There is no doubt in my mind that believers are fighting a war. Lines have been drawn over traditionally held Judaeo-Christian beliefs. It is easy to forget that our fight isn’t against people who think, believe, practice or look differently than us. Our war is with the unseen-principalities, powers, spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places, the devil. Choosing our weapons It is easy to forget that the weapons and armor required in this battle are not arguments, but are truth and righteousness, the gospel of peace and faith, salvation. The Word of God and prayer. The Word of God, [...]

At this time of year many people make resolutions to change. People plan to start a new diet, read more books, exercise, visit family more often and a variety of other changes. For believers our lives are a journey as we are being sanctified by the Lord. We must do our part to commit our ways to him and surrender our lives so that he can mold us into his image. Here are 5 resolutions we can all strive for in 2017. 1. I will spend more time with the Lord Life in North America is busy. Distractions invade us [...]

By Eli Banta - With permission from Assembly Hub By now all your shopping is probably done and the stockings are hung.  All the presents are nicely wrapped under the tree and the star shines brightly on the highest branch…But did you remember to get something for the most important person this holiday? Our tradition of gift giving comes from many different sources.  When asking young children in North America who brings presents on Christmas many would answer “Santa”.  The myth of Santa is based on a real person, Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.  Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in [...]

Here are some illustrations I have collected over the years. I trust they will be a blessing to you.Luke 6:47-49 - "Everyone who comes to Me, and hears My words, and acts upon them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood rose, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. "But the one who has heard, and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a [...]

Am I a Soldier of the Cross? "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7) I fear the church is filled with Christians who have an overly romantic view of what it means to be a soldier of the cross. Our churches are filled with believers who want to be missionaries, preachers, workers and elders. While I applaud such aspirations, I wonder how many of us have counted the cost. It is easy to be a soldier of the cross when we are surrounded by our Christian friends, [...]