I heard a encouraging story this morning. Barbara is a Swiss lady who had worked for a company in Switzerland a few years ago and had left her job to work at a ministry in Switzerland. After a wonderful five years with the ministry she believed that God was leading her to leave. As she began looking for a new workplace, her…
Knowing your position in flying is crucial to reaching your destination in a safe and timely way. Because there are no signs posted or traffic signals at 35,000 feet up, those who fly aircraft know that without accurate instruments and communication with air traffic controllers, you cannot establish your position. This makes navigating virtually impossible, especially under bad weather conditions. When weather…
Imagine for a moment that you’re on a company assignment in a city far from home and your work project has unexpectedly been extended for a few more weeks. Not knowing anyone in the area, you feel stranded. Thus you go online to look for a church nearby. You locate one not too far from your hotel and decide to visit it. When you arrive at the door, you are warmly welcomed. The service starts and you sing along to familiar songs; then the pastor shares an encouraging message from God’s Word. Afterward a few people invite you to lunch, where you end up sharing with each other how God is working in your lives. As you go back to your hotel room, you think to yourself…“It seems like I’ve known these people for a long time, almost like family.” God designed “fellowship” for this very purpose.
How is “fellowship” formed? Is it something short lived or something that is developed over time? The word “fellowship” carries with it the idea of our sharing something in common with others… being partners who participate in each other’s lives. (more…)
To say that our world is changing is an understatement. We have witnessed major shifts politically, technologically, religiously, economically and morally. It should lead us to ask how Christ is building His church in these days. At one time, Christianity influenced most of the western world. Some countries have the imprint of Christianity woven throughout their early history. The Christian faith was considered at the center of society, bringing an influence on local culture and national policy. The laws made in some of these countries reflected the belief in an infinite personal God who they saw as actively a part of their origin and national affairs. The church flourished under these conditions. It gained wealth and political weight, and at times it used these to build churches, schools for training, and benevolent organizations like hospitals and orphanages to help those in need. However, at times it also used these to build a power base to become a controlling force in society. There are some who saw this dominant persuasion as God’s means of building His church and kingdom in the world.
As power increased for the church, Christianity began to be identified more by culture and politics than by true authentic faith. It no longer was viewed as a faith common to all people of different nationalities and different cultures, but instead you were a Christian because of your birth and nationality. With its powerful influence, the (more…)
God gives us some practical responses to engage when facing tough situations… walking by faith means we implement how God has instructed us. Such initial responses can prevent us from becoming embittered and cynical in difficult situations.
Paul was invited to do a workshop at the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and School convention on the subject of "Preparing the Next Generation for the Workplace". It was well attended and there is growing awareness that student next to be prepared and training spiritually for what will be a major part of their life (37%)...the Workplace.
