pastortoney

God’s Gift Is Better Than Your Performance

Posted on August 18, 2025 by pastortoney

Why do we spend so much time earning love, acceptance, and salvation? The crazy thing is that as soon as we understand that God’s gift is better than our performance, we will spend less time trying to earn something that is freely given.

The two gifts, trespass (sin) came into the world through Adam, and grace came into the world through Jesus Christ are not the same. It’s a gift you have to choose to receive, but the good news is it changes everything!

Sinlessness

Adam chose himself over God. He took what was not his to take. He deliberately sinned. One sin condemned the world, and it all happened because he thought he could choose himself over God.

Gracelessness

Jesus did not do it for himself. The act that brought grace to the world was the very opposite of Adam’s act. Jesus died for us, knowing full well many would turn away from him.

Deathless

Jesus paid the price for every sin – past, present, and future – not only for those who would receive Him, but for every man and woman who ever lived or who will live, and will ever live.

Grace for all

God so loved the world, He gave.

The gift is not performance-based

We can’t earn it, we don’t deserve it and yet it is freely given to all who believe. That is justification – being right with God not because of our own righteousness but because of Christ’s righteousness imputed to us.

Add-on foolishness

Our foolishness is to try and add on to this amazing, completely finished work on the cross. We think somehow we can enhance God’s love for us with our good deeds, our church attendance, our tithe. And it does not work. In fact, anything we do to earn God’s approval, takes away from the gift.

Good works are good works

The tricky bit is works are good, they are essential. What we do with them is the issue. We do good not to earn God’s grace, we do good because we have already received it. We don’t love others because they love us; we love others because God first loved us.

Jesus gave you a perfect diamond

Would you go and glue sequins on it? No. You don’t need to do that. You just need to open your mouth and show it off. That is how we should receive the gift of righteousness we have been given through Christ.

Gracious people see people differently

No one is too far gone, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The price has been paid for every man, woman and child whether they are from Kenya or South Africa, Iran or Iraq, rich or poor, whatever their background, their circumstance, their past or present sins.

The future drug addict, the woman who will become an abuser, the child who will turn into a thief, are all as valuable as the most stalwart believer. The good news is when they get to that place and no-one will get through life without these problems, they are still as valuable in God’s eyes as a “perfect Christian” .

Your task is to tell people the good news

The gift is available to all but how will they know if no-one tells them? We can’t expect people to work it out for themselves or osmosis their way into some sort of spiritual understanding. We need to speak. We need to open our mouths.

It is not to smash people over the head with the Bible, it is not to beat them with their sins. It is to love them. To love them as they are just as Christ loves us in our sin.

Hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints

This means the Church should be a hospital for sinners not a country club for saints. It is to create a space where people can come and belong before they believe. It is to reach out to a world that is broken and hurting and say to them, “welcome, you are home”.

Church for kids

Children in church, not in Sunday school watching their parents but worshipping with their parents. Children who see by example what it is to follow Jesus. It is to create a space in the church where kids belong and are safe and loved.

Grace isn’t about rules and regulations. Grace isn’t about how many or which programs or how we look. Grace is about the power of God to change us from the inside out and the impact that has on our lives and the world around us.

We are not called to charge hell with a sword. We are not even called to charge the gates of hell with a AK-47. We are called to charge the gates of hell with a water pistol because God can do anything with a water pistol in the hands of those who love him with all their hearts, with all their minds, with all their souls, and with all their strength.

Go in peace

As we go about our daily lives may we remember the great price that was paid on our behalf. Let the gift change how we see ourselves, let the gift change how we see others, and let the gift set us free to be crazy enough to share the good news, not with condemnation and judgment but with love and acceptance.

I cannot expect people to live a different way if I am not willing to live a different way. Let my life give testimony to the power of grace to transform. Let people look at me and say, “there’s something different about them, they’re not like other people.”

We live in a dark and sometimes a very hopeless world, but we have the ability to be the bearers of light and hope. Not because we are better than anyone else, not because we have it all together, but because we have received a gift that is better than all our works put together. We have received a gift that has the power to change everything.

The Gift is Given

The gift has been given. The price has been paid. Now it’s up to us to receive it, live in it, and share it with the world. Are you ready?

The Power of God’s Love and Our Call to Serve

Posted on August 11, 2025 by pastortoney

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it’s easy to lose sight of our true purpose and identity. But there’s a profound truth that can transform our perspective: we are deeply loved by God, even when we feel unlovable.

Imagine this: while we were still helpless, ungodly, and even enemies of God, Christ died for us. This act of sacrificial love is beyond comprehension. It’s like a soldier jumping on a grenade to save those who had been torturing him for months. That’s the kind of love God has for us – a love that defies human logic and surpasses our understanding.

But here’s where it gets even more incredible. Not only did God love us when we were at our worst, but He also adopted us as His children. We’ve gone from being enemies to being called sons and daughters of the living God. This isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a radical change in our identity and status.

Think about it: if you were a prince or princess, and your father was a king, you would be treated differently wherever you went. You would carry yourself with a certain dignity and authority. As children of God, we have an even higher status, yet too often we walk around defeated, acting like we’re still slaves to our old nature.

This transformation from enemy to child of God should revolutionize how we live. We’re no longer helpless or condemned. We’ve been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, and now we have a new purpose: to help reconcile others to Him.

Our ministry, our calling, is one of restoration. We can’t save anyone ourselves – that’s God’s job. But we can introduce people to the One who can save them. We can be the ones who help others take one step closer to Jesus than they were before.

This calling plays out in everyday moments. When we’re at a restaurant, we can pray for our server and leave a generous tip, not to show off, but to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. We can look for opportunities in our daily interactions to plant seeds of faith, to put a “little stone in someone’s shoe” that might prompt them to think about God.

However, we need to be careful not to fall into the trap of hypocrisy. It’s not about being perfect or putting on a religious show. In fact, we’re cautioned against judging those who don’t know Christ. Remember, before we knew Jesus, we were living exactly as we were supposed to – separated from God. It’s not our job to condemn, but to love and point others to Christ.

This doesn’t mean we ignore sin or pretend it doesn’t matter. But our approach should be one of humility and grace, recognizing that we too were once lost. We don’t serve or share the gospel to make ourselves feel good or to earn brownie points with God. We serve because Jesus died for us and left us here with a purpose.

Now, here’s a challenging thought: are we living up to this calling? Are we faithful with what God has already given us? Sometimes we pray for more – more money, a better job, more influence – but we’re not stewarding well what we already have. God wants to bless us and use us more, but He’s looking for faithfulness in the small things first.

This ties into the concept of living “from victory to victory.” As believers, we’re not fighting for victory – Jesus has already won it for us. We’re fighting from a position of victory. The devil is a defeated foe, and while we can’t overcome him in our own strength, we can rebuke him in the name of Jesus.

So why do so many Christians live defeated lives? Often, it’s because we believe the lies of the enemy instead of standing firm in our identity in Christ. We need to remind ourselves daily of who we are in Jesus and the authority we have through Him.

To live out this calling effectively, we need to be people of prayer. Prayer is not just about asking God for things; it’s about aligning our hearts with His, seeking His will, and interceding for others. It’s through prayer that we gain the strength and wisdom to be effective ambassadors for Christ.

As we go about our days, let’s remember that our primary ministry is one of restoration. Every person we meet is an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and help them take one step closer to Him. Whether it’s through a kind word, a generous act, or simply treating others with respect and dignity, we can be vessels of God’s reconciling love.

Let’s not forget where we came from and the incredible love that rescued us. And let’s not keep that love to ourselves. We have been reconciled to God – now it’s our turn to be agents of reconciliation in a world desperately in need of hope.

In the end, it’s not about how religious we appear or how many good deeds we do. It’s about living in the reality of God’s love for us and allowing that love to overflow to others. We are loved beyond measure, adopted into God’s family, and empowered to make a difference. Let’s live like we believe it.

Living Authentically: Fear God, Not Man

Posted on August 5, 2025 by pastortoney

In a world where appearances often take precedence over substance, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hypocrisy. We present one face to the world while hiding another, forgetting that nothing is truly hidden from God’s sight. This disconnect between our public and private selves is a dangerous path, one that leads us away from authentic faith and genuine relationship with God.

The Bible warns us about this very danger, cautioning against “the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Just as a small amount of yeast can permeate an entire loaf of bread, hypocrisy can infiltrate and corrupt our entire spiritual life. It’s a sobering reminder that attending church or claiming to know Jesus isn’t enough – what matters is whether Jesus knows us.

We often worry about what others think of us, carefully curating our image to gain approval. But Jesus challenges this mindset, urging us to fear God rather than man. “Don’t fear those who can kill the body and after that can do nothing more,” He says, “but I will show you the one to fear. Fear him who has the authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the one to fear” (Luke 12:4-5).

This perspective shift is crucial. While human judgment may feel immediate and pressing, it’s ultimately limited. God’s judgment, on the other hand, has eternal consequences. When we truly grasp this, it changes how we live. We stop worrying about fitting in or avoiding criticism and start focusing on living authentically before God.

Jesus assures us that God sees everything – even the things we think are hidden. “There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known” (Luke 12:2). This can be both comforting and convicting. On one hand, it means our secret acts of kindness and private prayers are noticed and valued by God. On the other, it means we can’t hide our sins or pretend to be something we’re not.

This truth should motivate us to live with integrity, aligning our private actions with our public proclamations. It’s a call to examine our hearts and ask ourselves hard questions. Are we the same person at work that we are at church? Do we treat strangers with the same kindness we show our friends? Are we living out our faith, or just talking about it?

The power of authentic faith is illustrated in a story about a mall encounter. A group of teenagers claimed to know Jesus, but their actions didn’t reflect that knowledge. It’s a stark reminder that simply knowing about Jesus isn’t enough – He must know us. As Jesus warns, many will claim to know Him, only to hear the devastating words, “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matthew 7:23).

This encounter highlights the importance of planting seeds of faith wherever we go. We may not always see immediate results, but every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of vulnerability where we share our faith can make a difference. God calls us to be faithful in sharing His love, trusting Him with the results.

Living authentically also means embracing who God created us to be, rather than trying to conform to others’ expectations. Just as every person is unique, every believer has a distinct calling and purpose. We shouldn’t try to force our children or ourselves into molds that don’t fit. Instead, we should encourage each other to develop the gifts and personalities God has given us, always with the goal of glorifying Him.

Fear of man often holds us back from sharing our faith. We worry about what others will think or say if we speak up about Jesus. But Jesus promises that when we’re called to testify about our faith, “the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said” (Luke 12:12). This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare or study God’s Word, but it does assure us that God will give us the words we need when we step out in faith.

The stakes are high. Jesus says, “Anyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8). This acknowledgment before the angels implies Jesus standing up for us before God the Father, defending us against the accusations of the enemy. It’s a powerful image of Christ’s advocacy on our behalf.

Conversely, remaining silent when we should speak up for Christ is a form of denial. It’s choosing the approval of men over the approval of God. We’re called to be bold witnesses, not cowering in fear but trusting in God’s power and presence.

As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to live more authentically. Are we fearing God more than man? Are we sharing our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable? Are we living the same way in private as we do in public?

Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about direction. God knows we’ll stumble and fall, but He’s looking for hearts that are genuinely seeking Him. He’s looking for followers who are willing to acknowledge Him before others, who trust Him enough to be vulnerable and real.

Let’s strive to be people who are known by Jesus, not just people who claim to know Him. Let’s live in such a way that our actions speak louder than our words, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives. As we do, we’ll find that the fear of man loses its grip, replaced by a reverent awe of God that empowers us to live boldly and authentically for Him.

Finding Hope in Life’s Challenges

Posted on July 28, 2025 by pastortoney

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns that often leave us wondering why we face such difficulties. But what if these challenges serve a greater purpose? What if our struggles are actually shaping us into who we’re meant to be?

The book of Romans offers profound insights into this very question. It reminds us that we have been “declared righteous by faith” and now have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This righteousness isn’t earned through our own efforts, but freely given when we place our trust in Jesus. It’s a gift that transforms our relationship with God from one of enmity to one of peace.

But this gift of righteousness doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. In fact, the Bible encourages us to “rejoice in our afflictions.” At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Who rejoices in suffering? Yet there’s a profound reason behind this seemingly paradoxical advice:

“We know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.”

This progression reveals the hidden purpose behind our trials. Each difficulty we face has the potential to strengthen us, building our spiritual and emotional muscles. Just as a runner trains for a marathon, our struggles prepare us for the long journey of life.

Consider the story of Buddy McCormick, a man who exemplified this truth. Shot in the face during World War II at just 18 years old, Buddy endured a lifetime of physical challenges. Yet even in his final years, confined to a nursing home bed, he constantly thanked God for his sufferings. Why? Because he recognized that through his trials, God had found him faithful and was using his life to touch others.

Buddy’s story challenges us to shift our perspective on hardship. Instead of asking “Why me?” we can begin to ask, “What is this teaching me? How can God use this for good?”

This doesn’t mean we should seek out suffering or minimize the very real pain we experience. Rather, it invites us to look beyond the immediate circumstances to the bigger picture God is painting with our lives.

The Bible assures us that this hope “will not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers serves as a down payment, a guarantee of God’s promises. Just as you might put a down payment on a car, fully intending to return and claim it, God has placed His Spirit within us as a pledge of His commitment to us.

This hope becomes our anchor in life’s storms. It reminds us that our current struggles are not the end of the story. There’s something greater waiting for us, a future where God will make all things new.

But this hope isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. Our journey through affliction to endurance to character to hope becomes a powerful testimony. It’s a “gospel message” in itself, showing others the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Think about your own life story. What challenges have you faced? How have they shaped you? Your experiences, both the triumphs and the trials, have uniquely equipped you to encourage others. God wants to use you – yes, you – to share hope with a hurting world.

This truth applies regardless of age or circumstances. From the youngest child to the oldest senior, God has a purpose for each life. The question is: are we willing to let Him use us?

It’s easy to disqualify ourselves, thinking we’re not good enough, holy enough, or knowledgeable enough to be used by God. But remember, it’s not about our qualifications. It’s about our willingness to say “yes” when God calls.

The Bible encourages us to “be prepared to give an explanation for the hope that you have.” This doesn’t mean having all the answers or being able to win theological debates. It simply means being ready to share your story – how you’ve experienced God’s love and faithfulness in your own life.

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “But I don’t feel very hopeful right now.” That’s okay. Hope isn’t always a feeling; sometimes it’s a choice. It’s deciding to trust God even when we can’t see the way forward. It’s remembering His faithfulness in the past and choosing to believe He’ll be faithful again.

As we cultivate this hope, something beautiful happens. We begin to see our lives differently. Instead of random events or cruel twists of fate, we recognize God’s hand shaping us. We realize that nothing in our past is wasted – every experience, good or bad, has contributed to who we are today.

This doesn’t mean we have to be glad about every painful thing that’s happened to us. But it does mean we can trust that God is able to bring good even out of our deepest hurts. He is the master artist, weaving together the dark and light threads of our lives into a tapestry of grace.

So today, whatever you’re facing, remember: your story isn’t over. God is still at work, using every challenge to build endurance, shape your character, and ultimately, produce a hope that will not disappoint. And as you hold onto that hope, be open to the ways God might want to use you to bring hope to others.

Your life is a message of hope waiting to be shared. Will you let God use you today?

The Power of Ordinary People: Unleashing God’s Extraordinary Plan

Posted on July 23, 2025 by pastortoney

In a world that often celebrates education, training, and credentials, it’s easy to feel unqualified or unprepared for the great calling God has placed on our lives. Yet, throughout history, God has consistently chosen the most unlikely individuals to carry out His extraordinary plans. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4.

These two men, described as “uneducated and untrained,” stood before the religious elite of their day with a boldness that left their accusers amazed. What was the secret to their confidence? The text tells us plainly: “they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

This powerful encounter reminds us that our effectiveness in God’s kingdom isn’t determined by our resume or our intellect, but by our intimacy with Jesus. Peter and John didn’t have degrees or formal training, but they had something far more valuable – they had spent time with the Savior.

Consider for a moment the implications of this truth in your own life. How often do we disqualify ourselves from serving God because we feel inadequate? We might say, “I’m not educated enough,” “I don’t know enough Bible verses,” or “I’m not trained for ministry.” But God isn’t looking for the most qualified; He’s looking for the most willing.

The early church was built on the foundation of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary God. These weren’t scholars or religious professionals – they were fishermen, tax collectors, and other common folk. Yet, through their obedience and faith, they turned the world upside down for Christ.

This should challenge us to reconsider our excuses. Are we too busy? Too scared? Too comfortable? The reality is, if God is calling you to something, He will equip you for it. Your job is simply to say “yes” and take that first step of faith.

Remember Abraham, who left his homeland on nothing more than a promise from God. Or consider Zacharias and Elizabeth, who in their old age believed God for a child when it seemed impossible. These stories remind us that God’s ways often defy human logic, but His plans are always perfect.

It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t about self-reliance or personal achievement. The power that worked through Peter and John wasn’t their own – it was the power of the Holy Spirit. They had been transformed by their time with Jesus, and it showed in everything they did.

This brings us to a vital point: the importance of spending time with Jesus. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual lives. We might show up to church on Sunday, but are we truly cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Christ? Are we allowing Him to transform us from the inside out?

The example of the early church in Acts is convicting. They didn’t just meet once a week – they gathered daily, breaking bread together, praying, and encouraging one another. Their faith wasn’t compartmentalized; it was the central focus of their lives.

How different would our communities look if we adopted this same passion and commitment? What if, instead of being busy just for the sake of being busy, we prioritized our relationship with God and with fellow believers?

It’s also worth noting that Peter and John weren’t lone rangers in their ministry. Throughout the book of Acts, we see the disciples working together, supporting one another, and sharing in both the joys and challenges of following Christ. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Christian community and fellowship.

As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to step out in faith. Maybe God is calling you to reach out to a neighbor, start a Bible study, or even embark on a new career path. Whatever it is, remember that your adequacy comes from Christ, not from your own abilities.

Moreover, let’s commit to deepening our relationship with Jesus. This means more than just attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It means pursuing Him wholeheartedly, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives.

Finally, let’s embrace the power of Christian community. Seek out opportunities to connect with other believers, to pray together, to study God’s Word together, and to encourage one another in faith.

The world desperately needs to see the transforming power of Christ. And just like in the early church, God wants to use ordinary people – people like you and me – to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

So today, will you say “yes” to whatever God is calling you to do? Will you trust that He can use you, regardless of your background or qualifications? Will you commit to spending time with Jesus, allowing His presence to embolden and equip you?

Remember, it’s not about having all the answers or being perfectly prepared. It’s about being willing to step out in faith, trusting that the same God who used fishermen to change the world can use you too.

In the words of the apostle Paul, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). You are that jar of clay, and within you resides the incredible power of the Holy Spirit.

So go forth with confidence, not in yourself, but in the God who calls you. Be bold in sharing the love of Christ. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For it is in Him, and Him alone, that we find the strength, wisdom, and courage to live out our calling.

All they want to do is argue

Posted on January 12, 2018 by pastortoney

Last night we had the privilege to go to the county fair and share Jesus. It was like shooting fish in a barrel. I don’t mean that badly so don’t get upset. We had some interesting conversations with many people. There is one conversation I want to share about though. This young lady came up and I heard her say she was Jewish. That caused me to stop what I was doing and just say that is ok our Savior is Jewish. Then we took off on a conversation. She kept saying things that didn’t make sense. Then she would tell me that I am that kind of Jew that people don’t like. I really couldn’t figure out what she meant by that statement. It seemed like she just wanted to argue about something. When the road she was headed down didn’t work she would try another one. Finally out of gas and disgusted with me she said good bye and left us. That made me really think about some things. How many other people are out there that may have some facts but really just want to twist them so they can argue. You see we don’t have to argue. Just make sure that you are prepared to give an answer when needed. During our conversation I just allowed the Lord to have control and respond accordingly. Proverbs tells us not to answer a fool according to their folly. There is a way to respond and a way not to respond allow Jesus to direct your answer.

Excuses, Excuses

Posted on June 26, 2017 by pastortoney

Excuses Excuse. We all have them don’t we? May be your excuse for not gathering with people to worship is that someone was mean to you. Maybe you don’t like the music. Maybe you don’t like the preacher. Maybe you don’t like the fact that they have chairs and not pews or pews and not chairs. The list could go on and on. I could list hundreds of reasons I don’t want to go places. God began a work on me a long time ago to show me that my way is not His way. That just because I don’t like things doesn’t mean that I get to be disobedient. Let me put it this way. When I was younger and just a teenage boy, my parents set a curfew. Remember what that was. Now I didn’t like the fact that my sister who was the same age as me could stay out an hour longer than I could. So I decided that I would just stay out like she did. Well there we consequences to that decision. You guessed it. I got punished. You see God has instructed us to gather with His family in corporate worship. When we chose not to, don’t expect your father in Heaven to act like everything is Okie dokie. God will take you behind the woodshed and tear up your spiritual backside. So remember that next time you think about an excuse to give about being disobedient.

Quit being so Nosey

Posted on June 21, 2017 by pastortoney

nosey In today’s society it is so easy to get off track. To run of the road so to speak. After all with cell phones everyone is either watching their phones or watching out for the other person on their phone. Don’t let an accident happen off the side of the road. It seems like everyone who has nothing to do with the accident has to slow down or stop so they can figure out what is happening. It seems like just about anything could cause us to run off the road or get off the path we are on. Our walk with Jesus is a lot like that. You see Jesus said to follow me and when we take our eyes off of Him and begin to watch the ditches or other distractions we lose sight of him. The devil will use any and everything to distract us or even make us crash. You see the more that we can be slowed down or even taken off course the more the devil wins. We are talking about Remembering God is on your side. Depression or lack of self worth will cause us to wreck in our lives. God will be the one there to encourage you even when no one else says a word. Just keep your eyes on the road and out of the ditches.

It happened

Posted on June 19, 2017 by pastortoney

Yesterday was the day!! 17553903_10210941453765221_8003630911950060672_n It is the day that I waited for my whole life. What is that you might ask? Father’s Day!!! All I ever wanted was to be a dad. I was going to do a much better job then all the guys who tried to wear that hat in my life. My kids and I would have the perfect relationships and they would be the perfect children. Well I guess if you know me at all then you have met my kids. I haven’t always been a good dad much less a perfect dad. You see we parent the same way that our parents did us, or we tend to go the drastic opposite. I have done both. It wasn’t until I got saved that I truly understood what it meant to have a dad that would love me regardless of anything that I would or have done. Now when the day comes around I am not trying to be anything that I am not, nor do I expect my kids to be anything that they are not. I love them for who they are and what they will become, just like God loves me. Happy Father’s Day

The week after

Posted on April 23, 2017 by pastortoney

next week The week after the resurrection was no doubt an interesting week for the followers of Christ. For those of us who walk the Earth today, it is just as interesting. As we see the world unfold, we remember the things Jesus has said and wonder how they are going to all work out. The disciples were no different than we are. Often times we read about these men and begin to attribute super powers to them. Surely they all had great Faith and Trust in what Jesus had said. They couldn’t have been afraid of what man would do to them, could they? We always think that they just set the world on fire with no fear. What they had to do no doubt was have complete reliance upon God. They had to constantly be reminded by each other and the Holy Spirit that if God was on their side they could accomplish what they were being sent out to accomplish. As we begin this new series we are going to see that God is on our side. With that said it doesn’t mean that you won’t doubt or even be scared sometimes. What it does mean is that if we approach everything that we do with the understanding that God has prepared us and given us everything we need to do what He has asked. Leave the results up to Him and just be obedient.