Manhattan First

When we face hardships, it can be difficult to believe God sees or cares about us. That is what the Israelites faced when exiled to Babylon, but God had a plan for them, and He also has a plan for you.

Sometimes we can believe that no one could ever love us because of what we have done, but is that true? When we see the character of God and his love for us, it can give us the hope we need.

It's been said that witnessing to others is "One beggar showing another beggar where the food is." But if those around us never hear it, they have no hope. We can bring hope to this world by allowing them to understand the hope in us. Are you willing?

The disciples of Jesus were all very different men, but they all had something in common, they stayed close to Jesus and were one in purpose. What is your purpose in life? Does it line up with there's?

We can conclude that God can't do anything with us and come to total despair. Naomi, when faced with the loss of her sons, even told people to call her Mara, which means bitter, but God blessed her despite her despair. Can he do that with you?

Sharing the gospel can be considered optional for some believers, but if you think back, how did you come to know the lORD? Did someone share their faith with you? In the life of Bartholomew, aka Nathaniel, we see an excellent example of how things have always been done when it comes to witnessing.

Having zeal means having great energy or enthusiasm to pursue a cause or an objective. As believers having a passion for anything other than Christ can be a warning sign that our hearts aren't totally his, or it can also be used as a platform for expressing your commitment to him. Which one are you... Read More

While very little is known about James, Son of Alpheus, we know that he shared a similar trait with all the other Apostles, He sacrificed everything to follow Jesus. What are you willing to sacrifice for Jesus?

The Apostle Thomas is known for being a doubter, and it has been used in disparaging terms, but if it weren't for him, we wouldn't have been told one of the greatest truths of the gospel.

When you consider the call of Jesus to follow him, it can require more than what you can give. That is what Mathew faced when Jesus called him. How did he respond, and what does it mean for you?

When we commit our lives to Christ, we become imitators of Him. We also choose to love people, but do we love as he loves? The apostle John was, in the beginning, brash and unloving but became the apostle of love. How did he change so radically? Do you wish to be that radically changed?

It's hard for us to go through something difficult and not question why God would allow it, but we need to have the correct response to adversity from a biblical perspective. What is that response?

Peter is thought of as a bold, fearless proclaimer of the gospel. But how did he become that? To become one of the most influential preachers of all time, what had to happen to Peter must also happen to you.

As we seek to grow in our walk with Christ, we look to find people that can help us on our way. It is difficult not to look at the person instead of the message. We hold some people in high esteem when we should look to the Spirit behind the messenger.

When a message on missionary giving is given, it can elicit various responses. Do you have a heart for the lost? How we respond can be an indicator of our relationship with Christ.

Jesus said, "Whatsoever you have done to the least of these, you have done unto me." But who is "The least of these"? They may be closer than you think.

The world loves to point out our wrongs, keep a record of them, and use our faults against us. We as believers have a Father that knows everything about us and all we have done, and not only doesn't keep a record of them but forgets them all together and covers us with his mercy.... Read More

Focusing on missions is vital to an influential church, but why? Can we, as believers, do the work that Christ has called us to do without it? Perhaps we could use a history lesson to answer these questions.

We all struggle between good and evil, or as scripture puts it, between flesh and spirit. The apostle Paul also struggled with this, as described in the 7th chapter of Romans. At what point does our struggle reveal our relationship to Christ? When have we become "carnal"?

You've heard it said that "Pride goes before a fall," but how do we avoid the pitfall of pride? There are clear answers in the Proverbs.

We spend a lot of time determining who to listen to in our society. How can we know the best sources for advice or counsel? There is a clear answer in God's word.

God has many names, describing his character and how he relates to us. As we go through this life, we all struggle with the stress and trouble that it brings, but there is a name that describes one of gods most powerful attributes and can give us a great victory. Jehovah Nissi, God our banner!

The enemy of our souls is subtle and cunning. We can easily become ensnared by his traps, but there are ways to avoid them and live lives of freedom and victory. Are you failing or winning?

Having a relationship with Christ is a very personal thing. But is that everything it should be? We are called to make a difference in our community, and the book of Jude tells us why.