Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) We can always learn excellence from those who already excel. As we develop in our calling, we can grow professionally through relationships with others in our field. In this way we not only represent Christ through our character, but through the high standards we…
Read Romans 12:3-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. – Romans 12:6b (NIV) Spiritual gifts enable us to serve in the church. They are given to us, but are not for us, but for God’s church. Only as we use them for God’s purposes will we experience their power. Listen as Jason elaborates…
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our…
Read 1 Peter 3:13-16 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15b (NIV) As we try to relate in love to everyone who crosses our path, we may nevertheless encounter resistance or hostility at times. The…
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) The final piece of being in relational community as a Christian is loving all those outside of our fellowship, as ambassadors for Christ. Rather than engaging in relationships for…
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone, and Christian growth seldom occurs outside of relationships with other Christians used by God in our lives. Each of us needs a Paul (to grow us up in God), a Barnabas (to support and encourage…
Read Matthew 18:15-20 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. – Matthew 18:15 (NIV) Sooner or later, we will all sin against others, even others in the church. When someone in the church sins against us, our natural tendency…
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to…
Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NET) As a child, I’m responsible to my parents. As an adult, if I am a parent I am responsible for my children and my relationship with them. My responsibility is to train them in how to…