September 29, 2025
Limitations
Limitations are part of life. We should recognize our limitations, viewing our abilities and gifts “with sober judgment” (Romans 12:3).
Articles for tag: Ephesians 3:2
July 1, 2023
God’s Symphony Through Our Chaos
Amid Infidelity and Imprisonment, I’ve Found Healing and Peace
December 19, 2022
December 25 | Application (‘What the Mysterious Magi Can Teach Us About Faith’)
We don’t know about much about the mysterious Magi, but they help to illustrate what it means to live by faith.
June 27, 2022
July 3 | Application (‘Don’t Give Up on the Church’)
How do you view the church? Unbelievers mock it or view it as a relic . . . Consumer Christians treat the church like a retail store . . . Celebrity-focused believers view the church as an entertainment venue . . .
August 30, 2021
God Is Always at Work
We know God rested from the work of creation on the seventh day, but God continues to “work” in sustaining the universe and advancing his plan of salvation.
May 24, 2017
A Different Spirit
By Tim Harlow Sure, I serve God wholeheartedly. But even then, sometimes it”s easy to see giants instead of what he wants me to do for him. Different can be a synonym for “weird.” “She”s kind of different” usually means, like, not in a good way. The elevator doesn”t go to the top floor. One taco short of a combination platter. Not the brightest crayon in the box. Every generation of teenagers talks about how they want to be “different,” and then they go buy the same labels and wear the same styles and listen to the same music as
July 31, 2016
5 Steps for Getting Your Group or Class to Invite New People
By Michael C. Mack How do you get members to invite people to their groups? Here are five specific principles you can use to help the people in your group or class, even the shyest ones, extend invitations: 1. The leader must go first! Don”™t go to your group with the ideas below until you have personally done these things yourself. As a leader, you are an example, a model, for those entrusted to you (1 Peter 5:3). 2. Don”™t do anything else until you”™ve spent time with God. Every strategy you use, every word you say, everything you do
December 17, 2015
Heaven on Earth
By Tim Harlow God has promised us overflowing abundance, immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. And that”s now””we don”t have to wait for Heaven. My life”s mantra is “Heaven to Earth, Earth to Heaven.” I have it tattooed on my arm. I would have a longer mantra, but my arm is rather limited. That our mission is to bring Earth to Heaven is a given. That”s why we”re here. The gospel. Anyone who knows me realizes if I get to talk about one thing, it”s going to be the Great Commission. However, Heaven to Earth is a big part of why God
May 10, 2012
The Most Vital Small Group Principle
By Michael C. Mack I want to lead a healthy, growing small group. What is the single most important thing I need to know? In 20-plus years of leading groups and talking to and with many others leading groups, I”ve learned this: There are many skills and techniques leaders can use to make their groups better. But the best way to determine if your small group is healthy involves self-diagnosing one particular vital sign. A healthy group is Christ-centered. Christ is the real leader, and the group is primarily focused on him, experiencing his presence, carrying out his purposes, and
December 1, 2011
Sowing the Seed
By Bob Russell My mother loved the Bible and was determined to pass along her passion for God”s Word to her six children. Some of my fondest memories of early childhood are of my mother prompting me to memorize Scripture so I could get a star on the chart in my Sunday school classroom. She was wise enough to know that Scriptures memorized in youth stay with us and guide us for a lifetime. The second Bible verse I memorized (which was embedded in my mind right behind John 3:16) was Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in my
September 14, 2008
Keeping God in the Worship Planning Process
By Tim Foot A worship service, without divine intervention, is going to be some nice music, maybe some creative elements, and a feel-good message at best! It”s only when we surrender to God”s presence and his ultimate plan that amazing moments happen. So while I like to see the creative process of service planning as a partnership with God, it”s certainly weighted heavily in the heavenly direction! As worship leaders our role, as I see it, is to facilitate a connection with God through worship. It is to do what we can to help folks discover grace, grow, and be
March 30, 2008
Are You a Prayer Warrior or a Prayer Wimp?
By Victor M. Parachin In December 1944 the atmosphere was tense at U.S. Third Army headquarters in France, recalls George Metcalf, a chaplain in Gen. George S. Patton”s army. At a time when the Allies sensed victory was within reach, Hitler launched a surprise attack of 25 armored divisions through the Ardennes region in Belgium. During what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge, thousands of Nazi troops and tanks advanced relentlessly through Allied lines, creating havoc and confusion. Complicating matters was the inclement weather. It had been snowing for days and a heavy fog descended on the
September 23, 2007
NACC: It”s Time . . . to Listen Up!
By Alan Ahlgrim, NACC President Listen up: God”s good work on earth isn”t finished yet! While Luke”s Gospel account is all about what Jesus began to do and to teach, his second volume, the book of Acts, is all about what Jesus is continuing to do and to teach. That”s because we do not serve a dead hero; rather, we serve a living Lord who is even now powerfully at work in and through the church universal and, at times, you and me. In fact, God frequently is speaking to us all. Hearing Just because we at times hear some
December 17, 2006
The Discipline of Staying
By Greg Marksberry An old rock tune poses a quintessential question with the lyric, “Should I stay or should I go?” Every servant-leader, paid or unpaid, has wrestled through that quandary at some point in ministry. It is an intensely personal matter that requires sincerely seeking God”s will to resolve effectively. But it also requires an honest assessment of our personal makeup, maturity, and motives. Personality profiles indicate most people are wired with a preference for stability and the status quo over change. Variously referred to as “peaceful/phlegmatic,” the “golden retriever,” or the “S” (steady) profile, by some estimates it
October 22, 2006
Leadership Lessons from a Long Swim
Stephen Bond reflects on training for and completing a 2.7-mile open-water swim across Donner Lake—and the leadership lessons it reinforced about big goals, preparation, opposition, mindset, and realizing untapped potential.
