Let’s be honest – Christians are often not fun people to be around. In fact, they can be downright rude, judgmental, confrontational, and all-around sticks in the mud. Can we be honest about the challenges of life while also demonstrating the life of Jesus in a way that is attractive to people who do not know Jesus?
Lydia was most likely a prominent businesswoman who was instrumental in planting the Church in Philippi. Through faith in Jesus, Lydia came to understand what Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi – “in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
We believe that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church. However, it seems that the phrase “We’ve never done it that way before,” can bring the mission of the Church to a halt. If his friends had said that, would the paralytic have ever met Jesus?
What is the Church known for, today? Are we know by what we are for or by what we are against? Can you imagine a time when the people outside the Church held us in, “high esteem?” What was the early Church about that garnered this kind of support from the people?
When you think of someone who is, “In Ministry,” who do you think of? Pastors? Professional church workers? People who know the Bible? The spiritually elite? Come this Sunday and hear why Pastor Micah decided to, “Go out of the Ministry.”
There are times when believers’ plans are changed by their own actions. Like Simon Peter, who we think we are and who God knows we are can be revealed to us which, in turn, results in a change of plans.
We must understand, embrace, and accept the biblical principle that God is in control of our everyday lives. All believers’ plans must be couched within the context of God’s will and based on his Word.
In this life, we are not guaranteed our preconceived conclusion of God’s plan for us. Preconceived conclusions to God’s plan can bring doubt as a believer experiences a change in their predetermined, though erroneous, assumption. Matthew 11:1–6
Believers need one another. By loving and caring for the elderly, we can all grow from multigenerational involvement and discipleship.
God’s kingdom ideal is not marriage and family, but wholehearted devotion to God. Whatever our calling in life – single, married, parent or not – God is able to bring fulfillment, purpose, and joy to our experience as we respond to His call.