Topic > Christian Ministry & the Church > Mission & Purpose >
God longs to hear from us
We all want to hear from God, especially when we feel like we need answers! But is it possible that God wants, make that longs, to hear from us? Today on Discover the Word, we start our study in Luke chapter five, a passage that reveals people’s deep hunger to hear a word from God. And Jesus, […]
“Fear of the Lord” . . . what does it mean?
What does “fear of the Lord” mean? Does it mean we should cower and cringe . . . hoping that God won’t punish us for our mistakes? Today on Discover the Word, the team discusses a helpful way of thinking about what it means to “fear the Lord.” It’s kind of a surprising end to […]
To know God and make Him known
Fulfillment is found in many things, a challenging career, a happy family, or a fun hobby. But no matter what we occupy our time with, we need to remember our core mission, which is to know God and make Him known. Today on Discover the Word, the team discusses the joy that comes from helping […]
God wants to rescue all men and women!
How do you set your priorities? Today on Discover the Word, the team talks about why we should make it our priority to show the world God’s graciousness, His favor, and His love. It’s the same reason proclaimed in Psalm 67 . . . so that the world would know that God wants to rescue all […]
His face shines upon us . . . and not just for our good
“Us four and no more and close the door!” Ever heard that expression? It means, “Lord, bless our little group, because that’s all I’m concerned about!” But that’s not how God operates. Today on Discover the Word, our team continues their discussion on Psalm 67, showing us that God causes His face to shine upon […]
Bringing all nations into relationship with God
“Good morning, Mr. Phelps. Your mission, if you choose to accept, is to . . .” Once a Mission Impossible fan hears those words, they know they’re in for some excitement—in some part of the world. Today on Discover the Word, the team uncovers a tremendously important mission. It’s found in Psalm 67 and the purpose […]
3 Things I’ve Learned about Seeking True Fulfilment
In this materialistic age, we often equate success with attaining status, wealth, and power. For some, material success is the means to attaining self-actualization. According to Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs”, self-actualization is about realizing one’s full potential
Why Live with Purpose?
It is not uncommon to hear people asking these questions: What is my purpose in life? What can I do to improve my life? These are important questions. Before I found my true purpose, I felt that something was missing in my life.
Poem: What is Life All About?
Dreaming, unfettered and free,
I recalled my daily existence.
From days past to life’s sunset,
Memories mingled with regrets,
Is this all that I can expect?
Seeing Upside Down
In India I worshiped among leprosy patients. Most of the medical advances in the treatment of leprosy came about as a result of missionary doctors, who were willing to live among patients and risk exposure to the dreaded disease. As a result, churches thrive in most major leprosy centers. In Myanmar I visited homes for AIDS orphans, where Christian volunteers try to replace parental affection the disease has stolen away. The most rousing church services I have attended took place in Chile and Peru, in the bowels of a federal prison. Among the lowly, the wretched, the downtrodden—the rejected of…
Faith at Work
Many believers long to find ways to better integrate their faith and work. Some feel as though they are in a second-class role because they were not called into full-time Christian ministry. Some struggle with identifying their purpose, calling, and giftedness; having no role model; knowing how to integrate faith and work; and knowing how to share and defend faith in the workplace. As a result, these believers are frustrated and can fall short of fully integrating their faith with their work.
If this has been your experience, get ready to be encouraged. These five lessons will help you reflect on…
Me And Dad
A friend once spent a day installing large stone steps in his backyard. When his 5-year-old daughter begged to help, he suggested she just sing to encourage him in his work. She said no. She wanted to help. Carefully, when it would not endanger her, he let her place her hands on the rocks as he moved them.
Much More Than Survival
In April 1937, Mussolini’s invading armies forced all the missionaries serving in the Wallamo region to flee Ethiopia. They left behind just 48 Christian converts, who had little more than the gospel of Mark to feed their growth. Few even knew how to read. But when the missionaries returned 4 years later, the church had not just survived; it numbered 10,000!
As Below, So Above
The Roman paganism of Jesus’ day taught that the actions of gods in the heavens above affected the earth below. If Zeus got angry, thunderbolts shot out. “As above, so below,” went the ancient formula.
Jesus, though, sometimes inverted that. He taught: As below, so above. A believer prays, and heaven responds. A sinner repents, and the angels rejoice. A mission succeeds, and God is glorified. A believer rebels, and the Holy Spirit is grieved.
The Church We Need
What should you expect of the church, and how can it be a meaningful influence in your life? In this booklet, author Mart De Haan considers the kinds of people who make up the church, their needs, and how to respond to them based on the history of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. Gain a better understanding of the purpose of the church and how you can find the one that meets your needs.
