What are roles of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life?

Here is some great insight about the Holy Spirit from Penny Noyes, M.Ed. Penny is the author of Embracing Change – Learning to Trust God from the Women of the Bible and two books about Hezekiah. You can follow Penny on her blog and on Instagram @pennynoyes.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are saved, filled, sealed, and sanctified. The Holy Spirit reveals God’s thoughts, teaches, and guides believers into all truth, including knowledge of what is to come. The Holy Spirit also helps Christians in their weakness and intercedes for them.

The following are 10 ways the Holy Spirit works in the lives of believers.

Read the article here: 10 Roles of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s Life

How hard is the way of life with Jesus?

This Jesus saying is a part of what I call the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) aka the Sermon on the Mount. It eats at the religious life myth of leading a good life.

Jesus warns us that it won’t be easy. Jesus is pulling no punches here. It will be hard.

For example, it may be easy to not commit adultery. It will be hard not to lust. Few are actually going to find God. Most Christians won’t.

I didn’t know how tough it would be. May I be one of the few. May you be one of the few.

What is the impact of learning about fatherhood?

Ethan is a North Carolina native who joined the  Summer Internship for 2018. He shares about the impact of the teachings on fatherhood from Train to Reign, how his life was changed through his time here, and his renewed faith as he returns home.

Breaking News! Jesus rises from the dead in an incorruptible body!

The resurrection of Jesus is stunning. It isn’t to be just celebrated at Easter. It is the core of our faith. We must celebrate the victory that Jesus has won every day.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Matthew 28:5-7

What is the priority of our kids’ salvation?

Here is some great insight from our good friends at The Domain for Truth.

Establish the need: What is your greatest priority for your kids? What do you desire the most for your kids?  Is it for them to have a good job, take care of you when you are older, contribute to society or be independent?  These are not wrong in of themselves, but what should your greatest priority for your kids should be?

Who is the Judge?

Should I judge others? Jesus is clear in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5-7). I have plenty of my own issues. I should look in the mirror and focus on how I miss God’s goal (aka sin). And, there is plenty to focus on there. The list is quite long.

How are we one with God?

How Jesus allows us to be one with God. John 14-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word.  May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23

Have we been baptized in water and the fire of the Holy Spirit?

I am not immune to competing for my spiritual faction (aka denomination). I think it is best. I think Jesus cares. I am wrong.

John the Baptizer is still baptizing. Jesus, as a part of His ministry, is starting to baptize as well.

John’s disciples got into an argument with the establishment Jews over the nature of baptism. They came to John and said, “Rabbi, you know the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan? The one you authorized with your witness? Well, he’s now competing with us. He’s baptizing, too, and everyone’s going to him instead of us.”

Why do We Need to Remember God’s Word? Here are 7 Crucial Reasons.

The bible is the holy word of God. Here is some great insight from Ruth Clemence. Ruth is a wife, mom, writer and Premier Digital award-winning blogger based in South West England. Read more at: ruthclemence.com and follow her on Twitter: @ruth_the_writer.

How much of what we do “for Jesus” is done to be seen by others?

How much of what we do “for Jesus” is done to be seen by others? Probably too much. Jesus is clear that will get us nowhere. It could be a simple thing but pretentiousness tends to be insidious. What about that gift to charity and I check the box to list my name? What about our public offering time in church designed to shame the non-givers?

Does God still heal today?

Danny Prince speaks about the believers job in order for God to heal. It takes the prayer of a righteous man to availeth much. It is also extremely important for the believer to have faith.

1 Corinthians 12:1,9, James 5:16, 2 Peter 1:3-4, John 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 1:6, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Hebrews 7:25, Mark 6:5-6, Matthew 13:58, Matthew 17:18-21.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus foundational to our faith?

Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. Jesus died for me and on the third day after He was buried Jesus was raised from the dead to an incorruptible body. Do I believe that? Is it the core of my faith?

Now there is some good news! It is really, really good news! It is stunning. It is amazing news!

Philippians 4:6 Was the Most Popular Bible Verse of 2019, YouVersion Says

The most popular Bible verse this year on the YouVersion app was a passage about trusting God instead of worrying.

Philippians 4:6 was the most popular Bible verse of 2019 on YouVersion, the free Bible app that launched in 2008 and grew by 50 million unique installs this year. The verse reads,

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Read the article here: Philippians 4:6 Was the Most Popular Bible Verse of 2019, YouVersion Says – Michael Foust

Who are the God-haters? Why do they act evil?

I sure feel like this some days.

I do good (or at least I think I do).

What do I get back? Evil. Pure evil and hatred. If you don’t believe it, you should read the comments I get on Twitter. It is pretty vile. It takes a thick skin to stand up for Jesus against God-haters.

I give out good and get back evil from God-haters who can’t stand a God-lover. ~King David | Psalm 38:20

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? What about speaking in tongues?

Larry Pons starts a series on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The first to be addressed is speaking in tongues.

Seeing Jesus in 2020 clearly with 20/20 vision! Master, open our eyes.

2020 is going to be a turning point for us to see Jesus clearly and obey Him in our journey to love God and our neighbors. We are going to have 20/20 vision.

This isn’t about resolutions because resolve is short lived. Resolve runs out gas early and often. Resolve is not the issue.

Seeing with 20/20 vision is about seeing Jesus clearly, changing our minds (aka repentance) and acting differently.

• We will act differently because we will make different choices.
• We will decide to decide.
• We will act.
• We will follow Jesus and be resilient.
• We will not give up or give out.
• We will fight the good fight.
• We will be strong in Jesus.
• We will walk in His spirit and in His mighty power.

We must make the choice to learn to see.

Are we stunned at what God is doing? Where is our enthusiasm?

Where is our enthusiasm for God and His marvelous works? Why don’t we shout it out? Do we long for an encore? What is it about God’s glory that causes us to stand in awe? Are we ready to stand at attention and salute the King of Glory?

Bravo, God, bravo!
Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention! | Psalm 29:1-2 (The Message Bible)

What sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? 

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God-honoring and/or is not in agreement with God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) regarding what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/new-years-resolution.html

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Our Mission & Vision

There is power in prayer. We see it every day. Let us join with you in tapping into the Power of God. Click here to make a request.

Our programs are like an immersion into a new language – the language of living in Jesus.  The goal is fluency in the language of relationships.  Programs share a sequential vision, building an understanding of relationships and family culture.  The foundation is an encounter with Jesus.  This encounter is the means for both insight and vision.  Encountering Jesus leads a radical change in living and relationships

Our Vision is to see generations of leaders victoriously modeling Jesus in their families and communities.

Our Mission is training believers to live a victorious life through biblical Truth, experiential discipleship, and family relationships. 

Values

Life is:

1) Relationships

2) Personal Holiness

3) Biblical

4) Authentic

5) Relevant

Learn more here.

If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.

What is the importance of forgiveness? What does Jesus say about it?

Jesus is all about forgiveness. That is the reason God sent him to us. We need forgiveness and the good news is that we have received it.

Jesus calls us to forgive. That is clear.

Forgiveness is also an essential part of the life of believers. Ephesians 4:32 commands,

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah God forgave you.”

Is freedom in God real? What about release from shame?

Emma Listro joined us this summer as a  Summer Intern for 2018. She shares about her release from shame and the freedom to be found in a very personal relationship with Jesus the Messiah and the revelation of God’s forgiveness for her.

If you would like more information about the summer internship or our upcoming spring semester you can go to: www.ctcilife.org

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” ~God

How often do I dwell in the past? Remember the time …. Ah, the good old days!!

God is doing a new thing. He has a new plan. It is springing up like a fountain just turned on.

Where nothing existed in us, God is creating a new being in Jesus the Messiah. Where no love existed, God’s generosity creates life. Where no understanding was available, God’s wisdom pours forth.

“I am making everything new!” ~Jesus from the Throne

Jesus, the Messiah and my Master, walks over to me. He reaches out His hand. Slowly He wipes away my tears. He dries them off very carefully. No more mourning. No more crying. No more pain. That is all in the past.

The new plan has kicked in. Jesus is making everything according to the new plan. His goal and His strategy is now the order of the day. Not there yet but closer every day.

Jesus is in control. He is in power and will bring every aspect of the plan to a close. He executes every detail. No worry or concern.

A New Year brings renewed understanding we are a new creation in Jesus.

I am a part of God’s “new creation”, and God continues to work in me to make me what He wants me to be. His purpose is to make me more like The Messiah (Rom. 8:29). Now that is some VERY good news as we start a new year!

From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known the Messiah from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 

(2 Cor. 5:17)

“For we are His workmanship created in The Messiah Jesus.” The Greek word translated “workmanship” is poiema, from which we derive our English word “poem.” It means “that which is made, a manufactured product.” In other words, my conversion is not the end; it is the beginning.

For we are His workmanship, His own master work, a work of art, created in the Messiah Jesus reborn from above — spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used for good works, which God prepared for us beforehand taking paths which He set, so that we would walk in them living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us. 

Ephesians 2:10

But how does God work in us?

Through His Holy Spirit, “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). The Messiah finished His work of redemption on the cross, but He arose from the dead and returned to heaven. There He carries on His unfinished work of perfecting His church (Eph. 4:7–16; Heb. 13:20–21).

The Messiah is equipping us for our walk as a disciple and our work here on earth. To do this, He uses three special tools:

• The Word of God
• Prayer
• Suffering

As we read God’s Word, understand it, meditate on it, and feed on it, the Word goes to work in our lives to cleanse us and nourish us. As we pray, God’s Spirit works in us to release power. And as we suffer, the Spirit of God ministers to us. Suffering drives us back to the Word and prayer, and the cycle is repeated.

Too many disciples think that conversion is the only important experience, and that nothing follows. But this is wrong. We can use the resurrection of Lazarus as an example. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He said, “Loose him, and let him go”. In other words, “This man is now alive. Get him out of the grave clothes!” Paul has this concept in mind in Ephesians 4:22–24 when he writes, “That you put off concerning the former conversation [behavior] the old man, which is corrupt … and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Colossians 3:1 has the same message: “[Since] you then be risen with The Messiah, seek those things which are above.”

The same resurrection power that saved you and took you out of the graveyard of sin can daily help you live for The Messiah and glorify Him. At great expense to Himself, God worked for us on the cross. And today, on the basis of that price paid at Calvary, He is working in us to conform us to The Messiah. God cannot work in us unless He has first worked for us, and we have trusted His Son. Also, He cannot work through us unless He works in us. This is why it is important for you to spend time daily in the Word and prayer, and to yield to The Messiah during times of suffering. For it is through the Word, prayer, and suffering that God works in you.

The Bible shows many examples of this principle. God spent 40 years working in Moses before He could work through him. At the beginning of his ministry, Moses was impetuous and depended on his own strength. He killed an Egyptian and had to flee Egypt, hardly a successful way to start a ministry. But during those 40 years as a humble shepherd in the desert, Moses experienced God’s working in his life, a working that prepared him for forty more years of magnificent service.

There are other examples. Joseph suffered for thirteen years before God put him on the throne of Egypt, second to Pharaoh. David was anointed king when he was a youth, but he did not gain the throne until he had suffered many years as an exile. Even the Apostle Paul spent three years in Arabia after his conversion, no doubt experiencing God’s deeper work to prepare him for his ministry. God has to work in us before He can work through us; and this leads to the fourth work in our passage.

The purpose of the Law was, basically, to bring us to the Messiah. It is essential to start here. Once I understand the purpose of the law, I can move on.

What would I move on to? How about grace? That would be a good start.

Once I am saved and become a follower of Jesus, God desires to glorify Himself through My good works. Jesus is clear on this. Following Jesus means I will do good deeds.

Therefore, good works follow the decision to follow Jesus; they do not precede it.

Conflict between “grace” and the “Law” can arise when someone:

• Misunderstands the purpose of the Law.
• Redefines grace as something other than “God’s benevolence on the undeserving”
  • Paul makes this clear (a Pharisee himself). “But if it is by grace God’s unmerited favor, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace it would not be a gift but a reward for works.” (Romans 11:6)
• Tries to earn his own salvation or “supplement” the Messiah’s sacrifice.
• Follows the error of the Pharisees in tacking manmade rituals and traditions onto his doctrine.
• Fails to focus on the “whole counsel of God”.
  • “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan of God.” ~Paul (Acts 20:27).

When the Holy Spirit guides our search of Scripture, we can “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15) and discover the beauty of a grace that produces good works.

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About the Christian Training Center

There is power in prayer. We see it every day. Let us join with you in tapping into the Power of God. Click here to make a request.

The Christian Training Center International was founded in the early 1970’s as The Inn of the Last Resort. It is now known throughout the world for its outreach to families, Christian leaders, and young people. Our focus is to enable individuals – especially young men and women – to face and overcome the mounting issues and pressures in their daily lives. Learn more here.

Our programs are like an immersion into a new language – the language of living in Jesus.  The goal is fluency in the language of relationships. The foundation is an encounter with Jesus that leads to a radical change in living and relationships. Learn more here.

If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.

How do we show mercy as a gift of the Holy Spirit?

Tim Dailey has been a part of the ministry here at the Christian Training Center since it was founded in the 1970’s. This Sunday he continues our series on the gifts of the Holy Spirit by discussing the gift of mercy.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

“Mercy is not only required, it is also reciprocal and demands action. The mercy of God is demonstrated in this world by His people.” – Tim Dailey

Are we wrong to hope?

Am I wrong to hope?

Now this is amazing. I am not disappointed when I hope. In my hope, I see Jesus. My heart is full of His love. Hope is connected to love. God’s love, poured into us, gives us hope. It isn’t anything we can do. It is everything God’s Spirit can do. And … God does. Every single day.

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

Romans 5:5 (NASB)

10 Ways to Pray Bigger Prayers in the New Year – Happy New Year

Here are some great prayer ideas for 2020. God is ready to hear our prayers. God is in a good mood.

Prayer is powerful. God is all heart, and He knows ours fully. Prayer is an intimate connection with our Creator, who hears us and loves us. Jesus sacrificed His life to forever open up the lines of communication between us and our great and holy God. Prayer doesn’t have to be organized. There are no requirements for prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. It’s a conversation. It’s a relationship.

How is your prayer life? If one of your resolutions for the new year is to become a person of prayer, we have a few tips for you. The following suggestions are meant to stir what God is already speaking to your heart.

Here are ten ways to pray bigger prayers in the new year:

Source: 10 Ways to Pray Bigger Prayers in the New Year – Happy New Year

What does it mean to be the light of the world?

Jesus makes a declaration about His followers in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7).

We are the light of the world. I am the light of Jesus to those I know.

Our good works are to be seen and not hid.

That is the Way of Jesus, the anointed King. That is His declaration for us.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ~Jesus | Matthew 5:14-16

Does the problem of man’s deprivation increase our need to pray for our government?

David Kubal is President of Intercessors for America, a 35+ year-old organization uniting believers in effective fasting and prayer for America. With over 25 years of national ministry experience, Dave is a seminary-trained ordained pastor and former Vice President with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He has a heart to share God’s vision for America with others, and has written several Bible studies and workbooks using material from his talks that are currently being published due to popular demand. He brings a powerful message for Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life.

Do you want to get well?

Do I want to get well? Jesus is in the healing business. Jesus can heal me physically and Jesus can heal my broken heart.

Jesus wants to know, do I want to get well? It is the essential question.

Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, “Do you want to get well?”

Wisdom for Mothers from 11 Women of Faith

Here is some great insight from Ruth Clemence on women of faith. Ruth is a wife, mom, writer and Premier Digital award-winning blogger based in South West England. Read more at: ruthclemence.com and follow her on Twitter: @ruth_the_writer.

Wisdom is needed for raising the next generation. Motherhood does not come with a manual, but mothers can find help, encouragement and wisdom through the Bible, prayer and the experiences of those who have gone before them. There are many examples of mothers in the Bible and throughout history from whom we can gain wisdom for their faith and trust in God. They were all human, none were perfect, yet all of them knew the Lord and that can help encourage mothers today.

Read the article here: Wisdom for Mothers from 11 Women of Faith 

Who is in charge of God’s country?

Jesus is now at the core issue as He lays out His manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). God has a country. It is a kingdom. Jesus is the Messiah and it’s King. Now that is some good news.

Jesus is clear about our mission. It is not to worry about “the things” of life. It is to totally dedicate ourselves to what Jesus, as the King of God’s country, wants us to do.

That is the main thing about the main thing.

How much does our heavenly Father love us?

Faith Morton’s family moved to Franklin from Port St. Lucie in 2017 after her sister’s family, Madison and Dustin Ortiz, joined our staff. She shares about the importance of duty vs intimacy, obedience vs sacrifice, seeing the monuments of the Lord’s goodness in our lives, and how much her Heavenly Father truly loves her.

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

What impresses us? Are they the right things?

Jesus wants to know. Am I impressed with what man can build?

Really? That impresses me?

As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!”

Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.” | Mark 13:1-2 (The Message Bible)

Is it Always Sinful to Lie?

Here is some great insight about lying from Alyssa Roat. Alyssa is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E., a professional writing major at Taylor University, and a freelance editor with Sherpa Editing Services. Her passions for Biblical study and creativity collide in her writing. More than a hundred of her works have been featured in publications ranging from The Christian Communicator to Keys for Kids. Find out more about her here and on social media @alyssawrote.

Have you ever heard the old adage, “Whoever says he doesn’t lie is a liar?”

As imperfect humans, we all lie. It almost seems that we can’t help ourselves, whether we’re embellishing stories for our friends or we’re covering up past sins.

But are lies – whether big or little – actually sinful and wrong? Or is lying just one of those things people do?

Read the article here: Is it Always Sinful to Lie? 

What does it mean that Jesus taught with authority?

Jesus wrapped up His Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). The teaching is over. What He has said is amazing. The crowds who hear it are astounded.

I am astounded as well. I am overwhelmed.

Jesus teaches with authority. He isn’t like the religious elites who rely on their Ph. D’s for their authority. Jesus has the authority directly from God. Religious elites have pedigrees from seminaries. Quite a contrast.

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their religious elitist leaders (aka scribes). | Matthew 7:28-29

How do we become free from the worlds corrupting influence?

“When the Holy Spirit changes our earthly nature into a divinely inspir

Are we satisfied with what just looks good or is in fact good?

God acts from the highest, purest motives.

God expects us to do the same.

Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good;
    God probes for what is good. | Proverbs 16:2 (The Message Bible)

How to Read the Bible Better

We all want to read the Bible better. Here are some great ideas from David Mathis. David is executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is a husband, father of four, and author of Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.

Do you want to read the Bible better? Christians will only experience so much of God and his grace without making a regular practice of reading and rehearsing what he has said to us in the Bible. During my years as a Christian and pastor, I am yet to meet a mature, happy Christian who hasn’t been a serious Bible reader.

What should our righteousness look like?

Jesus continues His manifesto (found in Matthew 5-7). There is a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. This isn’t what I was thinking He would say.

Jesus begins this section by telling the disciples not for one moment to imagine that he had come to abolish the law and the prophets, i.e. the whole Old Testament or any part of it. The way in which Jesus phrases this negative statement suggests that some had indeed been thinking the very thought which he now contradicts.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Are you anxious? God is good and in a good mood.

Here is a powerful post Thanksgiving message.

Psalm 100 Be Thankful A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are his— his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations.

Are good works a characteristic of God?

Goodness and good works are acts designed specifically to benefit others, which are characteristic of God. We can be good because God is good. And He is in a good mood. Good works are not a “bad thing”. They won’t save us but that isn’t the point.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus

Matthew 5:17

Jesus requires and enables us to do good, although such is contrary to our human nature. Salvation does not depend on good works, but leads to them. We are called to be like God, as a child of God. We are a new creation, not subject to our old self that missed God’s goal for our lives.

We have the power of the Holy Spirit and His fruit is growing in us. That is some very good news.

What is the Meaning of Yeshua? Messiah’s Name in the Bible Explained

Here is some great insight from Blair Parke. Blair is a freelance writer for BibleStudyTools.com and editor for Xulon Press. A graduate of Stetson University with a Bachelor’s in Communications, Blair previously worked as a writer/editor for several local magazines in the Central Florida area, including Celebration Independent and Lake Magazine in Leesburg, Florida and currently freelances for the Southwest Orlando Bulletin.

He is our Lord and Savior, the One who achieved His purposes of representing God to us in life, then dying on the cross for our sins and redemption. His life has led to several experiencing spiritual transformation and accepting God as our eternal Father in heaven.

What does it mean to be the “salt of the earth”?

The Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5-7) continues with Jesus laying out for us what we need to be like in this world. We need to be salt. We need to be salt that has not lost its taste.

The affirmation is straightforward: ‘You are the salt of the earth’. This means that, when each community is itself and is true to itself, the world decays like rotten fish or meat, while the community of faith, the bride of Jesus, can hinder its decay.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”

Matthew 5:13

What will God do in the White House Rose Garden?

This video is about our Appeal to Heaven with David Kubal. 

David Kubal is President of Intercessors for America, a 35+ year-old organization uniting believers in effective fasting and prayer for America. With over 25 years of national ministry experience, Dave is a seminary-trained ordained pastor and former Vice President with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has a heart to share God’s vision for America with others, and has written several Bible studies and workbooks using material from his talks that are currently being published due to popular demand. He brings a powerful message for Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life.

Do we really believe Jesus forgives us? Should we change our minds?

Jesus decides to return to His hometown. When He got there, some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of Him and His disciples. Jesus was impressed by their bold belief. He couldn’t just ignore the man. So Jesus said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.”

Now this got Him in some real trouble. Some elitists and  religion leaders whispered, “Why, that’s blasphemy!” Of course, they didn’t say it out loud. Just a whisper among themselves. Or so they thought.

Am I whispering, thinking Jesus can’t hear me? Hmmm …

One New Commandment to Rule Them All

Brandon Cox provides some great insight on the BIG commandment. Brandon is Lead Pastor at Grace Hills.

The Jewish people had lots of commandments in their scriptures. There were the “big ten,” but hundreds of others as well, plus all the extra, outside-the-scriptures commandments that helped them keep the in-the-scriptures commandments.

Imagine the sense of burden on the final night of Jesus’ life when he gave his closest disciples one more commandment. Or more accurately, a new commandment.

The disciples probably braced themselves for whatever extra rule Jesus might pile onto the lengthy list they were already trying to follow. But what Jesus did was render all of the old commandments obsolete* by issuing one great big new replacement commandment…

Read the article: One New Commandment to Rule Them All

What does it mean to repent? Is God ready to receive us back home?

There is good news, for all of us. Jesus has a heart for the lost and those who have missed God’s goal (aka sinners). Jesus told this story because all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. The elitists and religious leaders (Pharisees and the scribes) began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

When God transforms. Is it complete?

Ian was a student with us for the Heroes Semester program. Here he shares with us about his time here and what has impacted him and what he feels the Lord is continuing to work in him.

“Joseph went to Bethlehem with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.” ~Luke

So this is how it happened. Luke starts warming us up with some basic facts. In a few more paragraphs we will begin to learn about how the Son of God was born and began to live among us.

Jesus came with a mission. It begins with some basic facts. It ends with Jesus ascending into heaven, a triumphant Messiah.

Luke draws me in. I want to know more.

About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

Source: Luke 2:1, 4-5 MSG – The Birth of Jesus – About that time – Bible Gateway

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Susan Pons Book – “And There Was Evening and There Was Morning…”

There is power in prayer. We see it every day. Let us join with you in tapping into the Power of God. Click here to make a request.

Have you read Susan Corbett Pons book “And There was Evening and There was Morning”? It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. Check out Susan’s book here.

Susan Pons grew up in Valdese, North Carolina. Prior to her marriage, she performed professionally on stage and dinner theaters. The mother of four and grandmother of six, she and her husband, Larry, direct Christian Training Center, International, a ministry dedicated to the restoration of families. She has loved her life.

Check out Susan’s book here.

Our programs are like an immersion into a new language – the language of living in Jesus.  The goal is fluency in the language of relationships.  Programs share a sequential vision, building an understanding of relationships and family culture.  The foundation is an encounter with Jesus.  This encounter is the means for both insight and vision.  Encountering Jesus leads a radical change in living and relationships.

Learn more about our programs here.

If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.

“This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” ~God’s Angel

The sheepherders were minding their own business. Just doing what they do after a long day of work. They were settling in for the evening.

But God had different plans for them. He was about to show up and it was sudden. That is the way God is some days. We’re settling in for the evening and BAM, he arrives on the scene.

Are we terrified like the sheepherders?

Well, they got some good news and they obeyed God. The angels told them about our dear Jesus and that the Savior had arrived. He was born.