Instead of looking down or looking around, we ought to look up! Instead of focusing on problems, look to the Provider. Instead of seeing an obstacle as an unscalable rockface, seek the face of the Rock! For, “my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Ministry
Elijah’s prophecy of a coming drought: A lesson for America from 1 Kings 17
America seems to be increasing in wickedness against, and irreverence to, the Lord. Today, we tolerate or even accept things that God hates. Our culture seems as if it is becoming more-and-more like what the Bible describes, “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). But it’s not too late for America yet! We still have time to repent and return to God.
Should Christians meet together in church during this CoVid-19 scare?
Could these days—with the pandemic scare, partisan division, and civil unrest—be an instrument for revival to occur in our land? Widespread spiritual revival may be closer than we realize if we, as followers of Christ, open our eyes to today’s opportunities.
We need to be intentional in restoring our local church family members who’ve strayed.
People have been, and are, going through disheartening times; struggling with desolation, desperation, or ungodly dependencies. These aren’t distant problems. These things are affecting people we are close to—those in our community and, yes, within our very congregations!
Jesus heals the leper – a Bible lesson from Luke 5:12
People need hope, compassion, and belonging. But this world can be a lonely and brutal place. Many become ostrasized by society and are treated as loathsome. However uncomfortable it makes us, we need to reach out to them in Christlike love; telling them about Jesus’ mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption.
Sharing the gospel in love, gentleness, and respect
We aren’t called to argue for the gospel as an attorney. Instead, Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Witnesses tell of what they have seen or heard firsthand. Our role is to lovingly testify to the gospel and to be witnesses to the reality of how God has worked in our lives.
The early church ministered to a man’s spirit, soul, and body
When a local church ministers to all three aspects within an individual (their spirit, soul, and body), it can make the difference between a relatively stagnant church and one that is making a fruitful impact for Christ in their community. The results can be seen in people being saved, growth of the church body, and spiritual growth in its individual members.
Recipient of 3 book awards – click on cover to learn more
