Ways Attending Private School Benefits Students

If you’re a parent who’s tuned in to the various conflicts around public grade school education in the US, you may well be worried about the quality of education your own children will receive in their district. Public schools in our country are notoriously underfunded, understaffed, and often unable or disallowed to deliver high-quality learning experiences. As a result, you may want to consider the benefits of a private education for your child. Here are some of the most important benefits of private school you and your child stand to gain.


  • Higher academic standards. Religious private schools have been proven to enhance academic achievement in students. In fact, students at private religious institutions attain educational progress seven months to a year ahead of their public school counterparts. This can have long-lasting positive effects. Superior academic performance in grade school is an excellent way for students to earn scholarships and stand out from the competition when it comes to gaining admission for prestigious colleges and universities.


  • Smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. Private schools often have a smaller student body than their public counterparts, and students typically enjoy a lower student-to-teacher ratio. This means that children will get to know their classmates better and will receive more personal attention from their teachers. As a result, students are less likely to fall behind and more likely to have opportunities to challenge themselves academically.


  • A safe learning environment. Because of their lower student-to-staff ratios and focus on ethics and Christian values, private schools can typically provide a safer learning environment for students than public institutions do. Statistically, private schools experience fewer instances of bullying, physical conflict, theft, drug abuse, and possession of illegal weapons. 


  • Opportunities for greater parental involvement. In part because they are more accountable to tuition-paying parents, private schools offer more opportunities for parents to become involved with academic and extracurricular operations. This allows parents to get to know their children’s teachers better, stay updated on school events, and offer support as desired. It also helps to create a greater sense of community between school staff, students, parents, and alumni.


  • Christian and cultural teaching. Most private institutions are religiously affiliated, with the majority being Catholic or Protestant Christian schools. If faith is important to your family, then high-quality religious instruction should be important in your child’s education. Your child will not only strengthen their faith, but their knowledge of Christian history and its formative influence on Western civilization as a whole. This is important for understanding a major aspect of their individual and cultural identity.


  • Increased access to extracurricular activities. Private schools often provide specialized types of extracurricular programming that many public schools do not. This allows students to explore more activities that will help them stay physically fit, develop valuable teamwork and life skills, and become more well-rounded individuals. In addition, a smaller student body means each child will have more opportunities to try more activities—and find out what they most excel at and enjoy.


  • Affordable tuition. It’s true that the cost of tuition, fees, and supplies at private schools can vary considerably, but contrary to popular belief, not all institutions cater exclusively to the upper classes. Many private Christian schools serve families in all socioeconomic brackets, and plenty offer financial aid, grants, and scholarships for those who qualify. In addition, parents who invest in their children’s education will see it pay off for many years to come as students grow up to become thoughtful and highly successful adults.

Set Your Child Up for Success at Life Prep Academy

Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you.


If you're ready to improve your child's education and set them up for success, consider enrolling them in Life Prep Academy, the best small private Christian school in Wichita. Life Prep Academy is committed to giving families an affordable college prep Christian education that inspires students to reach their potential in spirit, mind, and body. Take a virtual tour today! 



Miracles and Faith

Miracles remain one of the more contentious topics in the Bible. Modern Christians disagree on everything from whether the miracles to the Bible actually occurred, to what their purpose was, to whether we can expect miracles to be performed again in the future. It can get confusing quickly, to say the least. Here, we'll start from the basics and discuss how to define miracles, a few notable examples of miracles in the Bible, and how they can help inform our faith and worldview. 

What Are Miracles?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a miracle is defined as "an unusual and mysterious event that is thought to have been caused by a god because it does not follow the usual laws of nature." Essentially, a miracle is something so extraordinary and impossible that it could only have been performed by God. 


In the Bible, miracles take a variety of forms. Some of the more commonly known examples of God's miracles include:


  • Moses parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

  • Mary's virgin conception and birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25)

  • Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:25-27)

  • Elijah raising the son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24)

  • Peter healing a paralyzed man  (Acts 9:32-35)

Can We Expect Miracles To Happen Again?

When it comes to miracles, one of the stickier questions is why miracles don't happen anymore, especially when they seem so common in Biblical history. 


First, it's important that we remind ourselves that God's timeline is not our timeline, and that knowing God's plan is not something to which we are entitled. 


However, it's also worth taking a moment to put things in perspective. Even in Biblical times, miracles weren't quite as common as we might be inclined to think. FortheGospel.org gives some helpful context on the supposed prevalence of miracles in the Bible:


Consider this: Between Adam and Moses, about 2500 years passed with precisely zero miracles. Then Moses and Joshua arrived and performed a dozen or so miracles. After they passed from the scene another 500 years passed with no miracles until the arrival of Elijah and Elisha who performed another handful of miracles. There then commenced another multi-century long drought of the miraculous (and of God even speaking) until the ministries of Jesus and His disciples who between them, for a few decades, performed many miracles. With the closing of the Apostolic age until now there has been no one who can credibly claim to perform miracles. So, for the 6000 year or so history of mankind less than 200 of those years saw any miracles performed and only by 100 or fewer individuals. 


In short: even in Biblical times, miracles actually weren't as common as they might seem to us nowadays. 

How To Integrate Miracles and Faith

Miracles in the Bible all have one thing in common: regardless of the specific miracle being performed, all of them are earthly evidence of God's divine power and love for His children. God knows that blind faith is hard for us sometimes. Miracles are His way of offering us a concrete sign to hold on to and reassuring us that He is present in the world and hears our prayers. In a sense, they are both a validation of belief and a call to faith.  


Miracles represent the extreme end of the spectrum, but there are so many other ways that God shows His love for us every single day, and we would be remiss not to honor those. For example, it's not a miracle if, after undergoing treatment, someone we love recovers from a serious illness. It's not a miracle if we receive a sudden windfall that solves our financial worries. And it's not a miracle if a friend shows up and offers help or support right when we need it most. These things are within the realm of possibility (even if they are unlikely), meaning that they are by definition not miraculous. But they are proof of God working with and through nature to demonstrate His power, even when He is not superseding the laws of nature. 


We have no way of knowing if more miracles will happen in our lifetime. However, that doesn't mean that we aren't still surrounded by evidence of God's work in our lives. 


Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work.

Can We Grow in Faith? What the Bible Says About Becoming Closer to God

Complacency is the enemy of progress in any area of our lives. 


For example: say you're chasing a promotion or a raise at work. You don't achieve this by doing the bare minimum: showing up on time, completing your tasks but not taking on any extra, showing up to meetings but not volunteering any input. Rather, you go above and beyond—you show up early, take initiative on new projects, and provide constructive input. 


Similarly, if your goal is to lose weight, you won't get anywhere by sticking to the same diet and exercise routine you've had up until this point. You identify a course of action that will help you reach your goal weight—such as cutting back on sugar, or working out more—and stick to it. 


In either case, the common denominator is growth—and the effort it takes to achieve that growth. 


The same principle applies to our relationship with God. Too often, we treat our faith as a series of boxes to be checked: we go to church, pray every so often, read the Bible occasionally. But to be a devout Christian is to be continually seeking God and striving to find ways to be closer to Him. To find salvation, God asks that we put in the work to deepen our relationship with Him over the course of our lives. 

How To Grow in Faith: A Scripture-Informed Approach

Fortunately, God gave us the Bible as an instruction manual for how to expand and grow our faith. Here, we'll explore a few pieces of scripture that help us better understand what it means to increase our faith, and how we can go about doing that in our own lives. 


"…take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:17-18). 

In this letter, Peter is telling us in no uncertain terms about the importance of making a committed effort to grow in our knowledge and service of God. 


However, there's something else going on here. The overarching purpose of Peter's letter was to convince readers not to fall prey to the influence of false teachers and heretics. To grow in their faith, early Christians had to be able to tune out the voices of all those who denied the divinity of Christ or the fact of His eventual return and remain focused on what really mattered: their belief in God and the grace of Jesus. 


There's a message here for modern Christians here, too. We can't grow in faith if we allow ourselves to be distracted from our relationship with God. And these days, false teachers and distractions are more numerous than ever. To be able to grow in our faith, we must remain focused and resist anything that threatens that focus. 


"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). 

One of the true joys of any long-term relationship is the process of getting to know the other person on an increasingly deeper, more intimate level. 


This holds true for God as much as for our relationships with our friends and spouses. God is infinite; and thus there are infinite ways that we can continue to get to know Him over the course of our lives. Studying the Bible is a good place to start—even if you've already read it, you might find new nuances and meaning in familiar passages that deepen your understanding of Him. 


But also, try looking for God in the world around you. Where do you see Him in nature? In other people? Where do you see small miracles that speak to His love for us?


"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)

Here, we return to a common theme: to have faith is not just to believe in God, but to act on that belief by doing good and serving others. However, Matthew includes a pointed reminder here that the purpose of good works is not to elevate ourselves, but to glorify God. 


There are two potential action items here, depending on where you are in your spiritual journey: first, if you are not already in the habit of making service a regular part of your routine, consider finding a way to do so. Perhaps that means volunteering your time to help others, donating money or items to a worthy cause, or looking for small ways that you can serve others in your day-to-day life. Second, ask yourself how you can better glorify God through your service. 


Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work.

Keeping Faith in Difficult Times

At some point in their lives, everyone experiences difficulties, whether it's an illness, the loss of a loved one, a dramatic change in circumstances, or something else. At those times, it's normal to wonder how those events fit into God's plan, or to grapple with the question of why bad things happen to good people.   More often than not, we don't get answers to these questions—at least, not in this world. Still, part of being a good Christian is keeping faith in difficult times. The key is to look at struggles as an opportunity to strengthen your faith, rather than letting it push you further away from God. Here, we'll discuss a few ways to find (or even grow) your faith after doubt

Redefine Trust and Faith

Before you allow yourself to get too carried away with doubting God's love, take some time to pause and think about trust and faith.  Sometimes, our ideas about trust and faith get a little warped. We trust that if we do good things, good things will happen to us in turn. We have faith that God won't let anything bad happen to us.   But that's not the way it works. None of us are completely free from sin, and it is through God's grace—not our deservingness—that good things happen to us. On top of that, trust is not the same as insurance against bad things. Trust means that we accept God's will, even if it is not what we might have chosen for ourselves. Faith means that we continue to serve God and submit to His plan for our lives, even if we don't have all the information. 

Talk to God

Hiding your emotions from God is fruitless. God knows you, inside and out, and He knows when you are struggling to balance faith and doubt.  We often forget that our relationship with God is just that—a relationship. Admittedly, it's very different from the relationships we have with most of the other people in our lives, but it has one important thing in common with them. Namely: relationships are a two-way street, and they require effort, honesty, and patience on both sides. Rather than trying to suppress your feelings or act as though everything is normal, be open with God. Reach out in prayer, and tell Him about your fears, your worries, your sadness and anger. But rather than pushing Him away, ask Him for help. Pray for guidance or wisdom or whatever you need at that moment. And then, don't forget to listen and watch for His answer. 

Find the Good

Gratitude is important all the time, but even more so in our darkest days. Counting your blessings (no matter how small) will help you refocus on the positive and remind yourself of the continued signs of God's love in your life. If finding specific things to be grateful for in your own life is too much, look for a more general gratitude prayer and use that. Alternatively, consider asking your pastor or a friend to pray with you. 

Reframe the Situation

There's an old saying that God never gives us more than we can handle. If you find yourself questioning whether something is too much, remind yourself that God knows you better than you know yourself, and His judgment is infinitely better than yours. Perhaps it's not that the crisis you're dealing with is too challenging, but rather that you are stronger than you thought you are. Try not to think of yourself as a victim of circumstances. Instead, look at this as an opportunity to prove yourself by continuing to be loving, kind, and hopeful in spite of everything you're going through.

Allow God To Help Through Others

In times of heartache, don't forget that you have an earthly community to lean on as well. Just as we show love to God by being kind to others, God shows His love for us by acting through His other children. Although being vulnerable and sharing your struggles can be uncomfortable, it's worth it. Open up to your family, your friends, your pastor and/or church, and your wider community. Let them help, whether that's raising funds, delivering meals, providing a sympathetic ear, or offering prayers. 


Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work. 


HOW TO SHARE GOD'S LOVE WITH OTHERS

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). 


Evangelism, or spreading the Word of God, is an essential pillar of Christianity. Still, all too many Christians fail to do so—they keep their faith to themselves, or worry that they're not qualified to bring someone into the fold of God's love, or give into the fear of being rejected. It can be tricky to know how to introduce the topic of Jesus without making things awkward, but it's nonetheless necessary that we try. Here, we've outlined a few strategies to help you share God's love in a way that is genuine, easy, and thoughtful.

 

Affirm Your Motivation

There's no question that evangelism is the right thing to do. To begin with, Jesus commanded his followers to spread the gospel to others. But on top of that, introducing the Christian faith to those who haven't had a chance to discover it for themselves is an act of kindness. In fact, it's one of the most loving things we can do for others. In sharing God's love, we are also sharing the path to salvation through Jesus. We're giving them a chance to experience eternal love and peace, and to choose Heaven over Hell. 


When you think about it that way—as a priceless gift that you are offering someone, rather than an argument you are trying to win—it allows you to act and speak from a place of authenticity and love, rather than a place of obligation. Start by doing some quiet reflection and asking yourself, "What does it mean to share God's love?

Listenand Ask Questions

Transformation and learning begin with curiosity. No one likes being lectured, and introducing new ideas in the form of questions or dialogue is always more effective than preaching at people. If you can make someone wonder what their life would look like with God in it, you've already helped them to take the first, most important step. 


But to be able to ask questions like that, you must first be a compassionate and active listener. Listening allows you to recognize opportunities to bring up faith. It allows you to notice where people are experiencing pain and suffering in their lives, so that you can then offer a balm for it. 

Share Your Story

Don't be shy when it comes to talking about how God has worked in your life. As humans, we connect with stories much more easily than we do with abstract information, and for someone who doesn't have experience with Christianity, God can seem abstract. By sharing your own experiences, you're showing others the power of a relationship with God, rather than telling them.

Practice What You Preach

It's imperative to remember that even when you're not actively engaged in talking to someone about God, you are still an ambassador for Christianity. Everything you do and say is a representation of your faith and values. 


For that reason, it's important that your actions are aligned with Jesus' message. Practice showing love and serving others, both in word and deed. You never know who's watching, or how your actions might inspire them to make a change in their own life. 

Extend an Invitation

Openness and inclusivity are important parts of welcoming others into the Christian faith. If someone you know expresses an interest in learning more about Christianity, it never hurts to invite them to attend a faith-based gathering or event, whether that's a church service, Bible study or prayer group, or even just a get-together with your Christian friends. 

Don't Be Pushy

There's often a fine line between being enthusiastic and being overbearing. When it comes to sharing God's love, using tactics that are too forceful or that rely on shame or guilt will only turn people off. Bring it up, offer to answer any questions your friends and/or loved ones may have, and invite them to attend church with you sometime. If they seem receptive, you might follow up with them at a later date. Beyond that, don't push it too much. Remember that God gave all His children free will for a reason. 

Trust God

In spite of our best intentions, we all have awkward encounters or moments where we don't express ourselves as well as we would like. We are human, after all. When your words fail you, remember to open your heart to God in prayer and let His words guide you.



Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work.

The Value of a Christian Education

If you're a parent, you probably spend a lot of time thinking (and worrying) about your child's education. Are they being prepared for a successful career in the real world? Are they developing social skills and building healthy friendships? Are they being exposed to inappropriate material or corrupting influences? In addition to their coursework, are they learning important life skills and Christian values? 


Unfortunately, the public school system doesn't give parents much of a say in their children's education. For parents who would rather take a more active role in shaping their kids' education, the main alternatives available are homeschooling and private Christian schools. Homeschooling isn't feasible for many families (particularly those in which both parents work). On top of that, many people worry about the lack of social opportunities available to kids in a homeschool setting. 


On the other hand, private Christian schools offer the best of both worlds: high-quality academics and a vibrant yet wholesome social environment. Here, we'll discuss some of the things you can expect from a faith-based education

Integration of Faith and Learning

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17


Secular schooling encourages kids to think of their academic and religious lives as separate—when in fact, one of the very cornerstones of Christian faith is that God is with us at all times, and to properly serve Him, we must do so in every aspect of our lives. One of the benefits of faith-based education is that the Bible is integrated into the classroom. Rather than learning about the world around them from a secular point of view, children learn to see the world from a Christian perspective. As such, they learn to appreciate the beauty of God's creation from an academic and a spiritual viewpoint.

Faith Is a Part of Daily Life

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2


Amidst the busyness of modern life, it's all too easy to fall out of the habit of regular prayer and devotions. That's true for young people as much as it is for adults. Fortunately, many Christian private schools offer some form of regular spiritual practice, whether that's starting the day with a prayer, daily chapel services, or Bible study classes. This ensures that students have regular opportunities to interact with God and listen to His word. It also helps them to build the habit of a regular devotional practice. 

Private Schools Offer Rigorous Academic Curricula

Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. - Proverbs 9:9


There's a common misconception that Christian private schools are less academically challenging than their public school counterparts. In fact, the opposite is often true. Because private schools aren't bound by the same state-mandated requirements around standardized testing and curriculum, they have the ability to hold students to a higher educational standard. In general, private schools tend to be more focused on college preparation than public schools. This has been corroborated by data from the national Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which shows that private school students tend to score better on college entry tests than public school students.  


In addition, private schools typically have a smaller student body than public schools do. That means smaller class sizes and more individualized attention for each student. 

Nurturing Environment

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29


Bullying is a major concern for students and parents all over the world. One of the biggest benefits of Christian private schools is the positive, value-based environment they work hard to cultivate. By enrolling your child in a Christian education, you can rest assured that they'll be part of a supportive community, surrounded by like-minded individuals and instructors who share the same faith-based principles. 


If you're ready to take control of your child's education and set them up for success, consider enrolling them in Life Prep Academy, the best small private Christian school in Wichita. Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work. 


A Guide to Visiting a New Church

Whether you've moved to a new area, outgrown your old church, or you're a first-time church goer, finding a new church and visiting it for the first time can be a daunting prospect. In addition to being a source of community and social support, church is also where we go to hear the word of God, and is thus an important component of our spiritual well-being. As the Bible tells us, "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13). 


As such, it's essential to find a church that meets your needs—spiritually, socially, and logistically. And, as with any new commitment, you'll want to make sure it's a good fit by visiting a new church at least once. Here, we've put together a brief list of things to consider when looking at different churches, as well as a guide for first time visitors at church

How To Choose a New Church

Finding a new church is an intensely personal decision, and as such, there's no right or wrong answer. The right church for you is one that aligns with your beliefs, values, and preferences. To figure out what that looks like for you, spend some time reflecting on the following questions. If you belonged to another church in the past, it might also be helpful to think about what you did and didn't like about your experience there. 


  • Do the doctrines, preaching style, and scriptural philosophy of the church agree with your own?
    For example, does this church believe in the Bible as the ultimate authority on questions of faith and worship? Similarly, where does it stand on certain key tenets of Christian doctrine, such as the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection of Christ, and salvation by grace? Finally, do the sermons and the manner in which they are delivered resonate with you?

  • Does the church's infrastructure seem sound?
    Good governance can make or break a church. Ask about the church's administrative structure, its membership policies and regulations, and its leadership. If anything seems amiss, that could be a red flag.

  • Does the church have a strong community?
    For example, are the social offerings and programs (such as youth ministry, Bible study groups, etc.) to your liking?

  • Is the location suitable and convenient?
    Depending on your desired level of involvement and attendance, keep in mind that you may be making the trip to church multiple times a week. A prohibitively long drive or an unsafe neighborhood can be a deal-breaker.

  • Do you feel welcome?
    Going to a new church can be intimidating—after all, few people like being the new person in a room full of strangers. However, one of the hallmarks of a good church is that the congregation will do their best to make you feel comfortable. 

What To Do as a First-Time Visitor to a New Church

Exploring a new place of worship can be a wonderful chance to make new friends, deepen your connection with God, and grow as a Christian. For that reason, it's important to think of your visit as an opportunity, and to keep an open mind. Below are a few things you ought to be on the lookout for, and to make sure to do:

  • Make a good impression.
    Looking for a new church is a two-way street. While it's important that the church and its congregants meet your requirements, it's also important that you demonstrate you'll be a valuable addition to the community. Consider looking up the church's website or social media, or calling ahead of time to get an idea of the dress code (if there is one), and any other pertinent details for new attendees.

  • Introduce yourself.
    Make a point to say hello to at least a couple of people. Tell them you're new, and ask them what they like about the church. This is a great chance to get an insider perspective. Even more importantly, stick around in the greeting line after the service and introduce yourself to the pastor.

  • Get involved.
    If your initial experience at a new church seems promising, inquire about the possibility of attending other programs, such as community events, Bible study meetings, or a new members class (if available). Doing so will give you a chance to experience the wider social landscape of the church. 

  • Pray about it.
    Don't forget to ask God for guidance or a sign about where He wants you to be. If you're feeling uncertain or anxious, this is a great way to help alleviate your stress and gain some assurance. 

Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work. 


Using Faith To Create Positive Changes in the World

The modern world can be a difficult place to live. Every day, we are confronted by headlines announcing another disaster, act of violence, or impending crisis. While technology is a blessing in many ways, it's also led to people becoming more disconnected from one another. It's discouraging, to say the least. 


Often, the veritable flood of bad news has the worrisome effect of making us feel helpless and overwhelmed. After all, in the face of problems of such magnitude and scale, what difference can an individual possibly make? It's all too easy to become complacent in our feelings of ineffectiveness, or to simply resign ourselves to dealing with the way things are rather than trying to change the world


But this is not what God would want. 


God created humans as stewards of the Earth and commanded us to love others. In failing to honor those responsibilities, we are disobeying His wishes. As the Bible tells us in James 4:17, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." Inaction is not an option. 


Still, that leaves a difficult question—how to let God work through you and create positive changes in the world?


The answer, as it turns out, is less complicated than you might think. Here, we've compiled a few simple ways to harness your faith and let your love for God change the world:


Seek Guidance in Scripture

God gave us the Bible to serve as His living word to guide us on Earth. In looking for ways to change the world, we need look no further than the instructions in Scripture. 


The Bible shows us that making positive changes doesn't have to be about wielding power or large, showy gestures. Jesus and his disciples didn't pursue political power or publicity; rather, they focused on preaching the word of God, healing the sick, practicing tolerance and kindness, and giving to the poor—things that all of us have the power to do on a regular basis. By using Jesus as our example, we can't go wrong. 


Ask God for Power and Direction

If we let it, God's will acts as the guiding star for our actions, but following it requires that we keep our eyes and attention trained on its light. To do this, it's important that we maintain a close relationship with God, both through prayer and reading His word. 


As humans, it's normal for us to lose our way or feel discouraged. As long as we turn back to God for guidance each time we falter in our efforts, we have nothing to be ashamed of. God will give us strength and direction, if we only have the courage to ask for it. 

Be Mindful of Your Time

When was the last time you caught yourself scrolling mindlessly on social media, or looked up from the TV only to realize that you'd been watching for hours longer than you'd intended?


Modern technology and media are designed to distract us. If we're not careful, we can end up wasting hours of each day on things that aren't meaningful or productive—hours that could instead be used to do God's work, or spend time communing with Him. 


Of course, rest and leisure are necessary, and there's nothing wrong with watching movies or taking time for yourself to recharge. The key is that we spend our time intentionally, rather than just allowing ourselves to be sucked into the gravitational pull of the latest Netflix binge because we feel we have nothing better to do. 


God gave each of us a finite, precious amount of time on this earth, but it's up to us to use it to the fullest of our abilities. The next time you catch yourself in a moment of mindlessness, ask yourself whether what you're doing is aligned with your higher purpose. If the answer is no, it might be time to re-evaluate how you're using your time. 

Turn to Your Community

Together, we can accomplish so much more than we can alone. A good church community can serve as a source of guidance or support, a bulwark for our faith, and a chance to join our efforts with those of others to make a difference in the world. 


As a collective, we have access to more resources and opportunities that we would otherwise, whether in the form of mission trips organized by our church or worship groups that can help us better understand the word of God. 



Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work.

How To Deepen Your Relationship With Jesus

A strong relationship with God is a cornerstone of the Christian faith—not to mention, one of the best things you can do on a personal level to cultivate a happy, peaceful life that is aligned with God's plan for you. And yet, it's often easier said than done.


In the Bible, God asks, "'Am I only a God nearby…and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?...Do I not fill heaven and earth?'" (Jeremiah 23:23-24). And yet, even if we believe that God is with us at every moment of every day, and that He is involved in every facet of our lives, it's all too easy to feel distant from Him amid the busyness and chaos of modern life. 

What Does a Relationship With Jesus Look Like?

If we let Him, Jesus will be everything to us: a devoted parent with our best interests at heart, a wise teacher, and a loyal friend. Jesus knows us better than anyone else ever will—including ourselves—and to cultivate a relationship with Him is to never be alone, and to live in the light of the fullest, truest love we can ever imagine. 


That being said, relationships take work, and our relationship with Jesus is no exception. Just as we might maintain a relationship with a friend by calling or texting to say hello, or scheduling time to hang out and catch up, it's important that we put regular effort into our relationship with God in order to stay close to Him. 

Cultivating a Deep Relationship With Jesus

Although it will take time and effort, strengthening your relationship with Jesus needn't be a burden or obligation. In fact, even a few minutes a day is enough to commune with and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Here, we'll list a few simple, everyday practices that you can use to get closer to God:


  • Read the Bible. The Bible is God's Word incarnate, and yet, for many people, their only interaction with it is on Sunday. But the Bible gives us everything we need, from comfort during times of hardship to instructions on how to live our lives. Consider building a habit of reading the Bible every day, even if it's only a few minutes during your lunch break at work, or a couple of verses while you're waiting in line to pick the kids up from school. After all, over time, small habits can produce big results.

  • Prayer. Like reading the Bible, prayer is one of those things that commonly takes a backseat when the demands and distractions of life start to build. Part of the reason for this is that many people are perfectionists when it comes to prayer—they want to do it at the right time in the right place, when they're feeling calm and reflective. In truth, none of those things are necessary for communicating with Jesus. He is always happy to hear from us, whether that's in an extended solitary prayer session or in a brief expression of gratitude between errands or tasks.

  • Show Love to Others. Jesus preached and lived a gospel of service, and caring for our earthly neighbors is arguably the single best way to embody a Christ-like spirit. Volunteering and community service are great ways to do this, but not many people have time for that every day. Instead, make a habit of asking yourself each day, "How can I help someone today?" There is always someone in need around you, whether it's a stranger who is down on their luck or a loved one who needs some extra support right now. No gesture or act of kindness is too small—after all, even Jesus himself wasn't above washing the feet of his disciples.

  • Turn to Music. Music is a uniquely joyful way of worshiping God—and best of all, it's a form of worship that you can turn to at any time, whether you're driving in the car or relaxing at the end of the day. What's more, when it's difficult to find the words for what you want to express to God, music can often help fill in the gaps. 



Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith Word of Life Ministries and Schools, Inc.and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work.