by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) WHAT ABOUT FAITH? What is faith and how important is it? The dictionary defines faith as confidence or trust in a person or thing. A Biblical definition is found in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) LISTENING TO GOD’S CALL It is amazing that Almighty God would call us to Himself to receive His salvation and to share in His blessing. To me, God’s call is threefold: a call to salvation, sanctification, and service. The call to salvation was…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) WHAT ABOUT SIN? Sin is not a popular topic these days and is something that we do not think about much. It is defined as transgression. I John 3:4 says, “Everyone who sins breaks the [God’s] law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” James…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) MOVING BEYOND SELF Given our fallen nature we have an inclination to sin. Our biggest sin is selfishness, or worshiping the self, instead of God. The Bible says I, Deuteronomy 6:13 to worship God only, while Psalm 2:11 tells us to do so…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) DYING TO LIVE You may have heard the saying, “prior to a resurrection, there has to be a crucifixion.” In other words, if you want a new life you will need to leave the old one behind. One of my favorite Bible verses…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family Magazine) ARE YOUR NEEDS BEING MET? A need is defined as a requirement or urgent necessity. We all have needs. If you have an unmet need, then you have a deficit because there is something missing or lacking. You now are motivated to meet…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST Referring to born again believers, I Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) STAYING CLOSE TO GOD As Christians, I believe we desire and need to maintain a close walk with God. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you ….” There are some basic principles that will strengthen our relationship…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) JESUS ON A MISSION One of my favorite Bible verses is Luke 4:18 which says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted,…
by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine) THE ONE AND ONLY! In John 14:6, Jesus says, “’I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.’” Jesus is announcing that He is the one and only! Jesus begins by saying He…
