Podcasts about often christians

Often Christians look at themselves, their abilities and opportunities andthink little of it. They compare themselves to others and their effect seems to matter little. Butthis is simply not true. In this message we see how God saved, calls and equips all of us for Hispurposes. The size or effect is unimportant.

Often Christians look at themselves, their abilities and opportunities and think little of it. They compare themselves to others and their effect seems to matter little. Butthis is simply not true. In this message we see how God saved, calls and equips all of us for His purposes. The size or effect is unimportant.

 Audio recordingSermon manuscript:“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” The Gospel reading today is when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. There are some unusual aspects to this story. Jesus told his disciples how they would find a donkey's colt when they entered the village. They didn't need to buy the colt. They would only say, “The Lord has need of it,” and the colt would be sent along. The animal upon which Jesus sat is also unusual. Donkeys are already somewhat small animals to ride. A colt would have presumably been even smaller. Matthew, in his Gospel, tells us that the colt's mother might have also been involved. I'm not sure what that would have looked like. In addition, this colt had never been ridden. That means he wasn't broke. Nevertheless, Jesus was placed upon him and it seems to go fine as he rode into Jerusalem. All these strange details are not just strange for the sake of being strange. They have Old Testament connections. Zechariah, a prophet who lived about 500 years before this, wrote: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; … humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” What was happening with Jesus was not accidental. Jesus is the king that Zechariah wrote about. The rejoicing of Palm Sunday was the rejoicing that Zechariah wrote about. And these last two elements are really the key features. What is most important about Palm Sunday is that Jesus is the king, and that his disciples are recognizing him as such. That Jesus is the king is not always recognized by everyone. It is an article of faith. It is either believed or not believed. Presumably there were a lot of people in Jerusalem that day who did not believe that Jesus is the king. His disciples did. They were convinced by the signs that Jesus had done. You are familiar with the signs Jesus did. These, also, were prophesied in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah lived over 700 years before Jesus, and he said that when the great king would come he would “open the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf would be unstopped, the lame would leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute would sing for joy.” Jesus had done these things and more. In fact, just before Palm Sunday he had raised Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. He was doing all things well. They loved it, and they were praising God with a loud voice. I would imagine that they were wondering to themselves: “What is he going to do next?” Especially, “What is he going to do next as he enters Jerusalem?” Thus far Jesus seems to have spent most of his time in the north, in Galilee, far from Jerusalem, which was the center of power. The temple was in Jerusalem. The leaders of the Jews were in Jerusalem. Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader, was in Jerusalem. What was going to happen when Jesus, “The King of the Jews,” would come into contact with the powers that be? I'm pretty sure that the disciples on Palm Sunday were thinking, “He's going to keep on doing all things well! He's going to be a good king!” Good kings set things right. They get rid of corruption. They help those who need help. They put down those who oppress. No more lying, cheating, and getting away with it. Jeremiah, another Old Testament prophet, speaks of Jesus this way in our Old Testament reading. He says, “In those days and at that time a righteous Branch will spring up from David.” Jesus is that righteous branch. And what will he do? Jeremiah goes on: “He shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” This is exactly what Jesus went on to do during Holy Week. You can read about that for yourselves. The first thing that Jesus did was he went to the Temple. He pushed out all the buyers and sellers and money changers. He caused pandemonium. He flipped over tables. He let loose their animals. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations,' but you have made it a den of robbers!” On the days following this the powers that be tried to entrap and ensnare Jesus. They needed Jesus to slip up with something he might say so that they could nail him. So they sent their sneakiest and best. They tried every which way to trick him, but it didn't work. Just as the disciples had been hoping on Palm Sunday, Jesus continued to do all things well. I think by the time of Maundy Thursday the disciples were almost drunk with excitement. Luke tells us a stunning detail about what happened when Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Not long after Jesus had said, “This is my body which is given for you,” and “This is my blood which is shed for you,” Luke tells us that the disciples were arguing with one another over who was the greatest. They were in high spirits. They were already filling Jesus's cabinet. Who would be secretary of state? Who would be attorney general? Given the disciples' eager expectation, you can perhaps see how the crucifixion, which would happen less than a day later, would crush them. It was cruel—even in the way it got carried out. It wasn't a fair fight. Those in power never want a fair fight. They arrested Jesus in the middle of the night. They rigged their kangaroo courts in the middle of the night. Already by 9 o'clock that morning Jesus was nailed through his hands and his feet to the cross. Those in power know how to get things done for their own advantage. They know how to do things in such a way where they come out on top and none's the wiser to their evil deeds done in secret. History—but often an unwritten history—is filled with power crushing reformers. Those who speak the truth and fight for what is right are marginalized and eliminated. The winners have their perspectives written into the history books that glorify their deeds and ignore whatever evil they have done. Thereby they appear to have won, but appearances can be deceiving. They better enjoy whatever they have gained for themselves by all their sneaking around because a time is coming when, as Jesus said, “Whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the rooftops.” This will happen because the king is coming to judge. Again, as Jesus said, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” It will be as Jeremiah prophesied: “The king shall execute righteousness and justice in the land.” The disciples were not wrong with their thoughts about Jesus being the king. The disciples also were not wrong about this king doing all things well, setting things right, rooting out lies, and establishing justice and peace. Their only mistake was that they weren't thinking quite deeply enough. They were thinking that Jesus would be merely an earthly king. Jesus is the king to which all powers must bow—even the powers of sin, death, and the devil. Jesus continued to do well on Holy Week. By his death and resurrection he set things right in such a profound and fundamental way that it is beyond our understanding. If we lived at the time of these disciples we would rejoice—and rightly so—at Jesus's opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the ears of the deaf, making the lame leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. These are very fine miracles. Often Christians wish that they could see some miracles like that to bolster their faith. But the truth is that the miracles that Jesus works now and in the future are greater. Jesus works now by the Holy Spirit to turn the hearts of sinners so that they believe in the mercy of their Creator and Judge. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in the hearts of believers so that they have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. Instead of joining in with the powers of evil that seem to offer so much advantage for earthly power and for the indulging of our desires, Jesus's disciples resist the ways and means of devil, the prince of this world. They work at not lying, not manipulating, not intimidating, not coercing, and so on. They work on following Jesus's commands that promise blessings to those who have the guts to keep them. These are not small things! And the miracles of the future will be even greater. They are beyond my ability to communicate them. Jesus, the king, helped so many people as we hear about in the Gospels. That same king will help us. He will give us new bodies that will be like his glorious, resurrected body—better, even, than the restored body of Lazarus. He will purify and strengthen our minds and souls with love and light. He will set all things right like a good king is supposed to. Great wonders are in store for us! Therefore, we are not all that different from the multitude of disciples who rejoiced as Jesus entered Jerusalem. We, like they, might wonder, “What is he going to do next?” We, like they, might wonder, “What is going to happen when Jesus comes into conflict with the powers and principalities?” It looks like we're in for show! They'll kick up a fuss, no doubt, wanting to hold on to their wicked ways, but their days are numbered. The king is coming. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Episode Summary.  Often Christians think of evangelism like this: It is having the courage to overcome every piece of emotional intelligence we've learned about relationships, and intruding into the life of a co-worker, neighbor, or stranger to tell someone, who doesn't want to hear it, the gospel message that they are a sinner in need of a savior, and then being willing to suffer rejection if we are accused of being preachy. If that is what sharing our faith looks like, who would want to do it? But this view is NOT BIBLICAL. It has major flaws. This episode identifies these flaws and ends up showing a biblical view of sharing our faith that is winsome and begins where people are instead of where we want them to be.For Further Prayerful Thought:Why is it misleading to understand the Greek word for evangelism(EUANGELIZO) to mean preaching the gospel to others?How does understanding the four-chapter gospel help us realize that Christ's kingdom power is for more than just an eternal life insurance policy?Can you think of biblical examples not mentioned in this episode of Jesus tailoring the good news of the kingdom to the point of brokenness being felt by his listener?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Often Christians and other loud voices voice their opinions about how horrible the latest outrageous news is. How rude, offensive! I know, it's amazing that even in today’s soft-spoken, everyone loving each other, united world, somebody voiced outrage that things would even happen! I’m invested in one city. In one country. My emotional investment. My patriotism. My whole-hearted care. My home is in His City! My ultimate Sabbath rest is in His city! My entire identity is in HIS CITY!

In week 3 of our series on our thought life, we're talking about thought habits that if we're honest, are just plain sinful. Gossip, Pornography/Lust, Anger, these things, if left unattended, will ruin our relationships - the very people God blessed us with. God wants to RENEW our minds to speak LIFE to people, and that begins with our SPOUSE. Often Christians treat the person they love the most, the worst. They point out the negative only, they complain without giving compliments, they get argumentative and defensive when their spouse tries to have a difficult conversation about a needed change. This shouldn't be, church. We can do better. We can allow God's Spirit to transform our thinking habits which will transform our speaking habits and bring LIFE to our HOMES.

Often Christians desire to do something "big" for God. In Acts 24, Paul has an opportunity to share the gospel with the Governor! He explains that the gospel has completely reshaped his thinking. He says he makes it his "aim to please" Jesus. This gospel-shaped living opens the door to testify. The reality is that we prepare ourselves to do "big things" for God by living for Jesus in the details.

Some approach apologetics as if they were trying to win an argument. It's best to understand apologetics as "clearing the obstacles" towards faith. Dr. John speaks of apologetics and reminds us that it is not fuel for debates but encouragement for our own faith and an invitation towards faith for others. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

It's a topic that is rarely discussed for fear of offense or confusion. But in our day, the issue of homosexuality must be considered by believers and a biblical apologetic developed before the world. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the sin of homosexuality. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

We live in a day when Christians are accused of being intolerant and pressured to agree to matters contrary to their convictions. What are we to do? Dr. John discusses the issue of intolerance and points us to the path of Jesus - love and truth. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

We want to find meaning and purpose in the face of suffering. Believers are assured that God is at work for good, even through pain. Dr. John teaches on the purpose of pain in the life of believers. Listen and take hope. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

The problem of suffering is universal and the problem is twofold. First, we have the fact of physical and emotional pain which is universal. Second, we face this reality knowing that God is good. How can these things go together? Dr. John explores the Scriptures to give us insight to the ways of God.Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

In our world we see a rise of tension between church and state. We see church trying to do what the state should do, and the state trying to be what only the church can be. Today Dr. John speaks on the distinctions of identity and means of church and state. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

Christianity has been accused as being a violent faith. There is reason for the criticism. Today Dr. John answers those accusations. We find that the cause of conflict is not Christianity but the broken souls of men. Jesus offers the grace of peace and blesses those who do likewise.  Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

A worldview is a set of assumptions one makes about life. They may be reasoned or simply absorbed. Everyone has to examine their beliefs and the reasons for them. Today Dr. John walks us through 7 questions every worldview must answer. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

Everyone has a worldview; a lens through which they observe and interpret life. The theologian sees creation with a creator. The scientist sees creation without one. Today Dr. John speaks to the differing perspectives and points to the central issue. "In the beginning, God created..."Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

It's been said that God has written two books. The voice of Scripture and the voice of creation. Both declare the glory of God and do not contradict. Dr. John today points to the example of Galileo to demonstrate that the tension between science and faith is only perceived, not actual. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

The story of Jesus is rooted in the four gospels. So naturally one has to ask, "How reliable are the four gospels?" Can we trust the written record of Jesus? Today Dr. John walks us through 6 reasons to trust the reliability of the gospels. The six reasons do not automatically lead to faith, but they demonstrate that the record of Jesus is a reliable foundation to stand upon. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

Fishermen have the reputation for exaggerated stories. Minnows can become whales! Is that what happened to the story of Jesus? Are the gospels exaggerated accounts? Today Dr. John reminds us that the historical Jesus and the biblical Jesus are the same. Disbelief and skepticism are often rooted in personal bias and agenda. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

Often in our defense of the gospel, we wind up defending the wrong things. We argue for the church, denominations, church history or personal lifestyle. But we ought to be speaking about Jesus. In today's message, Dr. John looks at 7 mistakes about Jesus that are common in our day.Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

Apologetics is the field of theology which offers a defense of the gospel. Dr. John reminds us from 1 Peter that the first best defense is not an argument, but a Christian life that is grace filled, gentle and courageous.  Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

In our witness, we focus on the central question of Jesus' death and resurrection. Of course, that is central to the gospel. Dr. John reminds us to address other questions even before the matter of faith. There is debris that needs to be cleared to offer an unobstructed path to faith in Jesus. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address the sincere questions that can be obstacles to faith.

Often Christians judge others and add standards in order to make people right with God. But the Gospel frees the Christian from the law. The Gospel + nothing else makes us right with God. Pastor Dave explored this idea in Galatians 2:1-10 and challenges us not to confuse the results of salvation with the cause of salvation.

Often Christians as a whole are a bit weary of adopting technology, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. As AI continues to grow so do the opportunities to utilize it to spread the gospel. We're joined by Nate Fischer, who is Nate the Chairman and cofounder of New Founding, a cofounder of American Reformer, an investor and entrepreneur. He makes early-stage venture investments and is the principal of NF Macro, a multi-strategy investment firm. He previously co-founded Trustwork, an online platform for property maintenance services, and InvestRes, a $1.5B real estate investment company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Often Christians as a whole are a bit weary of adopting technology, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. As AI continues to grow so do the opportunities to utilize it to spread the gospel. We're joined by Nate Fischer, who is Nate the Chairman and cofounder of New Founding, a cofounder of American Reformer, an investor and entrepreneur. He makes early-stage venture investments and is the principal of NF Macro, a multi-strategy investment firm. He previously co-founded Trustwork, an online platform for property maintenance services, and InvestRes, a $1.5B real estate investment company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to be a generous person, how much of your income should you give? Often Christians say 10% - a tithe— is what we should give, and that's a good place to start. But a study shows that only about 25% of Christians in the United States give that much. This is what C. S. Lewis had to say about how much we should give: I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusement, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our giving does not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say it is too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our commitment to giving excludes them. I don't know about you, but that convicts me. How often have I denied myself something in order to give to others? Probably not often. But I think we should give this careful thought and prayer. Lewis points out that there's no one answer for everyone, but the standard should be: Give more than you think you can. When you decide that you want a different attitude toward generosity and in obedience to Christ you want to take it to the next level, you are in for unexpected joys. Even if you approach this new attitude with some caution, maybe even some fear you might overdo it, I am confident you will never regret the new adventure of deciding to give, even to the point of giving sacrificially. I challenge you, as I do myself, to make a decision to give more than you're giving now. Discover this true joy of generosity. Maybe you can deny yourself that expensive coffee you buy everyday, and give that money to the Lord. Or shop a little more carefully at the grocery store or deny yourself that new outfit. I simply remind you of what Jesus said, you will be blessed more than you can imagine when you tune your heart to be generous.

If you want to be a generous person, how much of your income should you give? Often Christians say 10% - a tithe— is what we should give, and that's a good place to start. But a study shows that only about 25% of Christians in the United States give that much. This is what C. S. Lewis had to say about how much we should give: I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusement, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our giving does not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say it is too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our commitment to giving excludes them. I don't know about you, but that convicts me. How often have I denied myself something in order to give to others? Probably not often. But I think we should give this careful thought and prayer. Lewis points out that there's no one answer for everyone, but the standard should be: Give more than you think you can. When you decide that you want a different attitude toward generosity and in obedience to Christ you want to take it to the next level, you are in for unexpected joys. Even if you approach this new attitude with some caution, maybe even some fear you might overdo it, I am confident you will never regret the new adventure of deciding to give, even to the point of giving sacrificially. I challenge you, as I do myself, to make a decision to give more than you're giving now. Discover this true joy of generosity. Maybe you can deny yourself that expensive coffee you buy everyday, and give that money to the Lord. Or shop a little more carefully at the grocery store or deny yourself that new outfit. I simply remind you of what Jesus said, you will be blessed more than you can imagine when you tune your heart to be generous.

The best way to teach our children healthy behaviors is by modeling them, but as parents, we often find ourselves too busy to exercise, eat healthy meals, or get enough sleep. In the second half of my chat with licensed professional counselor and author Debra Fileta, we discuss how faulty perceptions affect our decision-making, why seeking professional help for mental health is taboo in the Christian church, how our emotional health is linked to our physical health, and some practical ways to develop good sleep hygiene.  Key points from our conversation:

What should Christians render unto God, and what should Christians render unto Caesar? Discerning the limits of our allegiance to Caesar is not always easy. Often Christians over-render to Caesar. We idolize political ideologies, or we tell ourselves that faithfulness to God means allegiance to a particular political ideology. In this conversation with host Warren Smith, Paul Miller makes a case against Christian nationalism and the tendency of its adherents to confuse it with the tenets of Biblical Christianity.

What should Christians render unto God, and what should Christians render unto Caesar? Discerning the limits of our allegiance to Caesar is not always easy. Often Christians over-render to Caesar. We idolize political ideologies, or we tell ourselves that faithfulness to God means allegiance to a particular political ideology. In this conversation with host Warren Smith, Paul Miller makes a case against Christian nationalism and the tendency of its adherents to confuse it with the tenets of Biblical Christianity.

Often Christians try and motivate themselves in their walk with the Lord to overcome our flesh as if they are gearing up for a workout.  However, no matter how much a person tries to motivate themselves they will not be able to overcome the power of the flesh.  God has given us His Holy Spirit and that is how we are able to over the inner struggles of the flesh.  Romans 8 and Galatians 5 teach us how we are to overcome the flesh.  We as Christians have to understand that as long as we are in our human bodies we will have an internal struggle that takes the power of God to overcome.  In this message Pastor Wigfall teaches on three different types of children that Paul mentions in the New Testament.  As we discuss each one let us look at them and see which one we may identify with in our personal walk and which one we should identify with.  We also take a look at some of the characteristics mentioned by Paul of what he considers to be a carnal Christian.  

Often Christians get caught up in the destination and forget the pathway. Paul stops midway through his practical exhortations towards christian living to remind the believer of the secret which drives his conduct, and ultimately distinguishes him from the world.

Summary. Often Christians think of evangelism like this: It is having the courage to overcome every piece of emotional intelligence we’ve learned about relationships, and intruding into the life of a co-worker, neighbor, or stranger to tell someone, who doesn’t want to hear it, the gospel message that they are a sinner in need of a savior, and then being willing to suffer rejection if we are accused of being preachy. If that is what sharing our faith looks like, who would want to do it? But this view is NOT BIBLICAL. It has major flaws. This episode identifies these flaws and ends up showing a biblical view of sharing our faith that is winsome and begins where people are instead of where we want them to be. For Further Thought:Why is it misleading to understand the Greek word for evangelism(EUANGELIZO) to mean preaching the gospel to others? How does understanding the four-chapter gospel help us realize that Christ’s kingdom power is for more than just an eternal life insurance policy?Can you think of biblical examples not mentioned in this episode of Jesus tailoring the good news of the kingdom to the point of brokenness being felt by his listener?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here

Ever feel like life isn't fair? Often Christians pray because they feel like a victim of unfair circumstances, but the Lord calls us to a higher way of living. He is faithful to make right that which is wrong when we trust Him, living for Him and not for ourselves. To watch the full service, click here: https://livestream.com/celebrationlife/events/8951104/videos/214092696

Ever feel like life isn’t fair? Often Christians pray because they feel like a victim of unfair circumstances, but the Lord calls us to a higher way of living. He is faithful to make right that which is wrong when we trust Him, living for Him and not for ourselves. 

Check in on your friends and make sure they're doing alright, it's a tough time to be a person. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, know that you are not alone. Reach out to your loved ones and ask them to help you or to help you get help. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, reach out. To find out how you can get help for yourself or for those you love, go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. We are all very excited for you to join us this week as we continue our series on The Image of God with a previous guest of ours, Dr. Katherine Wyma, a Lecturer of English at Anderson University in South Carolina. In this episode, we do deal with heavy topics such as suicide, depression, and anxiety. If these are topics that you are sensitive to, please be aware of that. In the intro of the episode (1:01-3:46) Lukas and Jae talk about their thoughts on recording this episode and give the arc and purpose for the next few episodes in the series. In the first part of the episode (3:57-8:42), we hear a little bit about Dr. Wyma, her education, her doctoral thesis, and what she does at AU. As we move into the next part of the episode (8:56-19:44) and begin our discussion for this week, we talk about the reality of sometimes seeing our Image through "carnival mirrors." Often, we distort the Image of God in us based on lies told to us by the World or by the Enemy, just like Adam and Eve in Eden. We summarize Genesis 3 and talk about the Fall of Man and Dr. Wyma vividly pictures how absolutely horrifying it must have been for all the knowledge of Good and Evil to flood into Eve's mind and soul in one moment. We discuss the shame that Adam and Eve felt after they sinned as we begin to move into our discussion of how Christians today buy into a distorted version of our identity in Christ as Image Bearers. In the main segment of the episode (20:03-43:00), we turn the conversation towards the primary outworking of the distortion of the Image: mental health issues. Dr. Wyma mentions the importance of realizing that words change and how we do need to be wary of our words in a conversation about mental health, or even in our every day lives. Depression and Anxiety are serious topics and we need to be careful not to be flippant in the ways we talk about these issues. We talk about what Depression and Anxiety actually are and how they relate to the broken Image of God. At one point, Dr. Wyma mentions that this Distortion ending in suicide would be the ultimate win for the Enemy. We talk about how the Church ignores discussions around mental health issues and sometimes goes as far as condemning Depression and Anxiety as sin. We discuss the importance of lending a listening ear and we encourage those having hard thoughts to reach out, turn towards friends and, if necessary, seek help in a more professional setting. Often Christians want to focus on one or the other, but there is a marriage between the spiritual (prayer and the Word) and the physical (medicine and counseling) when dealing with issues like this. We touch on how Jesus would react to the broken among us, and in turn, how we should react to the broken among us. In the conclusion of the episode (43:18-47:53) we talk about how this relates to physical suffering in preparation for our conversation next week. Dr. Wyma shares some of her story with us and leaves us all with some encouragement to walk away with in the midst of our suffering . For more information on what we're all about here at The Audibility Podcast, go ahead and check out our website https://audibilitypodcast.com, and to get connected with us follow us on Instagram, @audibilitypodcast.

Often Christians today can get the impression that to be sorrowful exposes us as lacking in faith. Biblically that is not the case. About a third of the Psalms are laments: Songs that help the singers to worship God in difficult situations, by expressing sorrow in the presence of God.… Continue reading

On this episode of The DiscipleMakers Podcast, we talked with Zack Gugenheim about the connection between our souls and our bodies. Often Christians can tend to want to solve every problem or trial with a spiritual answer. But through our conversation, Zack helped us to see how the Bible actually calls us to view ourselves and others more holistically, as both body and soul working together. This can really help us as we seek to care well for others, and gives us some very practical applications for how we should steward our own bodies to become more effective in our ministry. Towards the end of the episode, we also talked about some particular implications of this topic related to the new semester and the continuing pandemic. -- Resources from this episode: Help us meet students this fall! (Book) Cross Talk: Where Life and Scripture Meet by Michael R. Emlet. (Workbook) Living Free by Ben Bennett, Brett Butcher, and Dr. Ted Roberts. --- Our theme music is:bedtime after a coffee by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

"Often Christians think of coming to Christ only for forgiveness. We often limit salvation to forgiveness of sins. But the primary purpose of salvation is to have life ... and have life abundantly. Between receiving forgiveness and receiving a golden ticket for entry to Heaven, there is a wealth of joy, peace, contentment, and goodness to be had in our daily life. How do we experience that life? By grace, through faith. To be saved by grace is God moving us from spiritual death to spiritual life. God makes us alive together with Christ. * Simple Gospel, Simply Grace - https://simplegospelsimplygrace.com

"Often Christians think of coming to Christ only for forgiveness. We often limit salvation to forgiveness of sins. But the primary purpose of salvation is to have life ... and have life abundantly. Between receiving forgiveness and receiving a golden ticket for entry to Heaven, there is a wealth of joy, peace, contentment, and goodness to be had in our daily life. How do we experience that life? By grace, through faith. To be saved by grace is God moving us from spiritual death to spiritual life. God makes us alive together with Christ. * Simple Gospel, Simply Grace - https://simplegospelsimplygrace.com

"Often Christians think of coming to Christ only for forgiveness. We often limit salvation to forgiveness of sins. But the primary purpose of salvation is to have life ... and have life abundantly. Between receiving forgiveness and receiving a golden ticket for entry to Heaven, there is a wealth of joy, peace, contentment, and goodness to be had in our daily life. How do we experience that life? By grace, through faith. To be saved by grace is God moving us from spiritual death to spiritual life. God makes us alive together with Christ. * Simple Gospel, Simply Grace - https://simplegospelsimplygrace.com

Often Christians aren’t viewed as the life of a party, yet we often see Jesus finding himself surrounded by unlikely guests in unlikely places. One of those events is a wedding that is about to end badly for the newlywed couple, unless somebody steps up to help the celebration carry on. Join us as we look at Jesus, a wedding in Cana, and joy that is found in the abundance of grace he has made possible as we continue with our Encounters with Jesus series. 

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 196, Psalm 130v1 You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.  “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11)  Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy.  Psalm 130 ‘sings’ through the suffering - acknowledging and not ignoring it.  The suffering is not a skeleton in a closet, nor a puzzle to be explained.  It is expressed.  Often Christians feels as if suffering and pain should not exist. As if they are ‘wrong’ for a person of faith.  This devalues the experience and value of suffering. It denies reality.  “The gospel offers a different view of suffering: in suffering we enter the depths; we are at the heart of things; we are near to where Christ was on the cross.” Peterson, Obedience, 138.   Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org (mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org) . If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org (http://www.malcolmcox.org/) . Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , a devotional look at the Gospel of John mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

This sermon, we'll focus on what it means to be pure in heart before God.Being pure in heart means that we are honest with ourselves about who we really are before God. Often Christians feel a need to project an image that everything is polished and put together, even when that is far from reality.This message, we'll learn about how to live honestly, so that the way we see ourselves, and how we present ourselves to others is in line with the reality of how God sees us.In these last few weeks of our beatitudes series, we'll see how each of the beatitudes come together to build upon one another.In order to see ourselves accurately before God, we need humility and meekness. As we pursue righteousness, we also recognize the mercy that we have already received. This message, we'll learn how to live as people with pure hearts before God.You can read all eight beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12

Often Christians may believe that the work of our hands and hearts, our 90,000 hours will be left behind when Jesus wraps up history. The Scriptures tell a different story... listen in as we explore the nexus of the mission of God and our 90,000 hours.

Often Christians may believe that the work of our hands and hearts, our 90,000 hours will be left behind when Jesus wraps up history. The Scriptures tell a different story... listen in as we explore the nexus of the mission of God and our 90,000 hours.

Thank you for joining us on week 6 of an 11 week sermon series called Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Today we are looking at Psalms of lament, which you can think of as prayers when you are sad and disappointed, maybe with life, perhaps with God. Often Christians sing about praise, worship, and other “happy” experiences...today we are looking at a very size-able chunk of the bible that we seem to relegate to areas we choose not to dwell, but are some of the areas that bring authenticity in how we relate to God.

Thank you for joining us on week 6 of an 11 week sermon series called Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Today we are looking at Psalms of lament, which you can think of as prayers when you are sad and disappointed, maybe with life, perhaps with God. Often Christians sing about praise, worship, and other “happy” experiences...today we are looking at a very size-able chunk of the bible that we seem to relegate to areas we choose not to dwell, but are some of the areas that bring authenticity in how we relate to God.

As the end of the year draws near, most students have completed their examinations. I don’t like exams. I remember sitting in the exam hall, chewing my pen, pondering these impossibly complex questions about stuff I will never have to deal with ever again for the rest of my life!   I found some really funny test answers kids have given, so I thought I would share them with you…   Bob has 35 candy bars. He eats 9. What has he got now?    DIABETES Why are there rings on Saturn? BECAUSE GOD LIKED IT SO HE PUT A RING ON IT Use the word climate in a sentence. THE HILL WAS SO BIG I COULDN’T CLIMATE What ended in 1896? 1895! Alice places a prepared slide in her microscope, but when she looks down it she cannot see anything. Suggest one reason why not.  SHE IS BLIND How do you change centimetres to metres? TAKE THE CENTI BIT OUT What did Mahatma Gandhi and Gengis Khan have in common? UNUSUAL NAMES Name 4 heavy metals. METALLICA, LED ZEPPELIN, ANTHRAX, MEGADEATH   Hopefully you would do better than those guys. But what might you experience in school, a College or University is just a representation of what you live out every day! You may not have known that God has exams and tests, but He does… Look at Abraham and Isaac, look at the Canaanite woman…   Matthew 15:26-28 (ESV Strong's) And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.   The great things is that, if you fail a test, you don’t fail in the whole of your life. God is for you, not against you. God loves you, and wants you to become everything you can possibly become in Him. So if you fail a test in life, you simply get to resit the exam, again and again until you pass.   So don’t be surprised that God tests you, instead rejoice, because, pass or fail, He loves you, …   1 Peter 4:12 (ESV Strong's) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.   Therefore, it is in our interest to pass God’s tests, don’t you think?   WHY DOES GOD TEST US?   If none of us like tests, and sometimes you barely hang on, why does God test us? To answer that question, we need to step back and ask what it is that God wants for our lives.   Any marketing expert will tell you that the main thing all people are interested in is “What’s in it for me.”  Whether it is buying a car or house, choosing a church, pursuing a career or even choosing a wife or husband, people naturally ask what’s in it for them.   Why? Because we tend to put ourselves first. Kayleigh doesn’t suggest I give her a lollie, she doesn’t even ask for a lollie, she tells me she needs a lollie. What we think we need is the most important issue to us.   When you first come to Christ it is all about your needs. I need to be saved, I need God to give me this, I need help with an addiction, I need help in a relationship, I need, I need! However, as you mature in Christ, you learn to take your eyes off what you need and place them on the One who can meet that need, trusting Him to meet every need you have.   Paul promises,   Philippians 4:19 (ESV Strong's) And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.   We as people seem intent on supplying our own needs, not waiting for God to supply our needs, so we try our best and only come to Him when we can’t do it by ourselves. So God tests our faith all the time, to take our eyes off ourselves and our abilities and to develop the character He wants in us.   1.      HE TESTS US TO DEVELOP TRUST   Psalms 20:7-8 (ESV Strong's) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.   Our natural tendency is to trust in man, in ourselves, in things we can see and understand. Some trust in institutions like governments, some trust in people’s benevolence, but the way to truly become someone great in this world is to trust in the Lord. Develop your trust in God and you will develop the character He wants in you.   2.      HE TESTS US TO TEACH US PATIENCE   Psalms 27:13-14 (ESV Strong's) I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!   I don’t know about you, but I have a wait problem. I want God to teach me patience, as long as He does it quickly! As a man of action, waiting  is probably the hardest things for me to do!   But God will often use waiting to teach us the spiritual fruit of patience. Someone of great character is generally not impatient or impetuous, because they have passed the test of waiting.   3.      HE TESTS US TO CONFORM OUR WILL TO HIS   Let’s face it, we are stubborn and rebellious people, who are more interested in what’s in it for me than becoming Christ like. Left to ourselves, our will puts our interests and our comforts first, and everything in this world tells us that that is what we should be doing. Buy this phone, drive this car, you deserve the best!   Romans 12:2 (ESV Strong's) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.   When we stop conforming to the pattern of this world, when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our mind, then we begin to discern God’s perfect will, and our will starts to conform to His will!   If we seek God’s will first, all the things we worry about have a habit of just falling into place for us.   Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV Strong's) Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.   4.      HE TESTS US TO EMPOWER US   I cannot live a triumphant Christian life in my own strength, and neither can you! God never intended for you to sit His exams, failing miserably every time. No, here’s the best news of all… He rigs the exam.   At Uni, I had limited time and they could ask an unlimited number of very curly questions, so I decided to study as much as I could, then ask God to rig the questions, tailoring them to the material I had studied. He actually did this!   And in life’s exams, He can rig them for you as well. He doesn’t write the answers on your sleeve, but He supplies His Holy Spirit to live within you and help you pass the tests of life!   Romans 8:26-27 (ESV Strong's) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.   HOW DOES GOD TEST US?   It is an accepted fact that you cannot improve that which you cannot test. Developing anything of value, a products, service, relationship, even a ministry, requires testing so you can discover how to make it better. God allows tests of character to determine our faith or to test our devotion in order to teach us humility and prepare us for greater responsibilities. We even should test ourselves...   2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV Strong's) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realise this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!   Remember, God does not allow tests in our lives to rain or our parades, or give us a hard time, but He lovingly allows us tests to develop our character and walk with Him. So how does He test us?   1.      DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES   We all face difficult circumstances at some point, and the longer they last, the greater is the test! Joseph was sold into slavery, faced hardship, false allegations, imprisonment, lasting years, yet he passed the test with patience and endurance, showing love to the ones who had caused it…   Genesis 50:20 (ESV Strong's) As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.   2.      PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HARDSHIP   Suffering pain of any sort is a test, be it physical, emotional, relational or financial pain. If you want to see a Biblical example of someone passing the pain and hardship test, you need look no further than Job, who lost everything financially, suffered personal attack from his wife and friends. And was covered in sores, yet was able to say,   Job 13:15 (ESV Strong's) Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.   You may have faced this, or be facing this right now! Fiona went through this when we lost everything, and we had to leave our designer home for a tin shack in Nambour, in the summer, where it was so hot that she broke out in a heat rash. She said, thanks Lord, now I even have the skin disease like Job! The turning point in this exam for her was when she decided that thank God for something every day, starting with the electronic gate so people couldn’t see how miserable she was!   3.      DELAYED FULFILMENT OF HIS PROMISES   Delayed fulfilment of God’s promises can be one of the sternest tests of our faith. Joseph experiences it for years, and of course Abraham and Sarah waited many years for their first child. Habakkuk was another who complained about God’s overly long timetable…   Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV Strong's) For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.   4.      PERSONAL ATTACKS   I can attest that personal attacks can be a tremendous test of character. Being falsely accused, having your reputation trashed, having negative words spoken against you has happened many times in my life, but these tests give you a great opportunity to respond in a godly way… that’s how you pass!   1 Peter 2:12 (ESV Strong's) Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.   Attacking them back, arguing your innocence, trying to speak reason to them achieves little. Living a shining, godly life is what counts, knowing no matter what happens, you have behaved with integrity.   Years ago a local pastor attacked me when I left his church, and called every other pastor on the coast to prevent me ministering in their churches. I decided to say nothing in reply and let God vindicate me. My local ministry just dried up. At that same time, and opportunity opened up and, though I rarely ministered here, I began to minister internationally.   God tested me, I passed, and then He opened incredible opportunities. So if you are being attacked, don’t fight back, let God vindicate you… then you will pass the test!   5.      BLESSINGS   Sometimes being blessed can actually be a test in itself, because the pass mark is when we rely on God, not our own abilities. Often Christians who become successful in business, forget about God! Prosperity can be a sterner test than poverty!   King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, the richest and most powerful king of Israel. But he had 700 wives and 300 concubines, an unwise decision…   1 Kings 11:3-4 (ESV Strong's) He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.   So beware the blessing test! If you are blessed in finances, health, business, relationships or church, stay humble and keep seeking God lest your blessings cause you to fail the test!   6.      A CHALLENGE TO OBEDIENCE   In Genesis 22 Abraham passed the test of his obedience when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. At the last moment an angel stepped in and said…   Genesis 22:12 (ESV Strong's) He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”   King Saul, however, failed the obedience test when he was told to devote Amalek to destruction, choosing instead to keep the spoils for himself. He then tried to cover his sin by claiming he was going to sacrifice the spoils to the Lord, but Samuel said,   1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV Strong's)  “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.   When God tests you by asking you to be obedient, you need to be obedient!   7.      A GREAT TEMPTATION   Temptation is a massive test of your obedience to God. You might think you cannot cope, that the temptation pressure is too great to bear, that you might cave in under it at any time, but God has this promise,   1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV Strong's) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.   So if you cannot stand under this test, find a way out and run like crazy. Fleeing sin is better than succumbing to it, and fleeing it might help you pass the test!   8.      A PERIOD OF SPIRITUAL DRYNESS   Sometimes we are tested by an extended period of spiritual dryness, and some of you are here at that point right now. You might be flat, uninspired, you might feel tired and distant from the Lord. You’re skipping quiet times and rarely pray. When facing the dryness test, you can see your faith shrivel up and die, or you can decide to thirst for God…   King David felt this way in the wilderness of Judah and wrote,   Psalms 63:1 (ESV Strong's) O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.   HOW TO PASS THE TESTS   Any one of those tests could come your way at any time. Whether it is dryness or success, attacks or hardships, pain or obedience. To grow in the things that matter in eternity, you need to pass the tests. Not just one or two… all of them. So what can you do to start passing all of those tests?   Remember, God allows times of testing into our lives to develop character and trust. Being tested is not necessarily a sign of His anger, disfavour or judgement, it is often a sign that you are truly moving with God, and He is preparing you for something great!   Romans 8:28 (ESV Strong's) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.   All things… even the tests of life!   Let me finish with 4 things you can do to start passing your exams…   1.      SEARCH YOUR HEART   Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV Strong's) Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!   The first step in passing your exams is to have close, serious look at your own life. You turn up here at church looking pious and holy, but examine your heart and see if there be any offensive way within you. If there is, confess it and move on, but don’t cover it over! Allow God to shine His light into the darkest crevices of your soul and let Him clean up your heart from the inside out.   2.      KEEP IN STEP WITH HIS SPIRIT   Time is one of the great testers of our faith, and we tend to either lag behind God, or if you’re like me, run ahead! Timing is everything, and God is eternal and gets time in a way we simple cannot!   After listing the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, Paul writes this…   Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV Strong's) And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.   Micah 6:8 talks about walking humbly with your God, step by step with Him. Don’t get impatient, don’t get resentful and stop demanding things of God. To pass the test you have to learn to faithfully wait. With patience, even if your situation is painful, boring or limited.   3.      STAY ON TARGET   In the original Star Wars, as the good guys are attacking the Death Star, the pilots are screaming at each other to stay on target. Lasers are flying everywhere, danger and imminent destruction are all around, but they had a job to do, to put that proton torpedo into the small shaft and blow up the Death Star!   So when you are tested, stay on target. The worst thing to do is to look at the circumstances and let them dictate your destiny. Peter stepped out of the boat with faith, but the waves and wind took his attention off Jesus.   Psalms 119:15 (ESV Strong's) I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.   Read His Word daily, get your life into God, serve and bless and live for Him and you’ll find you’ll be passing tests!   4.      SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD   If you want to pass tests, seek God first. When I hear of all the things believers are pursuing in their lives, my heart breaks because unless they seek the Lord and His Kingdom first, they are headed for disaster.   We worry if we don’t have things, don’t achieve things or we can get lured into the things of the world.   Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV Strong's) Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.   If you seek God first, He either gives you the desires of your heart, or they fade away into nothing because they weren’t that important after all.   Job was tested, and he said confidently,   Job 23:10 (ESV Strong's) But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.   God through Zechariah told the remnant of His people   Zechariah 13:9 (ESV Strong's) And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”   Today some of you here have tests, big tests. If that’s you, I want to pray for you and stand with you in this test. I want to see you triumph over this test, pass with flying colours, and it is easier to do that together rather than separately. It might be a relationship, it might be a testing job situation. It could be family, it could be financial, it could be a huge temptation, but if you are facing a test today, stand up.  

We hear so much about fake news, but do we pay attention to "Fake Truth"? 

Who is at the center of the truth that we often hear?
 Often Christians don’t really think things through, and we therefore really need to start discerning more accurately. It’s important for us to be washed by the Word on a continual basis. We are to keep God’s commands in our hearts as they will prolong our lives. If we submit to Him in our ways and He will make our paths straight.

We hear so much about fake news, but do we pay attention to "Fake Truth"? 

Who is at the center of the truth that we often hear?
 Often Christians don’t really think things through, and we therefore really need to start discerning more accurately. It’s important for us to be washed by the Word on a continual basis. We are to keep God’s commands in our hearts as they will prolong our lives. If we submit to Him in our ways and He will make our paths straight.

Often Christians assume that depression or anxiety are caused by lack of faith in God’s providence or ungratefulness for God’s blessings. More tragically, some assume that these disorders are punishment for sinfulness. Fr. Mesrop Ash reflects on his personal journey and ways one can seek and receive help in the Armenian Church.

Often Christians think about what they should do, when the truth is, God is more concerned with who we are. What shall I do? What shall I be? Preached at Countryside Baptist Church in Northern Parke County Indiana by Pastor Tim Johnson. Sunday Night January 14, 2018.

Is creation a secondary doctrine? Often Christians make the claim that we need to stop arguing about creation and focus on the primary issues. However, isn’t “all Scripture God-breathed and useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” How does the belief or disbelief in the Genesis account of Creation effect … Continue reading The post Is Creation a Secondary Doctrine? appeared first on Creation Training Initiative with Mike Riddle.

In this episode, George looks at response of some well-meaning Christians concerning the spiritual condition of those who have committed suicide. It is especially horrible when a love one takes their own life. Often Christians can add to the pain by raising questions concerning the spiritual state of the one who took their own life. George looks at the question, "Is Suicide Unforgivable?" George addresses the needless ignorance that so many hold to concerning the forgiveness of God.

Often Christians complain about being misrepresented by mainstream media, but could that change with intentional efforts? Michael Cromartie, Vice President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, has created opportunities for members of the national media to meet with evangelical leaders in hopes of getting the stories right. Filling a gap between faith, politics, and journalism, Michael promotes mutual understanding around the toughest, and many times misunderstood, issues of our time. 

God's Favor is given - or withheld - because of our choices. Often Christians think that God overlooks certain behaviors, but He recognizes them for what they truly are: theft! However, He also blesses those who choose to work, save and give with everything they have! Join us as we learn the Principles of God's Favor!

Often Christians are ready to share the good news with relatives or friends, but not actually listen when THEY speak. Tips for developing effective listening skills.

Often Christians are ready to share the good news with relatives or friends, but not actually listen when THEY speak. Tips for developing effective listening skills.

Zukeran, Patrick | Host of Evidence and Answers Broadcast How do you effectively share your faith with a hardened skeptic? Often Christians are intimidated from sharing their faith when they meet someone who is argumentative or appears to have ready arguments against Christianity. How do we effectively share our faith with an antagonistic individual? Learn an effective approach today using the "Killer Questions."

Zukeran, Patrick | Host of Evidence and Answers Broadcast How do you effectively share your faith with a hardened skeptic? Often Christians are intimidated from sharing their faith when they meet someone who is argumentative or appears to have ready arguments against Christianity. How do we effectively share our faith with an antagonistic individual? Learn an effective approach today using the "Killer Questions."