In a world full of disappointment and adversaries the Christian is called to bless and encourage those around them. Resolve this day to bless and encourage others, celebrate their victories and shoulder their struggles. Church we are together in this, we cannot afford to look out only for ourselves.

The Bible is very clear that the devil is real and actively working against the Christian. The Bible is also clear that the Christian has all the tools needed to face spiritual battles and win. So, Know that the enemy is real and that Jesus has given you all you need to be victorious over the attacks of the enemy

Crowns 1 Thessalonians 2.13-20 Oct 11, 2020 by Valleyview Friends Church

If you want to break through the hardening hearts of those around you, you must reach out with Godly gentleness, this gentleness is strength under control or better put, refusing to play by this worlds rules, ways and methods and instead living by the rules, ways and methods of Jesus.

Gentleness and boldness are two sides of the same coin when it comes to a trustworthy Christian witness. Too often gentleness is viewed as mild and powerless. It is not. Boldness is often lived out with more dominance and aggression than substance. Boldness is our focus this week, we will examine gentleness next week. Bold and trustworthy voices are those who; are approved by God, take seriously the gospel entrusted to them, seek to please God alone and let God test their hearts.

In a world that encourages on demand living waiting for Jesus feels unnatural but when we wait on the Lord we are declaring that God’s provision, providence and purpose are better than our own.

Our children see how we respond to disappointment, losing, winning, not getting our way and how we respond to fear. Children see you at your proudest moments of accomplishment and your lowest moments of failure and they imitate how you react.

But it's not just children who watch and learn and grow, we all do. We all imitate. Imitation is important, we need to be intentional about who we imitate. I suspect some of us without even knowing it or thinking about it too much imitate those who our society values without asking the question, Are my examples truly of God?

We can imitate ourselves into a rotten life or we can imitate into the very best life.

As long as you and I are alive, we are growing. If you want to grow well, imitate Christ. If you want the best for those around you show them Christ in you.

Note: Sorry there is static during the first 2 and a half minutes. It clears up after that I was holding an object near the mic and I think it interfered.

Real. Reality. Truth. That is what we need if we are going to live effectively under the pressure of our times and if we are going to be successful at a Gentle Gospel Ministry.

If you want to experience real faith: build your faith on a foundation of truth and then put that truth into action.

You can live a renewed life when you perceive and receive the mercy of God and respond by presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.

If you want to answer fear and uncertainty . . .

If you desire discernment and purpose . . .

If you want to navigate the tough days you face . . .

You need to be able to answer these two questions:

Who is the Rock your life is built on?

Who have you given permission to build on that Rock?

The answer is simple, Jesus.