Craig Cooper

Have you ever felt God nudging you toward something bigger than yourself? That nudge became a thunderous call for the Apostle Paul, shifting him from a prestigious Pharisee to a missionary for Christ. In Acts 13:1-12, we witness the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey. It is a divine call to take the gospel to all nations. This passage challenges us to recognize our role in God’s mission to know Him and make Him known, responding with obedience and faith as everyday missionaries.

The call to spread the gospel originates from God Himself. In Acts 13:1-3, we see the church at Antioch, which was a vibrant, diverse community, worshiping and fasting together. Amid this devotion, the Holy Spirit speaks, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” This is no human initiative; it’s God’s work. The church obeys, commissioning them with prayer and the laying on of hands. This moment marks the first recorded instance of a church sending out missionaries, a divine call echoing through history.

Consider Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary born in 1867. Raised in a wealthy Christian family, she traded comfort for sacrifice after a transformative encounter with God. In 1895, she left Belfast for India, founding the Dohnavur Fellowship to rescue girls from temple prostitution. Her 55 years of service without returning home reflect a belief that God’s purpose often demands embracing hardship. Like Paul, her call was divine, not born of human ambition. As Corrie ten Boom said, “God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” God initiates the mission through His Spirit, equipping us all to answer.

Acts 13:4-5, Paul and Barnabas, sent by the Holy Spirit, journey to Cyprus (which happens to be Barnabas’s homeland) and proclaim God’s Word in the synagogues. Their immediate action reflects strategic obedience, starting where people already seek God. Picture a soldier receiving orders. Hesitation could cost lives. Similarly, stepping into God’s mission requires courage and action. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. noted, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Paul and Barnabas didn’t delay; they went, trusting the Spirit’s leading.

Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympian of the movie “Chariots of Fire” fame, embodied this obedience. After winning gold in 1924, he left athletic glory to serve as a missionary in China. Even in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, he ministered tirelessly, organizing sports and Bible studies. Liddell’s life proves that God’s call to humble service outweighs fleeting human achievement. For us, obedience means taking that first step wherever God leads.

The gospel’s advance often meets resistance, yet God’s power prevails. In Acts 13:6-12, Paul and Barnabas encounter Elymas, a sorcerer opposing their message to the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Filled with the Spirit, Paul rebukes Elymas, who is struck blind. This is a vivid display of divine authority. Astonished, the proconsul believes. This echoes Michael Yat, a Sudanese pastor who faced armed militants while preaching. The militia fled in fear when he prayed boldly, and many villagers embraced Christ. Opposition is inevitable, but God’s strength overcomes it.

God calls us by His Spirit, equips us for obedience, and empowers us through opposition. Paul’s journey began with a single step of faith. Ours can too. Where is God calling you to grow in knowing Him and making Him known? You’re an everyday missionary, whether at home, work, school, or in your community. A teacher shines as salt and light in her school; a corporate leader seeks to glorify God in his workplace; parents raise children in faith. Like Paul and Barnabas, you’re called, led, and empowered. Will you say “yes” to Jesus and surrender to His purpose? Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, began as a fierce enemy of Christianity. A devout Pharisee, he viewed the Christian movement as a perilous heresy threatening Judaism’s purity. Acts 9:1-2 captures his early zeal, “Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” His methods included violence, fear, and intimidation, marking him as a terrorist in his mission to obliterate Christ’s followers. Yet, this relentless persecutor would experience a transformation so profound that he became a foundational figure in the very faith he sought to wipe out.

Saul’s turning point came on the road to Damascus. As Acts 9:3-9 recounts, a blinding light from heaven engulfed him, and Jesus confronted him directly: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Falling to the ground, Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply was, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” which shattered his worldview. Blinded and humbled, he fasted for three days, awaiting God’s direction. This moment was echoed by the story of John Newton, a slave trader who, after surviving a life-threatening storm in 1748, saw it as divine intervention and later penned “Amazing Grace.” Both lives underscore a powerful truth. No one lies beyond God’s reach. Jesus declared His mission to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), and Saul’s encounter proves its boundless scope.

God’s grace continued its work through a hesitant vessel. In Acts 9:10-19, He called Ananias, a disciple wary of Saul’s brutal reputation, to visit him. Ananias’s fears are apparent as we read his response, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done.” However, God insisted, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” Ananias obeyed, laying hands on Saul, and “something like scales” fell from his eyes. Restored and baptized, Saul began proclaiming Christ with the fervor he once wielded against Him. Nicky Cruz’s journey, in a sense, mirrors Paul’s. Cruz was a New York gang leader dubbed “Son of Satan” by his occult-practicing parents. After encountering evangelist David Wilkerson, who boldly declared, “Jesus loves you,” Cruz surrendered to Christ, trading violence for redemption. Paul later reflected on such change: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), affirming salvation’s transformative power.

From this rebirth, Paul’s life took a radical new course. He embarked on multiple missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, founding churches in cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi. His epistles, such as Romans, Galatians, Corinthians, and others, articulate salvation by grace through faith and champion the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan. Facing shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom in Rome, Paul’s resolve never wavered. His theological insights and missionary zeal cemented his legacy as one of Christianity’s greatest champions, inspiring countless believers to pursue God wholeheartedly.

Paul’s story resonates today, offering hope and challenge. For unbelievers, it’s a testament that no sin exceeds God’s grace. Consider Josh, a tough teen I met at a California camp years ago. Resistant and intimidating, he reluctantly attended, yet one night, he surrendered his life to Christ. The next day, he boldly shared his faith with his Buddhist father. He ended a toxic relationship with his girlfriend and shared Christ with her. He returned as a transformed, yes, new creation. Yet, like all of us, he was a work in progress, as his use of colorful language that night to express his newfound love for Jesus during a worship service revealed.

For believers, Paul prompts introspection. Are we fully embracing God’s grace to live as new creations? His journey from persecutor to Apostle unveils a God who interrupts our paths, confronts us with love, and redirects us for His glory. No one is too lost, and every heart can be remade, every life transformed by His power. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As we recently celebrated Mother’s Day, we expressed appreciation for biological mothers, whom we deeply cherish, and all the women who nurture, mentor, and invest in our lives. These godly women pour out love and serve as vessels of God’s grace. Christian women embody this grace and love by selflessly dedicating themselves to others, reflecting the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and strengthening the Body of Christ, His church.

God calls us to know Him and make Him known, growing in ever-increasing Christlikeness through the power of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives marked by love for God and others. Jesus declared, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Love is a primary evidence of a sanctified life, and Christian women, whether mothers, sisters, or mentors, fulfill this calling by loving and pouring into those around them. Within the church, they nurture faith, offer wisdom, and foster community, exemplifying Christ’s command.

God’s grace is both received and shared. As women grow in their knowledge of Him and commit to making Him known, they become conduits of His grace. In 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7, Paul writes, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Through teaching, comforting, or serving, women use their Spirit-given gifts to bless others, reflecting God’s generosity and grace. Scripture provides examples like Priscilla, who, alongside her husband, mentored Apollos in God’s Word (Acts 18:26). Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a godly woman whose life is so impactful that she deserves “praise… in the gates” (Proverbs 31:31). Today, such women are not merely recipients of God’s grace but channels of it, blessing others and earning our gratitude.

Our Christian faith is not a solitary journey; it flourishes in community with other believers. Growth happens through relationships with God and fellow Christians, including the women who shape our families, churches, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” While this speaks to parenting, it also applies to mentoring, friendship, and discipleship, in which women guide others toward Christlikeness.

I am deeply thankful for the women who have influenced my life: my mom, Janis; my wife, Krista; Sunday school teachers like Mrs. Graham; mentors like Patty Bray; and countless others who have prayed for me, offered godly examples and provided wise counsel. John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” I have been blessed by women who lived out this charge, pouring into me and bearing eternal fruit for God’s kingdom. I am a product of their faithfulness to this mission. They understood Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Their sacrifices and efforts ripple outward, transforming lives and glorifying God. In response, I can only say, “Thank You, Lord, for godly women and their impact on our lives.” Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

There is little more tragic than wasted potential. Imagine standing before God at the end of your life and realizing that you barely scratched the surface of what He created you to do. Though He gave you gifts, opportunities, and a calling, fear, distractions, or complacency held you back.

This is why a cemetery can be a sad place for me. It is not because of death, which comes for us all, but because of the dreams left unfulfilled, the gifts unused, and the callings ignored. Too many believers treat salvation as the finish line when, in reality, it is just the beginning of a new life in Christ.

The good news is that we weren’t just saved from something; we were saved for something. God calls us to rise up and walk in His purpose for our lives. God has so much in store for us.

To embrace our God-given purpose, we must first understand that we are made new in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This transformation is not just self-improvement; it is a spiritual rebirth. Our old life, which was marked by sin, selfishness, and separation from God, is gone. In its place is a new life defined by righteousness, love, and divine purpose.

Consider a tadpole transforming into a frog. It starts as a small, water-dwelling creature, but as it matures, it develops lungs, loses its tail, and grows legs. It becomes something entirely new, incapable of returning to its former state. Likewise, when we come to Christ, we are transformed. We must live as new creations, aligning our thoughts, actions, and priorities with God’s will.

Beyond simply being made new, we were created for a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Salvation is not just about eternity in heaven; it is about fulfilling the purpose God has for us here on earth. The word workmanship (Greek: poiema) means “masterpiece” or “handiwork.” Like a sculptor chiseling away unnecessary stone to reveal a masterpiece, God is shaping us for the good works He has already planned. Therefore, our placement in life in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities is not random. God has positioned us intentionally, calling us to live out His purpose.

Knowing we have a purpose is not enough; we must actively walk in it. The new life in Christ is not passive but requires obedience and faith-filled living. D.L. Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” Imagine what God could do through us if we fully embraced our calling. Like a lamp designed to shine, we cannot fulfill our purpose unless we remain connected to our power source, Jesus Christ. We must be intentional about growing in faith and making an impact for God’s glory.

William Wilberforce, a young English politician, became a believer in Jesus Christ in the late 18th century. Initially, he thought he should leave politics to enter the pastorate. However, his mentor, John Newton—the former slave trader who wrote Amazing Grace, challenged him to use his influence for God’s purposes. Wilberforce dedicated his life to abolishing the British slave trade, enduring setbacks and opposition but never wavering. Shortly before his death, he saw the fruit of his labor when the British Parliament finally outlawed the slave trade. Wilberforce understood that salvation wasn’t just about his personal relationship with God. It was about walking in the good works God had prepared for him. His life changed the world because he chose to rise up in purpose.

So, what will your life count for? Will you step into God’s purpose, or will you stay on the sidelines? If you have never received this new life in Christ, consider whether today is the day to place your faith in Him and become a new creation. If you are already a believer, ask yourself whether you are living out your God-given purpose. If not, commit today to stepping forward in faith and walking in the works God has prepared for you. With God’s help, we can fully embrace the new life and purpose He has given us. May He empower us to rise up and walk boldly in His calling. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The Apostles’ Creed is one of the earliest and most foundational statements of Christian belief. While not written by the apostles, it reflects their teaching and has been used for centuries as a summary of essential Christian doctrine. Rooted in Scripture, it expresses core tenets of the faith in a concise and memorable way, making it a valuable tool for believers. Even if one does not regularly recite the Creed, understanding its truths is helpful for grasping the essence of the gospel.

The Apostles’ Creed is structured around the nature and work of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It begins with, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” This affirms the foundational truth that God is sovereign over all creation (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 24:1). He is not a distant force but a personal Father, revealing Himself through His Word and governing the universe with power and wisdom.

The Creed then turns to Jesus Christ, “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell.” Jesus is fully divine and fully human. This affirms the miracle of the Incarnation (Matthew 1:18-23), emphasizing that salvation comes through Christ alone. The Creed acknowledges Christ’s suffering under Pontius Pilate, His crucifixion, death, burial, and descent to the dead. These truths align with biblical testimony (Isaiah 53:5-6; Matthew 27:26-50) and affirm the historical reality of Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins.

The following lines declare the triumphant heart of the gospel. “The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will judge the living and the dead.” The resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) is central to Christian faith, proving Christ’s victory over sin and death. His ascension and present reign at the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 1:3) confirm His Lordship, and the Creed proclaims His future return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1).

The final section is a glorious profession. “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.” It affirms belief in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, who empowers and sanctifies believers (John 14:26; Romans 8:11). It speaks of “the holy catholic Church,” which is not referring to the Roman Catholic Church but to the universal body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). The Creed also acknowledges “the communion of saints,” affirming the unity of all believers across time and space. It proclaims “the forgiveness of sins,” made possible through Christ’s atoning work (Ephesians 1:7), and the hope of “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting,” pointing to the final victory of God’s people in eternity (1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Revelation 21:3-4).

Even if you do not recite the Apostles’ Creed in worship, you should know and understand it because it encapsulates the essential truths of the Christian faith. In an age of confusion and shifting beliefs, the Creed provides an anchor, reminding us of the unchanging gospel. It connects us to the historic faith of Christians across centuries, uniting us with the great cloud of witnesses who have confessed these same truths (Hebrews 12:1).

The Creed is not Scripture, but it is thoroughly biblical. It is not a substitute for personal faith but a powerful tool for affirming what we believe. Knowing it helps guard against false teaching, strengthens our ability to share the gospel, and deepens our confidence in God’s promises. Therefore, the Apostles’ Creed is worth knowing, not just as words to recite but as truths to embrace, live by, and proclaim to a world needing the salvation and life found in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The resurrection of Jesus is among the most consequential events in human history. Through it, the lives of those who choose to follow Him are transformed. It is not just a moment in the past but an invitation to experience victory, freedom, and new life today.

A striking example of rescue and redemption is the story of the Chilean miners. In 2010, 33 miners were trapped 2,300 feet underground for 69 days, with no way of escape. Their survival depended entirely on a rescue operation from above. One by one, they stepped into a specially designed capsule that lifted them to safety, and the world celebrated. This incredible event mirrors an even greater rescue. Humanity, trapped in sin and death, was powerless to save itself. But God sent Jesus on the ultimate rescue mission. He entered the grave and rose in victory on the third day, conquering sin and death and making way for our salvation.

The resurrection is the ultimate declaration that death has been defeated. In Matthew 28:1-10, the angel proclaims to the women at the tomb, “He is not here, for He has risen, as He said” (v. 6). The empty tomb proves that Jesus has power over life and death. If we trust in Him, our future is secure because His victory over the grave becomes ours. The resurrection of Jesus shattered the power of sin, demonstrating that death does not have the final word; rather, grace, life, and victory in Christ do.

Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, “Death is swallowed up in victory… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sin leads to death, but Jesus’ resurrection breaks its grip. Before Christ, we were like prisoners locked in a cell with no escape. But Jesus, through His sacrifice and resurrection, has unlocked the door and set us free. Those who receive Him as Savior are no longer slaves to sin but live victoriously in His grace and forgiveness.

Jesus’ resurrection is not just about His victory. It’s an invitation to ours. In Christ, we are made new, like a broken-down house restored by a master builder. What seemed beyond repair is redeemed and renewed. Jesus doesn’t merely patch up our lives; He transforms us completely. Those who believe in His resurrection step into the joy and power of living in Him.

Jesus’ resurrection offers victory over death, freedom from sin, and new life in Him. John Newton, once a wicked slave trader, experienced this power firsthand. His life was forever changed when he cried out to God in a storm. Newton received Christ as Savior and Lord and later became a pastor. Now, that is a transformation. He later penned Amazing Grace, testifying to the power of resurrection life: “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”

The late Billy Graham once said, “Christ not only died for all; He died for each.” He died for you. Don’t miss out.

If God raised Jesus from the dead, He can raise you from whatever has kept you bound. The question is, will you step into His victory? If you have not placed your faith in Jesus, receive Him today. Because He lives, you can rise up in victory and walk in the newness of life. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Imagine the excitement of a championship parade, with the streets packed with people, anticipation building, and the crowd shouting in unison, celebrating victory. Now, picture Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. People lined the streets, waving palm branches and crying out, “Hosanna!” They longed for deliverance, expecting Jesus to overthrow Roman rule and establish His kingdom. But He was not the king they expected. He was the King they needed.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was a turning point in His earthly ministry. It fulfilled prophecy, revealed His true identity, and demanded a response. Some celebrated Him, some misunderstood Him, and others outright rejected Him. Today, we face the same decision: Will we recognize Jesus as our King and place our hope in Him?

Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem was no accident. It was a divine appointment foretold centuries earlier. Zechariah 9:9 prophesied, “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” A conquering king would enter on a war horse, but Jesus came on a donkey, symbolizing humility and peace. This moment declared that God keeps His promises. Just as He faithfully sent the Messiah, He remains faithful to all His promises today. C.S. Lewis once said, “The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” Regardless of our circumstances, we can trust Him completely.

As Jesus rode through the city, the people laid their cloaks before Him, shouting, “Hosanna!” which means “Save us now!” Their words revealed their desperation, but their expectations were misplaced. They sought political freedom, but Jesus offered something greater. He offered eternal salvation. He came not to conquer Rome, but to conquer sin and death. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Like a lighthouse guiding ships through a storm, Jesus is our unwavering source of hope.

Yet, not everyone embraced Him. The city was “stirred up” by His arrival, but many failed to recognize Him as Lord. Some of the same people who cheered “Hosanna” would, just days later, cry out, “Crucify Him!” Why? Because Jesus did not fit their expectations. They wanted immediate relief from their earthly troubles, but He offered something far more profound: deliverance from sin.

Following Jesus is not about convenience. It requires surrender. Philippians 2:10-11 declares that one day, “Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” The question is not if we will acknowledge Him as King, but when. Will we bow before Him now, in faith and surrender, or later, when it is too late?

So, how will you respond? We are called to worship Jesus fully, not just on Palm Sunday, but every day. We are called to follow Him obediently, aligning our lives with His will. And we are called to share His hope boldly, proclaiming to the world that Jesus is King.

Imagine yourself standing at the gates of Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. The crowd cheers. You wave your palm branch. You shout praises. But when Jesus calls you beyond celebration into surrender, what will you do? Jesus still rides into hearts today, asking, “Who do you say I am?” The gates are open. The King has come. The choice is yours. As Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Will you rise up in hope and surrender to Jesus today? Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

In Kids Ministries, it is common to learn the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” This principle is terrific for children to grasp, but it’s also beneficial for all of us to follow, especially since it is a foundational tenet of Christian living. As stated by Jesus in Matthew 7:12, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” the Golden Rule is a simple yet profound teaching that urges us to actively love and serve others as we wish to be treated. It is not merely a moral ideal, but a call to practical action that reflects the character of Christ.

Practicing the Golden Rule demands intentional love. Jesus commands in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love is more than a feeling; it is an action. We can embody this by showing kindness in our daily interactions. This holds true whether through encouraging words, acts of service, or simply listening with genuine concern.

For instance, in a world where impatience is typical, responding with grace rather than frustration can serve as a powerful testimony. Treating colleagues and classmates fairly and compassionately at work or school reflects how we wish to be treated. In family life, offering forgiveness instead of holding onto grudges showcases Christlike love.

The Golden Rule also compels believers to serve others selflessly. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” This involves being proactive in addressing needs by offering assistance to a struggling neighbor, caring for the sick, or supporting those facing financial difficulties.

Embracing this principle can be incredibly challenging when dealing with difficult people. However, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Instead of seeking revenge or harboring bitterness, believers are encouraged to show grace and patience. We can achieve this by responding kindly when wronged and pursuing reconciliation rather than retaliation. Proverbs 15:1 states, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” In tense situations, responding with humility and wisdom often helps to de-escalate conflict and demonstrates that we are followers of Christ.

Ultimately, practicing the Golden Rule is not just about being good to others. It is about reflecting Jesus’ love. As 1 John 4:19 states, “We love because He first loved us.” Our ability to treat others well stems from the grace and power we have received through Christ. When believers actively, empowered by God,  live out this principle, they shine as lights in a dark world (Matthew 5:16), drawing others toward the hope found in Jesus. We make the Golden Rule a daily reality by intentionally loving, serving selflessly, and extending grace in conflict. In doing so, we fulfill Christ’s command and bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Imagine being entrusted with a priceless heirloom, something meant to be preserved and passed down through generations. If neglected, it loses its value; if treasured, it becomes a lasting blessing. Our testimony as followers of Christ is much like that heirloom; as a sacred trust, we must steward it well.

Stewardship is the biblical principle that everything we have belongs to God, and we are entrusted to manage it faithfully. This applies not only to our time, talents, and treasure but also to our testimony, which is our witness for Christ in both word and deed. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

We are stewards of the gospel. How we live, speak, and represent Christ reflects whether we are faithful in this responsibility. Jesus calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) and commands us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). These are not optional roles but sacred responsibilities. If we compromise, remain silent, or live in fear, our testimony loses its impact. But when we live and speak boldly for Christ, we faithfully steward the gospel, pointing others to Him.

Jesus declares in Matthew 5:13-16 that His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. These metaphors highlight the nature of our testimony. Salt preserves enhances, and prevents decay. As believers, we are called to preserve biblical truth, bring godly influence, and awaken a spiritual thirst in those around us. But we become ineffective if we lose our distinctiveness, compromise, or blend in with the world. Light illuminates, exposes darkness and provides direction. A hidden light serves no purpose, just as a silent Christian fails to fulfill their calling. We must live boldly for Christ, shining His truth in a dark world. Like a lighthouse guiding ships to safety, our testimony should direct people toward Christ, not away from Him. As Charles Spurgeon said, “A Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”

Jesus not only calls us to be His witnesses, but He also empowers us to do so. He declares, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Accts 1:8). We discover at least two key truths about our witness from this verse. First, the Holy Spirit empowers us. We do not share the gospel in our own strength but through the Spirit’s power. Second, our witness is for every sphere of life. Jesus’ commission consists of Jerusalem (home), Judea (community), Samaria (the marginalized), and the ends of the earth (global mission). We are sent here, there, and everywhere, and like a candle that loses nothing by lighting another candle, we do not lose anything by sharing Christ. In fact, we grow in our faith.

Carl F. H. Henry professed, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.” Being a faithful steward of our testimony means both living and sharing the gospel. How do we do this? For one, we walk the talk (Titus 2:7-8). Our integrity strengthens our testimony, while hypocrisy damages it. We need to speak boldly and with love (Colossians 4:5- 6; 1 Peter 3:15). We must share the gospel with wisdom, grace, and respect, always ready to give an answer for the hope within us. Then we must trust God with the results (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Our role is to plant and water the seed; God brings the harvest. Like a farmer, we cannot force growth but must trust in God’s timing. Charles Spurgeon put it well, “It is the duty of the Christian to spread the truth, but the outcome must be left to God.”

Our testimony is a divine trust that must be stewarded wisely. Will you commit to being salt and light in your everyday life? Will you be an everyday missionary at home, work, school, and in your community? We can take a couple of action steps to help us effectively steward our testimony. First, identify one way to reflect Christ in your daily interactions. Then, pray for opportunities and boldness to share your faith this week.

I am living proof of what happens when someone takes their testimony seriously. A friend invited me to a vacation bible school for kids, where I gave my life to Christ. That decision shaped my commitment to seeing my family come to faith. I planted the seed, and ten years later, God brought the harvest. Our testimony, both in word and deed, is a sacred trust. As salt and light, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and truth, influencing the world around us and boldly proclaiming the gospel. Let’s steward it well. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

In our world, financial stability is often equated with security and success. People chase larger bank accounts, believing wealth will bring peace or a sense of accomplishment. However, in God’s eyes, money is neither the ultimate goal nor a status symbol. It is a tool entrusted to us for worship and eternal impact. Just as a hammer is made to build and not to be admired, money is intended to serve a greater purpose. When we use it to honor God, serve others, and invest in His kingdom, it transforms from a source of worry into a means of worship.

Generosity is more than a financial transaction; it is a declaration of trust and adoration for God. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Paul emphasizes that giving is an act of faith. It brings spiritual blessings. God does not delight in mere obligation but in the joyful surrender of our resources.

The widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 exemplifies this principle. While others gave large sums from their abundance, she gave two small coins, all she had. Jesus declared her offering to be the greatest, not because of its size but because of her faith and devotion. Her generosity was a profound act of worship, reflecting her trust in God’s provision. As Randy Alcorn wisely notes, “Gaze upon Christ long enough, and you’ll become more of a giver. Give long enough, and you’ll become more like Christ.” When we fix our eyes on Jesus, generosity becomes a natural outpouring of our love for Him.

God is the ultimate giver. 2 Corinthians 9:8 states, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” This verse reminds us that we do not give from scarcity but from the overflow of God’s provision. He supplies what we need to be generous in every good work. Our generosity reflects His heart. God gives freely through His provision, grace, and the ultimate gift of salvation through Christ. We mirror His character when we give, demonstrating love and faithfulness to a watching world. We must ask ourselves this: Do I reflect God’s generosity in my giving?

Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, which are temporary and prone to decay. In Matthew 6:19-21, He says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Earthly possessions fade, but eternal investments endure forever.

Missionary Jim Elliot, who gave his life for the gospel, famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Elliot understood that true wealth is not measured by what we accumulate but by what we surrender for God’s kingdom. His life challenges us to give sacrificially, knowing that what we invest in eternity is never lost.

How do we cultivate a lifestyle of generosity? (1) Practical Stewardship: Create a budget that prioritizes giving. Give regularly, proportionally, and sacrificially. (2) Test of the Heart: Examine your spending habits to see where your heart truly lies. (3) Tithing as a Starting Point: Give 10% of your income as a baseline and grow in generosity. As John Maxwell puts it, “Tithing is not about the money. It’s about the heart surrendered to God.” Proverbs 3:9 urges us, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” Faithful financial stewardship is not about what we keep but about what we joyfully surrender to God.

Generosity is ultimately an act of trust. Some may be struggling to let go, fearing that giving will leave them without enough. But God invites us to release our grip and trust Him fully. If you’ve never taken the step of faithful giving, today is the day to start. If you already give, ask God how you can grow in generosity to reflect His abundant heart.

For others, the invitation goes deeper by not just trusting God with finances but with your entire life. If you have never surrendered your heart to Christ, that is where it all begins. Jesus gave everything for you, and He invites you to respond with a life fully surrendered to Him.

Financial stewardship is a matter of the heart. It is an act of worship that reorients our priorities toward eternal treasures. As we trust God with our finances, may we experience His grace and reflect His generous heart to the world. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!