TRSL

We find great power and effect when we plead with God for His intervention, following the pattern of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS).

A grateful heart brings many wonderful benefits. Christians, especially, should be people of thanksgiving because we know all that Jesus has done for us. God commands us to be thankful for all things. In this message, we discuss the benefits of a grateful heart towards God.

Next in our prayer series is "The Power of Prostration - Confession." To get the most out of prayer, we need to go through a cleansing ritual of sorts. We need to ask God to illuminate our sin, confess it, and repent. Only then do we enable the Holy Spirit to work deeply within us and reveal God's mind.

After salvation and all it affords us, perhaps the next greatest benefit of a renewed relationship with God is the privilege of going to Him in prayer. Prayer is the practice of talking to God and listening to Him. This message is the first of four teachings about prayer.

Beginning in the first chapter of Genesis, God created and established families as the core structure for humankind. In this message, we see God's unfolding plan for the family unit: where children learn about God, are trained in God's ways, and the family is a crucial proving ground for church leaders. Walk with us through God's word as we unfold His plan for the worldwide proclamation of His message.

In this life, we all have pain and suffering, whether it's from an illness, an injury, or an insult. There is no end. In the midst of our suffering, we very often think or say, "God, why don't you do something?" Even those who don't believe in God seem to find the faith to believe in God. But what does God tell us in His word?

Matthew 24 gives us Jesus' teaching during His last week of ministry on Earth. In our passage for today's message, Matthew 24:1-14, Jesus describes events that precede the end times. After painting a bleak picture of life during those days, He continues by saying that the gospel will be preached and that those who stay firm (in their faith) until the end will be saved. Hard times are coming before Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on Earth, but He expects the work of sharing the gospel to continue. How does that impact us today?

A common belief among non-Christians, especially those who follow no faith system at all, is that faith in Jesus Christ is a crutch for the weak-minded. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Becoming a Christian instantly puts one at odds with the world. On the other hand, God calls His followers to do tasks that defy the odds and sometimes seem downright foolish. Nope, being a Christian ain't for sissies!

In Matthew 25, we find Jesus teaching His last messages before He was crucified. What was on Jesus' mind in these last words to His disciples? He was teaching and warning them to be ready for the Kingdom of God. Our passage for this message is Matthew 25:1-13. It is the parable of the 10 virgins waiting for the groom's call. Five were ready to meet Him, five were not. This begs the question for us: are we ready to be with Jesus in His kingdom?

Jesus' followers were looking for God's kingdom to come and drive out the Romans. They were discouraged because that wasn't what Jesus was teaching or doing. Additionally, people weren't responding to His teaching, and His close, true followers were few in number. How on earth was God's kingdom going to be established? We can get discouraged when we look around us, but Jesus' teaching can help us have the correct perspective and know that "Jesus' Kingdom Will Come!"