"The work of the gospel takes place when we take the gospel to work with us by living for Christ" Tim Jupp
"The Spirit not only produces in us the faith by which we’re justified, but he gives us new life in Christ, new desires, new inclinations, new instincts. By the Spirit, our coming into such rest does not make us idle or lazy. Rather, Paul says, the Spirit begins to make us “zealous for good works",eager and ready to do good, devoting ourselves to acts that serve the good of others. The Reformation recovery of such ultimate rest for the soul produced a different kind of people. Not a lazy and apathetic people. But the kind of people with new energy and freedom, new vision and hope, fresh initiatives, fresh freedom from self, and new desires to expend self for the good of others. The kind of people who have the Spirit of God in them. It’s been called “the Protestant work ethic.” John Piper
"Sharing your testimony releases hope. Each one of us was rescued and brought out of something for a reason: "so that you may declare the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9, MEV).
In these dark days, it's critical that people see the hope of resurrection. More than ever, people need confidence that God is real, that He loves them and that He can truly their transform lives into something of value. As one who's experienced that transformation, your testimony has the power to release that hope.
Perhaps your story will encourage the addict that freedom can be had. The sick that their symptoms are not the final answer. The depressed that there is a place of exceeding joy. The outcast that there is acceptance. The worried that God will provide. No matter how big or small, your story might be just the hope that someone needs to make it through whatever he or she faces today. Don't hold it back." Kyle Winkler SILENCING SATAN
Ephesians 6:5-9
Songs:
Start Right Here, Casting Crowns,
Refiners Fire, Brian Doerksen,
The Cause of Christ, Resolved, West Coast Baptist College