Summary of Hany Fernando’s sermon on 27 October 2019:
How do you answer this question if you stand in the court? Do you think that a man who has been in prison fits to raise a child. Warren Wiersbe shared his experience and answering either “Yes” or “No” struggled him. He mentioned several pastors and missionaries who were in prison before but brought big impacts on others’ lives.
Paul addressed himself as a prisoner of Christ and he declared this in his epistles, e.g., Ephesians 4:1, Philemon 1 and 9, 2 Timothy 1:18. In Romans 1:1, he called himself a slave of Christ.

What does it mean?
1) He emphasised that his imprisonment was due to his apostolic activities (Philippians 1:13)
2) He acknowledged Christ’s providence through his imprisonment (Acts 28:17-31)
3) He encouraged the readers not to be ashamed about his status (2 Timothy 1:18). He was never ashamed as Jesus’ follower (read Luke 9:26)
Living as believers in this wicked world brings many consequences such as exclusion from certain activities or groups, objects of insulting and mocking, etc. However, these kinds of consequences only last a very short time compared to being with God eternally. (HF)

According to one story a man went to a Christian teacher to ask for instructions on how he could be a better Christian. The teacher replied that he didn’t have any help for that but that he could give a remedy which would create love towards God. “That is what I really need,” replied the man. The teacher answered back, ”It is love for your neighbours, and for all people.” We cannot directly love almighty God except by thanking him. Another way to love God is to love that which God loves: sinful people. It is not a reward or approval for getting to heaven but a gesture of thanksgiving to God for saving us. Read up more on this by accessing Ari Savuoja’s sermon “Love is” from 20 October 2019. (BF)

The Bible tells us that there a special times when God is calling, or when God is coming to make himself known to us. Read up more about it by means of Ari Savuoja’s sermon from 25 August 2019. (BF)

Welcome to join our BBQ – weather permitting – on Saturday, 31 August. Come to meet us (a bunch of Christians from various denominations) at 15.30 in front of St. Luke’s Chapel. You only need to bring your bicycle, something to grill, suitable clothes and a good mood – we’ll cheer you up anyway… We shall cycle together to Kellonkartano (10 km), a Christian recreation centre at the seaside north of Oulu. We may also be able to offer a car ride to a few people – please sign up, so we can check whether it can be arranged. We will have a bonfire in the yard and play some outdoor games together. We should be back at the starting point at around 19.00 pm. Sign up by 30 August by email to bastian[at]oief.fi. In case of bad weather, we will cancel the event via this blog entry on Saturday by 11.00 am (BF)

I am fascinated about the steps we humans make and the footprints we leave in our lives. Think about the most recent event, of the 50-year anniversary of the Moon landing. On 21 July 1969 Neil Armstrong stepped on the Moon and left his footprints there on the part of mankind. What an impact this had! Every once in a while we should also take the time to think about the footprints that we leave behind as Christians, here on earth or anywhere else. Do we have to achieve great steps or a giant leap in our lives, just as Armstrong? Or do our lives as Christians rather consist of small steps with reference to Jesus as an example that we should follow in a humble way? Find out more by reading up Bastian’s devotion “Leaving Footprints” from 21 July 2019. (BF)

Here are a few selected sermons by Ari Savuoja, university chaplain, from spring 2019 – feel free to read these for your own edification and study.
Easter, Ascension, Holy Trinity (BF)

At Koskelan seurakuntakoti (Koskelantie 86, Oulu)  from Mon 3.6. to Thu 20.6.2019, Monday to Friday at 11.30 am – 16pm.

The summer club includes training, for example, Finnish language and culture, everyday life skills, games and handcrafts. Every day dinner costs 2,00€/participant. 

Every day there is a different theme programme. No need to register in advance. The club is aimed at adult immigrants (for example exchange and degree students can come). You can reach Koskelan seurakuntakoti by local buses, numbers 4, 4A, 10, 20, 21.

For more information call Mikko Ylävaara, tel. +358 504 334 097
Arranged by Tuira Evangelical-Lutheran Parish (MY)

New Wine (https://newwine.fi, https://www.new-wine.org) will arrange its ”Encouragement Days” in English in April by means of Rev. Richard Thomas from the UK, see below.

Organised in English (interpretation into Finnish) by Oulu Free Church (Vapaakirkko, Kirkkokatu 34) and the Cathedral Parish of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oulu (Keskustan srk-talo, central congragation hall, Isokatu 17):

Thu 11.4. at 18 Gospel Evening (Vapaakirkko)

Fri 12.4. at 19 Helmi Young People Evening (Vapaakirkko)

Sat 13.4. at 10-17 Encouragement Day (Keskustan srk-talo)

Topics:

– How do we identify and maintain our identity as Christians in a pluralistic world

– How do we raise a positive interest in Christianity especially in those who think that Christianity is boring and powerless

– How does our faith and love stay alive and truly affect the world we live in

Free entry. Coffee/tea 4 EUR in cash. Lunch at own cost in restaurants downtown Oulu.

Sun 14.4. at 11 Worship Service (Vapaakirkko)

Sun 14.4. at 17 God’s Word & Prayer Evening (Keskustan srk-talo)

(BF)