Month: October 2025

weekly words of encouragement

Dwelling Close To God – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart” Psalms 15:1-2 (ESV). What is the “holy hill”? The Psalmist, David, is referring to Mt. Zion where the tabernacle (forerunner of the temple) was situated. Inside the tabernacle was the holy of holies where God’s presence was more powerful than anywhere else on earth. So to dwell on the “holy hill” meant one was dwelling close to God; they would experience his presence. This was the most blessed state a person could hope for. So who had the privilege of dwelling close to God? Those who live without patterns of damaging others, who do the right thing and embrace honesty in their heart. Isn’t this what God wants from us? In this way we are lights of the world, for the majority do not live this way. But Continue Reading →

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Using Relationships In Evangelism – Part 2

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Last week we talked about using relationships in evangelism, especially with friends who are not saved. We explained that the nature of healthy relationships points to God and how he relates to us, as well as how he wants us to relate with others. Below is a discussion one might have with a seeker, using relationships in evangelism to them. You may be able to collect some ideas for the next discussion you have with a friend who will talk about the meaning of life, but who may not listen to a direct evangelistic message. Many seekers want to understand a relationship with God before they pursue following Jesus. Using relationships in evangelism is a non-threatening way to point someone toward Christ. “Think about someone you love very much and who also loves you. If you don’t have such a relationship think about the ideal relationship you would like to Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

God Is With Us – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“God is present in the company of the righteous” Psalms 14:5 (NIV) God is everywhere but God is with us in different ways in different places. We find this throughout the Bible. God is present in the burning bush, on Mt. Sinai, in the Temple, at the Transfiguration, and at Pentecost. But the last is best, for God likes to progressively increase his grace. When the Psalmist wrote Psalm 14 God was more present to his followers than to those who rejected him. He watched them and helped them. But after Pentecost God is now present inside his followers because we replace the Temple. So now God is with us, even in a single righteous person! But even better than that: “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:20 (NIV). So when we gather in Jesus’ name his presence is magnified! This is Continue Reading →

friendship handshake men

Using Relationships In Evangelism – Part 1

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I got into a debate online with someone who was complaining about God ordering the death of some people in the Old Testament. We went back and forth until finally I explained that the root reason for God’s judgment was that the people were destroying relationships. They had embraced a destructive culture, even to the point of sacrificing infants to their idols. The other person didn’t respond to my comment. What could he say? This is an example of discussing Christian principles of relationships in evangelism, showing that Jesus is the way to healthy relationships. Usually, when we think of apologetics in evangelism, we think of presenting evidence related to facts of the Christian faith. But sometimes apologetics relates to values or ideas that listeners already embrace. For example, when Paul evangelized Gentiles he did not use the same ideas that he used with Jews. When he spoke to Gentiles Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

God is King – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“The Lord is King for ever and ever,” Psalms 10:16 (NIV). In Psalms 10 the author recounts the ways in which the wicked destroy the innocent and prosper in their ways. Yet the Psalmist also declares that God is king of the earth. He also affirms that God will help the victims and do justice to the wicked. We may not be under attack from the wicked but we feel the impact of the ungodly ways of the people around us. Loved ones turn away from God and ministers mislead their congregations. We can offer help but we cannot stop the destruction. Yet God is king and he will redeem all that is his. He will bring everything to a just and good conclusion. If we are willing to trust his kingship then we can allow him to develop mercy and peace inside us. We can let him produce the Continue Reading →