Loving People | AGW MINISTRIES

Christianity 101: The Importance of the Church (Part 8)

July 6, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

what is the church 101 — Key Text: Romans 12:1-18

So far in this Christianity 101 series, our topics have been mainly centered on an individual’s relationship with God. Not only must individual Christians learn to love God, we must learn to love other people and we must also learn to be loved by other Christians.

While Christianity must always be personal, it must be lived out within a Christianity community, specifically within a local church. So what is the church? Why is the church so important for our personal transformation? And how can we love other Christians and be loved by them in the context of a local church?

3 Traits of Spiritually Powerful People

May 21, 2018June 9, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

traits of powerful people — Genesis 39:23

It’s my belief that the amount of real spiritual power someone has is equal to how much credit they are willing to give God in their hearts and actions. God greatly uses those who are finally ready to give him all the glory. If you still desire the praise, then God isn’t going to curse you with the power.

This trait of possessing power and yet knowing it comes from God is always present in those God uses the most. Joseph is a perfect example of this.

Why Did Jesus Feed the 5000?

June 4, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

Why Jesus fed the 5000 — (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15)

The account of Jesus feeding the 5000 is one of his most well-known miracles as it is one of the only miracles recorded in all four gospels. But why did Jesus feed the 5000?

The simple answer is that the people were hungry and out God is one who cares about daily, practical needs of people. There are more reasons, however, for why Jesus fed the 5000.

How to Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

May 18, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

how to love your bible sermon — Luke 10:25-42

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is the golden rule. It is the summary of the entire law (Galatians 5:14). And it is the second greatest commandment within the entire Bible (Matthew 22:37-40).

But how do we love our neighbors as ourselves? To answer that, let’s look at Like 10:25-42.

Christian Advice for Feeling Judged By Others

May 5, 2017May 3, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

feeling judged by others Christian — James 4:11-12

The Bible says a lot about judging others. For example, Christians should not judge people’s motives, they should not judge non-believers, but they should judge other believers’ external actions if that Christian is living in sin. (For more on what the Bible says about judging others, read this article.)

However, what about being on the other side of the judgement? What should Christians do when they feel judged by others?

Is There Any Hope for Sex Offenders?

April 18, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

sex offenders Christian ministry — Romans 5:20

When I opened my email one recent Friday morning, I saw a notification regarding two new clients who would be checking into our program soon. One was getting out of prison after an eight-year term for two counts of rape. The other was coming to us after a twenty-year prison term for three counts of GSP (gross sexual imposition) and six counts of rape. Underneath their profile information was our Prison Outreach Chaplain’s signature line with the words, “Jesus, he breaks my chains!”

While the reminder of God’s power expressed in the gospel sent chills down my back, I can’t deny the internal war of feelings I had regarding these men: Why should we help these guys? They disgust me. They’re always going to be a threat to society. Nine counts of rape between the two of them! Why are they letting these men out?

But then that final line rang again in my ears, “Jesus, he breaks my chains!”

Christian Boundaries at Work

August 22, 2018March 18, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

christian secular workplace boundaries — Colossians 4:5-6

When you are a Christian who works in a secular work place, you have a real challenge in front of you. Even if you work in a Christian environment like a church or a non-profit, there will always be people who have a way of dragging you down rather than building you up. This is why Christian boundaries at work are such an important part of a healthy life.

What Does the Bible Say About Personal Boundaries?

August 18, 2018March 1, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

what the Bible says about personal boundaries — John 21:21-22

You are not going to find the term “personal boundaries” in the Bible. However, the Bible does talk about personal boundaries in principle.

Why Should We Pray for Others?

January 9, 2019February 25, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

As Christians, most of us have a general awareness that it is a good thing to pray for other people and to have other people praying for you. But perhaps praying for each other is more than “good,” perhaps it is crucial.

So why should we pray for others? What benefits are there to interceding for people? Why is it so important that we pray for each other?

Lay Aside the Weight Of Unforgiveness

February 22, 2017February 22, 2017 by Mark Ballenger

unforgiveness bible freedom — “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” -Isaiah 43:25-26
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” -Colossians 3:13

Why does God forgive us? He can forgive us because of the sacrifice of Jesus. But he chooses to forgive us because he is love and because he loves us.

Why should we forgive others? We can forgive others because of the sacrifice of Jesus. And we should choose to forgive because to be God’s child is to reflect his loving image. If we don’t forgive others their sins, then God will not forgive ours because this proves we have not become his children through grace (Matthew 6:14).