BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views
compiled by Frank McClelland for the
Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
261st Edition – September 21, 2025
THE CHRISTIAN HOME
The book of Acts concludes with Paul dwelling in his own hired house in Rome. Although his freedom was curtailed, it must have been a pleasant two years for Paul.
Since becoming an evangelist for Christ, he had wandered across the lands of Asia Minor, and other countries, preaching the Word of God. He never had a home of his own until he was placed under house arrest in Rome. His humble rented home became a Bethel to many a weary soul. [Acts 28:30ff].
What a blessing the Christian home is. It is an oasis in the desert of an increasingly wicked world. It is a shelter from the storms of contemporary life. Truly, there is “no place like home.”
Let us pause and give thanks to God for the blessings of a Christian home, for godly fathers, devout mothers, spousal love, children, and a hallowed place where we can close the door on the world’s cares and enjoy the sweet fellowship of family and friends.
Paul was not permitted to go out to high-ways and byways, but the door of his home was open to all who came with a variety of concerns and burdens.
He graciously received “all that came in unto him.” There he preached the kingdom of God and taught the Gospel of Christ, and, despite his prisoner status, there was none to hinder him. Even under arrest, God opened a door of opportunity for witness.
Is your home open to the weary soul? Is it a place others are glad to enter because the conversation and behaviour centres on Christ, His Gospel and Kingdom.
“The nearest thing to heaven on earth is a truly Christian home” [Andrew Simpson]
JEHOVAH TSABAOTH [Psalm 24:10]
9)MAN NEEDS A SUPREME COMMANDER
JEHOVAH TSABAOTH means ‘LORD of hosts.’ Natural man is always on the look-out for heroes – those who can do things that they can’t. Thus, they follow politicians, are impressed with business genii, and idolize sports figures and entertainers.
However, when you look for role models be careful, for many of the aforementioned have lifestyles that are wicked in the extreme and are dangerous to follow.
Lift your eyes above man to the Lord. He is the supreme Commander. He is in control of all things both on Earth and in Heaven. Read the short 24th Psalm and you will find that JEHOVAH TSABAOTH, “He is the King of glory.” Jesus is the best role model.
Sometimes we are blind to this great fact. Like Elisha’s servant we need our eyes opened [II Kings 6:17]. The Lord opened his eyes and he saw the armies of Heaven led by the great Commander.
JEHOVAH ELYON [Psalm 7:17]
10)MAN NEEDS A SOVEREIGN
‘Elyon’ means ‘most high’ and refers to the fact that God is Sovereign, there is none higher and therefore He is worthy of worship.
He is the Commander of the armies of Heaven [Jehovah Tsabaoth] and He is also the “King of kings.” We need to grasp that great fact as David did [Psalm 7:17].
If we do, life will be so much more meaningful when we truly recognize that the Lord is in control of all things. If we don’t and begin to doubt the Lord’s superintendence in our lives, we are asking for trouble.
He is not a divine despot but a condescending and loving God. We are His humble subjects, and He is worthy of our love. Jennie Hussey put it well in her hymn:
“King of my life, I crown thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.”
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
The Rev. Phil Owen and his wife, Tonia, have been long-time friends of the Toronto church. He is the Pastor of our church south of Buffalo. We got the unpleasant news on Wednesday that Tonia has been diagnosed with a six-centimetre brain tumour.
She is going to the hospital to ascertain the best means of treating the problem, which will probably involve surgery. The Owens family would be very appreciative of your prayer support at this trying time.
We are one big family, and when one hurts, we all share in the pain. May the Lord answer for Tonia.
