How Gospel Radio is Building the Church in Nepal
Chasing the Signal “I am listening to your programs.” Pastor Maahir, a recent Nepali Bible College graduate and local church leader, shifts the phone to his other ear and keeps listening. The voice on the line sounds young and hesitant. “I am not a Christian,” she quickly adds. “No one in my family is a […]
Overcoming With Peace
Read: John 16:25-33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (v. 33 NIV) It’s easy to focus on the trouble in the world, in our communities, in our churches, even within our families. […]
From Grief to Joy
Read: John 16:20-24 Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. (v. 22 NIV) When Jesus used the example of a woman giving birth, he pointed to an event that’s both commonplace and extraordinary. We all began life the […]
Waiting for Truth
Read: John 16:12-19 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (v. 13) The words of Scripture often seem shrouded in mystery. Jesus acknowledged a sense of ambiguity when he told the disciples, “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now” (v. 12 […]
Be Prepared
Read: John 16:1-11 Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. (vv. 2-3) This chapter begins with Jesus’s dire warnings about impending persecution. Throughout history, many horrible injustices have been committed […]
This Is a Test
Read: John 15:18-27 When the Advocate comes . . . he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. (vv. 26-27 NIV) I don’t like to be tested, to have to prove my knowledge or show evidence for my beliefs. But most of us have […]
Full of Joy
Read: John 15:9-17 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you,and that your joy may be full. (v. 11) Do you know this JOY acronym: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last? It doesn’t seem realistic to find joy by putting yourself last. But the life God calls us to […]
Pruned to Produce
Read: John 15:1-8 Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (v. 2) It’s hard for me to cut away a perfectly fine, green and growing branch from a plant or bush. But sometimes, I realize that it’s the best thing I can do for the health of the […]
Peace to You
Read: John 14:22-31 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (v. 27) Many churches have a practice of “passing the peace,” a mutual greeting as they begin worship. I appreciate […]