The great tragedy of trials is not going through them, but rather going through them and not learning anything from them.  God permits, and sometimes even sends, trials our way so that we can steward those trials for the benefit of others.  The apostle Paul alludes to this truth in 2 Corinthians 1:4.  He said,

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 

Notice three principles from this verse:

The Principle of Suffering

Paul used the word …

Bill Hull is one of today’s leading aficionados when it comes to discipleship.  His literary contributions to the subject has awakened and reignited a passion among many believers in this generation.  Some of his other works include The Disciple-Making Pastor, The Disciple-Making Church, The Complete Book of Discipleship, Choosing the Life: Exploring a Faith That Embraces Discipleship, and Jesus Christ Disciplemaker.  He has given much of his life to the development and training of authentic followers of Jesus Christ.

In his most recent book, Christlike: The Pursuit of Uncomplicated Obedience, Hull challenges the church to lay aside …

Passing out Gospel tracts is something that any, and every Christian should be doing. We have been commanded to give the Gospel to every creature; the distribution of Gospel literature is one of the most effective ways to reach a large number of people. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Leave a tract with your tip at a restaurant. If you are not a generous tipper do not leave a tract. You will not only insult your server, you will leave a poor testimony behind as a believer.

2. Put them at the pump. I typically leave a tract in …

Text: Matthew 20:20-28

Introduction:

The mother of James and John approached Jesus with an unusual request regarding the position and authority of her two sons.  Christ explained to her that service  is the key to positional greatness.

1. The Request of the Mother (v21-22)

A. In Relation to the Sons– “grant that these my two sons”

B. In Relation to the Sitting– “sit on thy right and left”

2. The Reply of the Master (v23-24)

A. The Insight was Revealed- “it is not mine to give, it is prepared by God the Father”

B. The …

Regal Books has recently marketed a series of “never before published” books by A.W. Tozer.  These collective works have been compiled by James L. Synder.  Although this material was never organized in book form by Tozer, it does appeal to those of us who can’t get enough of his writings.

In the book, The Dangers of a Shallow Faith, you have the classic prophetic tone that is typical of Tozer’s style.  Tozer had a way of removing all the fluff of religious rhetoric.  He was able to get down to the core of our indifference and apathy.  He never …