Tag Archives: Christian

Chicagoland Friends: How God Became My Hope Enabler!

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith
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1 Chronicles – The Kingdom of David

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Map Credit: bible-history.com Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the … Continue reading →

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Want to Draw Closer to God?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: wordjourney.com God can feel distant … even if we have come to know Him in a personal relationship.  Enjoying an intimate walk with God seems impossible, yet it is something God longs for with you, and that’s the … Continue reading →

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Why Do We Gather Each Week to Worship?

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: risingsunchurch.org Recently a church leadership team asked me the following question: “What is the purpose of the church weekly gatherings? “ As I thought about their question, I realized that the New Testament has much to say about … Continue reading →

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Small Groups Build the “One Another” Dimension of Our Faith!

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: currie-baptist.org.uk Often church leaders ask me, “How can we help our people care for one another more? I like to refer them to Acts 2 and ask them if they have a dynamic small group ministry. When I … Continue reading →

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An Action Plan For Establishing A Small Group Ministry

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: ragamuffinsoul.com Many churches ask me, “How do we grow our people into deeper faith?” As the Gospels and the book of Acts demonstrate, the best way to grow your faith is to live it in community! Jesus chose … Continue reading →

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Beware the Actions of a Successful Conspiracy (2 Samuel 15)

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Clip Art Credit: tantrumtoddlers.com If you have been in ministry for more than 6 months, you are aware that not everyone wants to “follow the leader.” Agendas and motives can be self-centered, and, when acted upon, often bring hurt and … Continue reading →

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I've Been Praying (And God's Been Answering)

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Over the past months my pastor, Rick Warren, has challenged us to consider what God might do with us in the next ten years. What would our lives be like if God answered the prayers of our heart? This got … Continue reading →

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What Are You Dreaming About? (4)

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: dreambigcollection.com This is the final post in our series, “What Are You Dreaming About?” Today I wrap up our series by focusing our attention on what we are trying to achieve in this life. I thought I would … Continue reading →

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David's Troubles Are Caused By God's Judgment ( 2 Samuel 12-24)

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: essex1.com Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the … Continue reading →

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