What Are You Doing Here?

Mike Sullivan

1 Kings 17-19

When God commanded Elijah to tell King Ahab that there would be a drought in Israel, Elijah's faith was tested. When God commanded Elijah to gather the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel to Mt. Carmel, God provided in revealing Himself to all the people present and eradicating the prophets of Baal. But when Ahab's wife, Jezebel, ordered the death of all the prophets of God, Elijah was deeply disappointed. Such is the type of defeat we can feel in the midst of disappointing outcomes that arise during the Christian life. Fortunately a life serving God is not centered around outcomes, and God will help direct us away from the mindset if we are willing.

The Unrighteous Judge: A Lesson On Prayer

Jim Leffel

Luke 18:1-8

In this parable, Jesus teaches his followers about perseverance in prayer. As we persevere in prayer, we not only see miracles happen as those prayers are answers, we also see ourselves transformed.

Peter's Calling and Commission

Conrad Hilario

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus calls Peter to follow him and become a ?fisher of men.? We should consider following Jesus like Peter because eternity exists, people's eternal lives depend on it, and it is exciting. Jesus banked his entire ministry on the twelve disciples, concentrating on the few while not neglecting the multitudes. He calls on us to follow his example and make discipleship our primary strategy to make an eternal impact.

Lost in Space? How Eternity Impacts Endurance in Ministry

Todd Stewart

2 Corinthians 4:1-5:15

We cannot and will not persevere in genuine Gospel ministry without being convinced that the resurrection is real. The reality of eternity is what motivates Christians to endure as spiritual ambassadors for Christ. Practical tips on how to develop a deeper conviction of the reality of eternity.

Parenting a Prodigal in Light of Eternity

Jim Fulford

Susan Fulford

2 Corinthians 4:1

Despite teaching children about the Lord and what it looks like to follow him, many parents watch their children turn away from God and pursue the world instead. Parents of a prodigal child are often left sad, confused, and feeling helpless. However, there is a way to persevere through this trial and effectively represent Christ to your prodigal, focusing on God's eternal promises.

Stages of Christian Spiritual Development

Gary DeLashmutt

John 3:5

John, one of Jesus' disciples, writes his first letter to the church in Ephesus to combat Gnosticism and to assure the believers of their salvation. In these three verses, John describes the provisions given to believers in each of the three stages of spiritual development: 1) full acceptance by and a relationship with God in spiritual infancy; 2) victory over Satan, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God in spiritual young adulthood; and 3) a deep relationship with God and knowledge of His Word in spiritual maturity. Spiritual "birth" (salvation by believing in Jesus) must precede spiritual development. Spiritual development is a choice, cannot happen in isolation, and should be the ambition of every believer.

Running the Race

Conrad Hilario

Colossians 1:28-29

God has given each Christian a unique role in His plan to reach those who do not know Him, and the author of Hebrews compares this plan to an individual endurance race that each person is running. While the race might be tiring and difficult, Christians are to resist the temptation to quit by fixing their eyes on Jesus, the forerunner who empathizes with Christians in their suffering. During this race, God disciplines Christians to refine their character and prove His love for them, and we can experience the benefits of God's discipline if we are willing to submit to it.

Expanding the Threshold of Faith

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 12:1-11

In light of the ?cloud of witnesses? mentioned in Hebrews 11, Christians should persevere in the race set before them. This involves throwing off things that could hinder us, and focusing on Jesus Christ and growing with him. The original audience were experiencing suffering and hardships that were holding them back. The author of Hebrews reminds them of God's discipline and His ability to work through all things to bring about growth, and ultimately good, in their lives and in ours!

And The Other's Too

Dennis McCallum

Judges 7:1-25

Moving on from the Patriarchs, the author of Hebrews lists many more examples of faith. Joshua in Jericho, Rahab and the spies, Gideon, and many more. All these people were messy and sinful and many of them experienced persecution, suffering, and pain, but they chose to persevere in faith and were used by God in spite of their weakness. God's plan is not over, we are also a part of this plan! He can work through anyone and in all things. \r\n