EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Joshua Welch | Anderson, Indiana
The book of Hebrews is a treatise encouraging the perseverance of faith. The Jewish converts to Christianity faced persecution, leading to discouragement (see 10:32-34). So there is constant, systematic encouragement throughout the work to continue in their confident faith. Read More
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Joshua Welch | Anderson, Indiana
via Greg Montani | Pixabay.com
The book of Nehemiah takes place during the rule of the Persian Empire. By this time, Israel had been allowed to return from captivity, but the situation for the remnant Jews who returned to Jerusalem was dire. The protective walls around the city had been destroyed and burnt years ago during the captivity, and it left the people who were brave enough to return vulnerable. Therefore, the wall needed to be rebuilt. Nehemiah, the king’s cupbearer, took it upon himself to examine, plan, and oversee this massive project with the king’s providential blessing. Despite opposition in the work, Nehemiah and the people of Israel accomplished this great work together in less than two months (see Nehemiah 6:15). God blesses His people with success when His people put their minds and talents together to work. Read More
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Joshua Welch | Columbus, Ohio
via Jeremy Yap | Unsplash.com
Door-knocking can introduce you to a wide variety of characters. There are the kindly, elderly ladies who gingerly walk to the door, slowly crack it open, patiently listen and then say, “Thank you for stopping by, honey, but I’ve been going to my church for years and don’t plan on changing.”
Then, there’s the young 20-something’s who are agitated they had to get up from their video games and open the door quickly and say, “I’m not interested. Don’t come back.” As you begin to open your mouth to respond the door is swinging closed in your face. Read More