by PC3 | Aug 1, 2025 | Blog
God calls us to run the race of faith in such a way to get the prize. This means that now we have received the free gift of eternal life through the finished work of Jesus we respond by serving Him with all we have. We show what we have received by how we live.
Here are five ways to help us run the race of faith;
- Strip off every weight and sin:
Watch an athlete prepare for a race. They remove everything that is not necessary and would slow them down. They put on the most suitable outfit and shoes they can find. We are called to remove anything that would slow us down or distract our spiritual progress. This includes hang ups, habits, hurts and anything that distracts from doing God’s will.
- Embrace discipline:
A disciplined life is essential for running the race. This involves setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers and serving with our spiritual gifts.
- Fixing our Eyes on things above:
The focus should be on the eternal rewards God has promised, not on temporary earthly pleasures or achievements. This perspective helps us persevere through challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.
- Run with endurance:
Because the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint we need to develop the stamina to endure trials, temptations, and hardships, trusting in God’s strength.
- Strive to obtain the prize:
We all should be actively pursuing God’s will and striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This involves consistently seeking His guidance and serving Him with a willing heart.
by PC3 | Jul 1, 2025 | Blog
Living in a vital relationship with Jesus means we have been saved, redeemed, restored and set free to serve Him without fear. We also have the wonderful privilege of being used by Him to build His Kingdom on earth. But how do we know what we are called out to do? By asking our heavenly Father why He has placed us here, and at this time. Knowing and growing in our calling leads us to do what we have been made to do.
Consider these five steps to help identify/affirm your calling:
COMMIT TO SURRENDERING
Isaiah found his calling when he was drawn into the presence of God. To his horror he realized how wretched and unworthy he was. But at the same time he discovered God’s gracious forgiveness and healing. Having been forgiven and made right with God he completely surrendered himself to His call, without knowing what the call was! He simply loved the God who loved Him first. Have you had this experience? Do you know that God never saves His people and leaves them to do their own thing. He gives us all the opportunity to respond to our heavenly Father’s grace by surrendering to His workmanship.
COMMIT TO GROWING
Just growing older without maturing in Christ is a tragedy for a Christian. Living in Christ means we have all we need to grow our Christian character. This takes recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily life and intentionally developing Christlike qualities by exercising faith, prayer, Bible study, and obedience. It’s a process of transformation as we align our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with God’s Will and character. We need to remember that fulfilling our calling is a journey, not a destination. It is staying faithful, being courageous, and trusting that God will work through our lives to bless others and glorify His name. Are you embracing the process of learning and growing, even when facing the challenges of daily life?
COMMIT TO FOLLOWING GOD’S GUIDANCE
We have seen this as we study the life of Nehemiah. He was living in the lap of luxury. As cupbearer, he lived in a palace, enjoying all the benefits of being a trusted friend of the king. He ate the king’s food and drank the king’s wine. But in one day he found his calling when he heard news of the need in Jerusalem. He was moved to accept God’s guidance and risk his life, sacrifice all his privileges to lead the wall rebuilding project. Have you found what moves your heart? This may well be what God is calling you to do today.
COMMIT TO A TEAM
It is crucial to be a part of a team because it reflects God’s design for His church as a unified body, it allows for all the necessary gifts to be engaged. It allows for healthy accountability, and encouragement among team members. Being a healthy team increases our impact and strengthens the witness of Christ’s Church.
COMMIT TO TRUST GOD & PERSEVERE
Resting in God’s faithfulness allows believers to overcome doubt and fear, which can hinder progress. Relying on God’s promises in scripture provides a solid foundation for perseverance, even when circumstances are difficult. Trusting God can lead to sacrificial giving of time, resources, and talents to support the mission, as we are confident that God will provide for our needs.
by PC3 | Jun 1, 2025 | Blog
Now that we have heard the call of Jesus and received the free salvation that He has won for us, the only fitting response we can give is to be living sacrifices serving Him with all we are and have. To help us serve well, consider these six points we need to know.
- SERVE IN GOD’S STRENGTH
“So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6) “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:6)
The fact is, true servanthood is Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered! We serve in and by the Spirit of God. In all our serving we are to be depending upon the Lord, keeping instep with the Spirit and walking according to His will.
- SERVE RELYING ON GOD’S WISDOM AND GUIDANCE
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
So much serving today is being done according to our own cleverness. But it is critical we learn to not be wise in our own eyes because only God knows what we need.
- SERVE ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD
“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God…, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:6) “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
One of the best ways to be a better and more fruitful servant is to be a man or woman of the Word! People can tell whether you are speaking the truths of God or your own ideas and popular opinions. Do you know more about your job, your sporting heroes or movie stars than you do your Bible? Jesus calls us to read from His Word every day and let it shape us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we will be equipped to serve hurting people all around us.
- SERVE PRAYERFULLY
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1) “…pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
God uses men or women of prayer. It takes a close relationship with Him to hear His call. Our lives must be marked by prayer. A prayer life that is constantly asking for help, wisdom, healing, discernment and guidance.
- SERVE BY KEEPING THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE.
“There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:25) “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Nothing kills relationships and Churches more than division. We are called to be peacemakers. If we are having problems with our pastor, or leader, or fellow member, we are to go to them directly and work it out. There will always be friction in communities, but we are called to work for unity.
- SERVE WITHOUT GUMBLING OR COMPLAINING
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing.” (Philippians 4:14-16)
It is sad and discouraging to hear of people complaining in a church. Murmuring and complaining is such a waste of time. It doesn’t build up the body or solve anything. If you can’t serve without complaining, then please don’t serve. Instead go to your prayer closet and ask God to do a transforming work in your heart.
by PC3 | May 1, 2025 | Blog
In Luke 10:38-42 we find the account of Jesus visiting with His two friends Mary and Martha. Martha spends all her time distracted by getting everything ready for Jesus and His followers. Mary, on the other hand, is sitting at Jesus feet listening to His teaching. Before long Martha expresses her frustrations to Jesus. In verse 40 she says; “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus answer helps us understand the benefits of spending regular time at His feet.
Please consider the following four truths:
1. SERVING IS NOT WRONG. Jesus’ whole ministry on earth was serving others. However, He spent a great deal of time alone with His Father. He teaches us that if we don’t, we will end up doing everything in our strength.
2. WE NEED TO HEAR FROM GOD FIRST. If we prioritise the Word of God in our lives we will joyfully serve Him. Martha was so distracted by serving, she lost sight of who she was serving, and it became a burden. If she spent time at Jesus’ feet first, her serving would have been a joy. “We need to have a Mary heart in a Martha world.” (Joanna Weaver)
3. IT SHOWS WE KNOW WHO HE IS. Being at a person’s feet is very significant. Many people spent time at Jesus feet while He ministered on earth, a synagogue leader with a sick daughter, a women healed by touching Jesus, a mother with a demon possessed daughter, a demon, a healed leper. Being at the feet of Jesus is an act of worship and giving Him the same honour reserved for God. It is declaring Jesus is God and worthy of our worship. Mary was not lazy, she recognised who Jesus is and put Him first. Martha did recognise Jesus later, when she declared; “Yes, Lord, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” (John 11:27)
4. IT SHOWS WE TRUST HIM. When Mary was at Jesus’ feet she showed a sense of quiet trust. She rested in Jesus’ presence and did not worry about all the things that had to be done. Mary was so focused on all the work and so irritated with Mary she took her anger out on Jesus – the One who came to spend time with her. The fact is, even if Mary was helping her, she would still be worried and stressed.
