Raising funds for your salary is often a necessity in ministry work. However, we must not forget that support raising, although necessary, is as much a spiritual work as serving at your church, praying fervently, or reading your Bible. These all take a little bit of discipline and a lot of the Holy Spirit. Each of these gives us the greatest joy when done with the right heart, but can quickly spiral into legalism and shame if we are not careful.
Everyone has a place and role in the Great Commission. God wants to use you for beautiful things! Here are some things you can do right now to start reaching the nations whoever you are, wherever you are.
What works against you in grasping Christ's love for you? When I think about this question, my answers create a long list, sadly. My sin, fear of rejection, not being good enough, not being faithful enough, being a burden, seeing and experiencing broken relationships, feelings of shame.
During my time with Cafe 1040 in Europe, our group navigated the city through a "buddy system," ensuring no one ventured out alone. When a teammate sought a companion for a rendezvous with a girl she had met at a local Korean Festival, I volunteered without hesitation, completely unaware of what God would do from this encounter.
With November in our midst, Cafe 1040 embarks on its annual year-end campaign. This year, we have invited various pastors and ministers from churches connected to Cafe 1040 to help us Draw Near to Christ with our key verse. We have new podcast episodes, an Advent Guide, and a playlist coming soon. Stay tuned for all of this throughout November and December as we strive to Draw Near and Send Far.
Of all the ways Paul might’ve wrapped up this passage, that wasn’t the “bow” I expected the first time I read it. Up to this point in Romans, Paul has explained and emphasized the Gospel message. But now, he turns to the role of the Gospel messengers. And in this passage, the most notable characteristic of those messengers is their beautiful feet.
I asked her, "What do you think God wants you to do?" She replied, "God is the one who will move." I said, "Yes, but Jesus has commanded us to go and make disciples of all people groups. So we need people to go to the places where there are no followers!" She responded, "Yes, God will send His people. His plans are good."
Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
