1. Do we show love to others that surpasses that of non-Christians? 2. Do we display a joyfulness greater than Jews who have faced a life of persecution? 3. Can people see a consuming peace that prevails in our lives greater than our Buddhist neighbors? 4. Are we more patient than Jehovah’s Witnesses who continues to goContinue reading “attn Christians: 9 Quick Questions and One Big Proposal”
Tag Archives: Holy Spirit
The Gospel’s Secret Agent
Something critically important is missing in most evangelistic efforts of churches and individual Christians. Many pastors want to point at the problems of apathy, busyness, or laziness. Yet the real problem lies within the core of the Church. For the most part, we have shut out the third person of the Trinity from our GospelContinue reading “The Gospel’s Secret Agent”
The Power of Outreach (Spirit-led Outreach Series)
Nothing can be produced by a Christian that is eternal value, unless the Holy Spirit orchestrates the production. We can try to make things happen, even attempt to “save” people. Yet, our plans will fail if the Holy Spirit is not at work. The Lord reminded the prophet Zechariah of this truth. The Lord spokeContinue reading “The Power of Outreach (Spirit-led Outreach Series)”
Who has Spiritual Gifts?
If spiritual gifts are the key to ministering within the will of God in the Body of Christ, then the Church is failing to teach and train believers to follow Christ in an effective way. According to George Barna, “Among born again adults, the percentage that say they have heard of spiritual gifts but doContinue reading “Who has Spiritual Gifts?”
The Purposeful Gifting of God
Everything has a purpose. God created water, Oak trees, Japanese hornets, Roma tomatoes, and even cats for a purpose. One of the deepest longing of the human heart is to discover and fulfill this purpose. Without an understanding and use of spiritual gifts, a follower in Christ will wander aimlessly through the Christian life. InContinue reading “The Purposeful Gifting of God”
What are Spiritual Gifts?
What is a “spiritual gift?” Some churches talk about these, others never mention them, and some talk about them all the time. Few issues have garnered more controversy in the Church than gifts of the Spirit. But what are they? Bruce Bugbee offers a definition of “what” for spiritual gifts as “Specially endowed abilities thatContinue reading “What are Spiritual Gifts?”
The Tragic Neglect of Spiritual Gifts
What if the Church is leaving a great resource largely untapped? What if the key to church growth and reaching the world for Christ is right in front of our nose? The potential to radically impact the world for Christ is unrealized because applicable principles regarding spiritual gifts are not being taught. Sullivan County, NewContinue reading “The Tragic Neglect of Spiritual Gifts”
Are you a “10?” (Greater Works Series)
We do not have the strength to walk with Christ by ourselves. We need someone to support and guide us. Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play major league baseball, but this pioneering came at a price. Jackie was criticized heavily for every single mistake. Once when he was playing on the team’sContinue reading “Are you a “10?” (Greater Works Series)”
Spirit-o-Phobia (Greater Works Series)
At age fifteen, I had no choice. If I wanted to learn how to drive a vehicle and take the test to get my license, I had to learn to drive a “stick shift.” That extra pedal on the left and thing between the seats caused me more fear than the act of driving orContinue reading “Spirit-o-Phobia (Greater Works Series)”
From Tone Deaf to Perfect Pitch
Music is beautiful when there is the perfect balance of a strong melody and a complementing harmony. For two accomplished piano players, whose love for music was stifled by debilitating strokes, this ability to enjoy the eighty-eight keys was severely diminished. Margret was impaired on the left side and Ruth on the right. Yet,Continue reading “From Tone Deaf to Perfect Pitch”
Shepherding Well 