Posts with the category “pastor-s-blog”

Evaluating Our FocusAsk yourself:-What dominates your thoughts and time?-Does your focus draw you closer to God or further away?-Are you more concerned about what the world says or what God says?Proverbs 4:25-27 (NASB) offers practical wisdom: “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. ...  Read More

During our busy lives, it's easy to let our schedules become so full that we neglect the most important aspects of our spiritual well-being. Work, family obligations, social events, and countless other responsibilities can crowd our calendars, leaving little room for rest and reflection. However, I want to take a moment to encourage you to intentionally block out Sundays for worship and fellowship...  Read More

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, a vital conduit for communicating with God, seeking His guidance, and drawing closer to Him. Intercessory prayer holds a special place among the various forms of prayer, as it involves praying on behalf of others. Standing in the gap for someone else is both a privilege and a responsibility, reflecting the heart of God, who desires to bless an...  Read More

Grieving is a natural part of human existence, and throughout the Bible, we find many examples of individuals and communities navigating the deep waters of sorrow and loss. The seven stages of grieving—shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance—offer a framework that helps us understand and process our emotions. Let’s look at each stage through the lens of Scripture and ...  Read More

In our fast-paced and hectic world, carving out time for spiritual growth and community connection can be a challenge. However, attending church consistently is a practice that can bring numerous benefits to your life. Whether you're seeking personal fulfillment, a sense of belonging, or a deeper connection with your faith, regular attendance at a church can provide a meaningful and enriching expe...  Read More

Salvation is Free, but Sanctification Will Cost YouAs we journey through the realm of Christian faith, we encounter two distinct yet profoundly intertwined concepts: salvation and sanctification. While salvation is often painted as a gracious gift from God, sanctification necessitates unswerving dedication and a relentless commitment on the part of the believer. In this blog, we will embark on an ...  Read More

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42Small groups have been a vital part of Ignite church for a few years, and their importance cannot be overstated. In fact, 242 groups are the lifeblood of our church, providing members with a sense of belonging, connection, and spiritual growth. If you're not apart...  Read More

Gossip, defined as the spreading of rumors or private information about someone, is often considered to be a harmless activity. It can feel like a way to bond with friends or to feel connected to others by sharing information. However, gossip is a destructive force that harms relationships, damages reputations and causes pain and suffering for those involved. In Christianity, gossip is considered ...  Read More

I've been pondering this question, "how well does our church know how to defend their faith?" Today, I want to talk about the importance of defending our Christian faith in a world that is increasingly hostile to our beliefs.As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world, to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel and to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. How...  Read More

As a Christian, we believe that there are spiritual forces at work in the world that we cannot see, and that these forces can sometimes be malevolent and seek to harm us. These spiritual attacks can come in many forms, including physical illness, mental health struggles, financial hardship, and relationship problems. In this blog, we'll explore what spiritual attacks are, how to recognize them, an...  Read More

Good Friday is a significant day for Christians worldwide, as it marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This day is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday. It is a day of solemn reflection and mourning for Christians, as they remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.The origins of Good Friday c...  Read More

Christian persecution is a topic that has been discussed and debated for centuries. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that has affected millions of Christians around the world. From ancient times to the modern era, Christians have faced persecution, discrimination, and violence because of their faith.Persecution of Christians has taken many forms throughout history. In ancient Rome, Christian...  Read More

Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, celebrated annually in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of great significance for believers around the world, as it marks the ultimate triumph of hope, faith, and love over death, sin, and despair. But what is the meaning of Easter, and why is it so important to Christians?The story of Easter dates ba...  Read More

Starting a prayer journal is a great way to deepen your relationship with God and grow in your faith. I've been doing one for 15 years, it helps build my faith by seeing the answered prayers of the past. A prayer journal allows you to write down your thoughts, feelings, and prayers, helping you to reflect on your spiritual journey and connect with God on a more personal level. Here are some tips o...  Read More

How do I live by Grace? Grace is a Christian doctrine that is a powerful tool for living a more fulfilling life. Living by grace means living with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the abundance and blessings in your life and approaching challenges and difficulties with a sense of compassion and forgiveness. Webster defines Grace as “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their re...  Read More

Prayer is an essential part of many people's lives, and it can be even more powerful when done in a community setting. Community prayer refers to the practice of praying together with others, whether it be in a church or small group. Our community, is the body of believers at Ignite Church, unified in crying out to God together.  Let's will explore the importance of community prayer and how it can...  Read More

The church has a vital role in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the world, but often we can become stagnant and lose the passion we once had for sharing the good news. The concept of revival is not just an event but a process of renewing our hearts and minds to the things of God. With all the talk of revival, are you ready? Will you miss it if it comes? Here are some practical steps to to ...  Read More

Forgiveness can be a difficult and often painful process, particularly when we have been deeply hurt by someone else's actions. Someone once said, unforgiveness is like drinking acid and hoping the other person dies. It only kills you. There are many reasons why forgiveness is important and why we should strive to cultivate a forgiving attitude in our lives. Here are just a few.Forgiveness is good...  Read More

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:13Forgiveness is an important aspect of relationships, whether they be romantic, familial, or profession...  Read More

Repentance is the act of feeling genuine remorse for past actions or behaviors and making a sincere effort to turn away from those actions and behaviors. It is a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and spiritual transformation. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of repentance, its importance, and how to practice it.What is repentance?Repentance is a deep, heartfelt realization ...  Read More

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Ending a biblical fast is just as important as starting one. Here are some tips to help you end your fast:Start slow: When breaking your fast, it's important to start slow and reintroduce food gradually to avoid any digestive issues. Start with small amounts of easily digestible foods such as fruits or soups, and avoid heavy, fried, or spicy foods.Pray and give thanks: Take time to thank God for s...  Read More

Discipleship refers to the process of following and learning from Jesus Christ, with the ultimate goal of becoming more like him and fulfilling his mission in the world. It is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation, where we seek to deepen our relationship with God, live out his commands, and make a positive impact in the lives of others.The call to discipleship can be found throughout th...  Read More

Faith is a powerful force that can bring meaning, purpose, and peace to our lives. But for many of us, walking in faith can be a challenge. We may question our beliefs, doubt the guidance of a God, or struggle to trust in the face of life's difficulties.However, faith is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of growth, learning, and transformation that requires time, effort, and commitment...  Read More

Seeking God through the spiritual disciplines such as reading your Bible, meditation, and prayer will guide you to a deeper spiritual connection with God.While fasting, adding spiritual disciplines will help you deepen your connection with God and can provide a path to greater understanding and spiritual growth. Here are some tips for incorporating these practices into your spiritual journey for t...  Read More

Evangelism is the act of spreading the message of Christianity to non-believers. It is an important aspect of the Christian faith, as it allows individuals to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with others.There are many different ways to engage in evangelism, and it can be done both formally and informally. Formal evangelism typically involves a structured presentation of the Christian me...  Read More

 Biblical stewardship is the principle of managing and using resources (including time, talents, and money) in a manner that is pleasing to God. It is rooted in the belief that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are responsible for using it wisely and for His glory. Are you a good steward?The Bible teaches that we are to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. This inc...  Read More

Serving others is a fundamental principle in the Bible and is an important part of living a Christian life. From the earliest days of Christianity, believers have been called to serve others in the name of Jesus. The Bible teaches that serving others is an act of love and obedience to God. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and ...  Read More

Growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus is an ongoing process that begins with a personal relationship with Him through faith in His death and resurrection. This is true sanctification. Here are a few ways to cultivate a deeper understanding and intimacy with Jesus.Study the Bible: The Bible is God's word and it is through reading and studying scripture that we come to know Jesus better. Make ...  Read More

Having Christian friends,  involves developing close relationships with others based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to living according to the teachings of the Bible. Here are a few things you can do to cultivate good, godly, biblical friendships:Pray for guidance and wisdom in choosing friends. The Bible says, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" (1 Corinth...  Read More

2023 can be the year you finally get through the bible. Here are some tips for studying the Bible:1. Set aside dedicated time for Bible study. It can be helpful to choose a regular time and place to study, such as in the morning before starting your day or in the evening before going to bed. I start the morning off with a cup of coffee, my bible and prayer journal.2. Choose a translation of the Bi...  Read More