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Ray Stedman, noted pastor and Biblical expositor said, “Forgiveness, of course, is the virtue we most enjoy, and least employ, in our Christian experience. We all love to be forgiven – we expect it, and want it. But we find it a struggle to forgive; we resist it, and refuse oftentimes to do it.”

Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust, said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you.”

Forgiveness is a foundational Bible truth. Why is forgiveness important? The best answer is because Jesus commanded us to forgive others. Scripture clearly communicates that if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-16). Read the rest of this entry »

Recruiting Tip

People don’t buy bulbs, tires, or cars. We buy light, safety, and experiences.

When recruiting volunteers, how you position your ministry is important. For instance, you could say, “We need your help with the kids today.” Or you might try, “Did you know that nearly 50% of all Americans who accept Jesus as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13? We need two leaders willing to make an eternal difference in the hearts and lives of kids.”

Which appeal sounds more compelling to you? Motivate your people by emphasizing the eternal benefits. Read the rest of this entry »

I am a part of the body committed to doing “whatever it takes.”

I have Holy spirit power. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line.

I am out of the comfort zone. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame vision, mundane talking, chincy giving, and dwarfed goals. Read the rest of this entry »

We are called to make disciples. It is the heart of our Lord’s Commission for His Church. Jesus said:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19,20)

We fulfill the Great Commission as we develop students and adults into faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Otherwise, many depart from the faith because they are not led to maturity and service in the body of Christ. Read the rest of this entry »

We just had KidzTurn here at McArthur for 4 days and while they were here I hung out at Starbucks with Sam Lussier a couple days. Same and I got to talking about the great technology stuff out there which lead us to talking about iPhones. Here is a piece of technology along with many other types of Smart Phones where the technology has grown super fast but it tends to be handicapped.

Why? Because of battery technology.

Yes, see while people have developed the smart phones by making them more powerful, smaller, more tricks, fancier designs and the list goes on and on, the batteries that power these wonderful tools, gadgets, toys, life lines, electronic leashes whatever you may call them have not kept up with the same pace. Actually in many ways battery technology has not developed a lot in comparison to the smart phones they power since they hit the market powering the first cell phone.

This made me start thinking, how many of us in ministry, in our careers etc. have added some great external tools, skills, schooling, paychecks, homes, cars and so forth but our “Battery” (our inner life, our walk with God) has not kept up. We are walking iPhones with the looks and abilities of a 1000 people but we are only able to truly last for a few hours a day or a year or two where we are in our job because our battery keeps given out. Families falling apart, divorces taking place, infidelity, unfaithfulness, confusion, sicknesses, and I am sure you can fill the blank with even more ways than what i have mentioned here. Read the rest of this entry »