Pulpit Power Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pastor Tony Scheving
Pulpit Power is a production of Heaven 88.7 fm. Pastor Tony Scheving is the Senior Pastor of the Fargo Baptist Church in Fargo, ND. Our prayer is that this podcast will prepare people for the next life and also enhance the quality of this present life.
Many times we have a hard time staying calm when we're in a crisis. But as we can see in Paul's crisis he kept his head even through it. So listen as Pastor Scheving preaches this message "Keeping Your Head In a Crisis"
As a Christian we need to expect spiritual warfare. The Devil will attack us wherever he can, when we try to follow God. We may lose some battles, but ultimately the war is God’s. Stay faithful in each battle. So listen to Pastor Scheving as he preaches this message, “A Day For Beelzebub”
Many people think that they are going to heaven by praying a prayer or they just don’t trust God completely. There are many people that make false professions of faith. This is the time to ask yourself a question; Are you truly born again? Each and every Christian needs to double check their salvation. So listen to Pastor Scheving as he preaches this message, “Have you Truly Believed?”
In this message we look at being teachable Christians. In the Bible we see a prime example of a man that was teachable, this man was Apollos. The pool of knowledge we can take from is constantly growing. There is always something new that you can learn! Being a teachable Christian is the goal and we should be aiming for that! So listen as Pastor Scheving preaches this message "A Teachable Christian"
People like to be superstitious, they like to avoid the truth, because it's easier than facing the truth. Many people are running from God, but there are some people that are sincerely searching. Those that are sincerely searching for God, God will answer that and come to them. So listen as Pastor Scheving preaches this message " If you Would Only Seek God!"
We need to be stirred up for God. we need to be ready to do his will. We need to tell others about him in bad times. If we have the love of Christ within us then he could give us the power to be stirred up in his will. This is a message by Pastor Scheving showing us examples from Paul's life and how he was stirred up in God's will.
Do you feel like you're not really making a difference? This message talks about a few people that made a difference around them. These people turned the world upside down just by reaching one soul a time. Are you making a difference around you? How can you use your circle of influence? Listen as Pastor Scheving brings this message "The Real World Changers!"
Mary is one mother we do not talk about often, but she was a special mother. Mary was simple, she submitted herself to God, she was scriptural, she went through suffering, and she was spiritual minded. When the angel of the Lord came to Mary and told her that she was going to have a baby, without knowing a man, she simply said yes. She gave her life to God and allowed for His plan to take over rather than her own plan for her life. She also had to endure seeing Jesus being crucified. Just like Mary there are many mother’s that will do anything and go through anything for or because of their children. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “The Most Famous Mom Ever.”
Sometimes we forget who we belong to. We become prideful and put ourselves first and give ourselves the glory. Just like Herod did in Acts 12:18-25. But we don’t want to make the same mistakes as Herod did. All things that we have in life are from God and God should get all the glory. See Herod became prideful and God gave him the consequences he deserved. God is one who needs to be respected and we are to take Him seriously. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “Taking God Seriously.”
If you call yourself a Christian, are you truly a follower of Christ? At some point we need to stop and think do we truly believe? There is a difference between truly knowing God and being religious. Peter was someone who truly was a follower of Christ. If he had to die because of telling the Gospel to others then he would be willing to do it. We need to ponder on whether we would be willing to die for sharing the truth about Christ. God will give perfect peace to those who trust in Him. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “Do you Really Believe?”
Jesus knew that all things needed to be fulfilled. One of those things was going on the cross to suffer for us because of our sin. They pierced His hands and feet, gave Him vinegar to drink, and had Him on the cross till he suffocated to death. The only thing that they did not do was break His legs, which is another prophecy that was fulfilled. Christ‘s death, burial, and resurrection were all authentic. Christ is no longer in the tomb, it is empty. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “The Gospel Truth.“
A Christian is someone who is like Christ. Being a Christian entails a lot. God extended grace to us and allowed for us to be in heaven with Him. But being a Christian is not just about being saved and getting to go to heaven, it’s about doing the Great Commission. Barnabas was a positive prophet, a good encourager, welcomed people, and wasn’t jealous of others successes. We need to be a lot more like Barnabas and be glad to tell others about Christ and be an encouragement to others. Being a Christian is cleaving to the Lord, following Him, and doing His will. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “What it Means to be a Christian.”
Sometimes we get to caught up in traditions or things we have done over and over again, which makes us not want to do anything else besides the things we have done over and over again. But sometimes doing something different is better than doing what we have always done. As Christians if someone gives us advice on something that is different than what we do, we should maybe take their advice and not be prideful about it. Our example is Peter. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “We’ve Never Done it that Way.”
In Acts 10:34-48, it was now an equal opportunity for Jews and Gentiles to be saved. A Gentile, Cornelius, was hungry and thirsty for the truth. Just like Cornelius we had a hunger and thirst for truth. We always need to be hungry for the Lord’s Word. At this time is when Cornelius got saved and made Jesus Lord of all over His life. As saved Christians sometimes we need to remember that Jesus is Lord of all and to have a high respect for Him. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “The Changing Message.”
The Holy Spirit is working through our lives just as it did in Bible times. In Acts 10, a centurion man, named Cornelius, meets Peter. They end up eating together, which is where you start to see Peter’s prejudice against Gentiles start to weaken, because he is beginning to see that Gentiles are just people like they are people. Cornelius even knelt down before Peter because he was humbling himself, but Peter told Cornelius to only glorify God. Just like Peter we need to learn to not be prejudice because in many ways we can be prejudice. But just like Cornelius we need the gospel and to humble ourselves before God. God deserves all our glory in everything we do. When others see or hear that we give God the glory for everything in our lives they might start to question somethings which leaves you an opportunity to give them the gospel. God is always up to something and we just need to listen to Him. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “What is God Up To?“
God puts people or things in our way sometimes to steer us in the right directions and some times that takes baby steps. For example, God allowed many things to happen with Peter and it took baby steps to get him where God wanted him to be. God brings things together in His timing. We need to stop and listen instead of trying to rush things because God is always a step ahead of us. He knows everything before we do because He runs on eternal time and not on our time. God also puts us through tests to see whether we are faithful to Him such as Abraham with Isaac, the disciples in the storm, and so on. We need to allow God time to show us what He wants us to do and trust Him. Trust God with your life because delays never destroy God’s plans. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “When God is Trying to Steer Us.”
The ground is level at the foot of the cross, we are all welcome to come to Him. We only need to come looking for God. Every person has a time in their lives when they are open and searching. You may bet the person to use that open door and help someone bring drawn to Him. So listen as Pastor Scheving preaches this message “Seeking to Know God”
We are born again to go out and serve. Also, to have a zeal and excitement when we serve. Peter had a lot of zeal for going out and serving the Lord. We are valuable to God but sometimes before we are valuable we have to be humbled first. This happened with Peter. Peter overcame that with God’s leading and even led him to be involved in some miracles such as Tabitha. Tabitha was a joyful servant and did what she could for the Lord but became sick and died, but when Peter came in the room. Once he was in the room he made everyone leave the room to pray over Tabitha and after that he told her to arise and she did. With that many believed in the Lord. Both Peter and Tabitha were joyful workers of the Lord. Just as they were joyful workers we should be as well. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “The Joyful Christian Worker.”
Saul has had a great transformation in his life. God changed him and he made a complete turn around from what he used to be. When Saul (Paul) got saved he meant business and did not mind standing out in front of others for Christ. As Christians to the world we look peculiar but to God we look normal. We are to still be in the world but not of it. We are to give the gospel to those that are lost but not to look or be like the world. Paul found the key, which is Jesus Christ, and he wanted to give that to everyone. As Paul wanted to do that so should we. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “A Christian Basket Case.”
Have you ever been blinded to something but then something clicked and then you could see? It’s almost like what happened to Saul. God blinded Saul, which hanged his life around, but the only way for Saul to see again was by Ananias. God had a plan for Saul and Ananias got to play a semi-big role in his life. Ananias was skeptical at first and even argued with God about going to Saul, but God basically told Ananias that everything would work out. God had many plans for Saul, he was a chosen vessel by Christ. Saul in his life time when through many persecutions because of the gospel, but he knew what was ahead and that was seeing God. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “Was Blind But Now I See.”
The conversion of Saul is a good example to us for our lives. Saul was a Jew that wanted Christians threatened, slaughtered, and killed. Whatever Saul did he did it with his whole heart, but what he was doing was very wrong. God had to get in the way of Saul to help him see the light. God got in his way and blinded Saul. Once Saul was blinded and heard God speaking to him, he understood God and got saved. God did many things through the life of Saul and he can do many things through us as well. But we need to let God have our attention. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “When God Gets Your Attention.”
Before we came to Christ we were lost and at some point we became a seeker. We wanted to seek the truth and find God. In Acts 8:34-40, the Ethiopian man was seeking and he wanted to know about Jesus. Philip told him about Jesus and he got saved. Once he was saved he asked Philip about baptism because he wanted to follow after Jesus in scriptural baptism. Baptism is a command but does not save you. There are people out in this world today who are seeking Christ, like the Ethiopian man. If they come up to you or you speak to them, tell them and let them know about Christ. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “A Seeker Finds God.”
We need to draw nigh to God. In Acts 8:30-31, Philip asks the Ethiopian if he understood what he read. The Ethiopian said “How can I, except some man should guide me?” The Ethiopian desired for Philip to be a shepherd to him and teach him the scriptures. As Philip gave the gospel to the Ethiopian we should be doing that with those around us. We need to take the time and be a witness of Christ to others. If we are saved we are to be a light for Christ. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “Can I Get a Witness?”
Back in Bible times Christians were actually persecuted for the sake of the gospel. We as Christians don’t have to really worry about that right now, but as we get closer to the return of Christ the more likely that possibility will become. So listen to this message from Pastor Tony Scheving “Standing Alone for Christ”
As a church grows growing pains or problems can occur, but a healthy organization means growth. It is hard to please everyone because everyone is different. When things do not go a person's way some people start to murmur about the problem. But murmuring is often against God and instead of that we should realize that maybe the change or decision that was made is better than the original way of what we used to do. In everything we are to bring God glory. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on "Growing Pains."
As humans our tendency is to think about ourselves and get things that we want. We need to realize that it is not about us but about God and all the things that he has given us and done for us. We need to remind ourselves to be thankful for everything that we have and to be content with what we have. God loads us with many benefits in life and therefore we really do not have any reason to complain about things in our life. God deserves thank you from us and we need to acknowledge His goodness towards us. The best representation of what God has done for us is Jesus and that alone we should be grateful. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “Remembering to Be Thankful.”
As Christians are we to obey man or God? We should definitely obey God before man. In Acts 5:17-29 it explains how all twelve apostles were in prison but God let them all out. Once the apostles were released they went back to the temple to preach to the others just as God wanted them to do. The officers of the temple had to be careful when they would take them away because they knew if they took the apostles harshly it would cause a riot. The apostles obeyed God and as they obeyed Him we to are supposed to obey the highest authority. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on "Obeying Man or God?"
The church is here to reach the world with the gospel. As a saved person we should all be going out and doing the Great Commission. We should not take advantage of what we should be doing. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “A movement that Couldn’t Be Stopped.”
It’s important to be part of a New Testament Bible preaching church. Don’t just take my word for it; take God’s. It’s one of the three institutions He created, along with the family and government. Not only to be part of a church but part of a church family, with your family. It is truly and blessing to be raised in a church and I hope that Christians don’t take it for granted when they are. Stats show that we have a more civil society when folks attend church regularly. Makes sense if you are more in the church and less in the world, as long as it’s a Bible Believing Local New Testament church as Jesus founded. Tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving and let’s look at a bit closer at important teachings that could help us with regards to “The Family and Church.”
I’m sure none of us are walking around saying that we hope the road gets rockier as the day goes on today. No, I would think not. But, as a Christian, the Bible tells us that when hard times come our way, we are to ‘Count it all joy!’ You may ask how are we able to do that? Please take your Bible and turn to the Book of James as we follow along with Pastor Tony Scheving and he shares with us what God says about “Growing Stronger Through Trials.”
It’s evident that every day, at certain times, our body needs rest. Maybe for you it’s a power nap or maybe it’s when you get your full sleep in the overnight; our bodies were built to need rest. This is not by accident either. We were created by a designer who loves us so much that He wanted to have us depend on Him when we are weak. Sometimes, when we are at our weakest. Turn in your Bible to the Book of Deuteronomy and tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving as we search out the Scriptures how God gives us “Just Enough Strength.”
Let’s face it, we live in a time where things can get down and depressing, quickly. Many ads try to sell us things because we are just not good enough for the world. Not good looking enough, here is some special make-up and some anti-aging crème. Looking to old, here’s some hair color. Old jalopy not as good as your neighbor’s? Here is some low financing, to not only help you get the car but also to help you increase your debt that you had no interest in doing. We don’t always look in the right place for permanent satisfaction. You can find the answers in God’s Word so turn in your Bible along with Pastor Tony Scheving to the Book of Psalms and find out that “As Long as There’s God, There’s Hope!”
Many are wishing and hoping and searching for peace right here on earth. Throughout all ages, men have waged war, and continue to do so, in the name of global peace. Can there ever be a time when we as a race can be at total and blissful peace? I may challenge you to believe that it may only be for a season because we are to look to Jesus for everlasting peace. Turn in your Bible, if you would, to the Book of Luke and tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving as he brings us what God has laid on his heart about “Peace on Earth…From the Prince of Peace.”
With ungratefulness on the rise during these prophesied end times, it is getting harder and harder to proclaim the gospel to a thankless generation that is in most highly populated cities today. Though, we must continue on and always be thankful to a God who has given to us such a mission field. There are smaller countries and cities around the world that are more receptive to hearing the gospel and even sometimes beg to be taught or given literature. No matter her or there, large or small, we are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature from near to where you reside to the uttermost parts of the earth. Please turn in your Bible to the Book of Luke, chapter 17, as we listen to Pastor Scheving talk about going out of your way to be grateful to someone and “Don’t Forget to Thank God.”
There is an important issue that needs to be known and etched in the heart of all believers. There is salvation in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Without the shed blood, there is no reason for our heavenly Father sending down His only begotten Son to take on the sins of the world. If you are not familiar with this doctrine, please listen closely to Pastor Tony Scheving as he shares with us “The Precious Blood.”
Have you had a salvation experience and know for sure that your path leads to eternal life with God in heaven? Some who have thought they had this experience in the past are not sure today. If you are truly saved, you would know so listen closely and let Pastor Scheving’s message serve as a starting point for a self-evaluation. Turn in your Bible to the Gospel of Matthew and follow what Christ is saying is “The Final Harvest.”
Are we to bow down to political correctness when it pertains to the sanctity of life? In modern day society, many people do. As long as they can save money on their taxes, get more funding to their children’s schools, or achieve special zoning for a building project, the things of God may easily be shuffled aside or put on the back burner, or just plain neglected. Today’s topic is a sensitive one but one that must be addressed. God wrote in His Holy Word what He determined to be valuable so listen closely to Pastor Tony Scheving and tell your friends to join you as we look at “The Bible and the Right to Life.”
Sometimes we feel like we’ve exhausted all of our energy to accomplish something. Other times we’ve used all of our strength and stamina and don’t feel like we’ve gotten the job done. It takes perseverance and some backbone to go the distance in some of the efforts in our life. We shouldn’t go it alone. We have a Savior. A risen Christ who we can go to help us finish our tasks. We can never reach any earthly pinnacle because nothing is fully attainable. We lose it all when we die. Let’s make sure that the one thing we don’t leave behind is our soul. Friend, you can know for sure that you can go to heaven when you die and that is the only place where you can truly say, “Mission Accomplished!”
There was a time when it seemed like a crowd of people, full of pride and self, were controlling the destiny of Jesus Christ. But that would be impossible and as out Lord said, they wouldn’t be able to do anything to Him if His Father hadn’t allowed it. Christ was fulfilling thousands of years of prophecies in just a matter of hours. Let’s all turn in our Bibles to the book of Mark beginning in the fifteenth chapter and let’s see how it played out with “God in the Hands of Angry Sinners.”
I would think that if I was trying to impress God with my faith that I might be seen as overdoing it, somewhat proud and maybe a bit boastful. But there is a faith that gets our Lord’s attention that has nothing to do with shouting from the rooftop of the highest skyscraper. It’s actually the opposite. How low get we get in being humble, being a true servant and being the least of these. Join Pastor Tony Scheving and listen attentively to today’s message as we look in the Book of Matthew at a “Faith That Impresses God.”
After hearing today’s message, you may feel better about yourself for a few reasons. First is that whatever you are going through, you are not alone. You are in good company and there is a solution. Second, what you’re going through may be for your good. And lastly and most importantly is that whatever it is that is troubling you is for the glory of God. Turn in your Bible to the fifth chapter of Job and listen closely as we hear what God’s Holy Word say about “The Troubles of Life!”
Today, we are looking the question of a lifetime. Sometimes people are perceived as something totally opposite of who they really are. People you know, or maybe even yourself, may have been accused of something that truthfully did not take place. Sometimes during these trials, it may benefit you to not attack and try to defend yourself, but to remain silent. Please turn in your Bible to the 15th chapter of the Book of Mark as we ask you, “What Will You Do with Jesus?”
Sometimes we make profound promises that we don’t keep, whether intentionally or not. Watch out, because this may be something that we have to live with for the rest of our lives, like the Apostle Paul with a thorn in his side. This has happened countless times throughout creations’ history and it would be safe to say that you would be in good company with some well-known biblical heroes of the faith. Jesus knows us and how we’ll turn out but we can see in God’s Word and hear from today’s message just what happens when we are “Following Jesus Afar Off.”
Sometimes I don’t make promises because I believe there is a chance that I wouldn’t be able to hold it. Maybe some characters from the Bible, such as Peter the Apostle, should have done the same. Imagine promising the Lord that you will do anything for him, go to any distance for him, and even die for him, and then when the time comes to prove your loyalty to those statements to him, you turn and bolt. Most humans would get bitter and angry and may even not ever speak with you again. Not our Lord. In fact, Jesus went the step further and encouraged Peter to Pastor his flock that He would be soon departing from. Open up God’s Word to the book of Mark once again, and beginning from the 14th chapter, we’ll find out about ‘Forsaking the Lord.”
What would bring a Christian happiness? If you were asked this question, how would you answer it? Would you say family? Would you say your job, and upcoming event, or even money? Our Lord said “Blessed is the pure in heart.” Just what exactly does that mean? Well, it has to do with being single-hearted. God’s Word has the answers for ‘what not to seek after’ for ‘happiness’ and also what Jesus states what we should hunger and strive for. Turn in your Bible and tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving to find out more about how “Holiness Equals Happiness.”
Christians. Are you weary of doing the work of the Lord or do you take a stand for Him? Are you keeping Christ to yourself when you leave church or can you be found with your family praying in public places, giving a drink in the name of Christ or even sharing the Gospel? We can depend on Jesus to be bold, courageous, and strong to help us be light in a dying and lost world. Turn, if you would, to the book of Mark and beginning in the 14th chapter to see if we have similarities like the Apostles when they were at times, “Ashamed of Jesus?”
There are many instances throughout the Bible where there was a moment in time that would never be forgotten. From Moses leading God’s chosen people out of the bondage of Egypt to when Joseph laid his eyes upon his brothers for the first time in decades. From the day Job was restored to the day a giant fell at the feet of David. In today’s message we jump into a scene where Jesus’ disciples were still unsure of what was going to be taking place, even though the Lord explained it to them, just hours from now. Take your Bible and turn to the Book of Mark and in the 14th chapter as we embrace, “A Night to Remember.”
Many folks in society are in their comfort zone. What I mean is that they are okay with just status quo living. It’s sad to reveal that many Christians are ‘slouching’ in life as well. Not fulling God’s will in their life and doing what Jesus commanded them to do. Did you know our adversary, the devil, wins when he convinces us that we do not need to be vigilant Christians? Listen to Pastor Tony Scheving as he shares with us why as believers, we should be “Christians on Guard.”
Sometimes people may look at us and not be able to tell that we are a Christian. Trying not to slip in front of unsaved folks is a 24/7 job. We shouldn’t leave our ‘Christianity’ at the church door when we leave because there are consequences. Souls may be going to hell. Let’s tune into Pastor Tony Scheving as preaches about “The Only Jesus Some Will Ever See.”
Being a supporter to people is a very important and sometimes tiresome role. Not everyone can do it but may I encourage all of you to do it? Whether spiritually to help a brother or sister when they are down or maybe an earthly encouragement to help win someone to Christ. Learn from God’s Word today as Pastor Scheving teaches on “Being an Encouragement.”
The Millennial Kingdom could begin at any moment not known to us or even to Christ himself. Should we worry about it or prepare for it, do nothing or be about our Father’s business? Let’s take a look at the answers to these questions in the Book of Mark beginning with the thirteenth chapter and we search for the “Signs of the Times.”
Our Heavenly Father is kind, generous, merciful, and He loves us. Some may think that we are all children of God but according to the Bible, this is not so. We all can become a child of God, but how? Do we have to help old ladies across the street, or give money to charity, or fix a roof on a homeless shelter? None of things can help us become children of God. Tune in today and learn how you can achieve an eternity in Heaven by the given instructions of ‘The Ultimate Father.”
People are prone to idolatry and plurality of gods, so it is really a special occasion when you find a ‘diamond in the rough’ who believes and professes that there is only One, True God. This takes a real understanding of God though His Word and a genuine love toward Him with all of our strength. Please take your Bible and turn with me to the Book of Mark beginning in the twelfth chapter as we find out just ‘What is Life All About?’
When we are treated with what we think is, badly, or the immediate feeling when someone has wronged us, how do we react? How should we react? Well, we should believe what the Bible says is the way we should react and it says our response should be one of meekness. This isn’t always easy and we can learn from some of the greats in history such as King Saul, Moses and Jesus the Christ on the right way to resist being proud and act with simple humility. Please take the Word of God and turn to the Book of Numbers starting in the 12th chapter and let’s find out about approaching life’s situations with “The Meekness of Moses.”
Would you die for your spouse? Jesus Christ suffered, died and was buried for the church. Not the building but the grace saved, faithful, God honoring, scripturally baptized member of the church. I hope that includes you, my friend. If it doesn’t, you’ve picked a perfect time to tune in to Pastor Scheving to find out just ‘What the Church Means to Christ.’
Does backtalk, rebellion, murmuring, gossip, contentions or unfriendly rivalry please God? I think we all know the answer to that but what if this is actually taking place in your church? This may bring divisiveness, unheard prayers, or possibly even a church split in some cases. This may not be the intentions of your heart but it is the devils. Tune into Pastor Tony Scheving today and find out “The Importance of Church Unity.”
Our God is a God of second chances. What a wonderful Savior we have and we should all give thanks for His mercy endureth forever. But, is there a time when we run out of chances? I would say that it is not wise to wait long enough to find out but there may come a time when we lose our blessings. At what point does this happen? Tune in today to Pastor Tony Scheving as we jump into Mark chapter 12 to find “The Cost of Rejecting Christ.”
How many times do we look at people in public or in the news and think about their rebellious attitude towards authority? We may think the same for our own children and at some point come to realize that we are exactly the same. It’s because we are all born with a sin nature, but once we’re saved, we should be perfectly obedient to those in authority and especially God, shouldn’t we? Aren’t we? Turn once again to the Book of Mark as it begs the question, “What About Authority?”
It’s said that ‘faith and prayer’ are the dynamic duo of the Bible. Faith is taking God at things that are highly unlikely and prayer is the mightiest weapon that He has given us. It takes much endurance to persevere in prayer and much faith to…well…to have faith. Turn in your Bible to Mark chapter 11 and let’s see what happens when you ‘Have Faith in God.”
Is a church as effective as it could be if the believers are fruitless? Some think ‘you can be as good as a Christian as you want to be. That is not be a Biblical principle and in fact, lowers God’s standard to man’s standard. Let’s open our Bible’s to the book of Mark to gain some insight on what our Lord and Savior thinks about a barren tree and asks, “Where’s the Fruit?”
Ah, America. We think we have it right, don’t we? We are educated from the beginning to be the top dog. The cream of the crop. Rise to the top. Outshine. Our public schools teach the Darwinian Theory of Evolution which, to sum up, defines survival of the fittest. Was this God’s plan? The Apostle Matthew write that Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” There seems to be quite a contrast between the Lord’s way of thinking and the world. It wouldn’t be the first time nor the last. Turn in your Bible, if you would, to the Book of Matthew beginning in the fifth chapter to see just who are ‘The Blessed Meek.’
Sometimes we look for a dignitary to come with crowns, robes or maybe even with armies and weapons to show what we would call, nobility and power. When the people of Jerusalem were waiting for Jesus to make his triumphant entrance into their walled city, did they get what they expected? Well, at first it seems they did, but eventually and evidently, all was not well in the land of David. What would’ve our reaction been if we were there to witness this event? Listen along to Pastor Scheving as we join him once again in the Book of Mark and see that, “The King is Coming!”
Have you ever heard the phrase, “the blind leading the blind?” How can those who don’t know lead others to a place they don’t know? The answer is; they can’t! There are many who will try to make you seem embarrassed for reaching for the truth. But, it may be that they don’t know that they don’t know. The famous songwriter, John Newton, had a hard life to turn from and when he did he penned, Amazing Grace. His testimony will live on and if you haven’t read about it, you should research it out for yourself. For now, turn in your Bible’s once again to the Book of Mark as we joyfully hear of another one of our Lord’s wonderful miracles as Pastor Tony Scheving tells us about a man who was blind, but now can see.
It may be safe to say that all of us, at one time or another, have held onto something longer than we should have. Look around you right now. How much of what we are surrounded by is coming with us when we cross over to the other side? Well, the answer is nothing. So then why are we so saturated with the want to get things and keep them and not let them go? Take you Bible and turn once again to the Book of Mark and let’s find out from Pastor Tony Scheving through today’s message why we are “Possessed by our Possessions.”
There are few in the Bible who are as excited as the rich, young ruler. Imagine being able to run to the Lord himself with heavenly inquisitiveness. I cannot imagine physically doing that but we, as Christians, should run to him every day, asking and receiving in prayer. Are we prepared to listen to His answer and how will we respond? Turn in your Bibles please, once again, to the book of Mark, chapter 10 as Pastor Tony Scheving addresses Meaning Business with God.
Have you ever run into people who are very adamant about baptizing a baby before he dies. Why? They usually think it’s so they get to heaven. This belief isn’t of God or from the bible, though and may be a passed down tradition. So, how do little children get to heaven? Turn in your Bible to the book of Mark starting in the 10th chapter and tune into Pastor Tony Scheving as he studies on a subject that may not be fully understood in today’s Christian churches.
Our God is a God of love, mercy, grace and truth. That is a true statement, but we are to preach the whole gospel of God. That means that God is not going to endorse our bad behavior. He doesn’t wish for us to lose our savor so how are we to be the salt of the earth? Turn to the book of Mark and we’ll begin today’s sermon from the 9th chapter to find out.
If you haven’t been desensitized to evil doings, every time you do something or even think of doing something ungodly, your conscience gives you a little nudge. God has placed that in everyone for a reason and, it didn’t just come about by happenstance through evolution. Do you have skeletons in the closet that need the light of our Savior shined upon them? I pray that your conscience is Godly and not defiled. Let’s see what God’s Holy Scriptures has to say about How to Recondition Your Conscience, today with Pastor Tony Scheving.
There’s a battle taking place. Everywhere. Every day. You may not notice it around you but it’s there and you are in it. With every skirmish there must be a place where the battle is taking place. A battleground. The forces of good and evil are not a reality in the movies or in Broadway performances but they are real in your heart and soul. Find out what we war after what to do about it by turning to the 10th chapter in the 2nd Book of Corinthians and listen in to Pastor Tony Scheving deal with The Battleground of Your Mind.
We live in a world that teaches survival of the fittest. Beat everyone, no matter what the cost. A me first, I, I, I attitude that is a concentration of selfishness and pride. If you know someone like this, they are in good company. With most of us and even the Apostles. How do we deal with this? Well, let’s see how our Lord deals with this very issue as we turn to the book of Mark where Jesus teaches, The Last Shall Be First.
Fear grips the lives of most people on earth and for good reason. The devil does not rest. He will create every scenario imaginable to help you keep your mind on self, on things, and off of God. Fear is a form of unbelief toward our very Creator. Did you know that fear is what should drive us to God? Our Savior has some timeless principles on this very issue so tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving and turn to the book of Matthew as we find out just What Are We Worrying About.
Did you know that each of us have about 12 billion brain cells but only use about 10% of them? Are you also aware that when the Bible speaks about the mind it is not talking about the brain? In fact, the brain isn’t even mentioned in the Bible. The mind is your soul and it is the real you. The soul is your heart and sometimes needs repair. Turn, if you will, to the book of Romans and the 12th chapter for truthful guidance for the Renewing of your Mind.
Sometimes our earthly father may not be all he’s supposed to be. You may feel a sort of emptiness when he’s failed you. But rest assured, you have a father in heaven that can always fill that void that no one else can. The Bible says that He even is a friend that is closer than a brother. He didn’t even spare His own Son….for you. Join Pastor Tony Scheving as we listen in on the final of his series, What a Heavenly Father We Have.
Do you have a misplaced faith? Like, faith in man or even in yourself. This is not where your faith ought to be. Now doubt can lead toward unbelief and this in turn, can lead to faith. We need faith. Faith in an Everlasting God and a Heavenly Father. The Bible says that we cannot please God without faith. Join Pastor Tony Scheving and his sermon on something that can help all of us by asking, Lord, Help My unbelief.
God is reasonable, He’s a rewarder, He’s reliant, and He cannot lie. He also is a wonderful Father to those who are His children. Isn’t that everyone on earth, you say? I’m afraid it isn’t but it can be. Listen in on Pastor Tony Scheving’s message and find out what it takes to become one of the family. God’s family.
Sometimes when we come to church, we don’t want to go back outside; into the world. But that Bible says we are to be in the world, but not of the world. When are we to get close and when should we separate? Those are good questions. For some answers to this and more, tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving and to do that, we must Come Down From the Mountain.
Salvation is free and is a gift of God. It can only be purchased by ne person and that my friend, is Jesus Christ at the cross. With all of our sins, our faults, and defects; why would God pour out so much of His grace upon our brow? Let’s find out today as we take a look at The Glory of Jesus.
Do you ever find yourself following a Christian trend in books, movies or music, only to feel as if something is just not right? According to the Scriptures, True Christianity was never popular. If you are living a Godly life, you will suffer. Just exactly what price do we have to pay as Christians? Tune in to Pastor Tony Scheving today and find out The Real Cost of Following Christ.
Have you ever doubted your salvation? Did you make a profession of faith at one time during your life and are just not quite sure if you’re in ‘all the way?’ There’s no better time than right now for a self-examination. Sometimes we go in one direction because it ‘feels right’ or ‘everyone else is doing it.’ It is not God’s plan to follow the masses, but to follow Him. Join us as we head back into the Book of Mark to check the surety of our salvation.
With God, you don’t have to wonder if you’re loved. He is so justified in His faithfulness to us. He is merciful beyond measure. How do we compare when administering these same attributes to our family, friends, or brethren. He instructs us through His revealing in His everlasting Word. We should be eternally grateful for that gesture. That shows how kind our loving God is to us. With a countless array of wonderful rewards bestowed unto us, let’s take God’s Word and turn to the Book of Zephaniah to further see, What a Heavenly Father We Have!
Many have been touched by Jesus Christ, physically or spiritually, for over 2,000 years. He was known to some and was a mystery to others. Was there a time in your life when you didn’t know God? He has been known as Creator, Lord, and the Messiah. He has been a friend, a comforter and an understander. If you are not completely sure of all God is, then open up your Bible to the book of Mark and listen to Pastor Scheving as we get the answers to the burning question, Who is He?
Do you know someone looking for proof or signs that God is at work or maybe then He doesn’t exist? Are you waiting for signs and wonders? Well, today’s lesson from the Bible shows us that you will be waiting a long time because God is in the faith and promises business. We’ve seen in God’s Word where Jesus teaches His disciples, sometimes the same thing, over and over again and they seem like they just don’t get it. Join us as we head back to the Book of Mark to see if we get it!
Some fathers unconditionally are able to love unworthy children. This is a character trait of our heavenly father. How much does He put up with us? So much that he would have spared the 4 cities if Abraham could find 10 worthy of saving. But there wasn’t and He didn’t. Does that show that He doesn’t love us? It doesn’t and in fact, just the opposite. Let’s see what a heavenly father we have as we start today’s lesson in the book of Jeremiah today.
Do you ever watch your children from a distance just to see how they act when you aren’t around. Our heavenly father is always watching us even though most of us live life as if He is not. Why does He? He can because He’s God, He cares about us, and He wants a wonderful relationship with us. Because He gave us free will, it is us that either turn to or shamefully turn away from Him. Never the other way around because He will never leave us or forsake us. Let’s turn to God’s Word and see just a wonderful our heavenly Father is.
Have you ever had to learn a lesson the hard way? If you’re human, you most likely have. Probably more than once, too. Well, if you’re familiar with God’s Word, you’ll know that the Jews have had to learn the hard way, time after time, after time, after time, after……you get the picture. If we listen for the Lord, follow His leading and just trust Him with our availability from the very beginning, we just may grow into a more thankful people which in turn will lead to diminished complaining. 1st Thessalonians says in every thing, give thanks! What a wonderful concept. Let’s join Pastor as he shows us where Jesus is teaching His disciples a lesson in giving thanks, again, from the book of Mark.
Have you ever felt as if people didn’t approach you at one time or another in your life because you were different or peculiar to them? Well, scripture says that we are different and that none of us are the same. We may have some similarities but in most areas such as character, emotions and beliefs, we are different. Our Lord Jesus Christ shows us in the Bible how we should be to others, which is to be more like Him. He teaches us that no one is too defiled to approach and that people, all people, are important to reach with the Gospel. Let’s follow our Lord in the Book of Mark and see just how valuable one soul is to Him.
Do you have a tenacious spirit? Sometimes it can be used for good and sometimes it is used for bad. Either way, it is likely that it is a controlling substance that has a stronghold over you. In the Bible, tenacity has hurt the Jews who basked in their own stubbornness, but sometimes, like in the case of the Syrophoenecian woman, it was persistently used to gloriously praise the Lord Jesus Christ. If during a period of rejection, the God still is asking you to come now, and let us reason together. What comforting words they are to those that persevere and strive to draw close to our Father in Heaven who loves us dearly.
Do you fall in lock step with the secular world that believes that everyone is inherently a good person? So, when things go wrong they can claim to be a victim instead of being humble and taking responsibility for their own actions. Have you ever taken the time to see what God says about man’s attitude, his character, and more specifically, his heart? God knows us better than we know ourselves because He’s God and He created us. He gets sad at our sinful condition and sometimes angry, and righteously so, but He doesn’t leave it there. He’s left us a way for us to be free from our carnal nature. He gave us a Savior, Jesus Christ.
The disciples were arguing over who was the greatest and each one thought they were the greatest man. Jesus quietly ended the argument and told them who He thought was the greatest. Children are one of the special creations that God has ever made!! If you look into a child's eye, you can see the innocence and hope in their eyes. They see the world in a different light, than we do. As children grow, the harshness of the world will get to them and that innocence would be lost forever. Jesus told the disciples to get to heaven, they must have faith as a child. Children will believe anything an adult tells them and they have faith in the adult who loves them.
Who is Jesus? Do you wonder who this Man was that people that talk about? The apostles were even wondering who He was. They expected a man to come to earth as a King and over throw the Roman Empire. Peter said that Jesus was the Son of the Living God. Peter hit it on the head, Jesus IS the Son of the Living God. He is not a prophet that some people claim today. He is God that was in our form to fellowship with us and to die on a cross just for us. He died a gruesome death, but rose again from the dead. How many prophets do you know, would "take a bullet" for you and then come back to life?
Solomon had a wonderful peak, he had the "midas touch" and had everything at his reach. He was the wisest and wealthiest of all men, but he hit a downfall like any other man would. It just took one day at a time, and his downfall was happening little by little. No one all of sudden hits their downfall. It happens little by little, each and every day. Whether it is a marriage or a person's character, it does not happen overnight. Solomon was obsessed with sex and brought home women that were not saved. Because, he was with women who were serving other gods, he began to serve those same gods too. Solomon had an empty feeling, after he gained everything in the world. Are you serving your Creator, or like Solomon, have you left Him?
Solomon was not only a wise man, but he was well-rounded. Solomon was proactive and organized in his administration. Solomon was always studying and was a student 24/7. Solomon loved the Lord and gave Him adoration. Solomon was always out of his comfort zone and kept himself busy. Are you well-rounded like Solomon?
What is the first word that comes to your mind when you hear the name "Solomon"? A king who was wise, is the first thing that comes to anyone's mind. God asked Solomon what does he want in life. Solomon could have asked for anything in the world, but he asked for wisdom. Since Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge, God blessed him with wisdom and much more. Solomon was wise enough to know to not act like a Mr.-Know-it-all. If God has blessed you, don't be ungrateful. Be thankful for your blessings in your life!
We should be living in fear of the Lord. We are merely humans and He is our Creator. Our society today is different compared to "Happy Days'' and "Mayberry". Our society no longer lives in fear of the Lord, because we lack common sense. The fear of the Lord is a healthy relationship, just as when you were growing up and you feared but loved your dad. We should have that same relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Have you taken a stand for Christ? Are you along when you take a stand? What a testimony you can have, when you take a stand with hundreds or even just by yourself. When you take that stand, remember you're on the winning side. When you do take that stand, it will not be an road but it will pay for you to serve for Christ.
Are you living in your life in fear of man or in fear of God? We need the fear of God in our country, states, and schools, but we also need the fear in church and in our lives. Sin leaves behind costly consequences, when you live in fear of men. We should live in fear of the Lord and love Him with all of our hearts. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Do you ever say "That's not fair!" to God? Do you think that someone else is always “robbing” you of your dream? Do you feel as if you need to bargain with God to get your “fair” share of life? Do you keep a tally in your book of when God blesses you and when He blesses someone else? Listen to Pastor Scheving’s messages as he shows us why we should not be second guessing God and that by second guessing God, we tend to have a childish attitude.
Does it feel like everything around you is slipping? Don't align yourself with people who causes problems in the church. If they are causing trouble, don't stop stoop to their level and rebuke them. But when they are in the wrong (as in doctrine wise), let them know and don't let it slide. The "stink" of this world, "smells" at first, but the longer you are living as the world, the more that "stink" smells likes "roses". Don't let things come between you and worshiping God on Sundays.
When your heart is heavy, it is hard to take the time to celebrate. But do you take the time to celebrate, whether you want to or not? God wants us to celebrate life and to celebrate Him. We need to thank and praise God for everything He has done for us. When we celebrate God, we need to come to Him with a pure heart. Don't focus on what your have lost, but have have a song in your heart for what you still have. As Christians, we have a reason every day to celebrate.
Have you gotten relaxed in your daily walk? Have you been neglecting your time with God? Have you blessed the Lord in your everyday life? When you go to church, who are you worshiping: yourself or God?
Do you know the history of the Baptists? Have you heard of the "Trail of the Blood" that is in the Baptist history? The apostles and earlier Christians were tortured and murdered for their beliefs. As Baptists today we should be humble on how far and precious the earlier Baptists have brought our faith. Our history is not a bed of roses but comes with martyrs. What we view as persecution today, is nothing compared to the hate and persecution our forefathers went through.
Do you know how to deal with the negative people in your life? Do you let them intimidate you and bring you down? Are you in fear of man and often compromise your convictions? If someone criticizes you, don't let it get to you and just see if they have wisdom or if they are just bitter. If you run across the critics, who are bitter and negative, just move on and press forward. We are not to please man, but are suppose to please God.
Have you prayed for something and it seemed like God was not listening to your prayer? Maybe the answer to your prayers was not want you had wanted? When you pray do you pray for God's will to be done? While you are praying, you need to learn how to patiently wait for that answer. If you are burdened and praying, have a good attitude and don't be so dramatic! While you are waiting and praying, make sure you are making plans for when God opens that door or closes it.
Do you wonder if the church that Jesus started, is still around today? Jesus promised that the gates of Hell will not prevail against His church. The word church is derived from the Greek word "ecclesia", which means an assembly of called believers. The church is visible, and not invisible as some denomations try to teach. The church is founded on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and without Him the church will crumble. Are you part of a local New Testament Church?
Are you a pew warmer or a Christian who is ambitious? Are you afraid of what others might think, or do you just do what God tells you? Is your wall standing up strong or has it fallen and it needs to be repaired? Is your heart heavy over the lost souls in the world?
Are you mourning the loss of a precious loved one? Do you mourn for your lost loved ones? Is your heart broken? When we lose that precious person, we mourn for the loss! With their death, it becomes a reality that life is short. We should be mourning over lost souls and trying to win them. Tragedy will bond our hearts together and will make us grow up! We can even break God's heart! Have you broken God's heart here lately?
Who do you think the founder of the New Testament Church is? Do you think it is Peter, John the Baptist, or Martin Luther? The founder of the New Testament church is Jesus Christ, himself. He said "Upon this rock, I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH". Jesus is the foundation of a New Testament Church. Churches that are "biblical" are where people meet in one place. Universal churches do not meet the standard. Churches have to be able to reproduce their selves, be able to finance their selves, and be able to self-govern. In a New Testament Church, there is one body, one faith, one spirit, and one God. He does not say you can have 3 different religions in the same building or even have 2 different gods.
When someone looks at your life, do they know you are a Christian? Are you a self-centered saint? When you were first saved, you wanted to share it with everyone. Those who are not saved, are blinded and don't know a lot about being saved. Some people don't like the idea of being responsible for someone else's soul. Everyone is watching you, rather you like it or not. Do you live the Christian life before the world?
Are you unstable? Do you seem to wobble in your Christian walk? Would you like to be stable and steadfast in your walk? Reading the Bible and going to church will help us be stable in our walk! To be a "strong" Christian, we need to have: faith, virtue, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, and love. As we are growing, we need to be careful to not set ourselves up to fall.
Do you want to be everybody's friend/buddy? Do you try to pacify friends and family? There is no way, you can pacify everyone. There will be people you will irritate, because of the different stands you take or opinions you have. Don't compromise your stand for anyone! You can't be pleasing everyone. Instead of pleasing man, who is impossible to please, we should strive to please God!
Has God been "yelling" at you to repent of your sins? Do you think that you don't have to repent because you are saved? Do you sometimes think that God is "letting" others get by with sin but you always feel guilty? No matter how BIG or small our sins are, we should be repenting of our sins. Others might be "getting away" with their sin, but know that God is watching and knows when everyone commits sin. We need to repent of our sins and be right with God. Remember that God will NEVER sweep anything under the carpet.
Have you spiritually died in your Christian walk? Have you lost your zeal? We should follow Jesus as our modeled zeal in our Christian walk! While we are being zealous for Jesus, we need to be careful that it is not misguided. There are some small trivial things we should not be zealous over. We need to be zealous in our good works, BUT only as a born-again Christian. Jesus paid for our sins at the cross, and good works CANNOT get us into heaven! Are you ZEALOUS for God?
Do you know how to witness affectingly? Do you know how to answer those hard questions? Pastor Scheving gives some really good "saints" answers to those hard questions. What would you do if you knew you had 6 months-a year to live?
Has God been "yelling" at you to repent of your sins? Do you think that you don't have to repent because you are saved? Do you sometimes think that God is "letting" others get by with sin but you always feel guilty? No matter how BIG or small our sins are, we should be repenting of our sins. Others might be "getting away" with their sin, but know that God is watching and knows when everyone commits sin. We need to repent of our sins and be right with God. Remember that God will NEVER sweep anything under the carpet.
Does your church sugar coat sin or do they tell you like it is? We need true friends that tell us, "Hey! You are in the wrong and that is against the Bible!". We don't people telling us, "It is ok! Life goes on, you will be fine!". We are not worthy to be considered God's children. God is beyond perfect and we are just sinful creatures. But God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us, so we can go to heaven. We will never have world peace, until we take care of peace in our homes, churches, and even cities.
If we are skillful in our talents, why not become skillful in soul winning? When we are witnessing, we need to be mindful of people's past and their insecurities. If we are asked, "How do you KNOW there is a God?, do you we know how to answer the question? Pastor Scheving gives some powerful points and and some answers to the questions people ask every day about God and the Bible.
Do you let other people discourage you? Do you feel as if you have fallen from the wayside? Is it hard for you to press on in your Christian walk? Do you let other "things" distract you to keep your from finishing? Please listen to Pastor Scheving's message and may you feel blessed and encouraged!
Did you know we are born with a sinful nature? When we were conceived, we were conceived with a sinful nature. We are just sinful people but it comes naturally to us. But we cannot let that sinful nature become an excuse! God gives us a chance to repent from our sinful nature. No one is righteous and no one is perfect. We need to be born again and repent of our sinful natures.
If Jesus had died today and rose on that Sunday, would you believe it was Him? When John and the disciples went to the tomb and saw that Jesus was gone, they believed and were exciting. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and believed that someone had stolen Jesus' body. When Jesus talked to her, she believed it was a gardener and she was wondering where He had hidden the body. She was devoted to her Lord and loved Him so much. If you loved the Lord, like Mary Magdalene did, you would be showing it throughout your life. When Jesus said, "Mary", she realized that He was her Master and Lord. Maybe you are like Thomas. Poor Thomas is called Doubting Thomas, because he did not believe Jesus rose from the grace, until Jesus appeared in front of him. Thomas had to see for himself that Jesus was alive. Are you like John, Mary, or Thomas??
How will you get to heaven? By doing good works, being a good person, or by trusting Jesus as your savior. As we get closer to Easter, the reason we celebrate Easter weighs heavy on our minds. Jesus did not die, just to die and then rise from the grave on the 3rd day. He died for our sins, so we can go to heaven. "All have sinned and fallen short from the glory of God". We all have sinned one way or another. There are 10 commandments to follow and we all have broken the 10 commandments in our lifetime. Even Mary (who people worship) was a sinner too, she was not perfect. There was only one PERFECT man who walked on this earth and that was Jesus.
Do you know how much your soul is worth? Your soul is the true you! Your personality, your likes, what makes you laugh, what you dislike, is what your soul is made up of. Your soul is very valuable is because of the image of your soul. The image comes from the Creator Himself. Your soul is made in the image of God and is very valuable. Your soul is even valuable to Satan. Satan does not want any souls to go to heaven, so if he can tarnish a Christian's soul to keep others from believing, then he is all for it. When your body dies, your soul will either go to heaven or hell.
Do you want a mush God, the God who is there for you during the good times? Or do you want a mighty God, who is there for you no whatever you want? Everyone these days interact with the MUSH God. The mush god is there in the prayers before games, when people want him to be around, and is not jealous of anything. He loves to share his spotlight with any other god you throw at him. The MIGHTY God has standards for our lives and is jealous when other gods in our lives. But the mighty God is there for you when you don't want Him around. He is there during the good and bad times in our lives. Which God do you want in your life?
Pastor Scheving concludes his series on how to overcome our trials. Twenty years later, after Joseph's brothers sold him to slavery, their conscience is still beating them up. They were admitting that they did wrong with Joseph, in the amidst of the Pharaoh's high man. Not knowing that the high man, was Joseph. They left one of their brothers behind and ran back to grab the youngest brother. Joseph was putting them through a test, just to see if the brothers were actually sorry for what they had done. They brought the younger brother back with them and he put them through another tests. When the brothers passed, he told them that HE was Joseph. We don't see it at the moment of our life, but God will bring a rainbow at the end of our trials.
Do you have hope? Do you believe in God's love for His children and for wanting the best out of His children? As Christians when we go through trials, we should have hope in God. All through out His word, He tells us to trust Him, He will never leave us, and that He loves us as His own children. God looks way ahead into the future, and knows what is best for us. Don't get off track, stay faithful to what God wants you to do. It is easy to love God, when our lives are "blessed". But as soon as something bad happens, we blame God and whine and complain that God hates us. God never changes, we are the one who changes the outlook. When those bad circumstances happen, we should still be thanking God.
Do you have a love for lost souls? Everything that is going in the world can open doors in witnessing to people. People are wondering what is going. We have earthquakes, tsunamis, suicide bombers, wars, and etc. We should use this opportunity to share the gospel with them. When you are witnessing, it might feel as if you are a broken record, but just keep planting the seed. God might use someone else to water and someone else to sow. One soul is worth more than the gold we guard in Fort Knox.
Do you think God made a mistake in your life? have you been disappointed by expectations of friends and family? God NEVER makes a mistake in your life! He sees ahead to our future and allows things to happen to better our future. Instead of being disappointed by family and friends, find a way to serve them! You will find more joy in your life, when you are serving others and not self. God uses every little things in your life, because He has a grander plan that you cannot see. Are you more observant of your life or do you pay attention to other people and how they feel?
As Christian people, we need to be mindful of the lost. They could be going to your church, your school, your grocery store, really anywhere in your daily life. We need to be mindful of them and witness to them. The best people to talk to are the people you already have a relationship. Your circle is easier to witness to, then going up to a stranger and trying to witness. You develop a trust and understanding with people in your circle. You don't "have to" do anything in your Christian life, you "get to" do things. NO ONE says "I have to go to Heaven", everyone pretty much says "I want to" or "I get to" go to Heaven. We should be trying to reach to other people, so they can get to go to Heaven also.
Do you wonder about God's ways and what He wants from your life? Maybe you think that you can do your way better than God? Do you do God's will for your life and trust Him with your life? If you love God, you will trust Him to guide your ways. Ten times out of 10, God's ways are always better. You might not like the road, but if you go your own way, you would be miserable. Do you love God enough to trust Him with your life and future?
Are you pleasing God or people? Pleasing God does not mean life will be an easy road, it just means you know you can make it through. You just need to worry about being in His will and not trying to please people. You will never be able to please people, but you can please God easily. Will you commit your life to pleasing God and doing His Will?
Do you act like a Pharisee? Before you say, "No! Never me!", answer these questions honestly. Do you have a critical spirit and look at other people's faults? Are you always condescending? Maybe you fell as if you are better than anyone else and your kids are better than other kids? Do you judge other people on everything and even on how they raise their own kids? If you even answer "Yes" to one question, then you are acting like a Pharisee. Before you judge others, you need to remove the "beam" out of your own eye. Find grace and mercy in other people, just like Jesus. Do you want to be like the Pharisees who were fault-finders, or do you want to be like Jesus who has a forgiving spirit?
Do you feel as if you are alone in your storm and trial? God is with you and has not forsaken you through this time. God will never leave nor forsake us. He was with Joseph during every trial he went through. Satan knows how to trap us with our temptations but the good news is that God monitors the temptation. God will not allow us to have temptations that we cannot handle. All we have to do is to submit to the will of God and give glory to Him during our storms and trials. Are you overcoming your temptations and trials with God's help?
Do you take or “preach” the gospel to the lost? What are you doing to reach the lost? There are people in your circle, who might be lost. God placed them in your life, for you to witness them. Are you passing out tracts? It is easy to pass out tracts, just leave on your table at the restaurant or you can hand one to the cashier at the grocery store. Pray for those who are lost and reach out to them.
Do you do your own thing or do you seek God's advice for your life? When you decide that you are the one calling shots and not God, you are in trouble. If your decision maker is broken, then don't be making the decisions for your life. One bad mistake can cost everything in the end. It is best to let God be the one calling shots, because He knows what the future holds and how it will end.
Do you feel as if your temptations are too hard, that you give in to them every time? Joseph survived abuse from his family and then landed a nice job at Potiphar's house. But Satan tried to discourage Joseph by tempting him with seduction by Potiphar's wife. Joseph refused his master's wife day in and day out and knew he was accountable to God and to his master. If Joseph was able to overcome his temptation with God's help, we should be able to overcome our temptation with the same help Joseph got. Which do you love more, your temptation or God?
While we are in this life, are we living our life or are we living God's way? Churches are doing their own thing and not God's way. Baptisms are not fully immersed but sprinkles on babies or they believe baptisms will saved them. The Lord's Supper has even become a man made thing, where it is not reverent like it was made to be. God's opinion should always out way our opinions. If you are wondering if you should do something then ask God what He thinks.
When the word "lost" comes to mind, can you think of a loved one who is lost? Not only our loved ones, but anyone we come into contact with throughout the walks of our life. When you are witnessing to people, do you have faith and hope that God will save them? If we all will reach one person and then they reach one person and so on, our world will be a different place and more people will be saved. Will you be the one to reach one?
Have you used the excused "I have a horrible past, God cannot use me"? Joseph had a horrible childhood past and God used him in a powerful way. His mom died while she was giving birth to his younger brother, his dad loved him more than his brothers, his brothers hated him for the favoritism, was rejected by his brothers, was sold to slavery by his brothers, and his boss's wife tried to seduce him. He really had it tough growing up with his brothers. Not only did his dad love him more but he was also a very good person and his brothers could not stand having a "goody-two-shoes" for a brother. They were also jealous of Joseph's dream and did not like it that they would bow down before him. If Joseph over came all of that with God's help, surely we can over come our past and be a powerful tool for God.
Do you feel as if you are losing your grip on everything and your back is against the wall? Do you have the feeling of thinking people would be better off without you in their life and in the world? There is hope and a light at the end of your dark tunnel. Just persevere through the long night and you will find your joy in the morning. Just hang on and your blessing will come. If you are saved, Jesus is your hope and your light at the end of the tunnel. Just don't give up!!
Do you have a pioneer spirit? You need to be constantly dreaming and having a vision. You need to appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that someone else did. When you are passionate about your vision, others will catch on and share in your vision. Have a passion for the lost souls going to Hell. Are you willing to look ahead and start from scratch?
Do you have compassion for someone or do you want to throw the first stone at them? Instead of judging and condemning, we should have mercy and forgiveness in our hearts. Compassion is beyond feeling sorry and having pity, it is helping and getting involved with the person. We should not be judging or condemning people, because we have sins in our life. If Jesus does not condemn our sins, why should we be throwing the stones at others?