Redemption Precedes Regulations
Exodus 19:1-25 – Before God gave commandments, He reminded the people about what He had already done for them. We don’t do good works to be loved by God, for redemption precedes regulations.
A Prayer for the SBC Annual Meeting
As we approach another annual meeting for the Southern Baptist Convention, we are potentially in for more disagreements and controversies. My contribution is to pray for God’s will to be done in God’s way, and I hope you can join me.
Seeking Community
In our age of pseudo-community provided by digital technology, we are missing out on the connection we were designed to meet and need. If you struggle to find your footing right now, it may be because you aren’t standing beside others.
Start Growing Spiritually Again
For those who feel stuck in their spiritual life, you no longer have to accept stagnation as the norm. In this 8-week Bible study, I want to walk you through a model called Distinctive Discipleship.
Leading with Faithfulness in a Fallen World
The dismal state of the world can cause a leader to question if positive change is even possible. We must lead with integrity and intentionality no matter how dark this culture becomes.
Organization Precedes Continuation
Exodus 18:1-27 – Jethro encouraged his son-in-law, Moses, to alter his leadership practices to focus on what God had called him to do. This simple yet significant change at Rephidim paved the way for what would happen at Sinai.
Spirit-Filled & Architecturally Skilled
We often think of Spirit-filled people as those who do a certain type of ministerial work, but God’s Word teaches something far broader. God equips different people for unique tasks.
Simplified Steps
If we want our lives to inspire others, we not only need to provide motivation but also clarification. We must learn to teach others simply so that they know what needs to be done next, among a host of options.
The Type of Worship That’s Magnetic
If we grasp who we are worshiping, we will understand that an hour a week will not suffice. In our awe of who God is, we cannot help but stay humble, which draws others to worship as well.
Investigating Integrity
Instead of focusing on what others see in church, consider what God notices within the revealing aspects of your conduct. Pay attention to the way of integrity, because if you don’t, you will pay attention to something far less worthwhile and most likely experience it.
The LORD Is My Banner
Exodus 17:8-16 – The Israelites fought against the Amalekites and prevailed under unique circumstances during the conflict. As our banner, the LORD unites and mobilizes the people of God to victory.
Only God Can Determine Justice
While we all claim to have a standard of right and wrong, that justification can only come from God. If God exists, and I believe He does, then He is the only one with the right and responsibility to determine what justice is.
Earnest Excellence
If we do something well, we ought to do it not to be flashy, but because we want to be faithful to whatever God has called us to do. We are working for Jesus on behalf of the people for whom He died, so we should give our absolute best.
The Change I’m Praying for in Me
While I have many prayer requests to share, the consistent prayer need is my own spiritual growth. Instead of trying to work in my own strength, I would be wise to admit to God, through prayer, how much I need His help.
Leading Through Failures
Failures will either sideline us from future usefulness or motivate us for current development. We will make mistakes, but we don’t have to let them define us.
The LORD Is My Rock
Exodus 17:1-7 – To provide the Israelites with water, God curiously instructed Moses to strike a rock in the side from which life-giving nourishment would run. This moment, and the event it foreshadowed, reminds us all that the LORD is truly among us.
Marriage Provides a Healthy Connection
No person can navigate life successfully by attempting it alone. We need one another, and marriage is one of God’s gifts to address our loneliness.
Multiplication Mindset
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ implies that you ought to be thinking of how your life can impact others. We must have a next man and next woman up type of mentality.
Like It’s the Best News in the Whole World
If the gospel is true, then we shouldn’t be somber or sorry to share it. We should announce the work of Jesus as the best news we could ever deliver to another person.
What Is the Entrust Institute?
The Entrust Institute is a unique learning experience partnering with a local church to achieve both seminary training and practical ministry experience. We are committed to the ministry of training those committed to the ministry.
The LORD Is My Provider
Exodus 16:1-36 – The Israelites grumbled against the LORD when the conditions worsened, but He provided food for them still. God’s provision is as constant as His character is reliable.
The Pride Endangering Your Worship Team
While many distractions can derail a worship team, no challenge can be quicker than pride. To lead others in worship is to declare war on robbing the attention away from God.
Approachable Attitudes
It’s hard to help others out in life if you give off an aura that you don’t want to be bothered by them. Christians ought to have the most open-hearted attitude toward others.
How Our Sins Can Affect Others
It takes a person out of touch with reality to say that one’s sins do not affect others. Our sins can quickly devastate those around us, especially when our anger leads us to justify our words and actions.
Leading with Humility
The world characterizes leaders as those who have achieved so much that others serve them; the Word surprisingly teaches that the best leaders are the humblest of servants. Humility distinguishes authentic leadership.
The LORD Is My Healer
Exodus 15:22-27 – When the Israelites discovered bitter water at the beginning of their trek through the wilderness, God instructed Moses on how to make it sweet. God reminded them that He is their Healer, and we must remember that no situation is behind His remedying.
Excuses for Disciple-Making
Christians should be undoubtedly convinced that we are called to make disciples, but we are often unapologetically cautious to attempt to join Jesus in the process. Don’t allow these excuses to rob you of one of the greatest joys in life –– making disciples.
Scriptural Standard
If you desire to live life according to Jesus, you can’t ignore His book. The Bible has to be more than an honorable mention in your life to be a disciple of Jesus. All of your beliefs and behaviors must originate from the instructions in the Bible.
The Oversight Hindering Your Spiritual Growth
Many Christians feel great discouragement by the lack of spiritual progress in their lives. While we can gripe about the pace, regret the past, and disagree about the process, are we praying about our growth?
What Is the Recommission Network?
The Recommission Network is a family of aligned churches attempting to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to their surrounding communities. Our heart is to plant and replant healthy churches that are multiplying disciples.
The LORD Is My Strength and My Song
Exodus 15:1-21 – At the banks of the Red Sea, the victorious Israelites worshiped the God who had saved them. We should live lifestyles of worship, constantly expressing gratitude to our faithful Deliverer.
Unfair Marital Frustration
If your spouse has hurt you, the issue must be addressed, but avoid showing frustration to one another for things other people have done. Don’t permit unfair marital frustration.
Intentional Daily Plans
If you have ever wanted to simplify your organization but are unsure of where to start, I want to help. It’s a biblical ambition to live your life wisely, but we all need practical help to know where to start. Maybe these considerations can encourage change.
Evangelistic Friendship
Should we share the gospel with unbelievers or befriend them? You can and should do both! The gospel and goodwill are not enemies of one another.
What Will Keep Our Church Off Mission
We desire to be more than a mission-minded church; we want to be a mission-guided church. If we are not careful, we will miss opportunities for missional endeavors because of dangerous distractions.
The LORD Is My Waymaker
Exodus 14:1-31 – With the sea in front of them and the enemy behind them, the Israelites were out of options unless God did something miraculous. The LORD has proved to be a waymaker time and time again for the people of God.
You Have a Worldview (But Where Did You Get It?)
All of us possess a worldview even if we have never thought about summarizing it as one. The existence of a worldview is undeniable, but the source of it is critical to your overall success.
Developing Godly Ambition
While we have plenty of examples of ambitious people eager to succeed for all the wrong reasons, that shouldn’t discourage you from being ambitious for godly motivations. Desiring to make your life count for God is as noble a motivator as possible.
I Don’t Belong Here
In an ever-changing societal landscape, Christians often feel more out of place. The standards of this world will war against the biblical mandates, and therefore, we ought to feel different.
Servant Leadership [Entrust Course]
According to the practice of Jesus, His way of leadership is counter-cultural. Discover the biblical truths of authentic leadership and how you can leverage that in your life for the glory of God and the good of others.