Brandon Martel

One of the most common concerns and questions that I get brought as a pastor is the question of why bad things happen in a world created and governed by a loving God. The existence of suffering and evil seems to contradict our belief in a compassionate and all-powerful God. In this blog post, we will explore this profound inquiry, seeking to uncover the deeper meaning and purpose behind the presence of bad things in a world shaped by divine providence.

God’s Creation and Human Free Will: God is the ultimate Creator who brought forth the world and everything in it. He bestowed upon humanity the gift of free will, enabling us to make choices and decisions. However, this freedom also opens the door to the possibility of evil and suffering. When humans misuse their free will and choose to act contrary to God’s intentions, the consequences can result in pain, injustice, and tragedy.

The Consequences of the Fall: The Fall, as described in the book of Genesis, sheds light on the presence of suffering in the world. It depicts the rebellion of Adam and Eve against God’s command, leading to the introduction of sin and its consequences into the world. This pivotal event marked a fracture in the harmony of creation and introduced suffering, disease, and death as part of the human experience. The consequences of the Fall ripple throughout history, affecting the entire created order.

The Redemptive Power of Christ: Christianity teaches that God did not abandon humanity to the consequences of sin and suffering. In His infinite love and mercy, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to redeem humanity and restore the broken relationship between God and humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers the hope of salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. In the midst of suffering, Christians find solace in the redemptive work of Christ, knowing that He is present in their pain and suffering, offering comfort, healing, and hope.

Spiritual Growth and Transformation: Within our faith, suffering is not viewed merely as a random or meaningless occurrence. It is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth, transformation, and the deepening of one’s faith. The Apostle Paul, who experienced immense suffering throughout his ministry, wrote, “We also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Through trials and tribulations, Christians are called to lean on their faith, relying on God’s grace and strength to endure and emerge stronger.

A Glimpse into God’s Sovereign Plan: God’s ways are far beyond human comprehension. While we may struggle to understand why certain events occur, we must trust in God’s sovereignty and providence. Although we cannot fully grasp the reasons behind individual instances of suffering, we believe that God can work through even the most tragic circumstances to bring about His purposes. The story of Joseph in the Old Testament serves as a powerful example, where what seemed like terrible events ultimately led to the preservation of God’s people and the fulfillment of His plan.

The existence of suffering and bad things in the world does not undermine the belief in a loving and all-powerful God. Instead, it invites us to embrace the mystery and trust in God’s sovereignty. We find comfort in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who provides hope and healing in the midst of our pain. Moreover, suffering offers an opportunity for spiritual growth, perseverance, and a deeper reliance on our faith. As Christians, we strive to navigate the complexities of suffering with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to reflecting God’s love in a broken world.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, finding quality content that aligns with our values and beliefs can be challenging. Fortunately, RightNow Media has emerged as an exceptional platform that offers an extensive library of video resources designed to inspire, educate, and empower individuals and communities. “Before RightNow Media was an international organization with hundreds of employees, it was a father-son team filming documentaries in remote locations about the work of Christian missionaries. While much has changed over the past few decades, our motivation has stayed the same: we exist to work with the global church to inspire people to love others before self and Christ above all.” In this blog post, we will explore why RightNow Media is truly awesome and how it has revolutionized the way we engage with faith-based content.
Unparalleled Content Variety: RightNow Media stands out for its vast collection of videos spanning multiple categories, including Bible studies, discipleship, leadership, marriage, parenting, apologetics, and more. With over 20,000 resources from renowned Christian authors, pastors, and speakers, the platform offers something for everyone.
Accessibility and Convenience: One of the most impressive aspects of RightNow Media is its accessibility. It is available on various platforms, including web browsers, mobile devices, and streaming media players, allowing users to access content anytime, anywhere. This convenience makes it easier than ever to fit valuable spiritual content into our busy lives, whether we’re at home, on the go, or even in small group settings.
High-Quality Production and Trusted Speakers: RightNow Media consistently delivers high-quality video content, featuring well-known speakers, authors, and ministry leaders. The platform collaborates with influential figures such as Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, Tim Keller, Lecrae, and Beth Moore, among others, who bring their expertise and insights to the table. The professional production values make the content engaging, visually appealing, and enjoyable to watch.
Community Building and Discipleship: RightNow Media goes beyond simply providing content; it fosters community and discipleship. The platform enables churches, small groups, and families to engage in meaningful discussions, study the Bible together, and grow in their faith. With features like discussion guides, leader resources, and group study functionality, RightNow Media facilitates the building of strong connections and a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
Constantly Growing Library: RightNow Media’s commitment to offering relevant and up-to-date content is evident in its ever-expanding library. New videos and resources are regularly added, ensuring that users have access to the latest teachings and insights from trusted Christian leaders. This commitment to continuous growth ensures that RightNow Media remains a relevant and valuable resource for years to come.
RightNow Media has revolutionized the way we engage with faith-based content, providing an exceptional platform for individuals, families, and churches. Its vast library, accessibility, customization options, and commitment to quality make it a truly awesome resource. If you want to also be able to access this remarkable resource, you can sign up for free at https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/anc

Christmas is celebrated by many people different people, in many different ways, in many different places. It is a time of celebrating, of family, of presents and of the Christmas magic. It is often a busy time and as the world is so excited for people and presents we can get lost in the bustle and forget what is at the heart of this season; God’s love, plan, and Son. How do you and your family keep Jesus at the centre of your Christmas traditions and let your Christmas spirit flow from the understanding of the greatest gift that could have ever been given?

Read the Christmas Story
Do you know the Christmas story? Not the broad overarching story, but the actual facts, what Scripture says happened and what it all means. Have you ever read beyond the Nativity scene to the Old Testament scriptures that proclaimed the coming King long before His birth? Spend time this December reading the story, dive into the Bible and come to understand the birth of our Saviour in a deeper way. Ask questions, interact with Scripture, celebrate the birth, the fulfilled promises and centre your Christmas around the knowledge of God’s great love.

Happy Birthday Jesus
Christmas is a birthday celebration, a month long birthday party. Throw a birthday party for Jesus with your family. Bake and decorate a cake, make decorations, sing Happy Birthday, write a card, or do other birthday celebrations. This is a great way to interact with the celebration of Jesus’ birth with kids and centre your celebration on the reason for Christmas.

Go to Church
We need our church family in the busy seasons as much as in the slow seasons (maybe even more). Worshiping and fellowshipping is important, plan your Christmas season around the things that will feed your faith and soul, put church in your calendar and prioritize your relationship with God through all your spiritual practices this season.

Listen to Gospel Christmas Music
Christmas music is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Choose music that glorifies God, let the truths and promises be spoken over you and your family. Worship anywhere and everywhere.

Attend the Living Nativity
Join us at Science North on December 21st-25th at 7:30PM. Bring a friend, take them out from coffee after and talk about what Christmas means to you. Take your family, then read the Nativity story at home, talk about the gifts you’re giving to each other and how God gave His son to us as a gift. Volunteer in the cast and share the story of Jesus’ birth with Sudbury.

Give a Gift to Someone You Wouldn’t Normally
Buy a gift for someone in your life that you wouldn’t normally (a service worker, a neighbour, a person you ride the bus with everyday). Give a gift because this person is made in the image of God and He loves them so you are loving them.

The Living Nativity is one of the longest standing traditions at All Nations Church. Started by Jeremy Mahood in 1988, the Living Nativity is an enduring performance that has seen hundreds of thousands of people across Northern Ontario come and witness. It has seen much of the community come together to make it happen, organizations and businesses like Science North, KFM, the Sudbury Charities Foundation, Day Construction, McCullagh-Hall, and TESC, along with over a thousand volunteers. But why would we continue to run this event year after year for free?

Embodying the Biblical Story:
The Living Nativity is a powerful reenactment of the Nativity scene, bringing to life the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is a theatrical representation that involves volunteers from the congregation who portray various characters, including Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and baby Jesus. Through this portrayal, All Nations Church aims to create an immersive experience that allows attendees to witness the miraculous birth firsthand.
Connecting the Community:
One of the core values of All Nations Church is fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity. The Living Nativity provides an excellent opportunity to bring people together, both from within the church and the wider community. By inviting individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the production, the church encourages unity, collaboration, and fellowship among its members and extends a warm welcome to those who wish to partake in this beautiful event.
Spreading the Message of Hope:
The Living Nativity is more than just a simple reenactment; it serves as a powerful tool for sharing the message of hope and salvation. The story of Jesus’ birth symbolizes the ultimate gift of love and redemption. Through the Living Nativity, All Nations Church aims to touch the hearts of the audience and remind them of the importance of faith, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Igniting the Imagination:
In an era dominated by technology and virtual experiences, the Living Nativity offers a refreshing departure from the digital realm. The use of live actors, intricate costumes, and carefully crafted sets transports attendees back in time, allowing them to witness the humble birth of Jesus in a tangible and engaging way. This immersive experience stirs the imagination, fostering a deeper connection to the story and helping individuals grasp the significance of this extraordinary event.
Nurturing Family Traditions:
The Living Nativity has become an integral part of many families’ holiday traditions. Parents can pass on the story of Jesus’ birth to their children in a manner that is not only educational but also captivating. By involving children in the production, either as participants or as spectators, All Nations Church helps cultivate a sense of wonder, faith, and reverence for the true meaning of Christmas. It creates lasting memories that families can cherish and pass down from one generation to another.
All Nations Church’s Living Nativity is a testament to the power of faith, community, and the timeless story of Jesus’ birth. By engaging the congregation and the wider community in this immersive experience, the church fosters unity, spreads the message of hope, and rekindles the true spirit of Christmas. Through the Living Nativity, All Nations Church invites everyone to embrace the magic of the season, remember the humble beginnings of our faith, and find joy in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ—the ultimate gift of love.

This is the continuation of the series of blog posts on proving Christianity and apologetics.

In this blog we discuss why the Bible can be trusted and deemed reliable. There are three basic areas of evidence that we are going to explore: authorship, archaeological support, and historical evidence.

Authorship
The first thing we need to establish is that The Bible is really the biography of Jesus, specifically the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These 4 books of the Bible contain the core truths about Christianity, that Jesus was born into the earth, that He was God’s son and He died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected. Those are really the essential beliefs that we have as Christians. Now many people have tried to undermine what those gospels say, but what do the facts tell us?
The earliest thing we need to determine is that the 4 men were real and they actually wrote the gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the supposed authors of the gospels and we find upon further examination that there is no disagreement with that. Craig Bloomberg, a famous New Testament Bible scholar and professor, outlined how in fact there were many people who wrote supporting the authorship – this includes major early bishops in the church.
But even with this fact in place, there are many reasons that they could have lied. We’re going to run through some of the 8 tests that are used when questioning witnesses in a court of law.
The first is the intention test, this test seeks to determine whether it was the stated or implied intention of the writers to accurately preserve history. We see this most clearly in the gospel of Luke, which begins like this: “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Based on this we can see that the author of this gospel just wanted to get the facts.
Next we have the ability test, could the authors actually have witnessed or written about what happened. We have to remember that we’re in a foreign land in a distant time and place and in a culture that has not yet invented computers or even the printing press, Books—or actually, scrolls of papyrus—were relatively rare. Therefore education, learning, worship, teaching in religious communities—all this was done by word of mouth. Rabbis became famous for having the entire Old Testament committed to memory. So it would have been well within the capability of Jesus’ disciples to have committed much more to memory than appears in all four gospels put together—and to have passed it along accurately.
Then we have the consistency test, which looks at whether the sources agree on the main facts. The reality is all 4 of gospels agree on the main facts, however there are some discrepancies, which scholars have come to agree is because of the oral tradition. Even the most obvious discrepancies never undermine the core claims about Jesus. Simon Greenleaf of Harvard Law School, one of history’s most important legal figures and the author of an influential treatise on evidence said the following – “There is enough of a discrepancy to show that there could have been no previous concert among them; and at the same time such substantial agreement as to show that they all were independent narrators of the same great transaction.”
Now that we’ve discussed why we believe in the authorship of the gospels, let’s discuss the archaeological support.
Archeology Support
If the Bible says that Jericho was in a certain place, and archaeology verifies it, that fact does not prove everything in the Bible is true. Archaeology cannot prove Spiritual Truths. It does however mean that the Bible is more trustworthy in general, and for that reason should not be ignored.
Let me say it in the most upfront manner possible: Archaeology has never proven the Bible false. There are some things it hasn’t yet supported, but it has never proven it false. Let me mention some things that have been supported.
 
Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, has been proven accurate by archaeology in regard to 32 references to countries, 54 cities, and 9 islands. That’s 95 different references, all of which have been supported by archaeology.
John, the author of the Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation, mentions in his Gospel that near the Pool of Bethesda there are 5 porches. For years, archaeologists believed John to be wrong. No such place had been discovered. But recently, 40 feet under ground, 5 porches were discovered.
There are 25,000 sites that show connection with the Old Testament that have been located in the lands of the Bible.
This is only a few short things, but archeology has time and again shown that there were important facts that were correct.
Finally, we have historical evidence…
Historical Evidence
When it comes to the Bible, we have a lot of historical evidence. And we not only have a lot, but we have it from several different sources. Let’s explore what we have. At the end, I’ll ask you if you think that is enough to prove that the Bible is historically accurate.
Historically speaking, a piece of writing was passed along on animal skins or papyrus, which was sort of like paper. What exists of those copies is referred to as manuscript evidence. We’re just going to call them ancient copies.
We have over 24,000 ancient copies of the New Testament alone.
In case you are wondering, that’s a lot, more than any other ancient writing. Aristotle was a philosopher who lived and wrote around 300 BC. However, we only have 5 copies of anything he wrote. 5!
Tacitus was a Greek Historian, who actually wrote just a little after the Bible was completed. We have a lot from him. Guess how many? The answer is 20 copies of what he wrote.
As you can see, the historical evidence is huge. No one doubts Aristotle or Tacitus wrote the copies we possess, and we only have a few from them. Why would anyone doubt the Bible when it has over 1,000 times more ancient copies than anything else?
But there’s more! Have you ever played the game telephone? There’s a simple truth to that game. The further the words got from the beginning, the easier it was for them to get messed up. That’s one argument against the Bible. How can we have what the original writers intended to say? It must have been twisted to what others wanted it to say, etc. Those are fair criticisms.
Just because we have a lot of ancient copies doesn’t make them reliable. So, like the game of telephone, we have to figure out how close the ancient copies we have are to the originals. Again, the Bible trumps all other ancient documents.
Let’s consider Aristotle again. He lived in 300 BC, and the earliest copy we have of anything he wrote is from 1100 AD, some 1,400 years earlier. That’s a long time, for sure. Tacitus is another example. His earliest copy is 1,000 years from when he lived.
The Bible, on the other hand, is much closer. Of the 24,000 copies we have of the New Testament, 230 of them date before 600 AD—a difference of only 550 years or so. And some of the copies date much closer. In the last 20 or so years, a study has been conducted on a portion of Matthew’s Gospel that some believe is either an original or copied while Matthew was alive. There is most definitely a piece of a copy of the Gospel of John that dates to 125 AD, perhaps as soon as 35 years from John’s life.
With all that evidence, and with the closeness of it to the original, why would anyone doubt the accuracy of the Bible? On top of the evidence we have discussed, there’s a lot more we didn’t cover! The Bible is a trustworthy document.
There are many things in our world that claim truth. But whether the Bible is accurate is the single most important truth that you’re going to encounter in your life, and is literally the difference between life and death. Truth matters. If the Bible is not true, we’re all wasting our time. But here’s the thing, even with the overwhelming evidence that the bible is true, there is one important thing that every Christian needs to have. That thing is faith. Faith is being sure of what you believe regardless of the evidence. That for me is what holds me strong to my belief in God, not the archaeological evidence, or the authorship facts or even the historical evidence, but my faith that Jesus died for my sins, and yours as well.

In the heart of the All Nations Church (ANC) community, the Mason family has found a home filled with warmth, care, and a strong sense of purpose. Over the past year, Sarah Mason and her family have not only become active attendees but have also embraced the role of dedicated servants within the church. In this blog post, we delve into the heartwarming story of the Mason family’s journey at ANC, exploring their motivations for serving, the joys they’ve discovered, and the powerful impact of building a community centered around faith and love.

Just over a year ago, the Mason family took their first steps through the doors of ANC, uncertain of the journey that lay ahead. In a relatively short span of time, their lives have been enriched, their connections deepened, and their sense of belonging firmly established. ANC has become a cornerstone of their lives, offering a supportive environment in which they’ve found solace and connection.

Within a mere one to two months of becoming attendees, the Mason family responded to a call that would shape their involvement at ANC. Sarah Mason, along with her family, eagerly embraced the opportunity to serve, becoming integral members of the Worship Team and taking on a youth leadership role. Their swift transition from attendees to dedicated servants underscores their unwavering commitment to the ANC community.

Sarah Mason, a vital member of the Worship Team, leading on Sunday mornings and in youth ministry recalls the light-hearted reason for her decision to serve: “I was asked, lol.” This candid response reflects the humility and genuine spirit that Sarah embodies. Her journey of service, however, is far more profound. Sarah’s deep-seated desire to contribute to the church’s mission and connect with others has been a driving force in her commitment.

For Sarah, the joys of serving at ANC are multifaceted. As a Worship Team member, she relishes the opportunity to encourage others to connect with God through music—an immensely powerful tool. Sarah finds fulfillment in using music to guide hearts toward worship and create a deeper sense of community. The worship sessions and practice sessions not only nurture her connection with God but also provide a platform to build authentic relationships with fellow church members.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Sarah’s journey is the involvement of her family. Playing and growing together as a unit within the Worship Team has strengthened their familial bond. The Mason family’s collective commitment to serving has created a unique space where their shared values and passions harmonize, creating an even deeper sense of belonging and connection.
To those who might be uncertain about embracing a role of service, Sarah offers an inspiring perspective: “Building community starts with you.” She emphasizes the transformative power of showing up for others, a tangible expression of love that extends to both the community and to God. Sarah’s words remind us that each member of the church plays a vital role, contributing to the unity and strength of the body of Christ.

The Mason family’s journey at All Nations Church is a testament to the profound impact of faith, service, and community. In just over a year, they have transformed from newcomers to essential contributors, exemplifying the power of love in action. Sarah’s role within the Worship Team and Youth Leadership underscores her commitment to fostering connections, both with God and with fellow church members. As they continue to build a community centred around shared values and deep relationships, the Mason family’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that every individual has a unique role to play in the tapestry of faith and fellowship.

At All Nations Church (ANC), we are blessed with a vibrant community of individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and talents to serve others. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on one exceptional volunteer who has made a significant impact within our church family. Meet Klaryza, an extraordinary individual who has been attending ANC for the past 1.5 years and serving with unwavering commitment in various roles.
Klaryza’s journey with ANC began 1.5 years ago when she decided to attend our services. Her desire to serve others and contribute to her spiritual journey led her to embark on a fulfilling volunteering experience. Since then, she has been an integral part of our community, investing her time, skills, and passion into making ANC a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Within her 1.5 years of service, Klaryza has assumed the crucial responsibilities of Auditorium Door Coordinator and Greeter. As the Auditorium Door Coordinator, she organizes the team of door greeters to ensure this role is staffed each week. Simultaneously, as a Greeter, Klaryza has embraced the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to both regular attendees and newcomers, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and love.
When asked about what she enjoys most about ANC, Klaryza unhesitatingly points to the people and the fellowship. She expresses her gratitude for a community that is non-judgmental and genuinely reflects the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Klaryza’s deep appreciation for the church family motivates her to serve wholeheartedly, embodying the values that ANC upholds.
In her role as a volunteer, Klaryza finds immense joy in greeting everyone she encounters, particularly newcomers. Her genuine desire to make individuals feel welcome and at ease shines through in her warm smile and kind words. By radiating joy and acceptance, Klaryza plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and community within ANC.
For those who may be unsure about serving, Klaryza offers words of encouragement. She believes that serving is not only an act of devotion to God but also a transformative experience for oneself. By giving their time and abilities, individuals can make a difference and impact the lives of others. Klaryza urges those who are uncertain about their serving calling to simply show up and be present. ANC’s supportive community will help them discover where they can contribute and flourish.
At All Nations Church, Klaryza exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and dedication that we deeply appreciate in our volunteers. Her 1.5 years of attendance and service are a testament to her unwavering commitment to ANC’s mission and values. Through her role as Auditorium Door Coordinator and Greeter, Klaryza brings smiles to people’s faces and makes newcomers feel welcome. We are grateful for Klaryza’s remarkable contributions to our community, and her story serves as an inspiration to all who wish to embark on a similar journey of service and growth within ANC.