In Scripture, the Gospel is presented less as a threat (Believe or Else) and more as an invitation (Believe and Live). Thus, we would do well to share the Gospel not as an ultimatum to demand but as a promise to share.
. . . and many were. Yet in their struggle to endure, they made Scripture more into a treasure to guard than a mission to fulfill. God is more than capable of preserving his people and his word. We are called to the task of pointing the way to Jesus.
Pharisees were so concerned about preserving their culture that they neglected to advance the Kingdom. Their efforts to preserve their way of life closed off access for others to find & enter the Kingdom of God. They claimed their traditions were derived from Scripture . . .
Being missional is not about always finding something to do. It’s primarily about discerning that which God is doing and how we should participate. #missional
He accomplished his mission by giving himself for his enemies. Even before he died for them he visited their homes, healed their children, and washed their feet. Our presence in any community should reflect the approach Christ took towards his rebellious creation.
Its remarkable that Jesus was both uncompromising in his values AND determined to build relationships with those who did not share them. He ate with those who opposed him and attracted those unlike him. Yes, he raised the whip a few times to defend the temple but ultimately . . .
We must keep in mind that my priority is not to work for God but to be with God. My work must be in response to being in his presence and not an alternative to being in his presence.
effective cross-cultural ministry was an ongoing evidence that the Holy Spirit had indeed filled them. Although racial and ethnic problems persisted the outpouring of the Holy Spirit brought about the power to break barriers and tear down the walls of separation.
On Pentecost believers overcame the barriers of language, culture, tribe, race, and color which sin had created by the power of the Holy Spirit. Tongue talking was the initial evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit but the use of their divine gifts to undertake . . .
The cross-cultural, supernatural ministry of the church in Acts 2 was only possible when the believers were fully yielded to the Holy Spirit in Spirit baptism and subsequent activity. The Holy Spirit came in power and was received in full submission resulting in powerful ministry
The serpent didn’t begin his work by holding up the forbiddden fruit but by putting down the Word of God. When we diminish the role/value of God’s Word we become more susceptible to temptation. In the season of Lent let’s renew our commitment to and trust in the Word of God #Lent
How many sermons actually explain biblical passages? How many preachers practice solid Bible teaching as seriously as doctors or engineers practice their disciplines? God could sue some of us for malpractice😬