The church of Jesus Christ was established under humble means. However, the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit caused the church to explode with the greatest message ever told. The same is true of our individual Christian journey - starting so weak, then encountering the power of God. Let's finish the way we started!
Paul compares the life of a follower of Christ to be like that of an Olympic athlete. The athletes of Paul's day were dedicated, focused, and determined to follow the rules of the game. We also must be willing to come under subjection to God's Word and strive "lawfully."
We serve a loving and caring heavenly Father. He is touched by our pain and hurt. But He is also a King. He rules the universe with power and authority. So how do we come to God knowing these truths about Him? We bind Him to His own Word!
The Lord has given Brother David Parish a word for the year. We are living in the last days and in troubling times. Everywhere we go in our country today, people are living in fear. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." We have a heavenly father who knows of our needs and wants to meet those needs. If we will seek first the Kingdom of God in our lives all other things will be added unto us.
The church of Jesus Christ must be a place where people can come and find answers to their questions. The way God’s people conduct themselves have a major impact on the outsider. People should see the reality of our faith in a living Christ by the way we sing, pray, and fellowship.
Pastor has laid out for us, a vision, and what we should look for in the coming year. In Proverbs 29:18, the Word notes that when we turn away from divine guidance and do not accept it - we do foolish things. God uses the prophet, Habakkuk, to ask questions about the same economic struggles and worries that we have today. The answer found in Habakkuk 2:4, still stands true, "...the just shall live by his faith." We don't know the WHY for the things happening, but we know the WHO to go to for strength, and that is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
The Christmas Story is one of hope, joy, and peace. If we will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the many wonders of the greatest story ever told - it might just be the best Christmas ever!
"O, taste and see that the Lord is good," Psalm 34:8. God wants you to know Him in a deeper way! However, in order to have this deeper encounter you must be willing to allow Him to put a passion in your heart for His work and be willing to make adjustments to your life.
It has always been the plan and will of God for His people to know Him and to experience His care and guidance. However, as we continue on our Christian journey (ofter not knowing what tomorrow holds) we are tempted to get discouraged. If we simply follow Jesus step by step, everything will work out!
A clear pattern exists throughout scripture that is linked to effectively bearing fruit. It is seen in the widow woman casting into the treasury her two mites, in Hannah, who offers her son Samuel unto the Lord, and in the little lad who offers his five barley loaves and two fish. This pattern tells us to offer what you have wholeheartedly and God will bring the increase.
