A Season of Testing

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

According to statistics, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. Only 8% of people are motivated enough to stick with them the entire year! Most people have good intentions to become a better version of themselves but soon realize that it requires a great deal of hard work and discipline.

Good habits are hard to start and even harder to keep, especially when it comes to our Christian walk. Many people are inspired when they hear the gospel and make the commitment to follow God, but when trouble or hardship comes along, they fall away. How can a believer stand firm and faithful to the end?

In 1st John 2:18, the apostle John affirms that “the antichrist is coming” but has not yet been revealed; however, there is antichrist activity in the church today spreading false doctrine and enticing Christians to immoral behavior.

“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”

Knowing this reality, it’s critical that Christians recognize this activity and guard themselves against it. With a growing spirit of the antichrist in our culture, the pressures are only going to get worse. In this battle between light and darkness, believers need to be prepared in these three ways:

1. Be prepared for a season of testing by recognizing the signs of the time in which many people will be led astray.
2. Be prepared for a season of testing by embracing the anointing of Truth that has been given to you.
3. Be prepared for a season of testing by remaining in Christ and allowing His life to flow through you.

Join me at the link below to start waging battle today!

Listen to the sermon series: Anointed to Stand Firm

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Every year, New Life Community Church, where I serve as the senior pastor, practices a 21-day time of fasting and praying in January. The purpose is to take our focus off our earthly concerns and listen to what God has for us as a church and as individuals in the coming year. I, personally, find this time to be a good reset for me as I seek God’s face and what He’s called me to as a pastor and in my other roles at Moody Bible institute. It’s not too late for you to consider the same practice in your own life. A resource I would highly recommend in preparation is Dr. Bill Bright’s reference guide, 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer.