The Kingdom Impact for January 8th
- Keith Haney
- Jan 7, 2018
- 4 min read
The Week Ahead:
As you head into the new year may this quote from C. F. W. Walther give you comfort. “Now then, all of you who believe in God’s Word, let your watchword for entering the new year be this: ‘I am baptized!’ Although the world may laugh at this comfort, the enthusiasts vex its confidence…nevertheless, abandon any other dearly held pledges and speak only throughout the entire year to come, in all terrors of conscience and necessity through sin and death: ‘I am baptized! I am baptized! Hallelujah!’ And you shall prevail.”
Reflect on that notice this week. Looking ahead.
Monday: TED Talk: How we can face the future without fear, together
It’s a fateful moment in history. We’ve seen divisive elections, divided societies and the growth of extremism — all fueled by anxiety and uncertainty. “Is there something we can do, each of us, to be able to face the future without fear?” asks Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. In this electrifying talk, the spiritual leader gives us three specific ways we can move from the politics of “me” to the politics of “all of us, together.”
Tuesday: Retaining Youth in Church is an Uphill Climb
The church’s desire to connect and retain teens is an age-old battle. However, as the church continues to suffer huge losses in membership, this problem takes on greater significance. The church may see youth as the one group that can rescue a bleak future. This post looks at what opportunities lie ahead.
Wednesday: Church Multiplication: Starts with a Shared Vision and Values
“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.” Joel Barker
Thursday: How Anxiety Robs us of Our Trust in God
This post deals with the impact anxiety has on our ability to trust God fully. Fear and anxiety combine to erode our confidence in God. The fear is unrealistic, and the more you focus on it, the more significant the anxiety grows. Learn to live each day to its fullest.
Looking back on the week that was on: The Light Breaks Through.
Monday: What Does the Year Ahead Hold?
As we come to the end of one year and the beginning of another, our society tends to stop and reflect on the lives of those who passed away. It is usually a somber time of reflection because there is such uncertainty for many when it comes to the afterlife. I thought now would be a good opportunity to begin the year taking a closer look at heaven.
Tuesday: The US Factor Barrier in Church Planting
In this post, we will look at the four barriers you must navigate to create a church multiplication movement in your congregation.
Wednesday: You are Part of God’s Plan: You Were No Accident
Have you ever felt unsure about your importance in the world or wondered if you matter to God? It is possible you have felt uncertain about your usefulness or whether God found you acceptable. I will examine important things about our identity in Christ. It is my prayer that you will gain a greater sense of your divine purpose.
Thursday: Warning If You Track Church Attendance: The Numbers Are Lying to You
This post was the most read of the week. With over 1,000 reads and dozens of people sharing it with their congregational leaders. I pray it will serve as a source of encouragement for you. You are also welcome to share any of my posts. It is my prayer they are a blessing to many.
A bonus Read: What Millennial Parents Want in a Christian School
This post is a summary of a presentation I gave at a teacher’s conference in the fall of 2017. The presentation was on what do millennial parents want in a Christian day school. Some of you are thinking they want what everyone else wants, right? Well not so fast. Because this generation is not as grounded in faith as previous generations there is a shift in what they value and desire for their children. I will give you just a taste of what four factors will determine their educational choices.
Disclaimer
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This weblog does not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of the Northern Illinois District. It is solely my opinion, and if you know me or follow this blog long enough, you will learn I have many. Some profoundly insightful some may be the result of too much Cajun spice in my diet.
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