Instead of approaching church like a consumer looking to simply get in and get out every weekend, come in and use the gifts that God has given you. It can change your life, and it can certainly change the way you see the church.
In this prophecy of the Messiah, we are told how the Lord Jesus (walking upon the earth as a man) would function in order to manifest godliness. He would live by this prophetic promise: "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him."
Repent and believe. There is no other alternative. Turn or burn." — Charles Spurgeon
The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
Is your character ready for the difficulties ahead? Commit today to a life full of sincerity and truth. Not in harshly spoken words to others, but about yourself. Make your word your bond. Be sincere, dependable, and genuine.
The real concern is demonstrated when I say to someone, "I'm not going to fellowship with you, not because I'm mad at you, but because you are involved in sin that I can't ignore. It's not that I don't love you; in fact, it's just the opposite. I love you so much that I can't allow you to go on as if there's nothing wrong in your life. Sooner or later the decay of sin will cause great pain and grievous loss. I won't stand by and pretend any longer."
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD. ( Isaiah 61:1-2 ) In this prophetic Scripture, we see the ministry of Christ is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit (as noted before in the manifestation of His godly character). "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me because the LORD has anointed Me."
Don’t give up. Reach up.
Even if others have forsaken you, Jesus never will. Even if you feel forsaken in this season, you are not. Jesus paid your ransom on the Cross because He loves you that much! Reach up to Him!
“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” —C.S. Lewis
See the bigger picture, the long view, and realize that the hassles and difficulties of today will be old news in a short time. Worry and anxiety do not need to consume your thoughts and dictate your state of mind.
Study God’s Word, pray, draw close to the Lord, and allow Him to pull you back up from the daily grind to see things from above.
Our feet may walk this earth, and gravity keeps us physically anchored, but to live healthy, spiritually whole lives, our minds must be in heaven. This means, in our practical, everyday lives, we can set our minds to approach people, our jobs, and our daily tasks with a perspective that reflects God’s perspective.
The church is the only organization that Jesus started. Jesus said He would build the church “and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18 nlt). Every believer needs to be an active part of the church because it is where we learn about God together.
"Good listening leads to understanding, action, and growth—understanding that truly engages the heart and mind, action that appropriately responds to others in word and deed, and growth that acknowledges and redeems the value of every conversation" Matt Ng
“In Christ are treasures that will require digging to the end of the world.” — Thomas Goodwin
“Where sinful humanity ascends to heaven in ambition, God himself descends in humility for us and for our salvation.” — Michael Horton
That great physician, as he had a quick eye and a healing tongue, so had he a gentle hand, and a tender heart.” — Richard Sibbes
Here’s an incredibly comforting and wild truth that we should take hold of every single day: Jesus cares for and loves you.
“[Prayer] is the exercise of faith—that you need God and are a needy receiver. With this in mind, instead of chasing the idol of our own productivity, let's be dependent children—and let the busyness that could keep us from prayer drive us to prayer.” — Michael Reeves
“Where most holiness is, there is most moderation.” — Richard Sibbes
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