Tag Archives: bible

I Don’t Get Called “The Young Pastor” Anymore

Posted on August 21, 2025 | 3 comments

This Sunday will be my 30th anniversary as pastor of FBC O’Fallon, IL. I was considered so young then. Funny how quickly things change. But I’ve learned some great lessons by serving this long at my church. Here are a few of them.
You can trust God with your future. Following God’s path is best. Romans 12:2 tells us that God’s will is “good, pleasing and perfect” and I know that to be true from experience. I’m so glad I trusted God with my future as a young man. As a not so young man, I see that God has always been trustworthy.
Relationships are a great part of the journey. Paul mentions his friends and co-workers with such warmth in his letters. I’ve walked with people through their joys and their sorrows over the past decades. These connections with people are what I remember and appreciate. I love that God has allowed imperfect me and imperfect others to connect on our pilgrimage to follow the perfect Savior.
Change is part of life and ministry. Many things have changed over the years, and that is inevitable and okay. While change can be hard, stagnation can be toxic. I’m so thankful that God is always changing our perspectives and styles. And I’m glad leisure suits are a thing of the past.
The greatest things never change. The gospel is still the same. Prioritizing it needs to always be the mission of the church. Loving God and loving others still matters most. Serving is still more important than being served. The truth of God’s word is still the message that needs to be preached.
No, I don’t get called “The Young Pastor” anymore. But I do still get the great privilege of being called “Pastor”. I’m looking forward to all God wants to do in me, with me and through me in the years ahead. And I’m so thankful for the past 30 years!

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Let’s Get Connected

Posted on January 8, 2025 | Leave a comment

(I am the President of the Illinois Baptist State Association and I wrote the following for the Illinois Baptist newsletter which will come out soon. But perhaps this need for connection applies to a wider audience as well.)

   Let’s Get Connected

   Do you remember playing with Legos as a child? They snap together to make all kinds of wonderful things. They are made for connections!

   Christians are made for connections as well. We work best when we work together. All kinds of wonderful things happen when we connect.

   I can’t help but notice that Christians and churches seem less connected than ever at a time when we need connections more than ever. Never have we needed each other more than in this age of moral and spiritual confusion. At the same time pastors, leaders and churches appear to be more isolated. We are made for connections.

   Fellow members of IBSA and the SBC, here are three ways we can connect better in 2025.

  1. Let’s connect missionally. One of our deepest connections stems from the mission we share. We are about the business of glorifying God and making the gospel known to the ends of the earth. We are about making disciples of all nations. We do this mission best when we do this mission together.

    Do we have a method for connecting missionally? Yes! The Cooperative Program is a means by which we impact our state convention locally and the work God has given us nationally and internationally. 2025 happens to be the 100-year anniversary of this incredible strategy of every church working together in fulfilling the Great Commission. Let’s connect by supporting the work God has for us by generous support of the Cooperative Program.

    2. Let’s connect theologically. One of our firmest connections stems from the beliefs we share. What we believe about God’s word and God’s work bonds us together as Southern Baptists and Illinois Baptists. While we appreciate all others who follow Jesus, we are Baptists by conviction. We love the word of God and want to follow it closely. We share common beliefs.

    Do we have a guideline for connecting theologically? Yes! The Baptist Faith and Message is an expression of our common beliefs. 2025 happens to be the 100-year anniversary of the 1925 BF&M and the 25-year anniversary of the BF&M 2000. Let’s connect by standing firm on our common beliefs.

    3. Let’s connect relationally. One of our happiest connections stems from the relationships we enjoy. We benefit from the encouragement that comes from knowing each other and growing in our faith together. Christians need other Christians, pastors need other pastors and churches need other churches. We sharpen each other like iron sharpens iron.

    Do we have a method for connecting relationally? Yes! Our local churches, local associations, state conventions and national conventions give us opportunities to meet, pray and learn together. Our active participation allows us to get to know each other and to gain the mutual benefit that comes with that relationship. Let’s connect by gathering in all these ways.

       As Legos are made to connect, we are made to connect. We are stronger, better and more effective together. So let’s get connected!

    Doug Munton

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    1,000 Years From Now

    Posted on August 27, 2024 | Leave a comment

    I’m 64 years old so I figure I’ve lived almost a third of my lifetime by now. Too optimistic about how long I’ll live? You’re probably right. But regardless of my optimism, I’m not anticipating that my life will last another 1,000 years. How about you?

    If we can agree that our lifespan is shorter than the next millennium, why would we care about what happens that far in the future? Why think ahead like that? Why not just live for the moment? After all, that seems to be the way many live. Even many Christians seem to live with little thought to eternity.

    God has a better plan. You can live with eternity in mind. You can live with the recognition that life is short and eternity is coming. We live in the here and now, of course. But wise are the people who live life now with their future in mind. If you know Jesus as your Savior, God has promised you eternal life and something greater beyond this lifetime. Live with that truth firmly planted in you, and your life here will be all the richer.

    Here are some reasons to live with eternity in mind.

    Living with eternity in mind changes your perspective. If we just live for the moment we are unprepared for the future. I knew some guys in my summertime construction jobs who spent their weekly paycheck on the first day. They spent it like there was no tomorrow. They needed to change their perspective about finances. They had to learn to discipline themselves, save ahead, make plans and think long term. Those who learned to plan for the full week and beyond were much more successful in their financial endeavors.

    Many Christians live as though there is no tomorrow. They never consider that one day they will stand before the Lord to give an account of their use of his gifts, blessings and provisions. The perspective change of long range thinking helps us to make the most of the opportunities God places before us. We are less likely to squander our lives on silly things and more likely to find spiritual success. Having the right perspective goes a long way towards living an effective spiritual life.

    Living with eternity in mind changes your priorities. Gold will just be pavement in heaven. A handful of gravel and asphalt isn’t worth much here, and a handful of gold isn’t worth much in eternity. When we lose sight of eternity we can find ourselves valuing the wrong things.

    In eternity, what we did to honor the Lord and his work will still matter. In eternity, how we used the gifts and opportunities he provided us will still matter. In eternity, the way we loved God and loved others will still matter. Living with eternity in mind can help us value the things God values and prioritize the things God has prioritized.

    Living with eternity in mind changes your purpose. Too many have wasted their lives. They have lived for self or pleasure or possessions. How sad to waste the one earthly life given by the Lord himself. How sad to never consider why God put us on this planet.

    Living for eternity can remind us that we are made for a purpose and a plan. God made us to know Him as Savior and Lord. God saved us to live a life of impact and mission. When we stand before Jesus we will want to know that we have lived out the mission He gave to us. We will want to know that we have obeyed and followed him. We will rejoice that God has accomplished his purposes through us and used us to make a difference in eternity. What a special joy it will be to know that God used our witness, our testimony and our example to help others come to know Him. What a joy it will be to know God has used us in his eternal work.

      Live in the present tense, but always keep one eye on eternity. Remember that God made you for something more than this lifetime. Be active and productive and focused in this present age; in this one lifetime that God gives you now. But never lose sight of the fact that God made and remade you for something more.

      Be sure to live your life thinking about 1,000 years from now!

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      Say Yes

      Posted on June 20, 2024 | Leave a comment

      Acts 10:14 records a shocking juxtaposition of words from the apostle Peter. “No, Lord!”

      I wish Peter was the only to say no to the Lord. But I’m afraid I join a long list of followers of Jesus who have sometimes called him Lord, and told him no.

      The christian life is all about saying yes to Jesus.We say yes to him in salvation by turning from sin and placing our faith in his death and resurrection. We say yet to him in discipleship by following where he leads and doing what he says.

      Recently, I watched as dozens of missionaries were commissioned and sent out by the International Mission Board. They said yes to the Lord’s call on their lives and were going all over the world to tell others about Jesus. It was moving and encouraging and convicting.

      Here are some suggestions about how you can stop saying “No, Lord” and start saying yes to Jesus.

      Remember the damage of saying no. There are sometimes difficulties connected with saying yes to the Lord. He may call you to do hard things in hard places at hard times. Saying yes to him may lead to difficult climbs up steep, narrow paths. But don’t forget that there are also difficulties with saying no to the Lord. A no means you miss God’s best for your life. A no means you are following a lesser authority for your future. A no means you are disobeying the one who loves you, died for you and calls you. A no means you are living an inconsistent life and wasting the opportunities, giftedness and talents God has given you. Saying yes to God can lead to difficulties. Saying no to God can lead to disaster.

      See the joy of a life of saying yes to Jesus. While saying yes to the Lord can result in difficulties, it also leads to blessings. Don’t make an easy life your goal. Make your goal an obedient, purposeful and significant life. Saying yes to the Lord is where you will find contentment and joy. It is where your life leaves an impact. I’ve seen so many committed followers of Christ who have faced adversity for the cause of Christ but tell us it was worth it; that pleasing the Lord is the better way to live. They found the joy of God’s will.

      Answer yes before you know the question. Don’t wait to see what God wants before deciding to obey him. Decide to obey him and then see what he wants. Say yes to the Lord before you even know the question. Do this because you know God wants what is best. Do this because you know you can trust God. Do this because God’s way is better than yours. When we want to know what God wants before we decide, we are running our lives. When we say yes before we know what he wants, we are letting God run our lives.

      Many have joined Peter in saying “No, Lord”. Many have lived as though Jesus is merely an advisor rather than Lord. But God had a better plan for Peter and he has a better plan for you. He calls you to follow, obey and trust.

      Say yes!

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      Don’t Wait

      Posted on August 24, 2023 | Leave a comment

      “I’m not a procrastinator!” That is my new go to saying whenever my wife notes something I need to do. Instead of waiting (and then forgetting), I’m trying to be more helpful by getting right to the task at hand.

      The reason for saying “I’m not a procrastinator” is because, well… for much of my life I’ve had a tendency to procrastinate. “I’ll get to it later– probably.” “Now isn’t a convenient time.” “Maybe the rapture will occur and I won’t even have to do this hard thing!”

      There are, of course, some items that need to be pondered. We should be patient where patience is needed. But some things shouldn’t be put off. Some items need more immediate attention. Some things are better dealt with sooner than later.

      Here are three things that ought not be waited on. Instead, these areas of life need our willingness to say “No more putting this off. I’m not a procrastinator!”

      Don’t wait on things that are important. Instead of having that devotional time where you dig into God’s word and spend time in prayer, you can put it off until later. You think it might be more convenient at another time or that you just aren’t quite awake enough yet. But important things need to be done. Time in God’s word is too important to forget. Praying matters too much to be relegated to the vague hope of a better time. Important things need to be prioritized. Important things need to tended to.

      What you do with your time gives you a pretty good clue about what is really important to you. Putting things off suggests that maybe those items aren’t as important to you as you think. Instead, make sure to prioritize those things that matter most. Prioritize your devotional life. Prioritize time with your family. Prioritize church attendance. Don’t wait on things that are important.

      Don’t wait on things that are urgent. Some foods have a shelf life. You eat them within that time frame or they spoil. Some issues of life have a shelf life. An opportunity to share the gospel with a questioning friend may never come again. It is too urgent to put off. A chance to minister to a dying family member can’t be relegated to another day. It is too urgent to put off.

      You can’t prepare for that Sunday morning Bible study on Sunday afternoon. And, if you want to give your best to the class, you will want to begin your preparation long before late Saturday night. Time is always moving forward and that provides an urgency to seize the opportunities that come today knowing that tomorrow is almost here.

      Don’t wait on things that are difficult. One reason we procrastinate is because we know the task that needs to be done is hard. We often put off dealing with problems or having hard conversations or engaging in necessary confrontations because those things can be so challenging. But putting those things off doesn’t make them go away. Sometimes our unwillingness to deal with them in a timely fashion only makes those problems harder.

      I’m trying to learn not to put things off just because they are hard. Instead, I generally find it better to do the hard things first before moving on to simpler tasks. God asks some hard things of us. Hard doesn’t mean wrong. Sharing the gospel with others isn’t always easy, but don’t put it off when the opportunity comes. Serving in a ministry isn’t always easy, but don’t wait when the Lord prompts you to volunteer.

      Maybe you struggle with putting things off just like I do. Maybe you too find yourself hoping the Lord returns so that you don’t have to something you would rather not do. But, you know what? Even should the Lord return while you are doing that hard thing it will be great that he finds you being faithful to what you need to do.

      After all, you aren’t a procrastinator!

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      Why I Read the Bible Every Year

      Posted on May 11, 2022 | Leave a comment

      During a break from seminary, I stopped by to see my sweet, elderly grandmother. Grandma was not only the greatest baker of peach cobbler it has ever been my delight to consume, she also taught a Sunday School class for older women in her church. Seizing the opportunity at hand, she began to ask me, her young seminarian grandson, questions about the bible in the hopes of improving her skills as a bible teacher.

      Between bites of heaven’s goodness clothed in flour and sugar, I tried the best I could to answer her questions. And, I must admit, I knew some things Grandma didn’t know. She had never taken Greek or Systematic Theology or Church History. But, I began to realize in the course of our conversation, that Grandma knew the bible in a way that I didn’t. Her years of faithful bible reading had allowed God’s word to penetrate her soul in a way no seminary class could replicate. I left her home that day saying, “I want to know the bible like that!”

      That episode began in me a renewed commitment to bulk reading of the bible. I committed to reading the bible through in its entirety at least once every year. That was many years ago and I have followed that practice ever since, sometimes supplementing it with more frequent reading of the New Testament. Here are some reasons I continue to read the bible through each year and commend the practice to you.

      1. Reading the bible through each year allows me to see the big picture of God’s work. A surprising number of Christians have never considered the whole of God’s word. While they may know some of the stories and perhaps have heard sermons and lessons on various parts of the bible, they have missed the forest for the trees. They haven’t put the Old and New Testaments together or seen the full narrative well. After reading the bible through six or seven times, the big picture gains clarity in our minds.

      2. Reading the bible through each year helps me to assimilate the message more fully. Grandma had God’s word deep in her soul. It bubbled to the surface when she spoke and percolated in her thoughts. Reading it each day allows the word to be more than an occasional guest in our minds; it becomes a resident in our lives.

      3. Reading the bible through each year teaches me to see important themes. The themes of redemption, judgement, holiness and grace have major roles in God’s word. Bulk reading helps us see the value God places on topics like these and others. Through this, we begin to see what matters to God and should matter to us.

      4. Reading the bible through each year causes me to deal with difficult or obscure passages. I already knew the story of Samson in my early years, but I wasn’t so aware of Ehud the left-handed Benjaminite. Bulk reading forces me to consider hard passages that might need more of my study or subjects that I rarely consider. Some of those lesser known scripture passages have been greatly used by the Lord in my life to teach and mold me.

      5. Reading the bible through each year keeps me disciplined and consistent. One doesn’t finish the entire bible in a morning. It takes discipline and consistency; traits which are in short supply in many lives. But many of the greatest blessings of life come more slowly than quickly. A daily recognition of our need for the Lord is essential to serious discipleship.

      6. Reading the bible through each year reminds me of my sins, shortcomings and blind spots. I more easily notice the sins of others than my own. But reading God’s word can help me to see areas where God wants me to change and grow. God has often used his word to teach me about areas of personal weakness that I might not otherwise consider.

      7. Reading the bible through each year guards me from complacency, apathy and stagnation. We never arrive at the end of our discipleship journey until reaching the end of our earthly one. Reading the bible each day reminds me to continue to learn, grow and obey. This daily practice reminds us that we haven’t reached our destination yet and there is more to learn on our journey.

      Consider reading through the bible in the next year. If you haven’t read the entire New Testament, start there and maybe read through it several times first. You can read a book in the Old Testament and then one in the New Testament or read them in any order you choose. Use a One Year Bible or any other method you choose. But, read the bible all the way through over and over and gain the benefit that comes with this healthy practice!

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      Posted in bible, bible study, Christianity, Uncategorized

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      The Church Still Matters

      Posted on July 29, 2021 | 2 comments

      I’ve never seen the idea of the church so marginalized in all my lifetime. The secular world mocks the church and the Christian world devalues the church. The local church is seen, even by believers, as unnecessary and antiquated and optional.

      You can kind of understand the issues perhaps. After all, churches are filled with imperfect people. Churches often have a well earned reputation for being argumentative. They frequently get side tracked by secondary issues. They sometimes lose sight of their purpose. Critics can accurately point out all the problems, failures and imperfections of the church.

      But, with all of that said, the church still matters. There is great inherent value in the work of the local church. There is value and purpose and potential in this institution. Here are three reasons why the church still matters.

      1. God made the church. If the church was man’s idea, we might rightfully ignore it. But it isn’t. God formed the church and he did it for his own reasons. He knew that the church would be made up of imperfect people. He knew every pastor and every small group leader would be “frail as dust and feeble as frail”. But he formed it anyway. We ought not easily turn our backs on something God created.

      And, I note that God’s word admonishes us that we ought not be in the habit of “neglecting to gather together”. (See Hebrews 10:24-25) This isn’t the word of your pastor or your grandmother. God is the one who calls us to gather. God’s command is reason enough to connect with an imperfect church filled with imperfect people.

      We might not understand why God formed the church, but we can’t escape the fact that he did. We may not see the value of the local church, but God apparently can. We need to remember this important truth: the church is a God idea.

      2. We need each other. I don’t think every Christian believes that. I think many believe they can be just fine on their own- no need for fellowship or accountability or encouragement from other believers. But the longer I live, the more I see the importance of other believers in my life.

      Don’t underestimate the enemy. He loves to divide and conquer. He wants you to be spiritually isolated. He knows the Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another”. (Prov. 27:17) He tells you that you don’t need anyone else because he wants you to be vulnerable and ineffective.

      But, the Spirit of the Living God reminds you of the value of other believers. We disciple others and are discipled by others. We benefit from the wisdom and zeal and encouragement that comes from worshiping and learning with others. Never have believers needed each other as we do now!

      3. We are stronger together. I had a friend who lost his little finger in an accident. He told me how amazed he was at how much grip strength he lost just from that tiny digit.

      The church is described as the body of Christ. We all have different gifts and backgrounds and personalities and perspectives. But, we function best when we work together. We are stronger in missions, evangelism, discipleship and worship when we are connected.

      The church separated is weak and ineffective. The church connected is powerful beyond the sum of her parts. The church can prevail against the very gates of hell. You will benefit from others and others will benefit from you. You need the church and the church needs you.

      Don’t underestimate the importance of a healthy connection to a local church. God will use this institution made up of imperfect sinners who have found the perfect Savior to impact you and your world. Find a church, plug in fully and participate actively.

      The church still matters.

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      Holiness Still Matters

      Posted on July 27, 2021 | 1 comment

      Every generation tends to fall off the horse on the opposite side. If the previous generation emphasized God’s holiness to the exclusion of God’s love, the next generation emphasizes God’s love to the exclusion of God’s holiness. Sitting straight in the saddle requires us to recognize both aspects of God’s nature.

      Grace is an amazing gift from God. But it doesn’t negate God’s call to holiness. Freedom is a beautiful truth. But it doesn’t exempt us from the teaching of God’s word to live holy lives. Many Christians have acted as though holiness and obedience are out of date concepts and unnecessary encumbrances to the life of the believer. Holiness is mislabeled as legalism. Obedience is ignored as an unneeded vestige of the law. What a tragic misunderstanding of God’s word and way!

      Holiness is spoken of often in scripture and not only in the Old Testament. Obedience is a common theme of God’s word for those who would follow Jesus. We ought not ignore this in a misguided attempt to improve God’s plan of grace or provision of freedom.

      Let’s note three reasons why holiness still matters.

      1. Holiness matters because sin harms us. Sin’s result is never to our benefit. It won’t give us more peace or joy or life. The goal of the enemy isn’t for our good or our gain. Ultimately, sin kills, steals and destroys. It is important for Christians to be aware of this truth.

      While sin is packaged well, its substance is poison. God’s call to holiness is, therefore, to our benefit. It is in our best interest to obey the Lord and to our great detriment to disobey. The better you see God’s perspective instead of the world’s, the more you will see this truth that holiness keeps us from harm and blesses our lives. God calls you to obedience because it is in your best interest.

      2. Holiness matters because discipleship demands it. Discipleship is all about following and obeying Jesus. It means we go where Jesus leads and do what Jesus wants. If we do what we want, we aren’t following Jesus. If we go the world’s way, we aren’t obeying Jesus. A way to think about the importance of holiness it to note this simple truth, “You can’t obey Jesus by disobeying Jesus”.

      Jesus asked the question, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46) If we call him “Lord” we must obey him. If we don’t obey him, how can we call him “Lord”? At the heart of discipleship is our obedience to the Lord and there is no way around this simple truth. Obedience is the pathway to our spiritual growth and dynamic walk with God.

      3. Holiness matters because love leads to it. There is a common view in our culture that says it is unloving to say anything is wrong or sinful. But is it unloving for a parent to keep their child from playing in the street? Is is unloving for someone to warn others of a defective bridge? Instead, aren’t these things a result of love itself?

      The Bible tells us, “This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands. For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands.” (1 John 5:2-3) Love and obedience are deeply connected in scripture. God’s holiness and love cannot be separated. Love leads us to obedience and holiness, not to licentiousness and immorality. Living a holy life is the natural result of loving God.

      Holiness should matter deeply to God’s followers because it matters deeply to God. Don’t miss this important truth and the blessings that come with it.

      Holiness still matters.

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      Inerrancy Still Matters

      Posted on July 26, 2021 | 6 comments

      “Is the Bible inerrant?”, my professor wrote on the board, and a spirited discussion in my first Ph.D. seminar began. Some classmates said the Bible has errors, some said it doesn’t matter and I, and a few others, argued that the Bible is inerrant and it matters very much indeed. I am more convinced of the inerrancy of the Bible than ever and it has affected my personal life and ministry tasks greatly.

      Every generation of theologians, pastors and Christians has to deal with this doctrine. Inerrancy, at it core, says “The Bible is without error or fault in all its teaching”. (Geisler) Is the Bible true or not? Is all of it true, or are only parts true? These questions must be grappled with in every age and by every serious Bible teacher.

      Does inerrancy still matter and, if so, why does it matter? Here are three simple reasons why the doctrine of inerrancy still matters for this generation.

      1. It describes the nature of the Bible. When we say the Bible is inerrant, we are recognizing that it comes from God and not just from man. While God used human authors, God himself is the ultimate author. Scripture is “God breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and not just man conceived.

      Inerrancy notes that the Bible is perfect and perfectly reliable and only perfect God can do that. God is able to use imperfect men to give us exactly what we need and to do this perfectly. God is by nature sovereign and perfect. He is able, therefore, to use imperfect people like Moses and Paul to accomplish his purposes and to give us his perfect word.

      If the Bible is just the ideas of people, well the world is full of ideas from people. And social media often suggests that the ideas of people can be less than edifying- some of the things I see on social media seem downright crazy! But if the Bible is truly God’s word, then we can trust God to give us exactly what we need and to give us his perfect word. We have, in the Bible, the perfect thoughts of God and not the imperfect ideas of people.

      2. It defines the importance of the Bible. If the Bible is just another imperfect book, we might be inspired from it, but we are unlikely to transformed by it. If it is just another imperfect book, we take the parts we like and leave the parts that we don’t much care for, like those old beets in the buffet line.

      If, however, the Bible is inerrant, we see that it is the source of truth. It teaches us the truth that we need even if that truth may be unpopular or difficult.

      Truth transcends culture. Popularity and public opinion is not what should guide or instruct us. Truth is what we need and God teaches us the truth by giving us the Bible so that we know how we ought to live and what we ought to do. The Bible becomes the arbiter or right and wrong, not elections, polls or pragmatism. We are reminded of how much we need to know God’s word and how valuable it is for us for life and eternity.

      3. It delineates the arguments about the Bible. Arguing about the Bible, and pretty much everything else in life, seems to be a pastime for Christians these days. But what determines if our arguments are right or wrong? Is it determined by who talks the fastest or the loudest? Is is based on feelings or personal sensibilities? Is it determined by what is currently popular or acceptable?

      Inerrancy suggests the argument is defined by what the Bible teaches, not what man says. We know whether the arguments made are accurate by how well they match the scripture and not by how winsome or influential the arguer may be. The world’s way of arguing is to shout louder. The Christian way should be to study scripture more deeply.

      Inerrancy does not end the argument, but it does delineate how that argument should be made. Imperfect people can still disagree about what the perfect word of God says. But at least we begin to formulate the parameters for how we should seek to know the truth and to help others know the truth.

      I’m glad I argued for the inerrancy of scripture all of those years ago. This doctrine has helped me to be more obedient to God’s word in my personal life and more faithful to God’s word in my ministry life. But every generation needs to reaffirm the importance of inerrancy because every generation has to grapple with what is good, right and true.

      Inerrancy still matters.

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      Posted in bible, Christianity

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      There is Hope

      Posted on April 2, 2020 | 1 comment

      Hope is a powerful thing.

      Without it, we sink into a chasm of despair and depression. But with it, we can overcome the most difficult and challenging circumstances of life.

      And Christians have hope. Not wishful thinking hope. Not blind optimism hope. Not ignoring reality hope. Christians have genuine, God-given, obstacle-overcoming hope that comes from the throne room of heaven itself.

      To the believers in Rome facing threats and problems, Paul spoke of hope. Though he himself dealt with persecution, trials and poverty, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write words of hope.

      “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

      Powerful words!

      There is hope in this fallen world. There is hope for your life and future. There is hope for our churches in these uncertain times.

      Here are three reasons Continue reading →

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