Why does the Holy Spirit work in people?

When a person trusts in Jesus Christ, he becomes a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).  His life will never be the same and an adventure begins that is unlike any African safari, South Pole expedition, or Himalayan assault.  The things a true child of God encounters in the spiritual life are far beyond anything the world can provide. Continue reading

Book Review: Reaching the Heart of Your Teen by Gary Ezzo

Reaching the Heart of Your Teen by Gary Ezzo is a great tool to raise a teen. Too many focus on the behavior of their teen when they really need to reach the heart of their teen. Too many in the world want to hit the fast forward button when a child hits 15 and release the button when the child turns 18.  Continue reading

Stages: Spiritual Young Adult: Where is my life headed?

There is no more exciting adventure than the Christian life.  There are peaks and valleys.  There are plains and caves. And sometimes a re-focus is necessary.  If you are a Christian, where is your life headed?  How do you know what you are supposed to do? Continue reading

Stages: Spiritual Child: I am walking, now what?

Spiritual Child level

            Now that you have been a Christian for a while, you likely have the basics down.  You are focused on glorifying Jesus, growing in grace, growing with other believers, pursuing holiness and telling others about Jesus.  That is a great start.  Now what do you do? Continue reading

Stages: Spiritual Infant: I’m a Christian, now what?

            Your decision to trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior is the most important decision you have ever made.  There is no single decision more important than accepting Jesus Christ’s work on the cross for your sins. But after that decision to trust Jesus, now what happens?  This is the beginning of a great adventure and Scripture has several important key principles for you to know. Continue reading

Small Group Leadership: Food at the Gathering

            Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4 NKJ)  Jesus was not saying bread was not necessary for living, but that the Word of God is even more important in order to have a thriving relationship with the Father.  Continue reading

SGL: What Scripture (version) do I use?

            There are four keys in making disciples.  The four keys are: 1) Biblical Foundation; 2) Intentional Discipleship; 3) Relational Environment; and 4) a Reproducible Process. As the small group has the key purpose to develop prepared disciples, the Bible is the main focus for that Biblical Foundation.  A question people often ask is, “What Scripture (version) do you use?” Continue reading