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There is a tendency in human nature to take for granted the sacrifices that have been made for us during our lifetime. We often forget the blood of the patriots who gave their lives defending our freedom. We often forget the martyrs who gave their lives defending the Gospel. But are we also guilty of forgetting the greatest sacrifice ever made for us when Christ gave His life on the cross?
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What is the greatest need in the world today? Is it a stronger economy, better government, less war? While those things are important, they pale in comparison to man’s greatest need, and that need was met in the One who came that very first Christmas so long ago. That Baby in the manger was the Savior of the world who came to forgive our sins and restore our broken relationship with God. Have you ever recognized your need for Christmas?
The Bible clearly commands us to be generous, joyful givers of all that God has given to us, but exactly how much are we supposed to give? In the Old Testament, God demanded a 10% tithe, but is that still true for us as New Testament Christians? What really is the standard of giving for us as followers of Christ, and is it actually possible to become a joyful giver rather than a disgruntled one? Everyone has their opinion on this matter, but find out what the Bible really says!
To partake of the Lord’s Supper is to remember the crucified body of our Lord. But when Paul writes to the Corinthian church the instructions to follow when coming together around the Lord’s table, and he tells them to discern the body, does Paul only have in view the crucifixion, or does he have more that he is communicating?
The Bible tells us not to ignore our spiritual gifts, but rather to use them. However, are we aware that it is possible for us to misuse our spiritual gifts in ways that can bring hurt to others, and even to the entire church? While there are many benefits and blessings that are sure to come as we allow the Holy Spirit to use our spiritual gifts, we must be careful never to use them in ways that are harmful. As you find your place in the Body of Christ, keep these cautions in mind.
The Bible tells us not to ignore our spiritual gifts, but rather to use them. However, are we aware that it is possible for us to misuse our spiritual gifts in ways that can bring hurt to others, and even to the entire church? While there are many benefits and blessings that are sure to come as we allow the Holy Spirit to use our spiritual gifts, we must be careful never to use them in ways that are harmful. As you find your place in the Body of Christ, keep these cautions in mind.
When the members of an orchestra fail to play in harmony with each other, it makes a terrible sound! But when all the different instruments are played in tune, following the same conductor, it creates a beautiful symphony. So it is in the Body of Christ. We all have unique roles to play, but when we each do our part and function in harmony with each other, we will become a beautiful representation of Christ to those around us. Are you playing your part in this great symphony?
The Bible says that God has already given us every spiritual gift we need to live for Him. We do not lack anything. The only question is, have we ever discovered our spiritual gifts and are we actually using them? Just attending a church service every week does not automatically make us a healthy, contributing part of the Body of Christ. We have to choose to be used! Have you ever discovered the spiritual gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit so that you can use them for the mission of Christ?
Is the great commission a humanitarian cause to better mankind? If we think of the Great Commission as Karma, then it really is nothing more than a humanitarian cause. So what is the motivating factor that causes men and women through history to be obedient to the Great Commission?
What is a communion service? Is it just a public acknowledgment that Jesus died on the cross for our sins? What exactly is my part in the whole thing? Am I just a participant in the event or is there more to it than that?
As we trace the spread of the gospel through the book of acts, we learn that as it was preached it would cause two results; salvation for some who heard the message and persecution to those who brought the message. How is it that the Gospel can be considered “good news” if the people who share it are always getting beat up? So when Paul says that he’s not ashamed of the gospel, does he have in mind just the extrinsic fact of it, or the intrinsic effects of it on his own life?
