The benefits of recognizing your powerlessness and God’s power in city-wide kingdom ministry include:1. Preserve unity of spirit by listening to counsel of older mentors2. Resist subjection to unrighteous leaders by resisting over-confidence and pride3. Defeat spiritual enemies by calling upon God as your leader4. Prevent men from prevailing by recognizing His power5. Be rewarded…
The church at Thessalonica was a model church for us to follow. They shared the gospel everywhere; discipled others; helped people stand firm in the faith; pursued holiness, love and economic independence; encouraged one another because of Christ’s coming again; lived with faith, love and hope in Christ; and fostered holistic transformation. The benefits: served…
“The proof that you love someone is not that you have warm affectionate feelings toward them. The proof is in your actions, your words and your sacrifice, your willingness to give the best of yourself and your willingness to get nothing in return” (Katherine Walden). Spiritual preparation is required for a discipling ministry. Put off…
People spend much time in training to be an expert in sports, business or particular hobby. They do it to win a championship, receive a pay raise/ greater position, or award. These rewards are temporary. God has a better idea. He wants you to gain an imperishable wreath like winning the Olympic games, except it…
Augustine wrote, “Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure is, there is your heart; where your heart is, there is your happiness. Proverbs 13 shows how your attitude toward God’s word determines the way you handle money and the outcome of your lifestyle. A wise son accepts his father’s discipline but the scoffer…
The best and most neglected activity in God’s kingdom is prayer. God responses to persistent, bold and specific prayer. Praying for my dad’s salvation for greater than 30 years tested my faith, but God wanted to develop my dependence upon Him by continuing to lift Him up before the throne of grace. Persistent prayer shows…
How pleasant for brothers to dwell in unity (Ps. 133). Selfishness and unreconciled relationships cause death, bitterness and conflicts. But obedience to God, love and friendship lead to reward, exaltation and victory. I have experienced both sides of the equation. There is no comparison between the two. Unfortunately, Israel and Judah became enemies and both…
Quoting C.S. Lewis: “If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desire not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us,…
When you feel stressed out, what is your first reaction? Do you pour out your heart to God or call up someone to complain? When you face injustice, do you wait in silence upon God only or think evil thoughts about that person causing the pain? In your day-to-day thoughts, are you more concerned about…
I have a neighbor who represents many people today. The behavior of people in the church is the biggest stumbling block preventing him from trusting Christ as His Savior. He has been hurt, judged and offended by sin he sees in the church. As a result, God’s reputation has been hurt in his eyes. All…
What gives you the most delight? If you could only save one thing from a house fire, what would it be? Would your most prized possession be family photos, a computer or antique dresser? The Psalmist said there was only one thing he deemed beautiful, delightful or good. Let’s see what he chose and why? The Psalmist said he…
Much what we do pleases ourselves or others. We publicize our good works to look good. Often our primary motive in giving our time, talent or treasure is to say, “Look at me! I’m making an impact in the world!” If we have a financial need or problem, the first place we go for help is others or the government. Do these…