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Showing posts with the label Tony Evans

Spreading Good News: A Simple Guide to Sharing the Gospel

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Imagine you’ve just discovered the best sandwich shop in town. You can’t help but tell your friends about it! Sharing your excitement about a yummy sandwich is a lot like sharing the Good News of the Gospel: it’s all about spreading joy and great news to others. Everyone has something to say, and in this case, what we have to share is truly life-altering.

Expecting the Extraordinary: How Prayer Opens Doors to Divine Transformation

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The Power of Prayer: Connecting with the Divine Magic tricks have long captivated people around the world, demonstrating the delightful art of illusion. Yet, unlike magic, the workings of God are not illusions but the profound and transformative reality of divine interaction with humanity. When God answers our prayers , it is an undeniable reflection of His power and presence within our lives. Every prayer uttered by His faithful people has the capacity to showcase His glory, echoing through the fabric of creation.

The Power of Patience: Embracing God's Timing in Your Journey

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Throughout history, many have faced trials, doubts, and waiting—a feeling so common yet often so challenging. One of the most significant biblical figures who learned to navigate this turbulent journey is David , the anointed king of Israel. Though destined for greatness, David's path was fraught with obstacles, including a relentless pursuit by King Saul. His story exemplifies the intricacies of faith , patience, and God’s timing in our lives.

Stand Firm on the Word

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"When most people hear the word idolatry, they think of pagans worshiping statues and assume, "That's one subject that can't apply to me." Oh, yes it can. You don't have to keep a carved, wooden tiki idol in your backyard to be an idolater. You don't have to visit a Buddhist shrine. Any time you worship the thing God created as a god, that's idolatry. We can get so caught up in the things of this world - jobs, money, people, material things - that we forget our purpose here on earth. We should live in the world but not of the world. Spend some time analyzing your walk with the Lord. Are there things that you are placing above your relationship with God? Ask Him to reveal things in your life that are being placed above God." - Tony Evans 1 John 2:15-17 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of...

Impacting the World for God

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"In business, companies talk frequently about market share. They all want a 100 percent share of the market. But how do they accomplish this? Competition is a major hurdle. God has the same issue. A multitude of idols are competing with Him for a share of the market, and God wants a monopoly ... a 100 percent market share. He says, "Let all the people praise Me." If everybody is praising the one true God, nobody else has any share of the market. That's what God is after for Himself, and that is why we are here. We are here to help God persuade the folks who are purchasing at the wrong market to go to the right market. We are here to help God meet His 100 percent." - Tony Evans Isaiah 49:5-6 5 And now the LORD says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength— 6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be m...

The Cost of Grace

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"Imagine it's your birthday. Your friend comes by and gives you a beautifully wrapped gift. When you open it, it's something you've always wanted! After the party, you walk your friend to the door and just before he leaves, he says, "Oh, by the way, here's the receipt. Your gift costs $500. I'll take cash or a check" Could you really call what you received a gift? The same principle applies to salvation. You don't have to buy it. Salvation is a gift. It depends wholly on God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Jesus paid the costs in full for our salvation. Acts 4:12 says, ". . . there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven . . . by which we must be saved." - Tony Evans Romans 10:9-13 New International Version 9 If you declare with yo...

The Importance of Prayer

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"Most people are fascinated by magic tricks, which are simply fantastic illusions. What God is able to do and anything He purposes to accomplish in His Kingdom are never illusions. And how He answers our prayers is no illusion. When God's people commit to faithful prayer, the world will see God's power. To pray powerfully and effectively, we must first deal with sin in our lives. We must turn and flee from sin, understanding that as God responds to our cries, people will give Him greater glory. We must pray expectantly, knowing that God will ultimately change us. Isaiah 65:24 says, "... before [you] call, I will answer ..." God gave us prayer to connect us with His plan for our lives to make an impact on all creation!" - Tony Evans Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and ...

Be Sure to Love the Loving

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"Most likely you have one in your family—the extremely loving caring person always looking out for others and helping them in every and any way possible. They usually always have a smile on their faces and will stop what they're doing and help you at the drop of a hat. Everyone always enjoys being in their company and loves the feeling of love and happiness they share with those around them. We love them. We're inspired by them to be more loving ourselves, but too often we forget to give back to these people the love that they've given to us. They, of course, would never ask for anything from us, as serving others truly makes them happy, but they need to receive love just as much as they need to give it. Yet too often, we take them for granted, and sadly, sometimes even take advantage of their kindness. Look around at your friends and family and remember to look out for and love the selfless ones. These selfless individuals mirror the love of God to us; we nee...

Learning to Wait God's Way

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David was the anointed king of Israel, but before he could enjoy the realization of God's promises, he had to go through a season of testing and waiting. During this time, he was forced to hide out in caves and literally run for his life. King Saul, who was bent on David's destruction, continually hunted for him. Perhaps the Lord has given you a promise through His Word. You are ready to see it unfold, but it hasn't happened yet. Though you have waited, it seems that there is no hope on the horizon. Remember, God's timing is perfect. He knows what you need, when you need it. He knows that if we are going to learn how to walk with Him in the daylight or the good times, we must learn first to trust Him in times of darkness. At some point, each of us has waited for God's promises to come. David may have wondered when the Lord would open the door to blessing. However, he never allowed his thoughts to turn to doubts. In fact, in Psalm 18:17, 19, he praises God for...

Tony Evans: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit - Alternative View

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Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit   Scripture Reading: Matthew 5    Today when we hear that someone is "blessed," we often think of a comfortable lifestyle, good health and a successful job. But Jesus said that those who are "poor in spirit" are blessed. The New Testament word for poor means a beggar who is totally dependent upon another for survival. Therefore, to be "poor in spirit" is to be totally dependent upon another for spiritual well-being.   If we turn this around, we realize that the cursed are those who are rich in self-sufficiency. When we can take care of ourselves and control our situations, we're living in a different kingdom.   When God puts you in a situation that you have no power to fix, He's doing you a favor because He's making a way for His Kingdom to come in. If you find yourself in this place, you'll know you're poor in spirit as thanksgiving replaces your complaining.   Listen to Dr. Tony Evans Online Broadca...