How did this make an impact?

  1. Inez Martins de Oliveira July 19, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    Excelent writing dear pastor Rick.

  2. Oddvar Søvik July 18, 2019 at 1:33 am

    I appreciate very much what you write, but I wonder what you think about the church in paragraph 2. “The church will last forever”. No, the church will last until Christ comes back, and I am sure that it will not last a thousand years more.
    You quote Matt 24,14. That will be fullfilled in near future.

  3. Regarding point #2, does that mean that believers who have occupations outside of the institutional church are wasting their time in their jobs? I find it interesting that pastors like to remind people that their organization is the most important to God.

    • Wow Mike! That’s reading way too much into point #2. Whatever you do unto the Lord has value. Just being the best you can be at whatever your vocation…working as unto the Lord…is of great value. But Christ came and gave His life for the Church. Believers ARE the Church. This is what’s eternal…and the Church is the only thing that will last forever. This is not a jab at all other vocations. This is not a personal occupation comparison.

      • Did Jesus die for just the church or did he die for the entire world? It seems to me when I read the Bible God has a love for all of His creation not just certain organizations.

        Rick probably didn’t mean this intentionally but the sense I get from most pastors is a bit of superiority and arrogance (i.e. their calling is higher and greater than others). That’s what I’m reading into point #2.

      • To answer your question Mike: Yes. Ephesians 5:25.
        First…the Church cannot be quantified as an “organization” or “just the church”. The Church is the body of Christ. Any and all (whosoever will) may become a member (part) of the body of Christ (i.e. by being born again), but make no mistake Jesus Christ did not die for those who do not accept His offer of grace. Hence, the atoning blood of Jesus Christ covers (exclusively) those who are the Church. To believe Christ died for any other is a mistake. So keep reading.

  4. I love this reminder of the importance of our convictions! I believe many of us have forgotten that the gospel is for everyone and for every nation. It is encouraging to read that you would go anywhere to reach the lost! May we all be willing to get uncomfortable to reach others for the Lord!

  5. Very educating, thanks Pastor.

  6. martha freire July 28, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Thank you for making us aware of these convictions. what a great true.

  7. victor bashir July 28, 2016 at 4:18 am

    thanks for great message

  8. victor bashir July 28, 2016 at 4:16 am

    thanks for great message
    God Bless You

  9. penina muthuri July 28, 2016 at 1:11 am

    Thanks pst. The article is inspiring. I pray that I get these convictions. God bless

  10. Elver Mendenhall July 27, 2016 at 11:22 am

    Oops. Error on my comment. I don’t need the Lord to work these things out in “men”, I need Him to work them out in “me”.

  11. Elver Mendenhall July 27, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Rick, thanks so much for your words. I have taken them deeply to heart asking the Lord to work them out in men. I am a pastor but need more of the things which you have spoken about.

  12. Rick, what a refreshing way to round out my morning. Thank you for how God is working in and through you to bring encouragement and strength to the Body of Christ, which includes me, a pastor of a small church in Willits, Ca.

  13. prophet zephaniah magnus pongo July 27, 2016 at 8:59 am

    Thanks, i found these six convictions as great treasure that every one must try to learn and inculcate .The Gospel will never fade since ,the Gospel is the foundation of the world. thank you so much for this food.
    prophet zephaniah

  14. Robert D Mitchell July 27, 2016 at 8:33 am

    Thanks, Rick, I needed to hear this.

  15. Thank you! I enjoyed this very much and appreciate everything that you are doing for humanity. Peace and love be with you.