINTS

JESUS TELLS US IN JOHN 14:13 THAT “YOU CAN ASK FOR ANYTHING IN MY NAME, AND I WILL DO IT, SO THAT THE SON CAN BRING GLORY TO THE FATHER." PRAYER IS A POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH REAPS MIGHTY RESULTS. MAY THESE PRAYER POINTS HELP YOU IN YOUR PRAYER LIFE IN THE COMING MONTHS. WATCH AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL AND POWERFUL TO BRING EVERYTHING YOU PRAY FOR TO PASS.

1. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

4. PRAYER FOR PEACE

“Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” – Psalm 103:1-2

Pray

Pray

2. PERSONAL PRAYER

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Pray

Father, show me anything in my life that is slowing me down, and strengthen me to strip it off. Empower me to live in victory over temptation. Help me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus, that all my life would center around Him and all He’s done for me. Let me always remember the joy that is awaiting me as I follow Jesus.

3. PRAYER FOR DIVINE HEALTH

“So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness from among you.” – Exodus 23:25

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” – Isaiah 26:3 Thank You, God, for the mind of Christ.

No worry, anxiety, fear, or depression can stay inside of me. I thank You that You said I can cast all my cares upon You because You care for me. I do that today (List your concerns and give your burdens to the Lord!) Thank You that Your supernatural peace that passes all understanding rises in me now.

5. THANK GOD FOR PROSPERITY

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Pray

Father, I thank You that as I obey Your Word and trust in You, I will be supernaturally prosperous in every season. I thank You that no matter what goes on in the economy, I will never struggle, but I will be blessed and be a blessing to all those around me. I thank You that as I connect myself generously to Your Kingdom, the windows of Heaven are open over my life and the devourer has no access!

Pray

Father, I thank You that healing is the children’s bread. As your child, today I receive health and strength in my body to run the race that You’ve set before me, in Jesus’ Name. I thank You that today all pain goes and whatever the enemy planted in my body is uprooted today by Your power! (Be specific)

5

10. PRAYER FOR POWER OF GOD TO BE AT WORK THROUGH YOU

6. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM & DIRECTION;

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

– James 1:5 “…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6

Pray

Father, I place before You all the decisions that lay before me: (Be specific). Thank You for ordering the steps of the righteous. Direct my path. Open doors and close them. Speak to my heart and guard me from any missteps.

7. PRAYER FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3 “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. – Mark 10:9

8. PRAYER FOR YOUR CHILDREN

11. PRAY FOR THE UNSAVED BY NAME

“The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” – II Peter 3:9

12. PRAY FOR A GREAT MOVE OF GOD AT GOOD NEWS CHAPEL

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

– Proverbs 22:6 “The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to Him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him…Our children will also serve Him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.” – Psalm 22: 27,30 Father, I pray for my children (by name). Would you reveal Yourself to them in a special way. Draw them close to You. Place Your hand on them in a special way.

Surround them with Your angels and protect them wherever they go. Keep them healthy and strong. Use them for Your glory. Thank You that no plan of the enemy for distraction or destruction will succeed in their lives.

“Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:4

Father, use me. Let my life reflect Jesus in consecration, in compassion and in power. Let there be less of me and more of Him evident in my life. Give me opportunities to minister to people who are in need. Open my eyes to see like You see.

Father, I pray for ____________. Remove the veil from their eyes and draw them to Yourself. Soften their heart to hear the Gospel. Send people into their path to lead them to Jesus. Don’t allow them to rest until they believe on Jesus and confess Him as Lord. Thank You for working in their life! I claim ____________ for the Kingdom of God.

God, help me to treat my spouse with love. Help me to be patient and kind. Help me not to keep a record of wrongs. Help me to always forgive as I remember all I’ve been forgiven of. Soften my heart today and harden my commitment.

9. PRAYER FOR A FUTURE SPOUSE (if unmarried):

Pray

Pray

Pray

Pray

“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” – Mark 16:17-18

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47

Pray

Father, You said that as we seek You, we will find You. I pray You pour out Your Spirit upon the wonderful people at GNC, the young and the old. Let us see Your power and Your glory, which will eternally mark our lives. Let Your Word be confirmed with signs, wonders, and miracles. Let people come from near and far to be a part of all that You are doing.

Pray

I thank You Lord that You have prepared for me the perfect person to join my life with. I pray You will also prepare me to be the best person for them, complete in You. You said two is better than one, so bring us together to accomplish Your plans and purposes.

PRAYER POINTS 6

PRAYER POINTS

PRAYER P

13. PRAY FOR GNC VANCOUVER

“I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18

Pray

Father, I thank You that Jesus is building His Church in Vancouver. We pray for Pastor Oscar and Melanie.

Use them to labor with Jesus and build His work in Vancouver. Surround them with favor. Let them see supernatural blessing and increase in their ministry.

Let their influence increase in the city of Vancouver and surrounding.

14. PRAY FOR THE PASTORS OF GNC AND FOR NEW PEOPLE TO BE CALLED INTO THE MINISTRY THROUGH GNC

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, divine utterance may be given me, so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel.” – Ephesians 6:9 “He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.” – Matthew 9:37-38

Pray

Father, give the Pastors of GNC wisdom by Your Spirit.

Fill them with fresh Words from Heaven to build up this congregation. Strengthen and encourage them to do Your work. Raise up new workers from among GNC with a calling into the ministry.

15. PRAYER FOR MONTREAL

“Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession.”

– Psalm 2:8

BE SURE TO TAKE TIME EACH DAY TO PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”

– Romans 8:26-27

…IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth – Acts 1:8

Pray

Father, use us to impact the city of Montreal. Transform this city into a place people visit because of a mighty move of Your Spirit. Help us to uproot all the enemy planted for evil, and instead rebuild the wall of righteousness. Give us greater influence for Your Kingdom!

R POINTS

PRAYER POINTS

PRAYER POINTS 7

The Ukraine will be Saved.

Dear Pastor Steve and Good News Chapel,

Praying that all is well with you. I pray that 2023 will be a great blessing to you all. You keep amazing me and Sue with your generous heart for missions and the people of Ukraine. We continue to support our partner pastors and their work with getting food, medication, medical attention, and shelter to anyone in need.

Here Are 2 Wonderful Stories:

Although the war is devastating Ukraine, thousands of people have come to seek the Lord. Our partner pastors are reporting that many are coming to their churches to seek food and shelter and because of that, hundreds have given their hearts to the Lord. They are relying completely on God. One pastor had a small church of twenty-five people for over twenty years. He was getting very discouraged and was thinking about closing the church when the war broke out. He was encouraged to remain open and today, he has over four hundred people in his congregation! God is amazing! Good News Chapel is in God's mission field!

On Monday January 2nd, we sent $15 000 to the Ukraine to help with the needy in Dnipro and for six new church plants in the Poltava region, especially to aid with their heating costs. We had partnered with another Canadian Christian charity with feet on the ground in the Ukraine and with our partner pastors. On Tuesday January 3rd, Good News Chapel’s donation came to our home which covered our expenses and more. You have been used by the Holy Spirit to continue to do God's work on earth.

We thank you for partnering with us and as long as God leads us, we will support our fellow Christians in Ukraine. God bless you again for your generosity!

Love,

Sue and Mike Nardozza Bearers of Love International

8

D D F F

Dear Church Dear Church Family, Family, Dear Church Family,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter to you. By the time you are reading this, it will already be a few months since we landed in beautiful British Columbia. To our surprise, we were welcomed with a terrible snow fall, contrary to everything the people of British Columbiahad promised us!

Since our arrival, we have seen God move among His people in a powerful way. I am happy to report that people from different walks of life are being saved each and every single week, and it has been beautiful to witness the transformation in people’s lives.

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He healed many while He walked upon the earth, and He is still healing people now!

We have been experiencing the Lord heal people of longstanding problems, in particular healing those with hearing problems! It has been a great display of His power and goodness!

During our time of prayer and fasting, our church congregation was praying specifically for supernatural growth and that people who are far from God would encounter Him as Lord and Savior.

God has already begun to answer our prayers, as people are coming from all walks of life, young and old, ready to encounter God’s love. By His grace, the church continues to grow in number each week!

Continue to believe with us as we embark on this journey to one thousand congregants.

I ask you, never stop praying for us and for the work God has called us to do here.

We miss you greatly and we cannot wait to come visit and be blessed by your love and encouragement.

God Bless you,

goodnewchapelvan

goodnewschapelvan.org

9

GOOD NEWS CHAPEL

SCAN TO LISTEN

Spotify Playlist

PUT GOD FIRST PRAY TO HIM IN TIMES OF PEACE For those

of you who don’t know, I am an aerospace painter. At my job, our production cycle follows 3 different shifts: mornings, evenings, and weekends. Some months ago, the company I work for tried to start a new latenight weekend shift. They posted a signup sheet in the cafeteria where volunteers can write their names to apply for this new position, but after 2 months this paper was still blank. At that point, we all thought they had given up on this venture. 8:30am comes around; break time for others, prayer time for me. When everyone was busy eating their bagel, I was busy feeding my spirit. Alone inside the little paint booth, the undisturbed silence and peace allowed me to get down on my knees and raise my deepest prayer of gratitude and joy, and when my words end, my spirit desires to talk some more. I start a little cold, but I finish on fire.

PRAY TO HIM IN THE STORM So, it turns out,

they didn’t forget about the late weekend shift. One morning during our 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer, our supervisor called us all in for a meeting. He informed us that the administration had decided to pick by seniority, members from each shift type to fill the new late-night weekend shift. We couldn’t believe this was happening. The next day, our union delegate, HR, my supervisor, and his boss came down to the paint shop. One at the time, by seniority, all new employees like me were called into the office to receive the official letter to sign to complete the transfer.

When my time came, I greeted them, and humbly informed them that I couldn’t do this shift because I attend church Friday nights and Sunday mornings. The evening shift was also not an option because I have family and this shift would cause me to not see them for four days. I told them that I really loved my job but unfortunately, I would start looking for another one. I thanked everyone and walked away. The next day, 8:30am came. I was in that booth again praying. In the past, God had provided for me in the small things as well as in the big things.

Since I was young, sometimes I had nothing for breakfast, but people without knowing showed up with food for me. After a while, I started to notice it and my faith grew stronger. My family and I never missed a meal and this situation was NO EXCEPTION. Again, I cried, I praised Him, I prayed in the Spirit and asked for wisdom. I started warm and finished on fire.

PRAY TO HIM IN THE UNKNOWN One of my

colleagues had been transferred to the evening shift and kindly offered switching with me. I would take his evening shifts and he would take my weekend shift. To me, this wasn’t really an option. It’s quite simple: evenings are with my family and weekends with God. I cordially refused the offer. Later, I was immersed in my thoughts and was reflecting on how it would be working weekends for the next few weeks. I then heard HIS voice in my head. I recognized it immediately because it was the same voice I heard when I decided to leave my family and friends in Italy and come live in Canada. In my confused mind, the words were clear like water: “seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all other things will be added unto you.” I felt compelled to choose between Him (weekend shift) and my family (evening shift). I cried with joy because I heard His voice and my heart felt supernatural peace. I wasn’t scared. I was resolute and direct. I went to my colleague, and I accepted his offer. The next day, 8:30am, but this time was different.

PRAY TO HIM FOR THE UNTHINKABLE

I thought I had seen it all that week. I was wrong. One of my colleagues who had resigned almost 2 weeks prior, showed up in the morning. I greeted him and I asked him what he was doing here. He told me that HR had called him and asked him to come back to the morning shift. So, I went to talk with my supervisor and asked him “so are we all coming back to morning shifts?” Very confused he ask me “why? “I answered him, “because I have 3 months seniority over Vincent.” I think I saw a light bulb lighting up over his head. “You have a good point, let me talk with my boss and I’ll let you know tomorrow.” Tomorrow came, and he texted me saying that I was back to my usual morning shift. 8:30am, same place, same time.

I had no words. I thanked Him and He rewarded me with a worry-free life. In my mind there had been two options: honor God and His House or not. At that moment, I heard His voice say to me, “because you have been obedient with what I asked, I have given you what you didn’t ask for.” I cried, I worshiped and thanked Him. I wiped my tears and went back to work, with joy inside of me because we serve a mighty God. Only He can turn hopeless situations around in less than a week. If He did it for me, He can do it for you!

No warmup. Quick thanks and get to business. I asked God to lead my steps and to give me wisdom. I begin to pray and was f illed with the Holy Spirit. A cloud passed throughout my body, f rom the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. My legs were jiggling, I fell to my knees, laughing.

Surprisingly I wasn’t hungry anymore (even if we were on our 21-day fast).

11

As the young adults of Good News Chapel, we have experienced a freeing year in 2022. We have come out of one of the most “difficult” times that the modern Church has seen to date. Now, we can look forward to what will be one of the most powerful seasons we have ever experienced! For when a tree is pruned, much fruit is produced, and a great harvest awaits. Some soldiers who emerge from battle reminisce on its misery. In our case, as faithful soldiers in God’s glorious army, we enjoy the celebration of victory!

No matter the battle won, we must always remember the charge of our Lord Jesus Christ as issued in Mark 16:15: “GO into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."Although for a season our strategy was defensive, the ‘GO’ we are charged with by Jesus in Mark 16 switches our game plan to the offensive.

We must GO and seek out all of creation so that we may proclaim to them the Good News. Jesus'; call to action does not end there. In Luke 19:13, Jesus tells a story of a master bidding his servants to: “occupy till I come.” Our battle cry rings the same. We must occupy the earth until our Master comes. We must conduct business, occupy the workplaces, occupy every sector of education, and hold influence in governmental realms. Our innovation and philanthropy should be unmatched.

We are called the Church of Jesus Christ.

We share in the likeness of the One to whom we belong. We have the mind of Christ, the burden of Christ, and share in His desires for mankind and creation.

Such a combination is fatal to the kingdom of darkness. Many Christians agree that we have dominion over the devil in the spiritual realm. “The enemy is under our feet” is a quote shared often. That, he is!

However, should we not see this spiritual reality manifest in the physical realm?

Yet, when we look at the world, we see many wicked people in charge. We see people that hate the Church and hate God drafting and passing legislation. We see earnest followers of false gods funding their religions by the billions. Yet, many churches are having trouble buying a building to meet in or struggling to make ends meet. This is not the reality purchased for us with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor is this the precedent set forth by believers throughout history.

12

The early Church was a wrecking force in the world! It is said that the church in Jerusalem grew to 100 000 members in its first 25 years. Such exponential growth took place in a city that persecuted and hated followers of Christ. The leader of the most powerful government in the world at the time, Caesar, accepted Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior, legalized Christianity and 10 years later, it became the official religion of the Roman Empire, one of the most wicked of its day. The key to the success of the early Church and its believers can be attributed to our key verse, Hebrews 12:2. Where have we gone wrong? Where have we dropped the ball? “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

THEY FIXED THEIR EYES ON JESUS. HAVE WE?

We must incorporate our Lord into our everyday life. We must listen to His still small voice and follow His leading. Like Daniel, God will bring us before great men so that we may bring His presence into places of influence, into the realm of business, and into spheres of education.

I firmly believe that Jesus, through the perfecting of our faith, will make GNC the stronghold of our nation. Now is the time for the glorious Church of Jesus Christ to stand firm and occupy until He comes.

GNC will start to occupy like never before, with the Young Adults at the forefront of the greatest move of God the Church has ever seen.

On the 10th of September, I was enjoying some time at the park with my children. As I was at the smaller park with my two year old daughter, my older daughters were playing on the obstacle course section of the park. Suddenly, I heard a scream, and as I turned, I saw my six year old on her back, on the ground with very little movement. I ran towards her and picked her up to her feet and started asking her where her pain was. With her eyes staring wide at me and mouth wide open, she could not respond. I called her by name and asked her if she was able to hear me.

She kept trying to respond but the words would not come out. I grabbed her in my arms and started praying over her, canceling the work of the enemy. I then thought to myself, “you should call 911” but as soon as that thought went through my mind, I heard a voice say, “but you already did.”

I took my daughter to sit on the bench and then asked her again if she had any pain. She then said her back, neck and head were hurting, so I continued praying. By that time, she seemed to be back to being herself, so I decided to leave. While driving, I could hear the voice of fear saying, “you should call 911,” but I kept on saying, “I already did” and trusted God for her complete healing. Before we got home, Nakeivia said “mom, I feel much better.” Within after an hour of being home, she was bending backwards. I thank God that He is always close and that He was on the scene faster than any paramedics could have been. Nakievia decided to get baptize on the 2nd of October and I am extremely proud of her for making that decision all on her own. To God be all the glory, honor, and praise.

13

SEEING JESUS THROUGH THE LENS OF PROPHECY The Bible presents Jesus as the Eternal

Messiah, the One Who has always existed; the One Who was with the Father and the Holy Spirit at Creation.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word (Jesus) was with God and the Word (Jesus) was God.” Jesus was involved in the creation of all that exists. In Genesis 1:1 it says, “in the beginning, Elohim (Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) created the heavens and the earth.” The entire Godhead was involved in creation. These and more were the activities that Jesus was involved before His Incarnation.

Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him (Jesus) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him (Jesus) and for Him.” From here on, I would like to look at Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Anointed One and the Savior promised through prophecy.

The first prophecy concerning Jesus is that He would come to redeem men and defeat Satan.

Genesis 3:15 “I will put enmity (a state of hostility) between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.”

Here is a short list of prophecies about Jesus’ first coming to His death and resurrection: 1. Isaiah 7:14 - A virgin to conceive and bear a Son, Immanuel

Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 2:6-7

2. Micah 5;2 - Jesus to be born in Bethlehem of Judea Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:4-6; John 7:42 3. Isaiah 40:3-5 - A voice in the wilderness to announce the coming Messiah Fulfillment: Luke 3:3-6; John 1:23-27 4. Psalm 69:8 - The Messiah to be rejected by His family Fulfillment: Mark 3:21 5. Zechariah 9:9b - The Messiah to arrive riding a donkey Fulfillment: Matthew 21:5,7; John 12:12-16 6. Psalm 41:9 - The Messiah to be betrayed by a friend Fullfillement: Luke 22:47; John 13:18, 21-30 7. Psalm 22:7 - The Messiah to be scorned and mocked Fulfillment: Matthew 27:27-31,39-44; Luke 23:25 8. Psalm 22:14-15, 17 - The Messiah to suffer greatly Fulfillment: Matthew 27:27-50; John 19:28; 1 Peter 4:1a

14

9. Psalm 60:21- The Messiah to be given gall and vinegar Fulfillment- Matthew 27:34,48 10. Psalm 109:4- The Messiah to pray for His enemy Fulfillment- Luke 23:34 11. Psalm 22:16b- The Messiah’s hands and feet to be pierced Fulfillment- John 19:18, 20:25,27 12. Psalm 109: 6-19- The enemy of the Messiah (Judas) to be destroyed Fulfillment- John 17:12; Acts 1:16,20 13. Isaiah 53:2b- The Messiah to be seen as physically undesirable Fulfillment- Mark 15:32 14. Psalm 22:18- The Messiah’s garments to be divided by lot Fulfillment- Matthew 27:35 15. Psalm 34:20- None of Messiah’s bones to be broken Fulfillment- John 19:31-36 16. Isaiah 53:9a- The Messiah to be with the wicked and the rich in death Fulfillment- Matthew 27:38, 57-60; John 19:38-42 17. John 2:19-21- Jesus to be raised after three days Fulfillment- Acts 10:40 18. John 6:62- Jesus to ascend to heaven Fulfillment- Acts 1:9

The blessed hope of every believer rests on these truths: the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

The Bible is the only book in the world that records over a thousand prophecies, of which over half have been fulfilled with complete accuracy. Based on this consistency, we can expect the remainder will be fulfilled as written.

In the next issue of GNN, I will share some of the prophecies yet to come.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send them to GNN@GOODNEWSCHAPEL.ORG

15

GNC Missions Highlight Written by Marcy Sevior

Feed the Hungry Canada Within GNN, we are excited to continue our series entitled, ‘GNC Missions Highlight.’

Good News Chapel is a church which is committed to giving and blessing others.

There are many wonderful ministries which GNC has partnered with, who do the work the Lord has called us to do: preach the Gospel, make disciples, and feed and clothe the needy. Here at GNN, we would like to bring their work to the forefront.

In this issue, we will be highlighting the great work accomplished through “Feed the Hungry Canada.”

In 1987, Dr. Lester Sumrall, founder of Feed the Hungry, answered the call of God to help the poor and needy across the globe: “that My Church in the third world does not die of hunger before I return.”

Our vision and mission at Feed the Hungry Canada has three main facets:

1. TO FEED THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY 2. TO EMPOWER THE CHURCH WORLDWIDE 3. TO SHARE THE HOPE THAT COMES ONLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

What sets Feed the Hungry apart from other charities is that we directly oversee the entire relief process, to make sure your contributions get into the hands of those who need it most. Before distributing food, we secure guarantees from government agencies, giving us the right to distribute food directly through local churches who know the people and the need in their communities. 95% of all donations help those in need by delivering food and supplies using a pastor-to-pastor, church-to-church strategy. Feed The Hungry has delivered more than $200 million of food and supplies to hungry and hurting people in ninety-two nations around the globe. We also respond with emergency food and relief during disasters such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 crisis. The guarantee of a daily meal gives boys and girls a chance to get a primary education while offering them hope for a better and brighter future. Kids who go to school every day receive a hot meal, which is often the only time in the day they eat.

Providing hot nutritious meals is one way we connect with individuals; by meeting a physical need. We look to God’s Holy Word and see that deep conversations take place during shared meals together. This presents the opportunity to share Christ with hurting people, who need to hear of His love.

16

Hungry children face a critical problem.

They often live in a constant state of malnutrition because their diet consists of food that is low in important vitamins and nutrients, things critical to a full life. Feed The Hungry has a unique solution. We’ve developed longterm partnerships with local pastors to help deliver specially formulated meals to hungry kids. Every morsel is distributed through our partners. That means these kids aren’t just fed physically, but also spiritually because they hear the Gospel, they’re shown God’s love, and they receive an education. This gives them the hope every child deserves. But we can’t do this alone. Once a hungry child enters a Feed the Hungry feeding program, they spend an average of 6-8 years receiving food, spiritual guidance, and an education. And while all the food we distribute is donated by partners, getting food into the hands of hungry kids and their families, as well as sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with them takes the support of partners like you.

And thanks to our partners, over 430,000 hungry children around the globe are discovering how good a full life feels.

We hit a record number of donations in 2022, and we are believing 2023 will surpass those numbers. We continue to form new partnerships to expand our global impact. By feeding the hungry together, and delivering it in the name of Christ's love, you are joining with Feed the Hungry to help change people’s lives for the better, for the future, and for eternity!

If you would like to partner with Feed the Hungry Canada or would like to follow our work, reach out through one of these outlets: www.feedthehungrycanada.org feedthehungrycanada FTHCanada Facebook.com/ feedthehungrycanada

17

ACTS AFTER THE ACTS

In this edition of ‘Acts after the Acts,’ we will be examining the history of Easter. At Easter, we celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection over 2000 years ago. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross” (Col 2:14-15). Also, because of His resurrection, we as believers also partake in a glorious hope, as “we know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself together with you” (2 Cor 4:14). While we as Christians firmly know the reason behind Easter, some of us may not know how Easter as a yearly celebration came to be. In this article, we will be looking at the origin and establishment of Easter as a Christian celebration.

EASTER & THE FEAST OF PASSOVER “But the blood on

your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.”– Exodus 12:13

As affirmed in the Gospels, the death and resurrection of Jesus occurred during the week of the Jewish Passover.

The Passover is a Jewish holiday which commemorated the deliverance of the people of Israel from captivity in Egypt.

When God ‘passed over’ the homes of the Israelites during the last of the ten plagues, it spared them from death but also secured their freedom from Pharoah. The Passover recorded in the Old Testament can be seen as a type and shadow of the work of Christ. Jesus became our Passover lamb, spotless and perfect, whose blood and body bring atonement for our sins and reconciles us back to the Father. When we are covered by the blood of Jesus, we are also spared and set free from the curse of sin.

The Jewish Passover is celebrated in accordance with the Jewish calendar, which is based on the natural cycles of the Sun and Moon. Because modern calendars are not structured this way, the date of Passover changes every year. Because Easter corresponds with the Jewish calendar’s date for Passover, the date also changes yearly. Passover occurs on the fifteenth day of Nisan (Jewish calendar) and falls on the first full moon following the Spring equinox.

18

WHY IS EASTER ALWAYS ON A SUNDAY?

In the year 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea assembled church leaders from all over the Roman empire to establish and standardize the beliefs and customs of the Church. They declared that Easter would now always be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon, either occurring on or after the Spring equinox. To simply calculate this, the council established an ecclesiastical rule that the Spring Equinox would always be observed on March 21 st making it the first day of Spring. This rule was meant to give the Church a stable frame of reference to be able to count towards Easter together. The Council of Nicaea’s rulings on Easter solidified an independence from the Hebrew calendar and worldwide uniformity.

“All the brethren in the East who have hitherto followed the Jewish practice will henceforth observe the custom of the Romans and of yourselves and of all of us who from ancient times have kept Easter together with you” – The Council of Nicaea However, as time progressed, the Roman Julian calendar (used at the time of the Council of Nicaea) was falling out of sync with the lunar/solar year, nudging Easter farther and farther away from the Jewish Passover and the true change of the seasons. In 1592, Pope Gregory XIII initiated modifications to correct this drift. His Gregorian calendar was created and is now the most commonly used calendar in the world and is the one that is used for determining the date of Easter.

The reason why the Council of Nicaea established Sunday to celebrate Easter is simple: we are remembering the work of the Cross on the day on which our Lord had risen. Also, the tradition of celebrating Good Friday also follows this train of thinking, Good Friday celebrating the Friday on which Jesus died.

ACTS AFTER THE ACTS

WHERE DOES EASTER GET ITS NAME? The English word for Easter derives from the old High German plural word for ‘dawn’ which is “eostarum.” It’s interesting that the word dawn is used in conjunction to Easter. It is as if it conveys that this holiday, celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, is a new dawn for humanity. The Venerable Bede, an eight century English monk and historian, speculated that the word for Easter in fact came from ‘Ēostre,’ the name of the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. However, he is the only source to mention it and therefore his theory is inconclusive and highly debated. Many other languages refer to Easter as a variation of the Latin 'Pascha' (Pasqua in Italian, Pâques in French, Pascua in Spanish, Påsk in Swedish etc.), based on the Hebrew word for Passover, ‛ Pesach.’

WHEN DID CHRISTIANS START CELEBRATING EASTER?

The exact date when Christians began celebrating Easter is uncertain. Although the Church of the New Testament may not have celebrated Easter as an established holiday, there were ways in which they remembered Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Epistles mention that the early Church partook of Communion, which remembers the wonderful new covenant we now have because of the shed blood and broken body of Christ. “For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and His people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.’ For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again.”

– 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Also, New Testament Christians, especially Gentiles, gathered to worship on Sundays rather than the traditional Sabbath (Saturday) in order to honor the day on which Jesus had risen.

“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” – Acts 20:7 The development of Easter as a more established celebration in the early Church seems to take off in the midsecond century (100-199 AD). One of the earliest sources referring to Easter is a mid-2nd-century Easter homily (commentary that follows a reading of Scripture) attributed to the bishop Melito of Sardis ,which characterizes the celebration as a well-established one.

From then on, we see a more formalized and established celebration within the Church for Easter, developing more into what we know and are familiar with.

However, many traditions and customs began to be added over the years that are not Scripturally compatible.

In conclusion, Easter is one of our most cherished celebrations in the Christian faith. We remember that Jesus humbled Himself, left the glory of heaven, died, and rose again so that we may enjoy life abundant, now, and forever.

“WHEN HE APPEARED IN HUMAN FORM, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND DIED A CRIMINAL’S DE AT H O N A C R O S S . THEREFORE, GOD ELEVATED HIM TO THE PLACE OF HIGHEST HONOR AND GAVE HIM THE NAME ABOVE ALL OTHER NAMES, THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH AND UNDER THE EARTH, AND EVERY TONGUE DECLARE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.” – PHILIPPIANS 2:7B-11

Sources: “The History of Easter.” Museum of The Bible. April 1 2021, https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/history/the-history-of-easter

19

THE CALL says that “no soldier ever serves in the army and pays his own salary.” If I needed a place to live while I pursued the call of God on my life, God would honor His Word and provide one for me, because I didn’t enlist myself into His army, He called me. There has never been a moment since I said yes to following Jesus, that the Lord did not take care of me.

Had I called myself, it would be difficult to stand confidently on such promises and I likely would have turned back at the first sign of difficulty or discomfort. Knowing without a shadow of doubt that it was the Lord who called me, I was able to stand firm, in faith, confident in God alone. The second gentleman in the story islife a consists different case At Good News U, student He hearsweekly Jesus’chapel call, and it surely ofaltogether. in-class teaching, came from Jesus, response was really services, as well as but the his Ministerial Service an excuse.which Albeitisadesigned good one,sobut an excuse, Practicum, that nonetheless.

What was truly being said students receive hands-on experience in is: Lord, I within have things that I Chapel. need toStudents do first, ministry Good News before I can the do opportunity what you're asking me to will also have may sound like:and “Lord, I need todo. beToday, traineditfor soul winning will hit the to getweekly(Term married first;1+4) I need to buy a house, streets hitGospel. this career milestone or wait toI need preachtothe We can read of it in Luke 9:57-62: “As they were until my children grow up and move out’. walking along the road, a man said to Him, ‘I When these thoughts echo in our hearts and will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, decisions, what we are really doing is making ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the excuses. We are showing the Lord that our Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ He plans, our dreams, and our needs are more said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, important. Jesus’ answer to this second ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus gentleman is not to degrade him or even said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, rebuke him. In fact, Jesus validates that what but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ the gentleman desired to do was important Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first and let him know that there are others that let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” take care ofHOURS the important tasks that YEAR ONE- PROGRAM CONTENTcould & CREDIT he had yet to settle. Then, Jesus points to the COURSE TITLE TOTAL COURSE HOURS The call ofNUMBER God must come fromCOURSE Him; you task at hand that He required the gentleman THE MINISTRY OF HELPS 27 cannot call yourself.

The fi rst man in this 101 to accomplish. Jesus’ response was one of story shows us why. Caught up in THEO-01: the power you're thinking GOD AND THE“don’t BIBLE worry, everything 27 102 and awe of the life and teachings of Jesus, a about will get done, the ends will be tied and ART OF PRAYER 27 gentleman finds 103 him and tells him, THE ‘Lord I will the ducks will be ordered, but as for you, I NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY 27 proclaim the kingdom of go everywhere with you!’

The call of God often 104 need you to go and challenges our comfort and expectations of life.

God. I need you to THEO-2: THE PERSON & WORKS OF CHRIST 27 go and do what you were 105 The reason one cannot call oneself is because called to do and everything else will fall into SERVANT LEADERSHIP 27 the confidence 106 of your calling cannot come place.” There really is no priority other than OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY from you, but from the One who sounded the 108 the one the Lord 27gives you. He would never called. In some of the most difficult seasons you at a disadvantage to THEO-03: THE GIFTS & send MINISTRY OF somewhere 27 109 of my life, when I was seemingly alone, THE HOLYhurt, SPIRIT you or your family. When you prioritize and frustrated, and struggling, the onlyTHE thing FORCEthat OF FAITH obey what the Lord 27 is calling you to do, the 110 kept me going was knowing that Jesus was the details will sort themselves out. The details THE END TIMES & THE CHURCH 27 111 I knew that if HeTHEO-04: One Who called me. called me, can either hinder your advancement or INTRO TO THE GOSPELS & ACTS your faith.27 that I could do it, I112 could work past any struggle, propel issue, or heartbreak and remain forgiving, and THE POWER OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP 27 113 resilient, so that I could accomplish that which SOUL WINNING weekly 1&4 He created meTERM to do.

In 1 Corinthians 9:7, Paul

TERM 4

TERM 3

TERM 2

TERM 1

The call of God came to me at 17 years old.

I was living life for myself, which left me very angry, and very empty. After much Italian style coercion, my parents enticed me to attend a weekend Youth convention in Kingston, Ontario. At one service, I re-dedicated my life to Jesus, and heard the call of God to full-time ministry. I remember thinking: “there is no way God could use me to minister, not after the way I have been living, the things I’ve said, the things I’ve done.” Yet, I knew what I had heard so strongly in my spirit. I promised the Lord that if He could use me, in spite of me, I would follow Him all the days of my life. My story is simply one of many, and a testimony to the goodness of God. There are, however, We believe that at Good News U, youmany, will have that have heard thata same calllove andfor whose deposited in you greater the Word stories remain unwritten. of God, a greater compassion for people and a fire of the Holy Spirit to empower impact our city, our The callyou oftoGod coming to a nation, and the world with Christ’s man or woman has sounded message. This is the most exciting time the throughout to besame alive and to be following the call generations. of God on your life!

20

Why not throw yourself all in to the call of God and see what He does not work out for you?

The third gentleman in this story seemingly piggybacks from his excuse-making brother.

But what’s interesting is that we can see both a decision and a hesitation is his simple response. This third gentleman has decided, and set his sights on answering Jesus’ call to follow Him. He heard the Lord, he knew it was the Lord calling Him, and despite his circumstances, he made the decision that “yes, I will follow you, Lord.” The third gentleman’s issue was one of the heart. In him, we see a heart divided. On the one hand, He responds in swift obedience to Jesus’ call, but on the other, we see that his heart lies elsewhere, home with his family. I believe that this speaks to the marriage of willingness and obedience that must be present in everyone who answers the call. There is much teaching and focus on obedience when it comes to the Christian life. Obedience is key to the call of God, and to a life of covenant blessings. Biblical expectations of obedience are as follows: obey immediately. Delayed obedience is disobedience; listening the first time is listening God's way. We see this element of obedience present in this third gentleman’s response. There is a second Biblical expectation of obedience however, which is: obey willingly. God’s standard is not simply to do what He says when He says it; but it is to desire to do what He says when He says it. It raises the standard from action to attitude. God will bless obedience for obedience’s sake because He is bound

by His Word to. However, obedience and willingness are the key to abundant life and the supernatural favor of God over you. Isaiah 1:19 says “if you are willing and obedient, You will eat the best of the land.” I do not simply want to eat; I want to eat the best of land.

This willingness was missing from the third gentleman’s response. While he was quick to obey, he was slow to do so willingly.

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM

.

GNUMTL 21

His heart lay elsewhere, home with his family.

Many people give God their yes, but they don’t do so wholeheartedly. God wants your heart. God wants all of you. He won’t share you, and nothing else should have your heart.

Jesus’ response to this gentleman’s lack of willingness is piercing. He says in Luke 5:62 “no one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Considering the declaration of obedience and submission present in the third gentleman, Jesus' answer may at first glance appear striking, and even severe. Yet, when we consider the gentleman's hesitation as a manifestation of his lack of willingness despite his obedience, we understand Jesus’ response all the more. When your desires are still present, consuming your heart, despite your obedience, you have divided your loyalty and compromised your call.

When your heart's not in your obedience, you may do the work set out for you, but you will do so constantly looking back at what is really in your heart. While obedience may motivate you, a lack of willingness will prohibit you from seeing the mission through to completion. A heart divided is not fit for service in God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is all in and all consuming.

The gentlemen in this story each have calls that remain unwritten. I believe many people reading this may also. Maybe your reasons are like theirs, but your outcome does not have to be. The choice and chance to answer lies with you. Many people ask me what my role as Dean of Good News U, our in-house school of the Bible and ministry, entails. I always respond the same way. My role is to give every person an opportunity to be obedient to what the Lord is telling them to do. Our mission and vision at GNU is no different. We want to train and equip all our students to obey the call of God on their lives. The training is our commitment to you, but the answering is your commitment to the Lord. I pray that as you read this, the call on your life will sound strongly in your spirit, as it did for me on that Saturday in Kingston when I was 17 years old. I pray that faith would be stirred on the inside of you to take God at His Word, despite your current reality. I pray that there would be a confidence, tenacity, and willingness to follow Jesus on the inside of each of you. I pray that every single person who hears those precious two words that Jesus has been uttering from the beginning of time would inspire you to action, even today.

“Follow me.” Jesus' invitation to the gentlemen in Luke 9 is no different than the one He sounds to you today.

Alessia Mikhail Dean of Good News U

WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?

FOR MORE INFO VISIT GOODNEWSCHAPEL.ORG/GOOD-NEWS-U

BUILD THE KINGDOM CHANGE THE NATION

23

What do we think about when we hear the word Devotion? Amongst many Christian circles it can make you think of a “devotional” or the common phrase: “I read my devotional for today.”

Devotion is more than just reading a short paragraph and a scripture in the morning. The basic meaning of the word Devotion is to love, to be loyal, or show enthusiasm for someone or something. To put it simple, for the believer, devotion is a whole-hearted commitment to God, that lasts forever, it becomes a way of life.

Everything Jesus did during His time on earth until His death on the cross exemplified a life of devotion to God and the things of God. Even though He was the Son of God, He was not exempt from anything when He took on flesh here on earth. He would go to the temple to worship, He read the Holy Scriptures

24

(Luke 4:16-19) He especially made sure to devote himself to prayer. In fact He even had a separate place for it. “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

(Mark 1:35) Jesus devoted His entire life to The Father, right up until His death. He was completely committed to the Will of the Father. He never wavered in fulfilling His mandate.

He was obedient. He was consecrated.

We too must follow His example and be one hundred percent devoted to God in every aspect of our lives. Be devoted to reading His Word, be devoted to prayer, be devoted to His house, be devoted to His mandate. Let every part of your life express your consecration to God. Only then will we see His will be done, and His kingdom come.

Stefi

In this issue, we are highlighting the finished work of Christ on the Cross. Join us for a 7-Day Reading Plan, where we see in the Word of God what Jesus accomplished here on the earth and the benefits of His death and resurrection for the believer. Our hope is that through this reading plan, the joy of your salvation would be renewed to you!

      

Read: Matthew 27:33-28:20 Read: Philippians 2:5-11 Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-58 Read: Hebrews 7:1-28 Read: Colossians 2:6-15 Read: Revelation 5:1-14 Read: Isaiah 53:1-12

Underline or highlight key words or phrases in the passage.

Ask and answer some questions. Questions unlock deeper understanding. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how.

Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Ask yourself what some of the main themes of this passage are.

Personalize the meaning. Ask yourself how you could apply what you’ve read to your faith walk.

25

2022 was a year full of answered prayers.

We prayed in faith that our group would grow and for many teens to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Lord answered this prayer. One of our objectives had been to double our youth group by the end of 2022.

On Friday February 11th 2022, there were 17 teens in attendance for youth night. In December 2022, we had over 70 teens. We not only doubled but tripled, and we give God all the glory and honour. We serve a God that answers prayers! Young people across the city of Montreal are in need of a Saviour.

The Bible says in John 4:35, “lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

What a great start to 2023! For 3 years, we did not have a chance to have our annual youth getaways. However, in February 2023, we were finally able to have a proper youth retreat. For many, it was their first time attending a youth getaway. Let me tell you, with over 60 teens present, we had loads of fun! With activities such as tubing, skating, hockey, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and much more, there was no time for anyone to be bored. Friendships and memories were formed which will last a lifetime. The theme for the weekend gateway was “Draw

26

GNCYOUTH

the Line.” We spoke about the importance of living on the right side of the line. We also spoke about the impact of living in sin and that in order to receive an encounter with God, sin needs to be removed. We had powerful services, where many teens received a first time encounter with God. We are confident that they will never forget this weekend. One teen in particular was set free from demonic oppression and has felt nothing but the joy of the Lord ever since. We also saw 11 teens give their life to Jesus. We are overjoyed of how God moved amongst our young people.

Just like Saul on the road to Damascus, all you need is one encounter with the living God for everything to be completely transformed.

In Acts 9:1 Saul went from being one who persecuted Christians to one who preached the Gospel with power in Acts 9:20. All it took was one encounter for his life to be changed forever. This is our prayer for the young people of Good News Chapel, that they would be changed not for a little while, but for the rest of their lives.

- Pastor Carlo Gurciullo

because it's the time we get to celebrate the most selfless act of love ever demonstrated to humanity–which is the death, burial and resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus: “fixing our eyes on Jesus...for the joy set before Him.” Normally, when we think about the death of someone we love, it does not immediately bring us joy. Jesus, however, is the exception! When Jesus died for us on the cross, the chains of sin that entangled us were broken.

When Jesus died, there was freedom from every evil plan of the enemy.

When Jesus died everything changed. Romans 6:10 says, “when He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God."In the second part of the verse of Hebrews 12:2, the writer states: “He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus is not dead, but alive, and He is seated at the right hand of the Father. For this reason, we can have joy, and we can rejoice with all of Heaven–because our redeemer lives! So this Easter, when you think of what Jesus did for you, I pray that it fills you with unspeakable

joy and everlasting peace! I pray that you are reminded of everything Jesus did because of His great love for you. Most importantly, I encourage you to share that joy with everyone around you, so that they might also know the joy and peace that only Jesus can bring.

Pastor Giulia Donnini

Draw a n and on d cut out two e large ) for the half circles (on differen e small tomb u t color cut out s s a circle heets of pape ing two away, u r. Draw for the s s a the larg ing the same tone that was nd color sh er half rolled circle. G circle o eet use n d tomb’s to the larger lue the smalle for half cir r interior cle to c half for the and ex re s te and clo tone with a br rior. Attach th ate the ad, bein se the to e remain g able circle mb. Glu in to open Decora g full sheet o e your tomb f te o is Risen your craft w construction nto p it !” here. H or you may w h words such aper. a e 28:6a.” has risen, jus rite out “He is s “Jesus t Y n remain ou may also c as He said. M ot atthew ing con ut out a structio n pape cross with r and g lue on.

27

FIRST LAYER:

• 2 cups flour • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped • 2 8oz packages cream cheese, softened • 1 cup icing sugar • 1 cup whipping cream • 2 Shirriff Lemon pie filling and Dessert mix • 2 cups whipping cream • 3-4 tbsp icing sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix flour, butter, and pecans together until crumbly.

Press into a 9”x13”. Bake in a 350F oven for 15 minutes. Cool.

Beat cream cheese and icing sugar together well.

Beat whipping cream until stiff. Fold whipping cream into cream cheese mixture.

Spread over cooled crust.

Prepare lemon pie filling according to directions on package. Cool, stirring often.

When at room temperature.

Pour over the cheese layer.

Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff.

Spread over the lemon layer. Refrigerate.

Makes 15 generous portions.

Note: The dessert can be refrigerated with the first two layers while waiting for the lemon puddings to cool.

*PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY PETTROTA

• 4-4 ½ cups bread flour • 1 (0.25oz) package, 7g or 2 ¼ tsp yeast • ½ cup granulated sugar • 3 tbsp honey • ¼ tsp vanilla extract • ½ tsp table salt • ½ cup water • ½ cup milk • Zest of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp shortening or butter, room temperature • 3 large eggs, slightly beaten • 1 egg yolk + 1 tsp. milk, whisked together (for egg wash) Optional: You can add raisins, nuts, seeds, chocolate, cream cheese

1. In a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, lemon zest, honey, and vanilla. Mix well.

2. In a saucepan, heat water, milk, and shortening/butter until warm (120°-130° F). Add to flour mixture. Blend at low speed, slowly adding slightly beaten eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed.

3. Switch to dough hook attachment. Gradually add

flour if necessary to make a firm dough. Remove dough from mixer. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 8 minutes.

4. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top. Cover. Let rise until indentation remains after poking dough with finger down to knuckle (about 1 hour or more) 5. Punch down on dough. Divide into 3 parts. On lightly

floured surface, roll each third to a 15-inch rope. On greased cookie sheet, loosely braid from center to ends.

Pinch ends and tuck under to seal. Cover and let rise in a warm place until indentation remains after lightly touching, about one hour.

6. Preheat oven to 400°F. 7. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with some sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

(Note: For hand mixing, follow above steps, mix ingredients in large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon or dough whisk. Knead on floured surface until smooth and elastic. If dough is too sticky and wet, oil hands lightly)

29

• 4 garlic cloves • 8 fresh sage leaves • 4 tsp fresh thyme leaves • 4 tsp olive oil • 4 tsp salt • 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 4-5 lb boneless beef loin New York strip roast, fat trimmed to 1/4 inch.

Directions:

1. With machine running, drop garlic into food processor; blend until finely chopped.

Add sage, thyme, oil, salt, and pepper.

Process until paste forms.

2. Pat meat dry with paper towels. Rub meat all over with herb paste. Cover, chill at least 3 hours (can be made 1 day ahead.

Keep refrigerated.)

3. Preheat oven to 450°F. Place meat, fat side up, on rack in roasting pan. Roast meat 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Roast meat until instant- read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 130°F (for medium rare, about 35 minutes OR 140°F for about 40 minutes for medium).

30

4. Remove from oven; let rest for 20-30 minutes (important step, don’t leave it out!) Tent aluminium foil on the roast as it sits to rest.

5. Cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices.

Arrange on platter. Serves 10

• 1 lb fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese • 1 tsp lemon zest • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp ground black pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Toss potatoes, garlic, parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again until evenly combined.

3. Heat a cast-iron or oven proof skillet over

medium-high heat. Add butter and heat until melted.

Add potatoes; cook and toss until evenly coated with butter, about 2 minutes. Put skillet into the preheated oven.

4. Roast in oven until soft (about 15-20 minutes), tossing halfway through. Remove from oven and top with parsley.

• ¾ cup drained oil-packed sundried tomatoes, sliced (reserve 2 tbsp oil) • 1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed • 1 can artichokes, drained and each artichoke cut into 6 slices • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 ¾ cup chicken broth • ½ cup white wine • 454-500g pasta, gemelli, penne or your favorite pasta • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish • 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped • ¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste Optional: • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, drained and cubed or bocconcini cubed

1. Heat the oil reserved from the tomatoes in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until brown (about 8 minutes), breaking up the meat into bite-sized pieces with a fork. Transfer the sausage to a bowl.

2. Add the artichokes to the same skillet and sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add minced garlic and sauté one more minute.

3. Add the broth, wine, and sundried tomatoes, boil over medium-high

heat until the sauce reduces slightly, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until tender but still ‘al dente.’ Drain pasta.

5. Add the pasta, sausage, ½ cup parmesan, basil, and parsley

to the artichoke mixture. Toss until the sauce is almost absorbed by the pasta. Stir in mozzarella if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve, topping with additional parmesan cheese.

*PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY PETTROTA

31

YOU GOTTA READ THIS!

Our h ope h ere at GNN is that anyon e wh o picks up a copy of this ma gazin e, would be exposed to th e light an d h ope of th e Gospel of Jesus Christ . As you’ ve rea d believers’ testim onies, devotions an d oth er ar ticles, we pray that we have sh own God’s love, faithfuln ess an d power. God is real an d He is workin g in th e lives of th ose wh o call upon Him. Th e Bible tells us that “God so loved th e world, that He gave His only Son, so that ever yon e wh o believes in Him will n ot perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Because ever yon e has sinn ed an d has fallen sh or t of God’s glorious stan dard (Romans 3:23), God sh owed His great love for us by sen din g Christ to die for our forgiven ess while we were still sinn ers (Romans 5:8). Through God’s f ree gift of salvation, we are ma de n ew, f illed an d empowered with His Holy Spirit , an d have inh erited eternal life in Heaven with Him. Life will n ever be th e sam e a gain! Jesus cam e to ear th so that we may have an d enjoy life m ore abun dantly (John 10:10).

Th e Bible says in Romans 10:9 that “ if you declare with your m outh, “Jesus is Lord,” an d believe in your h ear t that God raised Him f rom th e dea d, you will be saved.” If you have n ever ma de a decision to make Jesus Christ your Lord an d Saviour, an d want to make your life right with God, pray this prayer out loud:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for Jesus, He is the answer I am looking for. Jesus come into my heart today, I surrender my life to you. I admit that I am a sinner, forgive me of my sins. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and gave His life on the cross for my forgiveness. Make me whole and new. I confess You to be my Lord and my Saviour.

Help me to live for You all the days of my life. Fill and lead me by Your Spirit. Thank you for this new life and for saving me. This I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen

32

Hallelujah, you are n ow a child of God! You have ma de th e best decision of your life! You n ow belon g to Christ an d h ave becom e a n ew person.

Your old life is gon e; an d a n ew life h as begun! (II Corinthians 5:17)

I F YO U ’ VE PRAYED THIS PRAYER, WE WO U LD LOVE TO SEND YO U A FREE G I F T TO G ET YOU STA RT ED WI T H YO U R NEW LI FE! Pl ea se fe e l f re e to co n ta c t u s a t i n fo @ g o o dn ewsch a p e l .org OR Vi si t o ur we b si te a t h ttp s : // www.g o o dn ewsch a p e l .o rg/ g o t- save d