Transcript:
What does it mean to return to our first love as followers of Christ? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. In Revelation two, Jesus told the Ephesian Christians they were faithful, yet had left their first love. Instead of living for God with passion, they were going through the motions of life. He said, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." God desires more for our lives! Think about the time when you first believed in Jesus. How did you feel? How was your life changed? How strongly did you share your faith? Return to that same desire, giving God your full attention and affection. As you do, you'll discover newfound power for your daily life today. Discover more helpful resources at American Pastors Network dot net.
Friday, July 9, 2021 - Truth in Tough Times Series: Truth in Troubled Times
July 9, 2021
Overcoming Adversity Series: Where is God?
April 15, 2024
Transcript: We all face challenges in life- don’t we?. Whether a relationship, finances, a job, or other areas. And, when times are tough, we tend to ask ourselves where is God? So what does the Bible say? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. As Jesus gave His final words at the Great Commission, He promised, “I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” Jesus is always with us, even when it may not feel that way. Now, feelings are important, but they can sometimes trick us into believing the lie that God has abandoned us. But God does not abandon us. His love and presence transcends all events and overcomes all life’s challenges. It’s been said when we find ourselves at the end of our rope – just let go, because only then that we can realize that we’re in the palm of God’s hand. Do you have that assurance? Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Persecution Series: Count It All Joy
April 12, 2024
Transcript: The Bible teaches us to “count it all joy” when we face trouble or persecution. How can we find real joy in times of trouble? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. This week, we’ve looked at the persecution we should expect as believers and how to respond to it. But James 1:2 adds that we are to count it all joy. Why? The verse adds that the testing of our faith “produces steadfastness” or resilience. When we experience suffering, we build our endurance. Just as exercise builds the strength of our physical body, persecution strengthens our spirit. A workout may not feel like fun at the time, but consistent effort leads to much improvement. In a similar way, consistently facing persecution with joy deepens our faith and makes us more effective in living for God. Don’t fear persecution. Count it all joy today! Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Persecution Series: Preparing for Persecution
April 11, 2024
Transcript: Do you know that the Bible actually teaches that believers are to prepare for persecution? We’re not called to avoid tough times, but rather to anticipate them. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. In 2 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul wrote he was “persecuted, but not forsaken.” He understood that he would face difficult times, just like other followers of Christ. He also encouraged believers to prepare for the hardships we face by looking forward to heaven. Paul wrote “do not lose heart” and to look to “the things that are unseen.” Our best defense against hardship is not searching for an escape, but looking forward to eternity. When we gaze at our future, we’ll be better prepared to face the challenges of the present. Scripture calls this the way to be “renewed day by day” as we seek to live faithfully despite the persecutions we may face. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.