​There is strength when God’s people work together. This truth can be seen in families, throughout communities, and especially within the Church. There may be many different churches, denominations, traditions, and styles of worship, but those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ have something far greater in common than the things that may try to separate. The commonality is Jesus Christ. When churches are willing to put aside unnecessary differences and work together for the cause of Christ, they can accomplish much more for their region and for the Kingdom of God.
The Bible clearly teaches the importance of unity among God’s people. Psalm 133:1 declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Biblical unity does not mean that every church must look the same, worship the same way, or agree on every point. There are convictions and doctrines that God's people should never compromise. However, there are also many areas where believers can stand together, recognizing that common faith in Christ is greater than many of the differences that exist.
Jesus Himself prayed for this kind of unity among His followers. In John 17:21, Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one.” His prayer reflects that Christian unity is about something much greater than simply getting along with one another. Unity is part of one's testimony to the world. When Christians continually fight, criticize, and tear one another down, the world notices. However, when Christians come together to pray, serve, help those in need, and proclaim Jesus Christ, the world notices that as well.
There are many opportunities for churches to work together without giving up their individual identities or convictions. Churches can cooperate through community outreach, food drives, disaster relief, youth activities, prayer gatherings, and helping families who are going through difficult times. One church may have resources another church does not have. Another may have volunteers, facilities, equipment, or experience that can help accomplish a particular task. When these resources are brought together, the ability to minister to people becomes much greater.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” The passage continues by displaying that when one falls, another is there to help him up. There is a spiritual principle in these words that the Church should never forget: God never intended for churches to do everything alone.
The Apostle Paul described the Church as a body. 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body.” Every part of the body does not have the same function, but every part is important. In the same way, different congregations may have different ministries, different strengths, and different opportunities. When those strengths are used together for the glory of God, the entire community can benefit.
Communities face problems that no single church can solve by itself. People are struggling with addiction, poverty, loneliness, broken homes, hopelessness, and countless other difficulties. The Church has an opportunity and a responsibility to shine the light of Jesus Christ into these situations. When churches work together, they are able to reach beyond the walls of individual congregations and demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways.
The Church should never be about competing with one another. Churches should not compete to see who can have the largest attendance, the biggest building, or the most successful ministry. Christians should be here to serve Jesus Christ and advance His Kingdom. Galatians 6:10 says, “Let us do good unto all men.” That is something every Bible-believing church can stand behind.
When churches work together, differences become secondary to the mission God has placed before them. Churches may worship in different buildings, have different traditions, and approach certain things differently, but they can still join together in serving God and loving our neighbors.
Here in White County, one can already see an example of this through the churches and ministers who participate in the Ministerial Association. Ministers from different church backgrounds and affiliations are willing to come together for the good of the community. We may not agree on everything, but we can agree that people need Jesus, people need prayer, and people need to see the love of Christ demonstrated through His Church.
A community is stronger when its churches are willing to stand together. More importantly, the Christian testimony is stronger when the world sees believers practicing the unity, love, and service that Jesus taught. A Christian does not have to surrender their convictions to work together. They simply need to remember that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that ultimately, everything they do should be for His glory.
For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.

​The church is called to be different from the world. We are not called merely to come out of obvious sin, but to live in such a way that our lives bring honor to Jesus Christ. Paul gives the church a simple but powerful instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” As believers, we should not only be concerned about whether something is technically sinful, but also whether our actions give the appearance of wrongdoing or bring reproach upon the name of Christ.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The Christian life is lived before a watching world. People observe how we speak, how we conduct ourselves, how we treat others, and how we respond in difficult situations. This is especially true for those who are active in the church and those who hold positions of leadership.
The Bible teaches that our testimony matters. Romans 14:16 says, “Let not then your good be evil spoken of.” There may be times when something is not necessarily wrong in itself, but because of the circumstances surrounding it, our participation can damage our testimony or become a stumbling block to someone else. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:9, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
As Christians, we cannot live with the attitude that says, “I do not care what anyone thinks.” Certainly, we cannot allow people to control our lives through false accusations or unreasonable expectations, but we must care about our Christian witness. Philippians 2:15 tells us that we are to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,” and that we are to shine “as lights in the world.”
This is especially important within the church. Church members should avoid relationships, conversations, activities, and situations that could unnecessarily create suspicion or bring reproach upon the ministry. Proverbs 22:1 declares, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” A testimony can take years to build and only moments to damage.
Pastors and church leaders carry an even greater responsibility. Paul wrote concerning a bishop in 1 Timothy 3:7, “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Ministry leaders must guard not only their character but also their conduct.
The church should never ask, “How close can we get to sin without crossing the line?” Instead, we should desire to stay as close to Christ as possible. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”
Our goal should be holiness, integrity, and a testimony that points people toward Jesus. We must flee from evil, avoid unnecessary reproach, and live in such a way that Christ is glorified through our lives and through His church.
When the church takes holiness seriously, it protects both its witness and its unity before the world. We should never forget that our actions reflect not only on ourselves, but also on the Lord we claim to serve. May we determine to walk carefully, live above reproach, and give no unnecessary occasion for the name of Christ to be spoken against.
For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.

​As noted in part one of this series, sin is defined as an offence; the determination of human nature in hostility to God; action opposed to the divine ordinance that corresponds with what is right; a contradiction to what is right; anything that contradicts God’s character of holiness.  These are not Webster's dictionary definitions but original-language definitions from the Bible.  Understanding what sin is and how it operates helps soldiers of God to overcome their enemy more often.  
In studying sin, one must understand there are different types, or classifications, of sin.  This does not imply that one sin is more egregious than another, but rather that there are different categories of sin.  The first type of sin to be discussed is the sin of omission.  The sin of omission is the rebellious attitude in purposefully not doing what God’s Word requires.  The heart of this type of sin is found in James 4:17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin".  The New Living Translation of this verse says, "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it".  
When people purposefully choose not to do what God's Word requires, it is counted as sin to them.  This can be not loving one's neighbor as themself, withholding the truth from a situation, or other situations when something is omitted illegitimately.  The sin of omission could be thought of as either a sin of laziness or arrogance.  Laziness due to the lack of action based on desire or arrogance due to the heart feeling as if the rules do not apply to them. Either way, this is a sin of omission when not conducted as God has designed or required.  
Next on the list is the sin of ignorance.  Yes, there is a sin of ignorance.  Lacking understanding is not the issue of this sin, but the lack of zeal to continue to grow in the things of God, removing ignorance from one's life.  The same requirement is demanded of those who have been established in the faith, and those who are new to the faith (Numbers 15:29).  As faith and consecration continue to grow in one's life, the sin of ignorance is not being committed.  It is when a person chooses not to grow in faith or in consecration, seeking God to lay aside the weights and sins that do beset us (Hebrews 12:1-2), that constitutes the sin of ignorance.  
Laziness and selfishness choose to be ignorant in preparation for an excuse.  This is even reflected in Jesus' teaching from Luke 12:48, when He discusses someone who does not know and then does something wrong, they will be punished lightly.  There is still a judgment due to a lack of understanding based on laziness or selfishness.  
More concretely defined, the sin of ignorance is the use of a lack of wisdom or understanding as an excuse for accountability.  Willful ignorance is defined by a hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:18), a rejection of knowledge (Hosea 4:6), a desire without knowledge (Proverbs 19:2), a lack of asking God for one's need (James 1:5), a lack of preparing one's mind for action (1 Peter 1:13), disobedient children (1 Peter 1:14), and not submitting to God's righteousness (Romans 10:3).  
Christians need to ensure they are not allowing the sin of omission or the sin of ignorance to be within their lives.  The lack of discipline to root these sins out may have a higher price than what one may realize until it is too late.  It is best to use the knowledge from the Word of God to overcome such sins and be more pleasing unto God through a life of faith.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

​As noted in part one of this series, sin is defined as an offence; the determination of human nature in hostility to God; action opposed to the divine ordinance that corresponds with what is right; a contradiction to what is right; anything that contradicts God’s character of holiness.  These are not Webster's dictionary definitions but original language from the Bible definitions.  Understanding what sin is and how it operates helps soldiers of God to overcome their enemy more often.  
In Genesis 3:1-21, one can see not only the deception of the serpent with the woman and the fall of mankind, but also the curse of sin as an act of rebellion and disobedience.  God curses the serpent to be below every animal both in the physical by being on his belly, but also in the rank and file of animals (Genesis 3:14).  The serpent was also cursed with hostility between its offspring and the offspring of mankind (Genesis 3:15).  An exact display of this is found in the descendants of the woman would bruise the descendants of the serpent’s head, while he would bruise the heel of mankind.  The definition of the serpent bruising the heel of man is defined as to lie in wait for those in the rear of an army.  This is reminiscent of the enemy being as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).  
The woman's curse was multiplied pain in pregnancy and in childbirth.  Ironically, the other portion of the curse for her was the desire to control her husband, but he will have authority over her (Genesis 3:16).  While this same attitude takes place in anyone who will allow it to, the struggle of leading within the home began here with this act of rebellion.  Since the woman disobeyed God and her husband, she will now have the desire but not be divinely allowed to rule over her husband.  For any husband to allow his wife to rule over him is a direct disobedience to this verse and other passages that discuss the man leading his wife and home (1 Peter 3:1; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23-24).  The husband is not to abuse this authority but to properly take God's rank and file of the home and apply it to his own (Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:25). 
The man's curse is more labor to provide for his family (Genesis 3:17).  The land would no longer produce in a bountiful way without more work to have a proper harvest.  This will be an issue for the remaining days of all mankind.  The man would also have to deal with thorns and thistles as a part of his work and life (Genesis 3:18).  The thorns are points of pain when one is not paying attention, while thistles are less noticeable points of pain from flowers.  Even when handling the beautiful things in life, there are still small points of pain that can be present. 
Once the curse of sin is pronounced, Adam then names his wife Eve (Genesis 3:20).  Although he declared her kind to be woman just as he declared the names of species of animals, Adam failed to give the woman a possessive name reflecting his connection to her as husband and wife.  This can be given as an example of a husband having a woman as his wife, but his possessive name is when he calls her "baby", "honey", or another name of endearment.  Since names are given to each person, that is a title, but the possessive name reflects intimacy.  
Since the curse of sin was pronounced, there is a requirement of blood to cover sin (Genesis 3:21).  For those in modern times, Jesus Christ was made the supreme sacrifice for the sins of the world, giving the opportunity and availability for anyone to go directly to God for a personal relationship through Jesus Christ.  Although the curse of sin remains, the perfect remedy is found in Jesus Christ.  
For those still under the curse of sin, peace, love, joy, and so many more things that one looks for in this life can be found in a free pardon of sin if Jesus Christ is asked to forgive one's sins and made the Lord and Savior of one's life.  If you believe that Jesus died for your sins, was resurrected, and is the Son of God, you can be forgiven and made a new creation in Him.  All you have to do is believe in your heart, confess with your mouth Who Jesus is, and express your desire to be forgiven and made God's child (1 John 1:9; Romans 10:10).
For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

​As noted from part one of this series, sin is defined as an offence; the determination of human nature in hostility to God; action opposed to the divine ordinance that corresponds with what is right; a contradiction to what is right; anything that contradicts God’s character of holiness.  These are not Webster's dictionary definitions but original language from the Bible definitions.  Understanding what sin is and how it operates helps soldiers of God to overcome their enemy more often.  
Even from the very beginning, the deception of sin begins with perverting the truth.  The serpent knows what God said, but is breeding doubt by proposing questions to get the woman insecure (Genesis 3:1). Sin thrives on insecurities. Insecurities are areas lacking faith. The serpent twists God’s words and then builds on the doubt he bred (Genesis 3:5).  Here is exactly what God told Adam.  “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17).  The serpent was attempting to change the woman's attitude toward God, the forbidden fruit, Adam, and everything she had in her life.  Sin changes one’s attitude from God’s original design.
The woman’s attitude toward Adam had changed to involve him in disobedience as well (Genesis 3:6). Since this time, mankind looks to influence others to sin.  This is why God’s commandment throughout the Bible is to love thy neighbor as thyself (Mark 12:31; 1 John 3:11; 4:11,20-21; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12; 19:19; 22:39; Romans 12:10; 13:9-10; Luke 10:27; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8; John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 10:24).
Another aspect of the attitude change is reflected in Adam’s attitude toward himself due to the realization of corruption and guilt.  Sin is designed to corrupt what God has made pure.  Sin brings contamination and shame when it is allowed entrance.  Adam’s attitude changed toward God by hiding in the garden from God (Genesis 3:9). When sin is allowed to remain, it leads a person to hide due to guilt and corruption.  No one can hide from God, no matter how well they are deceived in thinking so.  
Part of the spirit of religiosity focuses on the outward appearance rather than the inward man.  This is seen when the religious leaders accuse Jesus' disciples of eating with unwashed hands (Matthew 7:15-27).  In answering the questions of the religious people, Jesus brings up this very matter.  The nature of a good tree brings forth good fruit, while the nature of a bad tree brings forth bad fruit (Matthew 7:17).  Sin does not merely consist of outward acts, but is a principle or nature within.  Mankind is sinful by nature, which causes sin to take place.  The fruit of one's life reflects the nature and heart of the person.  Many people may have good doctrine, but it is the nature of a person that reveals how they really live.  Jesus says you cannot separate the fruit from the nature of the tree.
There is a difference between committing a sin and practicing sin (1 John 3:7-10).  Commit means to perpetrate an offense.  Practice means to perform habitually or repeatedly.  A good tree may commit a sin, but it does not practice sinning.  
This allows one to see why a good tree cannot bear bad fruit (Matthew 7:18).  When a person allows their flesh to override their spirit man, sin is committed, but if one allows sin to grow, it changes one's nature.  A little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9; Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:12; Mark 8:15).
Even religious actions are bad fruit if not conducted in faith (Matthew 7:22).  It takes faith to please God (Hebrews 11:6).  This also reflects having a form of godliness but denying the power due to it not being in their nature or in faith (2 Timothy 3:5).  Just as an actor can portray a character but not every character is the nature of the actor.  This is why Jesus was so harsh against the religious people of His time, because godliness was their act, but they held a different nature.  This is religiosity at its core. 
The wise person building their house upon the rock has rooted up the bad tree and planted a good tree (Matthew 7:24).  This reflects the old man/nature being dead and being made a new creation/taking on the nature of Christ.  The foolish person who has not rooted the bad tree out but has remained in the sinful nature suffers destruction on many levels (Matthew 7:26).  May more Christians understand what sin is and how it operates to have more victory.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

​Many people live their lives having an understanding of what sin is, but many do not study it to know how to overcome it.  Sin is defined as an offence; the determination of human nature in hostility to God; action opposed to the divine ordinance that corresponds with what is right; a contradiction to what is right; anything that contradicts God’s character of holiness.  These are not Webster's dictionary definitions but original language from the Bible definitions.  Understanding what sin is and how it operates helps soldiers of God to overcome their enemy more often.  
Isaiah 14:12-15 displays that sin originated in Heaven with Lucifer as he begins to make the "I will" statements in rebellion to God and His authority.  Lucifer states he will ascend to heaven.  As angels are already in heaven, a study shows there are three layers to heaven.  Most of the angels reside in the second sphere of heaven, making this an issue of pride for Lucifer to go to the same level as God Himself.  Lucifer also desires to set his throne above God's other angels.  The King James says stars of God, but many scriptures reference angels as stars (Job 38:7; Jude 13).  Although Lucifer was the worship leader in the band of angels, he desired more power than did not belong to him at the time.  
Lucifer also states he will preside on the mountain of congregation, reflecting he desires a kingdom on the earth, not just in leading certain angels.  Next, Lucifer says he will climb the height of the clouds and be like the Most High, meaning God.  Lucifer desires a glory that does not belong to him, and his pride leads him to think he can have what he lusts for.  His attempt to be like God reflects his independence from God and opposition to God's will.  The height of arrogance is to think one does not need God and also be equal to Him. Understanding this person instituted sin allows a deeper insight into the nature of sin.  
Genesis 3:1-21 displays the attempt and success Lucifer, now the serpent, had in deceiving the woman and Adam.  The serpent knows what God told Adam and the woman, but he breeds doubt by proposing questions to feed into the woman's insecurity.  Sin thrives on insecurities.  Insecurities are areas that lack faith.  
The serpent twists God's words, and then he builds on the doubt he bred into the woman's mind and heart. This is the same method Satan uses when tempting Jesus in the wilderness.  Satan quotes Scripture but twists it just enough to make it fit what he desires it to say.  The spiritual enemy still operates in this manner, deceiving many who do not know the Word of God for themselves.  Christians must know the Word for themselves to build faith and to have discernment of what aligns with God and what does not.  As sin enters, contamination and shame ensue (Genesis 1:8).  
To help not remain focused on the nature of sin and its deception, there is a way out of sinful living and to be set free from its eternal effects. The way is Jesus (John 14:6).  Jesus was conscious of being a victor over sin even before His crucifixion and resurrection (John 16:33).  Jesus says He has overcome the world.  He is referencing the world's system of sin.  To overcome is defined in this verse as to conquer; subdue; prevail against; get the victory over.  No one has to stay bound to sin and its dominion.   Although every Christian will still fight the sinful attitude that tries to creep in, they no longer are under its power but have power over it through Jesus Christ.  Jesus conquered sin so anyone who chooses can live in the liberty of God and be bold for Him. The boldness comes from having the contamination that sin brings washed away by confessing one's sins before God and being forgiven (1 John 1:9).  May more Christians understand what sin is and how it operates to have more victory.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

​In modern times, culture changes so quickly, but also in very big pendulum swings of what is right according to the narrative of the day.  This creates confusion and applies pressure of conformity from whoever's voice has the power at that time (Colossians 2:8; Matthew 24:24; 1 John 4:1).  Those who live life based on these views are changing so many things in their lives that it creates confusion on so many levels.  One of the many examples of this situation has people fighting for men to become women, if they so desire, yet complain about men who have become women competing in women's sports.  For many, even the definition of a woman has been lost so deep in the cultural shifts that they cannot define what a woman is when asked.  
Even though culture changes at the drop of a hat, God never changes (Malachi 3:6; Psalm 102:27; James 1:17).  Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8; Lamentations 3:22).  The Word of God never changes (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:89; 1 Peter 1:25).  With the Trinity and the Bible never changing, why do so many Christians have their faith or views of faith change to conform to the world's system?  This is not the design God intended for His people to have when establishing His standards found in His Word (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthains 3:18).  God created a system of salvation through Jesus Christ, and Him only, that enables the followers of Christ to conform more to His image rather than the world's views (Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 12:1-2; Psalm 119:9-11; Romans 6:23; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; John 14:6).  
A true Christian will change over time, but it will be to be more holy, more clean, and more like Jesus.  The world's system works to deceive Christians into believing God has the same views as the world, but this could not be further from the truth (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2; James 4:4; John 15:18-19; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:12).  This displays the importance of standing firm in the faith to be immovable, steadfast, and abounding in the things of God (1 Corinthians 15:58; James 1:12; James 1:2-4; Psalm 112:7; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Isaiah 26:3; Colossians 1:23).  Even the Word of God states that Satan is the god of this world (1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).  Notice he is a little "g", not the big "G".  Satan works so hard to get into the minds of those who follow Christ, because he knows this is the only manner in which he can obtain victory over them.  When Christians really stand firm in the faith and use the authority, the power, and the dominion given to them from God, they are more powerful than any spiritual enemy that could attack (Acts 1:8; 1 John 5:4-5; Ephesians 6:10; Romans 8:37; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17; Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:19).  As one Drill Sergeant used to say in Basic Training, "It's all mind games, privates."  And that it is, when dealing with the spiritual enemy.  The mind game that the serpent played on Eve in the Garden of Eden reveals he knew even then how to get mankind's attention and change their views by distorting who God is and what He really desires for one's life (Genesis 3:1-13; Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Ephesians 5:6).  
Now, not only does he work on the minds of Christian believers, but uses those who are given to his doctrines to apply pressure on Christians to conform their views and lifestyle to what the current culture says is correct.  God is not the author of confusion, so this does not come from Him but from the spiritual enemy to break down a Christian's faith and eventually lead them to walk away from God, if not confronted with a steadfast faith (1 Corinthians 14:33).  No matter what the world says, stand firm in what the Word says.  As time continues to march on and the world keeps attempting to conform the faith of Christians to its standards, stand firm in the faith until the last breath is drawn or Jesus is met in the air.  Not only does your eternity depend on it, but the influence one has in the lives of others can make all the difference as well.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

​In a society with print in every language, Bibles in a multitude of translations, technology resources available, and churches on every corner, one may read a title like this and wonder what in the world this writer is talking about.  There is a biblical warning found in the book of Amos.  "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" (Amos 8:11).  God gave this warning because the houses of God were no longer His house, but institutions of perversion.  In today's time, this looks more like the Word of God being watered down to be less offensive, staying away from certain topics within the church teachings, or just not using the Word of God at all.  Let's see what the Bible has to say about such things.  "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4).  The Apostle Paul is warning Timothy, a pastor, about church people turning to fables.  Fables are defined as tales of fiction.  They also tell a nice story without confronting the issues of life.  
How many church services no longer have the Word of God preached and explained, but instead are focused on using one or two verses to run with a theme that is culturally driven or popular?  Sadly, a person can find many of these types of services while the Word of God, which is unadulterated, concentrated, and is the resource to help people be delivered from sin and bondage, is put to the side.  Entertainment has crept its way into churches all throughout the United States, leaving the Spirit of God uninvited to His own house.  When the Spirit of God is not invited, the power of God will not be present to help those who need it.  
The Apostle Paul also warned the church in Rome about being fashioned after the world.  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).  This is not only applied to each person as an individual but should also be applied to the churches.  If the church looks like the world, the people of that church will be worldly in lifestyle.  What happened to the churches that were holy, revered, and allowed God's power to be present every service, changing anyone who attended and listened to the Word of God as it was preached?  
Some would say, "That's a grandmother's style church, not a church for today".  If the power of God is present in that style of church, it displays that He is truly the God of those people, not entertainment.  This may explain why so many who went, or still go, to churches of this style did not have as hard a time breaking addictions, not returning to the filth they were delivered from, or truly became a changed person.  
For many entertainment Christians, they do not seem to have victory, joy, peace of heart and mind, or other displays of God changing their lives and overcoming the world's cycle of defeat and loss.  Entertainment is designed to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind, while the Word of God is designed to change one's life (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21-25; Colossians 3:16; John 17:17; Matthew 7:24-27; Joshua 1:8).  
The heart of this matter is distilled down to one question.  What is the motivating factor of each service held?  If it is entertainment, that reflects the number of people, the amount of money coming in, or being culturally relevant, is the driving force.  If it is the Word of God, that reflects God is leading the church by His Spirit to change the people present from one who is helpless without God to mighty soldiers in the Lord's army, having a daily, proper relationship with Him.  May more churches get back to the Word of God to push this famine away as long as possible.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

Since the beginning of the Christian faith, the spiritual enemy of Jesus has been seeking to create divides among the army of God.  These divides can be based on denominations, minor belief differences, or other small details that do not impact a person's salvation.  In God's eyes, there are no denominations or other differences, other than believer or non-believer (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:12; Romans 3:29).  As the fallen nature of mankind has temptations of taking the easier route in life, the spiritual enemy of a Christian succeeds when believers choose not to work with other believers because it is "easier".  Or they choose not to participate in various events with other Christians due to the effort needed to attend.  Realistically, one person cannot attend every Christian event hosted within a region, but when Christians are more focused on the comforts of life rather than being active in building the army of God, there is a problem.  It is in the fellowship of churches, the praying together as believers, and lifting one another with the Word of God that builds His army (Hebrews 10:24-25; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 16:17; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:14).  
As long as Christians do not come together, the enemy knows he has more opportunities to make them stumble in pride over which church they go to, how many social activities their church participates in, who goes to their church, or how many people go to their church.  This could not be further from the design Jesus Christ had, and still has, for His church.  He said, "Upon this rock I will build MY church" (Matthew 16:18).  This rock Jesus is discussing is the understanding that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16).  When Christians get away from Who Jesus really is or focus on who they are, the church turns into a social gathering and not a powerful force that the powers of hell cannot overtake (Matthew 16:18).  Jesus is the foundation of what He established as the church (1 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 9:33; Matthew 7:24).  
When churches have this as their core doctrine, they can fellowship and worship God together.  Until this takes place, churches will remain divided and in pride over their own accolades and the things they have built.  Churches must learn to come together and be the united army of God He desires them to be.  Not every church will see all doctrines completely the same, that's understood.  Yet, when Jesus is the rock of any church's doctrine, the little things are like the lines of grout in a tile floor; they show the difference between the tiles when next to one another, but when even those lines of grout bring adhesion, each tile is joined together to be part of something bigger that brings a solid foundation.  Always remember, a house divided cannot stand (Matthew 12:25; Luke 11:17; Mark 3:25).  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  

Since being a Christian, and especially a pastor, there have been numerous people witnessed as having given up on their race due to hard times, boredom, a lack of faith, desiring the enticements that pull one away from the faith, and other items that hinder a relationship with God.  The design of each person's spiritual race is a long run of endurance, patience, faith, and victory.  Yet, many Christians give up when the race requires more than a sprint to a certain point in life (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 2:1-3; 1 Peter 4:12).  Expecting immediate results, mountains to move instantly, and everything to be as quick in prayer as it is ordering a package in today's time is not reality when it comes to spiritual things.  God may move suddenly, but not in every circumstance.  The Word of God tells Christians to endure to receive salvation (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:12-18; Hebrews 10:36; Colossians 1:11; Matthew 24:13).  Endurance is the display of practice, grit, determination, devotion, and faith.  Christians should not endure because they are told to, but endure to be found faithful in love and service to God through Jesus Christ (James 1:4; Romans 15:4; James 5:11; Hebrews 12:1-2; Revelation 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:5).  When a Christian can understand that endurance is a required element of running their spiritual race, they can know to be focused on the bigger picture of their salvation and not the present only (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:18).  A focus on the present can blind so many through selfishness and enticement (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Timothy 4:10).  A runner does not give his all at the beginning of a long-distance race, but paces himself to know there is a lot of road to cover and energy will be needed.  This is not to say that Christians take their time to grow or put off what they need to do today until tomorrow.  The long-distance runner understands that the little things now can hinder them from reaching the distance later.  The little sins now that one allows in their heart, in their mind, or in their home will cause bigger issues down the road.  The lack of studying the Word of God now will hinder being a stronger soldier later.  The lack of prayer now will hinder the harvest of prayers in due season.  The dismissal of church attendance now will hinder the fortitude to go later.  The Christian faith one practices now should get stronger as they run their race with Jesus Christ.  Knowing the race is not a quick, easy sprint allows the proper mindset to run one's race no matter the timeline of the return of Jesus or the number of one's days remaining on the earth (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8; Isaiah 26:3; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 8:5-6).  Although one's race is a long-distance run, there should be checkpoints that each person hits along the way.  These checkpoints allow God to encourage, motivate, adjust, and refresh each runner while on track.  It is when a person gets off track that they miss these checkpoints designed to have the supplies one needs to finish the race.  This leans into being selfish and not submitting to the track outlined by God's plans and vision for each person (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 33:11; 2 Timothy 1:9; Jeremiah 1:5).  The fellowship of God's people also encourages one another to continue running their race.  The spiritual enemy's design of dividing God's people is purposeful to hinder the motivating, encouraging, or obtaining the supplies one needs to reach the finish line.  Giving in to miss church could hold the sermon one needed to be strengthened from the previous week or prepare for the week ahead.  Not studying the Word of God regularly could prevent the right revelation from His Word at the right time, assisting in the knowledge or wisdom needed for that day or the next day.  Not praying routinely could allow the prayer of protection, wisdom, or other needed supplication to remain unspoken for one's life.  It is the consistency of doing the right thing with the right heart that helps Christians run their race for the long distance.  May more Christians be prepared for the long race of life, reaching their finish line through endurance rather than giving up and not obtaining their victory through Jesus.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.