Character Connections

In the Old Testament, God's voice could be loud like thunder or heard through a burning bush. When he spoke to Elijah, his voice wasn't what Elijah expected. Sometimes God whispers.

Elijah faced incredible odds to turn the people's hearts to the Lord instead of a counterfeit god. It appeared impossible, but the Lord worked a miracle. Nothing is impossible for God!

God provided for a widow and her son, even though they were outcasts. Sin has made us outcasts as well, but Jesus has given us life!

Moses saw fire in a bush and a voice told him to take off his shoes. God called Moses to be a servant-leader in order to save the Israelites from slavery. God has given our lives purpose as well. We are called to point to Jesus, the ultimate servant-leader!

Our identity is found in our relationship with God. He is the great creator and we are his creation! His identity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a divine mystery, but he has shown us his character in Jesus!

Paul and Silas were arrested and put in jail for sharing God's love in Jesus. While they sat in a dark prison, their feet chained in shackles, they sang songs to the Lord. Their witness changed the lives of those around them. The Lord used them, even in the face of hardship, to help others. God can use you too, no matter the situation in which you find yourself.

The Holy Spirit led Paul to answer the call and share the gospel in a new city. We are often put in situations that we didn't expect. We can trust that God will use us to share his love no matter where we are.

Disagreements are inevitable, but fights aren't. The way we handle conflict shows our character and steers our relationships. When the early church disagreed, the Holy Spirit guided them to act in love. God's love surpasses disagreements.

The crowd in the city of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods. Paul and Barnabas made sure they knew the truth, even though it put their lives at risk. It is tempting to selfishly put ourselves first. Our Lord Jesus is the servant-king whose self-sacrifice made a way for our forgiveness.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn't say goodbye. He told his friends that he would always be with them. That promise is true for us as well. Jesus is always with you. Take courage, you don't have to face life alone!