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The bottom line of why we are to study the Bible is so we may know God, His Way, and grow in our knowledge and faith in Him so we can then be better used by Him. We are called to spiritual growth-that is, the formation of the investment of faith Christ gives us that we give back to Him in dividends. This is a deep conviction of our faith, a practiced submission that shows our obedience, and a life of personal and relational maturity. We can't do this when we bring what we want into Scripture and not take out what God wants us to have! We have to listen to God; if not, we will not learn and then we will not grow and then we will not have a life of transformation.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35972&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Out of learning why churches fail, we also learned why they succeeded. The churches that were healthy, growing spiritually, and socially vibrant have significant aspects that set them apart from the failing churches. These factors are displayed in order of relevance and importance. Each one of these factors creates a harmony, contentment, and atmosphere for a churchgoer to come to church services and fellowship, and then to invite others.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=57457&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Fruit of the Spirit, Part IV

Just before the great passage in Galatians that expounds the Fruit of the Spirit comes a warning and a list of the opposites of the good Fruit, the destroyers of churches, relationships, and self! This all comes down to our willingness to either live a life that is led by the Spirit or one that is led by our flesh, that of our pride and will.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35971&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Are you crying out to God asking why things are not going right in your church? Dealing with apathy and ineptitude? Is your church on the path of self-destruction and ineffectiveness? Are people lining up for war in various factions and sides while conflict and discontent are running amok? Are some people gossiping while others are being ignored? Is Christ outside knocking on your door, but not getting in? Instead, have you replaced Him with what you think is relevance and attractiveness to the Gospel but in fact,

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35970&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

The problems of Church can be solved and used for His glory!

The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35969&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Are you willing to take an honest look at some of the reasons why people are not coming to your church?

1,103 churches surveyed and tracked for 12-plus years

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=81337&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

We have the incredible privilege to here and know God personally through His Word! The Bible is our principle platform for our encounters with the Almighty Who has something precious to say to us, and we must hear it excitedly! We are to get into God's Word because it is the framework of the Living God. His principles, calls, and plans for us to know, grow, prosper in our lives and churches are in its pages. We must do our best to immerse ourselves to meet Him, to know Him, to internalize His precepts and live them out for His glory and our mutual benefit. Therefore, we must listen, learn, and do ...

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=36571&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

We compared over 1,103 churches for 15 years to what constitutes a healthy church from our other research.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=36562&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

What is Going on with the Pastors in America? Here are some startling statistics on pastors; we have found that pastors are in the single most stressful and frustrating working profession!

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32857&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Stewardship Part 3: Learning What It Means to Give Cheerfully!

How do you feel when churches, ministries, or even missionaries seek you, asking for funds? Does it give you a toothache? Do you cringe and make the quickest possible exit, or do you see those requests as opportunities to serve? A lot of people run away from stewardship because they do not see it as God does. This is a reflection of our spiritual condition! We should never separate money and finances from our spiritual life. Yet, so many Christians do, seeking to be cheerful with what they can keep, not with how they can be used. Have you ever thought that