As a Christian ministry in the modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in metrics like bank balances, social media engagement, and online participation. While these figures can offer some insight, they risk diverting us from our core mission: guiding individuals to become disciples of Christ. Focusing solely on numerical data is like counting social media connections instead of …
Joy in Adversity
Unfortunately, and decidedly contrary to God’s desire, adversity is part of this life. First-century Jews who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were acutely aware of this. Not long after the Day of Pentecost, Peter and John were imprisoned by Jewish leaders for healing a lame man in Jesus Christ’s name. This was just the beginning of escalating pressure. …
Transactions & Transformation
Shortly after last month’s newsletter was sent out, a friend reached out to me via email. He expressed, “I found your recent brief piece on prayer both uplifting and inspiring, so thank you for that. Whenever I come across statements that resonate with me, I instinctively turn to the Bible, seeking answers to questions like, ‘Where can I find this …
Anchored In Faith
We believe that every Christian has a duty and responsibility to participate in the political process by voting, specifically for leaders who uphold Christian values. Scripture instructs us to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4). However, the Bible also reveals instances where God disapproved of Israel’s leadership choices (Hosea 8:4), demonstrating the potential consequences of poor leadership. The …
Should Christians Vote?
There is a debate among Christians about voting. Some claim we have a moral responsibility to vote, while others see voting as a purely political act, which Christians should forgo. Those who oppose it will sometimes point to Jesus’ nonviolent lifestyle and his apparent lack of interest in politics, and conclude that somehow, he was “non-political.” I could not disagree …
Who Is Your Sufficiency
In our culture, self-sufficiency is lauded as a prized virtue. The self-sufficient man or woman earns the admiration and respect of all who know them. Miriam Webster defines self-sufficiency as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” Roy Baumeister, an American social psychologist, defines it as, “a reliance on internal resources to provide life with coherence and fulfillment.” Carl Jung …
The Blame Game
People are inherently programmed to resist and avoid negative or uncomfortable feelings that may arise from facing their own shortcomings or mistakes. This resistance is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, shaped by our instinctual desire to maintain a positive self-image and emotional well-being. In the quest to evade the discomfort of guilt or shame, individuals often adopt various strategies, …
Trust God
Michael Kappelman passionately emphasizes the profound importance of trusting God, underscoring the fact that God’s Word serves as an unchanging truth for believers navigating the complexities of life. He draws attention to key Bible verses that highlight God’s promises and unwavering nature, illustrating how these passages provide a solid foundation for faith. In his exploration, Michael articulates the inherent risks …
The Essence of Prayer
The English priest John Chapman is credited with this quote; “Pray as you can, not as you can’t”. His message is clear, bother not yourself with the trivial matters of methods, or how or when, and just pray! We’ve all heard the adage, “Practice makes perfect”. I believe this is especially true with prayer. As we practice the habit of …
Empowered by the Spirit
With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve …
