Pastor Marc Bertrand

  "god of this World." The phrase “god of this world” appears in 2 Corinthians 4:4. In this biblical context, it refers to Satan, who is depicted as the one who has blinded the minds of unbelievers. These individuals are unable to perceive the light of the gospel that reveals the glory of Christ, who is considered the image of God. Essentially, it highlights the spiritual battle between belief and unbelief, with Satan attempting to obscure the truth from those who don’t yet embrace it. The verse serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between darkness and light, faith and doubt, and the need for spiritual discernment. Whether one interprets this metaphorically or literally, it underscores the importance of seeking understanding and recognizing the divine amidst the complexities of our world. The phrase “god of this world” (or “god of this age”) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influ...

  I Broke My Promise to God. Before we talk about breaking a vow/oath, let’s discuss how serious it is to make one in the first place. It should NEVER be undertaken without careful consideration and prayer. In fact, there are some who would even go as far as to say that it is a sin itself to even make a vow. Jesus said in (Mt 5:34-37), “but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: (35) nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. (36) Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. (37) But let your communication be, Yea (Yes), yea; Nay (No), nay: whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” ( James 5:12). Based on these verses, it is easy to see why making a vow could be considered sin. On the other hand though, many important people in the Bible did make a vow to God, and He responded positively to some: Hannah (1 Sam 1: God gave her a son), J...

  If you seek me. Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search.. The promises of God pepper the pages of scripture like crystal droplets of sparkling rain, sprinkling life into a dry and dusty desert and scattering hope into the hearts of all God's people. The promises of God tumble and glimmer through the Word of God like a myriad of twinkling stars, peeping through the glowering skies of doubt and sorrow - refreshing the soul, giving hope to the faint-hearted, and providing encouragement to the weary. Though the context of this verse is Israel's Babylonian captivity and their eventual restoration and redemption, this precious verse states an eternal principle and timeless promise - that the Lord is ever near to all who seek Him, and those that search for Him aright, are certain of finding Him. This is a verse that promises all those who seek the Lord in spirit and in truth, will be sure to find Him, for the Lord has promised, "you shall seek Me, and find M...

  For the Gospel. In John, an angel preaches the “eternal gospel” (Rev 14:6). It is eternal because the Gospel of God is the Gospel of the immortal king of ages (1 Tim 1:17). For this reason, it is entirely possible to be for the Gospel forever. And so an alliance for the Gospel does not end—ever. The good news will remain good even in heaven, and there we will have the reality of its promise before our eyes. Some have found the idea of Gospel-centeredness as too limiting. One might argue that it prevents Christians from engaging in larger societal movements—important ones at that. Others might argue that being Gospel-centred is a recipe for tolerating mischief. So the list might go with its objections. Here is the thing. In a technological society, full of scientific description, we sometimes over complicate the Gospel. But I find the simplicity of the Gospel delightful. So that when the Philippian jailor asks, what must I do to be saved, Paul and Silas answer simply: “Believe in ...

  Satan is the enemy. If we only gain allies and friends by being mutually against something, then that partnership lasts only until the controversy ends. And given the kind of partnership we had, our former ally could turn on us. So instead, we should unite around being for the Gospel of God—an eternal cause. Then that partnership will have no end—it is eternal as God is eternal. And if we need an enemy to rally against, let’s fight the one the Bible identifies: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). To be against the Devil and all his works is another way to say that we are now in Christ. So we should act like Christ: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). And we can do so by a sort of imitation when we denounce his works And if we want to know what...

  The Devil as Our Enemy. Elsewhere, we see the devil identified as our particular enemy. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to what the Bible says: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:11). Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Pet 5:8) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7). And give no opportunity to the devil. (Eph 4:27). Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (Luke 10:19). For some have already strayed after Satan. (1 Tim 5:15). Moreover, he must be well thought of by outside...