Solid Joys Daily Devotional Church Growth God’s Way
Aug 30, 2025
Dive into the intriguing balance between faith and human effort in church growth. Discover how the biblical story of Abraham illustrates the struggle church leaders face when fulfilling God's promises. Learn the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for genuine spiritual growth, distinguishing between fleeting success and enduring achievements rooted in faith. It's a thought-provoking look at how divine intervention and dedication can harmoniously shape a thriving church community.
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Abraham's Failed Human Solution
- John Piper recounts Abraham's attempt to produce a son through Hagar when Sarah remained barren.
- That effort produced Ishmael, a child of the flesh, not the promised Isaac.
Children Of Promise Are Supernatural
- John Piper explains that children of God are supernaturally begotten, not produced by human effort.
- Being a child of promise means birth
Pastor Abraham And The Hagar Temptation
- Piper again imagines Abraham as a pastor tempted to use human methods to grow his church.
- Turning to 'Hagar' yields Ishmaelites, not true Isaacs born of promise.
