In a world where comfort often shields us from the harsh realities faced by our fellow believers, we're called to open our eyes to the persecution of Christians worldwide. The staggering statistic that 1 in 7 Christians faces persecution reminds us of our duty to stand in solidarity with those suffering for their faith. Hebrews 13:3 challenges us to remember those in prison as if we were there ourselves, urging us to cultivate empathy and take action through prayer. This message isn't just about awareness; it's a call to spiritual warfare on behalf of our brothers and sisters. As we reflect on Jesus' words in John 15:18-19, we're reminded that persecution is not just a possibility but an expectation for those who follow Christ. How can we, in our relative comfort, truly embody the unity of the body of Christ as described in 1 Corinthians 12:26? Let's challenge ourselves to make regular intercession, education, and involvement our response to this global crisis, trusting in the power of prayer to bring comfort, encouragement, and even miraculous deliverance to those on the front lines of faith.

With what attitude should we pray?

With love, perseverance, and gratefulness; in humble submission to God’s

will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of Jesus' call for workers in His harvest. The central scripture, Matthew 9:37-38, highlights the urgent need for laborers in God's kingdom. We're challenged to consider: Are we merely pew warmers, or are we actively responding to Christ's call? The sermon draws parallels between spiritual growth and agricultural processes, emphasizing that while we may plant seeds, it's God who makes them grow. This analogy extends to our own spiritual lives and the diverse ways God works through us. The message urges us to move beyond seeking 'fire insurance' and instead embrace a faith that compels us to action. We're encouraged to pray first, seek direction, and then step out in faith to meet people where they are, just as Jesus did. This call to discipleship isn't easy – we're warned of potential ridicule and persecution – but we're assured that God will equip us for the task. The message challenges us to examine our lives and ask: Are we truly following Jesus, or merely warming a pew?

What is prayer?

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin,

and thanksgiving.

In this powerful exploration of John 4, we delve into the transformative encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. This story beautifully illustrates how Christ breaks down barriers - racial, religious, and personal - to reach those in need of salvation. We're challenged to consider our own 'must-needs' places: the communities, workplaces, and relationships where God has strategically placed us to share His love. Just as Jesus intentionally went through Samaria, we're called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those society might deem unworthy. The woman's response to Jesus' love - leaving her water pot behind and immediately sharing her testimony - serves as a poignant reminder for us to let go of our past baggage and boldly share our stories of transformation. This message compels us to reflect on whether we're truly present in our God-given mission fields and if we're allowing our testimonies to impact others as powerfully as the Samaritan woman did her entire city.

How does the Holy Spirit help us?

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.

This powerful message reminds us of our calling to be 'the light of the world.' It challenges us to examine our daily actions and whether they truly reflect our Christian faith. The speaker draws from personal experiences of transformation, from a life of addiction to one of purpose, emphasizing that God's love can reach us in our darkest moments. The message urges us to act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to show compassion to those in need, and to forgive others as we have been forgiven. It reminds us that faith without works is dead, encouraging us to be active in our communities and to love others where they are, not where we want them to be. This call to action is grounded in Matthew 5:14-16, reminding us that our good works should glorify our Father in heaven.

What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?

That he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants

him irrevocably to all who believe.

In this powerful message, we explore the profound story of Jesus' third appearance to His disciples after the resurrection, as recounted in John 21. We're challenged to consider our own spiritual journey through Peter's experience. Just as Jesus asked Peter three times, 'Do you love me?', we're prompted to examine our own love for Christ. The message emphasizes three key callings for all Christians: to 'leave our past and pasture His lambs,' to 'lead to feed,' and to 'mature to nurture.' These callings remind us that our faith journey isn't just about personal growth, but about guiding others towards Christ. We're encouraged to move beyond our past, recognize our influence on others, and continually deepen our love for Jesus. This teaching invites us to reflect on how we're living out our faith and whether we're truly allowing God to use us in nurturing both new believers and mature Christians.

Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does

this faith come from?

All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.