Like other good gifts from God, even the gift of encouragement has a sinister imitation: flattery. While at times looking very similar to encouragement, Scripture warns that flattery leads to selfish and destructive ends.

The Master Worship Leader called three novices with various gifts, passions and capabilities to lead worship in three churches with distinct characteristics and needs.

Just like there are markers for physical and mental maturation, there are also markers for spiritual maturation.

"Finally, let the Lord make you strong. Depend on his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor. Then you can stand firm against the devil's evil plans (Eph. 6:10-11)."

"In 2015, the deterioration of religious freedom and human rights in China continued at an alarming rate, while the erosion of the rule of law was the worst it’s been since the chaotic 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution."

Although the immediate truths are more obvious and visceral, the deeper truths are more real. We need to acknowledge the immediate truths, but embrace the deeper truths.

The truth is that we don’t know, nobody knows, exactly what is next in this awful time. But we do know one thing. There will not be a Sunday when, suddenly, everything is back to normal.

"While certain youth ministry “skills” are good, a certain mindset, or attitude(s) is/are arguably much more important," says Kurt Johnston.