Yitagesu Ambaye’s Post

⛪ The definition of "church" has certainly changed since the first century. And as the digital age continues to evolve, so does our idea of church. But what should online church look like? 🤔 Join co-host Andy Mage and Mark Lutz as they explore the ins and outs of digital ministry and what the idea of "church" means online in episode 3 of The Online Church Blueprint ➡️➡️➡️ https://hubs.li/Q02mHQm00

Looking for some help to understand the biblical importance of finding a home for every child that needs one? Make Room is our free four-session Bible study resource created for individuals, small groups or whole churches. It’s a study for anyone, anywhere, who would like to dig a bit deeper into what the Bible has to say about the heart of God and how that so closely connects to finding a home for every child who needs one. Find the resources 👇 https://lnkd.in/eYvNtcnZ

“This is no more than greed on both accounts, the giver who gives in order to get and the receiver who asks in order to receive more.” READ PROVERBS 3:9-10 Devotion # 8 The Key Word is——HONOR >>Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.<< You have to remember you are reading the book of Proverbs, NOT the book of Promises. In other words, it’s a book of probability. Proverbs gives us godly wisdom and insight on how to live, but it wasn’t written as a divine guarantee to sunshine and roses if you do this or that. In contrast to the Gospel of Romans, which is a book of Promise and not probabilities (see Romans 8:31-39). As a student of Scripture you need to understand the difference. This is a portion of Scripture that many televangelists and pastors have become wealthy on. They preach if you give money to them then God will financially deposit wealth into your bank account. This is no more than greed on both accounts, the giver who gives in order to get and the receiver who asks in order to receive more. In all of Scripture, rich and poor (note there are many godly people that are poor) are commanded to give. My grandparents were loving, giving Christian folks, who in Grandpa Heavin’s own words said, “We were so poor that we couldn’t afford a down payment on a free meal.” However, he still gave to the Lord even in his financial struggles. The point is to give the Lord your first fruits, not your leftovers. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.” —Mark 14:7 Some being rich and some being poor is a way of life, it is what it is. Regardless of your circumstances, put the Lord first. The key word is, “Honor,” honor the Lord with your wealth. https://lnkd.in/eB4V6xKF

This latest episode is a discussion on the parallels between Old Testament provisions for the Levites and New Testament instructions for supporting those who lead us and teach us in the modern church. https://lnkd.in/ej6RXzD9

While this comic is amusing, it also raises a question we often consider in our ReturnFaith series: "What are you inviting your loved one to?" When we strive to reconnect our loved ones with their faith, are we inviting them to truly welcoming spaces? Do our churches embrace newcomers or inadvertently push them away? As we focus on bringing our loved ones back, let's keep in mind that we have the opportunity to build parishes that warmly welcome all of our loved ones back. (Find out more at returnfaith.org)

Are you discipling popsicles or oaks? It’s a surprisingly important question that can shape discipleship in your church for generations. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gq6Gt9zE

Good insight

Warning to the Rich.  Patience in Suffering.  The Power of Prayer.   "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."  James 5:16   In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we explore James Chapter 5 , focusing on the crucial themes of justice, patience, and the power of prayer. This concluding chapter offers warnings and encouragements, addressing both the wealthy oppressors and the suffering believers. It reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly wealth and underscores the importance of using resources in God-honoring ways, while also highlighting the virtues of patience and steadfastness through trials, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like the prophets and Job. Key "look-fors" include the strong admonishment to the rich, the encouragement to remain patient in the face of suffering, and the emphasis on the transformative power of prayer in various life situations. Through these themes, the chapter invites listeners to reflect on the deeper principles of faith in action, stewardship, and community support.   

and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation https://lnkd.in/eH5WBBDX

Here is why Revival is necessary today, although it was not a main focus of the First Century Church. When Scripture was being written in the New Testament, we have to remember that they were moving away from an Old Covenant System. So if revival was a main focus back then, we would be encouraged to return to the Old Covenant way of life, when that was not the case. Jesus was establishing something brand new. the New Testament Church. However, today 2000 years later many have drifted so far away from the foundational ways of this New Testament Church, that there is absolutely a need for revival - a return to the foundational principles of the New Testament Church laid down in Scripture. So those who keep saying that the New Testament Church main focus was not Revival is missing the point. Remember we are reading a 2000 year old writing and instruction. That they were moving away from a system that was about to be destroyed and establishing something brand new; never heard of or experienced before - The New Covenant Church! #thinkingoutloud