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1 days ago
Continuing in the Grace of God Bob Hoekstra When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord…Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. ( Acts 11:23 ; 13:43 ) Whenever the grace of God is allowed to work in human hearts, there will be evidences that appear. This can bring joy to those who are outwardly observing this inward work of grace. Still, it is appropriate to exhort those who have made progress in grace to continue in the grace of God. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch to evaluate the reported spiritual revival, he was able to observe the outward confirmations of God's inward work of grace. These verifications of grace caused him to rejoice. "He was glad." However, he knew that words of exhortation were ...
2 days ago
Preaching for Life Change Rick Warren Are there some particular insights you’ve gained during the years that help you preach for life change? Warren: There are 10 things that really form how I figure life can change. The first one is that all behavior is based on belief. If you ask why do I do what I do, it’s because I believe something behind the action. If somebody gets a divorce, it is because they have a belief behind that which is causing them to get a divorce: "I think I'll be happier divorced than I will not," or whatever. If you have sex outside of marriage it’s because you have a belief behind it. The second thing, behind every sin is a lie of unbelieving. This has profound implications for preaching. When you sin, at that moment you think you are doing what is best for you. You think you are doing the right thing, but you have been deceived. When your kids do something dumb, at that moment they think what they are doing is smart, but it’s dumb. ...
4 days ago
Let the Spirit Lead Your Church Whitney Hopler You can work your hardest to try to make your church successful, but your best efforts won’t lead anywhere if you’re not leading the church where the Holy Spirit wants it to go. The Spirit has a particular mission for your church, and it’s only when you discover and follow it that your church can grow the way God intends. Here’s how you can let the Holy Spirit to lead your church: Focus on God’s plans rather than your own. Recognize that your church should be a vital part of God’s ongoing work in the world. Don’t waste time or energy pursuing activities that, while good, aren’t clearly what God is leading your church to do. Always start with an awareness of God’s redemptive work in the world; then consider how He might want your church to be a part of that. Ask two key questions: “What is God doing?” and “What does God want to do?”. Never let your church’s functions become ends in themselves. Remember ...
8 days ago
When Perfect and New Wears Off Sandy Coughlin It was over 5 years ago that we enjoyed a brand new kitchen at our old home of 10 years. I remember the freshness of moving in, unpacking from the garage, having brand new things -- and feeling on top of the world. Then life became ... reality. The once sparkling new kitchen didn't seem that new any more. The glitter of it all started to fade as I still had to do dishes. Just when you think you have the kitchen clean, all the kids come home, food is left out, and dishes are left in the sink. My stacks of "stuff" piled up on the counters... mail to be opened, reminders to put on the calendar. The kids make huge messes, the cupboards need wiping down because of the spaghetti sauce that ran over. My busy life left my new kitchen looking not so pretty anymore. My happiness began to wane. Those of you who have followed my blog know that we're on the cusp of enjoying another new kitchen in ...
11 days ago
Known by Our Fruit Greg Laurie A little boy went over to a pastor's house, where the pastor was doing some carpentry in his garage. The boy simply stood there and watched him for quite a long time. After a while, the preacher wondered why this boy was watching him and was finally so curious that he stopped and said, "Son, are you trying to pick up some pointers on how to build something?" The little boy replied, "No. I am just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer." Often, we will find out what we are made of by what comes out of our mouths in both good and bad circumstances. When we have a change in conduct and character in our lives, it is a type of spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . . " (NKJV). A Christian's life should be characterized by these things. ...
