Anderson Hills

There are things that we want in life, even demand, that we know we will never get. But biblically speaking, you can always get what you want. When your heart is aligned with God’s heart, when He is enough for you, you only want what He wants to give you. You are content with whatever God decides for your life. He is your portion. Abraham understood this and it enabled him to stand down when he faced conflict with his nephew, Lot. He refused to let possessions trump his love for a person. Imagine how many conflicts might be resolved if our focus was relating well to each other and standing down to avoid severing the relationship.

There are things that we want in life, even demand, that we know we will never get. But biblically speaking, you can always get what you want. When your heart is aligned with God’s heart, when He is enough for you, you only want what He wants to give you. You are content with whatever God decides for your life. He is your portion. Abraham understood this and it enabled him to stand down when he faced conflict with his nephew, Lot. He refused to let possessions trump his love for a person. Imagine how many conflicts might be resolved if our focus was relating well to each other and standing down to avoid severing the relationship.

While Christians need not die on every hill, the truth of the Gospel is worth fighting for. In the early formative years of the church, the apostles really understood this truth as it was a highly sensitive time. Christians can disagree on many things. The style or format of worship services, election and free will, eschatology, etc., are all areas for discussion and disagreement. But when it comes to walking in step with the truth of the Gospel—whosoever believes the work of Christ can be saved—we must stand our ground! This is a hill to die on. The bottom line is to unite around the core beliefs, make concessions in the peripherals, and show love in everything

While Christians need not die on every hill, the truth of the Gospel is worth fighting for. In the early formative years of the church, the apostles really understood this truth as it was a highly sensitive time. Christians can disagree on many things. The style or format of worship services, election and free will, eschatology, etc., are all areas for discussion and disagreement. But when it comes to walking in step with the truth of the Gospel—whosoever believes the work of Christ can be saved—we must stand our ground! This is a hill to die on. The bottom line is to unite around the core beliefs, make concessions in the peripherals, and show love in everything

Paul told the Corinthian church that he did not come with eloquence or wisdom but in weakness, preaching Christ crucified as most important. When all are committed to this, we are truly the church and will change the world! But we must be united in this mission. Jesus passionately prayed that His followers would be one and “may be brought to complete unity.” Why? “So that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” Paul also had much to say about the importance of unity as product and proof of the gospel. Unity is a critical manifestation of a Spirit-empowered church and an essential witness to the world. The enemy wants nothing more than to divide us, so we must be diligent

Paul told the Corinthian church that he did not come with eloquence or wisdom but in weakness, preaching Christ crucified as most important. When all are committed to this, we are truly the church and will change the world! But we must be united in this mission. Jesus passionately prayed that His followers would be one and “may be brought to complete unity.” Why? “So that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” Paul also had much to say about the importance of unity as product and proof of the gospel. Unity is a critical manifestation of a Spirit-empowered church and an essential witness to the world. The enemy wants nothing more than to divide us, so we must be diligent

To be human is to have enemies. We either know people we have a hard time loving or we know people who have a hard time loving us, or both. Jesus assumed we would have enemies when He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). We can learn a lot about dealing with conflict from King David when Saul wanted to take David’s life. David responded with humility and courage to Saul’s opposition. This story is a wonderful example of what it means to pursue our enemies and live out the truth, “It’s not about me!”

To be human is to have enemies. We either know people we have a hard time loving or we know people who have a hard time loving us, or both. Jesus assumed we would have enemies when He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). We can learn a lot about dealing with conflict from King David when Saul wanted to take David’s life. David responded with humility and courage to Saul’s opposition. This story is a wonderful example of what it means to pursue our enemies and live out the truth, “It’s not about me!”

Unlike so many modern-day stories and movies, the book of Ephesians does not end with a whimper. Instead, it ends with intense warfare! After an explanation about how to live in successful, God-honoring relationships in the two places we spend most of our lives, in the home and on the job, Paul then emphasizes that people are not our ultimate problem when it comes to life’s conflicts. Our true foe is spiritual, not physical. Paul shows the nature of our spiritual battle, the spiritual armor needed for this battle, and our foundational need for prayer as we engage in this spiritual battle

Unlike so many modern-day stories and movies, the book of Ephesians does not end with a whimper. Instead, it ends with intense warfare! After an explanation about how to live in successful, God-honoring relationships in the two places we spend most of our lives, in the home and on the job, Paul then emphasizes that people are not our ultimate problem when it comes to life’s conflicts. Our true foe is spiritual, not physical. Paul shows the nature of our spiritual battle, the spiritual armor needed for this battle, and our foundational need for prayer as we engage in this spiritual battle