It's important to understand what the term Christian means. We are not simplify talking about someone who follows a creed or code of conduct, but rather someone who loves God. Love of God and his love to his children is central to the Christian faith. God has done so much for us, whether saving us from eternal damnation or placing us into his kingdom. All he asks in return is that we love him and follow his commandments.

Judges 6 describes the calling of Gideon by God. Gideon was a seemingly ordinary man called to lead Israel against overwhelming odds. Despite Gideon's fears and feelings of inadequacy, God assures him that He will be with him, empowering him to accomplish what seems impossible. This message reminds us that God doesn’t expect us to have all the strength or resources; rather, He calls us to trust Him with what we do have. Through Gideon’s story, we learn that God can work mightily through our weaknesses when we step forward in faith.

Tonight I'd like to share about healing and some testimonies of it. Over the past 44 years I have had a journey of faith in seeing God's constant provision for us and others we know. The Bible is full of scriptures that if spoken in faith are applicable to us and the health ailments we may be facing. God's desire is not that we would live our lives sick and unwhole but rather be strong and healthy in his power.

I have wanted to speak on this topic for a long time to you all. The Old Testament is littered with several stories involving the nation of Israel's battling against giants who opposed God's people. These giants represent the great spiritual giants that still exist in this modern day, obstacles propped up by Satan that would hinder God's people. We must adopt the courage of David to conquer these giants and trust in God's empowerment of believers.

Why world missions? Why do we go and reach people in countries less exposed to the gospel? We live in a nation where there is a great abundance of Bible-based churches. The other nations of the world are not as privileged as we are, whether because of government limitation or cultural resistance. I will be travelling soon to the Czech Republic in order to minister to a number of pastors there. I would like to share today on the impact that our work there has and why I believe it is God's plan for us to outreach there.

From a Christian perspective, not being conformed to the world means rejecting the values and behaviors that contradict God's will. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as an act of worship. It calls Christians to renew their minds and not follow the patterns of the world, which are often driven by selfishness, materialism, and sin. Instead, through transformation, believers are to discern and pursue what is good, pleasing, and perfect according to God's will. This transformation is a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, standing apart from worldly influences.

Jesus has simple words on giving: "Give, and it will be given back to you." It is important for the Christian to view giving as an exciting opportunity, as God has great rewards for the generous. The Bible describes a proportional relationship between the amount we give and what we receive back. Therefore it is important to examine your attitude and perception of giving and ensure that you are cultivating a giving spirit within yourself rather than a stingy spirit.