In Acts 6, the early church needed someone to take on the responsibility of feeding a group of widows that were being overlooked. The apostles did not assume that responsibility since they needed to give their attention “to prayer and the ministry of the word.” So, the apostles appointed seven men to serve (diakanos).
As dark clouds bring the rain that creates growth for the earth, so do the dark clouds of life bring growth and maturity into our lives. The writer of Ecclesiastes said, “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, and a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
In this lesson, Mike communicates the value — and the necessity — of your commitment to God’s Word. Simply reading the Word will provide some impact, but storing God’s Word in your heart enables you to win the battles that life presents.
Being holy is about becoming what God intends for you to be; it is about being “inwardly” changed. In this lesson, Mike describes the concept of holiness and the importance of real change. As the Hebrew writer notes, “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 4:12).
Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to the concept of “love.” But the typical understanding of love is focused on romance, while the Scripture is focused on “agape” love, a love that sacrifices for others. As Scripture says in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for ones friends.”
Jesus designed the church to grow through “evangelism.” But what is evangelism exactly? In this lesson, Mike explores the role that evangelism plays in creating “a living church.”