Every request below is live from the prayer chain at Worldwide Prayer Chain. They are numbered in the order they came in, newest first, and this page updates as they do — nothing here is a copy.
\n{loadmoduleid 175}\n{loadmoduleid 176}" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/61", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/61-one-body-many-labels-denominations-division-and-gods-heart-for-one-church", "title": "One Body, Many Labels: Denominations, Division, and God’s Heart for One Church", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-07T00:09:52+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T00:09:52+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 61, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 101, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/61-one-body-many-labels-denominations-division-and-gods-heart-for-one-church" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/61-one-body-many-labels-denominations-division-and-gods-heart-for-one-church.jpg", "content_html": "The modern Christian landscape is marked by denominations, movements, affiliations, and theological tribes. While many of these distinctions began with sincere convictions, the result today is often fragmentation, suspicion, and competition rather than unity.
\r\nYet Scripture presents a radically different vision: one Church, united under Christ, reflecting heaven on earth.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4–5)
\r\n
God never intended His Church to function as rival camps.
\r\nDenominations did not arise overnight, nor were they originally meant to divide.
\r\nMany formed due to:
\r\nDoctrinal disputes
\r\nPolitical pressure
\r\nCultural differences
\r\nPersecution or reform movements
\r\nDesire for purity or correction
\r\nIn many cases, denominations preserved truth when the wider Church drifted. That matters. God has often used reformers and movements to restore neglected doctrines.
\r\nBut preservation eventually became identification.
\r\nWhat began as conviction hardened into competition.
\r\nThe moment a label becomes more important than love, unity fractures.
\r\nPaul addressed this directly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos’… Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:12–13)
\r\n
The problem wasn’t theology — it was allegiance.
\r\nModern equivalents sound like:
\r\n“We’re Reformed.”
\r\n“We’re Charismatic.”
\r\n“We’re Catholic.”
\r\n“We’re Baptist.”
\r\n“We’re Non-denominational.”
\r\nNone of these are wrong. But none of them are Christ.
\r\nDenominationalism becomes unhealthy when:
\r\nWe assume spiritual superiority
\r\nWe refuse fellowship
\r\nWe caricature other believers
\r\nWe treat secondary doctrines as salvific
\r\nJesus said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
\r\n
Not agreement. Love.
\r\nScripture gives us a glimpse of heaven’s worship:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“A great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.” (Revelation 7:9)
\r\n
Heaven is unified without being uniform.
\r\nThere are no denominations in heaven.
No doctrinal camps.
No ministry brands.
There is only Christ — and those who belong to Him.
\r\nBiblical unity is not theological flattening.
\r\nJesus prayed:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
\r\n
Truth matters.
Doctrine matters.
But truth without love becomes brutality.
Love without truth becomes sentimentality.
True unity holds both.
\r\nPaul uses the body metaphor intentionally:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The body is one and has many members.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)
\r\n
Unity is functional diversity under one Head.
\r\nDenominations often emphasize:
\r\nTeaching
\r\nEvangelism
\r\nSacraments
\r\nSpiritual gifts
\r\nJustice and mercy
\r\nLiturgy
\r\nRevival
\r\nEach reflects an aspect of Christ — but none reflect the whole.
\r\nJesus prayed:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“That they may be one… that the world may believe.” (John 17:21)
\r\n
Disunity weakens witness.
\r\nWhen Christians:
\r\nFight publicly
\r\nCancel one another
\r\nRefuse cooperation
\r\nDivide over non-essential issues
\r\n…the world concludes Christ cannot unify what He claims to redeem.
\r\nUnity begins with humility.
\r\nIt requires:
\r\nListening before labeling
\r\nCuriosity instead of suspicion
\r\nConviction without contempt
\r\nFellowship without assimilation
\r\nUnity is not enforced from the top — it is cultivated at the heart level.
\r\nThe Spirit unites what doctrine alone cannot.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 4:3)
\r\n
Unity is already given.
Our responsibility is to maintain, not manufacture it.
Jesus taught:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
\r\n
The Church is meant to model heaven’s order now.
\r\nNot perfect agreement.
Not institutional sameness.
But shared allegiance to Christ.
Denominations may remain — and that’s okay.
But division does not have to.
The Church is not a brand.
It is a body.
And the closer we draw to Christ, the closer we draw to one another.
\r\nHeaven will not ask what denomination we belonged to.
It will only reveal whether we belonged to Him.
Few things did Jesus confront more directly than religion without relationship. Legalism is not merely strict behavior or discipline—it is the belief that righteousness is achieved, maintained, or proven through external performance rather than inward transformation.
\r\nLegalism does not reject God.
It replaces Him.
Legalism is not obedience.
Legalism is obedience without intimacy.
Paul defines the problem clearly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5)
\r\n
Legalism focuses on:
\r\nRules over relationship
\r\nAppearance over heart
\r\nControl over transformation
\r\nBehavior modification instead of spiritual rebirth
\r\nReligion becomes the substitute for God’s presence.
\r\nJesus’ strongest rebukes were reserved not for sinners, but for religious leaders.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23)
\r\n
The Pharisees knew Scripture, practiced discipline, and maintained morality—but they missed God entirely.
\r\nJesus said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me.” (John 5:39–40)
\r\n
Legalism studies God without knowing Him.
\r\nLegalism thrives because it offers:
\r\nClear boundaries
\r\nPredictable outcomes
\r\nA sense of control
\r\nMeasurable righteousness
\r\nBut safety is not the same as surrender.
\r\nThe cross was not safe.
Grace is not manageable.
The Holy Spirit cannot be systematized.
\r\n\r\n“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
\r\n
Religion says:
\r\n“Try harder”
\r\n“Do better”
\r\n“Earn approval”
\r\nThe gospel says:
\r\n“It is finished”
\r\n“Abide in Me”
\r\n“Walk by the Spirit”
\r\nPaul warns:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3)
\r\n
Legalism begins where faith stops trusting.
\r\nOne reason legalism persists is fear—fear that grace will lead to sin.
\r\nPaul addressed this directly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:1–2)
\r\n
Grace does not remove holiness; it produces it.
\r\nLegalism restrains behavior.
Grace transforms desire.
Legalism produces:
\r\nJudgment without mercy
\r\nPride without humility
\r\nConformity without unity
\r\nBurnout without joy
\r\nIt creates outward compliance while hiding inward rebellion.
\r\nJesus warned:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders.” (Matthew 23:4)
\r\n
Legalism exhausts what grace was meant to heal.
\r\nJesus did not abolish obedience. He redefined its source.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
\r\n
Obedience is the fruit of love—not the price of acceptance.
\r\nWhen love leads, obedience follows naturally.
\r\nThe Spirit leads internally, not through pressure.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
\r\n
Religion controls from the outside.
The Spirit transforms from within.
Where the Spirit is present, freedom follows:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
\r\n
Freedom does not mean self-rule—it means Spirit rule.
\r\nPaul explains:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“You were called to freedom… but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
\r\n
Grace produces responsibility, not rebellion.
\r\nLegalism looks righteous but produces death.
Grace looks risky but produces life.
The gospel does not call us to behave better—it calls us to become new.
\r\nTrue Christianity is not about avoiding sin.
It is about walking with God.
And when relationship comes first, obedience becomes joy instead of burden.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/21", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/21-the-great-commission", "title": "The Great Commission", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T05:07:37+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T06:01:02+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 21, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 93, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/21-the-great-commission" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/21-the-great-commission.jpg", "content_html": "(Matthew 28:18-20) to go (as you live); teach (make disciples); and observe (obey) all that He has commanded.
\r\n\r\n
It is therefore, our mission to reach lost souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by enhancing the Faith of all Believers so that they can pay it forward. It is by grace that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) so, Evangelism is simply \"Sharing our Faith and God's Grace with Others.\"
\r\n\r\nAlso our mission is gaining new souls who will then be grounded in the Words of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, continue to grow in their spiritual walk, glorify God in every good work and deed.
\r\n\r\n
Emphasis on Back To The Basics of Teaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Teaching To Reach, and Reaching To Teach.
\r\n\r\n
We exist to create self-sustaining, evangelistic/discipleship outreach movements where Christians know their faith, share their faith, and grow their faith. We exist to come alongside churches and Christian groups to help them to better know their faith and to be able to effectively share it with others. While our work is primarily in training people to share their faith, we have deep convictions that the churches we are training must make disciples, not merely converts. We will provide tools and resources to churches to aid in the discipleship process while allowing them to minister to their communities.
\r\n\r\n
The well-known verses in Matthew 28:18–20 have become synonymous with the Great Commission. In them, the risen Lord calls his people to make disciples of all nations as an expression of his supreme authority in heaven and on earth. This mission entails baptizing disciples and teaching them to heed Christ’s commands. But Matthew 28 is hardly a missiological solo. Luke’s version, while often overlooked, highlights important aspects of the church’s mission.
\r\n\r\n
In Luke 24, following his resurrection, Christ expounds the Law and the Prophets, explaining “in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus interprets his violent suffering and victorious rising as following the script of God’s sovereign plan: “Everything written about me . . . must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).
\r\n\r\n
This scriptural fulfillment, according to Jesus, also requires “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.” Christ then identifies his disciples as “witnesses of these things,” directing them to wait until they’re “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:44–49). Thus, Luke’s Great Commission prioritizes the Spirit’s power in preaching a gospel message that’s rooted in the entire biblical story. As we understand the unique contribution of Luke’s commission, we will be better equipped to reach the nations for Christ.
\r\n\r\n
Old Testament Roots
\r\n\r\n
In the Old Testament, the portrayal of the nations is largely negative. At Babel, God confuses their languages and disperses the peoples (Genesis 11:8–9). He plans to judge the idolatrous and immoral enemies of Israel (Leviticus 18:24; 20:23) who rage against the Lord (Psalm 2:1–2). Yet God also commits to bless all nations through Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18). He promises all peoples will stream to Zion as his Word goes out in the last days (Isaiah 2:2–4).
\r\n\r\n
Throughout his writings, Luke traces the fulfillment of these promises. In Luke 2, Simeon recognizes Jesus will bring light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32; quoting Isaiah 49:6). Through Christ, “all flesh” will see God’s salvation (Luke 3:4–6; quoting Isaiah 40:3–5). In Acts—the sequel to Luke’s Gospel—this hope is realized as Christ’s witnesses proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). At Pentecost, devout people “from every nation” gather in Jerusalem, an event reversing Babel’s confusion and anticipating the gospel’s global spread (Isaiah 2:3; cf. Acts 6:7), when “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21; quoting Joel 2:32). In Acts, Luke shows how God keeps his promises by sending the message of salvation to Israel and all families of the earth (Acts 3:25; 13:26).
\r\n\r\n
What Luke clearly demonstrates is that God’s concern for the nations doesn’t begin with the Great Commission. According to Jesus, the church’s mission “is written” in the Old Testament (Luke 24:46–47). The Messiah’s death and resurrection and our gospel proclamation fulfill the Scriptures.
\r\n\r\n
Gospel Proclamation
\r\n\r\n
Luke’s Great Commission also helps answer the age-old question: What is the mission of the church? In Luke 24:47, Jesus summarizes his disciples’ mission as proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins in his name. He then identifies them as “witnesses” who speak truthfully about what they’ve seen and heard (cf. Acts 1:8; Isaiah 44:8).
\r\n\r\n
This focus on proclamation mirrors the Messiah’s own mission: “To proclaim good news to the poor . . . to proclaim liberty to the captives . . . to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19; quoting Isaiah 61:1–2). The Greek word aphesis (translated “liberty”) means freeing from confinement, obligation, or punishment. Elsewhere in Luke, aphesis refers to “the forgiveness of sins” for those who repent and receive God’s salvation (Luke 1:77; 3:3; 24:47).
\r\n\r\n
The ultimate “liberty” Jesus comes to proclaim—and to achieve—is release from sin’s bondage and Satan’s power (cf. Acts 26:18). Through his atoning death, our Savior secures our freedom. As his witnesses, we proclaim “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” and “salvation” only in Christ’s name (Luke 24:47; Acts 4:12; cf. Acts 13:26–39). While Christians today should obey all that Christ commands (Matthew 28:19) and be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14), Christ’s teaching and the apostles’ example demonstrate that proclamation is central to the church’s mission.
\r\n\r\n
Spirit Power
\r\n\r\n
While Matthew’s Great Commission includes a clear command to make disciples, the only imperative in Luke 24:44–49 is “stay in the city.” At first glance, this seems like the opposite of “Go . . . make disciples.” Does Luke encourage a different, more passive approach?
\r\n\r\n
Here again, Luke’s account looks back to the Old Testament and ahead to Acts. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “the promise of my Father,” recalling earlier prophecies that God would pour out his Spirit “from on high” in the last days (cf. Isaiah 32:15; Joel 2:28–32). In Acts 1:4–8, Christ instructs his followers to “wait for the promise of the Father.” Not many days later, the risen Lord sends his Spirit at Pentecost, empowering his people to proclaim the good news.
\r\n\r\n
Throughout Acts, Luke highlights the boldness of Christ’s witnesses in the face of opposition. Jewish leaders who arrest Peter and John are astonished by their boldness (Acts 4:13). Paul also teaches “with all boldness and without hindrance” while under arrest (Acts 28:31). And such Spirit-produced boldness isn’t restricted to apostles; it characterizes believers who, in the face of threats, pray “to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Luke’s point isn’t that the apostles and early church were naturally courageous. Instead, he shows they were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8).
\r\n\r\n
We Need Luke’s Commission
\r\n\r\n
In Matthew’s Gospel, Christ commands us to make disciples of all nations with the promise of his presence wherever we go. Luke’s account offers a fuller picture, demonstrating our need for the Spirit and tying our mission to the Old Testament hope for the nations.
\r\n\r\n
According to Luke, if the church is to fulfill her calling, we must focus on preaching forgiveness in Christ, fueled by the Spirit’s power. And as we make disciples, teaching them to obey all Jesus’s commands, we must show how all the Scriptures point to Christ and remain beneficial for the church.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/19", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/19-pray-seek-god", "title": "Pray & Seek God", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:56:15+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:59:25+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 19, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 87, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/19-pray-seek-god" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/19-pray-seek-god.jpg", "content_html": "As Ambassadors of Christ we will pray and seek God for the opportunities to experience His power working through us to share, ignite and cultivate a world spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and see God change lives forever.
\r\n\r\n
The Prophet Hosea, whose name means Salvation, has given us an amazing outline for prayer:
\r\n\r\n“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12).
\r\n\r\n
Use these prayer points to pray for yourself, your family, church, community and nation:
\r\n\r\n
• Sow righteousness for yourselves
\r\n\r\n
2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
\r\n\r\n
Galatians 6:7-8 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
\r\n\r\n
Pray: Father, my heart longs to move from sinfulness to righteousness. I know that I am made righteous by Jesus, but I also know that in the economy of Your Kingdom, I will reap what I sow – emotionally and spiritually. Please help me to sow good things generously. Use me to sow what please the Holy Spirit and not myself.
\r\n\r\n
May my church be known in the community as a generous body of believers who care for others passionately, and who demonstrate the life of Christ with our words and our actions.
\r\n\r\n
Help our nation to return to righteousness in the powerful Name of Jesus! Lord, You will not be mocked by those who malign You and who do not call upon Your Name. Restore integrity and uprightness and wisdom and kindness to our culture so that You will be glorified in the midst of Your people. Turn the hearts of those who will not bow before You so that many will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
\r\n\r\n
• Reap the fruit of unfailing love
\r\n\r\n
1 Corinthians 13:8 – “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
\r\n\r\n
Psalm 33:5 – “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.”
\r\n\r\n
Holy God, when we sow the righteousness of Jesus, Your Word says we will reap the fruit of unfailing love. We know that Your love never fails even when other spiritual things cease to exist. May my heart be focused upon sowing Your righteousness so that I continually reap the benefits of being Your child with an eternal purpose in a Kingdom that never ends.
\r\n\r\n
Your unfailing love needs to be seen in and through my church, Lord. Create a deep desire for the righteousness of Jesus to flow into our hearts and then out through our words and deeds so that You are glorified in our midst, and so that the fruit of Your unfailing love is a deeper intimacy with You and so that Your glory is made known!
\r\n\r\n
Father, I ask You to have mercy upon this nation as Your people cry out for Your unfailing love to be poured out into our culture. May Your people, Your Church, be known for the righteousness that brings the fruit of such love to every community and state across our land.
\r\n\r\n
• Break up your unplowed ground
\r\n\r\n
Jeremiah 4:3 – “The Lord is saying to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Plow up the hardness of your hearts; otherwise the good seed will be wasted among the thorns.’”
\r\n\r\n
Father, I bow before You in repentance! forgive me for the hardness of my heart, where the goodness and love of Your Spirit lies dormant and sits in the midst of thorns. Show me how to love the hard to love people in my life…even those I consider to be my “enemies.” You have said that our enemies are not flesh and blood; therefore, I am called to love everyone, no matter what they believe, say or do…no matter what they look like or how they live. Soften my heart to embrace the love of Jesus that You have so freely given me as a gift and allow me to sow it into the hearts of others.
\r\n\r\n
Lord, may my church/our church, have such fertile soil that only love can grow there. May the righteousness of Christ that we sow result in a crop that overflows with love into our community. Protect us from hardened hearts, the unplowed ground that cannot possibly bear any fruit for the sake of Your Kingdom.
\r\n\r\n
Grace-filled Savior, turn our nation back to Your heart. Replace hatred and ugliness and anger with love, beauty and peace. Use Your people to lead the way towards sowing righteousness in our land so that we are able to reap Your unfailing love in our broken culture. May the hard ground of unbelieving hearts become soft and pliable in Your hands so that our nation becomes a light for the rest of the nations.
\r\n\r\n
• Seek the Lord until He comes and showers righteousness upon you
\r\n\r\n
1 Chronicles 16:10 – “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”
\r\n\r\n
Deuteronomy 4:29 – “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
\r\n\r\n
Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
\r\n\r\n
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
\r\n\r\n
Lord Jesus, I glory in Your holy name! I want to be one who seeks You continually so that my heart will rejoice always. Your Word says that if I seek You with all of my heart and soul that I will find You. Help me to know what that looks like. Show me how to avoid distractions that keep me looking at and interacting with things that are less than all that You are!
\r\n\r\n
Father, You are near! You live IN me. Your kingdom is here and now and I want to be in the center of what You desire me to be and to do so that You receive the most glory!
\r\n\r\n
Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom to seek the Kingdom of God and the righteousness of God! All of the things I need in life should pale in comparison to Your goodness and greatness and glory! Thank You for the promise that if I seek You first, you will add what is needed. Lord, I ask for the desire to seek You until You shower righteousness upon me. Help me to learn to love You so completely that I will continue to seek You for the rest of my days here on earth.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/26", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/26-greg-loucks-ministries", "title": "Greg Loucks Ministries", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:52:58+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:59:11+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 26, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 91, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/26-greg-loucks-ministries" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/26-greg-loucks-ministries.jpg", "content_html": "\"THE GREAT COMMISSION\" (MATTHEW 10:7-8, 28:16-20).
\r\n\r\n
Greg Loucks Ministries
\r\n\r\n
\"Greg Loucks Ministries\" believes all true born-again and Spirit-filled Christian believers are called to \"Ministry\" and \"The Great Commission\" (Matthew 10:7-8, 28:16-20). According to Colossians 3:11 \"Christ is all in all\". He called many different people in various backgrounds, professions and lives to be His Disciples (followers/learners) (Mark 3:13-15), to later lead disciples (two by two) themselves (Luke 10:1-2).
\r\n\r\nGod meets people where they are at. He told Simon Peter and Andrew that He will make them \"fishers of men\" (Mark 1:17). While Matthew the Tax Collector, He just said \"follow me\" (Matthew 9:9). Also, Jesus only did the will of His father (John 5:19). We should only be led by the Holy Spirit to say or do God's will. (John 14:26 \"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you\").
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Greg Loucks doesn't believe in limiting God, and believes denominations sometimes do this. Leaving the Holy Spirit out, and in turn attempt to put God in a box. Greg wants the Holy Spirit to use him and be in God's will. He wants people to know the truth and be set free (John 8:36). It's not just knowing that you have an eternal home, like so many churches leave people with. Where they go to church and leave the same way, no breakthrough, no healing or deliverance. Which in turn is often why people walk away, or why they want nothing to do with church anymore. Without true repentance and deliverance, and Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11), eventually many people will go back to their old life and ways.
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True ministry is true discipleship. Discipling or teaching people how to live a blessed fulfilled life and leading other disciples (followers, learners) to a fulfilling life in Christ (Luke 1:45) This is why He called us to heal and cast out demons (Matthew 10:8). Jesus wants us set free, healed, delivered and renewed, so we can have a life of purpose, fulfillment and enjoyment. And where we can have a \"Ministry\", and also become disciples and fulfill the \"Great Commission\", as well. The mission of this ministry can stay focused on current goals and visions. However, the Holy Spirit is free to have His way and can do His will and have His way. We are yielded and surrendered to Him and His will (Romans 6:13).
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In 2023-2024 (right now) our main focus is ministering all over Europe, leading people to Christ to become Disciples of Christ themselves. We will teach, minister and evangelize whoever will invite us, but also wherever the Holy Spirit leads us. Whether it is on the streets, in a cafe or officially in a church (Deuteronomy 28:6).
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By staying out of religious and denominational debate, we feel we can reach more people and get more opportunity. 1 Corinthians 12:15-26 is clear about us being a church body, and we don't say \"we have no need for you.\" The different parts of Christ's body (the church) all have a purpose and a will for their life, whether they realize it yet, or not. For those who are more traditional or denominational in their approach, we have attached a \"What We Believe\", \"Mission\", \"Vision\" and \"Evangelism\" section you are free to read. We are very true to teaching the truth known as the Bible and Gospel message. And following \"the Spirit of truth\", the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
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Having some varying opinion and being of accepting others is how we learn and grow and teach. \"Greg Loucks Ministries\" is just one part of Christ's Body. (Luke 22:19–20) (1 Corinthians 12:12–14). Greg Loucks used Matthew 10:7-8 in his ministry logo for a reason. Greg believes Matthew 10:8 \"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.\" is missed by a lot of churches today and was a Commandment by Jesus. So people go to church and stay bound up, when Christ wants to set us free.
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Matthew 10:8 is the \"Power of the Holy Spirit\" (Acts 1:8) and \"Authority in Jesus' name\" (Matthew 28:18-19) all Born-again, Spirit-filled believers have.
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The previous verse, Matthew 10:7 says \" As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'\" The name Greg means \"watchman\". Greg has used Ezekiel 33:7 \"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me\", all of his life, as his go to verse. And Greg does believe that we are in \"The Last Days\" (2 Peter 3:3-4). We are in the Last Days and so many preach the doom and gloom end day doctrine, but miss the positive stuff like Acts 2:17. \"In the Last Days,\" God says, \"I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams\". This is also where Greg believes we are. The Greatest Time to be a live! Where Acts 2:17 is fulfilled, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for revival and the Last Days Soul Harvest. Acts chapter 2 is a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophet Joel. And in Joel 2:23, he says \"the latter rain is greater than the former.\"
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We are in the Last Days, and have been effected by it. But it isn't all doom and gloom, if we look at verses like Acts 2:17. God isn't finished with His church just yet. There is still work to do! (Luke 19:13) Jesus refers to \"The Last Days\" as \"The Days of Noah\" in Matthew 24:37-39. However, people forget to mention that the name Noah means rest and the people on the Ark were protected by God from the world. Even ahead of time they were prepared for the flood (Hebrews 11:7)!
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John 17:11, 14–15 says we are \"in this world, but not of it\". We can be protected, safe and at peace in the midst of these times, while we abide in Him and be in the \"Shadow of His wings\" (Psalm 57:1).
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I am not saying we are going to escape it all, but where we should stay focused is on Christ, not the world and the times we are in. We are to \"occupy until He comes\" (Luke 19:13).
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/17", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/17-honour-the-god-in-your-heart", "title": "Honour The God In Your Heart", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:43:58+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:58:22+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 17, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 94, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/17-honour-the-god-in-your-heart" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/17-honour-the-god-in-your-heart.jpg", "content_html": "Honor. The word means to prize, to put high value; to regard with great respect, esteem, devotion, and awe. Victory exists to honor God and to make disciples. The honor of God is the prime value and starting point of everything that we are and do in Victory. I believe to live one’s life to honor God is the appropriate response to everything He has done for us in our salvation and redemption. Have you ever thought about how you could live a life that honors God? To do so, we need to understand where we begin to honor God.
\r\n\r\nIn the seventh chapter of Mark, we find the religious leaders complaining to Jesus, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” (Mark 7:5, ESV). Their complaint was not on the issue of having dirty hands before meals, but more on the disciples’ non-compliance to established religious tradition (of washing hands). The religious leaders valued the Scriptures, and they also valued their traditions. The problem was that they were more passionate about their traditions than upholding Scriptural truth. The Mishnah, a collection of Jewish traditions in the Talmud, states that “It is a greater offense to teach anything contrary to the voice of the Rabbis than to contradict Scripture itself.” When traditions are equated to Scriptural truth, external conformity is emphasized more and faith is reduced to mere religiosity and legalism.
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Jesus responded to the religious leaders by emphasizing the supremacy of the truth of Scripture over man-made traditions. Quoting from Isaiah 29:13, Jesus reflected the state of their blindness and hypocrisy: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:6b-7, ESV). Notice “honor” and “heart” are mentioned in the same sentence. Honoring God is not about the externals; it is about the heart. It is a heart issue! We cannot honor God with lip service or with religious traditions and legalism (Mark 7:8-9). To honor God, it must begin in the heart. It means to prize and value Him in our hearts above all things. This is the heart of the Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, ESV). If we just honor God externally, then all our “righteous” acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) before God.
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When we put high value on God; when we prize and honor Him in and from our hearts, obedience will be a joy and not a burden. Scottish theologian Peter Forsyth was right when he said, “The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master.”Honoring God from the heart and above all things leads to a life of joyful obedience to Him in all things.
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We all go through challenges and adversities in life that melt our hearts. The good news is that by His grace we can live to honor God from our hearts in spite all of these. Peter encourages us, “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). No matter what our circumstances may be, there is no need to be afraid when Jesus is in our hearts! In Him we have a living hope!
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Who do you prize and value the most in your heart?
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/2", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/2-the-sound-of-our-worship", "title": "The Sound of Our Worship", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:37:51+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:57:52+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 2, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 87, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/2-the-sound-of-our-worship" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/2-the-sound-of-our-worship.jpg", "content_html": "Having established a few foundational principles of biblical worship, we will now begin to examine the components of worship and how they engage our senses. We begin today with a brief look at the role of music in worship, a contentious issue in the church today.
\r\n\r\nThe Old Testament contains most of the Bible’s teaching on worship and gives us sound principles for praise. Of course, worship ought not look exactly the same today since Jesus has come and eliminated our need to offer up the blood of bulls and goats (Hebrews 9:11–28). But not every element of worship — like music — is abrogated in Christ (Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:18–21). Thus, the Old Testament can teach us what the Lord desires from our worship today.
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Today’s passage orders us to praise God with virtually every kind of instrument available. In fact, any instrument not included in Psalm 150:1-6 is only a new form or derivation of the ones listed. This tells us there is no instrument that is inherently improper for use in our services of praise. To be sure, there may be instruments that are not wise to use in a particular context, but we cannot say that God absolutely forbids certain instruments in worship.
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Much of the disagreement over the use of music in the church arises because we are all aware of the power of song. Almost without equal, music can shape our emotions and thoughts. Singing words often gets them into our heads faster than simply speaking them.
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As we begin to discuss music in the church it would be wise to focus on two things. First, we must be careful of lyrics. They should always reflect biblical theology, as much of our doctrine is learned as we sing it. Hymns like “A Mighty Fortress” probably help us absorb and remember the strength and safety found in God more than any abstract discussion of the subject could.
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Secondly, it is wise to use “complex” music in worship since we serve a multifaceted Lord who has many attributes. Complex songs are not ones that are hard to sing. Instead, complexity may be achieved with varied lyrics that present biblical themes comprehensively and music that contains more than just one repeated chord.
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Coram Deo
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Paul confesses the depth of God’s ways when concluding his explanation of Israel’s salvation (Romans 11:33). Though we can learn much about the Lord, we also realize how little we know about Him as we plumb the depths of His Word. His nature and sovereign providence is greater than we can fathom, and we, as His image-bearers, can imitate and proclaim this glorious complexity when we sing songs that lyrically and musically celebrate His glory.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/11", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/11-its-your-personal-choice", "title": "It’s Your Personal Choice", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:34:57+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:57:35+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 11, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 86, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/11-its-your-personal-choice" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/11-its-your-personal-choice.jpg", "content_html": "Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice.—Psalm 49:7–8 ESV There are some things no person can do for another. For example, none of us can make a decision to accept Christ for another. Every soul makes its own choice.
\r\n\r\nThat truth hurts many of us, because we love people who have resisted the gospel message. Though we seek to share the joys of Jesus, some will never come to Him. When that’s the person we give care to, it’s a heavy load to bear.
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God does not hold us accountable for another’s decision. He only tells us to bear the news. We should do that gently, with respect, because we all know those who have irritated others by coming on too strong. Pushing doesn’t work. It causes resentment, not faith.
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If a loved one refuses God, perhaps it’s time to stop talking and start praying. Maybe another messenger will open that hard heart to the truth. Perhaps it’s time to live our faith as much as speaking it.
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Ultimately, that decision lies between one person and God. Give them the truth, let your loved ones choose, and trust God for the outcome.
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Lord, help me to care for my loved one by not taking this decision into my own hands. You say each must make the choice. Help me be fervent in prayer instead.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/10", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/10-10-reasons-why-you-should-love-your-church", "title": "10 Reasons Why You Should Love Your Church!!!", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:32:36+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:57:17+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 10, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 51, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/10-10-reasons-why-you-should-love-your-church" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/10-10-reasons-why-you-should-love-your-church.jpg", "content_html": "1. It glorifies God!
\r\n-1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever, then, you eat or drink or whatever your do, do all to the glory of God.” It is clear that God loves His Church and when we love the things that He loves, it brings honor and glory to Him.
\r\n\r\n2. It shows faithfulness to the Scripture!
\r\n-The two greatest commandments in Scripture are: “Love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31).” Loving God and loving one another are not optional for believers, but rather, they are commands. When God’s people obey these commands, it simply reveals their desire to be faithful to His Word!
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3. It is a great witness to the world!
\r\n-One of the greatest things the Church can do is love one another. John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” We must remember that the world is watching the church! In all that the church does, in its advertising, programming, business meetings, fellowshipping, etc., there should be genuine Christian love!
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4. It unifies the Body of Christ!
\r\n-Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” The members of God’s Church should love and submit to one another for the sake of unity. When selfless love is present, unity is sure to follow!
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5. It creates an atmosphere of vibrant and meaningful worship!
\r\n-When love and unity are present in the Body of Christ, it definitely makes the corporate worship environment more powerful and substantial. Notice all the times the word “us” is used in the following verses: “O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms…come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our God our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7). The “us” in those verses is the Body of Christ coming together to truly praise and worship the Lord.
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6. It brings proper and rightful edification!
\r\nThe church in Thessalonica was clearly one of Paul’s favorite churches. He loved them dearly and it was clear that they loved one another. The love that was felt and expressed in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians always seemed to lead to such powerful words of encouragement. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 says, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows even greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God…” As we see here, Christian love will lead to a rightful edification and a certain amount of “healthy” pride for the church.
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7. It promotes genuine care and concern among the Body of Christ!
\r\n-When you genuinely love someone, you take the time to care for them and minister to them. When true Christian love is present in the church, the Body of Christ will do a good job taking care of one another. Paul loved the church so much in Thessalonica that he wrote, “Therefore, when we could endure it no longer…we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2), and a little later Paul went on to say, “For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account” (1 Thessalonians 3:9). What we see here is that proper love leads to proper care and concern in the Body!
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8. It fosters church growth!
\r\n-People want to be in a place where they are loved! They want to know that no matter what, someone will be present to listen to them, care for them and share the truth of God’s Word with them. When true, biblical love is present, there is a difference in the air of your church. There will be a sense of warmth, grace and Christ’s love that will be attractive to those who visit your church. Love, of course, must be rooted in the truth of the Gospel, for when it is, it will truly display the beautiful aroma of Christ. Ephesians 5:2 says, “And walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
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9. It breeds excitement!
\r\n-People should long to come to church! No one wants to attend a church that is lifeless and cold. When love and a healthy sense of pride are present in the church, people will want to be there! Love will breed excitement and joy in the Body of Christ and will encourage people not to miss out on the great things God is doing! After all, the Scripture says, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1). Without a doubt, there should be a certain amount gladness that comes to mind when one thinks about attending their church!
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10. It puts the focus where it belongs!
\r\n-Without a question, the focus of the church should be on the Lord and other people, not on ourselves! Churches that split, fight and divide, usually can trace one thing to the core of all of their problems…SELFISHNESS! Just like in a marriage, the goal everyday should be to put your spouse above yourself, so in the church, the members should put the Lord first and others second! It is way too easy in the church to focus on all the wrong things: selfish agendas, personal preferences, prideful ideas, etc., when the true focus needs to be on the Lord and His people! A church that loves biblically will be a church that put the focus right where it is needed. The Scripture says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).”
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Finally, remember this, the church should be a place marked by grace and truth…a place where you we accept people as they are, but tell them like it is! Love never waters down the truth, but rather embraces the truth and genuinely flows from it! Biblical love goes beyond human sentiment and mere emotionalism, and is rather seeped and immersed in the person and work of Jesus Christ! Love is sacrifice…love is grace…love is truth…love is Jesus! My prayer for you and your church is exactly what Paul prayed for the church in Thessalonica, “Now as the love of the brethren…we urge you to excel still more (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).” Each church should make it their ambition to excel still more in their faith and in their love, as they seek to truly be the Body of Christ God intends for them to be!
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/9", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/9-marriage-family-church", "title": "Marriage, Family & Church", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:28:37+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:57:04+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 9, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 118, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/9-marriage-family-church" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/9-marriage-family-church.jpg", "content_html": "You’ve heard that divorce is not God’s design for marriage, but maybe you didn’t think you would have to worry about that in your own life. It’s easy to think that only “other people” get divorced, that your own marriage is somehow immune to heartache. Consequently, you think only others experience infidelity and fights over who gets the house, the car, the dog. After all, how many of us would walk down the aisle if we believed our relationships would end up in divorce court?
\r\n\r\nTruth is, no relationship comes with a lifetime guarantee. Even men and women who grew up in stable homes are at risk. Further, those who attend church and consider themselves Christians, who promise “until death do us part,” can have it all fall apart.
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As Christians, we know that applying biblical principles to marriage will give us a stronger foundation than those of our unbelieving friends and neighbors. Surely we know this, but what are we doing about it? In other words, what makes a marriage “Christian”?
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According to author Gary Thomas, we’re not asking the right questions. What if your relationship isn’t as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God?
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Instead of asking why we have struggles in the first place, the more important issue is how we deal with them.
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In Sacred Marriage, Thomas has not written your typical “how to have a happier relationship” book. Rather, he asks: How can we use the challenges, joys, struggles and celebrations of marriage to draw closer to God? What if God designed marriage to make us both happy and holy?
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Cherish Your Spouse, Change Your Marriage
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Author Gary Thomas describes what it means to truly cherish your spouse, offering practical advice to help you build a more satisfying and fulfilling marriage.
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Viewing Marriage Realistically
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“We have to stop asking of marriage what God never designed it to give — perfect happiness, conflict-free living, and idolatrous obsession,” Thomas explains.
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Instead, he says, we can appreciate what God designed marriage to provide: partnership, spiritual intimacy and the ability to pursue God — together. So, what does Thomas think is the most common misconception Christians have about marriage?
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“Finding a ‘soul mate’ — someone who will complete us,” he says. “The problem with looking to another human to complete us is that, spiritually speaking, it’s idolatry. We are to find our fulfillment and purpose in God. . . . If we expect our spouse to be ‘God’ to us, he or she will fail every day. No person can live up to such expectations.”
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Everyone has bad days, yells at his or her spouse or is downright selfish. Despite these imperfections, God created the husband and wife to steer each other in His direction.
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Thomas offers an example: “When my wife forgives me . . . and accepts me, I learn to receive God’s forgiveness and acceptance as well. In that moment, she is modeling God to me, revealing God’s mercy to me, and helping me to see with my own eyes a very real spiritual reality.”
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God’s Design for Marriage Is an Other-Centered Union
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It’s easy to see why God designed an other-centered union for a me-centered world. Living that way is a challenge when bills pile up, communication breaks down and you’re just plain irritated with your husband or wife. For those days, Thomas offers these reminders to help ease the tension:
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God created marriage as a loyal partnership between one man and one woman.
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Marriage is the firmest foundation for building a family.
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God designed sexual expression to help married couples build intimacy.
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Marriage mirrors God’s covenant relationship with His people.
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We see this last parallel throughout the Bible. For instance, Jesus refers to himself as the “bridegroom” and to the kingdom of heaven as a “wedding banquet.”
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These points demonstrate that God’s purposes for marriage extend far beyond personal happiness. Thomas is quick to clarify that God isn’t against happiness per se, but that marriage promotes even higher values.
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“God did not create marriage just to give us a pleasant means of repopulating the world and providing a steady societal institution to raise children. Further, He planted marriage among humans as yet another signpost pointing to His own eternal, spiritual existence.”
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Serving Your Spouse
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He spends the entire evening at the office — again. She spends money without entering it in the checkbook. He goes golfing instead of spending time with the kids. From irritating habits to weighty issues that seem impossible to resolve, loving one’s spouse through the tough times isn’t easy. But the same struggles that drive us apart also shed light on what we value in marriage.
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“If happiness is our primary goal, we’ll get a divorce as soon as happiness seems to wane,” Thomas says. “If receiving love is our primary goal, we’ll dump our spouse as soon as they seem to be less attentive. But if we marry for the glory of God, to model His love and commitment to our children, and to reveal His witness to the world, divorce makes no sense.”
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Couples who’ve survived a potentially marriage-ending situation, such as infidelity or a life-threatening disease, may continue to battle years of built-up resentment, anger or bitterness. So, what are some ways to strengthen a floundering relationship — or even encourage a healthy one? Thomas offers these practical tips:
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Focus on your spouse’s strengths rather than their weaknesses.'
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Encourage rather than criticize.
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Pray for your spouse instead of gossiping about them.
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Learn and live what Christ teaches about relating to and loving others.
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Young couples in particular can benefit from this advice. After all, many newlyweds aren’t adequately prepared to make the transition from seeing one another several times a week to suddenly sharing everything. Odds are, annoying habits and less-than-appealing behaviors will surface. Yet as Christians, we are called to respect everyone — including our spouse.
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Marriages Need God’s Grace and Mercy
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Thomas adds, “The image I use in Sacred Marriage is that we need to learn how to ‘fall forward.’ That is, when we are frustrated or angry, instead of pulling back, we must still pursue our partner under God’s mercy and grace.”
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Lastly, Thomas suggests praying this helpful prayer: Lord, how can I love my spouse today like (s)he’s never been loved and never will be loved?
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“I can’t tell you how many times God has given me very practical advice — from taking over some driving trips to doing a few loads of laundry,” Thomas says. “It’s one prayer that I find gets answered just about every time.”
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While other marriage books may leave us feeling overwhelmed, spotlighting our shortcomings and providing pages of “relationship homework,” Sacred Marriage makes it clear that any couple can have a successful, happy and holy marriage.
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With a Christ-centered relationship, an other-centered attitude and an unwavering commitment to making it work, your marriage can flourish — you can experience God’s design for marriage.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/8", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/8-anything-is-possible-with-god", "title": "Anything is Possible with God", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T04:22:27+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T05:56:51+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 8, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 110, "title": "Church & Christian Living", "alias": "blog-church-christian-living" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 115, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/it/blog/ministry/8-anything-is-possible-with-god" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/8-anything-is-possible-with-god.jpg", "content_html": "“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26). Throughout the Bible, God’s people accomplish unfathomable tasks. God is most glorified by bringing an event to pass which seems impossible..
\r\n\r\nThe Story
\r\n\r\n
Matthew 19 recounts how a rich man asked “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus told him to keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-17). The rich man claimed he had kept these, but wondered what more he needed to do. Jesus answered “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21).
\r\n\r\n
Jesus’ standard of perfection was startling, even for his disciples who overheard this conversation. When they asked about it, he said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).
\r\n\r\n
Perfection is impossible for anyone but Christ “for none is righteous; no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Riding a camel through the eye of a needle would be easier (Matthew 19:24) than pursuing a blameless life.
\r\n\r\n
What was the rich man supposed to do, then? No one would get into heaven on these terms. Only the Son of Man is sinless, blameless, and perfect, yet He apparently contradicts Himself by asserting that “all things are possible with God?” (Matthew 19:26). What did He mean?
\r\n\r\n
The Meaning
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Health and wealth are pointless without an eternal relationship with God. The rich man’s material treasures were a barrier between him and salvation: hence, Christ’s invitation to follow Him (Matthew 19:21). Our own path will not lead us to Heaven; only the path that Christ made for us will.
\r\n\r\n
“The rich young ruler did everything he could to earn eternal life, but it wasn’t good enough. It is only through God’s grace that one can receive eternal life,” Aaron Berry said in his Crosswalk article.
\r\n\r\n
“With God All Things Are Possible” Verse in Scripture
\r\n\r\n
The Story
\r\n\r\n
Matthew 19 recounts how a rich man asked “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus told him to keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-17). The rich man claimed he had kept these, but wondered what more he needed to do. Jesus answered “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21).
\r\n\r\n
Jesus’ standard of perfection was startling, even for his disciples who overheard this conversation. When they asked about it, he said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).
\r\n\r\n
Perfection is impossible for anyone but Christ “for none is righteous; no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Riding a camel through the eye of a needle would be easier (Matthew 19:24) than pursuing a blameless life.
\r\n\r\n
What was the rich man supposed to do, then? No one would get into heaven on these terms. Only the Son of Man is sinless, blameless, and perfect, yet He apparently contradicts Himself by asserting that “all things are possible with God?” (Matthew 19:26). What did He mean?
\r\n\r\n
The Meaning
\r\n\r\n
Health and wealth are pointless without an eternal relationship with God. The rich man’s material treasures were a barrier between him and salvation: hence, Christ’s invitation to follow Him (Matthew 19:21). Our own path will not lead us to Heaven; only the path that Christ made for us will.
\r\n\r\n
“The rich young ruler did everything he could to earn eternal life, but it wasn’t good enough. It is only through God’s grace that one can receive eternal life,” Aaron Berry said in his Crosswalk article.
\r\n\r\n
Salvation for eternity with the Father is the best gift; yet, there are other good gifts too.
\r\n\r\n
7 Impossible Things God Accomplished in the Bible
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Throughout the Bible, God’s people accomplish unfathomable tasks.
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1. Moses drew water from a stone (Exodus 17:6).
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2. Barren women conceived (Sarah and Elizabeth).
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3. Esther saved her Jewish kin from slaughter (Esther 3-9).
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4. A virgin, Mary, gave birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26 – 2:7).
\r\nMoses, Esther, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Mary understood that nothing is beyond the power of God.
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5. In Judges 4, God delivered Jabin and the Canaanite army into the hands of Israel, although the enemy army was mightier than Israel’s (Judges 4:2-3).
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6. In 2 Samuel 5, David asked God if he should attack the Philistines. The Lord promised David to “give the Philistines into your hand,” a promise He fulfilled. (2 Samuel 5:19-20).
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God will defeat our physical enemies, but also conquers the ones we cannot see, as John Piper said:
\r\n“There is no disease, no addiction, no demon, no bad habit, no fault, no vice, no weakness, no temper, no moodiness, no pride, no self-pity, no strife, no jealousy, no perversion, no greed, no laziness that Christ will not overcome as the enemy of his honor.”
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7. Job was a man of God who lost everything, but the Almighty “was able to do in Job’s life what was impossible by human effort,” according to this commentary.
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Only God can accomplish anything worth accomplishing. That’s when God shows His power most formidably.
\r\n\r\n
3 Things to Remember about “With God All Things Are Possible”
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1. Power to accomplish the impossible comes from God.
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At first, one might credit the main characters in the stories above with victory, but the power comes from the Father.
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“God never calls us to any kingdom responsibility we are capable of pulling off on our own,” Jon Bloom said in his Desiring God article.
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2. The impossible is accomplished for God’s glory.
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The Lord is particular about how and where He demonstrates that power. None of these feats was gratuitous. God brought forth life-giving water, saved lives, and created life. All things are possible, but only some things are profitable in God’s economy.
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God is most glorified by bringing an event to pass which seems impossible, demonstrating that only His power is sufficient.
\r\n\r\n
“Nothing teaches us prayerful dependence like the desperation that comes from being assigned to do what you can’t do without God,” Bloom said.
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3. The impossible is accomplished for our good.
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Jesus wants followers to experience more than mere survival or material wealth as ends in themselves. He came to give life in abundance (John 10:10); God “will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever,” (Psalm 16:11).
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When We Pray the “Impossible”
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All God asks is for us to invite Him into our messes so He can demonstrate His power. When a problem becomes worse and praying for resolution seems pointless, Jesus says “continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you,” (Luke 11:9).
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Remember all the times He brought the dead back to life – the synagogue leader’s daughter (Mark 5:21-43), the widow’s son (Luke 7:11-16), Lazarus (John 11:38-44), and His own Son (Mark 16:9-19). He can turn any defeat into triumph: addiction to any drug or behavior; a marriage about to end; or a wayward child who seems too far from home to ever return.
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Erik Raymond wrote at The Gospel Coalition, “prayer is a blood-bought privilege for those who trust and treasure Jesus.”
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Christians are invited into prayer, which is not the same as being given the assurance of God’s “yes” to every prayer. We can pray, ask, and beg Him to bring seemingly reasonable and godly desires to fruition, but there is no guarantee He will do what we ask. His purposes cannot be fathomed, nor his will manipulated, “for who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34, ESV), but every good thing comes from Him (James 1:17).
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Our warm and close relationship with God is a gift. The ability to speak directly to the Father was once impossible, but as Jesus said: All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
" } ] }