Good Friday appears to be an oxymoron because on that day Jesus was arrested, beaten, and killed. It is only good when viewed from God’s perspective.

Life is full of surprises and unanswered questions. God often moves in very surprising ways, but always in ways that are intentional to His plan.

Fear is one of the most paralyzing emotions that people can experience. As believers we are called to live an attitude of courage in the face of fear.

(Verses Cited: 2 Tim 1:7; Romans 12:2; Phil. 1:12-13, 14; Haggai 2:9; Luke 22:20; John 13:34; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rev. 21:1, 5; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:8-10; Phil. 4:13; Matt. 19:26; Romans 1:21-25; Acts 17:6)

The world will constantly try to discourage you from standing out from the crowd. The Lord calls us to stand out boldly from the world and willingly and faithfully serve Him and the world around us.

(Verses Cited: Prov. 28:1; 2 Cor. 3:12; Phil. 2:15; Jn. 18:36; Matt. 18:3; Lk. 18:16; Eph. 5:25; Acts 17:17, 18:5-6, 19:8, 21:40, 27:21; Col. 3:17, 23; Is. 6:8; Lk. 1:38; 1 Cor. 7:22, 10:31; Matt. 5:16; Dan 3:28; Is. 55:11; Dan. 2:27-28; Prov. 25:2; Gen. 1:1)

The world is constantly pressuring us to give up and give in to the ways of the world. God calls us to defy the unrighteousness of life and live obediently and confidently in the path He has set for our lives.

(Verses Cited: Matthew 7:14; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7; Luke 6:45; Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 37:4; Psalm 139:14; Romans 14; Exodus 34:14-15; Acts 5:29; Exodus 1:17; Matthew 15:19-20; Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 2:13; Exodus 1:20; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 5:10; James 1:2; Job 1:11; Job 2:10)

The world and its morals are constantly changing, and people are expected to fit in with what is considered normal. God calls us to stand out from the world and follow Him.

We live in a world where there is enormous pressure to fit in and conform. God calls us to live our lives different from the world.

Unity within a church is a mark of a Godly church. Leaders in the church are appointed by God to teach and build up the body of Christ.

Prayer for a believer is paramount; the Lord’s prayer is a model for believers of how to pray.

Jesus gave us a model of prayer in Matthew six, a template for communicating with the Lord.  

God made each person uniquely and called us all to serve in His kingdom.

Hope is that which is secured for us by the love of Jesus Christ. When the future appears uncertain our focus must remain on the hope provided by Christ.

In a world of fast-moving information, the Church is called to share the message of Christ.

• Preaching is intentional: Preaching requires a deliberate effort. Look for opportunities to share your testimony.


• Preaching is universal: Christ came to call the wicked to repentance. Share His love with those who might otherwise be neglected. 


• Preaching is transformational: Genuine preaching leads to a new person; a changed life submitting in obedience to the Lord.

 

It is the Church’s responsibility to teach faith to build up the body of Christ.

There are thousands of Christian denominations. What does the Bible say about God’s Church?