Restoring Faith in Our Communities: Why Churches Must Work Together

Posted on by pastortoney

Everywhere we look, our communities are crying out for restoration. Families are fractured, trust in institutions has faded, and many people have quietly walked away from faith altogether. In times like these, the church has a unique calling: to be a place of healing, hope, and renewal. But here’s the truth—restoration happens best when churches work together.

Restoration Through Unity

In John 17, Jesus prayed for His followers to be one so that “the world may believe.” When churches join hands across denominational lines, we display the very restoration Jesus prayed for. Our unity becomes a living testimony that brokenness can be healed and that God’s love is stronger than our differences.

Restoring Broken Lives

No single church can meet every need, but together we can restore what’s been lost:

  • Families can be restored through marriage counseling, parenting classes, and prayer support.
  • Hope can be restored through food pantries, addiction recovery ministries, and community outreach.
  • Faith can be restored through testimonies of grace shared in united services and events.

By working together, churches become instruments of God’s restoring power in places of deep hurt.

Restoring Trust in the Church

Sadly, many people see the church as divided, irrelevant, or judgmental. But when congregations come together—big and small, traditional and contemporary—the community witnesses something different: restoration at work. Unity among churches restores trust and reminds people that the church is still a place of love, care, and transformation.

Restoring Communities

Broken neighborhoods can be rebuilt when churches unite in practical ways:

  • Hosting community prayer walks.
  • Partnering for school supply drives or mentoring programs.
  • Joining forces in disaster relief or neighborhood renewal projects.

Every act of partnership whispers a greater truth: God is making all things new.

Closing Thought

The gospel is a story of restoration—God bringing beauty from ashes, healing from brokenness, and life from death. When churches in a community come together, we embody that story for the world to see.

Now more than ever, our communities need a united church, not divided congregations. Let’s commit to restoring faith, restoring hope, and restoring lives—together.

Restoration: It’s Never Too Late

Posted on by pastortoney

Have you ever felt too far gone? Like you’ve made too many mistakes, hurt too many people, or wasted too much time to ever be made whole again? I have. We all have at some point. But the beautiful thing about restoration is that it’s never too late. In fact, that’s the point.

In the book of Joel, God promises to “repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust” (Joel 2:25). He says this after a time of judgment when the Israelites were hungry and thirsty and turning back to God in repentance. He promises not only to forgive them but to restore what was lost.

That’s the thing about God. He’s not just about taking the losses of your life and forgiving you for them. He’s about restoration. He gives back the years the locusts ate. He restores what was lost and makes it better than it was before. And this isn’t just for spiritual things, though He promises to fill our lives with the knowledge of God so we’ll never be thirsty again (Joel 2:28). This is for all areas of life—marriages, family relationships, personal growth, spiritual vitality, career paths, health, and financial stability.

Restoration is not just for a select few either. In fact, if anything, the opposite is true. In Joel 2: 28-32, He goes on to prophesy a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all people. And this is exactly what happened on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2. The Spirit of God came on all kinds of people from all over the world. It didn’t matter if you were young or old, male or female, married or single, wealthy or poor, slave or free. If you were there, God included you in His plan.

This is one of those passages that challenges our thinking about who is “reachable” or who is “redeemable.” The truth is that no one is too far gone for God to work a miracle of transformation in their lives. From the death row inmate to the drug addict to the atheist, God’s offer of restoration stands.

But what does this restoration look like? For some, it may be reconciliation in broken relationships. For others, it may be finding new purpose and joy after a season of darkness. Restoration could mean healing from past hurts, breaking free from old patterns of sin and addiction, or discovering a new sense of identity and worth in Christ.

The process of restoration will often take time and effort. It’s not always easy or quick. In many ways, it’s like restoring an old car. You have to sand down the rough edges, fill in the holes and blemishes, and sometimes even strip off several layers of paint before you can get to the good stuff underneath. But the end result is always worth it.

God has promised restoration, and He will never go back on that promise. But He won’t force it on us either. We have to be willing to receive it and to do our part in the process. This is where becoming an agent of restoration comes in.

As people who have been forgiven and restored by God, we are called to be agents of restoration in the world around us. This could look like extending forgiveness to others, giving people second chances, or being willing to get our hands dirty in the messy work of reconciliation with those who have wronged us.

Becoming an agent of restoration also means living unashamed of our faith in a world that often marginalizes or ridicules religious people. In a culture that often tells us to keep our faith to ourselves or to quietly practice it behind closed doors, we are called to boldly and with humility share the transformative power of Christ with others. As Paul says in Romans 1: 16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

Living unashamedly is also a part of being an agent of restoration. It means being willing to share our stories of how God has restored us with others and inviting them into the family of God. It also means being willing to stand firm in our convictions, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly to do so.

Our workplaces, neighborhoods, and social circles are mission fields where God wants to bring His restoring touch through us. But in order to do that, we have to see them as such. We have to be willing to look for the opportunities to be agents of restoration and to step into those opportunities when they present themselves.

As we receive God’s offer of restoration for our own lives and become agents of restoration in the lives of others, we join the grand narrative of redemption that God is weaving in the world. We become living testimonies to the truth that no one is beyond hope, that it’s never too late to start again, and that God’s love can truly make all things new.

So wherever you are today, know that restoration is available. If you are standing in need of God’s restoring touch, know that He’s waiting with open arms to pour out His Spirit on you. But if you’re in a place where you can offer that touch to others, step into that opportunity today. It’s never too late to start again, to heal, to forgive, to dream, and to become all that God has created you to be.

Let’s pray that God would give us eyes to see the opportunities for restoration around us, that He would give us the courage to step into those opportunities, and that He would keep our hearts open to His transforming work in and through us. May we live as people of hope, confident in the God who specializes in restoration, and may our lives be lights of that hope to a world that desperately needs renewal.

Can They Really Change? The Power of Transformation in Christ

Posted on by pastortoney

We’ve all asked this question at some point: “Can they really change?” Maybe it’s about a family member with a troubled past, a coworker with bad habits, or even ourselves as we struggle with our own shortcomings. The truth is, on our own, genuine transformation can seem impossible. But there’s hope – a hope found in Jesus Christ.

The story of one man’s transformation serves as a powerful testament to this hope. Once known for his violent temper and constant trouble with the law, he seemed beyond redemption. Yet, after an encounter with Jesus in prison, his life took a dramatic turn. The change was so profound that some family members couldn’t believe it was real. They clung to the old image of who he used to be, unable to accept the new man standing before them.

This story challenges us to examine our own beliefs about change. Do we truly believe that Jesus can transform anyone, no matter how far they’ve strayed? Or do we put limits on God’s power, writing off certain people as “too far gone”?

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, addresses this very issue. He reminds us that when we come to Christ, we die to our old selves and are raised to new life. This isn’t just pretty language – it’s a spiritual reality that should radically alter how we live.

Paul asks a pointed question: “Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply?” His answer is an emphatic “Absolutely not!” The grace we’ve received isn’t a license to keep sinning; it’s an invitation to a completely new way of life.

This new life in Christ isn’t about following a set of rules or cleaning ourselves up before we come to Him. Jesus wants to change us from the inside out after we come to Him. Too often, the church has put up barriers, imposing standards that Jesus never did. The truth is, Jesus doesn’t care what you wear to church, whether you’ve got tattoos, or if you’ve got a colorful past. He cares about your heart and your willingness to let Him work in your life.

The process of change – what theologians call sanctification – is just that: a process. For some, certain habits or struggles may fall away quickly. For others, it’s a longer journey. The key is to remember that we’re going from victory to victory, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

This journey of sanctification requires active participation on our part. Paul urges us, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.” In today’s world, this can be incredibly challenging. We’re bombarded with temptations through our phones, computers, and media. It takes intentional effort to guard our hearts and minds.

One practical example given is the importance of protecting our “eye gates” and “ear gates” – being careful about what we allow ourselves to see and hear. In a world where pornography is just a click away, where movies and TV shows push boundaries further and further, we must be vigilant. What starts as a “small” compromise can grow into something much more destructive if left unchecked.

The good news is that we’re not fighting this battle alone. When we stumble – and we will – we serve a forgiving God. Repentance isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing part of our walk with Christ. We get up, dust ourselves off, and keep moving forward.

But here’s a challenging question: What if we put as much effort into living for God as we sometimes do in trying to hide our sins? Imagine the impact we could have if we invested the same energy into righteousness that we often pour into covering up our wrongdoings.

Consider this: Many of us work 40 hours a week for our jobs. How many hours do we dedicate to God? If we gave God even half the time we give our employers, how might our lives – and our communities – be transformed? The early disciples left everything to follow Jesus. While He may not be calling us to such a dramatic step, He is asking us to put Him in the right perspective in our lives.

The truth is, sin has no control over us except what we give it. We are under grace, not law. This isn’t an excuse to sin, but a reminder of the power we have in Christ to live differently.

As we go about our daily lives, what if we looked at every person we encountered with the belief that they are not too far gone for God to change them? What if we loved them and shared Jesus with them, regardless of their current state? We are either pushing people towards Jesus or away from Him – the choice is ours.

In the end, transformation in Christ isn’t just about us. It’s about becoming vessels through which God can work to reach others. It’s about allowing the change in our own lives to be a testimony to the power of Jesus. It’s about believing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace.

So the next time you’re tempted to ask, “Can they really change?” remember – with Jesus, the answer is always yes. The question is, will we believe it and live like it’s true?

The Power of Context: Understanding God’s Word in Full

Posted on by pastortoney

In our journey of faith, we often encounter verses or passages from the Bible that seem to speak directly to our hearts. However, the true power of Scripture lies not just in isolated verses, but in understanding the full context of God’s message. Today, let’s explore why context matters and how it can deepen our understanding of God’s Word.

The Danger of Misinterpretation

It’s amusing, and sometimes concerning, how easily Bible verses can be taken out of context. For instance, did you know that the Bible says “there is no God”? Of course, this isn’t the full story. Psalm 14:1 actually states, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” This example illustrates how drastically meaning can change when we cherry-pick parts of Scripture.

Another common misinterpretation occurs with 2 Chronicles 7:14, the well-known verse about God healing the land if His people humble themselves and pray. While it’s a powerful promise, it’s crucial to understand that this was originally addressed to the Jewish people facing exile. We can certainly draw inspiration from this verse, but we must also respect its original context.

The Importance of Gentle Instruction

In 2 Timothy 2:14, we’re reminded not to “fight about words.” How often do we find ourselves in heated debates over minor theological points or Bible translations? These arguments often lead to division rather than unity in the body of Christ.

Instead, we’re called to instruct others with gentleness. As 2 Timothy 2:25-26 states, “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

This gentle approach doesn’t mean we compromise on truth. Rather, it means we present the truth in love, understanding that it’s ultimately God who changes hearts and minds.

Growing in Spiritual Maturity

As we grow in our faith, we should be moving away from “youthful passions” and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. This isn’t about age, but about spiritual maturity. Whether you’ve been saved for one year or fifty, the goal is continual growth and sanctification.

We’re called to be “workers who do not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This requires diligence and dedication to studying God’s Word in its full context.

The Pitfall of Pointless Arguments

How much time do we waste arguing about things that don’t ultimately matter for eternity? Whether it’s debating the color of the church carpet or arguing over minor doctrinal differences, these disputes often breed quarrels and division.

Instead, we should focus on what truly matters – pointing people to Jesus. Every conversation, every action should either be pushing people towards Christ or inadvertently pushing them away. We must choose wisely where we invest our energy and words.

Living Set Apart for God

When we decide to live fully for God, setting ourselves apart for His purposes, He honors that commitment. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean God will give us favor and use us in ways we might never expect.

This commitment to holiness isn’t about perfection – we’ll always be sinners this side of heaven. But as we grow in Christ, we should be becoming more like Him, putting away the “youthful passions” and pursuits that once defined us.

The Beauty of Unity in the Body

One of the saddest realities in church history is how often arguments and divisions have led to the formation of new denominations or churches. Instead of working through differences with love and patience, people often choose to separate.

But what if we approached disagreements differently? Imagine if we could voice our disagreements respectfully and then continue in unity, supporting the decisions made by the church body, even if we personally disagree.

This kind of unity doesn’t mean we never have differing opinions. It means we value the body of Christ more than our personal preferences. It means we trust that God is ultimately in control, even when decisions don’t go our way.

Applying These Truths

So how do we put these principles into practice?

  1. Study the Bible in context. Don’t just read individual verses – read entire chapters and books to understand the full message.
  2. Approach disagreements with gentleness and humility. Remember, the goal isn’t to win arguments but to point people to Christ.
  3. Focus on what truly matters for eternity. Avoid getting caught up in pointless disputes that don’t further the Kingdom of God.
  4. Commit to living set apart for God. Trust that as you pursue holiness, God will honor your commitment and use you for His purposes.
  5. Value unity in the body of Christ. Work through differences with love and patience, always seeking to maintain the bond of peace.
  6. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong. If you’ve misinterpreted or misapplied Scripture, have the humility to acknowledge it and learn from the experience.

As we navigate our faith journey, let’s commit to understanding and applying God’s Word in its full, rich context. Let’s approach others with gentleness and love, even in disagreement. And above all, let’s keep our focus on what truly matters – growing in Christ and helping others do the same.

May we be a people who are known not for our arguments or divisions, but for our love, our unity, and our faithful handling of God’s truth. As we do so, we’ll not only grow in our own faith but will also be powerful witnesses to a world desperately in need of the hope and truth found in Christ.

Choosing the Lowest Place (A Lesson in Humility)

Posted on by pastortoney


Luke 14 7–11 records a parable Jesus shared about a wedding feast. He observes how people jockey and compete to get the places of honor, for they will be seen, noticed, and honored there. Then, unexpectedly, He says the opposite:


“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him… But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:8, 10–11 KJV)

The Big Idea: Jesus is teaching us that the heart posture of the Kingdom of God is humility
Pretending to be humble to get promoted at work or at church later is not this. Humility is the natural outworking of the person who trusts God’s love and goodness for them and wants to put others first in all things.


The world around us teaches us the opposite. The systems of the world often elevate climbing and competing for the best. The one with the highest title, the fanciest office, or the most Instagram followers must be the best.
God’s Economy: Kingdom greatness is found by “laying down our crowns at the feet of Jesus.”


But in God’s Kingdom, the greatest are those who have exalted not themselves but lowered themselves in humble service to God and others.
Humility vs. Self-Promotion


We live in a culture that trains us to feel like we need to self-promote to be seen, to stand out, and to be successful. You hear this preached in the Church (loosely), at work, and even in some ministries.


Jesus is warning us that when we push and pull and self-promote for the seat of honor, we may be humbled and embarrassed instead of exalted. But when we choose humility, God Himself is the One who will lift us up in His time and in His way.


God Exalts the Humble
The principle is this: God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). When we empty ourselves and choose the “lowest seat,” we make room for God to fill us with His Spirit and to do the exalting.


Ask Yourself
Are we serving to be seen by others, or do we serve because we love God and are grateful?
Do we crave recognition and attention, or can we simply rest in God’s reasonable opinion of us?
Are we willing to take the lowest place and trust God’s timing to honor and lift us up?
Jesus, our Example
Jesus is the perfect example of this. We see in Philippians 2 7–9 that He humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant, becoming obedient all the way to death—even the death of the cross.
And so, because of His humility, God highly exalted Him.


At church: Choose to serve where no one else wants to. Count it a blessing. Find a place in ministry that most people would consider “behind the scenes.”
In your relationships: Be quick to yield, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Don’t have to have the last word or the best title.
In your heart: Surrender your pride and desire for recognition to God daily. Trust Him to honor you in His way and His time.


The “upper room” is not the way up in God’s Kingdom; rather, the way up is down. We lay down our crowns at the feet of Jesus, and He is the One who says, “Friend, go up higher.”

Devotion for Sermon 8/17

Posted on by pastortoney

Day 1: The Gift of Grace Reading: Romans 5:12-21

Devotional: The pastor talked about how one man’s sin brought death to all of humanity. That convicted me because no matter how good I try to live, I am still a sinner. But God’s grace is so amazing! I need to meditate on that today. Where did I fall short yesterday? Where can I do better today? The good news is, Jesus paid the price for my sins. I just need to confess and turn away from those sins. Today, I need to make sure that I’m not trying to “earn” God’s love and grace. Salvation is Jesus plus nothing. I can live my life free to love and serve God, free to show others the grace God has shown me.

Day 2: Valuing Every Soul Reading: Luke 15:1-10

Devotional: The pastor talked about how Jesus’ payment on the cross was of equal value for every lost soul on the planet, saved and unsaved. God’s heart for every person is great. As I read this passage about the lost sheep and the lost coin, I need to meditate on this: Do I value every person like God does? Have I ever thought a person is not worth my time and effort to share the gospel? I can just ignore them. That’s not right. I need to ask God to give me his eyes to see the value of every person He created. Today, as I go about my day, I need to remember: EVERY PERSON MATTERS. I need to treat everyone as if they are a person Christ died for. Don’t let me miss any opportunities to let people know they matter to God.

Day 3: Living Out Your Faith Reading: James 2:14-26

Devotional: The sermon was on the fact that our good works don’t “pay the cost” for our salvation, but they are the expected result of our faith. The same theme is continued in James’ letter, in fact it makes it very clear that faith without works is dead. Today I need to be honest in my heart with God. Am I living out my faith? Is my faith showing any fruit of works? Is there something I am resisting to do that I should be doing? Maybe telling my testimony to someone. Maybe serving someone. We don’t do good works to “earn” our gift of salvation. We DO good works because of that gift. Today I need to ask God to help me do one tangible thing today as a result of my faith and gratitude for His gift to me.

Day 4: Overcoming Habitual Sin Reading: Romans 6:1-14

Devotional: The pastor talked about the danger of living in habitual sin. The problem is, old habits are hard to break. We’re all in a fight with sin, but Paul gives us hope in Romans 6. The verses to meditate on today are: 6:11 “Consider yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus!” and 6:14 “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (ESV) As I read these passages I need to be honest. Are there areas in my life where I live in habitual sin? Probably. I am no longer a slave to sin. I am alive to God IN CHRIST JESUS. I am a new creation. So how do I “consider myself dead to sin but alive to God”? I need to come up with some practical applications today to help me break those sin habits. Maybe an accountability partner? Replacing the sin habit with a good habit? I don’t know. But I need to remember that Christ’s resurrection has the power to break me free from the bondage of sin.

Day 5: Restoration and New Beginnings Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Devotional: The sermon was about God’s heart for restoration all the way back in the Garden of Eden. The passage for today also talks about restoration, new creation and new beginnings. The old has gone, the new has come! The old me is gone, the new me in Christ lives now. I need to meditate on that today. How has God restored me? Am I living like I’m restored? Am I living like a new creation? God didn’t just reconcile us to himself in Christ. He’s given us the ministry of reconciliation. God is in the business of reconciliation and He wants to use us to share His good news of reconciliation with the world. He’s given us the ministry of reconciliation. Are we doing it? God, help me be an ambassador for you today. Let me use this day to share with others the great message of reconciliation.

God’s Gift Is Better Than Your Performance

Posted on 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 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 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 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?