Andrew Corbett reminds us that of this reality …The capstone of the accounts of Jesus life, ministry, and redemptive work is John’s gospel.
It is quite possibly the most profound book in the Bible. It opens with the same three words that the entire Bible commences with – ‘In the beginning.’ (more…)
Maureen McQuillan reflects that it’s that time when we recall the events of the first two chapters of both Matthew and Luke regarding the incarnation. Many came looking for the one destined to be the Saviour of the world. Doubtlessly those who discovered the babe of Bethlehem were overwhelmed and wondered in their heart how his future would develop as he grew up and what would happen to the child. (more…)
Dr Jim McClure reminds us that Christians have triumphant hope above the storms, sufferings and sadnesses of today’s dark times…‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you’ declared the prophet in Isaiah 60:1 over 2700 years ago.
David Hodgens reminds us that events that take place around us can act as markers in our life…Can you remember where you were when the World Trade Centres were attacked in 2001?
We were working in PNG and heard the news through a New Zealand colleague. I remember walking into the subdued classroom at the time, saying to the students that the world will change forever as a result of what has happened at WTC. (more…)
Mike Shreve, Special to the ASSIST, shares good advice…Last month many worldwide grieved with the people of Paris who suffered such a tragedy last week at the hands of Muslim extremists. I believe that attacking ISIS militarily is right and should have been done in greater fury long ago.
However, I would urge Christians everywhere to also respond to Muslim-related terrorism a completely different way. (more…)
Starsky Reyes shares from his heart how God challenged him to really trust.Romans 8:28 declares, ‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
A great scripture for Christians! And believing it, in March last year I made a declaration that God was our provider. Foolishly I even boasted, ‘But I wouldn’t say God is my provider if I couldn’t place my complete trust in him financially!’
God can so easily take you up on your boasting! (more…)
Andrew Corbett challenges Christians, not just leaders, with these thoughts …Generally I believe that a person’s past is the best indicator of his or her future. The general problem with generalities is that there are generally exceptions.
The reason is that history reveals that nearly every person who achieved anything of note had a past which bore little resemblance to their actual futures.
This is good news for people like me – I’m no exception – and perhaps it’s good news for you too. (more…)
Tait Berge, living with disabilities himself but active in ministry, challenges…When perusing resources in any Christian bookstore, prepare to be overwhelmed with the vast choice of Bible studies.
Whether looking for a study on one book of the Bible or something on a specific topic, people from every denomination, ethnicity, gender, or country are hungry for what the Lord has to say to them through the scriptures.
But what if you have an intellectual disability?
How do you learn about Jesus? Are there studies for this population? (more…)
When he was two-years-old his university-professor parents divorced and his father and mother entered the gay lifestyle. His lesbian mom and her partner took him to gay pride parades, LGBT clubs, parties and campouts, while his father remained ‘closeted’ for several years.
‘Mom was a political activist,’ says Caleb Kaltenbach, author of Messy Grace (Waterbrook Press). At gay pride parades, Caleb witnessed Christian demonstrators spray homosexual marchers with water and urine. When he asked his mom why they were doing this, she said, ‘Because Christians hate gay people.’ (more…)
KEY: Leadership is not about doing what makes people comfortable, it’s about taking them to where they are supposed to go.
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PROMISES KEPT AND UNKEPT
Tim Jack, Apostolic Church Australia National Leadership Team, challenges…
Most would know that keeping a promise is more difficult than making it.
Most would know that to be true, some having experienced it painlessly in the small things of life and others, painfully, in life’s larger issues. (more…)
Connecting with You! 