As a historical biblical figure, Jacob, the son of Isaac, is not someone we would typically associate with humility. Perhaps terms like craftiness or selfishness come to mind when we think of this patriarch of Israel. Yet, when we examine his life more closely, I believe we can learn a great deal about humility. Like many of us, Jacob may …
Stepping into 2025
As we step into 2025, it’s natural to contemplate the path ahead, particularly concerning our relationship with God and Christ. How disheartening it must be for those who lack a burning passion, who see no grander purpose in their existence, and who settle for a life of distractions. Surely, life offers more than simply avoiding disaster while filling our time …
Measuring Growth in Faith, Not Numbers
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 …
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 …
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 …
Unsung Heroes
Since the day of Pentecost, which marked the birth of the Christian Church, there have indeed been a select few believers whom God has chosen for high-profile assignments or to hold positions that attract public attention. These individuals often garner admiration and recognition for their extraordinary contributions to the faith, standing out in the spotlight of ministry, leadership, and influence. …