The Path Ahead
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
Untried, untrodden, and unknown as your future path may be, it is, each step, mapped, arranged, and provided for in the everlasting and unchangeable covenant of God. To Him who leads us, who accepts us in the Son of His love, who knows the end from the beginning, it is no new, uncertain, or hidden way. We thank Him that while He wisely and kindly veils all the future from our reach, all that future—its minutest event—is as transparent and visible to Him as the past. Our Shepherd knows the windings along which He skillfully, gently, and safely leads His flock. He has travelled that way Himself and has left the traces of His presence on the road. And as each follower advances—the new path unfolding at each step—he can exultingly exclaim, “I see the footprint of my Lord; here went my Master, my Leader, my Captain, leaving me an example that I should follow His steps.” Oh, it is a thought replete with strong consolation and well calculated to gird us for the coming year—the Lord knows and has ordained each step of the untrodden path upon which I am about to enter.
Another reflection. The infinite forethought, wisdom, and goodness which have marked each line of our new path have also provided for its every necessity. Each exigency in the history of the new year has been anticipated. Each need will bring its appropriate and adequate supply—each perplexity will have its guidance—each sorrow its comfort—each temptation its shield—each cloud its light. Each affliction will suggest its lesson—each correction will impart its teaching—each mercy will convey its message of love. The promise will be fulfilled to the letter, “As your day, so shall your strength be.” – Octavius Winslow
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, January 3, 2021
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship – Dr. Larry Saunders
Church closed, service available on SermonAudio only. (SermonAudio link)
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer – on Zoom
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship – Dr. Larry Saunders
Church closed, service available on SermonAudio only. (SermonAudio link)
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, January 6th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer – Dr. Saunders – on Zoom
Advanced Announcements
Saturday, January 9th
7:00 p.m. FPC Connect Group – on Zoom
Sunday, January 10th
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship – Dr. Saunders – available on SermonAudio only.
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer – on Zoom
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship – Dr. Saunders – available on SermonAudio only.
Wednesday, January 13th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer – Dr. Saunders – on Zoom
Thursday, January 14th
6:00 p.m. Session Meeting
7:30 p.m. Session and Board Meeting
Monday, January 25 – Wednesday, January 27th
7:30 p.m. Evenings of Bible Study and Prayer
Thursday, January 28th
7:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study – Mrs. Jill Saunders – on Zoom
Deepest Sympathy
We extended our deepest condolences to sisters Suzanne and Karen Fernandes on the passing of their father, Dr. Louis Fernandes. Many of you will have heard that our dear brother went home to Glory on December 31, 2020, after a brief time in hospital.
Mr. Fernandes was a faithful man of prayer, always bringing the needs of our families, church, and school to our Heavenly Father. He attended every church meeting as long as his health would let him. He will be greatly missed.
Please keep Suzanne and Karen in your prayers, praying that the God of all comfort will draw incredibly near to them at this time of sorrow.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; Revelation 21:4
The funeral arrangements are as follows: the viewing will be on Tuesday, January 5th, by invitation only due to Covid restrictions. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, January 6th, at 11:00 a.m. at Toronto Free Presbyterian Church for the family only. The congregation may view the service on Sermonaudio.com
2021 Bible Reading Calendar
The 2021 Bible reading calendar is now available. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please send a request to info@torontofpc.ca. You can view and print a copy by clicking on this link: 2021 Daily Reading Calendar
“Many books in my library are now behind and beneath me. They were good in their way once, and so were the clothes I wore when I was ten years old, but I have outgrown them. Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” – C.H. Spurgeon
Christmas Card Appeal
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the Christmas Card fund! Over $6,100 has been raised so far. There is still an opportunity for anyone who has not yet donated and would like to.
Women's Bible Study
The Women’s Bible study will recommence on Thursday, January 28th, on Zoom.
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The Shorter Catechism
Q35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace1, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God2, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness3.
1. God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit. (2Thessalonians 2:13).
2. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.. (Ephesians 4:24).
3. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1).
The Children's Catechism - Doctrine
Q35. What is Baptism?
A. It is a washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
