Who Can Stand Against Us

Impact Church

Thessalonians 1:18 “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”

Outside of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, no verse provokes conjecture as quickly as this one. The possibilities here are too varied, the context too vague, and the purposes for leaving out such detail too divine to make what’s not scripted the focus.

What’s critical is that Satan is positively identified as the hinderer. And for a believer to tag Satan as the opposer to good deeds is perfectly comforting. For had it been negligence or lack of desire for visiting the Thessalonians, then apathy, not faith would have reigned. But the Chosen know their Foe well, and they take consolation that their ministry work merits Satan’s attention. And it’s an honor to have the Accuser of the brethren seek to stymie their great work of love!

For the Elect know…

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The Priority of Time with Jesus

Impact Church

“… And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

While reading a blog about the priorities of ministry work this week, I was struck with the simple idea that what is good for the shepherd is good for the sheep.

That’s not a new concept for Impact Church; we have faithfully declared for years that every member should be and indeed is a minister. It’s not just our pastors who we believe are called to “passionately serve God and His people.” That is the mission of the church as a whole.

You’ve probably heard the declaration that God has no grandchildren, only children. He deals with each one of us as a loving Father who wants what is best for us. He doesn’t play favorites, but never forget that He is sovereign. He doesn’t make mistakes; His callings are sure. He gives different abilities…

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Grace Upon Grace

Impact Church

“And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

“Today will be different,” I declare to myself while staring at my tired reflection in the bathroom mirror. For once I will get it right. I will not lose my patience or raise my voice. My words will be full of kindness and compassion. If something goes wrong I will pause to pray and then handle each scenario with grace and poise. Yes, today I will do better. I turned to walk into the living room only to find a plant knocked over and my son gleefully throwing dirt everywhere. Just then my oldest, the self proclaimed substitute disciplinarian, yells at her brother to “stop!” He despises being bossed around by her so by the time “stop” rolls off her tongue he’s already pushed her down. Next thing I know I’m pulling them off of each other…

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