Author: Phil Rehberg

open door

Open Doors To Unbelievers Around You

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You overhear a co-worker talking about their belief that people go through reincarnation until they eventually become god. You are friends with them and you want to talk with them about your faith. So how do you bring up the topic without coming across as combative? How do you say something that they would actually listen to? Do they have any ideas that you agree with that could be a bridge to them? What doors are open to them? Consider the following list of traits that Christians value: Hope Optimism Self efficacy Problem solving Creativity Wisdom Courage Positive emotion Self esteem Love Emotional intelligence Empathy Attachment Forgiveness Humor Gratitude Faith Morality Coping Well being Now here is the surprise. This list is not from a Christian or a Christian book. It is from the secular book Positive Psychological Assessment, by Shane Lopez and C. R. Snyder, published in 2003 by Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Freedom Makes Us Secure For Obedience – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“But if you look carefully into the perfect law [word of God] that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:25 (NLT) Here God encourages us that when we obey God’s word we will be blessed. This is a simple but big promise. The verse reminds us that God set us free by His word, and by this I believe he means God set us free from sin and bondage to worldliness. He brought us to the free realm of the kingdom of God. Thus, we don’t need to fear any sacrifices we make to obey God’s word, because we are always free and always share in His goodness. Application: put you name into the verse and repeat it three times. God Will Reward The Pure – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember 17, Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

God Promises Wisdom For Our Decisions – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV) God wants to give us wisdom, which means knowing the good thing to do in various situations of our lives. We all face difficult decisions, sometimes they are small and sometimes they are big. If you have a decision to make and it is not yet clear what to do, then God encourages you to ask Him. He wants to give you guidance. So spend some time praying and asking. Ruminate with God over your options. Read relevant scripture. Spend time listening in quiet receptivity before God. And take advantage of the wisdom of other believers and seek out someone who can give good advice. If we seek Him in faith He will give “generously to all.” Application: Put your name in the verse Continue Reading →

humility

The Unusual Humility Of William Seymour

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In 1906 something very unusual began happening in a small meeting in Los Angeles. People testified that the Spirit of God was coming upon them and filling them with joy and power and praise for God. Their lives were transformed. It was the beginning of the Azusa Street Revival which was the leading contributor to the biggest movement in the Christian church in centuries: Pentecostalism. It was also the second largest social movement of the 20th century after communism – and unlike communism it was still skyrocketing by the end of the century. In the year 2000 over 500 million Christians worldwide considered themselves Pentecostal or charismatic. The pastor of the church that hosted these meetings on Azusa Street was a black man named William Seymour. The meetings were filled with whites as well as blacks and many other nationalities. As news of the meetings spread many ministers spoke against Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Truth That Reigns Above All Others In Love – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true” I Jn 5:20 (ESV) Today there is an explosion of different ideas and philosophies that claim to tell us what is true. Many are versions of the idea that the only truth is what you choose, or what is inside you. This idea just leads to narcissism which is why we see so much self-centeredness and destructiveness in the world. But Jesus gave us understanding. He showed us God’s truth so that we could stay anchored in reality. And God’s reality is that He loves us and leads us to love one another and grow communities (churches) that shine with His light. This truth is higher than every “truth” that others claim. His truth frees us from self-centeredness and connects us to Himself so we can Continue Reading →