Strategic church growth tools are? I don't know. I don't know what it actually means to possess strategic church growth tools. Is church growth even something that God calls us to worry about? Isn't it written in Matt 16:18 that He will build His church? Doesn't Christ call His bride in 1 Cor 4:12 Eph 4:11-16 to participate in building up the church using His strategery? ...

Do you remember the sons of Sceva? You'll find them in Acts 19:11ff. Truly they seem like buffoons at best, or profiteers at worst, and sadly they didn't truly know Jesus. The name of Jesus was used as a tool. Not just any tool, but as an instrument for exorcising demons. I'm not sure if the exorcism business was good back in those days, but in reading the account it ap...

So then, how do we engage in pray? First, it is important to recognize that prayer is good, necessary, and hard. Second, undertake the call in Romans 12:12 and numerous other places, getting on your face before God. Confess the lack of desire for the unseen, do the hard work of heart work, and seek the Lord through prayer constantly. Again and again I confess, heartfelt...

Standing with others is no easy task, and it isn't any easier to stand alone. There is a necessity for human relationships, which is a simple function of God's created order, which isn't easy. It is also necessary for human beings, as His creatures, to relate to Him. Yet there is something about a relationship to the divine that seems easier. You know, like a mystical and ...

America's return to glory, where things are good and God will be happy with this nation seems like a far off dream. We live in a time where America has fallen from the glory of being the world's great hope for democracy, peace, freedom, and order. When history is read it is clear that this nation has fallen on the path of other nations, which has been the trajectory of all...

Gratitude is not a natural habit of the flesh. More often than not, mankind is upset for what lacks rather than grateful for what is possessed. Ingratitude easily flows from the heart of man, making him blind to blessings and keenly aware of any malediction. Often our hearts possess the frustrated retort, 'thanks for nothing'. Followers of Christ know thankfulness is a pa...

Prayer is more than _____________________.Fill in the blank. It's more than what? It is more than a set of honey do's for God. It is more than a list of ailments you would like healed. Prayer is more than a phone call checking in with the "Big Guy" to make sure all is well. Prayer is more than a tool to get things done. Notice how those statements are framed. It may be...

"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,"(Ephesians 6:18, ESV) 'Praying at all times' is not a hard task 'Psssh' should be your response to that fist sentence. Have you ever tried to pray at all times? Yeah, but prayer is simple, it's just talking to God,...

Prayers Supplication "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence." (Hebrews 5:7, ESV) Hebrews 5:7 is a most amazing passage! For numerous reasons, but mostly because in it we learn that Jesus was heard because of his reverence. Je...

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:12, ESV) Is prayer a discipline of the faith that Christians faithfully engage? Do you pray like you should? Is interced...