Storms are a part of life but they do not last forever. The world should be able to identify us as Christians by how we respond to these storms.
• Focus our Minds: Prepare your mind for action; mentally prepare yourself by focusing on our hope through grace. Live as if Jesus was standing right beside you.
• Focus our Hearts: Hope goes from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge. We are free from the religions of this world and we must change the focus of our hearts to live accordingly.
• Focus on Love: If we have a focused mind and a focused heart than our focus will be on love. The world will know we are Christians by our love. Remember, as a believer, you are never alone.
(Verses cited: Psalm 9:10, 112:6-7; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:23; Philippians 3:21; Romans 12:1; Matthew 5:14, 6:8; John 5:6; John 5:6; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Matthew 15:8; Genesis 4:23-26; 2 Peter 2:5; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 12:26)
Disaster Response
1 Peter 1:13-25
September 24, 2017 • Collin Monger
Parting Words of Wisdom
December 3, 2017 • Collin Monger
The Apostle Peter wrote this book having experienced numerous personal persecutions and trials. It is an exhortation to stand strong through difficult adversities. • Lead by Example: Christian leaders are not called to make the “popular” choice. Do what is right in God’s eyes knowing that others are watching also. • Live in Humility: Humility does not equate to humiliation. We must decrease so that God can increase in us. • Be on the Lookout: The Devil is looking for apathetic believers to devour. Jesus has already overcome Satan so stand firm in your faith in Christ! (Verses cited: James 3:1; Hebrews 13:17; Titus 1:9; Matthew 5:16; James 4:10; Romans 12:3; John 3:26; John 3:30; Job 1:7-8; James 4:7; 1 John 4:4)
Keeping Your Bearings
November 19, 2017 • Collin Monger
When we lose our bearings, it is easy to become disoriented and lost. As Christians, we need to remain focused on Christ, and his message, or we will drift aimlessly through life. • Don’t be surprised: Persecution is the natural response sometimes to the gospel. Do not let it be a cause for alarm. • Stay positive: Focusing on God leads to a positive disposition through negative situations. Not all suffering is righteous suffering but when we suffer for our faith we become more like Christ. • Be confident: Do not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. We have a mission to accomplish, sharing God’s word, and we do not have time to be subtle. • Trust your pilot: God is in control and sees infinitely everything. God always seeks to either build us up or draw us back to Himself. God never forgets and he never fails. (Verses cited: Exodus 32:7-8, 17; Proverbs 11:14; Philippians 4:8, 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; Matthew 5:11, 5:10; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 11:24-28; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 10:17; John 9:4; James 1:2-3; Romans 8:38; Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 46:10)
Resisting the Tide
November 12, 2017 • Collin Monger
Life is easier when we go with the flow. Christians, however, are called to resist the tide and stand against the culture in faith. • Stand Firm: When we resist the tides of culture we are meet with strong opposition. Therefore, we must be ready, proactively preparing for cultural opposition. • Stand Out: Christians are weird, our lifestyle should set us apart from nonbelievers. Standing out for Christ grabs the attention of skeptics and brings glory to God. • Stand By: There is more coming; Jesus’ return could happen at any moment. Use this time to get ready and become more like Christ. (Citations: 1 Corinthians 15:33; Romans 12:2; Psalm 56:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Luke 9:23; Matthew 7:14; Ephesians 6:11, 6:14, 6:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-2; Matthew 5:16, 24:36)