May 4, 2023

Somerset Bible Chapel

Sunday April 30 involved a pulpit exchange between pastors of Manitoba AGC churches. Pastor Jeff Peacock (and wife Alanna) was away to speak at Gladstone Christian Fellowship while Richard Heppner (with wife and daughter) from Grace Bible Church, Dauphin was visiting at Somerset Bible Chapel.

Kevin Friesen led the music team. The songs “The Solid Rock”, “God So Loved” and “His Mercy is More” were the first set.

During the collection Alinka VanDonkelaar sang “”If I Didn’t know You” with Bri Small at the piano. Kevin Friesen looked after the Prayer Focus. “The River”, “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone” and “Living Hope” preceded the message.

Mr. Heppner indicated that he had been a high school teacher in Ste. Rose for a number of years before becoming a pastor. He has been with Dauphin’s Grace Bible Church for the last six years. He chose Jesus “Parable of the Sower” in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23 for his sermon.

Mr. Heppner noted the four soils: the road or pathway - hard packed, the rocky ground with very little good soil, the weedy ground that chokes out good seed, and the fertile cultivated ground that allows good rooting and fruitfulness. He offered, from Jesus’ interpretation, solutions for each situation: God can change a hard heart to a receptive heart. God can heal the stony heart that can’t endure suffering and hardship. The weedy distractions can be overcome with one’s focus on God as in Philippians 4:6-7.

The good soil of a heart receptive to the Word of God learns, understands, and takes to heart the truths of God joyfully. This person is focused on God, trusting God for answers. In John 15, Jesus describes the relationship as a branch abiding in the vine, subject to pruning to become more productive, and producing good fruit in varying amounts.

The closing hymn was “Yet Not I but through Christ in Me”.

The May bulletin is available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com along with additional contact details.