Brandon Ives

Ephesians 1:4 says, “God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.” That’s right. Before we ever could earn God’s favor, God chose to show his love and grace by the power of His Son.

We often consider ourselves special in light of our adoption into God’s family and we really are special in that adoption. Yet, we betray this adoption when we fail to share God’s gracious love with those around us. We are not set apart by this adoption for the purpose of getting away from non-believers. Rather, we are set apart to proclaim the gospel, to shine as a light for those who have resisted God.

This is the work that we are now called toward. As the chosen people of God, we must take the gospel outside the walls of our church and bring it to the people of Chase City. But how? This week, try inviting a friend to church or think about offering to bring your neighbors children. Or perhaps share your experience about what God is doing in your life during a conversation with a friend.

Remember what Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Grace and Peace.

Labels: Chase City, Ephesians, Evangelism, Romans

Here are some highlights from a book I have been reading. Lectures To My Students by Charles H. Spurgeon

I hope these thoughts provoke insight’s for sharing the message of God’s Love with others.

• Rest assured that the most fervid revivalism will wear itself out in mere smoke, if it be not maintained by the fuel of teaching.
• There is nothing in the Bible which is ashamed of the light.
• Harmony requires that the voice of one doctrine shall not drown the rest, and it also demands that the gentler notes shall not be omitted because of the greater volume of other sounds…each must have its due hearing.
• Our great master theme is the good news from heaven; the tidings of mercy through the atoning death of Jesus, mercy to the chief of sinners upon their believing in Jesus.
• Do not overload a message with too much matter. All truth is not to be comprised in one discourse.
• Have a place for everything, and everything in its place.
• Let our depth and insight continually increase, and where there is spiritual advance it will be so.

Labels: Charles Spurgeon, Evangelism, Gospel, Preaching